Gospel Spice | Awaken Delight in God through faith in Jesus Christ

Stephanie Rousselle welcomes Elle Cardel, author of “She Delights”, a book about experiencing delight in God, even during seasons of suffering. Elle offers insight into cultivating deep faith, biblical joy, and intimacy with God. True delight in God is cultivated through deep engagement with Scripture, honest and continuous prayer, and a perspective of gratitude. The spiritual strength to endure hardship flows from knowing God delights in us, not for what we do, but because of Christ. The legacy the believer leaves is a testimony that “nothing satisfies like Jesus”—a lesson to pass on in both word and life. Elle Cardel emphasizes that shallow faith—one reliant on mere Sunday attendance, occasional Bible verses, or inspirational talks—cannot sustain us through life’s inevitable hardships. True resilience in faith comes from immersing ourselves in God’s Word, not just secondhand knowledge from others. Elle describes this as becoming “Bible geeks”—students eager to soak up the living and active Word of God so that, when suffering comes, our roots are deep, and we know God is with us. This depth equips us to see suffering as an environment where God delights to meet and transform us. Elle distinguishes joy from happiness. Happiness fluctuates with circumstances, whereas joy is a fruit of the Spirit and accessible to us at all times, especially when we choose it. Elle shares a deeply personal story about her daughter Selah’s medical crisis, during which Elle discovered that grief and joy can coexist. Through vulnerability and seeking God in her private pain, Elle experienced God’s palpable presence—realizing that delighting in God amid suffering is an act of worship, not the result of easy circumstances. Stephanie and Elle discuss the importance of savoring life—choosing to rejoice in what is, rather than fixating on what is not. They encourage us to approach life with the mindset of “savoring,” which, in French, connects closely to both delight and deliciousness. This means joy is something to be tasted and experienced, even in dark valleys, by recognizing God’s blessings and presence in small, everyday moments. Spiritual disciplines such as regular Bible reading and prayer should be established before crisis hits. These practices are like the roots of the tree in Psalm 1, deep and sustaining even in seasons of drought. Elle acknowledges that motivation may wane, but real change comes from choosing to meet God in His Word, pushing past feelings of laziness or intimidation, and allowing scripture to transform us over time—just as food nourishes the body slowly. Elle describes prayer as both lifeblood and lifeline—a means of connecting honestly with God. Prayer need not be formal or perfect; it’s about bringing every emotion and mundane task before God and seeking His presence in all aspects of life. She recommends practical habits like breath prayers and attaching prayer to daily activities, making prayer natural and constant. Elle stresses that all intimacy and delight with God are rooted not in performance, but in grace— through “imputed righteousness:” We are loved and delighted in by God because of what Jesus accomplished. Our spiritual effort doesn’t earn His acceptance; instead, we respond in joyful obedience out of gratitude for His love. Our identity as beloved children of God is secure in Christ. Delighting in God is not a shallow cliché. It is a sustaining, daily posture, rooted in His delight in us and nourished by intentional habits, steadfast faith, and the overwhelming grace found in Jesus. MORE ABOUT ELLE CARDEL Hi! I’m Elle Cardel (yep, it rhymes!), a sinner saved by God’s great redeeming love and grace, wife to my college sweetheart, Michael, and mother to our two little loves, Selah and Aidan! I was born and raised in the south and live in the heart of middle Tennessee with my family. (Although, some may find that hard to believe since I cannot stand the taste of sweet tea.)  I’m a full-time coffee-sipper, word-writer, friend-hugger, book-reader, shower-singer, and DIY-dreamer. Most importantly, I delight in encouraging women of faith to be proactive in their pursuit of knowing God and delighting in the truths of His Word. I do not take this responsibility God has entrusted to me lightly. Needless to say, I’m so glad you are here and hope you will choose to stick around! https://www.daughterofdelight.com/who-we-are [https://www.daughterofdelight.com/who-we-are]  MORE ABOUT SHE DELIGHTS In a world that tempts us to chase after temporary joys and fleeting pleasures, the call to delight in the Lord remains firm and true. But what does it actually mean to delight in Him? And how can we cultivate a life that reflects that joy—even in the hardest seasons? She Delights: Cultivating a Heart That Reigns & Sustains is an invitation to experience the joy and strength found in abiding in Christ. Through biblical wisdom, personal reflections, and thought-provoking insights, this book will guide you toward a deeper understanding of what it means to live a life anchored