Deep Spirituality

Latest Episodes:

The More the Mary-er | Because She Believed, Part 3 Dec 23, 2021

Show notes

Relationships can be one of the most rewarding parts of life … and also one of the most challenging.
When our last episode ended, Mary was left with the monumental day-to-day task of caring for and raising Jesus. The decisions she makes going forward and the influence she has on Jesus will be unparalleled. It’s safe to say that no other human being knew Jesus as well, as long, or as intimately as Mary did. It’s a big deal that God entrusted her with this role.
The journey she is on is incredibly important—but most of it, no one will see. There will be no round of applause for Mary at the end of each day, no special status, and no special wealth.
But there will be an incredible hope given to the world, because Mary believed God saw her and that what God told her was true.
These are the stories that God loves - the overlooked struggles and victories of unsung heroes whose actions send ripples through history and leave our world never the same. Mary’s story teaches us that we become these unsung heroes through our relationships. For Mary, the relationship in which she left the deepest impact was with her son.
“But why did you need to search?” he asked. “Didn’t you know that I must be in my Father’s house?” But they didn’t understand what he meant. Then he returned to Nazareth with them and was obedient to them. And his mother stored all these things in her heart. Jesus grew in wisdom and in stature and in favor with God and all the people.
- Luke 2:49-52 NLT
In parenting there is deep pain, crippling fear, mountains of guilt, and incredible joy, and yet so much of it goes unnoticed and unpraised. It has the highest stakes with the lowest thanks, but God sees us, and that is what matters.
You don’t need to be a parent to relate to this feeling of powerlessness and invisibility. Understanding what Mary felt during this time can help us not only have an appreciation for our own parents, but recognize how deeply God sees us, and maybe even teach us how to lead and love others this way, too. Join us as we conclude our narrative podcast of Mary’s story with one final episode, “The More the Mary-er.”
Writing by Alexis Colvin
Narration and editing by Amy Query
Additional voice acting by Darryl Howell and Gabe Lacayo
Production by Mike Query

Mary's Not-So-Silent Night | Because She Believed, Part 2 Dec 18, 2021

Show notes

Get ready for our second episode of Mary’s story: Mary’s Not-So-Silent Night.
Have you ever felt like life threw you a curveball and it was really unfair? Maybe it was someone’s fault or maybe it wasn’t. Maybe you had all your holiday plans figured out—you dotted every "i,” and crossed every "t.” And then, just when you least expected it, something came along—an illness, a variant, a new policy—and changed it all.
Situations like these that are outside of our control have become all too familiar lately. And they can be frustrating. When we pick up the story of Mary in Luke chapter 2, she is in the middle of one such disruptive moment in her life.
And she’s nine months pregnant.
And while they were there, the time came for her baby to be born. She gave birth to her firstborn son. She wrapped him snugly in strips of cloth and laid him in a manger, because there was no lodging available for them.
- Luke 2:6-7 NLT
This is the story that is at the center of countless movies, TV specials, and front lawn nativity scenes: the story of the birth of Jesus, but this time, from his mom’s perspective.
Whether you’re about to celebrate Christmas or it’s the middle of August, take some time to slow down, listen, and learn from Mary how to value the little moments that get you through the hard, frustrating, and not-in-your-control curveballs of life.
Writing by Alexis Colvin
Narration and editing by Amy Query
Additional voice acting by Darryl Howell and Gabe Lacayo
Production by Mike Query

Believe and Be Mary | Because She Believed, Part 1 Dec 10, 2021

Show notes

We’re excited for our next episode in our Mary series: Believe, and Be Mary.

Mary lived in a world that wasn’t made for her. She was an unmarried woman, and most likely no more than 16 years old when she became pregnant with Jesus. In the world’s eyes, she would have been unimportant and overlooked. But she became important because of one small decision: to believe God.

As we explore the origins of Mary’s journey, it helps to also look at someone in the story who the world was made for: her cousin Zechariah, the priest. Though he seemed to have everything the world says will make you happy, there were some key things missing in his life. You see, to God, what makes us important is not our achievements, status, or even talents, but our faith and humility.

Luke 1:46-54 NLT

Mary responded, “Oh, how my soul praises the Lord. [47] How my spirit rejoices in God my Savior! [48] For he took notice of his lowly servant girl, and from now on all generations will call me blessed. [49] For the Mighty One is holy, and he has done great things for me. [50] He shows mercy from generation to generation to all who fear him. [51] His mighty arm has done tremendous things! He has scattered the proud and haughty ones.

Like Mary says in her prayer, when we believe God takes notice of us, the seemingly impossible becomes possible with him. Join Mary as she discovers God’s call for a greater purpose.

