What does it mean to live a life worthy of the gospel, especially when following Jesus comes with opposition, pressure, and suffering? In this episode, we unpack Philippians 1:18-30, which confronts comfortable Christianity and invites us into a deeper, more resilient pursuit of Christ. Paul reminds us that suffering for Christ isn’t an accident or a failure of faith; it’s a gift that accompanies belief. If you’ve ever wondered what faithful obedience looks like when it’s costly, this episode is for you.

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In this episode, we continue our journey through Philippians by studying Philippians 1:12–18. As Paul writes from confinement under Roman authority, he reframes his circumstances not as a setback, but as a means by which the gospel advances. We explore how Paul’s imprisonment emboldened other believers, exposed mixed motives within ministry, and ultimately revealed a mature joy rooted not in fairness or freedom, but in Christ being proclaimed.

The pursuit in this passage calls us to trust God’s work beyond our control and to redefine success as gospel faithfulness rather than personal comfort or recognition.

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In this episode, we begin a journey through the book of Philippians. Starting with Philippians 1:1–11, we explore Paul’s gratitude for the Philippian believers, the beauty of shared partnership in the gospel mission, and his prayer that their love would grow in knowledge and discernment as they live in anticipation of Christ’s return. The pursuit is learning to trust that God will complete the work He has begun. 

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In this episode, we reflect on the heart of this podcast: a short, Scripture-centered discipleship space designed to ground you, challenge you, and realign your walk with Christ each week. With biblical clarity, personal reflection, and a renewed call to abide rather than perform, this episode invites you to stop chasing noise and start pursuing what—and Who—truly matters. This year will not be about perfect routines but about returning again and again to the feet of Jesus. 

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Five years ago, The Upstream Pursuit began with a conversation between two friends saying yes to God. In this special anniversary conversation, I’m joined by my best friend Erica Reese as we reflect on what God has been doing in her life since she stepped down from the show last year.  This episode is about faithfulness, friendship, and trusting God when seasons shift but the calling to follow Christ remains.

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Happy New Year, Pursuers! In this very short episode, I am inviting you to begin the year with intentional pursuit of Jesus. In the next few weeks, we will be diving into what to expect from the podcast in 2026. 

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2025 was a year of change, growth, and unexpected blessings. In this episode, I reflect on the highs and lows of a year that reshaped my life—stepping into solo podcasting, getting married and adjusting to married life, becoming a dog mom, and navigating shifting spiritual rhythms. Join me as I share personal stories of waiting, change, and God’s faithfulness in every season. 

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In this episode, we connect Simeon’s story in Luke 2 with the history of this ancient Advent hymn, O Come, O Come, Emmanuel, and discover how both call us to trust God’s timing, remain attentive to His Spirit, and recognize His presence even when He comes quietly. If you are in a season of waiting and are feeling uncertain, weary, or tempted to rush ahead, this episode will encourage you. 

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In this episode, we sit with Simeon in Luke 2:25–32, a righteous and devout man who waited faithfully for the consolation of Israel in a season marked by political tension, spiritual dryness, and generations of unanswered longing. We explore what it meant to wait during the time of Jesus’ birth, how the Holy Spirit guided Simeon’s obedience, and why God often fulfills His promises through ordinary faithfulness rather than extraordinary moments.

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In this episode, we take an honest look at the subtle ways the Santa myth shapes our understanding of goodness, gifts, behavior, and belief. We explore how the lie of Santa contradicts the Truth at the heart of the Gospel and how it can unintentionally distort the way children view God, grace, and His love.

This isn’t an episode about legalism or fear — it’s about discernment, discipleship, and elevating the beauty of Jesus above cultural myths.

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