Grace Changes Everything: Freedom, Rest, and Receiving from God (with Dr. Libin Abraham)

Grace Changes Everything: Freedom, Rest, and Receiving from God (with Dr. Libin Abraham)

What if the Christian life isn’t about achieving – but receiving?    In this episode, Dr. Libin Abraham, lead pastor of Bent Tree Bible Fellowship, shares how discovering grace transformed his faith from burnout to freedom. Instead of striving to earn identity, he learned to rest in what God had already done.    Together, we explore the difference between a “rowboat” life powered by effort and a “sailboat” life moved by the Spirit. Libin also unpacks how humility opens the door to grace, how eternal hope reshapes daily living, and why care is central to discipleship.    If you’ve ever felt exhausted trying to be enough, this conversation invites you to experience the freedom, power, and hope found in God’s grace.   Dr. Libin is also a featured speaker at our upcoming Called to Care event – see link below to learn more and sign up.   Subscribe to the podcast and tune in each week as Haley and Dustin share with you what the Bible says about real-life issues with compassion, warmth, and wit.   So you have every reason for hope, for every challenge in life. Because hope means everything.   Hope Talks is a podcast of the ministry of Hope for the Heart.   Listen in to learn more  0:41 – Meet Pastor Libin & Called to Care 1:30 – Burned Out on Religion 2:40 – Discovering the Power of Grace 5:02 – Achieving vs. Receiving 7:20 – From Pharisee Heart to Grace 8:40 – Rowboat vs. Sailboat Faith 10:00 – Humility: Doorway to Grace 11:43 – Why We Bristle at Grace 14:22 – Living a Grace-Powered Life 14:50 – Leaning Into Eternal Hope 15:00 – Eternity and Everyday Impact 19:30 – Obsession With Our True Home 22:10 – Reversing the Curse With Christ Dr. Libin Abraham / Bent Tree Church Resources   Learn more about Bent Tree Bible Fellowship and view Dr. Abraham’s messages: https://benttree.org/ [https://benttree.org/]  Hope for the Heart resources   Join us at Called to Care on Saturday, June 13! Learn more about the event here: https://resource.hopefortheheart.org/called-to-care [https://resource.hopefortheheart.org/called-to-care]    Connect with Hope for the Heart on social!    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hopefortheheart [https://www.facebook.com/hopefortheheart]   Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hopefortheheart [https://www.instagram.com/hopefortheheart]    Learn more about the ministry and resources of Hope for the Heart: https://www.hopefortheheart.org/ [https://www.hopefortheheart.org/]    Learn more about Hope Talks and catch up on past episodes: https://www.hopefortheheart.org/hopetalks/ [https://www.hopefortheheart.org/hopetalks/]    Want to talk with June Hunt on Hope in the Night about a difficult life issue? Schedule a time here: https://resource.hopefortheheart.org/talk-with-june-hope-in-the-night [https://resource.hopefortheheart.org/talk-with-june-hope-in-the-night]   God’s plan for you: https://www.hopefortheheart.org/gods-plan-for-you/ [https://www.hopefortheheart.org/gods-plan-for-you/]   Give to the ministry of Hope for the Heart: https://www.hopefortheheart.org/donation/givehope/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=notes&utm_campaign=hopetalkshttps://hopefortheheart.donorsupport.co/page/hope-talks -------------- Bible verses mentioned in this episode John 15:5 - “Apart from Me you can do nothing.” John 13:8 - “Unless I wash you, you have no part with Me.” Isaiah 6:1 - “I saw the Lord high and exalted…” Psalm 39:4 - “Lord, make me aware of my end and the number of my days…” Ecclesiastes 7:2 - “It is better to go to a house of mourning than to a house of feasting…” Acts 2:44-45 - “All the believers were together and had everything in common…” Ezekiel 34:11 - “I Myself will search for My flock and look for them.” Isaiah 55:2-3 - “Why spend money on what is not bread… Listen to Me, and eat what is good…” Psalm 23:4 - “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death…” 1 Peter 5:7 - “Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you.”

Finding Hope After Loss: Grief, Trauma, and Renewing Your Mind with Dr. Lee Warren

