Gospel Spice | Awaken Delight in God through faith in Jesus Christ

Welcome to the first week of the Gospel Spice Podcast's series, "Identity in the Battle," where we embark on a journey through the book of Ephesians. In this lesson, we'll dive into the heart of Ephesians chapter 1, focusing on what it means to have our identity rooted "in Christ." As we walk through Ephesians, we’re encouraged to "taste and see that the Lord is good"—embracing the variety and richness that God offers.

Overview of Ephesians

Paul wrote the letter to the Ephesians while in prison around AD 60–62. The key purpose of this letter is to urge believers to walk as fruitful followers of Christ, serving in unity and love, particularly in challenging times. Paul’s guidance in Ephesians is deeply relevant to our own spiritual journeys today.

The book can be split into three main parts:

• Chapters 1–3: Who we are in Christ (our identity).
• Chapters 4–5: How to walk out our calling (practical Christian living).
• Chapter 6: How to face spiritual battles with the armor of God.

Identity: In Christ, Adoption, and the Holy Spirit

Paul uses the expression “in Christ” (or similar) ten times in the first fourteen verses of Ephesians. This repetition emphasizes that our identity is rooted not in our achievements, background, family, or appearance—but solely in who Jesus says we are. What matters is God’s perspective of us, not the world or even those closest to us.

Stephanie highlights that understanding our identity is a lifelong process, with four main steps:

1. Discovery: Learn who God is, what He’s done, who He says you are, and what He calls you to do.
2. Acceptance: Move from mere head knowledge to heart-level acceptance. Truly taste and see that God is good.
3. Transformation: Let your understanding of God begin to change you from the inside out—your thoughts, your self-image, and your relationships.
4. Daily Living: Live in your new identity daily, relying on the Holy Spirit and the Christian community for support.

Adoption into God’s Family

Paul employs the metaphor of adoption—a process which, in both Roman law and today, requires moving from one family to another, with full legal recognition and new rights. As Christians, we were once “children of wrath,” but God chose to bring us into His family, giving us full rights as His sons and daughters. This legal and spiritual transformation means that our old “family” (the world and sin) no longer defines us, and we now receive an eternal inheritance with Christ.

The Holy Spirit: Our Seal and Guarantee

Paul says we are “sealed by the Holy Spirit,” who is the guarantee of our inheritance. This sealing means we belong to God forever, and the Spirit empowers us to live out our new identity and purpose.

Application and Encouragement

As new members of God’s family, we are called to let go of old habits and embrace the rights, intimacy, and inheritance God offers us in Christ. This transformation is possible because of the ongoing work of the Holy Spirit, who assures us that we are deeply loved, accepted, and called.

Take time this week to reflect on these truths. Discover, accept, and step into your identity in Christ—chosen, adopted, and sealed for a purpose far greater than you ever imagined.

Discussion Questions:

What does it mean to you to be “in Christ”?

How does understanding spiritual adoption change how you see yourself?

In what ways do you need to daily embrace your new identity and release your old one?

Join the Gospel Spice community for resources, Bible studies, and deeper fellowship as you walk out your true identity in Christ!

----- IDENTITY IN THE BATTLE WORKBOOK ------

You have the option to go beyond listening to this series, and to participate actively. This exclusive Gospel Spice Ministries resource is available at gospelspice.com/identity . You will receive a downloadable, printable workbook containing listening guide for each of the 6 episodes in this series, space for note taking, and discussion questions if you want to do this study with a friend! What better way to enjoy a cup of coffee with a friend this season, than to discuss your identity in the battle together? So, grab a friend or family member, or someone to mentor or be mentored by, and signup together. 

Every week, Stephanie shares truth from Scripture and invites you to dig deeper in your faith to delight in the glory of God.

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Go to gospelspice.com for more, and go especially to gospelspice.com/podcast to enjoy our guests! Interested in our blog? Click here: gospelspice.com/blog

Bonjour! Gospel Spice exists to inspire our generation to delight in God. We do this through the podcast, online Bible studies, leadership trainings, and more. We want to serve Christ-followers who seek to live a life spiced with the gospel. We want to love God, because He first loved us. We want to experience the fullness of life with Him—and not be content with stale, boring, leftover faith. Jesus tells us that the most important thing is to love the Lord our God, so we take Him seriously. He adds that we are to love our neighbor as ourselves. Now, there are many ways to do that, but I have always personally felt deep compassion for victims of human trafficking – it is modern day slavery, and it revolts the heart of God. And so, they are our particular neighbors here at Gospel Spice. We want to play our part in raising awareness and then financially supporting those who fight this great evil.  

Now we would love to invite you to join the team in one of three ways:

1, pray Gospel Spice forward – pray for our guests, our listeners and participants, and for us too!

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and 3rd, PAY GospelSpice forward. Less than 1% of our listeners are supporting us financially. We need your help! Please pay Gospel Spice forward today. It can be a one-time donation, or a monthly one, for the amount of your choice. Your donation is fully tax-deductible in the US. Plus, once we cover our costs, a significant portion of your donation will be given back to Christian organizations that fight human trafficking, and that we vet thoroughly. So, you can know that every dime you give is used for the Kingdom of God. Every little bit helps. So, be part of the spice of the gospel by becoming a financial partner today!

Support us on Gospel Spice, PayPal and Venmo!

