Deeper Experiences with God

Deeper Experiences with God

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Deeper Experiences with God episodes

  • The Gift of Waiting: Rediscovering Advent and Christmas with AJ Sherrill - Deeper Experiences with God - Episode 14

    What does it mean to recover the heart of Advent in a noisy and hurried world? In this episode of 'Deeper Experiences with God,' host Dave welcomes Pastor AJ Sherrill, lead pastor of St. Peter's Church in Charleston, South Carolina, and author of several books including 'Rediscovering Christmas.' Together they unpack the significance of Advent as a season of longing, waiting, and awakening to God’s presence. AJ reflects on the ways hurry, distraction, and digital overload blunt our spiritual sensitivity—and offers practical ways to slow down, pay attention, and receive Christ’s coming in fresh ways. Through the sharing of personal stories and insights, AJ invites listeners to make Advent less about consuming and self-importance, and more about cultivating desire for God in practical life ways. 

    Takeaways:

    • Advent Reawakens Our Longing for God: AJ explains that Advent begins not with celebration but with longing—the honest acknowledgment that the world is not as it should be. We grow spiritually when we allow ourselves to feel this ache. 
      • Action: This week, name one longing you often avoid and offer it honestly to God.
    • Break Free from Over-Familiarity with Christmas:  AJ warns that we often settle for a sentimental, surface-level version of Christmas. Over-familiarity lulls us into thinking we already know the story—when in reality, God may have something new to reveal. Resetting our expectations opens us to wonder again.
      • Action: Ask God and sit with the question: “What fresh insight or hidden gem might You want to show me in this story?”
    • Begin Your Day by Centering on God: AJ describes how a simple morning rhythm—silence, Scripture, prayer, or stillness—sets the tone for the entire day. Starting with God recalibrates your inner world, helping you respond rather than react as the day unfolds
      • Action: Choose one morning practice this week that helps you begin from a place of groundedness in God. If this is challenging, bring that to God, and maybe another trusted friend, in prayer. 
    • Waiting Is a Gift, Not an Obstacle: AJ reminds us that waiting isn’t wasted time—in Scripture, it’s often the space where God forms us the most. Like the months of pregnancy for Mary and Zechariah, waiting cultivates hunger, hope, and readiness for what God is bringing to birth.
      • Action: Consider one area of life where you feel “in between,” and ask God how He might be forming you in the waiting
    • Silence Helps the Soul Settle: AJ uses the image of a jar of water filled with shaken sediment: clarity comes only when the jar is still long enough for everything to settle. Silence works the same way in our spiritual lives. When we stop filling every gap with noise, God brings clarity, calm, and a renewed sense of His presence.
      • Action: Take a few minutes each day to sit in silence and let the “sediment” of your heart settle before God. If this is hard, ask yourself if there is any “self-importance” you can turn from?


    Quote of the Show:

    • “ There is something about cultivating a hunger, something about cultivating a thirst for that which we long for, rather than constantly allowing ourselves to be satiated with lesser loves.” -  AJ Sherrill
    • “The  kingdom is different than you think, but it's better than you know.” - AJ Sherrill 


    Links:

    • Website: https://www.ajsherrill.org/ 
    • Bio: https://saintpeters.me/bioaj 
    47 min
  • Understanding Relational Spirituality with Dr. Todd Hall - Deeper Experiences with God - Episode 13

    What do our emotions have to do with our relationship with God and others? Host Dave invites Dr. Todd Hall, a psychology professor at Rosemead School of Psychology and a faculty affiliate at Harvard's Human Flourishing Program, to discuss relational spirituality. They explore Dr. Hall’s journey of overcoming childhood disconnection, developing the theory of relational spirituality, and integrating psychology with theology through his life and work. They talk extensively about how emotional and relational disconnection impacts one's spiritual life and the importance of healthy attachment and vulnerability. Dr. Hall emphasizes the significance of experiential knowledge of God through scripture, emotional awareness, and meaningful relationships. As always, the episode concludes with a contemplative prayer exercise from Ephesians 3, aiming to help listeners visualize and contemplate the height, breadth and depth of God’s profound love.