in God's goodness. We invite you to check out the first episode of each of our series, and decide which one you will want to start with. Go to gospelspice.com [http://%20gospelspice.com%20]for more, and go especially to gospelspice.com/podcast [http://gospelspice.com/podcast] to enjoy our guests! Interested in our blog? Click here: gospelspice.com/blog [http://gospelspice.com/blog] Identity in the battle | Ephesians https://www.podcastics.com/episode/74762/link/ [https://www.podcastics.com/episode/74762/link/] Centering on Christ | The Tabernacle experience https://www.podcastics.com/episode/94182/link/ [https://www.podcastics.com/episode/94182/link/] Shades of Red | Against human oppression https://www.podcastics.com/episode/115017/link/ [https://www.podcastics.com/episode/115017/link/] God's glory, our delight  https://www.podcastics.com/episode/126051/link/ [https://www.podcastics.com/episode/126051/link/]   GGOD cover w STR name.jpg [https://assets.podcastics.com/monthly_2022_04/210779342_GGODcoverwSTRname.jpg.7de80c965706488a010fd7b4ed28c8cc.jpg]https://assets.podcastics.com/monthly_2022_04/210779342_GGODcoverwSTRname.jpg.7de80c965706488a010fd7b4ed28c8cc.jpg You are invited to join us on the Gospel Spice Prayer Bible Study, titled "The heart behind prayer" starting September 20, 2025! Details and registration here: https://www.gospelspice.com/prayer [https://www.gospelspice.com/prayer]  There are a few things in our Christian life that we know we should do more, or at least better – and prayer just might top the list. Prayer is a mystery. Why would a conversation with a human have any influence on God’s eternal, sovereign plan? It defies logic, and beckons love. How can God, the Almighty Lord of Hosts, be this close, this personal? It defies understanding, and beckons involvement. But, lack of time, inspiration, and discipline, combined with the ruthless tyranny of our busy lives, push prayer to the periphery, to the “one day I’ll get to it” pile. And yet, we can excel at what we endeavor to undertake. So, why isn’t prayer more of a spiritual priority? Could we develop a mindset around prayer that made it attractive, inspiring, even maybe delightful? What if we attuned our spiritual ears to listen to God, and our spiritual eyes to see His provision? As an unassuming student, I’m going to humbly offer to share the little I have learned from others about the joy of prayer. I will give us theology, practical tips, and useful resources, sharing what works for me as we, together, learn to pray. If you find prayer intimidating, or if your lack of prayer makes you feel guilty or “less than,” then this is the place for you! If you have been a student of prayer for many years, this is the place for you too! If you have breath in your lungs, then prayer can become one of the deepest joys of your day. Don’t miss out! A PERSPECTIVE ABOUT PRAYER To pray is to believe that God not only hears, but that He responds. It is to stand in the gap for a broken world, wielding the authority of Christ, empowered by the Spirit, and trusting in the goodness of the Father. The question is not whether prayer works, but whether we are willing to pray the kinds of prayers that invite God’s Kingdom into the darkest places of the earth—and of our own hearts. We may never fully understand the mechanics of prayer, or how it intersects with God's sovereignty, but we are not called to understand everything. We are called to be faithful. And faithfulness means showing up—in prayer, in persistence, in expectation. So today, let us pray not only for the comfort of our hearts, but for the transformation of the world. Let us take our place as image-bearers, co-laborers, and co-heirs. Let us believe that God is still listening—and still acting. Because He is. There’s only one way to find out what might happen when we truly pray like this. Let’s begin. THE MINDSET BEHIND THIS COURSE Before we begin, let me tell you the obvious: I don’t really know how to pray. I’m a humble student and absolute beginner at the holy endeavor that is prayer. So, this course isn’t really about what I’ve learned, or any wisdom I might have gathered. But, I’ve sat at the feet of many prayer warriors over the decades, through books and teachings. So, I’ll share what I learned from them. Humility is going to be our primary heart posture! With each lesson, I will offer a few thoughts, practices, and ideas – with much humility, and not taking myself too seriously. I will also share her favorite books and resources about prayer. FInally, I will introduce you to some of the most influential prayer warriors of our history as the Body of Christ. Most importantly, I will invite YOU to pray! Learning to pray comes from praying. Our humble ambition is to inspire you to pray, and to give you a few tips on how to do that. Then, it’s up to you! Prayer is a lifelong endeavor. Let’s make it delightful together! So, let’s get started. Support us on Gospel Spice [https://www.gospelspice.com/donate], PayPal [https://www.paypal.com/biz/fund?id=U9CFSXW2XCWCL] and Venmo [https://account.venmo.com/u/gospelspice]!