Stephanie sits down with author Hannah Brencher to discuss the practical power of unplugging from technology to deepen our connection with God, others, and oneself. Drawing from her book, The Unplugged Hours, and her personal journey, Hannah shares practical insights and spiritual wisdom that offer a clear pathway for anyone feeling overwhelmed, distracted, or disconnected.

Unplugging is less about abandoning technology and more about reclaiming the present, deepening contentment, and embracing our true identity in Christ. Through practical disciplines, humble self-awareness, and a commitment to delighting in God right where we are, we find the spacious, unhurried lives that our souls crave.

1. Recognizing the Need to Unplug

Hannah recounts her realization that constant connection to her phone was leaving her exhausted, burnt out, and spiritually depleted. She felt a persistent need to always be “on,” a sensation many people can relate to in today’s always-online world. Symptoms that signal it might be time to unplug include:

• Feeling tired and perpetually “on”
• Burnout and lack of creativity
• Scattered attention and apathy towards loved ones
• False sense of control by consuming endless information
• Numbing and anxiety, worsened by exposure to social media algorithms designed to keep us engaged through fear or desire
• Unplugging, for Hannah, didn’t mean abandoning her phone entirely, but initiating a conscious journey toward better habits and rhythms.

2. The Power of Contentment and Presence

Hannah acknowledges and embraces the struggle—and ultimately, the spiritual discipline—of contentment. Social media and the internet constantly convince us that fulfillment is elsewhere, which removes us from both the present moment (time) and from our current environment (space). Hannah draws from the Apostle Paul’s words about learning contentment, framing it as a dance that takes practice and humility.

For example, Hannah’s practice of “grounding” by jotting down details of the present moment (in a notebook, not a phone) helps her drop into her actual life, savoring little joys, and affirming that “this is enough.” Unlike capturing moments for others to see on social media, this form of slow documentation, she says, nurtures personal satisfaction and removes the compulsion for outside validation.

3. Rethinking Productivity and Success

Stephanie and Hannah highlight the toxicity of equating productivity with worth. Hannah shares how unplugging redefined her sense of value from accomplishment and approval to simply being present with God. True productivity, she discovered, isn’t about checking boxes, but about what God is cultivating within us through periods of stillness—patience, peace, faithfulness.

Success, then, transforms from external achievement to delighting in God and being aware of His presence. Hannah echoes Stephanie’s insight that “a successful life is a succession of days and moments where I’m delighting in God.”

4. Practicing Stillness and Receiving God’s Presence

Jesus’ example comes alive as the epitome of unhurried purpose—accomplishing all the Father’s will without rushing. Unplugging isn’t just for personal peace, but to become truly available to God, hearing His voice and responding with readiness and openness (“Here I am, Lord”).

Through intentionally slowing down and savoring “vegetable moments”—Hannah’s metaphor for embracing the slow, nourishing parts of life—we open ourselves to the real rewards: deeper relationship with God and others.

MORE ABOUT HANNAH BRENCHER

Hannah Brencher says,  “I love teaching individuals how to build intentional lives they love through the power of habit and meaningful routines. I am the founder of The World Needs More Love Letters, author of 4 books, a TED Speaker, and an online educator teaching others how to establish important disciplines within their lives. Words are my everything and nothing fires me up more than getting to teach people about the power of discipline. Establishing better discipline was an essential piece in dealing with depression and I love seeing the freedom it unlocks in others as they establish better habits and rhythms in their own life. I’m a proud New Englander living in city of Atlanta with my husband Lane and our little girl Novalee. You can find us trying out new restaurants across the city, getting dangerously cutthroat over playing Battleship, playing at the park, and cozying up to watch a thriller (or Moana if Novi gets to pick) with our rescue pup Tuesday.”

More at https://hannahbrenchercreative.com/ 

MORE ABOUT “THE UNPLUGGED HOURS”

Join the Challenge: One Thousand Unplugged Hours in One Year

Former social media addict, Hannah Brencher discovered first-hand that turning off her phone had a substantial impact on her mental health, relationships, time management, and outlook on the world.

Like so many of us, Hannah had been turning to her phone to cope with life in a time of isolation and uncertainty. But those coping mechanisms had become habits she didn't know how to break until she truly committed herself to one simple yet profound act: log 1,000 phone-free hours in a year.

Now, in The Unplugged Hours, she demonstrates how the act of powering down and reducing the habit of a constantly plugged-in lifestyle can change your entire life.

No matter what you do for a living, how much time your apps save you, or how much entertainment your phone brings, it is possible to unplug—and rediscover the richness of life on the other side.

A powerful weaving of memoir, cultural commentary, and spiritual insights, this life-changing book will help you:

Reclaim your ability to be present and engaged with the world around you.

Swap the hurried, constant pace of technology for a steadier, more rooted way of living.

Establish your own unplugged rituals and rhythms in daily life.

The Unplugged Hours gives you the practical ideas and spiritual inspiration you need to stop scrolling and start living. So join the challenge: put your phone down and live your life.

NEW TO GOSPEL SPICE? YOU ARE WELCOME HERE!

