Real Talk with Rachael Podcast

Welcome to Real Talk with Rachael Gilbert! We're continuing our annual Process & Pray series. Last week, we looked back at 2025 and processed both the hard and the good. If you missed that episode, you'll want to start there. Today, we turn our hearts toward the future. While there is a time to look back, looking back with longing can keep us stuck. Remember Lot's wife (Luke 17:32). God invites us to let go so we can move forward in faith. A powerful way to move forward is to ask Him for vision. We may not get the whole picture, but He always gives the next step. Process & Pray ● What am I longing for in the past that I need to let go of? ● What regrets do I need to release? ● What vision is God giving me for 2026? ● Jesus, what bold prayers do You want me to pray? ● What word are You speaking over my year? ● What verses do You want me to cling to in 2026? Resource Still need a Christmas gift? My book Image Restored makes a meaningful one. Grab it at imagerestoredbook.com. And don't forget to join my monthly JOYmail newsletter so you don't miss exciting updates coming to the podcast in 2026.

Welcome to Real Talk with Rachael Gilbert! I've missed you. My last episode was in May, and I'm excited to say God has been speaking about this show. I have some fun updates coming in 2026! Today we're kicking off our two-part Process & Pray series. Every December, we slow down and reflect so we can enter the new year with clarity and peace. This week, we're focusing on processing 2025, both the hard and the good. Process: the Hard + the Good Good: Create a faith timeline of the ways God showed up this year. Hard: Give yourself space to grieve disappointments, setbacks, rejections, and regrets. Power Verses Joel 2:25 1 Peter 5:10 Questions to Process This Week ● What do I need to grieve from this year? ● What regrets do I need to release? ● What victories or breakthroughs came this year? ● What from my faith timeline is God asking me to carry into next year? Resource Join my monthly JOYmail newsletter for therapy tools, favorite finds, and personal encouragement at rachaelgilbert.com.

This week on Real Talk with Rachael, I'm sharing a quick, honest episode about something I've been wrestling with - what do you do when God doesn't seem to be speaking? I've been questioning the future of the podcast and feeling that silence - maybe you can relate. Is there an area where God feels distant right now? I'm encouraging you to think back to the last thing He asked us to do, even if it felt small or insignificant. Did you follow through? Maybe He's still speaking in ways we didn't expect. I don't know exactly what's next for Real Talk with Rachael, but I do know this: my ministry is just getting started. God is stirring new vision and dreams in my heart, and I'd love for you to be part of the journey. Make sure you're subscribed to my newsletter at rachaelgilbert.com

In the #1 spot on Real Talk with Rachael's top 10 countdown, Dana K. White from A Slob Comes Clean kicked off the first episode of 2019 with practical and hilarious wisdom on decluttering. As an author, podcaster, and self-proclaimed "hopelessly messy" person turned decluttering expert, Dana shares her journey of tackling her own home and helping others do the same. She offers realistic tips on managing clutter, from her container concept to simple laundry strategies, and explains how clutter struggles can impact women's sense of identity. Dana also opens up about how letting others into her mess helped her grow.

In the #2 spot on Real Talk with Rachael's top 10 countdown, I celebrate my parents' 50th wedding anniversary with my four older siblings. Together, we reflect on the powerful lessons we've learned from our mom and dad—one from each kid. From the importance of building a foundation of faith to the power of unconditional love, we share heartfelt (and often humorous) memories of growing up in a family of seven. With plenty of sibling banter, including tales of family vacations, this episode is a sweet tribute to a lasting legacy of love, teamwork, and unwavering faith.

In the #3 spot on Real Talk with Rachael's top 10 countdown, Sandy Jobe shares heartfelt wisdom on marriage, family, and the power of prayer. As a homemaker, author, and Women's Ministries Care Pastor, Sandy encourages us to embrace gratitude in every season and bring everything—even the little things—to God in prayer. She reminds us that healthy marriages require both partners doing their part, while trusting God to work on the other. Sandy also highlights the importance of vulnerability in community, warning against the trap of comparison fueled by social media. She encourages being a "change agent" in your marriage by serving your spouse in practical ways and addressing unmet, unspoken expectations. Finally, she shares the value of slowing down and making time to gather at the table—it's where real connection happens. This week, challenge yourself to pray about the little things you've overlooked. Nothing is too small for God's care.

In the #4 spot on Real Talk with Rachael's top 10 countdown, author Sarah Philpott shares wisdom from her book, The Growing Season: A Year of Down-on-the-Farm Devotions. Using farming as a powerful metaphor, Sarah explains the importance of spiritual rest—just as fallow ground needs time to replenish its nutrients, we need seasons of stillness to restore our souls. She encourages pruning commitments that no longer fit your priorities, even if they're "good" things, and reminds us that no one is doing it all. Sarah also highlights the beauty of spiritual growth—when the fruit of the Spirit flows more naturally, you'll know you're maturing. Whether you're planting new seeds or finally seeing the fruits of long-term effort, trust that God is working in every season. This week, ask Him, What area do You want to grow in my life? and What's my part in that growth? Then write it down—you might be surprised by what He reveals.

In the #5 spot on Real Talk with Rachael's top 10 countdown, Heather Johnson from Revelation Wellness shares powerful insights on finding joy, walking in intimacy with God, and living with intention. She reminds us that loving others starts with being loved by the Father—when we run dry, it's His love that refills us. Heather encourages us to slow down, sit with God, and let Him minister to us, even when it feels vulnerable. She also highlights that joy isn't based on circumstances—it's the atmosphere of God's kingdom, learned through both sorrow and celebration. Living well takes daily, intentional heart checks—bringing hidden struggles into the light and letting God heal them. This week, try practicing a two-minute breath prayer and regularly check in with your heart. Let God meet you right where you are.

In the #6 spot on Real Talk with Rachael's top 10 countdown, author Lauren Chandler shares insights from her Bible study, With Us in the Wilderness: A Study of the Book of Numbers. She reminds us that God's plan has always included women and that even the difficult passages in Scripture reveal His heart for justice and restoration. Lauren encourages us to approach the Bible with prayer and patience, trusting that God's voice will always align with His character. She also dives into how wilderness seasons—though challenging—are where God recenters our lives around Him. Community is essential in these times, even when past hurts make it hard to trust again. Lauren's message is full of grace: your wilderness won't last forever, God is with you in it, and He doesn't waste a single moment. If you're feeling stuck, take time this week to pray and ask God, Where are You in this season? And where am I? He's closer than you think.

In the #7 spot on Real Talk with Rachael's top 10 countdown, Dr. Juli Slattery joins the conversation to share wisdom on marriage, intimacy, and the power dynamics at play in relationships. As a clinical psychologist and co-founder of Authentic Intimacy, Juli helps women understand how to use their influence in marriage in a way that builds up rather than controls. She explains that men thrive when they feel believed in, supported, and encouraged rather than micromanaged. She also dives into how sex is a spiritual battleground—designed by God for deep intimacy but often attacked by fear, shame, and past wounds. Juli encourages couples to pray about their sex life, seek expert help when needed, and fight for their marriage with God's perspective. She reminds us that healthy conflict is about teamwork, not winning, and that the real battle in marriage is often spiritual. This week, take time to ask God where the enemy may be attacking your relationship and how you can partner with Him to strengthen it.

In the #8 spot on Real Talk with Rachael's top 10 countdown, Rebekah Moes opens up about her personal journey through infidelity in her marriage and how God's redemption transformed her life. As co-founder of Family of Hope and host of the unFAITHFUL podcast, Rebekah is passionate about helping couples navigate the often lonely road of marital betrayal. She shares valuable insights, including how marriage acts as a mirror—reflecting personal growth areas rather than just pointing out a spouse's flaws. Rebekah encourages focusing on self-worth and identity rather than blame during tough seasons, reminding listeners that healing is a slow process but begins with just one next step. She stresses the importance of seeking support, setting healthy boundaries, and addressing secrecy in relationships. Her message is clear: while you can't control your spouse's choices, you can take steps to protect your heart and find hope in God's plan for your future, no matter the outcome.

In the #9 spot on Real Talk with Rachael's top 10 countdown, author Gary Thomas dives into the topic of his book Married Sex: A Christian Couple's Guide to Reimagining Your Love Life. Gary shares practical, faith-based insights on how married couples can cultivate a healthy, God-honoring sex life. He emphasizes that sex should be mutually pleasurable, strengthen the relationship, and glorify God—shifting the focus from using your spouse for pleasure to cherishing them through intimacy. Gary encourages couples to identify what might not be working in their sex life, whether it's physical, relational, or even theological. He reminds us that God designed sex as a gift, celebrated in Scripture, to bring joy, create life, and deepen connection. Addressing common misconceptions—like the idea that sex should always be easy or driven by constant desire—he encourages couples to explore new ways of connecting through all five senses. This conversation is full of grace, wisdom, and practical tips to help couples grow closer, both physically and spiritually.

