Lighting the Way Today

LTWT 060: Friends, Drifting, and Breakups: Why Friendship Can Be Hard

“How sweet it is when you do overcome disagreements with someone else, when you decide that your friendship is more important than feelings of hurt or being upset, and you forgive each other. That bond can intensify.” Friendship can be one of the most meaningful and painful relationships we experience. In this episode, Heather Neault and minister Stacie Cook talk about why friendships can fade, fracture, or end altogether, and what we can do to be a good friend to others and mend relationships when needed. They also explore expectations, loyalty, and ways to keep relationships alive as friends get older, farther away, and busier. Along the way, they look at how the Bible treats friendship not as a bonus, but as an essential part of a healthy life. Conversation Links: * Acts 2:42 [https://www.kingjamesbibleonline.org/Acts-2-42/] * Acts 9:26,27 [New International Version] [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Acts%209%3A26-27&version=NIV] * Acts 15:39 [https://www.kingjamesbibleonline.org/Acts-15-39/] * II Corinthians 3:5 [https://www.kingjamesbibleonline.org/2-Corinthians-3-5/] * Proverbs 17:17 [https://www.kingjamesbibleonline.org/Proverbs-17-17/] * I Samuel 18:1 [https://www.kingjamesbibleonline.org/1-Samuel-18-1/] * John 11:35 [https://www.kingjamesbibleonline.org/John-11-35/] To Learn More about The Way International: * https://linktr.ee/thewayintl [https://linktr.ee/thewayintl] * https://www.theway.org/contact-us/ [https://www.theway.org/contact-us/] Certain opinions expressed in this podcast may or may not represent the views of The Way International. All music used is either owned by The Way International, is used with permission, has been purchased for use, or is in the public domain.

LTWT 059: Why Boundaries Aren’t Selfish

“Communicate directly, firmly, and lovingly. There’s a way to communicate in a very neutral, non-combative way....I think people appreciate honest communication.” Boundaries are often misunderstood. At times, they might get confused with walls, avoidance, or selfishness. In this episode, Steele Bergman interviews minister Laura Mittler, and they explore what healthy boundaries actually are, why so many people struggle to set them, and how they can help us establish healthy relationships with others and stay vital ourselves. Steele and Laura also talk about the difference between loving people well and allowing them to push us too far, and how Biblical wisdom frames boundaries not as rejection, but as a way to protect what matters most. Conversation Links: * Deuteronomy 19:14 [New King James Version] [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Deuteronomy%2019%3A14&version=NKJV] * Proverbs 27:17 [New King James Version] [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Proverbs%2027%3A17&version=NKJV] * I Corinthians 9:22 [https://www.kingjamesbibleonline.org/1-Corinthians-9-22/] * Genesis 1 [https://www.kingjamesbibleonline.org/Genesis-Chapter-1/] * LTWT 056: Screens and Spiritual Life [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oyWEuJT6jLE&list=PLp3A63pN5wmwRONmm8aRNQxiy2qDxyegn&index=3] To Learn More about The Way International: * https://linktr.ee/thewayintl [https://linktr.ee/thewayintl] * https://www.theway.org/contact-us/ [https://www.theway.org/contact-us/] Certain opinions expressed in this podcast may or may not represent the views of The Way International. All music used is either owned by The Way International, is used with permission, has been purchased for use, or is in the public domain.

