Words of Wisdom

Show notes

In 'Words of Wisdom 134: On the Paradox of Crisis', Josh explores the four main stages of life—chaos, crisis, healing, and flourishing. He discusses how people often live in a cycle of chaos and crisis, lacking hope and resilience. Josh explains that escaping this turmoil usually involves enduring a difficult crisis, characterized by intense pain and suffering, which can either lead to deeper darkness or become an opportunity for radical transformation and spiritual awakening. He emphasizes the importance of seeking skilled discipleship and surrendering to God during a crisis. Quotes from Lorenzo Scupoli and John Cassian are used to underscore the concept of spiritual warfare and returning to God. Reflective questions are provided to help listeners identify areas of chaos and crisis in their lives and encourage them to turn to God for guidance.

00:00 Navigating Life's Stages: From Chaos to Flourishing

01:03 The Paradox of Crisis: A Path to Transformation

01:43 Embracing the Crisis for Spiritual Awakening

02:37 The Power of Discipleship and Surrender

03:11 Finding Opportunity in Adversity

03:26 Inspirational Quotes to Guide You

04:03 Self-Reflection: Questions for Personal Growth

04:38 A Final Word of Encouragement

About Josh Kalsbeek, LMFT

• As a Psychoherapist Josh helps people overcome their greatest struggles.

•Founder and CEO of Great Oaks Collective, and it's flagship program Overcome, a 10-Week virtual Intensive Outpatient Program for Christian couples experiencing sexual betrayal and addiction. www.greatoakscollective.com. 

• Sign up to receive Josh's weekly email newsletter, Words of Wisdom. ​

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Links

Read the full episode here.

Lorenzo Scupoli (16th century priest), ​Unseen Warfare​

John Cassian (5th century monk), ​The Conferences​

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Show notes

In this episode of Words of Wisdom, Josh explores the themes of creativity, wisdom, and creating purposeful spaces in our lives. Josh begins with how creativity involves collecting and connecting ideas, emphasizing the importance of developing a system to gather ideas that ignite curiosity and the necessity of consistent creation to enhance independent thinking. The conversation then shifts to the analogy of knowledge being like a seed, underscoring the idea that knowledge must be applied to be truly valuable, similar to how a seed must grow to bear fruit. Additionally, Josh touches on the significance of organizing our living spaces to reflect meaning, beauty, or joy, inspired by notable quotes from Steve Jobs and Charles Spurgeon on creativity and wisdom. Josh concludes with reflective questions aimed at prompting listeners to consider the wisdom they are cultivating and to motivate them to act on their knowledge, thereby gifting their future selves with wisdom. This episode serves as a profound reminder of the power of creativity, the active use of knowledge, and the importance of intentional living spaces in our journey towards wisdom.

00:00 Introduction to Creativity and Wisdom

00:09 The Power of Creativity: Collecting and Connecting Ideas

00:39 The Essence of Knowledge: Growing Seeds into Trees

01:02 Creating Purposeful Spaces: A Home for Everything

01:10 Inspirational Quotes on Creativity and Wisdom

02:06 Reflective Questions for Personal Growth

02:35 Concluding Thoughts: Living Wisely

About Josh Kalsbeek, LMFT

• As a Psychoherapist Josh helps people overcome their greatest struggles.

•Founder and CEO of Great Oaks Collective, and it's flagship program Overcome, a 10-Week virtual Intensive Outpatient Program for Christian couples experiencing sexual betrayal and addiction. www.greatoakscollective.com. 

• Sign up to receive Josh's weekly email newsletter, Words of Wisdom. ​

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Links

​connecting ideas

develop a system​ 

Consistently create​ 

​think for yourself​

Take ​meaningful action​

Charles Spurgeon, in ​The Quotable Spurgeon​

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Show notes

Building Self-Control: The Path to Personal Resilience

In this episode, Josh dives into the importance of self-control using the analogy of a city wall, referencing Proverbs 25:28. He shares his personal journey of seeking God's help not just to eliminate desires but to develop self-control as a foundational character stone alongside faith, integrity, courage, love, and knowledge. Josh emphasizes that self-control is essential for withstanding life's challenges, drawing from observations of Proverbs 25:28. He discusses the defensive and protective nature of self-control, warning that a lack thereof can lead to destruction, either quickly or over years. The episode stresses the importance of preparation and growth in self-control, even during peaceful times, for overall flourishing and safety. It concludes with quotes from Oswald Chambers and Leon Trotsky on the nature of battle and self-control, followed by reflective questions to encourage personal growth and reliance on God's strength.