In the #10 spot on Real Talk with Rachael's top 10 countdown, Lee Strobel joins the conversation to talk about his documentary The Case for Heaven and the journey that inspired it. After a near-death experience, Lee—once an atheist and now a passionate Christian—set out to explore what really happens after we die. He shares fascinating insights about the afterlife, explaining that our souls live on and describing two stages: an immediate spiritual state and a final reunion with our resurrected bodies in heaven or hell. Lee also clears up common misconceptions about hell, noting it's more about separation from God than fire and brimstone. His research into near-death experiences reveals stories that align closely with Christian beliefs, but he cautions against the idea of contacting loved ones who've passed. Lee's big encouragement? Be courageous in your faith—you won't regret it! If you've ever wrestled with questions about heaven, God, or eternity, this conversation (and the resources Lee offers) is a great place to start.

7 years. 378 episodes. When God gave me the name Real Talk with Rachael at The Declare Conference, I had no idea where it would go. Over the years, I've learned so much, but today, I'm sharing 7 lessons from 7 years of podcasting: Do not despise small beginnings. The Lord rejoices to see the work begin. (Zechariah 4:10) You will be bad at first. That's OK. Keep going. You will want to quit. Remember why you started. (Revelation 2:3-4) If God's anointing isn't on it, don't do it. (Deuteronomy 31:8) Be faithful with little. Your influence reaches further than you realize. (Luke 16:10) Success is obedience. It's not about numbers; it's about faithfulness. (Matthew 25:21) Permission to pivot. There's a season for everything, and the best is yet to come. (Ecclesiastes 3) For the next 10 weeks, I'll be releasing the Top 10 Most Downloaded Episodes since the start of the podcast. Every Wednesday, a listener-favorite episode will be featured—so stay tuned to see which ones made the list. Beyond that, I don't know exactly what's next for Real Talk with Rachael, but I do know this: my ministry is just getting started. God is stirring new vision and dreams in my heart, and I'd love for you to be part of the journey. Make sure you're subscribed to my newsletter at rachaelgilbert.com

This week on Real Talk with Rachael I'm chatting with the hosts of FamilyLife Today, Dave and Ann Wilson. They are also cofounders of Kensington Church, a national, multi-campus church that hosts more than 14,000 attendees every weekend. Dave and Ann are authors of the book Vertical Marriage: The One Secret That Will Change Your Marriage. The Wilsons live in the Detroit area where Dave served as the Detroit Lions chaplain for 33 years. Dave and Ann have three grown sons, CJ, Austin, and Cody, as well as three daughters-in-law and six grandchildren. Key Points from Our Conversation: A "vertical marriage" means putting God first before everything else, including your spouse. When your relationship with God is strong, it overflows into your marriage, helping you love and serve better. When things feel off, take time to reflect. Both partners shared that repentance—acknowledging their shortcomings before God—was the turning point that softened their hearts toward each other. Every marriage has peaks and valleys. When you're at a low point, don't give up. Feelings may fade temporarily, but with commitment and work, love can grow again. Expecting your partner to meet all your emotional and spiritual needs is setting them (and yourself) up for failure. Only God can fill that role. Keeping God at the center takes a daily choice. Start each day by surrendering your life, your marriage, and your family to Him. If you're stuck in a cycle of conflict or numbness, pause to evaluate your patterns. Are you blaming your spouse or avoiding the real issues? Start breaking the cycle by taking responsibility for your part. Ask the Big Question, "On a scale of 1 to 10, how are we doing in our marriage?" It's a scary question, but it's a powerful way to check the pulse of your relationship. Be prepared to hear the answer without getting defensive. Pray beforehand, and approach it with humility and a desire to grow together. Real intimacy requires working through the tough stuff—conflict, misunderstandings, and past baggage. You can't avoid the chaos. Growth happens when you go through it, not around it. When challenges arise, resist the urge to blame your spouse. Look in the mirror and ask, "What's my role in this?" True change begins when we own our selfishness and commit to doing the work. Stepping into hard conversations requires bravery. Even if the answer or response feels uncomfortable, it's the first step toward deeper connection. Don't give up, even when it's hard. Marriage is a covenant, not just a contract. Seek help when needed—whether it's through books, counseling, or community support. Remember, you're building something that not only blesses your marriage but can transform legacies for future generations. Practical things you can do to strengthen your relationship - Pray Together. Even when you're angry, praying together can soften hearts. Date Your Spouse: Prioritize regular one-on-one time to reconnect. Ask Honest Questions: Regularly check in with your spouse and genuinely listen. Accountability: Surround yourself with friends or mentors who will challenge and encourage you to grow. Let's Get Real Practical: Abide in the Lord by reading a passage, reflecting on it, responding to it, and resting in it Emotionally Healthy Relationships Day by Day - Peter Scazzero When you sit with the Lord, consider having a special meeting place Resources: RachaelGilbert.com Image Restored Connect with Dave & Ann: website | Instagram | Facebook Connect with Rachael: website | Instagram | Facebook

In this special episode, I dive into faith as the foundation for transformation. Together, we explore the power of shifting from fear to faith, building spiritual resilience, and taking bold steps toward the life God has called us to live. Through scriptural truths, personal reflections, and practical steps, you'll discover how to let faith move you forward and release the grip of fear and comparison. We'll also take intentional moments to pause and process – because growth happens not just in hearing, but in reflecting and responding. Faith is the FoundationPause to Process: What's your foundation? Have you been comparing your faith journey to others? Faith Is Not a Formula; It's a Relationship with Our FatherPause to Process: Who or what have you been comparing your journey to? How can you deepen your relationship with God today? Fear Will Cripple Your Faith and Mock Your FuturePause to Process: What has fear been telling you about your future? What is God saying instead? Faith Spreads Like FirePause to Process: What are you spreading—faith or fear? Who can you encourage today? Faith in Action Ideas Pray over your home, your family, and your circumstances. Commit to tithing, trusting God to bless your finances. Pursue counseling for unprocessed pain. Take bold steps in 2025—write that book, start that business, or reconcile relationships. Pause to Process: What would "as in heaven" look like in your life in 2025? Faith Reflections for 2025 Your "By Faith" Statement: Write down how you will trust God in 2025. Example: By faith, in 2025, I will trust in the Lord with all my heart, throw off shame and comparison, and walk in step with the Spirit. Hebrews 12:1-3: Meditate on these verses and let them inspire you to run your race with endurance, keeping your eyes on Jesus. Takeaways and Challenges Reflect on the questions and prompts in the "Pause to Process" sections. Share your "By Faith" statement with a trusted friend or mentor for accountability. Take one bold action this week that reflects your faith in God. Take the body quiz and pick up a copy of Image Restored

Back by popular demand is our annual Process and Pray. If you're new here, in December, we spend every Monday morning in a series where we "Process & Pray through the Year." As a therapist, I believe in the power of pausing and reflecting so we can embrace the present and look forward to the future. Thus far, we have big praise and bold prayers. Today we are discussing our battle plan. Process & Pray: What word did God give me for the year? What battles did we walk through this year? What promises has God spoken to me and my family? God, what word are you giving me for the coming year? Journal a few verses that God wants you to cling to in 2025

It's December, which means it's time for our annual Process & Pray! This series is all about reflecting on the past year, embracing the present, and preparing for what's ahead. This week, we're pausing to praise God for answered prayers and seeking Him for bold, faith-filled prayers. Nothing is too big for God, and He calls us to come to Him with confidence. Process: What prayers has God answered this year? Write them down to build your faith. What am I still praying for? Don't give up! "Jesus, what bold prayers do You want me to pray for the coming year?" Pray: "Jesus, what bold prayers do You want me to pray for the coming year?" Resource: Grab a copy of my book for yourself, a friend, or a small group to study in 2025. Grab one at imagerestoredbook.com.

We're kicking off our annual Process & Pray series in today's Talk Therapy episode. Every Monday in December, we'll create space to reflect on the year, invite God into our journey, and prepare our hearts for what's ahead. This week, we're starting with gratitude by praising God for His goodness and who He is. As you process and pray, consider this question: "Jesus, what victories do you want to remind me of from this year?" Process: What victories or breakthroughs came this year? Celebrate even the small ones! What went well that I want to carry into the new year? (Think about time, relationships, or habits.) Thank God for these victories out loud. Share God's goodness with someone in your life. Pray: Invite Jesus into your past, present, and future as you reflect on His faithfulness. Resource: One of my victories this year was releasing my book, Image Restored. If you haven't grabbed a copy yet, visit imagerestoredbook.com.