     

    Takeaways:

    • Your Emotional Story Shapes Your Spiritual Story: Our earliest relational experiences form the template for how we relate to God. Emotional disconnection can make God feel distant, while secure attachment helps us trust His presence.
      • Action: Reflect on how your relational history might shape the way you approach God today.
    • Attachment Is Central to Spiritual Formation: Todd explains that spiritual maturity grows through secure attachment—experiencing God as emotionally safe, responsive, and consistently present. Healing often begins by allowing God and trusted people into the places we tend to hide.
      • Action: Notice where you pull away or are overly dependent in relationships, and gently invite God into that pattern. 
    • Vulnerability Opens Us to Deeper Relationships: Todd talks about how not addressing our past wounds can shut down relationships with others out of a fear of vulnerability. Doing the personal work to identify those wounds and let God heal them opens us up to share, receive, and empathize more deeply with others.
      • Action: Take space this week to reflect on what kinds of emotions make you the most uncomfortable ( mad, glad, sad, afraid, ashamed), and ask God to reveal where that may be coming from.
    • Scripture Is Meant to Be Experienced, Not Just Studied: Todd encourages engaging Scripture in a way that shapes our inner world—through contemplation, emotional awareness, and relational connection with God.
      • Action: Spend time with one passage today, noticing what rises in you as you read.
    •  Measure Growth by Integration, Not Performance: Toward the end of the conversation, Todd emphasizes that spiritual growth isn’t measured by more activity—it’s measured by increasing integration: becoming more connected, more aware, and more able to love. Real maturity looks like a softer heart, not a busier schedule.
      • Action: Take time to reflect and honestly ask yourself: “Am I becoming more open, more present, and more loving?”

    Quote of the Show:

    • “When we disconnect from emotional pain, we also have to disconnect from part of ourselves, essentially. And then those parts of ourselves are no longer able to be brought into relationship with God and others.” - Todd Hall


    Links:

    • Website: relationalspirituality.co 
    • Book Link: https://www.connectedlifebook.com/ 
    1 hr 5 min
  • Great Awakenings: Lessons from George Whitefield with Chris Goeppner - Deeper Experiences with God - Episode 12

    How does looking back at the past help us understand our present and future relationship with God? In this episode of "Deeper Experiences with God" host Dave delves into the history of the Great Awakening in New England with fellow pastor, Chris Goeppner of Riverbank Church in White River Junctions, VT. Their discussion explores the importance of spiritual practices, sharing faith, and “wearing out, not rusting out”. Chris shares his journey from South Florida to New England, his experiences in church planting, and the profound impact of studying Puritan leader, George Whitefield's life and ministry. They discuss Whitefield's evangelistic fervor, his ability to unite different denominations, and his personal flaws, emphasizing that God can use imperfect people for His purposes. The episode encourages spiritual pilgrimages to historic sites and emphasizes the importance of personal and corporate renewal. It concludes with a special prayer inspired by Whitefield for the listeners.

     

    Takeaways:

    • Remembering Fuels Revival
      Chris reminds us that looking back—at both Scripture and church history—grounds our faith today. The stories of past awakenings remind us that renewal is always possible.
      • Action: This week, reflect on how God has moved in your life or community before, and ask Him to do it again.
    • Imperfect People, Perfect Purpose
      From George Whitefield to our own lives, God works through flawed people to accomplish His mission. Our weaknesses don’t disqualify us—they make space for grace.
      • Action: Ask God how He might use your imperfections as part of His redemptive story.
    • Wear Out, Don’t Burn Out
      Chris shares the difference between serving faithfully and striving endlessly. True ministry is sustainable when rooted in rest, prayer, and purpose—not performance.
      • Action: Schedule intentional time this week to recharge spiritually before your next act of service. Consider what might hinder you from doing so if this is challenging.
    • The Power of Personal Pilgrimage
      Visiting historic places of faith can rekindle awe and connection. Chris encourages believers to make “spiritual pilgrimages” that remind us we’re part of a much larger story.
      • Action: Take a walk through a meaningful place in your community and ask God to meet you there.
    • 5. Unity Fuels the Mission
      Whitefield’s ministry transcended denominational walls—his focus was on the Gospel, not labels. Chris challenges us to build bridges that outlast theological divides.
      • Action: Reach out to someone from a different church tradition and consider ways you can celebrate what you share in Christ.
    • 6. Renewal Begins with Prayer
      The episode closes with a prayer inspired by Whitefield—a call for God to renew hearts, churches, and communities again today.
      • Action: Pray this week for a fresh outpouring of the Spirit in your region, starting with you.