LTWT 058: Surrounded but Alone: Overcoming Loneliness

“I really believe that God wants us to be the friend that we wish we had. So if we feel lonely and we want a friend, be that friend. God made us for community and connection.” Loneliness isn’t just about being alone. At times, it’s about feeling unseen, unheard, and disconnected, even in crowded rooms or full schedules. In this episode, Jennifer Clesi interviews minister Kim Thomas, and they unpack why loneliness is so prevalent in modern life and why independence and productivity don’t actually cure it. They explore the idea that our need for connection isn’t weakness—it’s part of how God designed us—and they show how God’s Word speaks honestly to the ache of isolation while offering a deeper vision of belonging. Conversation Links: * “Our Epidemic of Loneliness and Isolation” [https://nam12.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.hhs.gov%2Fsites%2Fdefault%2Ffiles%2Fsurgeon-general-social-connection-advisory.pdf&data=05%7C02%7CJenniferClesi%40theway.org%7Cb24fe334ed06496f3ef408de82cf1267%7Cdfc3789155b94fe0bc8b34a0f4b6650f%7C0%7C0%7C639092023031678847%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=NJj%2BIsAKxSAsaE770g8r9YW6Ia%2Bl5276BTf3WekAM3I%3D&reserved=0] * Definition of Loneliness [https://nam12.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.campaigntoendloneliness.org%2Ffacts-and-statistics%2F&data=05%7C02%7CJenniferClesi%40theway.org%7Cb24fe334ed06496f3ef408de82cf1267%7Cdfc3789155b94fe0bc8b34a0f4b6650f%7C0%7C0%7C639092023031714962%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=ONhblzWKzFVpQvRMdQKfbQX8vLIu3E7kcSJNYgbE9K4%3D&reserved=0] * “Feeling Lonely? Too Much Time on Social Media May Be Why” [https://nam12.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.npr.org%2Fsections%2Fhealth-shots%2F2017%2F03%2F06%2F518362255%2Ffeeling-lonely-too-much-time-on-social-media-may-be-why&data=05%7C02%7CJenniferClesi%40theway.org%7Cb24fe334ed06496f3ef408de82cf1267%7Cdfc3789155b94fe0bc8b34a0f4b6650f%7C0%7C0%7C639092023031753072%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=X8sB9BWX1mxui3nlbKbkSfIJhs6vASfFAztbil3uQXs%3D&reserved=0] * “Bible Engagement and ‘The Power of 4’: A Key to Spiritual Growth” [https://nam12.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.centerforbibleengagement.org%2Fpost%2Fbible-engagement-a-key-to-spiritual-growth&data=05%7C02%7CJenniferClesi%40theway.org%7Cb24fe334ed06496f3ef408de82cf1267%7Cdfc3789155b94fe0bc8b34a0f4b6650f%7C0%7C0%7C639092023031770567%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=asjCmGq6qe5rV1SF%2B15DJz7DSL%2FrvFfPnoJwad3LxzQ%3D&reserved=0] * Hebrews 13:5 [https://www.kingjamesbibleonline.org/Hebrews-13-5/] * Psalm 23:4 [https://www.kingjamesbibleonline.org/Psalms-23-4/] * Proverbs 18:24 (The Amplified Bible) [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Proverbs%2018%3A24&version=AMPC] * Proverbs 27:17 [https://www.kingjamesbibleonline.org/Proverbs-27-17/] * Genesis 2:18 [https://www.kingjamesbibleonline.org/Genesis-2-18/] * I Peter 5:8 [https://www.kingjamesbibleonline.org/1-Peter-5-8/] * I Corinthians 12:26 [https://www.kingjamesbibleonline.org/1-Corinthians-12-26/] * Romans 12:15 (New International Version) [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans%2012%3A15&version=NIV] * Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 [https://www.kingjamesbibleonline.org/Ecclesiastes-4-9_4-12/] * II Corinthians 2:11 [https://www.kingjamesbibleonline.org/2-Corinthians-2-11/] * I Corinthians 12:18-27 [https://www.kingjamesbibleonline.org/1-Corinthians-12-18_12-27/] * Ruth 1:16 (New International Version) [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ruth%201%3A16&version=NIV] * “One Another” in the New Testament [https://www.biblegateway.com/quicksearch/?qs_version=KJV&quicksearch=%22one+another%22&begin=47&end=73&resultspp=25] * Colossians 1:26 [https://www.kingjamesbibleonline.org/Colossians-1-26/] * Ephesians 4:1-3 [https://www.kingjamesbibleonline.org/Ephesians-4-1_4-3/] * Romans 1:11,12 [https://www.kingjamesbibleonline.org/Romans-1-11_1-12/] * II John 12 [https://www.kingjamesbibleonline.org/2-John-1-12/] * Home Fellowships [https://www.theway.org/connect/home-fellowships/] * Proverbs 4:23 [https://www.kingjamesbibleonline.org/Proverbs-4-23/] * Psalm 84:7 [https://www.kingjamesbibleonline.org/Psalms-84-7/] * I Corinthians 9:22 [https://www.kingjamesbibleonline.org/1-Corinthians-9-22/] * Luke 6:31 (English Standard Version) [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke%206%3A31&version=ESV] * Proverbs 11:25 (New International Version) [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Proverbs%2011%3A25&version=NIV] * Brené Brown [https://www.google.com/search?gs_ssp=eJzj4tLP1TdISc8rzjE0YPTiTipKzUtVSCrKL88DAGS6CDM&q=brene+brown&rlz=1C1JJTC_enUS1190US1192&oq=brene+brown&gs_lcrp=EgZjaHJvbWUqDwgBEC4YQxixAxiABBiKBTIHCAAQABiPAjIPCAEQLhhDGLEDGIAEGIoFMgcIAhAAGIAEMgcIAxAAGIAEMgwIBBAuGEMYgAQYigUyBwgFEC4YgAQyBwgGEAAYgAQyBwgHEAAYgAQyBwgIEC4YgAQyBwgJEAAYjwLSAQkxMDM2N2owajeoAgCwAgA&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8] To Learn More about The Way International: * https://linktr.ee/thewayintl [https://linktr.ee/thewayintl] * https://www.theway.org/contact-us/ [https://www.theway.org/contact-us/] Certain opinions expressed in this podcast may or may not represent the views of The Way International. All music used is either owned by The Way International, is used with permission, has been purchased for use, or is in the public domain.