Mary, Mary, Quite Extraordinary | Because She Believed, Prologue Dec 02, 2021

Show notes

We are excited to announce our newest Paint Me a Picture series, “Because She Believed: The Story of Mary.”
Jesus’ mother Mary was called many things. She was called a young virgin, a wife, and a mother. But ultimately, God defined her by her faith, as her cousin Elizabeth exclaimed in this passage of the Bible:
Elizabeth gave a glad cry and exclaimed to Mary, “God has blessed you above all women, and your child is blessed. Why am I so honored, that the mother of my Lord should visit me? When I heard your greeting, the baby in my womb jumped for joy. You are blessed because you believed that the Lord would do what he said.”
- Luke 1:42-45 NLT
In the world’s eyes, Mary was hardly noticeable. She was an unmarried woman from a small village and most likely no more than 16 years old when she became pregnant with Jesus. But she became important because of one small decision: to believe God.
Because she believed, this ordinary young woman was able to travel bravely into the unseen and play perhaps one of the most significant roles imaginable in God’s plan. Because she believed, Jesus was able to live a life that brought light to the world. Because she believed, the world was changed for the better.
So if you’ve ever asked yourself...
Does God have a purpose for me?
Does he really notice what I’m doing?
Could my life really make a difference in the world?
...then Mary’s story is for you.
Join us as we begin Mary’s story with a Prologue: Mary, Mary, Quite Extraordinary and discover what can happen because you believe.
Writing by Alexis Colvin
Narration and editing by Amy Query
Additional narration by Darryl Howell
Production by Mike Query
References:

Drug Overdose Deaths, Fueled by Fentanyl, Hit Record High in U.S.

In God Alone: Building an Unshakeable Relationship with God Oct 27, 2021

Show notes

Psalm 62:1-2 NRSV

For God alone my soul waits in silence; from him comes my salvation. [2] He alone is my rock and my salvation, my fortress; I shall never be shaken.

When talking about building a relationship with God that is unshakeable, we can't expect perfection. Instead, it is a constant understanding of God and his presence. We don't pursue God; he pursues us in love and our choice is to respond to that love. When we quiet our hearts in our times with God and go to him for relief and safety, that is when we become unshakeable. Join Russ as he discusses with friend AT Arneson the importance of resting in God alone.

AT Arneson is a Midwest native. Studying Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communications at Loras College, and obtaining a Masters in Speech Communication and Rhetoric at Marquette University, then returning to get a Masters of Theological Studies from Harding University. AT has been the Congregational Evangelist of the Chicago Church of Christ since 2009, working to build the Chicago Church in such a way as to be a pillar congregation in the work of strengthening, planting, and growing churches in the Midwest and across the world.

"Now, in a way it is a pity that we have to use the word "faith" to describe the faculty by which the unseen dimension is grasped, drawn upon, and lived by." — J.B. Phillips

References:

Psalm 62:1-2 NRSV
Green Bay Packers
1 John 4:10
The Practice of the Presence of God by Brother Lawrence
Psalm 1:2-3
Psalm 62:5-6 NRSV
New Testament Christianity by J.B. Phillips
BRKN by Madison Ryann Ward

Visit DeepSpirituality.com for more podcasts, devotionals and videos to help you walk with God like never before.

If you want to send an email to the podcast drop us a line at podcast@deepspirituality.com

Bigger Fish to Fry | Jonah's Unexpected Journey, Part 4 Oct 21, 2021

Show notes

So here we are, at the end of Jonah’s journey. And what a journey it’s been!
Jonah has tried to run away from God, been swept up in a storm, almost died, spent several days inside a fish, got spit out by that fish, then finally decided to do what God wanted by going to preach to the enemies of his people. Those people put a stop to their evil ways, and God saved them from destruction. But Jonah is upset because he didn’t get what he wanted.
[2] So he complained to the LORD about it: "Didn't I say before I left home that you would do this, LORD? That is why I ran away to Tarshish! I knew that you are a merciful and compassionate God, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love. You are eager to turn back from destroying people. [3] Just kill me now, LORD! I'd rather be dead than alive if what I predicted will not happen." [4] The LORD replied, "Is it right for you to be angry about this?"
- Jonah 4:2-4 NLT
Like Jonah, God wants to help each of us shift our focus from ourselves and what makes us comfortable, to others and what they need.
Join Jonah as we conclude his story, and can learn how to travel on our own unexpected journeys God has for each of us.
Based on the sermon series by Russ Ewell "Jonah: The Roadmap to Happiness"
Writing by Alexis Colvin
Narration and editing by Amy Query
Production by Mike Query