    Quote of the Show:

    • “I'd rather wear out than rust out.” - George Whitefield
    • “God used this flawed, broken man from the UK… and to see where He used him, to stand there– it just comes to life for me. It makes me think, why not me? Why not us? Why not now?”  - Chris Goeppner


    Links:

    • Website: https://www.instagram.com/chrisgoeppner/?hl=en 
    • Book Link: https://www.amazon.com/Walking-George-Whitefield-Devotional-Journey/dp/B0FDPNBVGW 
    39 min
  • Dim Sum and Faith: Exploring Our Spiritual Stories with Jenn Suen Chen - Deeper Experiences with God - Episode 11

    What stories are we each born into and how do they shape our experience of God in ways we may not even realize? In this week’s episode of Deeper Experiences with God, host Dave is joined by Jenn Suen Chen, spiritual director, co-director of Summit Clear, and author of the new book 'Dim Sum and Faith'. The discussion revolves around the intertwining journey of knowing God and oneself, especially within the scope of our families and cultures of origin. Jenn elaborates on how personal stories shape our souls, using dim sum as a metaphor for collective spiritual growth. The conversation touches on the themes of shaping, undoing, awakening, and remaking in one's spiritual journey. Reflecting on Psalm 139, Jenn underscores the importance of being known by God and the inward and outward transformative power of God's love. The episode concludes with Jenn leading a thoughtful prayer, encouraging listeners to embrace God's presence in every season of life.

     

    Takeaways:

    • Know God by Knowing Yourself: Jenn reminds us that spiritual growth begins with honest self-reflection. As John Calvin once said, knowledge of God and knowledge of self are inseparable.
      • Action: Spend time this week asking God to show you where your personal story intersects with His story.
    • Faith Is a Shared Table: Using dim sum as a metaphor, Jenn describes faith as a communal feast—intergenerational, messy, and filled with unexpected gifts. 
      • Action: Invite someone new into your spiritual life—share a meal, pray together, or simply listen to each other’s stories.
    • Be Known and Loved by God: Psalm 139 reveals a God who fully knows and loves us. Our worth isn’t earned but spoken over us from the beginning.
      • Action: Read Psalm 139 slowly and let God’s words of love settle into the places where you feel unseen or unworthy.
    • Dive into the Four Movements of Formation: Our spiritual lives move through seasons of Shaping, Undoing, Awakening, and Remaking. Growth isn’t linear—it’s cyclical and grace-filled.
      • Action: Reflect on which movement you might be in right now and what God might be forming in you there. 
    •  The Wall Is Not the End: Periods of dryness, doubt, or disorientation—“the wall”—are sacred spaces where God meets us beyond performance or striving.
      • Action: Instead of rushing past pain or confusion, ask: “Lord, what invitation are You offering me here?”
    • Let Yourself Be Loved: The final summit of spiritual life is learning to receive the love of God more deeply. True transformation flows from that love.
      • Action: Each day this week, take five minutes of stillness simply to let God love you—no words, no agenda.


    Quote of the Show:

    • “ When we feel fear around something, it just means that there's still places in our hearts that God's love has yet to reach.” - Jenn Suen Chen


    Links:

    • Website: https://www.jennsuenchen.com/ 
    • Book Link: https://www.ivpress.com/dim-sum-and-faith 


    44 min
  • Kingdom Stories & Spiritual Readiness: Wisdom from Steve Macchia - Deeper Experiences with God - Episode 10

    Have you considered why Jesus shared so many teachings through stories, or parables? In this episode of Deeper Experiences with God, host Dave Ripper speaks with Dr. Steve Macchia, president of Leadership Transformations and author of Praying the Parables of Jesus. Together they explore how Jesus’ parables awaken spiritual readiness, creativity, and deeper intimacy with God. Born from Steve’s work guiding students in spiritual formation, the book—created with artist Sue Skinner—invites readers to approach Scripture through artful, prayerful reflection. Throughout their conversation, Dave and Steve reflect on themes of readiness, healing, humility, and dependence on God, discussing how true transformation requires acknowledging our brokenness and cultivating spaciousness for God’s voice. Steve also emphasizes that spiritual maturity is not about knowledge or success but about faithfulness, relational engagement with Jesus, and living from a restful, receptive heart attuned to the kingdom of heaven here and now.