This week on Real Talk with Rachael it's the final episode of my church series where we've been engaging in healthy conversations about church and leadership all while keeping our hearts pure in the process. While I'm a licensed professional counselor, I want to be clear that I am not professionally counseling you on this podcast today. My goal is to offer some pastoral counseling by providing you with a system to follow when you're walking through something hard in life through the acronym HEART. Key Points from Our Conversation: H - Healthy Order of Processing: Begin with God, seek support from trusted loved ones, consider professional help, and reserve online sharing for last. When you're working through a past experience or emotion, start by giving yourself space to actually feel it. Many people tend to avoid or suppress their feelings, but there's strength in feeling and acknowledging our experiences. Sometimes, our bodies even hold onto memories physically, and techniques like EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) can help release those memories without carrying the emotional weight. E - Examine: Explore personal triggers and trauma responses, understanding their root causes. This promotes healing rather than simply avoiding discomfort. Take time to notice what triggers you. You might feel a reaction in your body, like tension or discomfort, or you may go into "fix it" mode, trying to solve or dismiss the feeling quickly. Start observing your responses and consider how they affect you and those around you. Remember, self-awareness is key, especially if you're in a leadership role. Being aware of your responses doesn't disqualify you from being a leader—in fact, it makes you a stronger one. A - Allow Grief: Acknowledge grief as a natural, non-linear process and permit yourself the time and space to feel a range of emotions. Grief is a complex process full of sadness, anger, confusion, and even moments of joy. It's okay to allow yourself to feel whatever comes up without judging it or putting it on a timeline. Let yourself enter that space of feeling, knowing that grieving well actually makes you healthier and stronger over time. R - Repent: Embrace self-reflection, addressing judgment or unforgiveness toward others or yourself. We're all accountable as the church, not just those in the spotlight. Sometimes we need to turn inward and ask ourselves if we're carrying judgments or bitterness. This one can be tough, especially when we're hurt by others or witness people, especially leaders, stumble. It's easy to point fingers, but true healing and strength come when we're also willing to reflect on our hearts. This is about keeping our hearts clear and open and taking responsibility for our growth and healing. T - Take Care of Your Whole Self: Prioritize holistic self-care, including emotional, mental, spiritual, and physical health. Don't forget to tend to all aspects of our well-being—physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual. Life can be so busy that we often overlook self-care, thinking we don't have time. But creating margin is crucial. That might mean scheduling in time for a walk, a creative outlet, or connecting with friends who "get it." Find what fills you up and creates space for you to feel grounded. Let's Get Real Practical: Screenshot the HEART acronym from today's show notes as a reminder Get a copy of The Care and Counsel Bible Share this series or a favorite episode with someone who needs to hear it Resources: The Care and Counsel Bible The Body Keeps the Score You can find a list of Christian counselors at The American Association of Christian Counselors or through Focus on the Family's Christian Counselor Network. Connect with Rachael: website | Instagram | Facebook

This week on Real Talk with Rachael, I'm chatting with my friends, Jeff and Terra Mattson. Jeff and Terra are authors of Shrinking the Integrity Gap: Between What Leaders Preach and Live, hosts of the Living Wholehearted Podcast, executive coaches, social entrepreneurs, and proud parents to two girls. Together, they co-founded the counseling and organizational development firm Living Wholehearted and a grassroots movement, Courageous Girls, that helps moms walk with their daughters in every stage of their growing years. Jeff is also an organizational development specialist, while Terra is a licensed marriage & family therapist and keynote speaker. Whether through their podcast or their professional work, the Mattsons are committed to equipping individuals, families, and organizations to thrive. Key Points from Our Conversation: Integrity isn't about achieving perfection; it's an ongoing, daily commitment to align actions with values. Growth in integrity means recognizing where you fall short and working toward closing that gap. Leadership isn't only for executives or public figures. If someone looks up to you—be it a sibling, friend, or colleague—you have a sphere of influence. Embrace the responsibility and impact that comes with it. Leaders, especially those in high-impact roles, often face challenges in aligning their personal lives with their public personas. Acknowledging this gap is the first step to growth and maturity in leadership. Recognizing when you need help and being quick to seek it doesn't make you weak; it's a sign of maturity. Healthy leaders get support to avoid larger issues and continue growing. Integrity doesn't mean being flawless. Instead, it involves honestly owning your mistakes, making corrections, and allowing grace for yourself and others. Accepting the inevitability of imperfections allows you to lead authentically. Trauma is often misjudged as only extreme events, but even smaller disruptions, like frequent moves or emotional challenges in childhood, can leave lasting effects. Leaders should reflect on these potential impacts, as unresolved trauma can influence their leadership style and decision-making. Saying "no" can be difficult, especially for leaders used to shouldering responsibilities. However, stepping back not only benefits personal health but also empowers others to grow and contribute. Boundaries allow leaders to focus on areas where they can have the greatest impact. Many leaders carry hidden shame from past experiences or unmet expectations, which can affect how they interact with their team. Recognizing and addressing these feelings—especially those rooted in early life or trauma—can lead to a more authentic and effective leadership style. It's crucial to build a sense of self that isn't tied to work or accolades. Leaders who understand their worth apart from external success are often more resilient and fulfilled, fostering a healthier work environment for all. Neuroscience shows that old neural pathways can be replaced through intentional practices and experiences. Repetition and small, steady changes are essential for rewiring the brain toward healthier beliefs. Feeling guilt for specific behaviors can be healthy, as it indicates moral awareness. However, ongoing shame (e.g., "I am bad") must be addressed, as it can hinder personal growth and relationships. Leaders need trusted spaces outside their professional environments to share struggles. Coaches, counselors, or a few close friends outside work systems can offer safety and objectivity. Confidentiality and reciprocity are crucial for these relationships. Healthy leadership involves welcoming correction and feedback, even when it feels uncomfortable. Leaders often struggle with being vulnerable because they are accustomed to being in control. It's essential to develop the humility to ask for help and allow others to see and speak into their challenges. Leaders should prioritize character over charisma to avoid the pitfalls of seeking power or using others to meet personal needs. Systems that prioritize appearances without true accountability often result in harmful consequences. Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD) involves grandiosity, entitlement, lack of empathy, and an image-focused mentality. Research shows narcissism can thrive in church systems because of the platforming of leaders and the absence of accountability structures. Churches need to resist "hero worship" of leaders and remember that Jesus is the only true hero. Let's Get Real Practical: Ask the Lord about the blind spots you're missing Ask a trust person if they see any blind spots and listen to their feedback Take the Core Value Index Test Share the episode with a leader Resources: Wholehearted Leadership Cohorts Let Us Prey: The Plague of Narcissist Pastors and What We Can Do About It You can find a list of Christian counselors at The American Association of Christian Counselors or through Focus on the Family's Christian Counselor Ne

This week on Real Talk with Rachael, I'm speaking with Dr. Josh Zeichik. Josh is the Director of Church Engagement for Focus on The Family. With experience in youth ministry and church planting, he oversees their pastoral ministry, The Focused Pastor. He holds a DMin in Biblical Counseling from Midwestern Baptist Theology Seminary. Key Points from Our Conversation: Although media coverage of prominent church leader failures affects trust in clergy, not all pastors are leading double lives. Most pastors are sincere in their service to God. The early church faced similar challenges, with warnings of false teachers and leaders who exploited people. Today, it's not necessarily a rise in such issues but increased awareness. Every pastor sins, but not every sin is the same. The way the church responds should depend on the severity of the issue, with criminal actions treated differently than personal failings. When church members experience hurt from pastoral leadership, it can lead to doubt, mistrust, and even cynicism. Doubt is natural, but the Bible encourages believers to remain steadfast in their faith and to show mercy to those struggling. The term "spiritual abuse" is frequently used, but "sinful pastoral leadership" may be a more accurate term to describe a spectrum of behaviors where pastors either exploit their position for personal gain or fail to live morally according to their teachings. Just like identifying counterfeit money, we must understand the biblical qualifications for pastors to discern unhealthy leadership. Most qualifications are based on character, not just skills. we often prioritize charismatic speakers, but Scripture highlights the importance of a pastor's integrity, relationships, and spiritual life. Pastors must have a structure of accountability, like elders or deacons, who regularly check in on their personal and spiritual lives. Isolated pastors without accountability are in dangerous positions. It's important to differentiate between personal preferences and clear sin when dealing with church leaders. Not every disagreement is a sign of sin. If a pastor refuses to repent privately, there is a biblical precedent for public confrontation. This isn't gossip but a necessary step when sin is unaddressed. Congregants need to be in the Word to recognize false teaching. Knowing Scripture personally helps you validate what is taught in the church. We all have a role to play in studying the Bible. Don't rely solely on Sunday sermons; engage with Scripture personally to grow in faith and discernment. Even when hurt by leadership, we are called to forgive. Holding onto bitterness can hinder spiritual growth, even if the pastor never seeks reconciliation. When dealing with victims of pastoral abuse, it's important to start with compassion, just as Jesus showed in Matthew 9. Even if a victim's reaction may not be Christlike, their hurt is valid and should be acknowledged and heard with patience. The book of Jude offers vital guidance on addressing false leaders who misuse their authority. We must protect other victims while maintaining a spirit of mercy, and avoiding bitterness or vindictiveness. Even when justice feels delayed, God remains faithful. Trust that He will bring justice in His timing. Let's Get Real Practical: Don't be afraid to ask good questions Share the resources at TheFocusedPastor.org Pray for your pastors Connect with Josh: website | Instagram | Facebook Connect with Rachael: website | Instagram | Facebook