Dr. Lee Warren is a neurosurgeon and author of The Life-Changing Art of Self-Brain Surgery, but his story goes far beyond medicine. After losing his son tragically and unexpectedly, he found himself navigating unimaginable grief. Yet on the very same day as his son’s funeral, the birth of his granddaughter gave him a glimpse of hope in the darkness.   In this deeply moving conversation, Dr. Warren shares what suffering taught him about God, hope, and the power of our thoughts. Blending biblical truth with neuroscience, he offers practical steps on how to renew your mind, care for your mental health, and find hope – even in the hardest seasons.   If you’re walking through grief, trauma, or uncertainty, this conversation will remind you … you’re not alone – and there is hope.   Subscribe to the podcast and tune in each week as Haley and Dustin share with you what the Bible says about real-life issues with compassion, warmth, and wit.   So you have every reason for hope, for every challenge in life. Because hope means everything.   Hope Talks is a podcast of the ministry of Hope for the Heart.   Listen in to learn more    Dr. Lee Warren Resources   Get Dr. Warren’s book, The Life-Changing Art of Self-Brain Surgery: https://wleewarrenmd.com/books/the-life-changing-art-of-self-brain-surgery/ [https://wleewarrenmd.com/books/the-life-changing-art-of-self-brain-surgery/]    Learn more about Dr. Lee Warren: https://wleewarrenmd.com/ [https://wleewarrenmd.com/]    Listen to the Dr. Lee Warren podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@drleewarren [https://www.youtube.com/@drleewarren]  Hope for the Heart resources   Connect with Hope for the Heart on social!    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hopefortheheart [https://www.facebook.com/hopefortheheart]   Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hopefortheheart [https://www.instagram.com/hopefortheheart]    Learn more about the ministry and resources of Hope for the Heart: https://www.hopefortheheart.org/ [https://www.hopefortheheart.org/]    Learn more about Hope Talks and catch up on past episodes: https://www.hopefortheheart.org/hopetalks/ [https://www.hopefortheheart.org/hopetalks/]    Want to talk with June Hunt on Hope in the Night about a difficult life issue? Schedule a time here: https://resource.hopefortheheart.org/talk-with-june-hope-in-the-night [https://resource.hopefortheheart.org/talk-with-june-hope-in-the-night]   God’s plan for you: https://www.hopefortheheart.org/gods-plan-for-you/ [https://www.hopefortheheart.org/gods-plan-for-you/]   Give to the ministry of Hope for the Heart: https://www.hopefortheheart.org/donation/givehope/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=notes&utm_campaign=hopetalkshttps://hopefortheheart.donorsupport.co/page/hope-talks -------------- Bible verses mentioned in this episode Isaiah 30:15 – “This is what the Sovereign LORD, the Holy One of Israel, says: “In repentance and rest is your salvation, in quietness and trust is your strength, but you would have none of it.”   John 10:10 – “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” Romans 5:3-5 -- “Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.”   2 Corinthians 10:5 – “We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.”   Philippians 4:8 – “Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.”   Titus 2:10 – “showing all good faith, so that in everything they may adorn the doctrine of God our Savior.”

Mental Health: How to Manage Your Thoughts & Emotions with Philippians 4:8

Nobody likes the feeling when your thoughts are spiraling – when your emotions feel out of control.   So what can you do in those moments?   In this episode, Haley and Dustin talk about how to care for your mental health in a practical, biblical way. They unpack key principles about your thoughts and emotions, address common misconceptions that keep us stuck, and walk through Philippians 4:8, showing how each word of the verse can help you manage anxious or overwhelming thoughts.   This is an encouraging and highly practical conversation that will equip you with simple, biblical tools to think clearly and find peace.   Philippians 4:8  “Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable, if anything is excellent or praiseworthy, think about such things.”   Subscribe to the podcast and tune in each week as Haley and Dustin share with you what the Bible says about real-life issues with compassion, warmth, and wit.   So you have every reason for hope, for every challenge in life. Because hope means everything.   Hope Talks is a podcast of the ministry of Hope for the Heart.   Hope for the Heart resources   Connect with Hope for the Heart on social!  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hopefortheheart [https://www.facebook.com/hopefortheheart]   Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hopefortheheart [https://www.instagram.com/hopefortheheart]    Learn more about the ministry and resources of Hope for the Heart: https://www.hopefortheheart.org/ [https://www.hopefortheheart.org/]    Learn more about Hope Talks and catch up on past episodes: https://www.hopefortheheart.org/hopetalks/ [https://www.hopefortheheart.org/hopetalks/]    Want to talk with June Hunt on Hope in the Night about a difficult life issue? Schedule a time here: https://resource.hopefortheheart.org/talk-with-june-hope-in-the-night [https://resource.hopefortheheart.org/talk-with-june-hope-in-the-night]     God’s plan for you: https://www.hopefortheheart.org/gods-plan-for-you/https://www.hopefortheheart.org/gods-plan-for-you [https://www.hopefortheheart.org/gods-plan-for-you] https://www.hopefortheheart.org/gods-plan-for-you/     Give to the ministry of Hope for the Heart: https://www.hopefortheheart.org/donation/givehope/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=notes&utm_campaign=hopetalkshttps://hopefortheheart.donorsupport.co/page/hope-talks [https://hopefortheheart.donorsupport.co/page/hope-talks]  -------------- Bible verses mentioned in this episode Philippians 4:8 – “Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy, think about such things.”   Mark 12:30 – “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.”   Romans 12:2 -- “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.”