    Takeaways:

    • Praying the Parables: Steve Macchia invites listeners to engage with Jesus’ parables not just as stories to study, but as prayers to experience.
      • Takeaway: Choose one parable this week (like the Good Samaritan or the Prodigal Son) and slowly read it as a prayer—asking God what He wants to awaken in your heart through it.
    • Cultivating Readiness: Spiritual maturity begins with being open and responsive to God’s presence rather than striving for achievement.
      • Takeaway: Begin your day by simply praying, “Lord, I’m ready for You.” Notice how that posture shifts your awareness throughout the day.
    • Creating Space for God’s Voice: Steve emphasizes that transformation happens when we slow down enough to listen and make room for God’s Spirit.
      • Takeaway: Set aside 10 minutes today for quiet stillness. No agenda, no list—just listen for God’s gentle voice.
    • Healing Through Dependence: True wholeness often comes through acknowledging our weakness and need for God’s healing grace.
      • Takeaway: Reflect on an area of struggle or limitation in your life. How might God be inviting you to surrender and trust Him more deeply there?
    • Living from Rest, Not Striving: Steve reminds us that the Christian life is about relational faithfulness, not constant productivity.
      • Takeaway: Set aside a few hours this week for intentional Sabbath rest. Step away from productivity and spend that time delighting in God’s presence through prayer, beauty, or unhurried joy.

    Quote of the Show:

    • “ That word success – I don't see it in the Bible at all. It's faithfulness, that is what God cares about, not success.” - Steve Macchia 


    Links:

    • Website:https://www.leadershiptransformations.org/ 
    • Book Link: https://www.stevemacchia.com/books 
    51 min
  • Embracing the Discipline of Play: Insights with John Carroll - Deeper Experiences with God - Episode 9

    Have you ever thought that one of the best ways to connect with God might be through play? Join Dave for this week’s episode where he speaks with John Carroll, Executive Director of Dallas Willard Ministries’ School for Kingdom Living, about the surprising spiritual discipline of play and its role in experiencing life with God. Together, they explore themes of work, rest, burnout, and practicing Jesus’ teachings in everyday life. John shares how he’s encountered God through moments of joy, creativity, and even personal challenges—drawing deeply from the wisdom of Dallas Willard. As always, the conversation closes with a time of meditative prayer, grounding listeners in their identity in Christ.

     

    Takeaways:

    • The Discipline of Play as Spiritual Practice: John Carroll shares how play—often overlooked in spiritual life—can be a powerful way to experience God’s joy and presence.
      • Takeaway: This week, choose one playful activity (hiking, sports, music, games, etc.) and invite God into it. Notice moments of joy and gratitude as you play.
    • Focal Practices for Burnout Prevention: Research shows activities that make us lose track of time can help prevent burnout and nurture spiritual health.
      • Takeaway: Identify one hobby or creative outlet that brings you fully into the present moment and schedule time for it this week.
    • Community and Spiritual Formation: The School of Kingdom Living creates space for people to journey together in learning and practicing the way of Jesus.
      • Takeaway: Look for a spiritual community—a small group, class, or retreat—where you can share your faith journey with others and grow together.
    • Experiencing God Through Creation: Both John and Dave shared moments of encountering God through nature, whether on mountain hikes, at the ocean, or while surfing.
      • Takeaway: Spend time outdoors this week—at a park, on a trail, or by the water—and intentionally pause to notice God’s beauty and presence around you.
    • Living in Your True Identity: John invites listeners to embrace the prayer, “I am one in whom Christ dwells and delights, and I live in the strong and unshakable kingdom of God.”
      • Takeaway: Write this prayer on a note card and return to it throughout your day—while driving, brushing your teeth, or before bed—to stay grounded in God’s love.


