Welcome to Wholesome Thinking, the podcast where we create a safe space to use the gifts that God gave us, challenge people’s minds and stimulate wholesome thinking. In this episode, we dive deep into the relationship between prayer and action.

What happens when we pray but don’t act? Is prayer without works enough? Or does God call us to move alongside our prayers?

We’ll explore the balance between faith and effort, discuss real-life examples of God working miracles through prayer, and reflect on how works can be an expression of trust in God’s plan.

Whether you’re seeking clarity on your spiritual walk or wondering how to see more impact from your prayers, this conversation is for you.

Let’s jump in!

0:01:35 - 0:09:47 - Does Prayer Need Work?

0:09:48 - 0:18:00 - Are You Doing Enough for Your Prayers to Work?

0:18:01 - 0:23:11 - Are You Doing the Right Work?

0:23:12 - 0:36:17 - Prayer + Obedience

0:36:18 - 0:52:22 - Praying and Miracles

0:52:23 - 0:54:15 - Spencer’s Notebook

0:54:16 - 0:59:36 - Encouragement for the week

References & Resources

James 1:6
Psalms 34:17
James 4:3
2 Chronicles 7:14
Luke 11:9-10

Welcome to Wholesome Thinking, the podcast where we create a safe space to use the gifts that God gave us, challenge people’s minds and stimulate wholesome thinking. In this episode, we talk about the power of promotion and what it means to promote and build things up.

We dive into the world of promotion from basic how-tos to deeper discussion about encouragement and using our platform for good.

We explore what it means to lift people up, share the spotlight, and bring attention to things that deserve it—whether it’s the church, a creative project, music, or Jesus Himself.

Let’s learn together how to promote well, edify others, and stay grounded in faith while doing it.

Let’s jump in!

0:01:49 - 0:04:54 - Understanding of Edification & Promotion

0:04:55 - 0:13:50 - Promotion of Things or Events

0:13:51 - 0:33:31 - Promotion of People/Self-Promotion

0:33:32 - 0:57:20 - Promoting Jesus and the Church

0:57:21 - 1:03:43 - Promotion

1:03:44 - 1:08:27 - Encouragement for the week

References & Resources

Book - How to Win Friends & Influence People by Dale Carnegie

https://www.amazon.com/How-Win-Friends-Influence-People/dp/0671027034/ref=asc_df_0671027034?mcid=2a637d42de5a3d1ea9d4cae45138478e&hvocijid=14752605731673521636-0671027034-&hvexpln=73&tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=721245378154&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=14752605731673521636&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=m&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=1027320&hvtargid=pla-2281435177818&psc=1

Church - Port City Church

https://portcitynfk.com/

Church - Chapel

https://www.chapelrva.com/

Podcast - Phenomenal Things

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/phenomenal-things/id1568942528

Luke 4
Matthew 28:9
Hebrews 10

Welcome to Wholesome Thinking, the podcast where we create a safe space to use the gifts that God gave us, challenge people’s minds and stimulate wholesome thinking. In this episode, we dive deep into the journey of prayer—its power, its purpose, and its challenges.

We talk about the importance of prayer in our daily lives, the struggles we’ve faced trying to stay consistent, and how our conversations with God have grown and changed as our relationship with Him has deepened.

From moments of doubt to miraculous answers, we share the stories of what happens when we bring everything to God in prayer.

Whether you’re just starting out or have been praying for years, you’re not alone—this is a space for growth, honesty, and spiritual encouragement.

Let’s jump in!

0:03:43 - 0:14:06 - What Does Prayer Works Mean

0:14:07 - 0:18:40 - What Do You Struggle Going to Prayer With

0:18:41 - 0:41:07 - Biggest Change in How We Pray Since Growing Closer With God

0:41:08 - 0:52:34 - Choosing God

0:54:08 - 0:55:00 - Spencer’s Notebook

0:55:01 - 0:59:19 - Encouragement For The Week

References & Resources

Sermon - Port City Church “God is one of one”

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/port-city-church/id1718475798?i=1000714348414

Podcast - Phenomenal Things

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/phenomenal-things/id1568942528

Matthew 6

Podcast - Upset The World Studios

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/upset-the-world-studios/id1632851388

Welcome to Wholesome Thinking, the podcast where we create a safe space to use the gifts that God gave us, challenge people’s minds and stimulate wholesome thinking. In this episode, we dive deep into the power of goals — what they are, why they matter, and how they shape the direction of our lives.