LTWT 057: Difference Doesn’t Have to Divide Us

“All of the ‘causes,’ no matter how passionate we might be about them, all those causes fall short of the greatest cause, which is to reconcile people [back to God]. That’s the one that matters, and that one remedies all the others.” Join Sierra Bergman as she interviews Rev. Lyndon Sumlin about how we as Christians can approach social justice issues in our society. Social justice conversations often highlight power—who’s in and who’s out, who’s privileged and who’s oppressed. At times, these causes promise equality but can deepen division. But what does Scripture say about belonging, our value, and our unity in the Body of Christ? Our unity is God-given and is something that human systems and culture cannot replicate. We, as Christians, can have compassionate conversations with others when social justice topics are discussed, and we can also help people to see greater realities of what Christ has accomplished for us to break down the walls of division. Listen in for great truths about this topic. Conversation Links: * Romans 2:11 [https://www.kingjamesbibleonline.org/Romans-2-11/] * John 4 [https://www.kingjamesbibleonline.org/John-Chapter-4/] * I Corinthians 12 [https://www.kingjamesbibleonline.org/1-Corinthians-Chapter-12/] * Galatians 3:28 [https://www.kingjamesbibleonline.org/Galatians-3-28/] * Ephesians 4:3 [https://www.kingjamesbibleonline.org/Ephesians-4-3/] * I Corinthians 9:22 [https://www.kingjamesbibleonline.org/1-Corinthians-9-22/] * I Corinthians 13 [https://www.kingjamesbibleonline.org/1-Corinthians-Chapter-13/] * I Corinthians 15:10 [https://www.kingjamesbibleonline.org/1-Corinthians-15-10/] * Hebrews 12:2 [https://www.kingjamesbibleonline.org/Hebrews-12-2/] * Romans 8:28 [https://www.kingjamesbibleonline.org/Romans-8-28/] * Acts 1:8 [https://www.kingjamesbibleonline.org/Acts-1-8/] * Ephesians 6:12 [https://www.kingjamesbibleonline.org/Ephesians-6-12/] * Acts 8:1-8 [https://www.kingjamesbibleonline.org/Acts-8-1_8-8/] * The Way Magazine Jan/Feb 2026, “Who Has It Better than Us?” [https://store.theway.org/store/january-february-2026-way-magazine/] * Way Productions [https://www.youtube.com/@WayProductionsMusic] To Learn More about The Way International: * https://linktr.ee/thewayintl [https://linktr.ee/thewayintl] * https://www.theway.org/contact-us/ [https://www.theway.org/contact-us/] Certain opinions expressed in this podcast may or may not represent the views of The Way International. All music used is either owned by The Way International, is used with permission, has been purchased for use, or is in the public domain.

LTWT 056: Screens and Spiritual Life

“You can choose how you want to use [a screen]. But if you’re not intentional in your choosing, then, a lot of times, it will decide for you.” In this episode, Hunter Mullins and Steele Bergman chat about how we can have healthy relationships with technology to maximize our spiritual lives and keep God as our priority. Do you often find yourself scrolling on your phone for hours, but lack time to handle needful responsibilities? Is the overload of information we’re constantly surrounded by in society wearing away at your quality time with God? Technology has a benefit, and there are ways we can balance our use of it to enhance our lives rather than detract from them. Hunter and Steele provide their thoughts on the subject, helpful scriptures, and practical tips on how to keep that balance and keep God first. Conversation Links: * Proverbs 1:7 [https://www.kingjamesbibleonline.org/Proverbs-1-7/] * Colossians 3:2 [https://www.kingjamesbibleonline.org/Colossians-3-2/] * Psalm 119:37 (New International Version) [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm%20119%3A37&version=NIV] * Ephesians 6:12 [https://www.kingjamesbibleonline.org/Ephesians-6-12/] * I Kings 19:11,12 [https://www.kingjamesbibleonline.org/1-Kings-19-11_19-12/] * The Screwtape Letters [https://www.google.com/search?gs_ssp=eJzj4tDP1Tcwz7aoMmD0Ei3JSFUoTi5KLS9JLEhVyEktKUktKgYArPELRA&q=the+screwtape+letters&rlz=1C1JJTC_enUS1190US1192&oq=The+Screwta&gs_lcrp=EgZjaHJvbWUqCggBEC4YsQMYgAQyDQgAEAAY4wIYsQMYgAQyCggBEC4YsQMYgAQyBggCEEUYOTIHCAMQABiABDIHCAQQLhiABDIHCAUQABiABDIHCAYQABiABDIHCAcQABiABDIHCAgQABiABDIHCAkQABiABNIBCDUwMjRqMGo3qAIAsAIA&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8] * Hebrews 10:25 [https://www.kingjamesbibleonline.org/Hebrews-10-25/] To Learn More about The Way International: * https://linktr.ee/thewayintl [https://linktr.ee/thewayintl] * https://www.theway.org/contact-us/ [https://www.theway.org/contact-us/] Certain opinions expressed in this podcast may or may not represent the views of The Way International. All music used is either owned by The Way International, is used with permission, has been purchased for use, or is in the public domain.