    Quote of the Show:

    • “ The truth is that the kingdom is not in jeopardy and neither are we.” - John Carroll


    Links:

    • Website: https://dwillard.org/ 
    • Book Link: https://dwillard.org/school-of-kingdom-living/description 
    39 min
  • The IMMERSE Method of Experiencing Scripture - Deeper Experiences with God - Episode 8

    Have you been looking for some practical steps to guide you into a more immersive daily experience with God? In this special solo episode of 'Deeper Experiences with God,' host Dave delves into a transformative method for encountering God more deeply in daily life. Drawing from his book 'Experiencing Scripture as a Disciple of Jesus,' he introduces the 'Immerse Method'—an acronym for Immersion, Meditation, Memorization, Encounter, Response, Supplication, and Experience. Each step is designed to help readers engage with the Bible in an experiential way, inspired by the teachings of Dallas Willard. Dave uses Matthew 11:28-30 to demonstrate how these steps can deepen one's spiritual journey, emphasizing a posture of reverence, anticipation, and trust.

     

    Takeaways:

    • Immersion - approach Scripture with reverence and expectancy, believing you will encounter God as you read.
      • Takeaway: Before opening your Bible, pause to pray. You can use the words of Dallas Willard, “Lord, beyond the sacred page, I seek You.” Read the passage slowly, paying attention to context, key words, and what it might have meant to the first listeners.
    • Meditation - let the passage speak personally to you by reflecting on what stands out.
      • Takeaway: Read the passage again and notice what words or phrases draw your attention. Sit in silence for a few moments, allowing those words to sink in, and ask, “What might God be saying to me here?”
    • Memorization - internalize Scripture so it becomes part of you, shaping your thoughts and daily life.
      • Takeaway: Choose one phrase from the passage to carry with you throughout the day. For example, “Come to me, and I will give you rest.” Repeat it during moments of stress or pause to keep God’s word close to your heart.
    • Encounter - experience God’s presence in the text by using your imagination and attention.
      • Takeaway: Close your eyes and picture Jesus speaking the words directly to you. Imagine his tone, expression, and presence. Sit quietly, waiting for God to meet you in the stillness.
    • Response - consider how God is inviting you to act based on what you’ve read.
      • Takeaway: Ask, “How can I live this out today?” It might mean forgiving someone, slowing your pace, or extending kindness. Take one concrete action that reflects the passage’s invitation.
    • Supplication - bring your needs and desires before God with openness and trust.
      • Takeaway: Pray specifically for what you long for—peace, rest, wisdom, strength—and give God permission to work in your heart and circumstances.
    • Experience - reflect on what you experienced with God through the passage.
      • Takeaway: try journaling about your time with God: what stirred in your heart, what you prayed for, and any sense of God’s presence. Revisit this later to notice how God answered or worked in your life.


    Quote of the Show:

    • “ We don't just want to understand what the words say. We want to meet and encounter the Author, ” - Dave Ripper
    • “ What really deepens relationships? It’s shared experiences, and that's what God is inviting us to.” - Dave Ripper


    Links:

    • Website: https://www.daveripper.com/ 
    • Book Link: https://www.ivpress.com/experiencing-scripture-as-a-disciple-of-jesus?srsltid=AfmBOorGCRD5reF5529_nTukHm78ayzsZ5nkS8enkKEazPOCp2pfdRJ_ 
    33 min
  • The Great Tradition Charismatic: A Dialogue with Andrew Arndt - Deeper Experiences with God - Episode 7

    What happens when modern charismatic passion meets ancient Christian tradition? In this episode of 'Deeper Experiences with God,' host Dave converses with Andrew Arndt, lead pastor of New Life East in Colorado Springs and an accomplished author, including his latest book, 'A Strange and Gracious Light.' They explore the intersections of modern Christianity and ancient spiritual traditions, highlighting how these can deepen our relationship with God. Arndt recounts his journey through 20 years of ministry and his formative experiences growing up in a charismatic church while falling in love with ancient church tradition. He describes how reading Richard Foster's 'Celebration of Discipline' and encountering the Desert Fathers and Mothers enriched his spiritual practice through different seasons of suffering and growth, encouraging listeners to press into these “thick” spiritual practices. 

