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

A SPECIAL MESSAGE FROM STEPHANIE:I want to share a special invitation with you. You may have heard that I will be releasing my first book with IVP on July 28, 2026. It’s a big deal and I am so overwhelmed with God’ goodness in allowing me to share such an essential message about delighting in Him as the true essential foundation for all our spiritual growth and maturing. Truly, when we delight in the Lord, He promises to give us the desires of our hearts – namely, more of Himself!So, here's the invitation. If you feel this message is indeed important, and you know people – including yourself perhaps – who need to be encouraged to awaken and cultivate their delight in God, would you consider joining my book launch team? It’s a great and super easy way to share the good news of God's love for us in Christ, Jesus, our Lord.**If you’re interested, please go to gospelspice.com/awakendelight and find the section about joining the launch team, or email me at [email protected] **Together, let’s encourage everyone we know with the wonderful news that, in Christ, God delights in us and invites us to delight in Him!Many of us know the fact of Jesus’ resurrection from childhood, but familiarity can dull its impact. Stephanie challenges us to see how the resurrection should continually change us—and to recognize when we might be taking it for granted. In this final episode on the Gospel of Luke, Stephanie ponders how we ground our faith in reason and in miracles both. We tackle TEN REASONS that prove the resurrection true. From the anchoring in Jerusalem, to the disciples' testimonies--our humble prayer is that you will discover an angle that you have not yet considered, and that it will draw you deeper in worship of Christ as our true, risen Lord. We invite you to look beyond familiarity with the Easter story and rediscover why the resurrection is truly “mind-blowing” and transformative. So, here are 10 reasons the Resurrection matters:1. Rooted in Reality, Not Myth | Unlike legends, which are set “once upon a time in a land far away,” the resurrection whispers began in Jerusalem—among people who could verify or refute them. Myths lack dates and places; the resurrection is grounded in real time and space.2. Grounded in Historical Time | The rumors of resurrection started immediately, on Easter morning, with eyewitness accounts such as the road to Emmaus (Luke 24). Truth claims have time-stamps; myths don’t.3. The Empty Tomb | Both opponents and followers agreed the tomb was empty. The authorities couldn’t produce the body. If Jesus hadn’t physically risen, showing His corpse would have instantly silenced the movement.4. The Unlikely Founders | The first Christians were devout Jews—least likely to start a new religion. Their culture fiercely protected their faith, but they radically shifted their weekly day of worship from Saturday to Sunday, honoring the risen Lord.5. Martyrdom Without Collusion | The apostles died alone—often persecuted—refusing to recant their faith. Unlike cults that die together under peer pressure, these men faced solitary deaths, pressured by enemies to live if only they denied the resurrection. Yet each chose fidelity to truth over self-preservation.6. Peter’s Radical Change | Peter, who denied Jesus even after witnessing the transfiguration, was transformed by the resurrection. Only after seeing the risen Lord did Peter become a bold leader, willing to die for his faith.7. Paul’s Complete 180° | Paul, once a zealous persecutor of Christians, became their champion after encountering the risen Christ. He made it clear: If Christ had not been raised, our preaching is useless and so is your faith ( from 1Corinthians 15).8. Embarrassing Honesty | If early disciples were inventing a story, they would not have highlighted their failures—like Peter’s denial or the men’s fear and confusion. These accounts signal authenticity, as people rarely expose their own flaws unless they’re recounting truth.9. Diversity of Witness Accounts | Multiple Gospel authors describe resurrection events differently, as eyewitnesses would. Perfect consistency signals collusion, not reality—historical truth is always a bit “messy” in its details.10. Women as First Witnesses | Women, whose testimony carried little societal weight, are listed first as witnesses. A fabricated story in that culture would spotlight influential men. Instead, the Gospel places women—signaling a commitment to truth and reflecting Jesus’ radical affirmation of women.Conclusion and ChallengeThe resurrection isn’t just a spiritual metaphor. It’s anchored in credible history, powerful testimony, and unexpected inversion of cultural norms. Let its truth deepen your faith and transform your life—grounded both in reason and the miraculous love of God. Jesus is the Christ, our risen Lord, and is worthy of all our worship and adoration!Reflection Questions:· Which reason resonated most with you?· How does anchoring faith in the resurrection challenge or

A SPECIAL MESSAGE FROM STEPHANIE:I want to share a special invitation with you. You may have heard that I will be releasing my first book with IVP on July 28, 2026. It’s a big deal and I am so overwhelmed with God’ goodness in allowing me to share such an essential message about delighting in Him as the true essential foundation for all our spiritual growth and maturing. Truly, when we delight in the Lord, He promises to give us the desires of our hearts – namely, more of Himself!So, here's the invitation. If you feel this message is indeed important, and you know people – including yourself perhaps – who need to be encouraged to awaken and cultivate their delight in God, would you consider joining my book launch team? It’s a great and super easy way to share the good news of God's love for us in Christ, Jesus, our Lord.**If you’re interested, please go to gospelspice.com/awakendelight and find the section about joining the launch team, or email me at [email protected] **Together, let’s encourage everyone we know with the wonderful news that, in Christ, God delights in us and invites us to delight in Him!We are entering deep into the Easter season with two episodes to take us at the feet of the Cross through the gospel of Luke. The cross is more than a historical event—it’s an invitation to forgiveness, intimate relationship with God, and sacrificial love for others. Christ’s suffering secured what we could never earn, and we’re called to respond with gratitude, surrender, and trust, especially in difficult times. The work is finished; we are loved and forgiven—let’s live in the light of that truth.Today, we ponder the seven statements that Jesus made from the cross. You may be familiar with them, but we sprinkle fresh gospel spice on these seven famous sentences today--and you just might be poised for an explosion of fresh flavors that will usher you into a worship experience of our crucified Lord.Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do. That's the first statement from the cross. Father, into Your hands I entrust My Spirit. That's the final statement. Between them, five more statements that will awe you anew.This is the Easter story. It is true, and it will transform your life in unalterable ways. Come and worship today as you ponder the meaning of the cross through this lesson Stephanie taught to a large online gathering.Jesus spent six agonizing hours on the cross, from 9am to 3pm. This was remarkably brief compared to the usual multi-day suffering of crucifixion victims. These hours split into two crucial phases:9am – 12pm: The "wrath of men"—physical pain, mocking, emotional abandonment.12pm – 3pm: The "wrath of God"—spiritual darkness, separation from the Father.Let’s reflect on each of Jesus' seven statements and their profound meaning.1. "Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do." (Luke 23:34)Jesus’ first words show radical forgiveness. He asks for mercy not only for the Roman soldiers and Jewish leaders but for all of us—everyone guilty of sin. True freedom and resemblance to Christ begin with a heart willing to forgive, even in pain.2. "Today you will be with me in paradise." (Luke 23:43)Jesus speaks this to the repentant thief beside Him. It is a picture of pure grace: the criminal could not earn salvation, yet Christ welcomes him. We too, receive forgiveness and access to heaven by grace, not by our own works.3. "Woman, behold your son… Behold your mother." (John 19:25-27)Here, Jesus cares for His mother Mary and His friend John, ensuring they are cared for after His death. This highlights our family in Christ—spiritual relationships are as deep, if not deeper, than biological ones. Jesus challenges us to look beyond ourselves, serving others even in hardship.At noon, creation reacts – darkness falls and the earth quakes. Extra-biblical sources confirm these events, proving the historical truth of Jesus’ sacrifice.4. "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" (Matthew 27:46)This marks the beginning of the spiritual agony. Jesus, quoting Psalm 22:1, experiences separation from God in His human spirit—not in His divine nature. It’s a spiritual suffering we can’t comprehend; that’s the very point—Jesus endured what we could not so we’d never have to.5. "I thirst." (John 19:28)On the surface, it’s physical need. Spiritually, it reflects Jesus’ inner anguish. He thirsts so we don’t have to—He exchanges places with us as seen in the story of the rich man and Lazarus from Luke 16.6. "It is finished." (John 19:30)One of the most triumphant statements in history. The Greek "tetelestai" means "paid in full." Our debt is completely erased; Jesus’ mission accomplished. Nothing we do can add—or subtract—from God’s love for us.7. "Father, into your hands I entrust my spirit." (Luke 23:46)Jesus’ relationship with the Father is restored. He dies physically only after spiritual resurrection. In trusting God with His spirit, He models our own surrender—reminding us that, through th

A SPECIAL MESSAGE FROM STEPHANIE:I want to share a special invitation with you. You may have heard that I will be releasing my first book with IVP on July 28, 2026. It’s a big deal and I am so overwhelmed with God’ goodness in allowing me to share such an essential message about delighting in Him as the true essential foundation for all our spiritual growth and maturing. Truly, when we delight in the Lord, He promises to give us the desires of our hearts – namely, more of Himself!So, here's the invitation. If you feel this message is indeed important, and you know people – including yourself perhaps – who need to be encouraged to awaken and cultivate their delight in God, would you consider joining my book launch team? It’s a great and super easy way to share the good news of God's love for us in Christ, Jesus, our Lord.**If you’re interested, please go to gospelspice.com/awakendelight and find the section about joining the launch team, or email me at [email protected] **Together, let’s encourage everyone we know with the wonderful news that, in Christ, God delights in us and invites us to delight in Him!Stephanie Rousselle hosts Dr. Mikel Del Rosario, professor at moody Bible Institute in Chicago, and expert in Christian apologetics. The conversation centers on how we can answer the question of whether Jesus clearly claimed to be God, especially when it is asked by skeptics or by Christians seeking a deeper, confident faith.Correctly understanding Jesus as fully God and fully man is foundational to Christian faith—if he’s not divine, he can’t forgive sins or save. The resurrection, backed by historical evidence, cements the truth of his claims.One common question is, “Why didn’t Jesus plainly say, ‘I am God’?” Mikel Del Rosario explains that Jesus’ audience was steeped in Jewish theology, where claiming to be God could easily be misunderstood as claiming to be God the Father or as a rival deity. Instead, Jesus reveals his identity incrementally—and profoundly—using language and concepts (like “Son of Man” and allusions to Daniel 7 and Psalm 110) his contemporaries would eventually understand.A major stumbling block for many is the problem of evil—if God exists, why is there suffering? Mikel Del Rosario encourages compassionate, courageous responses, recognizing that both emotional and intellectual issues are at play. Importantly, he frames Christian hope as a guarantee rooted in the reality of Jesus’ resurrection—something unique to Christianity.Some people genuinely don’t understand how God could allow evil, while others flatly reject God’s existence because of evil. Mikel Del Rosario explains the importance of discerning which type of questioner you are engaging. For seekers, gently showing how Christianity makes sense of evil is key; for rejectors, it’s valuable to ask how they reached their conclusions and what evidence supports their claim.Anyone making a truth claim—atheist or Christian—shares the burden of proof. For example, if someone claims “Jesus never said he was God,” it’s appropriate (and helpful!) to clarify what they mean and what specific evidence or misunderstandings might be at play.In Mark 2, Jesus forgives a paralyzed man’s sins. This act isn’t just compassion—it’s a claim to divine authority. No Jewish priest, prophet, or miracle worker ever forgave sins as Jesus did. The religious leaders recognize this as a claim only God can rightly make.In Mark 14, before the high priest, Jesus refers to himself as the “Son of Man” seated at the right hand of God and coming on the clouds—directly combining messianic and divine imagery from Jewish scriptures. This is why the blasphemy charge is leveled, leading to his crucifixion.Whether engaging skeptics, seekers, or fellow believers, Mikel Del Rosario urges us to listen first—distinguishing between theological, historical, or literary misunderstandings. Rather than just insisting, “The Bible says so,” we should explain how Jesus’ words and deeds in context are unique and credible claims to divinity.Honest questioning, careful listening, and deep understanding of historical and cultural context equip us to both strengthen our faith and share it wisely with others. Jesus’ claims are profound and unique—and the hope he offers is certain, not wishful thinking. Jesus is fully God and fully man. He died for our sins, and rose again. This is the central truth of our faith, and it is solidly established through historical research.MORE ABOUT DR. MIKEL DEL ROSARIODr. Mikel Del Rosario helps Christians find clear answers to tough questions about Christianity and explain their faith with courage and compassion. He is a Professor of Bible and Theology at Moody Bible Institute and the author of Did Jesus Really Say He Was God? Making Sense of His Historical Claims. (IVP Academic).Previously, he taught Apologetics and Religion at Jessup University and Digital Media at Dallas Seminary. He has published 31 journal articles on apologetics and cultural engag