This week on Real Talk with Rachael, I'm speaking with Max Lucado. Max is known for combining poetic storytelling and homespun humor with the heart of a pastor. His trade books all begin as sermon series at Oak Hills Church, and his sermons all start with Max asking himself this question: "What can I say on Sunday that will still matter on Monday?" He's been dubbed "America's Pastor" by Christianity Today, "The Best Preacher in America" by Reader's Digest, and the "Ted Lasso of Pastors" by the Dallas Morning News. Max Lucado has penned more than 40 works of adult nonfiction, standing alongside dozens and dozens of bestselling children's books, gift books, Bible studies, commentaries, and collections. His books have been published in 56 languages worldwide and regularly appear on bestseller lists, including The New York Times, Publishers Weekly, and USA Today. Key Points from Our Conversation: Biblical teachings are meant to prepare, not scare. Focus on preparation, maintaining faith, and trusting God's guidance rather than being overwhelmed by fear. Rather than fearing the end times or personal endings, view them as beginnings of something greater. This shift in perspective can bring peace and reduce anxiety about aging or the future. In moments of fear or uncertainty about the future, trust in God's character and the promise of eternal life by focusing on faith and spiritual growth rather than dwelling on fears. The concept of the rapture is meant to be comforting, offering hope and healing. Rather than focusing on fears of being left behind, we should see it as a moment of divine reunion and restoration. The rapture is described as the next major event on God's timeline, where believers will be taken up to avoid the chaos of the tribulation. This encourages believers to live in readiness, keeping faith and trust in God's plan. The Antichrist will emerge after the rapture, charming people and leading them during a time of chaos. The tribulation is a seven-year period of great suffering following the rapture. During this time, Satan will empower the Antichrist, but there will also be a Jewish revival led by 144,000 evangelists. This calls for believers to be prepared for difficult times while holding onto hope. Believers should test the teachings they receive, especially regarding end-times prophecy, to ensure they align with Scripture. If something doesn't feel right or biblical, it's okay to set it aside and trust that God will reveal truth in His timing. Upon death, believers enter paradise, a place of healing and peace, which is like the front porch of heaven. This encourages Christians not to fear death but to view it as a transition to eternal rest and joy. After the tribulation, Christ will return to reign on earth for a thousand years (the Millennium), followed by a final judgment. Believers will not face this judgment because their sins have been forgiven, reinforcing the importance of faith in Christ. H - Hang in there: Life's troubles are temporary compared to the eternal glory ahead. O - Overcome pessimism: Fight cynicism, especially with age, and embrace optimism. P - Pray expectantly: Focus prayers not just on personal needs but with the bold hope for Christ's return and greater things. E - Explore eternity: Keep the perspective that this life is temporary, and greater joy and fulfillment are promised in the next. Let's Get Real Practical: Get a copy of Max's book What Happens Next, then share and discuss it with someone Become familiar with the end times timeline What's one thing God spoke to you in this episode? Process it by journaling or talking with a counselor Resources: You can find a list of Christian counselors at The American Association of Christian Counselors or through Focus on the Family's Christian Counselor Network. Join the Joy Mail community for monthly updates and exclusive resources by visiting RachelGilbert.com and clicking the freebies tab. Be sure to leave a review or share the episode on social media by tagging @RachaelJGilbert for your chance to win a copy of What Happens Next Connect with Max: website | Instagram | Facebook Connect with Rachael: website | Instagram | Facebook

This week on Real Talk with Rachael I'm having a conversation with Dr. Robert Paul. Robert Paul is Vice President of the Focus on the Family Marriage Institute. He is both a marriage therapist and an accomplished speaker who presents regularly at professional conferences and enrichment events both nationally and internationally. He has co-authored six books, including "The DNA of Relationships," with Drs. Gary and Greg Smalley, and "9 Lies That Will Destroy Your Marriage: And the truths that will save it and set it free," with Dr. Greg Smalley. He is a former professor at Evangel University where he taught in both the biblical studies and psychology departments, specializing in Marriage and Family Counseling, Human Sexuality, and the integration of faith into all areas of life. Bob and his wife, Jenni, live in Springfield, Mo., have been married for over 43 years. They have four children and seven grandchildren. Key Points from Our Conversation: Addressing deep-seated desires and achieving relational success offers relief and freedom. Recognizing and breaking the reactive cycle in relationships can empower individuals to improve their dynamics by understanding and halting predictable conflict patterns. Group support can provide reassurance that marital challenges are universal and not unique. Faith and personal transformation, as highlighted by Robert's and his wife's journey, play a crucial role in sustaining relationships. Utilizing available resources for counseling and self-improvement, such as those mentioned in the episode, can be immensely helpful. Emotions are morally neutral and serve a purpose in signaling areas needing attention; understanding this helps in better managing them. The care cycle emphasizes the importance of balancing personal care with nurturing the relationship, leading to healthier interactions. Practical advice on nurturing oneself and the relationship, including suggestions for summer activities and self-care strategies. Recognizing the subtleties of negative thoughts and maintaining a 'no losers policy' promotes a healthier team dynamic in marriage. The need to build trust and address past relationship baggage and family influences for better current interactions. Let's Get Real Practical: Take the Reactive Cycle Assessment Catch up on previous episodes Create a summer "being" list Resources: You can find a list of Christian counselors at The American Association of Christian Counselors or through Focus on the Family's Christian Counselor Network. Join the Joy Mail community for monthly updates and exclusive resources by visiting RachelGilbert.com and clicking the freebies tab Connect with Dr. Paul: website Connect with Rachael: website | Instagram | Facebook

If you've been around the show long, you might remember that God asked me to lay down the Talk Therapy episodes at the beginning of 2024. However, as I was out for a run the day after my 40th birthday, He dropped a word about finishing with excellence so strongly on my heart that I knew I had to share it with you in this episode. How do we achieve excellence? To put it into simple words, do the right thing. Excellence is the result of caring about what we do, and of putting our very best effort into what we care about. Key Verses: Colossian 3:22-25 (MSG), "Servants, do what you're told by your earthly masters. And don't just do the minimum that will get you by. Do your best. Work from the heart for your real Master, for God, confident that you'll get paid in full when you come into your inheritance. Keep in mind always that the ultimate Master you're serving is Christ. The sullen servant who does shoddy work will be held responsible. Being a follower of Jesus doesn't cover up bad work." 2 Timothy 4:7, "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith." Process: God, what are you asking me to finish with excellence? Resource: If you are not yet in our JOYmail community, I want to invite you to join today. Once a month I send an email with a personal note from me, favorite finds, podcast updates, and a free therapy resource. Go to rachaelgilbert.com and click the freebies tab to join the community.