In today’s Gospel Spice lesson, Stephanie Rousselle takes us on a historical journey to frame the Old and the New Testaments, the 400 years between Malachi’s time until the arrival of John the Baptist. This period, often referred to as the "intertestamental period," spans remarkable historical developments that are essential to understanding the world Jesus was born into. Imagine living in our day and age, but having no idea of what happened to our country, world, and culture in the last 400 years. Imagine that the latest “news” you have date back from the 1620’s or so. Would this affect our understanding of our day? In the same way, we cannot cut 400 years of Jewish history, and assume we lose nothing. Malachi delivered his message around 420BC; John the Baptist. Malachi’s successor called to “make a highway in the wilderness” to proclaim the arrival of Messiah, came onto the Judean scene in the 20’s AD. But Scripture is silent about this span of time. These "400 years of silence," as they are often called, were not so silent politically, religiously, and socially. By studying the events during this time, we gain insight into how the world was meticulously prepared for Jesus's arrival. While these events are not recorded in the Bible, they hold much significance to know Christ more. Beginning with Alexander the Great’s conquest in 333 BC, the world saw Greek culture and language take hold, influencing many aspects of life, including the translation of the Hebrew Old Testament into Greek, known as the Septuagint. This was pivotal, as it allowed for greater access to the Scriptures and laid the foundation for the New Testament to reference these texts. The era is ripe with hostile dynamics between the Hellenistic influences from Greece and the resistance that arose from the Jews, who sought to preserve their traditions. This tension is encapsulated in the Maccabean Revolt led by Judas Maccabeus, a significant event that ultimately led to the celebration of Hanukkah. Another important theme from this period is the rise of different Jewish sects, such as the Pharisees, Sadducees, and Essenes. These groups played crucial roles in the religious landscape of Israel and were directly involved in the societal structure during Jesus’s time. These historical layers formed a backdrop against which God chose to reveal His Son. The development of Greek as a universal language and Roman infrastructure, like roads facilitating trade and communication, enabled the rapid spread of the Gospel. Our historical exploration ties to biblical prophecy, specifically how this time fits into Daniel’s prophecy of seventy weeks. This provides an eschatological perspective to the discussion. Understanding these details, as part of grasping the broader biblical narrative, challenges the modern tendency to focus solely on personal applicability of Scripture without considering its historical and theological context. Our lesson is an invitation to (re)discover this rich tapestry of history. We encourage you to use the Gospel Spice workbook and additional resources provided to further explore this period’s influence on Jesus’s earthly ministry and its legacy in the New Testament church. DISCOVER THE GOSPEL SPICE MINISTRIES [http://gospelspice.com] http://gospelspice.com The Gospel Spice Podcast is part of a larger range of tools given to you by Gospel Spice Ministries. In a nutshell, we exist to inspire Christ-followers to delight in God. In more details: we provide resources to empower Christian leaders across generational, social, ethnic and geographical boundaries towards more intimacy with Jesus Christ and discipleship effectiveness through a Biblical Christocentric foundation. The Gospel-Spice Ministries provide a safe environment for spiritual and community growth empowering people to know Christ more intimately, serve one another more powerfully, and reach the world for Jesus. PLAY IT FORWARD by SHARING the link [https://www.podcastics.com/podcast/38/link/]with friends and family. PRAY IT FORWARD [https://www.gospelspice.com/payitforward] by praying for us and those you share it with! PAY IT FORWARD!! Would you consider supporting this show [https://www.gospelspice.com/payitforward] today to help others enjoy it for free? It comes to you completely free, but is labor-intensive to produce, and we want to keep putting it in the ears of people! Gospel Spice Ministries [http://gospelspice.com]is a non-profit organization registered under the tax-exempt 501c3 status. Your donations are tax-deductible under IRS Section 170. We want to be the best possible stewards of your financial support. All donations above our minimal operating costs go to Christian organizations fighting human trafficking. Go to gospelspice.com [http://gospelspice.com%20]for more, and go especially to gospelspice.com/podcast [http://gospelspice.com/podcast] to enjoy our guests! Interested in our blog? Click here: gospelspice.com/blog [http://gospelspice.com/blog] (*ListenNotes ranking, 2023) You are invited to join us on the Gospel Spice Prayer Bible Study, titled "The heart behind prayer" starting September 20, 2025! Details and registration here: https://www.gospelspice.com/prayer [https://www.gospelspice.com/prayer]  There are a few things in our Christian life that we know we should do more, or at least better – and prayer just might top the list. Prayer is a mystery. Why would a conversation with a human have any influence on God’s eternal, sovereign plan? It defies logic, and beckons love. How can God, the Almighty Lord of Hosts, be this close, this personal? It defies understanding, and beckons involvement. But, lack of time, inspiration, and discipline, combined with the ruthless tyranny of our busy lives, push prayer to the periphery, to the “one day I’ll get to it” pile. And yet, we can excel at what we endeavor to undertake. So, why isn’t prayer more of a spiritual priority? Could we develop a mindset around prayer that made it attractive, inspiring, even maybe delightful? What if we attuned our spiritual ears to listen to God, and our spiritual eyes to see His provision? As an unassuming student, I’m going to humbly offer to share the little I have learned from others about the joy of prayer. I will give us theology, practical tips, and useful resources, sharing what works for me as we, together, learn to pray. If you find prayer intimidating, or if your lack of prayer makes you feel guilty or “less than,” then this is the place for you! If you have been a student of prayer for many years, this is the place for you too! If you have breath in your lungs, then prayer can become one of the deepest joys of your day. Don’t miss out! A PERSPECTIVE ABOUT PRAYER To pray is to believe that God not only hears, but that He responds. It is to stand in the gap for a broken world, wielding the authority of Christ, empowered by the Spirit, and trusting in the goodness of the Father. The question is not whether prayer works, but whether we are willing to pray the kinds of prayers that invite God’s Kingdom into the darkest places of the earth—and of our own hearts. We may never fully understand the mechanics of prayer, or how it intersects with God's sovereignty, but we are not called to understand everything. We are called to be faithful. And faithfulness means showing up—in prayer, in persistence, in expectation. So today, let us pray not only for the comfort of our hearts, but for the transformation of the world. Let us take our place as image-bearers, co-laborers, and co-heirs. Let us believe that God is still listening—and still acting. Because He is. There’s only one way to find out what might happen when we truly pray like this. Let’s begin. THE MINDSET BEHIND THIS COURSE Before we begin, let me tell you the obvious: I don’t really know how to pray. I’m a humble student and absolute beginner at the holy endeavor that is prayer. So, this course isn’t really about what I’ve learned, or any wisdom I might have gathered. But, I’ve sat at the feet of many prayer warriors over the decades, through books and teachings. So, I’ll share what I learned from them. Humility is going to be our primary heart posture! With each lesson, I will offer a few thoughts, practices, and ideas – with much humility, and not taking myself too seriously. I will also share her favorite books and resources about prayer. FInally, I will introduce you to some of the most influential prayer warriors of our history as the Body of Christ. Most importantly, I will invite YOU to pray! Learning to pray comes from praying. Our humble ambition is to inspire you to pray, and to give you a few tips on how to do that. Then, it’s up to you! Prayer is a lifelong endeavor. Let’s make it delightful together! So, let’s get started. Support us on Gospel Spice [https://www.gospelspice.com/donate], PayPal [https://www.paypal.com/biz/fund?id=U9CFSXW2XCWCL] and Venmo [https://account.venmo.com/u/gospelspice]!