A SPECIAL MESSAGE FROM STEPHANIE:I want to share a special invitation with you. You may have heard that I will be releasing my first book with IVP on July 28, 2026. It’s a big deal and I am so overwhelmed with God’ goodness in allowing me to share such an essential message about delighting in Him as the true essential foundation for all our spiritual growth and maturing. Truly, when we delight in the Lord, He promises to give us the desires of our hearts – namely, more of Himself!So, here's the invitation. If you feel this message is indeed important, and you know people – including yourself perhaps – who need to be encouraged to awaken and cultivate their delight in God, would you consider joining my book launch team? It’s a great and super easy way to share the good news of God's love for us in Christ, Jesus, our Lord.**If you’re interested, please go to gospelspice.com/awakendelight and find the section about joining the launch team, or email me at [email protected] **Together, let’s encourage everyone we know with the wonderful news that, in Christ, God delights in us and invites us to delight in Him!Can we disappoint God? Stephanie takes us on a journey through Luke 22, focusing on the theme: If Only We Knew—the truth of who God is, and how that knowledge radically shapes our lives. Peter’s failure prepared him to carry the burden of leadership in the early Church. Our own failures, too, can become the soil where God’s grace and purpose grow. We are called to trust that God sees, turns towards us, and forgives lavishly."If you only knew...", Jesus tells His disciples. What would you change in your life, if you only knew?, He asks us today. "If you only knew what I have in store for you; if you only knew how much the Father loves you; if you only knew who you are in His sight; if you only knew how truly breathtaking in glory and splendor and meekness I am..." Jesus has much to teach us about how to see ourselves, and God, in His light. We begin by examining the contrast between the unity of Jesus’ enemies and the disunity among His disciples. Rather than standing together, the disciples argue about who is the greatest (Luke 22:24). Jesus responds by redefining greatness—not as domination, but as humble service. “Whoever is greatest among you must become like the youngest, and whoever leads like the one serving.” Here, we’re invited to imagine what would change in our lives if we truly understood God’s perspective and promises for our future.Next, we explore two betrayals: Judas’ overt act with a kiss, and Peter’s denial. Jesus knows both are coming, and addresses Peter: “Satan has asked to sift you like wheat. But I have prayed for you…” This moment demonstrates Jesus’ deep knowledge, compassion, and assurance that Peter’s failure is not the end.Peter’s denial unfolds just as Jesus predicted. He denies knowing Jesus three times before the rooster crows, and then—one of the most haunting moments in Scripture—Jesus turns and looks at Peter. Instead of imagining disappointment or judgment in Jesus’ gaze, we’re encouraged to see compassion, forgiveness, and love. God is never disappointed in us, because disappointment requires surprise—and God knows all things. We can grieve God, but we can never surprise Him or cause Him regret in creating us, since He knew all our choices before we ever existed. Human relationships are full of disappointment, but our relationship with God rests on His omniscience and unconditional choice.Peter’s story doesn’t end in tears. After his bitter weeping, he’s the first disciple to run to the tomb on Resurrection morning. In John 21, Peter is restored around a charcoal fire—the same setting where he denied Jesus—reminding us of the power of sensory memory and redemption. Peter’s pride and rivalry with John is acknowledged, showing that restoration is a process, not a moment. Even after being restored, Peter still compares himself to John, but Jesus gently redirects him: “What is it to you?... You follow Me.” This encouragement is for us, too: resist comparison, embrace your unique calling.Key Takeaways:· True greatness is found in service, not status.· God cannot be disappointed in us, but He desires that we grieve our sin and turn afresh to Him.· Restoration after failure is a journey, and comparison holds us back from following Jesus fully.· Our deepest failures can become the very places where God equips us for His calling.May we embrace both the bitter and sweet “spices” of the Gospel, trusting in Christ’s unwavering compassion and restoration.In this episode, Stephanie takes us behind the scenes of the two betrayals by the very disciples of Christ. Judas, of course; but also Peter. What can we learn from him? Beyond the betrayal, we will take a long look at Jesus' restoration of Peter, and extrapolate our own position as restored in, through, and by Christ. What for? Take a listen to find out! Bonjour! Gospel Spice exists to inspire our generation to delight in God. W

A SPECIAL MESSAGE FROM STEPHANIE:I want to share a special invitation with you. You may have heard that I will be releasing my first book with IVP on July 28, 2026. It’s a big deal and I am so overwhelmed with God’ goodness in allowing me to share such an essential message about delighting in Him as the true essential foundation for all our spiritual growth and maturing. Truly, when we delight in the Lord, He promises to give us the desires of our hearts – namely, more of Himself!So, here's the invitation. If you feel this message is indeed important, and you know people – including yourself perhaps – who need to be encouraged to awaken and cultivate their delight in God, would you consider joining my book launch team? It’s a great and super easy way to share the good news of God's love for us in Christ, Jesus, our Lord.**If you’re interested, please go to gospelspice.com/awakendelight and find the section about joining the launch team, or email me at [email protected] **Together, let’s encourage everyone we know with the wonderful news that, in Christ, God delights in us and invites us to delight in Him!Stephanie beckons us to continue our way through the gospel of Luke by experiencing alongside Jesus what it feels like to be attacked by enemies. With His usual meekness and boldness, He addresses their needs and ignores the facades they seem to put up to trap Him. What does this tell us about how we are called to behave?Have you noticed how people of different opinions can suddenly unite against a common foe? It's uncannily relevant to our current news; this feels ripped out of today's headlines!But it's nothing new; the enemies of Christ have always united against Him, and His people. Our generation is no exception. We see it happen today when 4 distinct people groups, who mutually hate and despise each other, come together in unity against their foe - Jesus Christ, who claims to be Messiah. Pharisees, Sadducees, Herodians and Scribes unite to attack Him. We can still see such strategies in our world today. So, when you behold people who seem to be divided on every issue, suddenly unite together against Christ--you know something is up. Jesus role-models for us what a good response is. And it has to do with love--yes, love.We are in Luke 20-22 today, and we hope to tie in these seemingly unrelated passages to show the seamlessness of Jesus' message and love--yes, even for His enemies.Stephanie takes us on a journey through Luke chapters 19-21. We’re entering the Easter Season with Palm Sunday. Today, we’ll explore the significance of time and the events leading up to Jesus’s crucifixion, the unity of His opponents, and the deeper invitation to know God personally.Stephanie invites us to celebrate the unique ability of Scripture study: the opportunity to both dig deep into the details of a passage and also to step back for a broader perspective. This week’s focus is on the approaching final days of Christ in Jerusalem, viewed through the lens of Luke—the Gospel writer most committed to chronology.Luke offers a chronological account, helpful for readers wanting to piece together the order of events in Jesus’s life. Contrasting Matthew, who organizes by theme, Luke’s western approach caters to our familiar way of thinking about time. The ancient Jewish (and Greek) concepts of time are richer: where “chronos” means sequential time, “kairos” refers to those moments when God breaks in—a divine appointment. Both are crucial to understanding the Gospel’s narrative.When Jesus enters Jerusalem (Luke 19:41), he weeps over the city’s inability to understand what would bring peace. Often, we’re so bound by everyday “chronos” time, we miss the “kairos”—special moments when God reveals Himself and His plans. Jesus’s lament invites us to seek understanding of God’s heart, even if we cannot know everything about His future plans.Luke describes four major groups who opposed Jesus: Pharisees (spiritual leaders), Herodians (political/wealthy elites), Sadducees (rationalists denying resurrection), and Scribes (religious legalists). These groups despised each other, yet their opposition to Jesus brought them into unity, if only for a moment: the rejection of Christ can unite even the most unlikely groups, and she asks: “If only you knew whom you are rejecting.”· Pharisees: Jesus challenges their authority using parables about the vineyard and fig tree, symbols deeply meaningful to all Israelites.· Herodians: Their materialism is confronted with the “give to Caesar what is Caesar’s” lesson, turning the focus to what truly bears God’s image—us.· Sadducees: Their attempt to trap Jesus with a question about resurrection is overturned as Jesus points to God as the God of the living.· Scribes: Jesus warns against hollow religious showmanship.Jesus’s prediction of Jerusalem’s destruction in Luke 21 receives both a historical fulfillment in AD 70 and a future prophetic event. Early Jewish Christians escaped Jerusalem before its

A SPECIAL MESSAGE FROM STEPHANIE:I want to share a special invitation with you. You may have heard that I will be releasing my first book with IVP on July 28, 2026. It’s a big deal and I am so overwhelmed with God’ goodness in allowing me to share such an essential message about delighting in Him as the true essential foundation for all our spiritual growth and maturing. Truly, when we delight in the Lord, He promises to give us the desires of our hearts – namely, more of Himself!So, here's the invitation. If you feel this message is indeed important, and you know people – including yourself perhaps – who need to be encouraged to awaken and cultivate their delight in God, would you consider joining my book launch team? It’s a great and super easy way to share the good news of God's love for us in Christ, Jesus, our Lord.**If you’re interested, please go to gospelspice.com/awakendelight and find the section about joining the launch team, or email me at [email protected] **Together, let’s encourage everyone we know with the wonderful news that, in Christ, God delights in us and invites us to delight in Him!Together, Stéphanie Rousselle and Abdu Murray explore some of today’s most pressing concerns surrounding identity, truth, and technology—offering a Christian worldview on navigating these cultural shifts. At the heart of this conversation are two concepts Abdu Murray terms “bioclasm” and “AI mania”:Bioclasm is a cultural movement that, much like the "iconoclast," seeks to smash the traditional pillars of biological identity—such as gender and humanity itself—and reconstruct reality based on feelings and preferences, rather than facts. It is rooted in a post-truth culture, where personal feelings often outweigh objective truth.AI Mania refers to the society-wide rush to embrace artificial intelligence and technology without critical thought. Abdu Murray is careful to distinguish healthy technological use from unchecked enthusiasm, warning that overreliance on AI can blur boundaries between machine and human, making us question what it means to be truly human.Together, these movements lead to a "collapse of reality," where personal perception threatens to override the givenness of biological and moral truths.Navigating the tsunamis of bioclasm and AI mania requires discernment, compassion, and a return to the ultimate source of truth. The Christian hope is not in technological transcendence or personal autonomy, but in the God who creates, redeems, and sustains our true identity.Abdu Murray explains transhumanism as the ambition to overcome human limitations (including death) by merging with machines or uploading consciousness to digital forms. While proponents of this vision believe it offers hope for immortality, Abdu Murray points out its weaknesses—especially that all physical systems eventually succumb to entropy, or decay, and that technological "immortality" is a myth. True creativity, meaning, and relationship cannot be distilled into data or algorithms.Underneath the drive for identity autonomy (being your own authority) and technological transcendence is a deep longing for meaning, stability, and transcendence—what the Bible describes as being made in the image of God. The Christian faith urges us to find our core identity not in fleeting markers or technological advancements, but in relationship with our Creator.Abdu Murray draws parallels between today’s quests for sovereignty and the biblical stories of Eden and Babel: humanity’s attempts to become ‘like God’ on their own terms have always resulted in loss, not gain. The hope, he says, lies in returning to the thick, robust understanding of what it is to be human: a living soul, created and loved by God.So, how can we engage culture with both conviction and compassion? Abdu challenges believers to answer each person, not just their arguments, and to see every conversation as an opportunity to remind others (and ourselves) of our true worth and purpose—anchored in God, the unchanging source of truth and identity.MORE ABOUT ABDU MURRAYAbdu Murray speaks internationally about the intersection of Christian faith and the questions of culture. He is the author of several books, including Saving Truth, Grand Central Question, and More Than a White Man’s Religion. For most of his life, Abdu was a proud Muslim until a nine-year historical, theological, and scientific investigation pointed him to the Christian faith. Abdu lives in the Metro Detroit area with his wife, Nicole, and their three children.MORE ABOUT “FAKE ID”This groundbreaking exposé of how artificial intelligence and gender ideology undermine our view of reality helps us cut through the chaos and find the hope we’re looking for.We hear that technology will set us free and that identity is whatever we choose. What we’re not being told is how these promises unravel reality itself, leaving us restless and confused in a world where we can no longer tell what is true.Christian thought leader