This week on Real Talk with Rachael I'm chatting with Stefanie and Caleb Rouse. Stefanie and Caleb are dynamic relationship mentors and digital creators passionately guiding singles and couples toward fulfilling and resilient relationships anchored in faith. With their master's degrees in marriage and family therapy with an emphasis in theology (Stefanie) and in education (Caleb), they offer tailored courses, mentorship, and guidance. These are all rooted in prayer, backed by training in psychology and biblical counseling, encouragement from Christ, and practical strategies for love that lasts. Speaking to an engaged audience across multiple social media platforms, Stefanie and Caleb provide daily insights into the transformative power of faith across all relationship stages. Their vision is a world where we learn to love each other out of God's abundance of love, leading to impactful and joyous relationships. Key Points from Our Conversation: Stefanie and Caleb wrote Wholehearted Love for those who have put up barriers attempting to avoid disappointment or getting hurt. At some point, those barriers can spread to our relationship with God and stop us from experiencing His love like we did before. But He wants us to live wholeheartedly - a life where we are fully known, deeply loved, and vibrantly alive. "Wholehearted" love is all-encompassing. God loves all of you - even the parts you attempt to hide. When we experience trauma, we can develop the sense that we're not worthy of love. The beautiful truth of Christ is we cannot earn love because it is a gift He freely gives. However, it can be difficult to accept. To move to a place where we can receive love, we must allow God's truth to "rebreak" us into a reflection of His image. The lies we believe about ourselves can be deep-rooted and painful. Many of these lies are based on the responses of the people around us, so if the pain becomes too much, we may choose to hide behind a mask that ultimately isolates us, rather than engaging in vulnerability that would lead to fostering healthy relationships. You can retrain your negative thought patterns by engaging with God's Word as a habit. Express gratitude, start small, and ask for the Holy Spirit's guidance. Let's Get Real Practical: Take the Reactive Cycle Assessment and share it Connect with Stefanie: website | Instagram Connect with Caleb: website | Instagram Connect with Rachael: website | Instagram | Facebook

This week on Real Talk with Rachael I'm speaking with the authors of Pastors' Wives Tell All: Navigating Real Church Life with Honesty and Humor, Stephanie Gilbert, Jessica Taylor, and Jenna Allen. They are also the cohosts of the Pastors' Wives Tell All podcast - a podcast by pastors' wives for church leaders and anyone desiring to peek inside their proverbial glass houses. As best friends from three different churches and denominations, they are breaking down walls within the Church and crushing pastor wifey stereotypes with a little ministry therapy and a whole lot of Jesus—plus the occasional Instagram dance party! Key Points from Our Conversation: So often people pressure pastor's wives to meet certain expectations. When they don't, it can leave congregants feeling disappointed. The best way to not get lost in other's expectations of you is to remember who you are and who you belong to. We do not seek the approval of man, but rather to serve Christ. It's common for people to assume pastor's wives are too busy or that they have a large community they spend time with, but truthfully being a pastor's wife can be lonely. Support your pastor's wife by checking on her and including her in your events. When you're part of a pastor's family, it puts your life on display. People always seem to catch you in your worst moments and it can create disillusionment. The best solution is to create a new culture of vulnerability. Only then will walls start to break and change will happen. Seeking counseling is unfortunately still a taboo subject in the church. Some consider it a sign of weak faith and others believe that it's an attempt to replace God's counsel, but seeking therapy is not an either/or, it's a both/and. Faith is our foundation, but the Bible advises us to seek wise counsel. Lay down your pride and seek counseling from God and a professional therapist. What you don't talk about owns you. Changing the stigma around therapy in the church starts from the top. Your pastor is not a licensed counselor and there are times when it's wise to seek a licensed professional therapist. Let's Get Real Practical: Do you have a negative stigma about seeing a counselor? Ask the Lord if He's directing you to see a counselor. You can find a list of Christian counselors at The American Association of Christian Counselors or through Focus on the Family's Christian Counselor Network. Connect with Pastors' Wives Tell All: website | Instagram | Facebook Connect with Rachael: website | Instagram | Facebook

This week on Real Talk with Rachael in talking with Jess Connolly. Jess is the author or co-author of several books, including Wild and Free, You Are the Girl for the Job, and Breaking Free from Body Shame. Along with her husband, Nick, she planted Bright City Church in Charleston, South Carolina, where they live with their four children. Jess is a woman who wants to leave her generation more in awe of God than she found it. She is passionate about family, God's Word, and seeing women take their place in the kingdom. Key Points from Our Conversation: We live in a defeated acceptance of exhaustion. Living right now is too much. Life is tiring and we're accepting defeat because we think this is just how things are. Women often feel they need permission to rest, but we don't need permission. God invites us to rest - He even commands it. He wants rest for us. There will always be more to do. Ask yourself if you need to see accomplishment more than you need to feel at home in your body and soul. Do we need acceptance from others more than we need communion with God, our bodies, and our people? God integrated rest into life. We work from rest, not rest from work. We'll never be prepared if we don't start from a place of rest. Spiritual exhaustion occurs anytime we trade abundance with God for obligation. We are not obligated to do things for God. He can act independently of us. God asks us to help and join in His good works, but His love for us is not based on our actions or inaction. Our society has reached a point where exhaustion is normal – maybe even something to be proud of. Yes, there are life factors that affect sleep, but many of us aren't victims of fatigue, we're volunteers. Consider this - would God praise you for working past the point of exhaustion or would He want you to be a good steward of your body and energy? There are a lot of practical ways to get more sleep like turning off the TV, putting the phone down, using blue light blocking glasses, or journaling. Pay attention to your pace during the day. Did you overcommit? Are you consistently feeling rushed? Notice the cues your body is giving you and give yourself what you need. Don't overcomplicate the sabbath. It's simply 24 hours of enjoying God and the life He has given us. How you enjoy Him is your choice, but don't try to get ahead. Let's Get Real Practical: What area of rest do you need to lean into with the Lord and reevaluate this season? What beliefs do you have about rest and do those beliefs line up with God's Word? Connect with Jess: website | Instagram | Facebook Connect with Rachael: website | Instagram | Facebook

This week on Real Talk with Rachael, I'm chatting with Calvin Burns. Calvin is a Licensed Professional Counselor in Austin, Texas, who is deeply committed to guiding individuals through their challenges with eating disorders, substance abuse, and trauma. His approach is built on a foundation of empathy, understanding, and a personal dedication to each client's journey. Key Points from Our Conversation: Calvin struggled with suicide and addiction until God blessed him with the opportunity to walk away from it, but walking away wasn't easy. Stopping his addiction felt like a significant loss, but the truth is the addiction was blocking what God had in store for him. If you have chosen addictions that help you numb the hard things you're facing, choosing to stop will come with a lot of complex feelings. It's important to anchor yourself to things that have been proven true, right, and trustworthy. Calvin began his career counseling individuals with alcohol addiction but soon noticed similar thought processes in people who struggled with eating disorders and body image. When we face hardships, it's easier to numb through a variety of addictions rather than process our thoughts and feelings. It can be more complicated when it comes to food addiction as you can't avoid eating like you would other substances. Disordered eating is a pattern of eating habits or an approach to food that is inconsistent or driven by insecurity, fear, or uncertainty. Disordered eating is the first stage of an eating disorder when those insecurities become identity. Behind most men struggling with eating disorders is a fear of weakness. Their value gets distorted and they believe that their strength is their worth. But it's not limited to men. Both men and women struggle because of a desire to be in control or desired, sometimes it's an attempt at emotional management, and other times it can be a struggle to ask for help. If there is a man in your life struggling with body image issues, be consistent and direct in addressing him about it. If you are struggling with body image, it can get better. You can have a life where you enjoy yourself and your body. When you can be present in your life, your relationships will be better. Community and support are crucial when you're working to change your thought processes around body image. You will not always have the internal motivation you need to succeed. If you see that someone you love would benefit from counseling, practicing vulnerability yourself is a great invite for them to feel comfortable opening up. Men can feel that showing emotions is a sign of weakness, but true strength is acknowledging what's wrong and the willingness to do something about it. Change offers growth, opportunity, and momentum. Suffering produces endurance, endurance produces character, character produces hope, and hope doesn't lead us to shame. Our hope in a good God that loves us and is for us is everything. Let's Get Real Practical: What suffering have you endured? Have you allowed Jesus as your high priest to embed hope in your heart in the darkest situation? Connect with Calvin: website Connect with Rachael: website | Instagram | Facebook

This week on Real Talk with Rachael I'm speaking with a woman who was key in releasing Image Restored, Susan McPherson. Susan is an author acquisitions editor for David C. Cook Publishing and their Esther Press imprint for women. She is dedicated to encouraging and equipping women to courageously stand strong in the truth of God's Word through her work leading the women's community for Esther Press. She loves Jesus, coffee, college football, and her life as a wife and mother in the Nashville, Tennessee, area. Whether you're interested in becoming an author or not, this conversation with Susan is such an encouragement for women to pursue what God has called them to. In this episode, we discuss how authors are chosen for publishing, why being servant-minded is crucial when partnering with others, and not missing out on God's plans because we feel inadequate. Don't miss the est.HER conference happening April 11 - 13, 2024 in Spring Hill, TN! Let's Get Real Practical: Your "why" has to be greater than your "what-ifs." What's your why? What's your what-if? Which voice is louder, your why or your what-ifs? Connect with Susan: website | Instagram | Facebook Connect with Rachael: website | Instagram | Facebook

