Walk Talks

Happy Thanksgiving! As we gather with family and pause from the pace of life, this day holds special weight for Christians—not just as a national tradition, but as a spiritual discipline. Gratitude is more than a feeling; it’s a response offered to a Person. And Psalm 100 reminds us exactly who deserves that thanks.

In this Thanksgiving episode of Walk Talks, we walk through Psalm 100:4–5 and its call to “Give thanks to Him.” We explore how this psalm draws our eyes away from ourselves and toward the character of God—His exceeding goodness, His everlasting kindness, and His enduring faithfulness. These are the anchors of our thanksgiving, not only today but every day.

Join us as we enter His courts with praise and rehearse the goodness, mercy, and faithfulness of the Lord to every generation.

In this week’s episode of The Word Within, Micah Herbster and Micah Gillespie continue their journey through the ninth stanza of Psalm 119, reflecting deeply on the theme of God’s goodness—even in affliction. Building on last week’s discussion about the Lord’s corrective kindness, they now explore how God can use even the opposition of the wicked to prod His people back toward Himself.

Walking verse-by-verse through Psalm 119:69–72, the conversation uncovers the Psalmist’s experience with slander, the hardened hearts of the proud, and the striking contrast of the believer’s unwavering obedience and delight in God’s law. Together, the Micahs consider how affliction can be received as a gracious gift—teaching us God’s statutes, shaping us into Christlikeness, and proving that God’s Word is more valuable than “thousands of gold and silver.”

As we enter the Thanksgiving season, this episode calls us to recognize the often-unexpected ways God works for our good, even through difficulty. Join us as we embrace the goodness of God—especially in the afflictions that lead us closer to Him.

In this special Friday Focus episode of the Walk Talks Podcast, Emily Herbster and Emaley Gillespie sit down with Carolyn Sykora to trace the gracious, steady hand of God through her journey of faith and ministry. From her Wisconsin roots and early salvation to her formative years studying voice and cross-cultural ministry at Bob Jones University, Carolyn shares how the Lord cultivated in her a heart for missions and prepared her for the unexpected paths ahead.

Carolyn also reflects on her years in overseas ministry, the surprising way God redirected her steps toward Southland in 2019, and the unmistakable ways He confirmed His leading at each turn. With warmth and humility, she recounts how serving on summer staff opened the door to a full-time role where she now helps keep Southland’s ministry running smoothly behind the scenes. Listeners will be encouraged by Carolyn’s testimony of patient obedience, God’s sovereign timing, and the joy of following Him wherever He leads.

In this week’s Walk Talk, Micah Herbster sits down with Michael McIntyre to explore the ninth stanza of Psalm 119—and the surprising goodness of God in His correction. While the psalmist celebrates God’s “good dealings,” “good discernment,” and “good doings,” this conversation lingers where the text itself leads: on the goodness of God in the discipline of His own.

Like lost sheep who need the shepherd’s staff, we often need the Lord’s prodding, redirecting, and even painful correction. Psalm 119:65–68 shows that affliction itself can be a mercy—God’s best work to bring wandering hearts back to His Word. Together Micah and Michael trace the repeated theme of God’s goodness and remind us that in a season of thanksgiving, we praise not only the gifts God gives, but the God who gives Himself through His wise, purposeful discipline.

If God is good—and He is—then everything He uses to shape His children is good too. Join us for a conversation that encourages humble gratitude, renewed trust, and a fresh confidence in the Shepherd who lovingly brings His people home.

In this episode, Micah Gillespie explores what it means to cultivate musical taste—not just consume music. He unpacks how intentional listening shapes our discernment, deepens our appreciation for artistry, and ultimately enriches both personal worship and everyday life. Whether you’re a seasoned musician or simply someone who wants to enjoy music more thoughtfully, this conversation will help you tune your ears—and your heart—to what truly matters.

In this episode of The Word Within, Malachi Herbster continues our Walk Talks journey through Psalm 119, exploring the “Distinct Delights” of a life centered on God’s Word. In verses 57–64, the psalmist declares, “Thou art my portion, O Lord,” revealing the joy of belonging fully to the Lord and finding satisfaction in His statutes. From Radical Constraint to Righteous Companionship, this passage uncovers what sets the believer’s joy apart from the world’s fleeting pleasures—a joy rooted in obedience, gratitude, and fellowship with those who fear God.

Discover how devotion brings both discipline and delight as Malachi unpacks six key marks of a heart fully satisfied in the Lord, showing that the life anchored in Scripture is not one of mere duty, but of distinct and lasting delight.

In this Friday Focus episode, former summer staff member Pastor Austin Bergey joins us to share how God used camp ministry to shape his life and calling. From five summers serving at Christian camp to five years in evangelism with Ron DeGarde Ministries, Austin’s journey is a testimony of how small, faithful steps lead to lasting spiritual growth.

He talks about the benefits of spending summers in camp ministry, practical ways to overcome financial challenges while serving, and even how those ministry summers led him to meet his wife, Charlotte. Together, they now serve the youth at Community, continuing their passion to see God work in the next generation.

Tune in to be encouraged that every step — big or small — counts in the Christian walk.

In this episode of The Word Within, we continue our journey through Psalm 119 with the seventh stanza, verses 49–56. Mike Graham joins Micah Herbster to reflect on the sustaining power of God’s Word in seasons of trial and testing. Together they trace the psalmist’s path of comfort—found not in changing circumstances, but in the unchanging promises of God.

From hope that anchors the heart, to life renewed in affliction, to joy that sings through the night watches, this passage reminds us that the Word of God is our constant companion and guide. Listen in as we consider how Scripture comforts, steadies, and strengthens all who walk in obedience to it.

This week on Friday Focus, Emaley and Emily sit down with Alyson Hanson, whose life and ministry are deeply rooted in the daily rhythms of camp life at Southland Christian Ministries. Alyson and her husband, Erik, joined Southland’s full-time staff in 2018 after years of serving on summer staff—a season that not only shaped their calling but also brought them together in marriage. Today, Erik leads key maintenance projects across the property while Alyson serves faithfully as a full-time mom, piano teacher, and active supporter in Southland’s ministries.

In this episode, Alyson shares her story of how God led their family to camp life, the joys and challenges of raising children in ministry, and the spiritual lessons learned through motherhood, loss, and God’s faithful provision. From the meaning behind her daughters’ names to her insights for young mothers seeking to nurture a love for Christ in their homes, Alyson’s perspective offers a beautiful reminder that serving the Lord often begins in the quiet, everyday moments of family life.

In this sixth stanza of Psalm 119, we discover a believer who not only treasures God’s Word in his heart but also proclaims it boldly with his mouth. As Micah and Micah walk verse by verse through Psalm 119:41–48, they trace a powerful theme—God’s Word in My Mouth—and explore how mercy, salvation, and truth lead the psalmist from quiet devotion to confident declaration.

This passage highlights three Christian virtues Paul names in 1 Corinthians 13:13: faith (v.42), hope (v.43), and love (vv.47–48). You’ll hear how God’s mercies give assurance, His Word gives confidence, and His commandments stir delight and obedience. From unashamed boldness before kings to humble submission before God, this section of Psalm 119 reminds us that true liberty comes from a life rooted in the Word—and spoken for His glory.