A SPECIAL MESSAGE FROM STEPHANIE:I want to share a special invitation with you. You may have heard that I will be releasing my first book with IVP on July 28, 2026. It’s a big deal and I am so overwhelmed with God’ goodness in allowing me to share such an essential message about delighting in Him as the true essential foundation for all our spiritual growth and maturing. Truly, when we delight in the Lord, He promises to give us the desires of our hearts – namely, more of Himself!So, here's the invitation. If you feel this message is indeed important, and you know people – including yourself perhaps – who need to be encouraged to awaken and cultivate their delight in God, would you consider joining my book launch team? It’s a great and super easy way to share the good news of God's love for us in Christ, Jesus, our Lord.**If you’re interested, please go to gospelspice.com/awakendelight and find the section about joining the launch team, or email me at [email protected] **Together, let’s encourage everyone we know with the wonderful news that, in Christ, God delights in us and invites us to delight in Him!Stephanie invites you to taste the spices of the gospel today in a live teaching recorded at a women's event about Luke 12-16. It feels a little like traditional Bible Study, with a live audience and all the sounds that accompany it (Bible pages bristling, anyone?).Reminder | Stephanie would be delighted to join YOU at your next church event! Consider booking her by contacting her ([email protected]) or by filling out the form here:https://www.gospelspice.com/contactMost of our lives are not lived in extremes. We aren’t always celebrating big achievements or processing deep suffering—most days are full of routines, responsibilities, and ordinary moments. So, how do we encounter Christ in those “in-between” places?We often look forward to spiritual mountaintop experiences—big moments with God, career achievements, celebrations, breakthroughs, or retreats that leave us feeling invigorated. We also know the pain of life’s valleys—loss, disappointment, or suffering that drives us to cling to God. However, most of us spend the majority of our days “in the middle”—the ordinary routines, daily grind, or times when nothing extraordinary is happening. This is where God invites us to grow and walk with Him, even (and especially) when life feels mundane.Social media often pulls our attention toward other people’s mountaintops or valleys, leading us to compare our “middle” to their highlights or low points. Stephanie warns against this, reminding us that our worth and spiritual progress are not measured by comparison, but by our faithful walk with God in our unique journey. She encourages us to focus on encouragement and honesty with each other rather than comparison.Stephanie explores Luke 12, where Jesus highlights what not to do in the middle ground: don’t be overcome by the fear of death, don’t measure success by worldly standards (the parable of the rich fool), don’t let anxiety choke your faith, don’t forget the eternal hope of Christ’s return, and don’t compromise truth for comfort and false peace. The middle ground is where choices are made about what truly matters and whom we trust.So, how can we live well in the middle ground? Two words stand out: faith and commitment. Even “mustard seed” faith can move obstacles and make the path smoother. Commitment is the “narrow way”—an ongoing, lifelong journey after stepping through the narrow gate (salvation). Following Jesus is not a one-time event but a continuous walk, marked by sacrifices, humility, and perseverance.Living in the middle ground requires humility, faithfulness, and sometimes costly choices—just as the father in the story of the prodigal son bears the greatest cost out of love. Genuine Christian life prioritizes humility and sacrificial love, embracing God’s slow work of transformation, even when it isn’t instantly gratifying.Life in the middle ground is a prayer for God to level our paths:Psalm 26:12 - My foot stands on level ground; I will praise the Lord in the assemblies.Psalm 143:10 - Teach me to do Your will, for You are my God. May Your gracious Spirit lead me on level ground.Isaiah 40:4 - Every valley will be lifted up, and every mountain and hill will be leveled; the uneven ground will become smooth and the rough places, a plain.Isaiah 42:16 - I will lead the blind by a way they did not know; I will guide them on paths they have not known. I will turn darkness to light in front of them and rough places into level ground. This is what I will do for them, and I will not forsake them.Persevere today, dear friend. It’s another day in the middle ground, and we’re on our way to the mountaintop.Reflection:How can you intentionally seek God’s presence in your “middle ground” this week? What step of faith or act of commitment can you take today, regardless of how ordinary your circumstances feel?We invite you to check out the first episode

A SPECIAL MESSAGE FROM STEPHANIE:I want to share a special invitation with you. You may have heard that I will be releasing my first book with IVP on July 28, 2026. It’s a big deal and I am so overwhelmed with God’ goodness in allowing me to share such an essential message about delighting in Him as the true essential foundation for all our spiritual growth and maturing. Truly, when we delight in the Lord, He promises to give us the desires of our hearts – namely, more of Himself!So, here's the invitation. If you feel this message is indeed important, and you know people – including yourself perhaps – who need to be encouraged to awaken and cultivate their delight in God, would you consider joining my book launch team? It’s a great and super easy way to share the good news of God's love for us in Christ, Jesus, our Lord.**If you’re interested, please go to gospelspice.com/awakendelight and find the section about joining the launch team, or email me at [email protected] **Together, let’s encourage everyone we know with the wonderful news that, in Christ, God delights in us and invites us to delight in Him!Stéphanie Rousselle welcomes her friend Bonnie O'Neil, author and spiritual director, to discuss the spiritual significance of Lent through Bonnie’s Christ-centered devotional, "Where the Light of Hope Falls." This new book gives us both theological depth and practical advice for those seeking to engage with Lent meaningfully.The title, "Where the Light of Hope Falls," reflects that our ultimate hope is found in Jesus’ sacrificial love—His crucifixion and resurrection. Throughout Lent, we are invited to place our failures and longings in the light of the cross, finding forgiveness and strength, and emerging to share that hope with those around us.Lent is one of the two penitential seasons in the church calendar, alongside Advent, and is traditionally a time for deep self-examination and realignment with God. Bonnie O'Neil shares that, although she grew up in a tradition that didn’t extensively engage with Lent, her lifelong exposure to global churches deepened her appreciation for its intentionality. Lent offers a set-aside, sacred period—40 days echoing biblical patterns for reflection and preparation, paralleling Jesus’ own time in the wilderness. While anyone could, in theory, embark on a season of introspection at any time, Lent’s communal and historical significance makes it a uniquely powerful time for spiritual renewal.The process of Lent isn’t about guilt or shame but about journeying inward "into the cave"—a metaphor for self-examination. Bonnie O'Neil emphasizes that only by plumbing the depths of our inner lives can we experience true healing and freedom. Importantly, this journey is not taken alone or in harshness. She shares how her approach is shaped by gentleness, beginning with an anchoring in the belovedness we have in Christ. The process starts with focusing on Jesus, remembering that we are utterly loved and safe in God’s presence; only then can we honestly bring ourselves to confession and repentance.A central tool Bonnie O'Neil uses is the historic Prayer of Confession from the Book of Common Prayer. Recited slowly, this prayer walks believers through acknowledging specific failings—not to wallow in them but to bring them into the healing presence of God’s mercy. Bonnie O'Neil recounts how, in a moment of frustration, quietly praying this confession brought unexpected freedom and release, demonstrating how tender acknowledgment before God removes the power of pride and shame.The end goal of this Lenten journey isn’t mere self-improvement. Bonnie O'Neil reminds us, drawing from John 17 and her experiences with Alpha, that true transformation equips us to participate in God’s work of reconciliation and hope in the world. After deep inward work, we are called outward—to reflect Christ’s hope and love to others, contributing to the revitalization of communities and the world at large.Lent is a sacred opportunity for intentional growth, transformation, and hope. Through honest self-examination, gentle confession, and remembrance of God’s abundant mercy, we find freedom—not only for ourselves but for the wider world. This journey, lovingly guided by ancient prayers and the presence of the Holy Spirit, prepares us to walk in the light of Christ’s resurrection—the truest hope of all.MORE ABOUT THE BOOKPurchase the book on Amazon today at https://a.co/d/4r14rHm If the Christian life is meant to form us in Christlikeness, then why is transformation so elusive?We yearn to break free from the habits and mindsets that continuously ensnare us and remind us of how far we have to travel in our journey toward Christlikeness. Yet we get locked into the same patterns of control, envy, shame, anger, pride, judgmentalism and more. Can we hope for rescue from these habits that are so contrary to the abundant life of grace and rest Jesus offers us?Incorporating 47 daily Scripture readings and meditation

A SPECIAL MESSAGE FROM STEPHANIE:I want to share a special invitation with you. You may have heard that I will be releasing my first book with IVP on July 28, 2026. It’s a big deal and I am so overwhelmed with God’ goodness in allowing me to share such an essential message about delighting in Him as the true essential foundation for all our spiritual growth and maturing. Truly, when we delight in the Lord, He promises to give us the desires of our hearts – namely, more of Himself!So, here's the invitation. If you feel this message is indeed important, and you know people – including yourself perhaps – who need to be encouraged to awaken and cultivate their delight in God, would you consider joining my book launch team? It’s a great and super easy way to share the good news of God's love for us in Christ, Jesus, our Lord.**If you’re interested, please go to gospelspice.com/awakendelight and find the section about joining the launch team, or email me at [email protected] **Together, let’s encourage everyone we know with the wonderful news that, in Christ, God delights in us and invites us to delight in Him!In this episode, we explore two interconnected stories from the Gospel of Luke. They invite us to explore Jesus’ character, the meaning behind ancient Jewish practices, and how these stories can ignite our spiritual walk today.Today’s passage invites us to approach Jesus with faith, basking in both His dazzling holiness and His tender, approachable love. God delights in us and calls us to delight in His glory—this is our deepest invitation.In Luke 8 and 9, we read of the healing of a woman suffering from chronic bleeding and the raising of Jairus’ daughter. Both events are crafted to reveal the multifaceted personality of Jesus and new perspectives on faith, purity, and intimacy with God.Jairus, a synagogue leader, pleads for Jesus to heal his dying daughter (who is 12 years old). On the way, a woman who has been bleeding for 12 years reaches out to touch Jesus’ garment, believing it will heal her. While others crowd around Jesus, it’s her act of faith that connects her to his healing power. Jesus calls her “daughter,” affirming her restored status, both physically and spiritually.The parallel is striking: the girl has lived 12 years; the woman has suffered for 12 years. For one, 12 years was a short, cherished life; for the other, it was a long, isolating ordeal. These stories highlight Jesus’ care for both the old and young, the named and unnamed, those seen by society and those forgotten.Stéphanie explains the importance of the tallit—the Jewish prayer shawl—and its tassels (tzitzit). The tassels, with white threads and a single blue thread, served as daily, physical reminders of God’s commandments and presence. The blue thread (“techelet”) is rich with symbolism: representing the sky, sea, and ultimately the heavenly throne room of God. Blue is a visible connection to God’s glory and the promise of intimacy with Him.These tassels would have been the very ones the bleeding woman touched; believing, as some rabbis argued, that only the tassels could be touched without making someone unclean. Yet Jesus breaks all ritual barriers—nothing and no one can defile Him.Luke urges us to see ourselves in the bleeding woman: After years of trying remedies, it is faith in Christ—not faith alone—that truly heals. Her faith is both fearful and courageous, reaching out in desperation and hope. Jesus, “interruptible” like a loving parent, honors her faith, inviting all to experience relationship with Him—a relationship marked by delight in God’s glory, not rule-keeping.Like the disciples at the Transfiguration, we are called not just to witness Jesus’ glory, but to let it transform us in humility and awe. We’re reminded not to seek spiritual pride, but deep, childlike trust and open-hearted worship—the “spice” of the gospel.Support us on Gospel Spice, PayPal and Venmo!