This week on Real Talk with Rachael I'm chatting with a very special guest - my husband, Dr. Matthew Gilbert. Matthew Gilbert, DC, of BBC Health in Lewisville, Texas, is passionate about taking a collaborative, integrative approach to health care. He believes that patients receive the most health benefits when medical and chiropractic doctors work together to provide a comprehensive, personalized treatment plan. Dr. Gilbert established BBC Health to integrate his expertise in chiropractic techniques with family medicine to provide patients of all ages in the Lewisville area with the best medical, chiropractic, and rehabilitation services around. He fosters a warm, caring, family environment in an easily accessible, state-of-the-art facility. Dr. Gilbert specializes in multiple chiropractic techniques and spinal rehabilitation, and he's an expert at evaluating and treating sports-related injuries. When not at the office, Dr. Gilbert enjoys spending time with his wife, Rachael, and their three children, Ellie, Olivia, and Zeke. Key Points from Our Conversation: We all struggle with some form of comparison. In my case, I was comparing my current body to a previous version of myself when Matt offered this life-changing perspective - "Stop comparing yourself to other women, including your younger self. She's another woman." Fear of aging indicates a fear of death. But when we have hope of eternal life with Jesus, there is nothing to fear. Everything else will fade away, but we can have confidence in our relationship with Christ. To be able to extend unconditional love to our spouse, we must experience the unconditional love of Christ ourselves. Our ability to love is an overflow of His love for us. We often believe that our toxic body image only affects us, but what we believe about ourselves greatly affects our marriages, families, sex life, and relationships. Husbands are called to tend to their wives as a gardener would tend to his garden. You cannot beat a plant into growth, you must provide a supportive environment for it to flourish. Let's Get Real Practical: Break the comparison yardstick with the 3 Rs: recognize, repent, and rejoice Resources: BBC Health Image Restored Connect with Rachael: website | Instagram | Facebook

This week on Real Talk with Rachael, I'm speaking with mother and daughter, Debbie Morris and Elaine Fisher. Debbie Morris is an author and pastor in Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas, who delights in helping women understand who they are in God so they can discover their destinies and experience victory in life. Elaine Fisher is an author, speaker, and pastor in Houston, Texas, and is passionate about sharing authentic revelation from the lessons she is learning as God writes her story of redemption and freedom. Key Points from Our Conversation: Debbie and Elaine wrote The Good Mess to give an honest account of God's goodness amid a messy life. Elaine experienced her own "prodigal son" story by confessing her struggles and sins to God and a trusted community that helped her find freedom. If you've walked away from God, He is still waiting to welcome you home. Not just that, He will meet you where you are and walk with you every step. If you allow Him, God will enable you to dig into your mess and find encouragement. Debbie and Elaine's relationship changed when Elaine was able to authentically treat the friendship with respect and honor and when Debbie was able to move from the role of instructor to counselor. When we feel God is calling us to something, we often have expectations of what that should look like. But God honors those who trust Him, regardless of the outcome. If you are a wife who is experiencing a messy marriage, better days are coming. Finding ways to bond is difficult and not all days will be good. Remember to guard your words and influences on the hard days and sow seeds of joy and life into your marriage. In the moments when things feel abnormal ("irregular heartbeats") you can choose to let things go or evaluate further what is happening. Do you notice these moments? And if you do, do you care enough to love the other person back to health? God is good and no matter what mess you're in, He can and wants to redeem it. He has a purpose and plan for the mess if you'll allow Him to use it. When you encounter God, your situation may not change but your perspective will. He will give you the encouragement you need to thrive. Let's Get Real Practical: What messes can you rejoice in today? Buy The Good Mess: Finding Beauty in Imperfect Moments Connect with Rachael: website | Instagram | Facebook

This week on Real Talk with Rachael, I'm chatting with my friend, Cynthia Yanof. Cynthia is a wife, mother, podcaster, blogger, and everyday girl who is ridiculously committed to not taking herself too seriously. She currently hosts the popular MESSmerized podcast; many Christians are familiar with her work for ChristianParenting.org, as well as her time as the creator and host of the ministry's Pardon the Mess podcast. Cynthia worked as an attorney before pursuing a career encouraging and equipping women in their God-given callings. She loves speaking, writing, foster care, and hanging out in Dallas with her husband Mike and three kids. Key Points from Our Conversation: Cynthia wrote the book after growing up in a Christian household and realizing she had faith on Sundays and in big moments but struggled to understand what everyday faith looked like; faith in the messy middle. "If your theology doesn't meet up with your reality then it's not a theology at all, it's just good advice." Often in the messy times, it seems the Lord is quiet when you know He could act. In those moments, it's important to remember all the time God has been faithful. He doesn't remove the hardship from us, He uses it to show us His faithfulness. Don't focus on the promising future, live in the cherished present - that is where God has intentionally placed you. Lies are being fed to us and we need to slow down and assess how they're impacting our faith. Question what you believe and assess if it's true. With self-awareness and input from her trusted community, Cynthia identified 3 lies that were shaping her life - ordinary isn't enough, everyone has to love and accept me, and her worth is determined by the success and failure of her kids. We have to start valuing quality over quantity, especially with friendships. You cannot be all things to all people. Be driven by what is significant at the moment and what has eternal value, not something you're holding from the past. Wherever life is off-script, God is still in it. Lean in now; don't wait for a better time to do the hard important stuff. Allow God to create His bigger picture out of the mess. Let's Get Real Practical: Read Matthew 19 and consider these two questions - What do you need to let go of? What are you holding on tightly to? Connect with Cynthia: website | Instagram | Facebook Connect with Rachael: website | Instagram | Facebook

God put it on my heart to dedicate the first month of this new year by hosting a "First Fruits" podcast series. In this series, we are coming together every Monday morning and giving the first of a different area of our lives to the Lord. We have covered plans, time, rest, and health. This week God put it on my heart to bring in a new topic - our words. Key verses: Proverbs 16:24, "Gracious words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the body." Exodus 24:3, "Moses came and told the people all the words of the LORD and all the rules. And all the people answered with one voice and said, 'All the words that the LORD has spoken we will do'." Job 19:2, "How long will you torment me and break me in pieces with words? Psalm 12:6, "The words of the LORD are pure words, like silver refined in a furnace on the ground, purified seven times." Psalm 17:6, "I call upon you, for you will answer me, O God; incline your ear to me; hear my words." Psalm 19:14, "Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O LORD, my rock and my redeemer." Process: Lord, how is my heart? How are my words? Are there any words I need to stop listening to? How would You like me to use my words this year? Resource: If you are not yet in our JOYmail community, I want to invite you to join today. Once a month I send an email with a personal note from me, favorite finds, podcast updates, and a free therapy resource. Go to rachaelgilbert.com and click the freebies tab to join the community.

God put it on my heart to dedicate the first month of this new year by hosting a "First Fruits" podcast series. In this series, we are coming together every Monday morning and giving the first of a different area of our lives to the Lord. So far, we have discussed plans, time, and rest. This week, we are giving the Lord the first of our health and wellness. Since we are four weeks into the new year, chances are many of you listening have already started some form of New Year's resolution to eat differently or move more. Chances are also high that those resolutions have already been broken. If that's you, there is no shame here. Just a chance to give this area to the Lord once and for all, in a way that is honoring to the Lord. The world offers us quick fixes and promises about our bodies but the Lord shows us how to steward our bodies in a way that feels life-giving and full of joy and peace. Key verses: 1 Corinthians 3:16-22, "Don't you realize that all of you together are the temple of God and that the Spirit of God lives in you? God will destroy anyone who destroys this temple. For God's temple is holy, and you are that temple. Stop deceiving yourselves. If you think you are wise by this world's standards, you need to become a fool to be truly wise. For the wisdom of this world is foolishness to God." Romans 12:1-2, "And so, dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all he has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice—the kind he will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship him. Don't copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God's will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect." Process: God, what does honoring my body look like in this season? What is a simple step you are asking me to take that will improve my health this year? What habit do I need to start or stop this year, as an act of worship to You? Resources: Learn more about our integrated medical practice BBC (Building Better Care) Health at bbchealth.com Take the What is Your Body Trying to Tell You? quiz at rachaelgilbert.com/quiz Check out my book Image Restored at imagerestoredbook.com

God put it on my heart to dedicate the first month of this new year by hosting a "First Fruits" podcast series. In this series, we are coming together every Monday morning and giving the first of a different area of our lives to the Lord. Last week we brought the first of our day and time to the Lord. This week, we are bringing the first of our labor to the Lord in the form of rest. Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath. This is not a religious checklist; rather, it's a gift from God. It's convicting to remember that not entering Sabbath rest is an act of disobedience. Honoring the sabbath day is a commandment, that's how deeply the Lord knows we need it and we trust Him when we set aside that time to enter His sacred rest. Process: Repent - God, I repent for not taking a Sabbath day of rest. Please forgive me for not receiving this gift of rest. I receive your grace and forgiveness today. Rejoice - Thank God for rest. It was His idea. Revisit - What does rest look like for me in this season? Resource: If you are not yet in our JOYmail community, I want to invite you to join today. Once a month I send an email with a personal note from me, favorite finds, podcast updates, and a free therapy resource. Go to rachaelgilbert.com and click the freebies tab to join the community.