Fish Out of Water | Jonah's Unexpected Journey, Part 3 Oct 14, 2021

Show notes

Have you ever made a really bad mistake? One of those mistakes that you just dread having to deal with?
People are going to be mad at you, there might be some consequences, and you just want to crawl into a hole or move across the country. But you don’t. You own up to what you’ve done and put one foot in front of the other and start moving forward.
When we pick up the story of Jonah in Jonah chapter 3, our hero is just coming off of one of those mistakes. He’s finally owned that he ran away from God and from the spiritual needs of a whole city, caused a lot of pain for a whole ship full of people, finally had a change of heart after being in a fish for a few days, and got spit out onto a beach. Then, God gives him a second chance.
"Then the LORD spoke to Jonah a second time: 'Get up and go to the great city of Nineveh, and deliver the message I have given you.'"
- Jonah 3:1-2 NLT
Deja vu anyone? Though it’s taken a while to get him here, travel with Jonah as is finally on his way to speak to the very people he’s spent this whole series avoiding.
Based on the sermon series by Russ Ewell "Jonah: The Roadmap to Happiness"
Writing by Alexis Colvin
Narration and editing by Amy Query
Production by Mike Query

In the Belly of the Beast | Jonah's Unexpected Journey, Part 2 Oct 06, 2021

Show notes

In our second episode of Jonah’s Unexpected Journey, we find our protagonist stuck in a fishy situation. What does Jonah do after being stuck in the belly of a fish for 3 days? He prays:
Then Jonah prayed to the LORD his God from inside the fish. [2] He said, “I cried out to the LORD in my great trouble, and he answered me. I called to you from the land of the dead, and LORD, you heard me! [6] I sank down to the very roots of the mountains. I was imprisoned in the earth, whose gates lock shut forever. But you, O LORD my God, snatched me from the jaws of death!
- Jonah 2:1-2,6 NLT
Something changes in Jonah’s relationship with God inside the belly of that fish. He goes from avoiding God to being grateful to God.
Have you ever felt like you were stuck in a dark and completely unfamiliar place? And there’s no way out, nowhere to go but deal with yourself?
It’s in these “belly of the fish” moments that we can discover what truly matters, and see that God’s purpose is bigger than ourselves.
Join us as we continue Jonah’s story and learn to find God’s purpose in some of our most difficult moments.
Based on the sermon series by Russ Ewell "Jonah: The Roadmap to Happiness"
Writing by Alexis Colvin
Narration and editing by Amy Query
Production by Mike Query

God Rocks the Boat | Jonah's Unexpected Journey, Part 1 Sep 29, 2021

Show notes

In this first episode of Jonah’s Unexpected Journey, we meet our protagonist:
The LORD gave this message to Jonah son of Amittai: “Get up and go to the great city of Nineveh. Announce my judgment against it because I have seen how wicked its people are.”
- Jonah 1:1-2 NLT
God called Jonah to do what he normally did - Jonah’s job was to talk to people about what God had to say. But this time, rather than talking to his fellow Israelites, God told Jonah to speak to the city of Nineveh, the most important city in Assyria and the home of the enemies of Jonah’s people.
Have you ever felt the call to do something you really don’t want to do? It stays in the back of your mind, and all you want to do is avoid it and run away? Jonah can relate.
This is the first episode of our new type of podcast called "Paint Me a Picture." Each series will immerse you into the stories of the Bible, bringing them to life with storytelling, commentary, and lots of sound effects. As you listen, you can slow down and put yourself in the shoes of the people in the Bible and bring their experiences into your own walk with God.
We've found that immersing ourselves in these stories makes the spiritual lessons stick better too.
Join us as we begin to unfold this story of rebellion, reflection, and redemption.
Based on the sermon series by Russ Ewell "Jonah: The Roadmap to Happiness"
Writing by Alexis Colvin
Narration and editing by Amy Query
Production by Mike Query

Trailer: Jonah's Unexpected Journey Sep 22, 2021

Show notes

The Bible is full of stories and heroes who are inspiring because they’re real.

They’re real people with real problems whose experiences can teach us how we can walk with God. With this in mind, we’re excited to launch our new narrative podcast series, “Paint Me a Picture.”

Each season will immerse you into a different story of Scripture, putting you in the shoes of the person in the story and bringing the Scriptures to life in ways you’ve never experienced before. We’ll also have commentary, reflective questions, nuggets of wisdom, and lots of sound effects.

Our first season of this series will dive into the story of Jonah.

Some of the best stories start when someone is being called to do something that seems impossible. When their life is turned upside down, and they’re forced to courageously take on something or someone.

We all love sports movies or coming-of-age dramas because we get to watch our heroes hesitate, question themselves, want to run away, but break through anyway, coming out victorious and happy.

But let’s face it. In our daily life, it is hard to leave our comfort zone and enter into the unknown. We hide, run, freeze, or resist the call toward something greater. We often stick with what’s comfortable and less risky, even if it means we’re not that happy.

The good thing is God takes us where we’re at, and we’re not alone. God spoke to Jonah at a time when he was settled and comfortable, not unlike many of us.

Jonah can help us start answering questions like:

How can I be happy when my life feels out of my control?
Does God really have a good plan for my future?
Why do I run from God and settle?

Join us on September 29, when we will begin to travel with Jonah on his unexpected journey.

Our TOPPODCAST Picks

Follow Us

Stay Connected

Related Podcasts

Links

Stay Connected