A SPECIAL MESSAGE FROM STEPHANIE:I want to share a special invitation with you. You may have heard that I will be releasing my first book with IVP on July 28, 2026. It’s a big deal and I am so overwhelmed with God’ goodness in allowing me to share such an essential message about delighting in Him as the true essential foundation for all our spiritual growth and maturing. Truly, when we delight in the Lord, He promises to give us the desires of our hearts – namely, more of Himself!So, here's the invitation. If you feel this message is indeed important, and you know people – including yourself perhaps – who need to be encouraged to awaken and cultivate their delight in God, would you consider joining my book launch team? It’s a great and super easy way to share the good news of God's love for us in Christ, Jesus, our Lord.**If you’re interested, please go to gospelspice.com/awakendelight and find the section about joining the launch team, or email me at [email protected] **Together, let’s encourage everyone we know with the wonderful news that, in Christ, God delights in us and invites us to delight in Him!Stéphanie welcomes Kathrine Lee to discuss, through the film "Still Hope," the harsh realities of human trafficking, the hope that is possible beyond it, and the life-changing freedom that comes from knowing Christ.Hope, identity, and healing are possible, no matter the darkness. Forgiveness is a courageous, ongoing act that transforms not only survivors of trafficking but anyone struggling with pain. By embracing story, community, and action, each of us can help bring healing and God’s light into the darkest places—starting with ourselves.Our brains remember narratives far more vividly than mere facts. The movie “Still Hope” stands apart from other films on human trafficking by showcasing not only the darkness but also the healing journey that survivors undertake. The film’s narrative is survivor-informed—real experiences, heartbreak, and ultimately, hope are at its core. This careful storytelling invites viewers not just to witness, but to empathize and reflect on their own lives.A central theme in both the movie and Kathrine Lee’s work is the biblical truth that one’s true identity cannot be stolen—even by the evil of trafficking. The movie’s protagonist, Hope, has her name changed by her trafficker. Yet, she emerges, still Hope. Kathrine Lee shares a moving insight from a survivor: “They can take so much from me, but they cannot take my name.” This empowers survivors to remember who they are as beloved children of God, with purpose and the possibility of transformation.Healing from trauma, especially such profound exploitation, is a long-term process. Pure Hope Foundation practices a trauma-informed approach, honoring each survivor’s choices and pace. Some survivors advised on the film, lending authenticity to its scenes, while others prefer not to revisit those memories at all—a choice fully respected by Kathrine Lee and her team.Forgiveness is the critical theme. The journey is neither easy nor immediate. Forgiving doesn’t mean forgetting, nor does it diminish the need for justice. Instead, it’s about releasing the hold of pain and reclaiming freedom and light. As Kathrine Lee teaches, "Forgiveness equals freedom,” and is a process of aligning our lived reality with the truth of who God says we are.Trafficking injures people through an evil community, and it is in healthy, supportive community that true healing takes place. Pure Hope Foundation offers a space where survivors develop life skills, work experience, and a sense of belonging. The film also shows how healing encompasses the families of survivors, teaching everyone about boundaries, safe relationships, and grace.Awareness is not enough. Action is required—whether through supporting films like "Still Hope," volunteering, donating, or simply living out love and advocacy in everyday life. Worship and prayer also play an essential role, as these spiritual disciplines open our hearts to both healing and purpose.Let’s take our place and bring hope to a hurting world.Three Important Questions to ponder after this conversation:· How did the narrative form of "Still Hope" shift your understanding of human trafficking?· In what ways do you resonate with the theme of identity that cannot be taken from you?· Where in your life might forgiveness—of yourself or others—bring greater freedom?MORE ABOUT THE MOVIE “STILL HOPE”Hope, a teenager from a tight-knit community, finds herself in danger when the person she believes to be a new friend proves unsafe. Taken from all she knows, Hope is forced into sex trafficking and stripped of her identity.After finding freedom from her captors, Hope discovers that survival is only the first step. Inspired by true stories, Hope’s journey is a powerful illustration of the courage it takes to walk the complex path of recovery.“Unlike other films, this story isn’t just about the rescue piece but also about redemption

A SPECIAL MESSAGE FROM STEPHANIE:I want to share a special invitation with you. You may have heard that I will be releasing my first book with IVP on July 28, 2026. It’s a big deal and I am so overwhelmed with God’ goodness in allowing me to share such an essential message about delighting in Him as the true essential foundation for all our spiritual growth and maturing. Truly, when we delight in the Lord, He promises to give us the desires of our hearts – namely, more of Himself!So, here's the invitation. If you feel this message is indeed important, and you know people – including yourself perhaps – who need to be encouraged to awaken and cultivate their delight in God, would you consider joining my book launch team? It’s a great and super easy way to share the good news of God's love for us in Christ, Jesus, our Lord.**If you’re interested, please go to gospelspice.com/awakendelight and find the section about joining the launch team, or email me at [email protected] **Together, let’s encourage everyone we know with the wonderful news that, in Christ, God delights in us and invites us to delight in Him!This episode offers Part 2 of our exploration of the gospel of Luke through the lens of the question that John the Baptist asked Jesus in Luke 7:19: “Are you the one, or should we look for someone else?”(Make sure to have listened to Episode 427 before tuning in to this one).Today, we’re asking this question of ourselves, our own lives, and our own hearts: Is Jesus truly the One our hearts desire?This begs a second question: if, as Christians, we’ve answered yes, then does our life reflect our stated priority?So, we examine the evidence of Jesus’ identity through:· Scripture: A thorough study of Luke’s firsthand accounts and prophecies.· Lives of Others: Observing faith’s impact in people around us.· Personal Reflection: Identifying if we’re filling the “God-shaped hole” with substitutes.· Asking God Directly: Inviting honest, personal encounter.Luke’s narrative highlights three responses to Jesus, which inform our own possible response:· Unbelief (Nazareth): Viewing Jesus as a lunatic.· Rejection (Pharisees): Accusing Jesus of deception—a liar.· Faith (The woman who anoints Jesus): Trusting Jesus as Lord.So, which will it be for you and me? The choice is ours – for salvation, but also throughout our lives. We get to choose to follow Jesus every single day.Through Luke, we are issued a challenge: Seek Jesus, not just as a distant historical figure, but as the One who knows us fully and loves us perfectly. The journey is ongoing—keep pursuing deeper relationship, letting Him fill what only He can.Reflection:Who is Jesus to you? Lunatic, liar, or Lord? The answer shapes your identity, faith, and future. The invitation is to make Him your One—day after day, every day.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 for more, and go especially to gospelspice.com/podcast to enjoy our guests! Interested in our blog? Click here: gospelspice.com/blogIdentity in the battle | Ephesianshttps://www.podcastics.com/episode/372022/link/Malachi: Messenger to Messiahhttps://www.podcastics.com/episode/356130/link/Wisdom from the Book of Proverbshttps://www.podcastics.com/episode/324347/link/Come to the Table | The Feasts Jesus celebratedhttps://www.podcastics.com/episode/309956/link/Support us on Gospel Spice, PayPal and Venmo!

A SPECIAL MESSAGE FROM STEPHANIE:I want to share a special invitation with you. You may have heard that I will be releasing my first book with IVP on July 28, 2026. It’s a big deal and I am so overwhelmed with God’ goodness in allowing me to share such an essential message about delighting in Him as the true essential foundation for all our spiritual growth and maturing. Truly, when we delight in the Lord, He promises to give us the desires of our hearts – namely, more of Himself!So, here's the invitation. If you feel this message is indeed important, and you know people – including yourself perhaps – who need to be encouraged to awaken and cultivate their delight in God, would you consider joining my book launch team? It’s a great and super easy way to share the good news of God's love for us in Christ, Jesus, our Lord.**If you’re interested, please go to gospelspice.com/awakendelight and find the section about joining the launch team, or email me at [email protected] **Together, let’s encourage everyone we know with the wonderful news that, in Christ, God delights in us and invites us to delight in Him!This episode dives deep into the Gospel of Luke, specifically chapters 4 and 5, focusing on one essential life question: Is Jesus the One?A.W. Tozer said, “What comes into our minds when we think about God is the most important thing about us.” With this anchor, let’s focus on John the Baptist’s question to Jesus in Luke 7:19: “Are you the one, or should we look for someone else?”Stéphanie walks through key passages in the gospel of Luke. Luke paints a vivid portrait of Jesus through six defining attributes:1. Human: Jesus was fully human, experiencing temptation, rejection, and emotions. His empathy is real and relatable, especially in moments of loneliness and rejection, as seen in Nazareth.2. God: Jesus claims to be God Himself, most notably when forgiving sins and performing miracles that only God could do.3. Lord (Master): Peter’s humble obedience to Jesus’ authority—even against his own experience as a fisherman—role-models for us what it means to submit to Christ as Master.4. Messiah (Anointed One): Jesus fulfills Messianic prophecy, notably reading Isaiah 61 in Nazareth, and performing miracles reserved for the Messiah such as healing lepers.5. Healer: Luke, the physician, documents numerous healings, illustrating that Jesus brings hope, restoration, and wholeness in physical and spiritual ways.6. Groom: Through parables and encounters, Jesus positions himself as the bridegroom, inviting us into intimate, joyful relationship—the ultimate spiritual union.Through Luke, we are issued a challenge: Seek Jesus, not just as a distant historical figure, but as the One who knows us fully and loves us perfectly.-----------DID YOU KNOW?The Gospel Spice Podcast is part of a larger range of tools brought to you by Gospel Spice Ministries. Would you consider supporting this show today? It comes to you completely free, but is labor-intensive to produce. For the price of a cup of coffee or two, your monthly support of $5 or $10 would make a huge difference! Contact us to donate by Credit Card, or donate via PayPal.The Gospel Spice Ministries exist to inspire Christ-followers in our generation to delight in the glory of God by knowing and experiencing Jesus more intimately. 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.Gospel Spice Ministries 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. Contact us to donate by Credit Card, or donate via PayPal.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 for more, and go especially to gospelspice.com/podcast to enjoy our guests! Interested in our blog? Click here: gospelspice.com/blogIdentity in the battle | Ephesianshttps://www.podcastics.com/episode/372022/link/Malachi: Messenger to Messiahhttps://www.podcastics.com/episode/356130/link/Wisdom from the Book of Proverbshttps://www.podcastics.com/episode/324347/link/Come to the Table | The Feasts Jesus celebratedhttps://www.podcastics.com/episode/309956/link/Bonjour! Gospel Spice exists to inspire our generation to delight in God. We do this through the podcast, online Bible studies, leadership trainings, and more. We want to serve Christ-followers who seek to live a life spiced with the gospel. We want to love God, because He first loved us. We want to experience the fullness of life with Him—and not

A SPECIAL MESSAGE FROM STEPHANIE:I want to share a special invitation with you. You may have heard that I will be releasing my first book with IVP on July 28, 2026. It’s a big deal and I am so overwhelmed with God’ goodness in allowing me to share such an essential message about delighting in Him as the true essential foundation for all our spiritual growth and maturing. Truly, when we delight in the Lord, He promises to give us the desires of our hearts – namely, more of Himself!So, here's the invitation. If you feel this message is indeed important, and you know people – including yourself perhaps – who need to be encouraged to awaken and cultivate their delight in God, would you consider joining my book launch team? It’s a great and super easy way to share the good news of God's love for us in Christ, Jesus, our Lord.**If you’re interested, please go to gospelspice.com/awakendelight and find the section about joining the launch team, or email me at [email protected] **Together, let’s encourage everyone we know with the wonderful news that, in Christ, God delights in us and invites us to delight in Him!"Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart."―Psalm 37:4Delighting in God changes everything: how you experience your faith, relationships, and circumstances―and even how you see yourself.What if you've lost your delight in God? Or you've never really experienced it in the first place? What if a season of suffering has snuffed out your joy, leaving you spiritually discouraged and emotionally numb?Stephanie announces the upcoming release of her new book, AWAKEN DELIGHT: Satisfying Your Soul’s Longing for God, releasing on July 28, 2026 with IVP. The book isn’t just a project—it’s an invitation for YOU to join a new adventure of discovering and sustaining authentic delight in God. This book has been taking shape for years in Stephanie’s heart, and now everyone connected to Gospel Spice is invited to take part.Go to https://www.gospelspice.com/awakendelight to preorder, and more!You can experience Psalm 37:4 as your daily reality. In Awaken Delight, Stephanie Rousselle connects scriptural and theological truth to your everyday life so you can experience what delighting in God really means. It's not about checking boxes on a spiritual to-do list or mustering a constant state of positive feelings. Rather, delight is about satisfying your soul's deepest longing through a vibrant relationship with the living God.Delight in God is neither a robotic or purely intellectual act, nor just a fleeting emotion. Instead, it arises from the intentional merging of knowledge and experience—head and heart, theology and personal encounter. Delighting in God is a conscious choice, something that not always comes naturally, but must be nurtured. While God could have programmed us to delight in Him, He instead gives us the freedom—and the gracious invitation—to respond and pursue that joy ourselves.The deepest delight in God grows when theology and experience meet. As Stephanie illustrates using chocolate—the joy isn’t just in knowing about it, but in tasting it. Similarly, knowing God is delightful and tasting that delight through living relationship leads to sustained spiritual joy.By looking to Christ as your model of divine delight, you can discover that no matter what you're experiencing―whether weariness, sorrow, hope, or happiness―you truly can "taste and see that the Lord is good." If you are longing for a revived faith filled with hope, delight, worth, and grace, Awaken Delight invites you to cultivate a worshipful, life-giving delight in God that's rooted in God's delight in you. Delight in God slays hopelessness and anchors us in His reality.YOU are invited to engage in the adventure in two distinct, complementary ways:· Pre-order the book: You will receive many worthwhile bonuses, including access to the Gospel Spice “French Faith” course, the Awaken Delight online book club, gorgeous giveaways, and other gifts. Go to https://www.gospelspice.com/awakendelight now!· Become part of the launch team: This “next level” involvement is for those among you who really want to be part of the insiders’ team. It's a wonderful opportunity to make a difference in God's Kingdom work, and to share God's love with your family and friends! It includes pre-ordering, sharing the book with others, writing reviews, and enjoying exclusive perks such as a one-on-one personal coaching session with Stephanie. Go to https://www.gospelspice.com/booklaunchteam for more information and to signup!Awakening delight in God isn’t about ignoring hardship; it’s responding to God’s invitation, rooting hope in His unchanging promises, and walking with intentionality and community. As Gospel Spice embarks on this journey, YOU are welcomed to join, grow, and awaken true delight together.SAVE THE DATE! We will host a wonderful book launch party on Saturday, September 19, 2026 in Paoli, Pennsylvania. Also, we will soon o