Cultivate: How God Grows the Fruit of the Spirit in You (with Dr. Rich Kannwischer)

Haley and Dustin are joined by Dr. Rich Kannwischer, pastor of Peachtree Church in Atlanta, Georgia and author of Cultivate: How God Grows the Fruit of the Spirit within Us.   Richard shares his powerful hope story from early in his ministry about a tragic moment that left him questioning himself, his calling, and whether he had failed. In that season, God began to reshape how he saw his identity and ministry—not rooted in performance, but in Christ.   We then dive into how God shapes us and how we actually grow in our faith. Drawing from his book Cultivate, Richard shares some helpful insights and practical steps on how God grows the fruit of the Spirit in our lives.    If you're feeling stuck in your walk with God or just want to grow in your faith, this episode will encourage you and give you practical steps you can start doing today.    Subscribe to the podcast and tune in each week as Haley and Dustin share with you what the Bible says about real-life issues with compassion, warmth, and wit.   So you have every reason for hope, for every challenge in life. Because hope means everything.   Hope Talks is a podcast of the ministry of Hope for the Heart.   Listen in to learn more    Dr. Richard Kannwischer resources   Get Richard’s book, Cultivate: How God Grows the Fruit of the Spirit within Us – https://tinyurl.com/5fha2fdx [https://tinyurl.com/5fha2fdx]  Hope for the Heart resources   Connect with Hope for the Heart on social!    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hopefortheheart [https://www.facebook.com/hopefortheheart]   Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hopefortheheart [https://www.instagram.com/hopefortheheart]    Learn more about the ministry and resources of Hope for the Heart: https://www.hopefortheheart.org/ [https://www.hopefortheheart.org/]    Learn more about Hope Talks and catch up on past episodes: https://www.hopefortheheart.org/hopetalks/ [https://www.hopefortheheart.org/hopetalks/]    Want to talk with June Hunt on Hope in the Night about a difficult life issue? Schedule a time here: https://resource.hopefortheheart.org/talk-with-june-hope-in-the-night [https://resource.hopefortheheart.org/talk-with-june-hope-in-the-night]   God’s plan for you: https://www.hopefortheheart.org/gods-plan-for-you/ [https://www.hopefortheheart.org/gods-plan-for-you/]   Give to the ministry of Hope for the Heart: https://www.hopefortheheart.org/donation/givehope/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=notes&utm_campaign=hopetalkshttps://hopefortheheart.donorsupport.co/page/hope-talks [https://hopefortheheart.donorsupport.co/page/hope-talks] -------------- Bible verses mentioned in this episode Galatians 5:22-25 – “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.”

Walking with God through Cancer (with Lauren Daugherty)

At 18 years old, Lauren Daugherty received a cancer diagnosis that would change her life. In this episode, she shares her honest and powerful story of navigating fear, treatment, and the unknown—and how God met her in the middle of it all.    Lauren opens up about the role of family, community, and faith during her hardest moments, as well as what led her to share her journey publicly to encourage others. Through it all, her relationship with the Lord deepened in ways she never expected.    This conversation is a reminder that even in life’s most difficult seasons, we are not alone – and we can trust God with the unknown. He is present, faithful, and our true source of hope.   Subscribe to the podcast and tune in each week as Haley and Dustin share with you what the Bible says about real-life issues with compassion, warmth, and wit.   So you have every reason for hope, for every challenge in life. Because hope means everything.   Hope Talks is a podcast of the ministry of Hope for the Heart.   Listen in to learn more  [0:03:00] Diagnosis at 18 and Radical Surrender [0:10:53] Choosing Trust Over Anger and Fear [0:12:04] After the Chemo: Survivorship Shock and Anxiety [0:17:52] Identity Shift and Embracing a New Self [0:39:28] Turning a Cancer Journey into Ministry and Media Impact   Lauren Daugherty resources   Connect with Lauren on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lifewithlaurenmae [https://www.instagram.com/lifewithlaurenmae]  Hope for the Heart resources Connect with Hope for the Heart on social!  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hopefortheheart [https://www.facebook.com/hopefortheheart]   Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hopefortheheart [https://www.instagram.com/hopefortheheart]    Learn more about the ministry and resources of Hope for the Heart: https://www.hopefortheheart.org/ [https://www.hopefortheheart.org/]    Learn more about Hope Talks and catch up on past episodes: https://www.hopefortheheart.org/hopetalks/ [https://www.hopefortheheart.org/hopetalks/]    Want to talk with June Hunt on Hope in the Night about a difficult life issue? Schedule a time here: https://resource.hopefortheheart.org/talk-with-june-hope-in-the-night [https://resource.hopefortheheart.org/talk-with-june-hope-in-the-night]   God’s plan for you: https://www.hopefortheheart.org/gods-plan-for-you/ [https://www.hopefortheheart.org/gods-plan-for-you/]   Give to the ministry of Hope for the Heart: https://hopefortheheart.donorsupport.co/page/hope-talks [https://hopefortheheart.donorsupport.co/page/hope-talks] -------------- Bible verses mentioned in this episode   Psalm 144:1 – “Praise be to the LORD my Rock, who trains my hands for war, my fingers for battle. He is my loving God and my fortress, my stronghold and my deliverer, my shield, in whom I take refuge, who subdues peoples under me.”   Proverbs 16:9 – “In their hearts humans plan their course, but the LORD establishes their steps.”   Romans 8:18 – “I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.”   Romans 8:28 – “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”