00:00 Introduction to Self Control and Spiritual Growth

01:01 Exploring Proverbs 25-28: Insights on Self Control

02:12 Inspirational Quotes on Will and Warfare

02:43 Reflective Questions for Personal Growth

03:17 Closing Thoughts: Embracing Resilience and Wisdom

About Josh Kalsbeek, LMFT

• As a Psychoherapist Josh helps people overcome their greatest struggles.

•Founder and CEO of Great Oaks Collective, and it's flagship program Overcome, a 10-Week virtual Intensive Outpatient Program for Christian couples experiencing sexual betrayal and addiction. www.greatoakscollective.com. 

• Sign up to receive Josh's weekly email newsletter, Words of Wisdom. ​

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Links

Oswald Chambers, ​My Utmost for His Highest​

Leon Trotsky, Quoted in Michael Walzer, ​Just and Unjust Wars: A Moral Argument with Historical Illustrations​

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Show notes

Today in 'Words of Wisdom 131 On Desperation for God,' underscores the importance of acknowledging our helplessness without God, drawing on the poignant plea from Psalm 130 verse 1. It emphasizes that turning to God is not a mere lifestyle choice but a fundamental need, likening it to a rebel finally surrendering to the only king who can offer true freedom. Josh highlights the infinite gap only God can bridge, bringing us from desperation to soulful rest and empowerment. It cites quotes from Richard Rohr and Augustine of Hippo, reflecting on the transformative power of God's love and the deep yearning for His presence, before concluding with reflective questions aimed at encouraging listeners to examine their own reliance on God's strength. Ultimately, the Josh conveys that our desperate need for God is not a predicament but an invitation to a life filled with soul-satisfying love.

00:00 The Cry of Desperation: Seeking God in the Depths

00:41 Surrendering to God: Beyond Self-Help and Life Hacks

01:12 Bridging the Gap: The Almighty's Role in Our Lives

01:41 The Psalmist's Cry: A Turning Point Towards God's Mercy

02:10 Inspirational Quotes: The Power of God's Love to Transform

02:35 Augustine's Confession: A Heartfelt Longing for God

03:41 Reflective Questions: Examining Our Dependence on God

04:20 Concluding Thoughts: Embracing Our Need for God

About Josh Kalsbeek, LMFT

• As a Psychoherapist Josh helps people overcome their greatest struggles.

•Founder and CEO of Great Oaks Collective, and it's flagship program Overcome, a 10-Week virtual Intensive Outpatient Program for Christian couples experiencing sexual betrayal and addiction. www.greatoakscollective.com. 

• Sign up to receive Josh's weekly email newsletter, Words of Wisdom. ​

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Links

You are ​powerless​ and need God

Richard Rohr, ​Falling Upward: A Spirituality for the Two Halves of Life​

Augustine of Hippo, ​Confessions​

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Show notes

This episode delves into the complex confusion of modern times, highlighting the contradictions in modern man's pursuit of rights without responsibilities, the loss of fundamental understanding of morality, and the misconceptions about relationships and truth. Through a compelling metaphor of a pilot navigating a jet fighter, it illustrates the disorientation and challenges faced by individuals and society in discerning moral truths amidst high-speed changes and secular influences. Josh quotes from Dallas Willard and Canon B. F. Westcott, stressing the impact of ideas and the diluted power of the gospel in contemporary life. It concludes with thought-provoking questions aimed at self-reflection on the creation of goodness, the balance between truth and harmony in relationships, and the importance of a wise, curious, and responsible approach to life's complexities.

00:00 Introduction: Navigating Modern Confusion

00:06 Exploring Modern Man's Confusion

01:06 Insights Through Quotes

03:12 Reflective Questions for Personal Growth

03:46 Concluding Thoughts: Wisdom for the Journey

About Josh Kalsbeek, LMFT

• As a Psychoherapist Josh helps people overcome their greatest struggles.