We all experience spiritual hunger or malnourishment at various points in our faith journey. On the Gospel Spice podcast, guest Lynn Jackson shares her story and offers practical wisdom on rekindling spiritual health through her book, The Recipe. Stephanie and Lynn explore how to find strength and closeness with God even in life’s hardest seasons—no matter how spiritually “hungry” or exhausted you might feel. If you feel spiritually weary, you are not alone—and it is not your fault. Start where you are. Open the “pantry” of God’s Bible and take a nibble. God’s Word isn’t reserved for the strong, but is nourishment for the hungry and the weak. With humility, honesty, and consistency, spiritual health is rebuilt one small bite at a time. And, as Lynn encourages, pass the “recipe” along: encourage others, share the method, and help one another discover God’s daily provision. BUY “THE RECIPE” HERE: https://www.amazon.com/Recipe-simple-workbook-spiritual-weary/dp/B0F7NCYG63 [https://www.amazon.com/Recipe-simple-workbook-spiritual-weary/dp/B0F7NCYG63]  Here’s what Lynn and Stephanie discuss: 1. Understanding Spiritual Malnutrition Lynn Jackson begins by sharing her own background—growing up disconnected from God, despite church attendance, and later experiencing spiritual exhaustion as a pastor's wife. Her journey highlights that spiritual dryness isn’t unique to new believers; it affects mature Christians, too. The problem isn’t always a lack of desire, but feeling so weary, discouraged, or busy that opening the Bible itself feels impossible. Lynn discovered that many people in church are “starving” spiritually, even after years of faith. We need nourishment, but don’t know where to begin. 2. God’s Word as a Pantry—Verses as Spiritual Food Lynn describes the Bible as “God’s pantry,” full of nourishing verses—like shelves brimming with food and spices. Just as our bodies need regular meals, our souls need consistent spiritual “food.” Yet, many of us avoid the pantry, believing it’s inaccessible, overwhelming, or only for those with abundant time and energy. 3. The Importance of Taking “Spiritual Nibbles” A common misconception is that “good Christians” must spend hours in Bible study for it to count. Lynn challenges this, likening such expectations to serving someone a Thanksgiving feast when they need a simple piece of toast. If you’re malnourished or spiritually weak, feasting isn’t possible—you start with a nibble. The Recipe provides a gentle method to reconnect with Scripture, even when motivation and strength are low. Sometimes, reading and meditating on a single verse is enough. One “taste” of God’s Word can reawaken spiritual appetite and begin to strengthen your soul. 4. Permission to Be Messy Many avoid engaging with God because of perfectionism—thinking spiritual practices must be beautiful, well-organized, or profound. Lynn encourages the opposite: make a mess! She tells stories of scribbled journals and a “messy kitchen” as metaphors for the normal, chaotic process of spiritual growth. The goal is connection, not perfection. 5. The Practical Steps of The Recipe The book provides a four-week, hands-on guide. Rather than lectures, Lynn offers companionship—like inviting the reader into her kitchen to watch, then join, and finally lead in “preparing spiritual food.” The process is adaptable: maybe today you need a full meal, but other days, just a single “protein bite” (verse) to carry you through. PURCHASE “THE RECIPE” BY LYNN JACKSON Stephanie could not be clearer: she strongly, strongly invites you to purchase a copy of “the Recipe” for yourself, and maybe a few more to give away as gifts to friends and family! You will not regret it. https://www.amazon.com/Recipe-simple-workbook-spiritual-weary/dp/B0F7NCYG63 [https://www.amazon.com/Recipe-simple-workbook-spiritual-weary/dp/B0F7NCYG63]  MORE ABOUT LYNN JACKSON https://journeylynn.com/about/ [https://journeylynn.com/about/]  https://thrivelead.org/about/ [https://thrivelead.org/about/]  Scott Jackson is the CEO & Co-Founder of Thrive Leadership Foundation. His wife, Lynn works alongside of him as Co-Founder and Partnership Development. Prior to co-founding THRIVE, they were Northeast Directors for Churches In Missions for 11 years. With CiM they trained and took teams on short term mission trips both here and abroad. Scott also served as Vice President of Administration. Prior to CiM, they served in the pastorate for 22 years at Warrington Fellowship Church in Warrington, Pennsylvania. Scott received his Bachelor Degree in Bible from Lancaster Bible College and his Masters of Divinity from Biblical Theological Seminary. Lynn received her Bachelor of Science in Psychology from College of The Ozarks. Scott and Lynn have an extensive speaking ministry here and abroad. Their speaking ministries include: pulpit supply, retreats and conferences for Pastors and wives, church staff and retreats for men, women or couples as well as mission conferences. They enjoy speaking as a couple or individually. The Jacksons understand the terrain and mix of family life and answering the call of full time ministry. They have 4 adult children, 3 in-law children and 7 grandchildren. Scott