Check out our free resources, and more, at https://www.gospelspice.com/start

We invite you to check out the first episode of each of our series, and decide which one you will want to start with. Here are a few suggestions:

Identity in the battle | Ephesians

https://www.podcastics.com/episode/372022/link/

Malachi: Messenger to Messiah

https://www.podcastics.com/episode/356130/link/

Wisdom from the Book of Proverbs

https://www.podcastics.com/episode/324347/link/

Come to the Table | The Feasts Jesus celebrated

https://www.podcastics.com/episode/309956/link/

Support us on Gospel Spice, PayPal and Venmo!

Welcome to our final lesson in the Book of Malachi! We explore the myriad questions posed in the book, that feel a bit like a courtroom-like dialogue between God and the Israelites. The timeless nature of Malachi’s message resonates across eras by highlighting Israel's pattern of unfaithfulness and connecting it to our own lives.

The dense concentration of questions throughout Malachi, up to chapter 3, starkly contrasts with chapter 4 which contains no questions, signaling a shift from inquiry to God’s final judgment.

Acknowledging God’s love, as outlined in Malachi, encourages us to see the ongoing work of God in our lives and the world around us. The Israelites questioned God’s love and justice, despised worship practices, and failed to honor God in their daily lives. The answers to the questions in the book of Malachi reveal their shortcomings and guide us towards a faithful relationship with God.

The book of Malachi further explores the theme of justice versus grace; as Scripture teaches us, true justice is met only through the grace offered by Jesus. Repentance and confession are essential to understand God’s grace. Justice is found through Jesus.

The crucial question “How shall we return to You, Lord?” encapsulates the hope of returning to God by recognizing His unchanging nature and engaging with scripture. Stephanie discusses the path to God through spiritual disciplines, offering a free video course, "Pathways to God's Presence,” to deepen this understanding. Make sure to grab your full video course at https://www.gospelspice.com/pathways

In the context of the intertestamental period, Malachi’s teachings reverberated through four hundred years until John the Baptist's emergence. Stephanie reminds us of historical insights, drawing parallels with significant events and figures like Alexander the Great and the Roman conquest, to contextualize Malachi’s message within the fabric of time.

Through Malachi 4, God promises ultimate justice and restoration, symbolized by the "sun of righteousness." Here, the imagery of wings is a protective symbol throughout Scripture, which we will compare it to Jesus’ teachings. The notion of God’s impending judgment is juxtaposed with the promise of protection and healing for those who revere God’s name.

In the context of the upcoming silence of four hundred years, God’s last words offer a solemn warning blended with hope. Through Jesus, who embodied the curse and offered grace, our path was paved for redemption. Malachi invites us to ponder whether we stand beneath the protective wings of the Savior, or risk facing the blazing sun of righteousness without His grace. Malachi today challenges us to live as messengers of faith, rooted in grace through Christ, and eager to spread God’s love.

DISCOVER THE GOSPEL SPICE MINISTRIES

The Gospel Spice Podcast is part of a larger range of tools given to you by Gospel Spice Ministries.

In a nutshell, we exist to inspire Christ-followers to delight in God.

In more details: we provide resources to empower Christian leaders across generational, social, ethnic and geographical boundaries towards more intimacy with Jesus Christ and discipleship effectiveness through a Biblical Christocentric foundation. The Gospel-Spice Ministries provide a safe environment for spiritual and community growth empowering people to know Christ more intimately, serve one another more powerfully, and reach the world for Jesus.

PLAY IT FORWARD by SHARING the link with friends and family.

PRAY IT FORWARD by praying for us and those you share it with!

PAY IT FORWARD!! Would you consider supporting this show today to help others enjoy it for free? It comes to you completely free, but is labor-intensive to produce, and we want to keep putting it in the ears of people!

Gospel Spice Ministries is a non-profit organization registered under the tax-exempt 501c3 status. Your donations are tax-deductible under IRS Section 170. We want to be the best possible stewards of your financial support. All donations above our minimal operating costs go to Christian organizations fighting human trafficking.

Go to gospelspice.com for more, and go especially to gospelspice.com/podcast to enjoy our guests! Interested in our blog? Click here: gospelspice.com/blog

(*ListenNotes ranking, 2023)

Support us on Gospel Spice, PayPal and Venmo!

Stephanie Rousselle welcomes Elle Cardel, author of “She Delights”, a book about experiencing delight in God, even during seasons of suffering. Elle offers insight into cultivating deep faith, biblical joy, and intimacy with God. True delight in God is cultivated through deep engagement with Scripture, honest and continuous prayer, and a perspective of gratitude. The spiritual strength to endure hardship flows from knowing God delights in us, not for what we do, but because of Christ. The legacy the believer leaves is a testimony that “nothing satisfies like Jesus”—a lesson to pass on in both word and life.

Elle Cardel emphasizes that shallow faith—one reliant on mere Sunday attendance, occasional Bible verses, or inspirational talks—cannot sustain us through life’s inevitable hardships. True resilience in faith comes from immersing ourselves in God’s Word, not just secondhand knowledge from others. Elle describes this as becoming “Bible geeks”—students eager to soak up the living and active Word of God so that, when suffering comes, our roots are deep, and we know God is with us. This depth equips us to see suffering as an environment where God delights to meet and transform us.