A SPECIAL MESSAGE FROM STEPHANIE:I want to share a special invitation with you. You may have heard that I will be releasing my first book with IVP on July 28, 2026. It’s a big deal and I am so overwhelmed with God’ goodness in allowing me to share such an essential message about delighting in Him as the true essential foundation for all our spiritual growth and maturing. Truly, when we delight in the Lord, He promises to give us the desires of our hearts – namely, more of Himself!So, here's the invitation. If you feel this message is indeed important, and you know people – including yourself perhaps – who need to be encouraged to awaken and cultivate their delight in God, would you consider joining my book launch team? It’s a great and super easy way to share the good news of God's love for us in Christ, Jesus, our Lord.**If you’re interested, please go to gospelspice.com/awakendelight and find the section about joining the launch team, or email me at [email protected] **Together, let’s encourage everyone we know with the wonderful news that, in Christ, God delights in us and invites us to delight in Him!Shattered lives and costly obedience grow our ultimate hope in the power of grace. That’s the key lesson from the pages of the gospel of Luke this week. As we continue unpacking the Gospel of Luke, let’s now turn our attention and focus on Jesus, as herald and incarnation of Heavenly Sacrifice and Compassion. Jesus’ story begins with unimaginable humility: leaving heavenly glory for earthly struggle. More than anyone, He embodies sacrifice, compassion, and perseverance—not born merely to live, but to die for others’ benefit.Luke’s narrative is not just history—it’s an invitation. We, too, are “on stage,” living between difficult circumstances and challenging relationships. Stephanie reminds us that faith means pressing on, pressing in to Christ, and pressing up — seeking God’s will, letting go of self-sufficiency, and finding our identity as beloved, grace-soaked children. The ultimate lesson is that our brokenness and struggles, when surrendered to Christ, become pathways for God’s love and glory.Don't forget to check out the accompanying workbook to enhance your experience of the Gospel of Luke! Go to https://www.gospelspice.com/luke Key Takeaways:Patience and obedience often coexist with disappointment and struggle.Faith isn’t about having it all together, but about surrender and trust when life shatters our expectations.God uses ordinary, broken people to fulfill extraordinary purposes.Our deepest security is in relationship with God, not circumstances.Success means being in God’s will—today.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 for more, and go especially to gospelspice.com/podcast to enjoy our guests! Interested in our blog? Click here: gospelspice.com/blogIdentity in the battle | Ephesianshttps://www.podcastics.com/episode/372022/link/Malachi: Messenger to Messiahhttps://www.podcastics.com/episode/356130/link/Wisdom from the Book of Proverbshttps://www.podcastics.com/episode/324347/link/Come to the Table | The Feasts Jesus celebratedhttps://www.podcastics.com/episode/309956/link/Bonjour! Gospel Spice exists to inspire our generation to delight in God. We do this through the podcast, online Bible studies, leadership trainings, and more. We want to serve Christ-followers who seek to live a life spiced with the gospel. We want to love God, because He first loved us. We want to experience the fullness of life with Him—and not be content with stale, boring, leftover faith. Jesus tells us that the most important thing is to love the Lord our God, so we take Him seriously. He adds that we are to love our neighbor as ourselves. Now, there are many ways to do that, but I have always personally felt deep compassion for victims of human trafficking – it is modern day slavery, and it revolts the heart of God. And so, they are our particular neighbors here at Gospel Spice. We want to play our part in raising awareness and then financially supporting those who fight this great evil. Now we would love to invite you to join the team in one of three ways:1, pray Gospel Spice forward – pray for our guests, our listeners and participants, and for us too!2, play Gospel Spice forward by telling your friends about us, and by please leaving positive reviews and comments on your podcast listening app;and 3rd, PAY GospelSpice forward. Less than 1% of our listeners are supporting us financially. We need your help! Please pay Gospel Spice forward today. It can be a one-time donation, or a monthly one, for the amount of your choice. Your donation is fully tax-deductible in the US. Plus, once we cover our costs, a significant portion of your donation will be given back to Christian organizations that fight human trafficking, and that we vet thoroughly. So, you can know that every dime you give is used for the Kingdom of God

A SPECIAL MESSAGE FROM STEPHANIE:I want to share a special invitation with you. You may have heard that I will be releasing my first book with IVP on July 28, 2026. It’s a big deal and I am so overwhelmed with God’ goodness in allowing me to share such an essential message about delighting in Him as the true essential foundation for all our spiritual growth and maturing. Truly, when we delight in the Lord, He promises to give us the desires of our hearts – namely, more of Himself!So, here's the invitation. If you feel this message is indeed important, and you know people – including yourself perhaps – who need to be encouraged to awaken and cultivate their delight in God, would you consider joining my book launch team? It’s a great and super easy way to share the good news of God's love for us in Christ, Jesus, our Lord.**If you’re interested, please go to gospelspice.com/awakendelight and find the section about joining the launch team, or email me at [email protected] **Together, let’s encourage everyone we know with the wonderful news that, in Christ, God delights in us and invites us to delight in Him!We journey with Chris Morris as he candidly shares his lifelong battle with depression, suicidal thoughts, and the restorative process of faith and community. He draws out practical wisdom for both those who struggle with mental health and the people who walk alongside them.Chris Morris opens up about his initial encounters with God during his teenage years amid deep depression and a suicidal crisis. Despite not being raised in a Christian home, he experienced a life-changing introduction to faith through a neighbor’s invitation. However, contrary to many “testimonies” often heard in church that promise total healing, his struggle with mental health did not vanish after conversion. Fast forward 30 years, he found himself in a psychiatric ward after a suicide attempt, feeling unworthy and broken.In the depths of crisis, Chris Morris shares a pivotal moment when he sensed God telling him, “Chris, I still love you.” Initially, he argued with this gentle assurance, convinced he wasn’t worthy of love. Over time, however, this truth took root: if God still saw value in him at his lowest, perhaps his own self-perception was deeply flawed.A recurring theme is the negative impact of judgmental or dismissive church environments. Chris recounts how a pastor once told him, “Man up and pray more,” reinforcing guilt and isolation. In contrast, his current church responded with compassion and affirmation, restoring his hope and sense of belonging. He highlights the critical role of the “ministry of presence”—simply being with someone in their pain, without trying to fix them or offer platitudes. Support is less about having answers and more about empathy, presence, and genuine curiosity. Being a safe, nonjudgmental companion can offer hope and healing.Chris shares practical tools for managing destructive thought patterns, such as asking reflective questions: Is this thought necessarily true? What else might be true? What should I do in response? What might God be doing right now? These questions help reframe negative self-talk and encourage a posture of grace toward oneself. Learning to question and reframe harmful thoughts is vital. Spiritual and emotional health often require new skills and intentional practice.Chris describes how his journey to recovery involved rebuilding trust with family, especially after broken promises and repeated crises. Openness, accountability, and continued professional help were essential, not just for himself but to reassure and support his loved ones. Restoration is gradual and requires honesty, humility, and consistent effort. Loved ones can support, but are not responsible for, someone’s mental health recovery.Key Takeaways:· Struggling with mental health does not mean a lack of faith or spiritual immaturity.· Community and empathetic support play a crucial role in recovery.· God’s love and acceptance are not dependent on our success or failure.· Healing may require therapy, medication, and time.· The church is called to be a place of presence, grace, and hope for all who struggle.Challenge: Consider how you can offer the ministry of presence and curiosity to someone around you, and reflect on how God’s love remains steadfast regardless of life’s valleys.MORE ABOUT CHRIS MORRISChris Morris writes, “Welcome to my Christian mental health website. This is a safe place for followers of Jesus dealing with depression, anxiety, and every mental illness under the sun. If you’ve asked yourself, “if I’m a Christian, why am I depressed?“ or, “where is God when my life is falling apart?“, or “How do I overcome depression biblically“, you’re in the right place. Everything here is written as Christian help for those in the mental illness community as we redefine normal and rediscover hope together. Let’s talk about these two things for just a moment. What does it mean to redefine normal? It mean

A SPECIAL MESSAGE FROM STEPHANIE:I want to share a special invitation with you. You may have heard that I will be releasing my first book with IVP on July 28, 2026. It’s a big deal and I am so overwhelmed with God’ goodness in allowing me to share such an essential message about delighting in Him as the true essential foundation for all our spiritual growth and maturing. Truly, when we delight in the Lord, He promises to give us the desires of our hearts – namely, more of Himself!So, here's the invitation. If you feel this message is indeed important, and you know people – including yourself perhaps – who need to be encouraged to awaken and cultivate their delight in God, would you consider joining my book launch team? It’s a great and super easy way to share the good news of God's love for us in Christ, Jesus, our Lord.**If you’re interested, please go to gospelspice.com/awakendelight and find the section about joining the launch team, or email me at [email protected] **Together, let’s encourage everyone we know with the wonderful news that, in Christ, God delights in us and invites us to delight in Him!You’re invited to join us as we unpack the rich tapestry of people and events surrounding the birth of Jesus, using Luke’s distinctive storytelling to reveal both challenge and encouragement for our own spiritual journeys.Don't forget to check out the accompanying workbook to enhance your experience of the Gospel of Luke! Go to https://www.gospelspice.com/luke Luke’s narrative is much more than biography. The “actors” in this true-life drama — Zechariah, Elizabeth, Mary, John the Baptist, and Jesus Himself — are meant to be relatable. We’re invited to let their stories come alive and even consider where our lives echo theirs.Zechariah, an aging priest, and Elizabeth, his barren wife, personify patience and disappointment. He spent a lifetime waiting for both a child and a chance to serve in the temple—yet, when the moment finally arrives, he falters, resulting in temporary muteness. Elizabeth’s pain is compounded by cultural shame. Their journey reminds us that waiting often refines us, and how God’s plans may unfold differently than we expect. Their story asks: What do we do when we finally get what we prayed for but feel unworthy or make mistakes?Mary’s life is upended by the angel's announcement. Instead of a quiet, respectable future, she faces scandal, rumors, and the lifelong burden of misunderstood obedience. Her “yes” to God’s plan is courageous, especially as it brings suffering rather than ease. Mary’s example invites us to consider: What does it look like when faithful obedience to God leads to hardship rather than comfort? Are we willing to say yes, even when the road gets hard?John’s very name — “God remembers His oath” — signals fulfillment of ancient promises. Likely orphaned young and possibly raised by the ascetic Essenes, John’s life shows that even those with unusual backgrounds can be instrumental in God’s plan. His doubt, suffering, and eventual martyrdom remind us that being “set apart” may cost us dearly, but doubt does not disqualify faith.May Luke’s Christmas story invite you to step onto the stage, embrace your own brokenness, and discover fresh hope as you press in to Christ this season.------SPECIAL CHRISTMAS GIFT TO YOU!! "A Gospel Spice Christmas" is a brand new five-day devotional and reading plan available exclusively on YouVersion / the Bible App. Do you long for fresh spices to flavor your spiritual experience of the Incarnation of Christ? Are you tired of stale clichés that taste like microwaved Christmas dinner leftovers? Are you hungry for an explosion of fresh flavors in your Christmas devotions? Experience a Gospel Spice Christmas alongside the shepherds, and discover how to make your life a daily nativity scene where Christ can be born in ever-deepening ways.Click here or go to your YouVersion Bible App on your phone, and search "Gospel Spice." It is our gift to you! Enjoy!-----------DID YOU KNOW?The Gospel Spice Podcast is part of a larger range of tools brought to you by Gospel Spice Ministries. Would you consider supporting this show today? It comes to you completely free, but is labor-intensive to produce. For the price of a cup of coffee or two, your monthly support of $5 or $10 would make a huge difference! Donate HERE today.The Gospel Spice Ministries exist to inspire Christ-followers in our generation to delight in the glory of God by knowing and experiencing Jesus more intimately. 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.Gospel Spice Ministries is a non-profit organ