and Lynn have been married for over 35 years and currently reside in Pennsburg, Pennsylvania. We invite you to check out the first episode of each of our series, and decide which one you will want to start with. Go to gospelspice.com [http://%20gospelspice.com%20]for more, and go especially to gospelspice.com/podcast [http://gospelspice.com/podcast] to enjoy our guests! Interested in our blog? Click here: gospelspice.com/blog [http://gospelspice.com/blog] Identity in the battle | Ephesians https://www.podcastics.com/episode/74762/link/ [https://www.podcastics.com/episode/74762/link/] Centering on Christ | The Tabernacle experience https://www.podcastics.com/episode/94182/link/ [https://www.podcastics.com/episode/94182/link/] Shades of Red | Against human oppression https://www.podcastics.com/episode/115017/link/ [https://www.podcastics.com/episode/115017/link/] God's glory, our delight  https://www.podcastics.com/episode/126051/link/ [https://www.podcastics.com/episode/126051/link/]   GGOD cover w STR name.jpg [https://assets.podcastics.com/monthly_2022_04/210779342_GGODcoverwSTRname.jpg.7de80c965706488a010fd7b4ed28c8cc.jpg]https://assets.podcastics.com/monthly_2022_04/210779342_GGODcoverwSTRname.jpg.7de80c965706488a010fd7b4ed28c8cc.jpg You are invited to join us on the Gospel Spice Prayer Bible Study, titled "The heart behind prayer" starting September 20, 2025! Details and registration here: https://www.gospelspice.com/prayer [https://www.gospelspice.com/prayer]  There are a few things in our Christian life that we know we should do more, or at least better – and prayer just might top the list. Prayer is a mystery. Why would a conversation with a human have any influence on God’s eternal, sovereign plan? It defies logic, and beckons love. How can God, the Almighty Lord of Hosts, be this close, this personal? It defies understanding, and beckons involvement. But, lack of time, inspiration, and discipline, combined with the ruthless tyranny of our busy lives, push prayer to the periphery, to the “one day I’ll get to it” pile. And yet, we can excel at what we endeavor to undertake. So, why isn’t prayer more of a spiritual priority? Could we develop a mindset around prayer that made it attractive, inspiring, even maybe delightful? What if we attuned our spiritual ears to listen to God, and our spiritual eyes to see His provision? As an unassuming student, I’m going to humbly offer to share the little I have learned from others about the joy of prayer. I will give us theology, practical tips, and useful resources, sharing what works for me as we, together, learn to pray. If you find prayer intimidating, or if your lack of prayer makes you feel guilty or “less than,” then this is the place for you! If you have been a student of prayer for many years, this is the place for you too! If you have breath in your lungs, then prayer can become one of the deepest joys of your day. Don’t miss out! A PERSPECTIVE ABOUT PRAYER To pray is to believe that God not only hears, but that He responds. It is to stand in the gap for a broken world, wielding the authority of Christ, empowered by the Spirit, and trusting in the goodness of the Father. The question is not whether prayer works, but whether we are willing to pray the kinds of prayers that invite God’s Kingdom into the darkest places of the earth—and of our own hearts. We may never fully understand the mechanics of prayer, or how it intersects with God's sovereignty, but we are not called to understand everything. We are called to be faithful. And faithfulness means showing up—in prayer, in persistence, in expectation. So today, let us pray not only for the comfort of our hearts, but for the transformation of the world. Let us take our place as image-bearers, co-laborers, and co-heirs. Let us believe that God is still listening—and still acting. Because He is. There’s only one way to find out what might happen when we truly pray like this. Let’s begin. THE MINDSET BEHIND THIS COURSE Before we begin, let me tell you the obvious: I don’t really know how to pray. I’m a humble student and absolute beginner at the holy endeavor that is prayer. So, this course isn’t really about what I’ve learned, or any wisdom I might have gathered. But, I’ve sat at the feet of many prayer warriors over the decades, through books and teachings. So, I’ll share what I learned from them. Humility is going to be our primary heart posture! With each lesson, I will offer a few thoughts, practices, and ideas – with much humility, and not taking myself too seriously. I will also share her favorite books and resources about prayer. FInally, I will introduce you to some of the most influential prayer warriors of our history as the Body of Christ. Most importantly, I will invite YOU to pray! Learning to pray comes from praying. Our humble ambition is to inspire you to pray, and to give you a few tips on how to do that. Then, it’s up to you! Prayer is a lifelong endeavor. Let’s make it delightful together! So, let’s get started. Support us on Gospel Spice [https://www.gospelspice.com/donate], PayPal [https://www.paypal.com/biz/fund?id=U9CFSXW2XCWCL] and Venmo [https://account.venmo.com/u/gospelspice]!

