Greater Things

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Have you ever felt God calling you toward something that initially made you want to say "no thank you"? That's exactly what happened when artist Jessie DeCorsey felt the divine nudge to pick up her paintbrush again after years of creative trauma and disappointment.

Despite being a lifelong artist with two decades of professional experience, Jessie had reached a point where painting was associated with so much hurt that she couldn't imagine returning to it. A professor's dismissive comment about her faith-inspired art having "no future," followed by years of struggle trying to market her work, had left deep wounds. Even when opportunities finally emerged—like becoming an artist-in-residence at Luther Seminary—a faith crisis left her creatively empty, unable to find inspiration or even desire to create.

In this deeply personal conversation, Jessie reveals how God's simple invitation to "pick up your brush" transformed into a journey of profound healing and creative liberation. Without agenda or pressure to succeed, she found herself creating over 20 paintings in just three months, each one becoming a devotional conversation with God. The freedom she discovered came through releasing expectations about outcomes and simply asking each day: "What do you want to create with me today?"

This episode explores how creativity flows naturally when we release the need for validation and commercial success, how comparison kills our unique expression, and how to identify what truly brings life to your spirit. Whether you're an artist, writer, musician, or someone who's never considered yourself "creative," Jessie's story offers a powerful invitation to reconsider what creativity might look like in your own life and to take that first small step toward what God is calling you to do—even when it feels uncomfortable.

What creative expression might be waiting for you on the other side of hesitation? Listen in and be inspired to discover your own divine conversation through creativity.

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What happens when we finally remove the masks we've worn for decades? Betty Bradshaw's transformational journey takes us from performance-driven perfectionism to authentic spiritual identity in this powerful conversation.

Betty opens up about growing up in a chaotic home with a brother battling addiction, which led her to build strong protective walls and dedicate herself to "doing everything the right way." This pattern served her well through raising four children and running a business, but left her true self hidden behind carefully constructed barriers of achievement and competence.

The empty nest phase brought a pivotal question: "What am I going to do now?" Though initially resistant, Betty found herself in a life-changing Bible study that transformed her relationship with the Holy Spirit. She shares the powerful moment in 2016 when prayer released her from the weights she hadn't realized she carried—fear, pride, judgment, and performance—setting her on a path toward her true calling.

We explore how this spiritual awakening transformed her marriage as she learned to honor her husband differently, creating a new oneness between them that mirrors the vulnerability she discovered with God. This personal journey ultimately led to the birth of Fresh Wind Ministries, where Betty now creates safe spaces for others to encounter the Holy Spirit and discover their authentic identity.

What makes this story particularly compelling is Betty's willingness to surrender control and follow God's leading one day at a time. Her perspective that "God works in seasons and isn't bound by time" offers hope to anyone feeling stuck in performance-based living or wondering if their past has purpose. 

Ready to discover who you truly are beneath the masks? Connect with Betty at [email protected] to learn more about Fresh Wind Ministries.

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What happens when we learn to embrace connection in a world designed to keep us disconnected? South African-born Lana Enkelbrecht joins us to share her powerful insights on finding freedom through connected living.

Drawing from her experiences across three countries and cultures, Lana reveals how disconnection from our true identity creates literal "dis-ease" in our bodies and relationships. With warmth and wisdom, she explores how our fast-paced, digitally-saturated world has eroded our capacity for genuine connection—with ourselves, with God, and with those around us.

The conversation takes a fascinating turn as Lana unpacks the Hebrew concept of "shalom"—not just peace, but bringing order and beauty from chaos. She describes practical ways to remain grounded amid life's storms, including intentional moments of presence and curiosity. Rather than seeing challenges as attacks, Lana suggests they reveal heart positions we might otherwise ignore, creating opportunities for transformation.

As someone preparing to write a book on connected living, Lana offers profound insights about nurturing connection in families, embracing our purpose, and creating environments where others experience the peace of heaven. Her perspective on approaching life with curiosity rather than judgment opens new pathways for authentic relationship and spiritual growth.

Whether you're feeling isolated, overwhelmed, or simply seeking deeper connections, this conversation offers practical wisdom for experiencing the freedom that comes when we live as the connected beings we were designed to be. Listen now to discover how small shifts in awareness can transform your experience of everyday life.

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Andrew Battistella, pastor of a church in Ballarat, Victoria, brings a refreshing authenticity to this profound conversation about creating communities where people can truly be themselves. Rather than presenting a polished facade, Andrew identifies first as a "friend" - someone who loves journeying with people around tables filled with good food and honest conversation.

The conversation explores what happens when we prioritize safety over perfection in our churches. His church vision crystallizes this approach: "To be a safe place for all people where they can be restored and revealed to His glory."

What makes this discussion particularly powerful is Andrew's willingness to share his own story. From experiencing rejection in his youth to navigating the complexities of family restoration, his journey has shaped his belief that authenticity heals. In perhaps the most striking revelation, he shares that every member of his church leadership team sees a counselor - a fact he proudly tells other pastors.

The dialogue delves into the three pillars Andrew considers "keys of the kingdom": authenticity, vulnerability, and transparency. While our culture often frames vulnerability as weakness, Andrew argues it's actually our natural state in God's economy. The conversation tackles the wisdom required to balance openness with appropriate boundaries, likening it to Jesus having his inner circle of three disciples.

By the end, a powerful truth emerges: perspective through the Father's heart changes everything. Rather than seeing God as a harsh judge, Andrew invites us to recognize Him as a loving Father creating "opportunity after opportunity for deeper relationship." This reshapes how we approach ministry, relationships, and our own brokenness.