A SPECIAL MESSAGE FROM STEPHANIE:I want to share a special invitation with you. You may have heard that I will be releasing my first book with IVP on July 28, 2026. It’s a big deal and I am so overwhelmed with God’ goodness in allowing me to share such an essential message about delighting in Him as the true essential foundation for all our spiritual growth and maturing. Truly, when we delight in the Lord, He promises to give us the desires of our hearts – namely, more of Himself!So, here's the invitation. If you feel this message is indeed important, and you know people – including yourself perhaps – who need to be encouraged to awaken and cultivate their delight in God, would you consider joining my book launch team? It’s a great and super easy way to share the good news of God's love for us in Christ, Jesus, our Lord.**If you’re interested, please go to gospelspice.com/awakendelight and find the section about joining the launch team, or email me at [email protected] **Together, let’s encourage everyone we know with the wonderful news that, in Christ, God delights in us and invites us to delight in Him!Stephanie hosts Lee Strobel, acclaimed author known for "The Case for Christ" and many other works examining the evidence for Christianity. Together they explore the true story of Christmas, the reality of miracles, and how the supernatural intersects with our everyday lives. This conversation challenges us to view Christmas with fresh eyes, to trust in God’s supernatural power, and to enter the season embracing generosity, hope, and an openness to miracles—both big and small.Understanding historical and cultural context enriches our appreciation for the Christmas story and corrects misconceptions shaped by tradition and mistranslation. So, Stephanie opens by asking Lee to unpack traditional nativity scenes. Strobel explains that the common image of Mary and Joseph being turned away by a harsh innkeeper actually stems from a mistranslation. The Greek word "kataluma" is better understood as "guest room" rather than an inn. In first-century Bethlehem, homes often had a main living area with adjacent space for animals, and wealthier homes included a guest room. Mary and Joseph most likely found shelter with relatives who didn’t have space in the guest room, so Jesus was born in the main family area, not in a crowded stable. Furthermore, Lee debunks the myth that Bethlehem was bustling with commercial inns; hospitality was so valued in that culture, it would be unthinkable to turn away a pregnant woman.Miracles, by definition, are acts of God that transcend natural laws; if we accept the existence of a Creator, then miracles like the virgin birth become logically possible. So, Lee addresses common skepticism about the virgin birth, referencing Dr. William Lane Craig’s journey from doubt to faith. The miracle becomes scientifically plausible when recognizing that if God created the universe and set the laws of nature, creating a Y chromosome is a simple task for Him.Our celebrations are opportunities to focus on generosity and the meaning of Christ’s birth rather than being distracted by debates about dates or traditions. In that way, the date of Christmas isn’t biblically mandated—early Christians didn’t record or celebrate birthdays. December 25th became tradition through a series of theological and historical developments, not pagan theft. Gift-giving echoes the generosity of figures like St. Nicholas, whose story shaped holiday customs such as stocking gifts.Miracles still happen and can be examined with reason and evidence. Prayer remains a powerful connection to God’s supernatural work. Lee emphasizes medical documentation, credible witnesses, lack of natural explanation, and a context of prayer as strong criteria for validating miracles. Modern research, such as documented healing events in places like Mozambique and Brazil, shows that miracles often accompany breakthroughs of the gospel.The Holy Spirit continues to work beyond cultural and political barriers, using dreams, visions, and supernatural encounters to reveal Jesus. Lee’s book "Seeing the Supernatural" and testimonies from the Middle East reveal how God uses dreams and visions to reach people, especially in closed countries. These experiences often have cross-verification and lead individuals into Christian community.God’s promise is not a life free of suffering but a hope of ultimate healing and redemption, both now and in eternity. Stephanie and Lee close by reflecting on personal experiences with pain and loss. They discuss how suffering can lead to deeper faith, humility, and compassion, and how God redeems our pain according to Romans 8:28.THERE ARE SEVERAL WAYS TO PARTNER WITH GOSPEL SPICE TODAY!First, PAY Gospel Spice Forward: Give a tax-deductible gift so others can experience our ministry for free, just like you! You can pay it forward with any debit, credit card, or via PayPal. See below for more details about your impact.Also,

A SPECIAL MESSAGE FROM STEPHANIE:I want to share a special invitation with you. You may have heard that I will be releasing my first book with IVP on July 28, 2026. It’s a big deal and I am so overwhelmed with God’ goodness in allowing me to share such an essential message about delighting in Him as the true essential foundation for all our spiritual growth and maturing. Truly, when we delight in the Lord, He promises to give us the desires of our hearts – namely, more of Himself!So, here's the invitation. If you feel this message is indeed important, and you know people – including yourself perhaps – who need to be encouraged to awaken and cultivate their delight in God, would you consider joining my book launch team? It’s a great and super easy way to share the good news of God's love for us in Christ, Jesus, our Lord.**If you’re interested, please go to gospelspice.com/awakendelight and find the section about joining the launch team, or email me at [email protected] **Together, let’s encourage everyone we know with the wonderful news that, in Christ, God delights in us and invites us to delight in Him!Stephanie beckons you into the full Gospel Spice Christmas experience today, in an episode that she took great delight in preparing for you today. Do you long for fresh spices to flavor your spiritual experience of the Incarnation of Christ? Are you tired of stale clichés that taste like microwaved Christmas dinner leftovers? Are you hungry for an explosion of fresh flavors in your Christmas devotions? We invite you to experience a Gospel Spice Christmas alongside the shepherds, and to discover how to make your life a daily nativity scene where Christ can be born in ever-deepening ways. Today's episode is based on Luke 2 and the famous carol, The First Noel, and invites you to taste the Christmas spices of the gospel with fresh insights into the timeless truths of the Incarnation.The First Noel, the Angels did sayWas to certain poor shepherds in fields as they layIn fields where they lay keeping their sheepOn a cold winter's night that was so deepNoel, Noel, Noel, NoelBorn is the King of Israel!Don't forget to check out the accompanying workbook to enhance your experience of the Gospel of Luke! Go to https://www.gospelspice.com/luke Stephanie invites you to experience Christmas not only as a historical event, but as a living spiritual reality in your life today. It means your life can become a “fifth Gospel”—a living testimony infused with the rich, fragrant spices of Christ’s presence. Build a legacy of hope and spiritual delight by becoming the spice of the Gospel for your family, community, and beyond.The Christmas story begins in the humble town of Bethlehem, where Mary and Joseph found no welcome, echoing a year of hardship for many. Yet, within this inhospitable setting was the Tower of Eder—a place where shepherds bred lambs destined for temple sacrifice. These lambs were cherished, kept unblemished, and swaddled for protection. The parallels are striking: Jesus, born among these sacrificial lambs, was also swaddled and placed in a manger, foreshadowing His role as the Lamb of God who would carry our sins. You’re invited to reflect: What is your own “Eder”—your place of difficulty—and how might God reveal His glory there?God speaks through our circumstances—the good and the hard. The shepherds, poor and cold but devoted to their unique role, were the first to hear the angelic announcement of Christ’s birth. Their story underscores this truth: God uses our ordinary surroundings to reveal His extraordinary love. Likewise, your own life contains hints of God’s presence, and you are beckoned to seek Him in the everyday.Through reading Luke 2, Stephanie reminds us that the glory of God returned to earth that Christmas night—a glory absent since the days of Solomon’s temple. In the darkness of disappointment and Roman oppression, God’s light shone bright to those who were ready to receive. The shepherds’ wonder led them to worship and to share the news, illustrating the natural progression: when you truly “taste the spice of the gospel,” you’ll want to spread it.Just as spices enrich a meal, each Gospel offers its unique perspective: Mark and John focus less on nativity details but deeply celebrate God’s glory. Matthew gives us the wise men and their spices, but not much on the birth scene. Luke gifts us the manger, shepherds, angels, and music—our cherished nativity traditions. It means your life can become a “fifth Gospel”—a living testimony infused with the rich, fragrant spices of Christ’s presence. Build a legacy of hope and spiritual delight by becoming the spice of the Gospel for your family, community, and beyond.Christmas is not confined to December. Let Christ’s incarnation flavor your entire year. Seek moments of glory in everyday life, delight in His presence, and invite others into God’s story. As jars of clay holding heavenly treasure, may your life shine with the fragrance and glory of

A SPECIAL MESSAGE FROM STEPHANIE:I want to share a special invitation with you. You may have heard that I will be releasing my first book with IVP on July 28, 2026. It’s a big deal and I am so overwhelmed with God’ goodness in allowing me to share such an essential message about delighting in Him as the true essential foundation for all our spiritual growth and maturing. Truly, when we delight in the Lord, He promises to give us the desires of our hearts – namely, more of Himself!So, here's the invitation. If you feel this message is indeed important, and you know people – including yourself perhaps – who need to be encouraged to awaken and cultivate their delight in God, would you consider joining my book launch team? It’s a great and super easy way to share the good news of God's love for us in Christ, Jesus, our Lord.**If you’re interested, please go to gospelspice.com/awakendelight and find the section about joining the launch team, or email me at [email protected] **Together, let’s encourage everyone we know with the wonderful news that, in Christ, God delights in us and invites us to delight in Him!Stéphanie welcomes friend and author Cynthia Ruchti for a heartfelt conversation about an often-overlooked key Person in the Christmas story!Inspired by Cynthia’s book, The Spirit of Christmas: Discovering His Presence throughout the Advent Season, Stephanie and Cynthia weave together the truths of the gospel with the unique work of the Holy Spirit through the Christmas season.Cynthia beautifully outlines how the Holy Spirit is present at every turn in the story of Christmas. From the Spirit’s role in Jesus’ conception to His comfort and guidance of Mary on her journey to Elizabeth, we see that God’s presence is not limited to grand, miraculous moments but extends to the quiet, unseen steps we take in our lives. Cynthia also notes that even in the last moments of silence preceding Jesus’ birth (the 400 years between Malachi and the Gospels), the Spirit is waiting and then speaks to unlikely people—Mary, Zechariah, Elizabeth—signaling God’s readiness to move.Both Stéphanie and Cynthia share an affinity for observing—paying attention to the details that God reveals. Cynthia describes herself as an “observer” who seeks to notice God at work, longing to discover and dig deeper. She invites us to do the same: to live lives marked by holy expectancy, always searching for evidence of God’s presence through His Spirit. The conversation encourages listeners to be lifelong learners of the faith—not settling for what we’ve always known, but continually growing in our understanding of Him.Cynthia offers to expand our understanding of the gospel: it is not only about Jesus or the Father, but involves the entire Trinity. The Father sends the Son, and the Son sends the Spirit. The Holy Spirit is integral, taking the words of Jesus and illuminating them for us, deepening our comprehension far beyond what we might realize. This broadening view challenges us to recognize the Holy Spirit’s involvement not just during Christmas, but throughout all of Jesus’ ministry and in every aspect of our faith journey.So, Stephanie and Cynthia invite YOU to make space for the Holy Spirit during this Advent season. Cynthia suggests that we sometimes need to let go of traditions or activities that crowd out our capacity to ponder the real meaning of Christmas. The invitation is to intentionally prepare our hearts, not just our homes, so we don’t end Christmas feeling empty or disappointed but deeply satisfied by God’s presence.Cynthia also brings attention to the overlooked figures in the Christmas story—the innkeeper, the cloth weavers, and countless unnamed helpers. These reminders inspire us to appreciate every person’s role and to look for God among the unnoticed and ordinary.Ultimately, Cynthia and Stéphanie challenge us not just to trace the Holy Spirit through Advent, but through our entire lives. Reflect on how God’s Spirit has been working—generations back, in your own childhood, and through every season. The Spirit of Christmas is an invitation to continual discovery, deepened intimacy, and expectation for what God will reveal next.Get ready for Advent: As you move through Advent, intentionally seek and observe the Holy Spirit—both in the Christmas story and your daily life. What will you notice when you look?MORE ABOUT “THE SPIRIT OF CHRISTMAS”Discover the Holy Spirit's Presence in the Christmas Story--and Why It Matters Today· A faith-building, eye-opening daily advent devotional· Discover exciting new aspects of the story you thought you knew· Prepare your heart to fully celebrate the birth of JesusWhen we think of the first Christmas, we often focus on the wide-eyed young mother and her faithful fiancé, on tattered shepherds and singing angels and road-weary wise men. But the Holy Spirit was there--and just as He hovered over the waters in the beginning, He hovers over every page of the Christmas story.This Advent, join