Welcome to our 4th episode in our “Malachi” series! Today we explore a rich conversation with God through the dynamics of divine justice and mercy, focusing on the relationship between God's unchanging nature and His offer of grace to humanity. Malachi offers both a picture of God’s judgment, targeting sins such as sorcery, adultery, and oppression, and at the same time, God declares His constancy, ensuring that humanity isn’t consumed. This paradox of divine justice and mercy is a central theme in the book of Malachi, since God's steadfast love is the foundation of our existence and redemption. God, speaking through Malachi, presents tithing as a practical expression of faith. Tithing symbolizes our dependence on God as an act of returning blessings back to Him. In Christ, tithing is not as a strict obligation, but a way to encourage a lifestyle of generosity and trust in God’s provision. Tithing is not about a precise percentage, but about the spirit of generosity that reflects our relationship with God. The people of Malachi’s time doubted the benefit of serving God, equating prosperity with divine favor. This prosperity gospel mindset, so prevalent in our own day and age, misses the true reward of intimacy with God, over and against mere material gain. Today, Malachi offers us a powerful reminder of God’s promise to His people, stating that those who fear Him and honor His name are cherished by Him. We come full circle when we connect Malachi’s message to its prophetic fulfillment through Jesus Christ, who offers the ultimate relationship and reward with God. Stephanie encourages reflection on this relationship and challenges us to align our actions with our faith, fostering a community that esteems God’s Name. Overall, the book of Malachi is about understanding the depth of God’s love and justice, encouraging us to return to God with open hearts, and recognizing the unparalleled reward of a close relationship with Him. Through Malachi's questions and answers, we are invited to explore our own faith, rooted and established in Christ. We are invited to seek God's presence and promises in our generation, in the context of historical Scripture. You are invited to join us on the Gospel Spice Prayer Bible Study, titled "The heart behind prayer" starting September 20, 2025! Details and registration here: https://www.gospelspice.com/prayer [https://www.gospelspice.com/prayer]  There are a few things in our Christian life that we know we should do more, or at least better – and prayer just might top the list. Prayer is a mystery. Why would a conversation with a human have any influence on God’s eternal, sovereign plan? It defies logic, and beckons love. How can God, the Almighty Lord of Hosts, be this close, this personal? It defies understanding, and beckons involvement. But, lack of time, inspiration, and discipline, combined with the ruthless tyranny of our busy lives, push prayer to the periphery, to the “one day I’ll get to it” pile. And yet, we can excel at what we endeavor to undertake. So, why isn’t prayer more of a spiritual priority? Could we develop a mindset around prayer that made it attractive, inspiring, even maybe delightful? What if we attuned our spiritual ears to listen to God, and our spiritual eyes to see His provision? As an unassuming student, I’m going to humbly offer to share the little I have learned from others about the joy of prayer. I will give us theology, practical tips, and useful resources, sharing what works for me as we, together, learn to pray. If you find prayer intimidating, or if your lack of prayer makes you feel guilty or “less than,” then this is the place for you! If you have been a student of prayer for many years, this is the place for you too! If you have breath in your lungs, then prayer can become one of the deepest joys of your day. Don’t miss out! A PERSPECTIVE ABOUT PRAYER To pray is to believe that God not only hears, but that He responds. It is to stand in the gap for a broken world, wielding the authority of Christ, empowered by the Spirit, and trusting in the goodness of the Father. The question is not whether prayer works, but whether we are willing to pray the kinds of prayers that invite God’s Kingdom into the darkest places of the earth—and of our own hearts. We may never fully understand the mechanics of prayer, or how it intersects with God's sovereignty, but we are not called to understand everything. We are called to be faithful. And faithfulness means showing up—in prayer, in persistence, in expectation. So today, let us pray not only for the comfort of our hearts, but for the transformation of the world. Let us take our place as image-bearers, co-laborers, and co-heirs. Let us believe that God is still listening—and still acting. Because He is. There’s only one way to find out what might happen when we truly pray like this. Let’s begin. THE MINDSET BEHIND THIS COURSE Before we begin, let me tell you the obvious: I don’t really know how to pray. I’m a humble student and absolute beginner at the holy endeavor that is prayer. So, this course isn’t really about what I’ve learned, or any wisdom I might have gathered. But, I’ve sat at the feet of many prayer warriors over the decades, through books and teachings. So, I’ll share what I learned from them. Humility is going to be our primary heart posture! With each lesson, I will offer a few thoughts, practices, and ideas – with much humility, and not taking myself too seriously. I will also share her favorite books and resources about prayer. FInally, I will introduce you to some of the most influential prayer warriors of our history as the Body of Christ. Most importantly, I will invite YOU to pray! Learning to pray comes from praying. Our humble ambition is to inspire you to pray, and to give you a few tips on how to do that. Then, it’s up to you! Prayer is a lifelong endeavor. Let’s make it delightful together! So, let’s get started. Support us on Gospel Spice [https://www.gospelspice.com/donate], PayPal [https://www.paypal.com/biz/fund?id=U9CFSXW2XCWCL] and Venmo [https://account.venmo.com/u/gospelspice]!

