I don’t believe I’ve ever heard someone say, “You know what my problem is? I’m just so greedy!” Greed is one of the most sneaky closet-dwellers because it is often so difficult to see in the mirror. When we boil greed down to its basic form we see that it is unfortunately common to the human experience but, thankfully, God has shown us a way to fight against the current of greed and live a life marked by contentment, generosity and joy.
Cleaning House - Anger
Have you ever perfectly cleaned and organized something only to have someone come and mess it up? When our orderly lives are disrupted, and anger invades our otherwise peaceful hearts, it is all too easy for us to say, “Yeah, I’m angry, but it’s clearly their fault!” Over time that anger, when allowed to grow in the dark places of our hearts, turns into bitterness that chokes out some of the most beautiful things in life. Anger can begin to harden our hearts, put a cap on the love we feel for others, and hold us back from taking steps into the future God has for us.
Cleaning House - Envy
Whether it’s a few dozen mismatched socks, a box full of receipts from five years ago, or a broken vacuum cleaner that you’ve already replaced, we all have things in our closets that need to hit the road. The same is true of our hearts - they are so easily cluttered with things that hold us back, rob us of our joy and hijack our peace of mind. Let’s get real and drag it all out into the open so we can ask God to point out what he wants us to trash and what He wants us to keep. We can do so with confidence, knowing that He loves us and wants to give us a rich and satisfying life.
Unshakeable
Temples & Tents
Jess interviews Kara Watson, author of a new study of the Bible's teachings on the physical human body. With an emphasis on the female form, Kara digs into both God's design of and desires for our physical bodies. Kara brings a fresh and honest perspective to the topics of self-image, beauty, and strength.
Taming the Beast - Bad Blood
In the words of T. Swift: "You know it used to be mad love, but baby now we've got bad blood." Conflicts often start small but can escalate quickly to create painful results, leaving our relationships pained and empty. A critical element in learning to tame the beast is to discover how we can not just diffuse an argument but reestablish unity in the relationship.
Taming the Beast - Truth & Love
Why do we so often believe we have to choose between being fully honest with someone and maintaining harmony in the relationship? Is it really possible to speak the truth in love? The authors of Crucial Conversations suggest that it is indeed possible to navigate these conversations in a way that allows us to be fully honest AND fully respectful. Learning these skills will lead us all to deeper, healthier relationships, and increased influence in our communities, workplaces and families.
Style Under Stress test - www.crucialconversations.com/sus
Taming the Beast - Obedience School
James chapter 3 reminds us that even the wildest of animals can be tamed, but the tongue is too wild to control. But Ephesians chapter 4 gives us a practical filter to help us train this wild beast. Implementing this filter is challenging, but for those of us who want our words to have a positive impact on those around us, it’s worth the effort.
Foundational Scripture: James 3:7-10, Ephesians 4:29
Taming the Beast - Fighting Fires
How can we learn to tame something as powerful and wild as flames of fire? What if we could learn to harness our passion and communicate in a way that gets us what we really want without burning those around us?
Foundational Scripture: James 3:5-6; Psalm 19:14
Unicorns, Perfect Parents & Other Mythical Creatures - Part Three
In this final episode of the series, Jess and her Mom, along with an adorable surprise guest, talk about the power our words have in our parenting. Join them as they discuss how all communication begins in our hearts, the power of speaking the truth in love, and the value of apologizing to your children.
Foundational Scripture: Luke 6:45, Ephesians 4:15
Unicorns, Perfect Parents & Other Mythical Creatures - Part Two
Unicorns, Perfect Parents & Other Mythical Creatures - Part One
In this first episode of a new 3-part series, Jess discusses unicorns, mermaids, and the mirage of "the perfect parent." This episode will encourage the weary parent and help us all shift the focus of our parenting efforts from perfecting tasks to investing in love relationships with our kids.
Foundational Scripture: Mark 12:30-31; Psalm 90:12
The Sower's Song
In this episode, Jess discusses how we can look forward to God growing new things in us as a result of the storms that come during the rainy seasons of life.
Foundational Scripture: Isaiah 55:9-13
"The Sower's Song" by Andrew Peterson
Do the Next Thing
Do the Next Thing
Take this week to catch up on any old episodes you may have missed from the Dig Deep Podcast. Join Jess again next Tuesday as she explores anxiety and depression, and the important decision that must be made a hundred times a day to simply "do the next thing."
Do The Next Thing
From an old English parsonage,
Down by the sea,
There came in the twilight,
A message to me;
Its quaint Saxon legend,
Deeply engraven,
Hath, as it seems to me,
Teaching from Heaven.
And on through the hours
The quiet words ring
Like a low inspiration-
"Do the next thing."
Many a questioning, many a fear,
Many a doubt, hath its quieting here.
Moment by moment,
Let down from Heaven,
Time, opportunity,
Guidance, are given.
Fear not tomorrows,
Child of the King,
Trust them with Jesus,
Do the next thing.
Do it immediately;
Do it with prayer;
Do it reliantly, casting all care;
Do it with reverence,
Tracing His Hand,
Who placed it before thee with
Earnest command.
Stayed on Omnipotence,
Safe 'neath His wing,
Leave all resultings,
Do the next thing.
Looking to Jesus, ever serener,
Working or suffering
Be thy demeanor,
In His dear presence,
The rest of His calm,
The light of His countenance
Be thy psalm,
Strong in His faithfulness,
Praise and sing,
Then, as He beckons thee,
Do the next thing.
- Author unknown
Restoration Marriage - Part Three - Q&A
Jess and her husband, Ben, answer listeners' questions about marriage.
Foundational Scripture: Proverbs 5, 2 Corinthians 13:11, John 12:46
Resources:
"Crucial Conversations" - by Patterson, Grenny, McMillan, Switzler
Restoration Marriage - Part Two
Restoration Marriage - Part One
Beauty for Ashes - Part Two
A powerful interview with Josh and Jen smith who share their story of infertility, adoption and, ultimately, God's incredible work in and through their lives. Their story is a poignant example of how God can redeem our broken situations and can create something more beautiful than we could ever imagine.
Foundational Scripture: Isaiah 61:1-3, 2 Corinthians 1:3-7