A SPECIAL MESSAGE FROM STEPHANIE:I want to share a special invitation with you. You may have heard that I will be releasing my first book with IVP on July 28, 2026. It’s a big deal and I am so overwhelmed with God’ goodness in allowing me to share such an essential message about delighting in Him as the true essential foundation for all our spiritual growth and maturing. Truly, when we delight in the Lord, He promises to give us the desires of our hearts – namely, more of Himself!So, here's the invitation. If you feel this message is indeed important, and you know people – including yourself perhaps – who need to be encouraged to awaken and cultivate their delight in God, would you consider joining my book launch team? It’s a great and super easy way to share the good news of God's love for us in Christ, Jesus, our Lord.**If you’re interested, please go to gospelspice.com/awakendelight and find the section about joining the launch team, or email me at [email protected] **Together, let’s encourage everyone we know with the wonderful news that, in Christ, God delights in us and invites us to delight in Him!Welcome to the final episode in Gospel Spice’s series, "Identity in the Battle." Stephanie draws from Paul’s letter to the Ephesians, with a primary focus on what it means to know and live out our identity in Christ, especially amidst spiritual warfare. This serves as a conclusion to the study on our identity in Christ and how that shapes our engagement in spiritual warfare.Ephesians: Tone & ContextStephanie emphasizes two critical ways to approach Ephesians:Mature Tone: Unlike Paul's other letters, Ephesians is deeply theological and not focused on addressing specific church problems. Instead, it equips believers for mature faith, acknowledging life’s difficulties, but encouraging us by affirming that victory in Christ is already secured.Context: Paul writes from prison (likely AD 62), aware these may be his final words to the church in Ephesus. Despite his chains, he speaks with gentle affection, offering encouragement and a desire for continued connection.Four Pillars in Paul’s Farewell (Ephesians 6:23–24)Paul concludes with four key blessings:Peace: A deep, abiding peace (shalom) from God.Faith: Assurance in the unseen, a call to trust God in uncertainty.Love: Love that unites the community.Grace: The foundation for all Christian living.Paul challenges us to let these words be the flavor of our own walk with Christ and to root ministry and relationships in love and grace.The Spiritual BattleEach believer has a choice—either to remain bystanders or to take up their place in the spiritual battlefield. Importantly:Jesus’ love is not lessened by our reluctance, but we are invited to participate in battle for the sake of others, including addressing evils like human trafficking.The enemy (Satan) is not complacent, so we must not be either. Knowing the victory is won should lead not to laziness, but to courageous engagement.Our battle is never against people, but against evil and spiritual forces. With people, we are to demonstrate the fruit of the Spirit—love, patience, kindness.Handling Conflict in the ChurchStephanie points out that disagreements among Christians are inevitable. The priority is always reconciliation, but when that’s not possible, it’s best to move aside while continuing to pray blessings over one another, remembering that we are all fighting the same spiritual war.Five Steps for Engaging in Spiritual WarfareBecome aware of the spiritual realm.Train up: Study scripture, pray, and fellowship.Stand firm: Hold your ground in Christ’s strength.Resist the devil: Persevere with God’s might, not your own.Train others: Help disciple and equip younger believers.True Identity in ChristThe reality of our identity is found in the fullness of Christ. Everything—our calling, purpose, and ability to overcome—flows from knowing who God is, what He has done, who we are in Him, and what we are called to do.We are the inheritors of a deep legacy of spiritual riches and calling. So, root your life in the peace, faith, love, and grace found in Christ, remember your true identity, and take your place in the spiritual battle with courage.As the series ends, Gospel Spice invites everyone to "taste and see that the Lord is good," step boldly into battle, and empower others to do the same.Reflection/Response:- How do Paul’s final words in Ephesians inspire you to engage the spiritual battles you face today?- What does it look like for you to stand firm in your identity in ChristEnjoying these reflection questions? Consider the accompanying workbook as a resource to go deeper, at https://www.gospelspice.com/identity PLEASE JOIN THE TEAM BY DONATING TO GOSPEL SPICE - it's fully tax-deductible!more details here: gospelspice.com/payitforward What matters to us here at Gospel Spice is to create a place where people who seek deeper intimacy with Jesus, will find Him. We want a warm, welcoming atmosphere to journ

A SPECIAL MESSAGE FROM STEPHANIE:I want to share a special invitation with you. You may have heard that I will be releasing my first book with IVP on July 28, 2026. It’s a big deal and I am so overwhelmed with God’ goodness in allowing me to share such an essential message about delighting in Him as the true essential foundation for all our spiritual growth and maturing. Truly, when we delight in the Lord, He promises to give us the desires of our hearts – namely, more of Himself!So, here's the invitation. If you feel this message is indeed important, and you know people – including yourself perhaps – who need to be encouraged to awaken and cultivate their delight in God, would you consider joining my book launch team? It’s a great and super easy way to share the good news of God's love for us in Christ, Jesus, our Lord.**If you’re interested, please go to gospelspice.com/awakendelight and find the section about joining the launch team, or email me at [email protected] **Together, let’s encourage everyone we know with the wonderful news that, in Christ, God delights in us and invites us to delight in Him!Welcome to today’s “Identity in the Battle” series, where we continue our exploration of the powerful image Paul gives us in Ephesians 6: the Armor of God. Stephanie Rousselle dives into the spiritual realities of our identity in Christ and how we’re equipped to stand strong in spiritual warfare. In our previous episode, (episode 415) we looked at the first few pieces of this armor. So, how do we live victoriously through our spiritual battles? Let’s see what Paul has to teach us through his letter to the Ephesians.Context and PurposePaul sets the stage by reminding us that as followers of Christ, we’re engaged in a real, everyday spiritual battle. The “Armor of God” is not just a metaphor; it’s a God-given resource to ground us in our identity, empower us, and unite us as the body of Christ.The Shield of FaithPaul’s words to the Ephesians brings the shield to life. In Greek, the word is literally “door,” emphasizing its large, protective nature—big enough to hide a soldier entirely. Roman soldiers would lock shields together, signifying unity and teamwork. Alone, we may stand vulnerable, but joined with others in faith, we’re nearly impenetrable. The shield also features hinges—faith is “active,” meant to be flexible, adapting to every circumstance.The shield extinguishes “all the flaming arrows of the evil one.” These arrows primarily serve as distractions. Satan often uses “fiery darts” not just to harm, but mostly to divert our attention, separating us from our main purpose and leaving us vulnerable to further attacks. Stephanie reminds us to recognize life’s distractions and stay focused—don’t mistake the fire for the real enemy! We are challenged to take stock of how many times our faith has shielded us from attack, and to recognize each as a testimony to God’s faithfulness.The Helmet of SalvationJust as medicine must be applied—not merely owned—salvation transforms us when we “put it on” daily. The helmet protects our minds from the enemy’s lies, renewing our thoughts through daily application. Our salvation is both a present reality and a future inheritance; we’re called to live now with the confidence, hope, and abundance Christ offers, not a mindset of spiritual scarcity.The Sword of the SpiritThe “sword” is the Word of God—both Scripture and Jesus Himself. Scripture is not merely ink on paper, but alive and active, shaping us as we wield its truths. So, memorizing, speaking, and applying Scripture is our offensive weapon, capable of cutting through lies, confusion, and spiritual strongholds.Prayer as Our Ultimate WeaponFinally, Paul underscores prayer as the glue of our spiritual arsenal. Prayer is not a formality; it’s the relational heartbeat with our Commander-in-Chief, Jesus. To kneel in prayer is the only way to stand firm against the enemy.Conclusion: Victory and IdentityAs believers, we’re not called to fight alone. Armor is meant to be worn in unity, our eyes fixed on Jesus, our victorious leader. We’re warriors today—clothed for battle—but one day, we’ll trade our armor for bridal garments, celebrating our eternal victory in Christ. Until then, let’s stand firm, united, and equipped with every spiritual blessing, living out our new identity in Him.Reflection:What distractions (flaming arrows) are keeping you from focusing on your true spiritual battle?Where do you need to “lock shields” with others?How can you apply the helmet of salvation and wield the sword of the Spirit more intentionally this week?Enjoying these reflection questions? Consider the accompanying workbook as a resource to go deeper, at https://www.gospelspice.com/identity ----- IDENTITY IN THE BATTLE WORKBOOK ------You have the option to go beyond listening to this series, and to participate actively. This exclusive Gospel Spice Ministries resource is available at gospelspice.com/identity . You will receive a downl

A SPECIAL MESSAGE FROM STEPHANIE:I want to share a special invitation with you. You may have heard that I will be releasing my first book with IVP on July 28, 2026. It’s a big deal and I am so overwhelmed with God’ goodness in allowing me to share such an essential message about delighting in Him as the true essential foundation for all our spiritual growth and maturing. Truly, when we delight in the Lord, He promises to give us the desires of our hearts – namely, more of Himself!So, here's the invitation. If you feel this message is indeed important, and you know people – including yourself perhaps – who need to be encouraged to awaken and cultivate their delight in God, would you consider joining my book launch team? It’s a great and super easy way to share the good news of God's love for us in Christ, Jesus, our Lord.**If you’re interested, please go to gospelspice.com/awakendelight and find the section about joining the launch team, or email me at [email protected] **Together, let’s encourage everyone we know with the wonderful news that, in Christ, God delights in us and invites us to delight in Him!Stephanie interviews Elise Tegegne, author of In Praise of House Flies. They discuss finding God’s presence, grace, and growth in the ordinary and sometimes challenging moments of daily life. Spiritual growth is cultivated not by spectacular moments, but by surrender, humility, dependence, and wonder woven into the fabric of everyday life. As Elise’s experience, book, and wisdom reveal, God meets us in the little things—if we will simply open our eyes and hearts to Him.Elise’s story begins with her call to serve as a missionary teacher in Ethiopia—an experience that brought her, for the first time, into the depths of her own inadequacy. Far from home and outside her comfort zone, she quickly realized she could not succeed on her own. Failure and discomfort became a means by which she experienced true intimacy with God. When everything felt overwhelming, the only option was to get “on her knees,” literally and figuratively, praying for help.Elise discusses how being confronted with her own limits brought a new kind of freedom. Growing up as a high-performing student, she hadn’t needed to rely on anyone but herself. But in Ethiopia, humility was forced upon her—and it led to spiritual liberation.Humility is the posture that opens us to God’s grace. It’s not natural or easy—especially for those of us wired for achievement or “Martha” types—but it’s essential. Elise points out that praying for humility is scary, but necessary, and God has ways to gently answer that prayer.True humility is not self-deprecation but a realistic acknowledgment of need—opening the way for grace. God “gives grace to the humble” (1 Peter 5:5). Cultivating humility by embracing moments that challenge our sense of control, happens by asking Him for a gentle, transforming touch.Motherhood and daily life made Elise redefine prayer. No longer only reserved for a quiet hour, prayer became integrated into every moment: while nursing her baby, washing dishes, or shopping with her in-laws, who taught her to pray over even the smallest activities.Prayer can permeate our entire day. Turn every activity—however small—into a moment of connection and dependence on God. “In everything, by prayer and supplication, make your requests known to God.”The title of Elise’s book, In Praise of House Flies, inspires us to look for God’s presence even in the annoyances and the mundane: the “house fly” moments we’d rather swat away. Life is lived not just in the big events, but in myriad little acts of faithfulness, wonder, and surrender.Adopting a childlike wonder, Elise encourages us to practice gratitude, see the holy in the everyday, and recognize God’s gifts everywhere. Resist waiting for the “next big thing.” Instead, let’s train our attention on the daily opportunities God gives for transformation, gratitude, and worship. Like children, we marvel at the beauty and sacredness embedded in the ordinary.MORE ABOUT ELISE TEGEGNE AND HER BOOK, “IN PRAISE OF HOUSEFLIES”Through the lens of personal experience, Elise Tegegne reflects on the redemptive glimmers in ordinary challenges ranging from canceled flights to insomnia. In Praise of Houseflies gives readers an opportunity to listen for what their own everyday quandaries can teach and to delight in the abundant graces blossoming within them. It is an essential message of hope, joy, and redemption imparted through deep, nourishing reflection.Elise says of herself, “Living alone and young as a high school French teacher in Ethiopia, I found a world that beautifully upended mine. I found God with skin and bones. And I found the one my soul loves. After giving birth to my son, I left my teaching career to pursue the delights of motherhood and writing. Since then I’ve been listening for God’s voice in the rhythms of everyday life, keeping my eyes open for abundant graces—and seeking to capture what I find in

