Dig Deep Podcast

Relationships, like cars, break down from time to time. And healthy relationships, like cars, need some good old preventive maintenance to keep them running smoothly. In this episode we'll consider Paul's words from Romans 12:10 and explore practical ways to "outdo one another in showing honor."

Foundational scripture: Romans 12:10

Join Jess as she interviews her guest, Amy Smith, who has first hand experience living out the principles discussed in week one and two of this series. Amy shares about the brokenness in relationship caused by the divorce of her parents, the empathy and grace that opened the door to relationship, and the story of the beautiful healing that she never dreamed would be possible. 

Foundational Scripture: Romans 12:9-10

What do we do when the cracks of in our relationships grow into an uncrossable chasm?  We all have relationships that seem unfixable because the disagreement has grown too large, our differences seem too stark, or that person did something that left a deep wound on our hearts that has not yet healed. When we stand face to face with our enemies, what weapon will offer us the best chance at victory?

Foundational Scripture: Romans 12:18

When it comes to car maintenance, we all know that a small misalignment can lead to disaster if it's left unaddressed for too long. Is there a relationship in your life that needs some realignment? You've fallen out of step with each other and your relationship begins to strain under the tension. In this episode we'll take a closer look at some of the common causes of our disconnects and consider some practical ways we can realign that relationship before it leads to serious damage. 

As we conclude this series we look to Jesus in John 6 for the answer to the question: “What will truly satisfy our hungry hearts?” His answer catches the crowd of people following him off guard. Jesus claims that he, himself, is the bread of life. As we’ve attempted to navigate our hungry hearts in practical ways throughout this series, we cannot conclude our time on the topic without deeply pondering these words from Jesus. What does it mean that he is the bread of life?

Foundational Scripture: John 6:1-13, 22-70

Discussion Questions

Who we eat next to matters. Researchers have found that we eat up to 20% more or less simply based on who we sit with at lunch, and in the same way, our spiritual lives are deeply impacted by the invisible forces of relationships. Dr. Henry Cloud calls this invisible force “The Power of the Other.” As we seek to have our hungry hearts satisfied by God Himself, I believe He wants us to see that who we surround ourselves with has a profound influence on our spiritual diets.

Foundational Scripture: Proverbs 27:17, 19:20, 13:20, 16:16, 15:31-33.

Discussion Questions

There are certain things our hearts seem to universally crave: real happiness, peace, a feeling of belonging, a deep sense of purpose. Where should our hearts turn if we live in a world that is a food court full of spiritual cheetos? The prophet Isaiah, King David, and the Apostle Peter all send us the same message: “taste and see that the Lord is good.” He is the one who can truly satisfy the longings of our hearts and He is calling us to come, sit and listen.

Foundational Scripture: Isaiah 55:1-2; Psalm 34:8-10; and 1 Peter 2:1-3

Discussion Questions

For the past several decades, food industry experts have sought to achieve the “bliss point” in their processed food creations. They strive to find that perfect balance of salt, sugar and fat that keeps us coming back for more and more and, yes, more. Is it possible that this same bliss point exists for our souls? Could it be that the world is offering us a buffet of options that will momentarily give us a sense of satisfaction but in the end leave us hungrier than before? The good news is that the things we hunger for most are good desires that were placed in our hearts by God and He wants to invite us to dinner, to the feast that can truly satisfy our souls.

Foundational Scripture: Isaiah 55:1-2

Discussion Questions

“This little light of mine, I’m gonna let it shine” are sweet words for a kids song but they are much easier sung than lived out, especially when life gets messy. In this episode, as we wrap up this series, we’ll see that there’s power in a clear focal point. Whether we’re navigating our way through a dense forest or a season of trouble and pain in this life, we must fix our eyes on the light. It’s only as we fix our eyes on Jesus, the true light, that He makes His light to shine in and through our brokenness for the world to see.

Foundational Scripture: 2 Corinthians 4:6-10,18; Matthew 5:14-16

I am a grown woman who is afraid of the dark. I am not even that ashamed to admit it! We naturally turn away from darkness, avoid it, even fear it. But God has called us to shine His light in the dark places. In this episode we’ll focus our hearts on the reality that all light has to do to fight darkness is just show up.

Foundational Scripture: 

Matthew 4:12-17; Matthew 5:14-16; Isaiah 58:10; Revelation 21:3-5