Elle distinguishes joy from happiness. Happiness fluctuates with circumstances, whereas joy is a fruit of the Spirit and accessible to us at all times, especially when we choose it. Elle shares a deeply personal story about her daughter Selah’s medical crisis, during which Elle discovered that grief and joy can coexist. Through vulnerability and seeking God in her private pain, Elle experienced God’s palpable presence—realizing that delighting in God amid suffering is an act of worship, not the result of easy circumstances.

Stephanie and Elle discuss the importance of savoring life—choosing to rejoice in what is, rather than fixating on what is not. They encourage us to approach life with the mindset of “savoring,” which, in French, connects closely to both delight and deliciousness. This means joy is something to be tasted and experienced, even in dark valleys, by recognizing God’s blessings and presence in small, everyday moments.

Spiritual disciplines such as regular Bible reading and prayer should be established before crisis hits. These practices are like the roots of the tree in Psalm 1, deep and sustaining even in seasons of drought. Elle acknowledges that motivation may wane, but real change comes from choosing to meet God in His Word, pushing past feelings of laziness or intimidation, and allowing scripture to transform us over time—just as food nourishes the body slowly.

Elle describes prayer as both lifeblood and lifeline—a means of connecting honestly with God. Prayer need not be formal or perfect; it’s about bringing every emotion and mundane task before God and seeking His presence in all aspects of life. She recommends practical habits like breath prayers and attaching prayer to daily activities, making prayer natural and constant.

Elle stresses that all intimacy and delight with God are rooted not in performance, but in grace— through “imputed righteousness:” We are loved and delighted in by God because of what Jesus accomplished. Our spiritual effort doesn’t earn His acceptance; instead, we respond in joyful obedience out of gratitude for His love. Our identity as beloved children of God is secure in Christ.

Delighting in God is not a shallow cliché. It is a sustaining, daily posture, rooted in His delight in us and nourished by intentional habits, steadfast faith, and the overwhelming grace found in Jesus.

MORE ABOUT ELLE CARDEL

Hi! I’m Elle Cardel (yep, it rhymes!), a sinner saved by God’s great redeeming love and grace, wife to my college sweetheart, Michael, and mother to our two little loves, Selah and Aidan! I was born and raised in the south and live in the heart of middle Tennessee with my family. (Although, some may find that hard to believe since I cannot stand the taste of sweet tea.) 

I’m a full-time coffee-sipper, word-writer, friend-hugger, book-reader, shower-singer, and DIY-dreamer. Most importantly, I delight in encouraging women of faith to be proactive in their pursuit of knowing God and delighting in the truths of His Word. I do not take this responsibility God has entrusted to me lightly. Needless to say, I’m so glad you are here and hope you will choose to stick around!

https://www.daughterofdelight.com/who-we-are 

MORE ABOUT SHE DELIGHTS

In a world that tempts us to chase after temporary joys and fleeting pleasures, the call to delight in the Lord remains firm and true. But what does it actually mean to delight in Him? And how can we cultivate a life that reflects that joy—even in the hardest seasons?

She Delights: Cultivating a Heart That Reigns & Sustains is an invitation to experience the joy and strength found in abiding in Christ. Through biblical wisdom, personal reflections, and thought-provoking insights, this book will guide you toward a deeper understanding of what it means to live a life anchored in God's goodness.

NEW TO GOSPEL SPICE? YOU ARE WELCOME HERE!

Check out our free resources, and more, at https://www.gospelspice.com/start

We invite you to check out the first episode of each of our series, and decide which one you will want to start with. Here are a few suggestions:

Identity in the battle | Ephesians

https://www.podcastics.com/episode/372022/link/

Malachi: Messenger to Messiah

https://www.podcastics.com/episode/356130/link/

Wisdom from the Book of Proverbs

https://www.podcastics.com/episode/324347/link/

Come to the Table | The Feasts Jesus celebrated

https://www.podcastics.com/episode/309956/link/

Support us on Gospel Spice, PayPal and Venmo!

In today’s Gospel Spice lesson, Stephanie Rousselle takes us on a historical journey to frame the Old and the New Testaments, the 400 years between Malachi’s time until the arrival of John the Baptist. This period, often referred to as the "intertestamental period," spans remarkable historical developments that are essential to understanding the world Jesus was born into.

Imagine living in our day and age, but having no idea of what happened to our country, world, and culture in the last 400 years. Imagine that the latest “news” you have date back from the 1620’s or so. Would this affect our understanding of our day? In the same way, we cannot cut 400 years of Jewish history, and assume we lose nothing.

Malachi delivered his message around 420BC; John the Baptist. Malachi’s successor called to “make a highway in the wilderness” to proclaim the arrival of Messiah, came onto the Judean scene in the 20’s AD. But Scripture is silent about this span of time. These "400 years of silence," as they are often called, were not so silent politically, religiously, and socially. By studying the events during this time, we gain insight into how the world was meticulously prepared for Jesus's arrival. While these events are not recorded in the Bible, they hold much significance to know Christ more.

Beginning with Alexander the Great’s conquest in 333 BC, the world saw Greek culture and language take hold, influencing many aspects of life, including the translation of the Hebrew Old Testament into Greek, known as the Septuagint. This was pivotal, as it allowed for greater access to the Scriptures and laid the foundation for the New Testament to reference these texts.

The era is ripe with hostile dynamics between the Hellenistic influences from Greece and the resistance that arose from the Jews, who sought to preserve their traditions. This tension is encapsulated in the Maccabean Revolt led by Judas Maccabeus, a significant event that ultimately led to the celebration of Hanukkah.