•Founder and CEO of Great Oaks Collective, and it's flagship program Overcome, a 10-Week virtual Intensive Outpatient Program for Christian couples experiencing sexual betrayal and addiction. www.greatoakscollective.com. 

• Sign up to receive Josh's weekly email newsletter, Words of Wisdom. ​

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Links

Dallas Willard, ​Divine Conspiracy​

B.F. Westcott, ​The Gospel of the Resurrection​

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Support this podcast by buying a book through one of the links above.

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Show notes

Finding True Belonging Through Integrity.

In this episode, we explore the essential connection between integrity and a genuine sense of belonging. I share insights on how lacking integrity can affect our depth of belonging and the stability of our lives, regardless of whether others are aware of our shortcomings. Drawing on my experiences with clients and referencing authors like Michael Dye and Derek Sivers, I delve into the importance of facing our failures and choosing to surrender to God as the first steps towards recovering personal integrity. The discussion underscores the role of the Holy Spirit in highlighting our destructive patterns and the power of discipline in turning our intentions into action. The episode wraps up with a series of reflective questions designed to prompt deeper self-examination and guide listeners towards making disciplined, integrity-driven choices in their daily lives.

Timestamps

00:00 The Quest for Integrity: A Deep Dive

01:31 The Path to Recovering Integrity

02:17 Embracing the Holy Spirit's Role in Transformation

02:52 The Importance of Discipline in Personal Growth

03:26 Self-Reflection: Questions to Guide Your Journey

04:02 Closing Thoughts: The Power of Integrity

About Josh Kalsbeek, LMFT

• As a Psychoherapist Josh helps people overcome their greatest struggles.

•Founder and CEO of Great Oaks Collective, and it's flagship program Overcome, a 10-Week virtual Intensive Outpatient Program for Christian couples experiencing sexual betrayal and addiction. www.greatoakscollective.com. 

• Sign up to receive Josh's weekly email newsletter, Words of Wisdom. ​

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Links

Michael Dye, ​The Genesis Process​

Derek Sivers, ​How to Live​

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Support this podcast by buying a book through one of the links above.

Support the podcast

Show notes

Exploring Sexual Minimalism: A Middle Path to Flourishing

This episode introduces the concept of sexual minimalism, positioning it as a middle ground between indulgence and repression of sexual desire. It discusses minimalism in the context of material possessions and online activities before delving into sexual minimalism. The approach emphasizes intentional engagement with sexual desire, aiming for simplicity, service, and holistic flourishing within a biblical worldview. Sexual minimalism is portrayed as a way to declutter the mind, improve relational intimacy, and foster discipline across life's aspects. The script includes practical questions for reflection on sexual minimalism's challenges and the beliefs that must be relinquished to embrace it. Key quotes from Apostle Paul and Thomas Chalmers underscore the discussion's moral and spiritual dimensions.

00:00 Introduction to Minimalism and Its Variants

00:55 Unveiling Sexual Minimalism: A New Philosophy

01:02 The Extremes of Sexual Desire: Control vs. Indulgence

01:58 The Essence and Principles of Sexual Minimalism

02:29 The Biblical Roots of Sexual Minimalism

03:05 The Benefits of Embracing Sexual Minimalism

03:47 Inspirational Quotes on Desire and Discipline

04:55 Reflective Questions and Conclusion

About Josh Kalsbeek, LMFT

• As a Psychoherapist Josh helps people overcome their greatest struggles.

•Founder and CEO of Great Oaks Collective, and it's flagship program Overcome, a 10-Week virtual Intensive Outpatient Program for Christian couples experiencing sexual betrayal and addiction. www.greatoakscollective.com. 

• Sign up to receive Josh's weekly email newsletter, Words of Wisdom. ​

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Links

The Expulsive Power of a New Affection, by Thomas Chalmers

Cal Newport, ​Digital Minimalism

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Support this podcast by buying a book through one of the links above.

Support the podcast

Show notes

Cultivating Wisdom and the Power of Rest

This episode delves into the importance of being mindful of our internal scripts, the distinction between wisdom and knowledge, and the significance of being intentional in our actions.