A SPECIAL MESSAGE FROM STEPHANIE:I want to share a special invitation with you. You may have heard that I will be releasing my first book with IVP on July 28, 2026. It’s a big deal and I am so overwhelmed with God’ goodness in allowing me to share such an essential message about delighting in Him as the true essential foundation for all our spiritual growth and maturing. Truly, when we delight in the Lord, He promises to give us the desires of our hearts – namely, more of Himself!So, here's the invitation. If you feel this message is indeed important, and you know people – including yourself perhaps – who need to be encouraged to awaken and cultivate their delight in God, would you consider joining my book launch team? It’s a great and super easy way to share the good news of God's love for us in Christ, Jesus, our Lord.**If you’re interested, please go to gospelspice.com/awakendelight and find the section about joining the launch team, or email me at [email protected] **Together, let’s encourage everyone we know with the wonderful news that, in Christ, God delights in us and invites us to delight in Him!We invite you this week to focus on understanding our identity in Christ as we engage in spiritual battle, highlighting the practical meaning and Old Testament roots of the armor God equips us with. Based on Ephesians 6:13-17, let’s consider our identity and readiness in spiritual battle!We invite you to consider purchasing the accompanying workbook here: https://www.gospelspice.com/identity Context: Identity in the Midst of BattleThe Christian life necessarily involves a spiritual battle. The Apostle Paul calls believers to “stand”—not in our own strength, but grounded in our new identity in Christ. Paul’s instruction to put on the “full armor of God” isn’t new; its roots run deep in the Old Testament, with key imagery borrowed from books like Isaiah and Deuteronomy.In Isaiah 11:5 and 59:17, righteousness, faithfulness, and salvation appear as God’s own armor.This armor is now given to us, His adopted children, not as a child’s imitation set but as the genuine armor of our commander.Why the Armor Fits—Old and New Testament ConnectionsPaul isn’t inventing something new for the church in Ephesians. The same armor God Himself wears in Isaiah—righteousness as a breastplate, salvation as a helmet—is now available to every believer, thanks to our adoption in Christ. In God’s army, the commander and soldiers wear the same “colors”—we share in God’s strength and righteousness.The armor is also prophetic: Isaiah 59 speaks of the coming of the Messiah like a rushing stream (an echo of Pentecost) and describes how God’s Spirit will seal and empower His people. This sealing (see Ephesians 1:13) corresponds with being clothed in God’s armor.Seven Elements of the ArmorWhile many list six pieces, Ephesians points to seven, symbolizing fullness and perfection:Belt of Truth: Truth is both light and freedom. It’s the foundation that supports all other pieces, anchoring our identity in what God has said and done, not our own perception or the world’s lies.Breastplate of Righteousness: This isn’t self-righteousness but Christ’s righteousness. It’s described as a “heart protector,” guarding us against accusations—whether from the enemy or our own self-doubt. Standing in Christ’s righteousness, not our own, keeps us from the traps of pride or despair.Shoes of the Gospel of Peace: These boots provide both stability (standing firm) and mobility (readiness to move). They symbolize preparation and the peace rooted in the gospel, enabling us to stand and advance as one body with other believers.Shield of FaithHelmet of SalvationSword of the Spirit (the Word of God)Prayer—the element that undergirds and animates all the others, keeping us connected to God and alert in the battle.Application: Standing ReadyGod calls us to “put on” and “take up” these elements daily—not hastily when the enemy attacks, but as preparation for victorious living. The Christian walk is not passive; it’s a team endeavor, fought best in community, by truthfully embracing our identity and actively trusting God’s provision.The full armor of God is a gift of grace, perfectly suited for each believer, grounding us in truth, righteousness, and peace, and continually energized by prayer. This is how we stand firm and advance in the spiritual battle, secure in our identity as children of God.----- IDENTITY IN THE BATTLE WORKBOOK ------You have the option to go beyond listening to this series, and to participate actively. This exclusive Gospel Spice Ministries resource is available at gospelspice.com/identity . You will receive a downloadable, printable workbook containing listening guide for each of the 6 episodes in this series, space for note taking, and discussion questions if you want to do this study with a friend! What better way to enjoy a cup of coffee with a friend this season, than to discuss your identity in the battle together? So, grab a friend or

A SPECIAL MESSAGE FROM STEPHANIE:I want to share a special invitation with you. You may have heard that I will be releasing my first book with IVP on July 28, 2026. It’s a big deal and I am so overwhelmed with God’ goodness in allowing me to share such an essential message about delighting in Him as the true essential foundation for all our spiritual growth and maturing. Truly, when we delight in the Lord, He promises to give us the desires of our hearts – namely, more of Himself!So, here's the invitation. If you feel this message is indeed important, and you know people – including yourself perhaps – who need to be encouraged to awaken and cultivate their delight in God, would you consider joining my book launch team? It’s a great and super easy way to share the good news of God's love for us in Christ, Jesus, our Lord.**If you’re interested, please go to gospelspice.com/awakendelight and find the section about joining the launch team, or email me at [email protected] **Together, let’s encourage everyone we know with the wonderful news that, in Christ, God delights in us and invites us to delight in Him!Stephanie welcomes Elizabeth Urbanowitz to discuss how we can equip our children with a biblical understanding of sexuality and gender. Discover the tools you need to disciple your child with purpose and grace! Helping Your Kids Know God’s Good Design is a thoughtful, timely, and practical resource that will coach you through some of the most foundational conversations you can have with your children.It’s more crucial than ever to talk with our children about God’s design for sexuality and gender. As our culture’s understanding of human identity shifts, Christian parents, grandparents, and mentors are called to be the primary voices shaping the next generation’s worldview on these sensitive topics.Ten years ago, few would have imagined discussing sexuality or gender identity with young children. However, today’s culture often defines people by their desires and feelings, leading to confusion over what it means to be human. The Christian response is to provide clarity rooted in God’s Word—especially around key biblical themes such as being made in God’s image (Psalm 139) and understanding redemption through Christ.Elizabeth Urbanowitz emphasizes starting conversations on sexuality and gender with children as young as four or five years old. The earlier parents introduce these topics, the more their children see them as trustworthy “experts” (she calls this the “Founder’s Effect”). Just as a child memorizes basic math facts before tackling algebra, simple biblical truths learned early become anchors for discerning truth from cultural messages later in life.Children encounter issues like sexual abuse, pornography, and gender confusion younger than ever. Even adults without children are likely to influence young people as teachers, mentors, or relatives. It’s essential to have clear, simple language to explain:Bodies are valuable and designed by God.Private parts deserve protection and privacy.If children disclose uncomfortable experiences, adults should listen, seek understanding, and reinforce these truths with compassion.Elizabeth draws everything back to scripture. The Bible presents God as our Designer, and His design (for our bodies, marriage, sexuality) is the wise and loving blueprint for human flourishing. When addressing hard questions—like same-sex marriage, gender identity, or masturbation—parents are encouraged to reference what God has revealed, not just their opinions.To help children remember key truths, parents can teach simple catechism-like phrases. For example, “Marriage is one man and one woman becoming one flesh for life,” or “God designed us as male or female—God’s design is good.” These become invaluable tools when children are confronted with cultural lies.A major point is that kindness doesn’t mean agreement. Being compassionate means loving others and telling the truth (not just making them feel good). Children should be taught to respect and care for everyone, including those living differently, without affirming what’s unbiblical.For parents of older children or teens, start with prayer, then listen to what they’ve already learned. Acknowledge any shortcomings, gently offer biblical truths, and focus on building a trusting, ongoing dialogue.God’s Word is sufficient for every generation. Parents, family members, and the faith community play vital roles in helping kids navigate a confusing world. Start early, speak simply, root everything in scripture, and model truth with kindness and courage.Take time this week to consider what “building a biblical foundation” practically looks like for the children in your life. What is one conversation you can start, or one phrase you can teach, to prepare them for these challenging but crucial topics?MORE ABOUT “HELPING YOUR KIDS KNOW GOD’S GOOD DESIGN”Discipling Your Child One Conversation at a TimeIn today’s pervasively secular culture, i

A SPECIAL MESSAGE FROM STEPHANIE:I want to share a special invitation with you. You may have heard that I will be releasing my first book with IVP on July 28, 2026. It’s a big deal and I am so overwhelmed with God’ goodness in allowing me to share such an essential message about delighting in Him as the true essential foundation for all our spiritual growth and maturing. Truly, when we delight in the Lord, He promises to give us the desires of our hearts – namely, more of Himself!So, here's the invitation. If you feel this message is indeed important, and you know people – including yourself perhaps – who need to be encouraged to awaken and cultivate their delight in God, would you consider joining my book launch team? It’s a great and super easy way to share the good news of God's love for us in Christ, Jesus, our Lord.**If you’re interested, please go to gospelspice.com/awakendelight and find the section about joining the launch team, or email me at [email protected] **Together, let’s encourage everyone we know with the wonderful news that, in Christ, God delights in us and invites us to delight in Him!Welcome to this episode of our “Identity in the Battle” series, based on an exploration of Ephesians 6:10-13. The focus is on understanding our identity as followers of Christ and what it means to engage in spiritual warfare by putting on the full armor of God.We invite you to consider purchasing the accompanying workbook here: https://www.gospelspice.com/identity Let’s break down the main themes and lessons from this episode:Context: Our Identity and the Reality of BattleStephanie begins by grounding us in the overall theme of the series: Identity in the Battle. She reminds listeners that Paul’s letter to the Ephesians moves from teaching about who we are in Christ (chapters 1-3) to how we act because of our identity (chapters 4-6). As Paul closes his letter, he introduces the imagery of spiritual armor, summarizing the main points and equipping believers for spiritual warfare.Paul’s message isn’t just for specific groups—it’s for everyone who claims Christ, regardless of gender, age, or role. If you are in Christ, you are called to be a warrior, not fragile china hidden away. This call is universal across the body of believers.Understanding the BattlePaul urges us to "be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power,” highlighting that our strength comes not from ourselves, but from being in Christ. This is not a battle for our salvation—Christ has already won that war on the cross—but a fight for our effectiveness and witness as believers. Satan cannot take our salvation, but he can undermine our impact if we’re unprepared.Stephanie emphasizes that the true battle is spiritual—not against flesh and blood, but against unseen spiritual forces. Personal struggles, relationship challenges, or internal battles are surface-level; behind them is a deeper spiritual conflict. Recognizing this shifts our focus from blaming people or circumstances to standing guard against spiritual opposition.Equipping Ourselves: The Armor of GodPaul uses two key actions: “put on” and “take up” the full armor of God. At salvation, we “put on” this armor permanently (sealed with the Holy Spirit), but we must also “take it up” daily, making a conscious choice to stand firm each day. The armor equips us to resist the devil’s schemes, knowing the victory is assured through Christ.Stephanie illustrates that we should not wait until the enemy is upon us to prepare; the armor must be worn in readiness. Just as Roman soldiers were only as effective as their preparation, so we must be spiritually ready.Our Posture: Standing by KneelingThe repeated exhortation from Paul is to “stand.” Stephanie challenges us to see that the only way to stand against spiritual attacks is first to kneel before God in submission. Standing in the Lord’s strength means a posture of dependence on Him, not self-reliance. If we kneel to God, we can stand against the enemy. If we refuse, we risk kneeling to the enemy by default.Victory and Intentional LivingFinally, know that the war is already won. Satan has lost, though he fights to claim small victories day-to-day. We cannot lose our salvation, but we must fight to maintain our effectiveness. The invitation is to daily put on the armor, resist the enemy, and live out our victorious identity in Christ—standing firm in faith and ready for spiritual battle.Takeaway:As a believer, you are a spiritual warrior. Your true battle is not against people or circumstances, but against spiritual forces seeking to undermine your effectiveness. The key to standing strong is daily surrender to God, putting on His armor, and living confidently in the victory Christ has secured.----- IDENTITY IN THE BATTLE WORKBOOK ------You have the option to go beyond listening to this series, and to participate actively. This exclusive Gospel Spice Ministries resource is available at gospelspice.com/identity . You will receive a downloadable