Another important theme from this period is the rise of different Jewish sects, such as the Pharisees, Sadducees, and Essenes. These groups played crucial roles in the religious landscape of Israel and were directly involved in the societal structure during Jesus’s time.

These historical layers formed a backdrop against which God chose to reveal His Son. The development of Greek as a universal language and Roman infrastructure, like roads facilitating trade and communication, enabled the rapid spread of the Gospel.

Our historical exploration ties to biblical prophecy, specifically how this time fits into Daniel’s prophecy of seventy weeks. This provides an eschatological perspective to the discussion. Understanding these details, as part of grasping the broader biblical narrative, challenges the modern tendency to focus solely on personal applicability of Scripture without considering its historical and theological context.

Our lesson is an invitation to (re)discover this rich tapestry of history. We encourage you to use the Gospel Spice workbook and additional resources provided to further explore this period’s influence on Jesus’s earthly ministry and its legacy in the New Testament church.

DISCOVER THE GOSPEL SPICE MINISTRIES

The Gospel Spice Podcast is part of a larger range of tools given to you by Gospel Spice Ministries.

In a nutshell, we exist to inspire Christ-followers to delight in God.

In more details: we provide resources to empower Christian leaders across generational, social, ethnic and geographical boundaries towards more intimacy with Jesus Christ and discipleship effectiveness through a Biblical Christocentric foundation. The Gospel-Spice Ministries provide a safe environment for spiritual and community growth empowering people to know Christ more intimately, serve one another more powerfully, and reach the world for Jesus.

PLAY IT FORWARD by SHARING the link with friends and family.

PRAY IT FORWARD by praying for us and those you share it with!

PAY IT FORWARD!! Would you consider supporting this show today to help others enjoy it for free? It comes to you completely free, but is labor-intensive to produce, and we want to keep putting it in the ears of people!

Gospel Spice Ministries is a non-profit organization registered under the tax-exempt 501c3 status. Your donations are tax-deductible under IRS Section 170. We want to be the best possible stewards of your financial support. All donations above our minimal operating costs go to Christian organizations fighting human trafficking.

Go to gospelspice.com for more, and go especially to gospelspice.com/podcast to enjoy our guests! Interested in our blog? Click here: gospelspice.com/blog

(*ListenNotes ranking, 2023)

Support us on Gospel Spice, PayPal and Venmo!

We all experience spiritual hunger or malnourishment at various points in our faith journey. On the Gospel Spice podcast, guest Lynn Jackson shares her story and offers practical wisdom on rekindling spiritual health through her book, The Recipe. Stephanie and Lynn explore how to find strength and closeness with God even in life’s hardest seasons—no matter how spiritually “hungry” or exhausted you might feel.

If you feel spiritually weary, you are not alone—and it is not your fault. Start where you are. Open the “pantry” of God’s Bible and take a nibble. God’s Word isn’t reserved for the strong, but is nourishment for the hungry and the weak. With humility, honesty, and consistency, spiritual health is rebuilt one small bite at a time. And, as Lynn encourages, pass the “recipe” along: encourage others, share the method, and help one another discover God’s daily provision.

BUY “THE RECIPE” HERE: https://www.amazon.com/Recipe-simple-workbook-spiritual-weary/dp/B0F7NCYG63 

Here’s what Lynn and Stephanie discuss:

1. Understanding Spiritual Malnutrition

Lynn Jackson begins by sharing her own background—growing up disconnected from God, despite church attendance, and later experiencing spiritual exhaustion as a pastor's wife. Her journey highlights that spiritual dryness isn’t unique to new believers; it affects mature Christians, too.

The problem isn’t always a lack of desire, but feeling so weary, discouraged, or busy that opening the Bible itself feels impossible. Lynn discovered that many people in church are “starving” spiritually, even after years of faith. We need nourishment, but don’t know where to begin.

2. God’s Word as a Pantry—Verses as Spiritual Food

Lynn describes the Bible as “God’s pantry,” full of nourishing verses—like shelves brimming with food and spices. Just as our bodies need regular meals, our souls need consistent spiritual “food.” Yet, many of us avoid the pantry, believing it’s inaccessible, overwhelming, or only for those with abundant time and energy.

3. The Importance of Taking “Spiritual Nibbles”

A common misconception is that “good Christians” must spend hours in Bible study for it to count. Lynn challenges this, likening such expectations to serving someone a Thanksgiving feast when they need a simple piece of toast. If you’re malnourished or spiritually weak, feasting isn’t possible—you start with a nibble.

The Recipe provides a gentle method to reconnect with Scripture, even when motivation and strength are low. Sometimes, reading and meditating on a single verse is enough. One “taste” of God’s Word can reawaken spiritual appetite and begin to strengthen your soul.

4. Permission to Be Messy

Many avoid engaging with God because of perfectionism—thinking spiritual practices must be beautiful, well-organized, or profound. Lynn encourages the opposite: make a mess! She tells stories of scribbled journals and a “messy kitchen” as metaphors for the normal, chaotic process of spiritual growth. The goal is connection, not perfection.