God put it on my heart to dedicate the first month of this new year by hosting a "First Fruits" podcast series. In this series, we are coming together every Monday morning and giving the first of a different area of our lives to the Lord. Last week we gave our plans to the Lord and this week, we are dedicating the first of our day and our time/energy throughout the day. We cannot pour from an empty cup. If you want secure confidence this year, start by spending time with the Savior. It's in this sweet space that He imparts peace and tells us who we are. It's something we can't earn, yet He freely gives. Process: What can I do to remind myself to give the first of my day to the Lord? What is taking my energy that is not fruitful? What is a time thief in my days? Pray: "Lord, I yield to you as my shepherd today. Thank you for your goodness, mercy, love, and supernatural favor and wisdom that follow me everywhere I go. Enlarge my family's territory in all that we do. Keep your hand upon us and deliver us from evil. Show us the way we should go, for to you we entrust our lives. In Jesus' name, amen." Resource: If you are not yet in our JOYmail community, I want to invite you to join today. Once a month I send an email with a personal note from me, favorite finds, podcast updates, and a free therapy resource. Go to rachaelgilbert.com and click the freebies tab to join the community.

Welcome to the first episode of 2024! Last year, God put it on my heart to dedicate the first month of this new year by hosting a "First Fruits" podcast series. We wrapped up our December Process and Pray series. If you missed it, you can still go back and listen. In this First Fruits podcast series, we will take every Monday and give the first of a different area of our lives to the Lord. The first area God put on my heart was our plans. Key verses: Proverbs 19:21, "You can make many plans, but the Lord's purpose will prevail." Psalms 33:11, "But the plans of the Lord stand firm forever, the purposes of his heart through all generations." Giving our first shifts our plans to His purpose. We give Him our first plans by pausing to ask for wisdom and discernment before moving forward. It's not complex and doesn't require much time, but it does mean being intentional in our planning. Process: "God, what plans do I need to submit to You?" Think of a specific plan you have in mind. Ask God for His timing on moving forward with this plan. "God, show me any of my plans that are not from You. I don't want to move forward if you aren't in it." Resource: If you are not yet in our JOYmail community, I want to invite you to join today. Once a month I send an email with a personal note from me, favorite finds, podcast updates, and a free therapy resource. Go to rachaelgilbert.com and click the freebies tab to join the community.

Back by popular demand is our annual Process and Pray series! If you're new here, in December, we spend every Monday morning in a series where we process and pray through the year. Each week the focus will be different, but the theme of processing and praying will remain the same. As a therapist, I believe in the power of pausing and reflecting so we can embrace the present and look forward to the future. Thus far, we have discussed victories, boundaries, and prayers. We are finishing the series by reflecting on words, or promises, from God we are standing on. Process: What word did God give me for the year? What promises has God spoken to me and my family? Pray, "God, what word are you giving me for the coming year?" Resource: Thank you for joining me in the month of December as we praised, processed, and prayed through the year. I would love it if you would take the time to share this series with a friend so we can walk boldly into the new year. If you haven't already, please leave a review for the show so other listeners can join us on this journey through life with Jesus as our guide.

In December, we spend every Monday morning in a series where we process and pray through the year. Each week, the focus will be different, but the theme of processing and praying will remain the same. We started this series by looking at the goodness of God by reflecting on our victories and last week we reflected on boundaries. Today, we are pausing to process answered prayers. Process: What prayers have I seen answered this year? Write them down. What am I still praying for? Don't quit. Pray, "Jesus, what bold prayers do you want me to pray this coming year?" Read: 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, "Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you." Resource: Do you still need a Christmas gift for someone? Two resources mentioned in today's episode that would make great gifts are the Radjoy Surrender Cross and my book, Image Restored. Give it as a gift and invite them to join you in a small group to read it and pray together.

This week on Real Talk with Rachael, I'm speaking once again with Lee Strobel. Lee is a New York Times bestselling author whose books have sold millions of copies worldwide. He earned a journalism degree at the University of Missouri and was awarded a Ford Foundation fellowship to study at Yale Law School, where he received a Master of Studies in Law degree. He was a journalist for fourteen years at the Chicago Tribune and other newspapers, winning Illinois' top honors for investigative reporting (which he shared with a team he led) and public service journalism from United Press International. Lee also taught First Amendment Law at Roosevelt University. A former atheist, he served as a teaching pastor at three of America's largest churches. Today he's founding director of the Lee Strobel Center for Evangelism and Applied Apologetics at Colorado Christian University. Lee and his wife, Leslie, have been married for more than fifty years and live in Texas. Their daughter, Alison, and son, Kyle, are also authors. Key Points from Our Conversation: Lee wrote Is God Real? at the request of his publisher after realizing how many Google searches have been performed on the topic. People are deconstructing or leaving Christianity due to increased skepticism and less popularity among younger generations. Evidence for the resurrection is the key tenant of the Christian faith. We can have confidence in this evidence based on execution, early reports, empty tomb, and eyewitnesses Many people will point to suffering as a case against a good, loving God, but true love involves free will. We as imperfect humans have allowed evil and suffering to exist, but in His goodness, He fixes the things He had no part in breaking. It can be easy to feel as though God is too hidden, but often it's not that He isn't instructing us, it's that He's saying something we'd rather not hear. A majority of Christians tend to rely on their personal experiences as validation of His existence, which is a valid expression of faith. However, we need to know the evidence as we will be challenged by those who have had different experiences. The "apologetic pyramid" involves looking logically through the evidence that points to Christianity from three different world views - theism, atheism, and polytheism. Only Christianity passes the test of logic and livability. Let's Get Real Practical: As we move into the new year, I'm pausing, processing, and praying about where the Lord wants to take the show in 2024. In the meantime, please take some time to process and pray through 2023 with my latest Talk Therapy series. Resources: Ep. 144: The Case for Heaven with Lee Strobel Connect with Lee: website | Instagram | Facebook Connect with Rachael: website | Instagram | Facebook

In December, we spend every Monday morning in a series where we process and pray through the year. Each week, the focus will be different, but the theme of processing and praying will remain the same. We started this series by looking at the goodness of God by reflecting on our victories. In this episode, we are pausing to process our personal boundaries this year. Pray: "Jesus, what boundaries do you want to encourage me to set in my life?" Process: What boundaries did I establish that went well this year? What unspoken boundaries did I find myself frustrated with when people broke them? Sometimes, a boundary is not a boundary unless it is spoken. What areas of my life might need new boundaries this coming year? Boundaries can change with seasons. Resource: Boundaries: When to Say Yes, How to Say No To Take Control of Your Life by Dr. Henry Cloud

Back by popular demand is our annual Process and Pray series! If you're new here, in December, we spend every Monday morning in a series where we process and pray through the year. Each week the focus will be different, but the theme of processing and praying will remain the same. As a therapist, I believe in the power of pausing and reflecting so we can embrace the present and look forward to the future. We started this series by looking at the goodness of God. Today we are looking at what worked and what victories we experienced this year. Process: What victories or breakthroughs came this year? There is nothing too small to celebrate. What went well that I want to carry into the new year? (Consider how time was spent, relationships you want to invest in, etc). Thank God for these victories with your voice. Tell someone about the goodness of God. Resource: One of my victories this year was my book, Image Restored. If you don't yet have a copy, learn more or grab one at imagerestoredbook.com.