Join us for this refreshingly honest conversation that might just change how you think about community, leadership, and what it means to create truly safe spaces where healing can flourish.

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We explore the biblical metaphor of God as the Potter and humans as clay through the unique perspective of Jade Schultz, an experienced potter who brings both spiritual and practical insight to this powerful imagery.

• The importance of trust in the pottery process, paralleling our need to trust God during formation
• How clay must be properly wedged (kneaded) to remove air bubbles before firing, similar to how we need preparation
• Understanding our uniqueness in God's design, like different types of clay suited for different purposes
• The significance of not rushing the process – both in pottery and spiritual formation
• How our past struggles actually strengthen us, like recycled clay scraps adding strength to new clay
• Viewing difficult seasons as necessary preparation rather than punishment
• Learning to recognize when God is changing how He communicates with us
• The freedom that comes from yielding to God's expert shaping

Join us next time for another conversation about greater things God is doing in and through ordinary lives.

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Discerning God's voice amidst the noise of everyday life presents a profound challenge for many believers. In this illuminating conversation with Naomi Byers, we explore the intricate art of hearing, testing, and applying divine messages with both confidence and humility.

Naomi's journey from high school chemistry teacher to prophetic pioneer offers a fascinating perspective on spiritual discernment. With her unique blend of scientific thinking and spiritual sensitivity, she unpacks how God speaks through multiple channels—dreams, Scripture, creation, and even through her children's unexpected pronouncements (what she affectionately calls "clangers"). Her testimony reminds us that divine communication transcends our limited categories and invites us to expand our spiritual receptivity.

The heart of our discussion revolves around testing prophetic words with wisdom and community discernment. Unlike superficial approaches, Naomi advocates for a comprehensive process that honors both the seriousness of speaking on God's behalf and the biblical mandate to "test everything." For those navigating the often confusing landscape of modern prophetic ministry, her balanced methodology offers much-needed clarity.

We dive deep into understanding your prophetic gifting, challenging unhealthy hierarchies that create unnecessary division within the church. "Each individual, you are the most powerful prophet in your own life," Naomi declares, shifting focus from aspiring to positions toward embracing our unique design and purpose. This perspective aligns perfectly with the Joel 2 vision of the Spirit being poured out on all flesh, empowering every believer to hear and respond to God's voice.

Using the powerful metaphor of pottery, Naomi describes spiritual formation as thoroughly messy yet beautiful—much like staying on the potter's wheel while being shaped. Her insights on distinguishing between God-given responsibilities and false burdens cut straight to the heart of ministry burnout, offering freedom to those carrying weights they were never designed to bear. Ready to transform how you hear God speak? This conversation might just be the catalyst you've been waiting for.

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Forgiveness sits at the heart of Christian faith, yet too often we reduce it to a simple phrase or moment when the reality is far more complex and powerful. In this raw and deeply personal conversation, Ben Armstrong takes us behind the curtain of his own journey through infidelity, betrayal, and the long road to restoration in his marriage and family.

Ben offers a refreshing perspective that challenges common misconceptions about forgiveness. "Forgiveness is given, trust is earned," he explains, highlighting how many believers confuse these distinct elements of healing. Through his story, we discover how forgiveness often happens in layers as new wounds surface, requiring ongoing grace rather than a one-time decision.

The conversation takes unexpected turns as Ben and Matt explore the challenges of isolation in the healing process. They challenge the notion that "all you need is God" for healing, instead pointing to Jesus' own model of both intimate communion with the Father and intentional connection with others. This theological grounding provides a framework for understanding why counseling, community, and shared wisdom become essential components of true forgiveness.

Parents will find particular value in Ben's insights about modeling forgiveness at home. He shares how working through his own forgiveness journey with transparency actually equipped his children with tools for their own emotional processing. The ripple effects of authentic forgiveness within families can transform generations.

Whether you're struggling to forgive someone who's wounded you deeply, seeking forgiveness for harm you've caused, or simply wanting to understand this cornerstone of faith more fully, this episode offers practical wisdom without easy answers. Ben's vulnerability creates space for listeners to engage their own forgiveness journeys with new perspective and hope.

Ready to experience forgiveness as more than just words? Listen now and discover how true forgiveness leads to freedom and restoration beyond what you might have imagined possible.

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In this episode, Matt and Liz unpack how to live connected with God. Join them as they discuss rest, restoration, and freedom through their lived experiences.

https://lizwright.org/

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Dive into this deeply insightful episode of the Greater Things Podcast featuring Liz Wright as we explore the transformative power of love and connection with God. In a world often marked by chaos and uncertainty, Liz shares her profound story of being enveloped in divine love and how this experience reshaped her understanding of identity and purpose. 

Tune in as Liz recounts her initial encounter with God's unconditional love, leading her from a place of pain and confusion to a confident belief in her value as a cherished child of God. She emphasizes the importance of knowing who we are in Christ—royalty in His kingdom—and highlights how this awareness empowers us to embrace peace amid life’s challenges. We discuss the essential nature of rest and how cultivating a deep connection with God brings about not just peace but also the ability to love and serve others genuinely.

By the end of this episode, you’ll walk away with practical insights about deepening your relationship with Jesus, embracing your true self, and embodying love that influences those around you. Join us in this journey of exploring your identity and resting in divine love. Don't forget to subscribe, share, and leave a review!

https://lizwright.org/

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In this episode, I'm interviewing Ganit Peleg, who lives in Israel. With so much in the news about the Middle East, I've been searching for people living amongst all the strife and inviting them to share their stories.

Ganit is a friend, wife, mother, and grandmother. Prior to the outbreak of war she has been working as a tour guide.

Warning - This episode contains stories of war, abuse, murder, and rape. 

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