5. The Practical Steps of The Recipe

The book provides a four-week, hands-on guide. Rather than lectures, Lynn offers companionship—like inviting the reader into her kitchen to watch, then join, and finally lead in “preparing spiritual food.” The process is adaptable: maybe today you need a full meal, but other days, just a single “protein bite” (verse) to carry you through.

PURCHASE “THE RECIPE” BY LYNN JACKSON

Stephanie could not be clearer: she strongly, strongly invites you to purchase a copy of “the Recipe” for yourself, and maybe a few more to give away as gifts to friends and family! You will not regret it.

https://www.amazon.com/Recipe-simple-workbook-spiritual-weary/dp/B0F7NCYG63 

MORE ABOUT LYNN JACKSON

https://journeylynn.com/about/ 

https://thrivelead.org/about/ 

Scott Jackson is the CEO & Co-Founder of Thrive Leadership Foundation. His wife, Lynn works alongside of him as Co-Founder and Partnership Development. Prior to co-founding THRIVE, they were Northeast Directors for Churches In Missions for 11 years. With CiM they trained and took teams on short term mission trips both here and abroad. Scott also served as Vice President of Administration. Prior to CiM, they served in the pastorate for 22 years at Warrington Fellowship Church in Warrington, Pennsylvania. Scott received his Bachelor Degree in Bible from Lancaster Bible College and his Masters of Divinity from Biblical Theological Seminary. Lynn received her Bachelor of Science in Psychology from College of The Ozarks.

Scott and Lynn have an extensive speaking ministry here and abroad. Their speaking ministries include: pulpit supply, retreats and conferences for Pastors and wives, church staff and retreats for men, women or couples as well as mission conferences. They enjoy speaking as a couple or individually.

The Jacksons understand the terrain and mix of family life and answering the call of full time ministry. They have 4 adult children, 3 in-law children and 7 grandchildren. Scott and Lynn have been married for over 35 years and currently reside in Pennsburg, Pennsylvania.

NEW TO GOSPEL SPICE? YOU ARE WELCOME HERE!

Check out our free resources, and more, at https://www.gospelspice.com/start

We invite you to check out the first episode of each of our series, and decide which one you will want to start with. Here are a few suggestions:

Identity in the battle | Ephesians

https://www.podcastics.com/episode/372022/link/

Malachi: Messenger to Messiah

https://www.podcastics.com/episode/356130/link/

Wisdom from the Book of Proverbs

https://www.podcastics.com/episode/324347/link/

Come to the Table | The Feasts Jesus celebrated

https://www.podcastics.com/episode/309956/link/

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Welcome to our 4th episode in our “Malachi” series! Today we explore a rich conversation with God through the dynamics of divine justice and mercy, focusing on the relationship between God's unchanging nature and His offer of grace to humanity.

Malachi offers both a picture of God’s judgment, targeting sins such as sorcery, adultery, and oppression, and at the same time, God declares His constancy, ensuring that humanity isn’t consumed. This paradox of divine justice and mercy is a central theme in the book of Malachi, since God's steadfast love is the foundation of our existence and redemption.

God, speaking through Malachi, presents tithing as a practical expression of faith. Tithing symbolizes our dependence on God as an act of returning blessings back to Him. In Christ, tithing is not as a strict obligation, but a way to encourage a lifestyle of generosity and trust in God’s provision. Tithing is not about a precise percentage, but about the spirit of generosity that reflects our relationship with God.

The people of Malachi’s time doubted the benefit of serving God, equating prosperity with divine favor. This prosperity gospel mindset, so prevalent in our own day and age, misses the true reward of intimacy with God, over and against mere material gain.

Today, Malachi offers us a powerful reminder of God’s promise to His people, stating that those who fear Him and honor His name are cherished by Him. We come full circle when we connect Malachi’s message to its prophetic fulfillment through Jesus Christ, who offers the ultimate relationship and reward with God. Stephanie encourages reflection on this relationship and challenges us to align our actions with our faith, fostering a community that esteems God’s Name.

Overall, the book of Malachi is about understanding the depth of God’s love and justice, encouraging us to return to God with open hearts, and recognizing the unparalleled reward of a close relationship with Him. Through Malachi's questions and answers, we are invited to explore our own faith, rooted and established in Christ. We are invited to seek God's presence and promises in our generation, in the context of historical Scripture.

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Cindy DeBoer joins Stephanie to share her story of transformation—from living the American dream to pursuing a life of simplicity and deep faith. Cindy’s family motto sums it up best: “We chose to live simpler so that others can simply live.” Whether that means downsizing, shifting how you spend time, or offering your unique talents, the ultimate goal is the same—living in tune with God’s melody for your life, allowing Him to enrich and use you far beyond what the culture’s definition of “success” could offer.

Cindy’s candid memoir offers practical lessons for anyone feeling overwhelmed by the relentless pursuit of “more” or sensing a disconnect between their faith and daily life. Cindy shares the story of her family choosing to live simpler so others can simply live. She asks, What does it look like to glorify God with our finances? In her new book, Far, far better things, she shares that, in the first 12 years of her marriage, she and her husband, although faithfully attending church and following Jesus as best they knew how, were still very focused on "getting ahead," building their bank account, striving to have the best of everything - including having the best house and the best kids. They pushed themselves nearly to the breaking point. She tells us what (who?) stopped that trajectory and got them to turn their lives around and specifically, start asking the question, "What if we lived what we say we believe?”