This week on Real Talk with Rachael, I'm speaking with J. Warner Wallace. He is a Dateline featured Cold-Case Detective, Author, Speaker, Senior Fellow at the Colson Center for Christian Worldview, and Adjunct Professor of Apologetics at Talbot School of Theology (Biola University) and Southern Evangelical Seminary. Key Points from Our Conversation: As a detective, J. Warner couldn't commit to Christianity without being convinced it was objectively true. In his book Cold-Case Christianity, he applies ten common rules of evidence he used as a non-believer to make the case for Christianity. There are two broad categories of evidence - direct and indirect. Direct evidence includes an eyewitness account; broad (or circumstantial) is everything else, including what is there and what's missing. They are not different in terms of quality. You can make a solid case with completely indirect evidence, but we have an unreasonable expectation of evidence. Jesus was an evidentialist. He provided both forms of evidence through several eyewitness accounts and through the miracles he performed. Faith isn't blind. The authors of the New Testament were eyewitnesses to Jesus and He stayed with his disciples 40 days after the resurrection as irrefutable evidence. If you examine the gospels, you will determine that what they say about Jesus is true. But if you want to allow that truth to change you, you have to examine what the New Testament says about you. There is one factor that contributes to flourishing – humility. That's why it's vital that the first step into Christianity is submission. Let's Get Real Practical: Lean into whatever form of knowing or believing in God that makes you uncomfortable – experiential or evidential Connect with J. Warner Wallace: website | Instagram | Facebook Connect with Rachael: website | Instagram | Facebook

We are in the Friendship Series. The first week I asked you to draw a friendship timeline. That laid the foundation of looking at past and current friendships, as well as noticing healthy and unhealthy themes in this area. The next two weeks we discussed gossip and jealousy. We are finishing the series by discussing grace and healthy communication. Scripture: John 1:16-17, "For from his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace. For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ." Have you received God's grace? Or are you still living under condemnation and unrealistic expectations for yourself? You can't extend what you haven't received. Grace does not give permission for people to walk all over you like a doormat. Honest communication gives space for grace while also setting spoken boundaries. Process: Do I need to receive God's grace? Who in my life extends me grace? Who do I need to practice extending grace to? Challenge: Pray, "God, I receive Your grace today." Resource: In my book, Image Restored, the last counselor cornerstone activity is called the Community Wheel. If you own the book, I suggest you use that activity throughout this friendship series. You can also use the Comparison Yardstick activity with today's episode. If you don't have the book, go to imagerestoredbook.com to learn more and purchase a copy. If you aren't yet subscribed to my email newsletter, do that today as we are emailing a PDF download of the community wheel to the community this month. Go to rachaelgilbert.com click the freebies tab and subscribe to the community there.

We are currently in the Friendship Series. The first week I asked you to draw a friendship timeline. That laid the foundation of looking at past and current friendships, as well as noticing healthy and unhealthy themes in this area. Last week we discussed gossip. This week we are going after another sin that is sure to bring friendships down - jealousy. Andy Stanley describes the problem with jealousy in his book Enemies of the Heart - "Jealousy is dangerous. It's dangerous because it shapes our attitudes toward other people. It's hard to actively love someone you're jealous of. It's hard to serve (or submit to) someone who's a constant reminder of what you're not. Eventually, jealousy takes control of our attitudes toward people who have done nothing more than pull ahead of us in a race they're not even aware of." Scripture: Proverbs 27:4, "Wrath is cruel, and anger is overwhelming, but who can stand before jealousy?" James 3:13-18, "Who is wise and understanding among you? Let them show it by their good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom. But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth. Such "wisdom" does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice. But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. Peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness." Three Rs to eliminate comparison: RECOGNIZE REPENT REJOICE Process: Ask God if there is anyone in your life you need to recognize and repent of jealousy Challenge: Pray over the person you are tempted to compare or notice a jealous spirit come over you when you think of them. Consider sending your friends a text or note telling them why you are grateful for them. Resource: In my book, Image Restored, the last counselor cornerstone activity is called the Community Wheel. If you own the book, I suggest you use that activity throughout this friendship series. You can also use the Comparison Yardstick activity with today's episode. If you don't have the book, go to imagerestoredbook.com to learn more and purchase a copy. If you aren't yet subscribed to my email newsletter, do that today as we are emailing a pdf download of the community wheel to the community this month. Go to rachaelgilbert.com click the freebies tab and subscribe to the community there.

This week on Real Talk with Rachael I'm talking with author, Natalie Runion. In 2019 after watching many of her peers walk away from the church and their faith, Natalie began Raised to Stay, a ministry for those who have wandered, wondered, and wrestled with the Church and the challenges of full-time ministry. Known for her black boxes of hard truth on social media for the Church and church leaders, her heart is to see a generation finish their race as they partner with a good Father who is faithful to complete the work He began in each of us. Key Points from Our Conversation: It can be difficult to distinguish between church hurt and church abuse as the line will be different for everyone based on past traumas. Abuse is any harm that causes psychological damage. You can be assured that as part of the Church, you will be hurt and it will take hard work to resolve, but if we stick with it, we can experience the hope and the holy. He is faithful and He will finish what He has started. Celebrity culture has become prevalent in the church. We have to stop putting so much weight on people and put the focus back on God. When we are vulnerable and share our wounds, we point people to Jesus and remove ourselves from the pedestal. It's okay to wrestle with your role in the Church. People admire those who persevere. Continuing to engage in a relationship with Jesus despite the hurt can help to build the faith of others. It's important that the older generation mentor and disciple the younger generations. They are not competition, they are collaborators. Offense has become a pandemic in the church. If you are offended, start by looking internally. Take it to God and ask Him to help you discern why and if you're living with a spirit of offense. Even if you can't stay in the church, you can still abide in God. He doesn't disconnect from you when disconnect from the church. Let's Get Real Practical: Have you ever considered how you came to your faith? What's your salvation story? Connect with Natalie: website | Instagram | Facebook Connect with Rachael: website | Instagram | Facebook

We are currenly in the Friendship Series. Last week I asked you to draw a friendship timeline. That laid the foundation for looking at past and current friendships as well as noticing healthy and unhealthy themes in this area. Speaking of unhealthy, let's address one toxic trait that will bring every friendship crashing down- GOSSIP. Scripture: Proverbs 26:22 (MSG), "Listening to gossip is like eating cheap candy; do you want junk like that in your belly?" Process: Who do I need to stop gossiping about? Is my main form of communication with friends gossip? Challenge: Be mindful of leading with gossip. When you are tempted to gossip, ask, "What do I really need in this moment?" Resource: In my book, Image Restored, the last counselor cornerstone activity is called the "Community Wheel." If you don't have the book, go to ImageRestoredBook.com to learn more and purchase a copy. If you aren't yet subscribed to my email newsletter, do that today as we are emailing a pdf download of the community wheel to the community. Go to rachaelgilbert.com click the freebies tab and subscribe to the community there.

This week we're starting new series on Talk Therapy all about friendship. Scripture: Proverbs 18:24,"Friends come and friends go, but a true friend sticks by you like family." Process: Draw a friend timeline What themes did you notice in your friendships? Who do you need to forgive? Challenge: Forgive whoever God asks you to release. Bless them. Consider writing them a letter you never mail or use the "empty chair" technique and read the letter aloud to them, then shred it. Resource: In my book, Image Restored, the last counselor cornerstone activity is called the "Community Wheel." If you don't have the book, go to ImageRestoredBook.com to learn more and purchase a copy. If you aren't yet subscribed to my email newsletter, do that today as we are emailing a pdf download of the community wheel to the community. Go to rachaelgilbert.com click the freebies tab and subscribe to the community there.

This week on Real Talk with Rachael I'm chatting with someone whose words changed my life, Dannah Gresh. Dannah is the founder of True Girl, bringing moms and daughters closer to each other and closer to Jesus, and co-host of the Revive Our Hearts podcast. Dannah has authored over 27 books including And the Bride Wore White, Lies Young Women Believe (with Nancy Leigh DeMoss) and Lies Girls Believe. More than 20,000 leaders and 100,000 moms have taught her curriculum and over 500,000 people have attended her live events and retreats. Dannah and her husband, Bob, live on a hobby farm in central Pennsylvania. They have four adult children and four grandchildren. Key Points from Our Conversation: Dannah wrote Happily Even After about her and her husband's experience after he revealed an addiction to pornography - a more common problem than we typically believe, even in established marriages. It's easy to be upset with our spouse's actions, but they're often not personal, rather they are a coping mechanism learned in childhood. Sexual addiction can be as addictive as drugs because of the way our brains respond to the stimulant. Shame will wreak havoc in our relationships. James 5:16 tells us, "Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective." If you want true intimacy in your relationship, it will require facing hard truths. As Christians, we believe that our marriage should reflect Jesus' love for the church. We are uniquely that picture when we choose to play the role of Jesus in forgiving our spouse. When we seek comfort through "forbidden fruits" like porn, drinking, or overeating, it's an alert that we are not finding our satisfaction in Christ. Find a Christian counselor to talk to and dig out the root of the lie that you're choosing to believe and hold it to the truth of Jesus. Sometimes it takes setting hard boundaries in order for people to recognize the depth of their actions and the effect they're having on others. If you are in a relationship that is affected by a pornography addiction or infidelity, you are not alone. Though you do need to give grace while setting difficult boundaries, you also have to tend to your own heart. If you are waiting on your spouse to heal you're heart, you've got things out of order - only God can heal you. One essential truth your relationship will need to survive is that trust is a gift you choose to give. It can be built by consistent action over time, but ultimately you must choose trust. Let's Get Real Practical: If you're holding on to a sexual secret, get help from a professional so that you can be set free. Resources: Ep.29: Lies We Believe & the Truth That Sets Us Free with Dannah Gresh American Association of Christian Counselors Connect with Dannah: website | Instagram | Facebook Connect with Rachael: website | Instagram | Facebook