     

    Takeaways:

    • The Concept of 'Great Tradition Charismatic': Arndt identifies as a 'great tradition charismatic,' blending the vitality of charismatic worship with the theological depth of historical Christian traditions. He encourages leaders to integrate various Christian practices to enrich their faith communities.
      • Explore one ancient practice—such as praying the Psalms, using a written prayer, or learning about the church calendar—to deepen your own walk with God.
    • The Role of Suffering and Contemplative Prayer: Arndt shares his personal journey of suffering and identity crisis upon leaving his church plant in Denver. He emphasizes how embracing suffering and engaging in contemplative prayer can lead to profound spiritual transformation.
      • Instead of rushing past your struggles, bring them to God in prayer. Try five minutes of silent, contemplative prayer this week.
    • Wisdom from the Desert Fathers and Mothers: The conversation delves into the importance of learning from ancient Christian monastics who found God in desolate places. Arndt highlights how their teachings can guide modern believers through crises.
      • Read a short saying or story from the Desert Fathers & Mothers and sit with it—ask, What might this mean for my life right now?
    • Practicing Detachment and Simplicity: We often cling to ego and things that don’t ultimately satisfy—approval, busyness, or success. Letting go makes more room for God.
      • This week, notice one compulsion you feel (checking your phone, seeking affirmation, overfilling your schedule). Practice pausing, breathing, and turning your attention back to God. Even ask the Holy Spirit to help you do this.
    • Community and Spiritual Direction: The importance of surrounding oneself with a supportive community and seeking guidance from a spiritual director is discussed as essential for navigating spiritual crises and growth.
      • Reach out to one trusted friend or mentor to talk honestly about your spiritual life. Invite them to pray with you or walk with you through your current season. Maybe even consider and pray about finding a Spiritual Director.


    Quote of the Show:

    • “ I think it's almost always crisis that initiates the deepest kinds of transformation in our lives” - Andrew Arndt
    • “ Most of our Christian life is just learning how to die well and it's learning to rest in peace in whatever grave God has given us in Jesus.” - Andrew Arndt 
    • “ Pop Evangelicalism is like a thinly veiled version of the gospel of the American dream.” - Andrew Arndt

    Links:

    • Website: http://andrewarndt.com/ 
    • Book Link: http://andrewarndt.com/book/ 
    53 min
  • Encountering God at the Feet of Jesus with Bruce & Carolyn Hindmarsh - Deeper Experiences with God - Episode 6

    How would our spiritual lives change if we could turn from distraction and linger at the feet of Jesus? In this episode of 'Deeper Experiences with God,' host Dave welcomes doctors Bruce and Carolyn Hindmarsh to discuss encountering God's presence through scripture. Bruce, a professor of Spiritual Theology and History of Christianity, and Carolyn, who teaches Spiritual Theology and New Testament Greek, have co-authored the book 'At the Feet of Jesus: A Guide to Encountering Christ in the Gospels.' 


    The conversation explores themes from Ignatian spirituality, the insights of Saint Augustine, and how scripture serves as a meeting place with God. The authors share their experiences offering retreats focused on encountering God through Gospel narratives, particularly the story of Mary of Bethany. The discussion touches on overcoming distractions, the importance of preparation, and the relational nature of engaging with scripture. Bruce and Carolyn also reflect on their personal spiritual journeys, sharing wisdom for deepening one's spiritual life and providing practical advice for married couples seeking to grow together in faith. 