From Success to Surrender: A Life Re-examined

Cindy’s early adult life was marked by what her community celebrated as success: marriage to her high school sweetheart, good jobs, a dream house with luxury amenities, and busy, achievement-packed schedules for their four children. Despite following what seemed like a “formulaic path,” she and her husband felt empty and exhausted. Their faith, although present, was largely intellectual and routine—church attendance and mealtime prayers—but lacked genuine heart engagement.

The turning point came when brave friends challenged them to question, “Where is God in all of this?” This gentle but persistent questioning—along with new friendships, books, and volunteer work—sparked a series of soul-searching prayers: Were they truly living out what they professed to believe? What might God be asking of them that they’d never considered?

Small Steps Lead to Big Changes

Change didn’t happen overnight. Cindy and her husband began with small, tangible acts of obedience, like reaching out to a homeless family from their child’s classroom—a move that transformed their understanding of compassion and shifted their mindset from “helper” to “learner.” These steps emboldened them to pursue adoption, welcoming a daughter from Guatemala. The process opened their eyes further to global poverty and injustice, stirring a passion for others that wouldn’t have developed in their comfortable status quo.

A defining lesson came as they downsized their home—moving from their “dream house” to the “little brown mansion.” This reduction in material possessions brought unexpected peace and joy, as it freed up energy, time, and resources for giving and serving. Most importantly, Cindy observed the positive impact such choices had on their children, making them more resilient, empathetic, and adept at hearing God’s voice.

The Heart of the Lesson: Simplicity Isn’t Poverty—It’s Purpose

Cindy insists her story isn’t prescriptive—not everyone is called to move overseas or adopt a child. Instead, her encouragement is this: Hold your life loosely before God. Ask the courageous question: “Am I truly living what I say I believe?” Trust that God honors even the smallest steps of faith. Simplicity, as Cindy has learned, is not about deprivation, but about creating space for what truly matters—intimacy with God, sacrificial community, and authentic love for others.

Cindy’s family motto sums it up best: “We chose to live simpler so that others can simply live.” Whether that means downsizing, shifting how you spend time, or offering your unique talents, the ultimate goal is the same—living in tune with God’s melody for your life, allowing Him to enrich and use you far beyond what the culture’s definition of “success” could offer.

Key Takeaways:

·         True transformation often starts with honest self-reflection, hard questions, and small acts of obedience.

·         Simplifying life creates freedom—to serve, give, and connect with God and others more deeply.

·         God’s blessings are not just material or circumstantial—they are rooted in intimacy with Him and being part of His work in the world.

·         Every step towards living out your faith, no matter how small, can create ripples of hope, change, and fulfillment.

Let Cindy’s story be an invitation: dare to ask what God might want to do with your “ordinary” life, and trust that His far, far better things await, one simple step at a time.

ABOUT “FAR FAR BETTER THINGS”

What happens when you’ve reached all your earthly goals and you’re only twenty-eight years old?

What if you’ve realized the American Dream, and although you’re pretty confident it’s all a big blessing from Jesus, you still feel miserably lacking in purpose and fulfillment?

What makes a reasonably well-off American Christian family walk away from their perfectly scripted life—prestigious careers, dream home, lake house, nice cars, kids’ sports, frequent travel, perfect church, tons of family and friends—and follow God to the ends of the earth? How would any young family have the courage to leave all the things the world tells us to strive for and instead choose a life of intentional simplifying, serial downsizing, and two major moves overseas?

Cindy’s memoir chronicles their family’s unorthodox Christian journey that began as a result of praying in earnest: “Lord, help us to live what we say we believe.” Follow along as the DeBoers, a typical average suburban family, finds the courage to subvert a safe and comfortable life for a risky and riotous ride that led them to far, far better things.

Buy the book:

https://www.amazon.com/Far-Better-Things-Surrendering-American/dp/1625863128/ 

Get a signed copy directly from Cindy:

https://cindydeboer.com/the-book/ 

ABOUT CINDY DEBOER

Cindy DeBoer is a blogger, psychiatric nurse, and recovering “un-missionary.” She and her husband, Paul, are passionate about demystifying Islam for Christians, working with development organizations in Central America, and partnering with several local ministries that serve under-resourced people. Today, living in the heart of Grand Rapids, Michigan, they delight in their four grown children, three children-in-love, two grandchildren, and the ability to walk everywhere—especially to their small community church (back in the Reformed tradition!) just six blocks away. More at https://cindydeboer.com/ 

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For this third lesson in our series, Stéphanie Rousselle invites us back into the book of Malachi, exploring its lively conversation between God and the Israelites. She likens the dialogue to a "ping pong, tennis match" that embodies a series of question-and-answer exchanges, both from God and His people. This format inspires reflections on the nature of prayer as an honest and open dialogue with God.

You are invited to purchase the workbook that contains everything you need to take your experience of the Book of Malachi deeper! For each of the six lessons, you will find a complete listening guide, questions to go deeper (on your own, with a friend, or a group), as well as a worksheet to study further themes. Go to https://www.gospelspice.com/malachi for more.

The book of Malachi teaches us about the depth and authenticity required in prayer. It challenges us to ask hard questions, ones that reveal our true desires and convictions, paralleling the Israelites who inquire about justice and God's presence in difficult times. This lesson focuses on understanding these questions within the context of Malachi chapters two and three.