We open up about the goals we are currently working toward, the thought process behind setting them, and the struggles we face along the way.

But we don’t stop there. We also explore a deeper truth: why the enemy works so hard to distract us from our purpose. Whether it’s fear, comparison, procrastination, or chaos, the goal of these distractions are always the same — to pull us off course.

Join us as we get real about the importance of intentional living, spiritual clarity, and fighting for the vision placed on your heart.

Let’s jump in!

0:03:14 - 0:20:18 - Goals Set This Year

0:20:19 - 0:40:40 - How Do You Set Your Goals

0:40:41 - 0:54:05 - Speaking Life Into Your Goals / Affirmations

0:54:06 - 1:05:42 - Mirror Conversations

1:05:43 - 1:17:59 - Why the Enemy Tries to Keep Us Away From Our Goals

1:19:29 - 1:36:43 - Significance of Praying and Waiting

1:36:44 - 1:38:22 - Spencer’s Notebook

1:40:42 - 1:51:24 - Encouragement for the week

References & Resources

Habakkuk 2:2
Proverbs 3:5-6
Psalms 37
Matthew 6:33

Book - Hung by the Tongue by Francis P. Martin

https://www.amazon.com/Hung-Tongue-What-You-Say/dp/0965243303

Book - What to Say When You Talk to Yourself by Shad Helmstetter

https://www.amazon.com/What-When-Talk-Your-Self/dp/1501171992

Podcast - Summit Life with J.D. Greear

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/summit-life-with-j-d-greear/id723921422

Welcome to Wholesome Thinking, the podcast where we create a safe space to use the gifts that God gave us, challenge people’s minds and stimulate wholesome thinking. In this episode, we decided to do a little something different. We did a Q&A and answered questions from listeners. Below are the questions we discussed:

What keeps you motivated on your growth journey and what encouragement do you have for people who may sometimes lack motivation? 

How do you know when Gods calling you toward/away from something and differentiate His voice from your own desires. 

From our perspective, what is discernment and what does it look and how did we get on the level that you are in being able to say “these people/things are/aren't for me” and also “this isn’t what God has for me.”

How do we have the courage and social skills to go out and talk on a podcast like this or share the Gospel with people that may be strangers? How can an introvert overcome not wanting to share?

How do we deal with grief? We mentioned the analogy with the boat but how do we manage and also believe in such difficult times to know that we will find land and not just be floating in the ocean?

Let’s jump in!

0:02:46 - 0:12:44 - What keeps you motivated on your growth journey, and what encouragement do you have for people who lack motivation?

0:13:18 - 0:43:31 - How do you know when God is calling you towards or away something, and how do you differentiate His voice from your own desires?

0:43:49 - 0:44:24 - PROMOTION: Wholesome Thinking collaboration with The Warm Up Podcast June 2, 2025 @ 7:30 AM

0:45:41 - 0:56:40 - How do we have the courage and social skills to go out and talk on the podcast and share the Gospel with strangers, and how can an introvert overcome not wanting to share?

0:56:41 - 1:12:23 - How do you deal with grief, and how do we manage and also believe in difficult times that we will find land and not just float in the ocean (Boat analogy)?

1:12:24 - 1:35:20 - From your own perspective, what is discernment, what does it look like, and how did we get to the level of knowing what God has for us?