Cindy DeBoer joins Stephanie to share her story of transformation—from living the American dream to pursuing a life of simplicity and deep faith. Cindy’s family motto sums it up best: “We chose to live simpler so that others can simply live.” Whether that means downsizing, shifting how you spend time, or offering your unique talents, the ultimate goal is the same—living in tune with God’s melody for your life, allowing Him to enrich and use you far beyond what the culture’s definition of “success” could offer. Cindy’s candid memoir offers practical lessons for anyone feeling overwhelmed by the relentless pursuit of “more” or sensing a disconnect between their faith and daily life. Cindy shares the story of her family choosing to live simpler so others can simply live. She asks, What does it look like to glorify God with our finances? In her new book, Far, far better things, she shares that, in the first 12 years of her marriage, she and her husband, although faithfully attending church and following Jesus as best they knew how, were still very focused on "getting ahead," building their bank account, striving to have the best of everything - including having the best house and the best kids. They pushed themselves nearly to the breaking point. She tells us what (who?) stopped that trajectory and got them to turn their lives around and specifically, start asking the question, "What if we lived what we say we believe?” From Success to Surrender: A Life Re-examined Cindy’s early adult life was marked by what her community celebrated as success: marriage to her high school sweetheart, good jobs, a dream house with luxury amenities, and busy, achievement-packed schedules for their four children. Despite following what seemed like a “formulaic path,” she and her husband felt empty and exhausted. Their faith, although present, was largely intellectual and routine—church attendance and mealtime prayers—but lacked genuine heart engagement. The turning point came when brave friends challenged them to question, “Where is God in all of this?” This gentle but persistent questioning—along with new friendships, books, and volunteer work—sparked a series of soul-searching prayers: Were they truly living out what they professed to believe? What might God be asking of them that they’d never considered? Small Steps Lead to Big Changes Change didn’t happen overnight. Cindy and her husband began with small, tangible acts of obedience, like reaching out to a homeless family from their child’s classroom—a move that transformed their understanding of compassion and shifted their mindset from “helper” to “learner.” These steps emboldened them to pursue adoption, welcoming a daughter from Guatemala. The process opened their eyes further to global poverty and injustice, stirring a passion for others that wouldn’t have developed in their comfortable status quo. A defining lesson came as they downsized their home—moving from their “dream house” to the “little brown mansion.” This reduction in material possessions brought unexpected peace and joy, as it freed up energy, time, and resources for giving and serving. Most importantly, Cindy observed the positive impact such choices had on their children, making them more resilient, empathetic, and adept at hearing God’s voice. The Heart of the Lesson: Simplicity Isn’t Poverty—It’s Purpose Cindy insists her story isn’t prescriptive—not everyone is called to move overseas or adopt a child. Instead, her encouragement is this: Hold your life loosely before God. Ask the courageous question: “Am I truly living what I say I believe?” Trust that God honors even the smallest steps of faith. Simplicity, as Cindy has learned, is not about deprivation, but about creating space for what truly matters—intimacy with God, sacrificial community, and authentic love for others. Cindy’s family motto sums it up best: “We chose to live simpler so that others can simply live.” Whether that means downsizing, shifting how you spend time, or offering your unique talents, the ultimate goal is the same—living in tune with God’s melody for your life, allowing Him to enrich and use you far beyond what the culture’s definition of “success” could offer. Key Takeaways: ·         True transformation often starts with honest self-reflection, hard questions, and small acts of obedience. ·         Simplifying life creates freedom—to serve, give, and connect with God and others more deeply. ·         God’s blessings are not just material or circumstantial—they are rooted in intimacy with Him and being part of His work in the world. ·         Every step towards living out your faith, no matter how small, can create ripples of hope, change, and fulfillment. Let Cindy’s story be an invitation: dare to ask what God might want to do with your “ordinary” life, and trust that His far, far better things await, one simple step at a time. ABOUT “FAR FAR BETTER THINGS” What happens when you’ve reached all your earthly goals and you’re only twenty-eight years old? What if you’ve realized the American Dream, and although you’re pretty confident it’s all a big blessing from Jesus, you still feel miserably lacking in purpose and fulfillment? What makes a reasonably well-off American Christian family walk away from their perfectly scripted life—prestigious careers, dream home, lake house, nice cars, kids’ sports, frequent travel, perfect church, tons of family and friends—and follow God to the ends of the earth? How would any young family have the courage to leave all the things the world tells us to strive for and