A key point discussed is the Israelites' question about justice, "Where is the God of justice?" This is a pivotal inquiry situated within a broader narrative of self-awareness and repentance among the Israelites. They grapple with topics such as their faithlessness, particularly in the context of divorce, which Scripture frames as a profound societal betrayal within their culture.

Stéphanie draws connections between the book of Malachi and other Old or New Testament teachings, such as those found in Micah and Romans, highlighting themes of justice, grace, and God's redemptive love through Christ. The Israelites, through their treacherous actions towards one another, reveal a deeper spiritual unfaithfulness to God.

The prophetic role of Malachi points to John the Baptist, the latter of whom prepares the way for Jesus, the ultimate messenger. We are invited to consider our own calling as modern-day messengers of God, akin to John the Baptist, as we share the gospel and prepare for Christ's return.

Stéphanie discusses the contrast between justice and grace, illustrating that while justice, in its purest form, would condemn us, it is through grace, offered by Jesus, that we are saved. This grace is of utmost importance in the spiritual life, echoed through Scripture and the personal prayers of faith leaders like King David.

Closing, in prayer Stéphanie asks for a renewed sense of gratitude and reverence for God’s grace and for guidance to be faithful messengers of His word, underlining a central message of the book of Malachi: finding the God of grace in Christ and extending His message of redemption to the world.

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This episode marks a milestone—400 episodes of Gospel Spice! In this special group conversation, Stéphanie Rousselle welcomes Angel Omoruan, Ros Evans, and Lindsay Sterious to reflect on God’s enduring goodness, the landscape of inner growth, and the beauty of vulnerability within Christian community. Stephanie and her friends reflect on the importance of serving “the one,” being open to “hidden spaces” where ministry might not be grand but is deeply significant. God’s presence is not limited to moments of solitude or to times of communal support. Both are necessary, and God moves in each.

Big announcement! Sign up for our Prayer Course at gospelspice.com/prayer

The Power of Community: The “Turtle Formation”

Ros kicks things off by revisiting her journey toward understanding her true nature as an introvert. Despite often appearing energetic and talkative, she recognizes that she draws strength from solitude. She introduces the term “turtling”—retreating inward to recharge. Introversion isn’t a weakness or escape, but a necessary, God-given rhythm for many.

The “turtle formation” provides a picture of believers locking arms, forming a shield for one another in times of attack or weakness. Lindsay and Ros share stories of community prayer sustaining them in difficulty. Ros notes, “find the people who are willing to turtle with you…that is needed to stand firm in truth.”

“Turtling” can become unhealthy when it turns into disengagement and numbness. While retreating is sometimes needed for healing and reflection, it must be balanced with healthy connection to God and others. In prolonged withdrawal, we risk isolation and disconnection from the very relationships that God uses for our spiritual growth.

God’s Lessons through Life Transitions and Challenges

Angel relates to Ros’s introversion, recounting how recent life changes exposed emotions she hadn’t faced before. Like Ros, she found that retreating—turtling—was partly God’s way of protecting her and prompting introspection. However, she also describes God’s gentle promptings to re-engage with others, learn to lament, extend grace, and embrace vulnerability.

Angel brings in the “turtle formation” used by Roman soldiers. This image of locked shields captures how Christian community can protect and carry one another. There’s wisdom in both knowing when to retreat for healing and when to rejoin the ranks for mutual encouragement.

Community as Spiritual Armor

Lindsay adds her own testimony of being “carried” by her community through a difficult season involving her daughter’s health. She describes a profound experience of being prayed for—allowing herself to be vulnerable, supported, and reminded that the body of Christ is meant to shield one another. This spiritual “turtle formation” is a source of strength, comfort, and tangible experience of God’s care.

The Value of Vulnerability

Angel reflects on the difficulty—and gift—of being vulnerable, especially when God calls us to serve. She shares that being present and obedient in the small, unnoticed moments often becomes a blessing, not only for others, but for ourselves. By being honest, especially when we struggle, we open space for God to work uniquely through us.

Ros sums it up: “when you know the Holy Spirit has you at a place in a moment, you forget about everything…and by the time I finish, the person's getting blessed and I'm getting blessed too.” Stephanie highlights how we often wait for “big” moments, but Jesus values our faithfulness in serving the “one”—whether a child, a mentee, or a congregation member. She remarks, “let's just focus on what really, really matters,” echoing the importance of focusing on small daily acts of love and service.

God in the Quiet and in the Crowd

The Christian walk is not about perfection, but humility, honesty, and interdependence. Whether you’re serving quietly, struggling privately, or standing “in turtle formation” with others, God sees, sustains, and works through it all. Be encouraged to walk vulnerably, faithfully, and together.

Key Takeaways:

• Embrace your God-given temperament (introvert or extrovert).
• Healthy retreats (“turtling”) are vital, but must be balanced with intentional connection.
• Vulnerability—within safe community—unveils God’s love and the power of prayer.
• Spiritual battles are not fought alone; we lock shields through fellowship and humility.
• God uses both quiet moments and community engagement to reveal His goodness and grace.

Challenge:
This week, ask God where you might need a healthy retreat—and where you might need to step back into community to “lock shields” with others. Practice vulnerable honesty, and remember that God is present both in your shell and on the battlefield.

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