1:35:32 - 1:36:57 - Spencer’s Notebook

1:37:03 - 1:38:35 - PROMOTION: Wholesome Thinking collaboration with The Warm Up Podcast June 2, 2025 @ 7:30 AM

1:39:03 - 1:47:53 - Encouragement for the week

References & Resources

Book - Start With Why by Simon Sinek
https://www.amazon.com/Start-Why-Leaders-Inspire-Everyone/dp/1591846447

Book - The Purpose Driven Life by Rick Warren
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/031033750X/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0

Podcast - The Basement with Tim Ross
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-basement-with-tim-ross/id1632851388

Galatians 5

Psalms 25

Welcome to Wholesome Thinking, the podcast where we create a safe space to use the gifts that God gave us, challenge people’s minds and stimulate wholesome thinking. In this episode, we explore what it means to set and honor boundaries in different areas of our lives, and why doing so is an act of self-respect, clarity, and care.

We unpack the emotional and mental toll of living without boundaries. We talk about the human side of boundary-setting—especially when it involves people closest to us, like family. How do you say “no” without guilt? What does it look like to redefine relationships that have gone unchecked for years?

We also tackle boundaries in professional spaces—how to guard your time, communicate clearly, and maintain your well-being in environments that often blur the lines. In the age of constant connectivity, we dive into the impact of social media on our mental space and how to create healthy digital habits.

Whether you’re just beginning to explore boundaries or you’ve been on the journey for awhile, we offer thoughtful insights, real stories, and practical tools to help you create a more grounded, intentional, and peaceful life—one boundary at a time.

Let’s jump in!

0:01:15 - 0:10:57 - Perspective in Boundaries

0:10:58 - 0:19:53 - How Boundaries Help to Take Care of Yourself

0:19:54 - 0:30:07 - Boundaries and Rest

0:30:08 - 0:40:08 - Boundaries With Family / Stop People Pleasing

0:40:09 - 0:57:15 - Can Boundaries Be Negative?

0:57:16 - 1:10:33 - Boundaries at Work

1:10:34 - 1:20:30 - Boundaries and Technology/Digital Age

1:20:31 - 1:30:30 - The What-If Syndrome

1:30:31 - 1:34:13 - Spencer’s Notebook

1:34:14 - 1:42:19 - Encouragement for the Week

References & Resources:

2 Samuel 11:1-2

Bible Plan - Cultivate Sacred Soil

https://www.bible.com/en/reading-plans/57150

Website - Reaction Test

https://humanbenchmark.com/tests/reactiontime

Book - Boundaries: When To Say Yes, How to Say No To Take Control Of Your Life

https://www.amazon.com/Boundaries-Updated-Expanded-When-Control/dp/0310350239/ref=asc_df_0310350239?mcid=69323ce951f5359fbfaa08e1ea644e3d&hvocijid=14608047107314599875-0310350239-&hvexpln=73&tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=721245378154&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=14608047107314599875&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=m&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9008561&hvtargid=pla-2281435178098&psc=1 

Welcome to Wholesome Thinking, the podcast where we create a safe space to use the gifts that God gave us, challenge people’s minds and stimulate wholesome thinking. In this episode, we dig deep into one of Jesus’ most well known parables—the Parable of the Sower. We discuss the types of soil mentioned in the parable.

We explore the timeless wisdom behind Jesus’ use of agricultural metaphors, the condition of the “soil” of our hearts, and what kind of soil we find ourselves relating to today.

How do we recognize when our hearts are hard, rocky, thorny, or fertile? What does it mean to cultivate soil that can truly receive and grow God’s Word?

Whether you’re feeling stuck, shallow, or spiritually thriving, this conversation is for you.

Let’s jump in!

0:03:26 - 0:12:19 - Significance of Agricultural Metaphors

0:12:20 - 0:44:22 - Which Soil Relates to Us?

0:44:23 - 0:46:51 - Can You Hear or See Me?

0:46:52 - 0:59:52 - Personal Reflection On Different Soil Responses

0:59:33 - 1:06:17 - Our Role in Spiritual Growth

1:06:18 - 1:32:23 - What Has God Asked Us to Give Up?

1:32:24 - 1:35:00 - Spencer’s Notebook

1:35:01 - 1:43:24 - What’s More Important: The Sower or The Soil?