instead choose a life of intentional simplifying, serial downsizing, and two major moves overseas? Cindy’s memoir chronicles their family’s unorthodox Christian journey that began as a result of praying in earnest: “Lord, help us to live what we say we believe.” Follow along as the DeBoers, a typical average suburban family, finds the courage to subvert a safe and comfortable life for a risky and riotous ride that led them to far, far better things. Buy the book: https://www.amazon.com/Far-Better-Things-Surrendering-American/dp/1625863128/ [https://www.amazon.com/Far-Better-Things-Surrendering-American/dp/1625863128/]  Get a signed copy directly from Cindy: https://cindydeboer.com/the-book/ [https://cindydeboer.com/the-book/]  ABOUT CINDY DEBOER Cindy DeBoer is a blogger, psychiatric nurse, and recovering “un-missionary.” She and her husband, Paul, are passionate about demystifying Islam for Christians, working with development organizations in Central America, and partnering with several local ministries that serve under-resourced people. Today, living in the heart of Grand Rapids, Michigan, they delight in their four grown children, three children-in-love, two grandchildren, and the ability to walk everywhere—especially to their small community church (back in the Reformed tradition!) just six blocks away. More at https://cindydeboer.com/ [https://cindydeboer.com/]  GGOD cover w STR name.jpg [https://assets.podcastics.com/monthly_2022_04/210779342_GGODcoverwSTRname.jpg.7de80c965706488a010fd7b4ed28c8cc.jpg]https://assets.podcastics.com/monthly_2022_04/210779342_GGODcoverwSTRname.jpg.7de80c965706488a010fd7b4ed28c8cc.jpg You are invited to join us on the Gospel Spice Prayer Bible Study, titled "The heart behind prayer" starting September 20, 2025! Details and registration here: https://www.gospelspice.com/prayer [https://www.gospelspice.com/prayer]  There are a few things in our Christian life that we know we should do more, or at least better – and prayer just might top the list. Prayer is a mystery. Why would a conversation with a human have any influence on God’s eternal, sovereign plan? It defies logic, and beckons love. How can God, the Almighty Lord of Hosts, be this close, this personal? It defies understanding, and beckons involvement. But, lack of time, inspiration, and discipline, combined with the ruthless tyranny of our busy lives, push prayer to the periphery, to the “one day I’ll get to it” pile. And yet, we can excel at what we endeavor to undertake. So, why isn’t prayer more of a spiritual priority? Could we develop a mindset around prayer that made it attractive, inspiring, even maybe delightful? What if we attuned our spiritual ears to listen to God, and our spiritual eyes to see His provision? As an unassuming student, I’m going to humbly offer to share the little I have learned from others about the joy of prayer. I will give us theology, practical tips, and useful resources, sharing what works for me as we, together, learn to pray. If you find prayer intimidating, or if your lack of prayer makes you feel guilty or “less than,” then this is the place for you! If you have been a student of prayer for many years, this is the place for you too! If you have breath in your lungs, then prayer can become one of the deepest joys of your day. Don’t miss out! A PERSPECTIVE ABOUT PRAYER To pray is to believe that God not only hears, but that He responds. It is to stand in the gap for a broken world, wielding the authority of Christ, empowered by the Spirit, and trusting in the goodness of the Father. The question is not whether prayer works, but whether we are willing to pray the kinds of prayers that invite God’s Kingdom into the darkest places of the earth—and of our own hearts. We may never fully understand the mechanics of prayer, or how it intersects with God's sovereignty, but we are not called to understand everything. We are called to be faithful. And faithfulness means showing up—in prayer, in persistence, in expectation. So today, let us pray not only for the comfort of our hearts, but for the transformation of the world. Let us take our place as image-bearers, co-laborers, and co-heirs. Let us believe that God is still listening—and still acting. Because He is. There’s only one way to find out what might happen when we truly pray like this. Let’s begin. THE MINDSET BEHIND THIS COURSE Before we begin, let me tell you the obvious: I don’t really know how to pray. I’m a humble student and absolute beginner at the holy endeavor that is prayer. So, this course isn’t really about what I’ve learned, or any wisdom I might have gathered. But, I’ve sat at the feet of many prayer warriors over the decades, through books and teachings. So, I’ll share what I learned from them. Humility is going to be our primary heart posture! With each lesson, I will offer a few thoughts, practices, and ideas – with much humility, and not taking myself too seriously. I will also share her favorite books and resources about prayer. FInally, I will introduce you to some of the most influential prayer warriors of our history as the Body of Christ. Most importantly, I will invite YOU to pray! Learning to pray comes from praying. Our humble ambition is to inspire you to pray, and to give you a few tips on how to do that. Then, it’s up to you! Prayer is a lifelong endeavor. Let’s make it delightful together! So, let’s get started. Support us on Gospel Spice [https://www.gospelspice.com/donate], PayPal [https://www.paypal.com/biz/fund?id=U9CFSXW2XCWCL] and Venmo [https://account.venmo.com/u/gospelspice]!