00:00 Introduction: Embracing Wisdom and Internal Scripts

00:09 The Power of Internal Scripts: Shifting Perspectives

00:49 Understanding Wisdom: Beyond Knowledge

01:11 The Essence of Intentionality and Meaningful Action

01:51 The Importance of Rest and Solitude

02:55 Reflection and Questions for Personal Growth

03:34 Concluding Thoughts: The Cycle of Effort and Rest

About Josh Kalsbeek, LMFT

• As a Psychoherapist Josh helps people overcome their greatest struggles.

•Founder and CEO of Great Oaks Collective, and it's flagship program Overcome, a 10-Week virtual Intensive Outpatient Program for Christian couples experiencing sexual betrayal and addiction. www.greatoakscollective.com. 

• Sign up to receive Josh's weekly email newsletter, Words of Wisdom. ​

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Links

Wisdom​

Take meaningful action

Slow​ down.

​Reflect​ in ​silence​.

Seek cycles of extraordinary ​effort​ and deep ​rest​ so that you can ​flourish​.

Ethan Hawke, ​Rules for a Knight

John Ortberg, ​Soul Keeping

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Support the podcast

Show notes

Embracing Transformation Through Surrender to God

In today's episode Josh discusses the profound impact of surrendering to God, highlighting how this state of surrender ensures presence, willingness, and acceptance in one's life.

00:00 Embracing Surrender: The Path to Transformation

02:33 The Power of Suffering and Love

03:20 Practices for Abiding in God's Presence

04:48 Reflections and Questions for a Deeper Faith

05:13 Closing Thoughts: The Essence of True Flourishing

About Josh Kalsbeek, LMFT

• As a Psychoherapist Josh helps people overcome their greatest struggles.

•Founder and CEO of Great Oaks Collective, and it's flagship program Overcome, a 10-Week virtual Intensive Outpatient Program for Christian couples experiencing sexual betrayal and addiction. www.greatoakscollective.com. 

• Sign up to receive Josh's weekly email newsletter, Words of Wisdom. ​

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Links

Elizabeth Elliot, ​Suffering is Never for Nothing​

John Mark Comer, ​The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry​

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Support this podcast by buying a book through one of the links above.

Support the podcast

Show notes

Transformation Through Suffering: Embracing Spiritual Rebirth

In this episode of the psychotherapy series, part three delves into the concept of transformation through suffering. Josh explores the idea that true transformation requires a change in thinking, feeling, and actions, but also emphasizes the spiritual and mysterious nature of change, likened to a 'spiritual rebirth' that originates from a divine source beyond the material world. Despite the efficacy of evidence-based treatment modalities in therapy, this episode underscores the indispensable role of spiritual awakening and relational processes in healing. It argues against solely focusing on ceasing specific behaviors or quieting suffering, advocating instead for drawing closer to Christ in times of suffering to see the world and oneself anew. The episode includes powerful quotes from St. John of the Cross as well as Richard Rohr about the radical mind shift ('metanoia') necessary for personal and social transformation, framing suffering not as an obstacle but as a pathway to deep spiritual growth and connection. The episode concludes with reflective questions to encourage listeners to surrender to God's control and embrace suffering as part of their transformation journey.

00:00 Introduction to Transformation through Suffering

00:22 The Mysterious Nature of Transformation

01:30 The Role of Love in Transformation

02:03 Suffering as a Path to Transformation

02:43 Inspirational Quotes on Transformation

03:14 Understanding Metanoia: A Fundamental Transformation

05:21 Reflection Questions for Personal Transformation

05:43 Conclusion: Embracing Suffering for Transformation

About Josh Kalsbeek, LMFT

• As a Psychoherapist Josh helps people overcome their greatest struggles.

•Founder and CEO of Great Oaks Collective, and it's flagship program Overcome, a 10-Week virtual Intensive Outpatient Program for Christian couples experiencing sexual betrayal and addiction. www.greatoakscollective.com. 

• Sign up to receive my weekly email newsletter, Words of Wisdom. ​

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Links

St. John of the Cross, The Dark Night, in The Collected Works of St. John of the Cross

Richard Rohr, The Wisdom Pattern

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Support this podcast by buying a book through one of the links above.

Support the podcast