1:43:25 - 1:51:34 - Encouragement For The Week

References & Resources

Matthew 13:1-23

Bible Plan - Cultivate Sacred Soil
https://www.bible.com/en/reading-plans/57150

Sermon - Wave Church - “If You Say So | Josh Kelly”
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=aNcVQjUzxQs&t=739s&pp=2AHjBZACAQ%3D%3D

Instagram - @thejasonjacksonjr

Podcast - The Leader’s Cut with Preston Morrison - “Faith That Can Take On Anything (with Tim Ross)”
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-leaders-cut-with-preston-morrison/id1680852632?i=1000703867780

Welcome to Wholesome Thinking, the podcast where we create a safe space to use the gifts that God gave us, challenge people’s minds and stimulate wholesome thinking. In this episode, we pull back another layer about faith. We discuss letting God be God in your life. We encourage people to take their hand off the wheel and let God take His rightful place in your life.

We talk about what it really means to stop trying to control everything and start trusting the One who holds it all together. Through biblical truth, personal stories, and real-life encouragement, we unpack fully surrendering to God.

We delve into the importance of keeping him first and standing strong when the enemy comes to tempt or distract.

Whether you’re in a season of waiting, wrestling, or wondering, we’re here to remind you: God is in control. He’s working even when you can’t see it.

Let’s jump in!

0:02:42 - 0:34:35 - “Let God Be God”

0:34:36 - 0:53:26 - Obedience Through Death and Money

0:53:27 - 1:04:18 - Being Intentional With God (Busyness vs Stillness)

1:04:19 - 1:24:27 - Submission to God & Remaining Obedient

1:24:28 - 1:27:12 - Spencer’s Notebook

1:27:13 - 1:35:27 - Biggest Takeaways

1:35:28 - 1:42:00 - Encouragement for the week

References & Resources

Podcast - Transformation Church Podcast - “Don’t Get It Twisted // Wicked: The Worship of Wealth (Week 1)”

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/transformation-church/id1348831124?i=1000699418078

Book - God, Money, & Me by Paul De Jong

https://www.amazon.com/God-Money-Me-Creating-financial/dp/0473396858

Song - Order My Steps In Your Word

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=dmzCyxHIYoI&pp=0gcJCdgAo7VqN5tD

Galatians 5:16-23

Quotes:

“You cannot look backwards while trying to move forward.”

“You have to take something off for God to do something new.”

“You can’t receive “the new” from God if your hands are full with “the old”.”

“Until you let go of what was you will never take hold of what would be.”

Youtube Link 

⁠https://www.youtube.com/@wholesomethinkingpod⁠

Welcome to Wholesome Thinking, the podcast where we create a safe space to use the gifts that God gave us, challenge people’s minds and stimulate wholesome thinking. In this episode, we dive deep into the power of association and how the people you surround yourself with can shape your success and personal growth—both positively and negatively.

We discuss how our curiosity can hinder you while logic helps you make thoughtful decisions about the people that you let in your life.

We delve into the importance of identifying associations that align with your goals and values, whether that’s seeking out mentors, avoiding toxic relationships, or knowing when it’s time to distance yourself from negative influences.

Join us as we discuss being intentional in cultivating relationships that foster personal growth and lead you toward living your best life.

Let’s jump in!

0:02:50 - 0:14:36 - Being in Good Association

0:14:37 - 0:19:26 - Growing vs. Existing on a Winning Team

0:19:27 - 0:35:45 - Are You on the Bench?

0:35:46 - 0:53:43 - Curiosity and Logic

0:53:44 - 1:05:18 - Be Still in the Storm

1:05:19 - 1:08:44 - You Are Part of the Kingdom Puzzle

1:08:45 - 1:22:46 - Protect the Integrity of Your Association

1:22:47 - 1:28:08 - Spencer’s Notebook

1:28:09 - 1:32:32 - Encouragement for the Week

References & Resources:

Book - The 15 Invaluable Laws of Growth by John Maxwell (The Law of Environment)

https://www.amazon.com/15-Invaluable-Laws-Growth-Potential/dp/1599953676/ref=asc_df_1599953676?mcid=4227125b73dc3dcabed0cbc5a2a97b47&hvocijid=1685114075573879986-1599953676-&hvexpln=73&tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=721245378154&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=1685114075573879986&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=m&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9008561&hvtargid=pla-2281435176218&psc=1