     

    Takeaways:

    • Scripture as a Meeting Place with God: Bruce and Carolyn emphasize that scripture is not just for study but is a living space where we can encounter Christ personally.
      • Takeaway: When reading a Gospel passage, pause and ask, “How is Jesus present to me here and now?”
    • Mary of Bethany’s Posture of Presence: The story of Mary sitting at Jesus’ feet serves as a model for slowing down and listening deeply.
      • Takeaway: Choose one Gospel story this week and linger with it prayerfully, resisting the urge to rush through.
    • Overcoming Distractions in Prayer: They highlight the importance of preparing the heart and mind to meet God through scripture.
      • Takeaway: Before reading scripture, take a few minutes of silence to release distractions and invite the Holy Spirit to guide your attention.
    • Ignatian Spirituality & Augustine’s Wisdom: The conversation shows how spiritual practices from the Christian tradition can help us enter scripture relationally.
      • Takeaway: Try placing yourself imaginatively in a Gospel story—see, hear, and feel what it’s like to be with Jesus in that moment.
    • Spiritual Growth as a Couple: Bruce and Carolyn share insights into cultivating a shared spiritual life in marriage.
      • Takeaway: If married, set aside time with your spouse to read a short Gospel passage together and share what stands out to each of you.

    Quote of the Show:

    • “ We need God to reveal God.” - Carolyn Hindmarsh 
    • “ In the gospels…if this is Jesus speaking, it actually isn't just then and there.It's happening here and now.” - Bruce Hindmarsh


    Links:

    • Website: www.brucehindmarsh.com/ 
    • Book Link: https://www.ivpress.com/at-the-feet-of-jesus?srsltid=AfmBOoqYpaKixk406QFWbzQS0n-BrNWQlsi_wbz-vo7q5i36BkwqT0n4 
    52 min
  • Deep and Wide: A Conversation Flowing with Lacy Borgo - Deeper Experience with God - Episode 5

    What do children know about faith that adults often forget? In this next episode of Deeper Experiences with God, Dave sits down with Lacy Finn Borgo, author and spiritual director, to explore both deeper and wider experiences with God through childlike faith, simplicity and exploring human senses in silence and prayer. She shares some powerful personal anecdotes, including her difficult journey through surgery and her own personal daily practice of silence. The discussion covers the importance of developing your own 'survival three' spiritual practices and the role of listening in developing a loving relationship with God and others. Borgo concludes by leading a brief, childlike prayer exercise to demonstrate a practical spiritual practice of silence and meditation. 

     

    Takeaways:

    • Childlike Faith as a Path to Depth: Lacey Finn Borgo explores how humility, playfulness, and deep relational trust mirror the natural spirituality of children—and how adults can return to that posture.
      • Takeaway: Begin your day with a childlike prayer. Speak to God with curiosity, honesty, and simplicity—like a trusting conversation with a loving parent.
    • Childlike Faith as a Widening Path of Faith: Lacey shares several reflection exercises that require looking back on one’s childhood memories in prayer, and seek God in the midst of them.
      • Takeaway: Take some time to reflect in silence or journaling on your favorite childhood foods, pets, places, or other memories and ask the Holy Spirit to reveal how they might point to God, your Abba Father.
    • The “Survival Three” Practices: She shares her essential spiritual tools: silence, spiritual direction, and time in nature, which help her stay grounded in God's presence.
      • Takeaway: Choose one “survival” practice to experiment with this week. Try five minutes of silence a day, or explore one of the four gospels on Jesus’ life.
    • Healing Moments in Surrender: Lacey recounts a spiritual breakthrough during a health crisis, revealing how surrender and stillness can lead to profound connection with God.
      • Takeaway: Reflect on a moment of pain or uncertainty in your life. Where might God be inviting you into deeper trust? 
    • Listening as a Loving Posture: She emphasizes the sacredness of listening—not just as a skill, but as a spiritual act that nurtures both our relationship with God and with others.
      • Takeaway: Choose one moment today to fully listen—without fixing or reacting. Let your listening be an act of presence and love. 


    Quote of the Show:

    • “ Simplicity does not negate depth. ” - Lacy Borgo 

    Links:

    • Website: https://www.gooddirtministries.org/ 
    • Book Link: https://www.gooddirtministries.org/books-curriculum 
    • Instagram: @lacy_finn_borgo
    53 min

About Deeper Experiences with God

From the publisher's feed

Welcome to the Deeper Experiences with God podcast. I’m your host Dave Ripper. My hope is that through conversations, teachings and practices on the Christian spiritual life, that you might experience…

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