Book - The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership by John Maxwell (The Law of Influence)

https://www.amazon.com/21-Irrefutable-Laws-Leadership-International/dp/1400237882/ref=asc_df_1400237882?mcid=90cec778edfd369491643bab48adb2bb&hvocijid=1064213721238995265-1400237882-&hvexpln=73&tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=721245378154&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=1064213721238995265&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=m&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9008561&hvtargid=pla-2281435177618&psc=1

Book - My Utmost For His Highest by Oswald Chambers

https://www.amazon.com/My-Utmost-His-Highest-Paperback/dp/1627078754/ref=asc_df_1627078754?mcid=3285d04fcb943ead8c1d978e6bbbb543&hvocijid=7900635531501533130-1627078754-&hvexpln=73&tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=721245378154&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=7900635531501533130&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=m&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9008561&hvtargid=pla-2281435175938&psc=1

Podcast - Kingdom Life Church VA “Pastor Atina // In the Zone (March Madness)”

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/kingdom-life-church-va/id1492460165?i=1000700592901

Podcast - Jerry Flowers Podcast “Turning Wounds Into Wisdom | Therapy Thursday”

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/jerry-flowers-podcast/id1441350709?i=1000701233492

Bible Plan - Always in Control

https://www.bible.com/en/reading-plans/13921

Welcome to Wholesome Thinking, the podcast where we create a safe space to use the gifts that God gave us, challenge people’s minds and stimulate wholesome thinking. In this episode, we dive into the powerful connection between communication and vulnerability. How do these elements work together to build trust, foster connection, and deepen relationships? We explore how different personality styles impact the way we give and receive communication.

We also discuss the importance of speaking life into everything around us—how the words we choose can shape our experiences, relationships, and emotional well-being.

We explore why vulnerability often feels so challenging and why we tend to hold back. We touch on the profound benefits of being vulnerable and open, even when it feels uncomfortable, and how embracing vulnerability can ultimately lead to greater emotional strength, better communication, and deeper connections with others.

Join us as we discuss breaking down barriers to understand yourself and others better and learn how to communicate from a place of openness and authenticity.

Let’s jump in!

0:02:56 - 0:16:08 - Giving and Receiving Communication

0:16:09 - 0:30:44 - Receiving Feedback and Improving Your Communication

0:30:45 - 0:54:46 - Where Is / Where Was the Vulnerability?

0:54:47 - 0:59:16 - Creating the Safe Space for Vulnerability

0:59:17 - 01:12:46 - The Power of Positive Self-Talk

01:12:47 - 01:18:05 - Life and Death is in the Power of the Tongue

01:18:06 - 01:21:01 - Spencer’s Notebook

01:21:02 - 01:28:55 - Encouragement for the week

References & Resources:

Book - Wired That Way by Marita Littauer
https://www.amazon.com/Wired-that-Way-Comprehensive-Personality/dp/0830738401

Book - What to Say When You Talk to Yourself by Shad Helmstetter
https://www.amazon.com/What-When-Talk-Your-Self/dp/1501171992/ref=asc_df_1501171992?mcid=810853a47b3738c8a27c3518dcb1cbec&tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=693443941858&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=7572958241648643739&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=m&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9008561&hvtargid=pla-523289558825&psc=1

Book - Hung by the Tongue by Francis P. Martin
https://www.amazon.com/Hung-Tongue-What-You-Say/dp/0965243303

Book - How to Win Friends & Influence People by Dale Carnegie
https://www.amazon.com/How-Win-Friends-Influence-People/dp/0671027034/ref=asc_df_0671027034?mcid=2a637d42de5a3d1ea9d4cae45138478e&tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=693372870693&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=1422892930922604665&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=m&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9008561&hvtargid=pla-432445153110&psc=1

Scripture from Encouragement of the Week

James 1:5
Proverbs 8
1 Kings 3:9