Set Apart Podcast

This week Leslie shares foundational principles on how to raise Gospel-centered children. Whether you’re a mom with small kids in tow, serve the youth at your church, or you’re a single young woman looking to prepare for the future, this episode equips you in how to impart vision and purpose to those God has entrusted to your care. Discover how to stay the course without wavering and raise children that champion the Gospel and change the world!

Our God is jealous over the entirety of our lives as His followers, not just bits and pieces of our body, mind, and heart. It’s easy to think that idols are golden statues located only in fancy temples, but in this episode Leslie shares four common idols in the lives of modern Christian women, and how you can take steps forward to gaining an undivided heart in the midst of the flaunting messages of the culture today. 

While the world excuses men from rising to a higher standard with a “guys will be guys” mantra, we, as Christian women, can learn how to respond to these cultural mentalities by cheering men toward biblical masculinity and participating in God’s plan to strengthen the men around us. Leslie offers hope-filled perspective and practicals that will inspire you to pray in faith, become a vessel of encouragement, and use your femininity to strengthen the men around you.

Godly discernment is available for every follower of Jesus Christ! But it doesn’t just automatically come to us. As the culture seeks to pair Christianity with glossy marketing techniques that may or may not retain the true essence of the Gospel, Leslie shares how to be molded and shaped by truth, how to make God’s Word your lifeline, and why it’s important to study historic examples of authentic Christianity in your journey to grow in being a resilient and bravehearted woman!

Proverbs reminds us that our words have the power to build others up or tear them down. Choosing kindness over criticism is easier said than done, but when carried out with a loving, gracious spirit the effect is beautiful to behold. In this episode, Leslie shares practical encouragement for how to exchange rude remarks for words of life, love, and kindness towards those you interact with daily. Be inspired to reach beyond the typical responses of the culture towards Christ-infused speech.

Leslie continues sharing on Christ-centered singleness in part two of answering the question: Is singleness really a gift? No matter how comfortable or compelling the mainstream lies of American Christianity sound, this encouragement to follow Christ’s pattern for long-lasting joy and fulfillment will help you apply the Gospel to singleness or any area of your life in which you may be struggling with discontentment, and cheer you on to embracing the cross that Christ has lovingly given as an instrument to bring Him the greatest glory.

Join Leslie in the first episode of this two-part series as she tackles the question: Is singleness really a gift?  Between the relentless pressure of the culture to find your significant other, the constant remarks and questions of friends and family members, and the insensitivity of the modern church, many Christian single women have come to believe that singleness is a problem to be solved rather than an opportunity from God.  Is contentment in Christ really possible during our single years?  In this encouraging episode, Leslie points us to God’s Word to prove that Jesus is truly enough to flood our hearts with the reality that He is All in all, whether we are married or single.

In an age where crude humor is the language of the culture, learn how to rejoice in the truth with a pure-hearted conscience before the Lord with this week’s episode. Leslie shares how to cultivate a holy sense of humor and offers solutions on how to provide a gracious response towards inappropriate or crass comments that come your way. What joy to know that our Lord cares about these small areas of life and has left us with principles in His Word to guide in how to heartily laugh over that which is true, noble, and just!

It doesn’t take much effort to conjure up an uncomfortably clear mental picture of drama – what it looks like, how it behaves, and the results of engaging in it. And yet, the juiciest piece of gossip or latest thrill featured on social media cannot compare to the greatest adventure of all – knowing and loving Jesus! Leslie defines how to live a “quiet and peaceable life” as Christian women in the 21st century and gives you key practicals to keep from participating in a high-drama lifestyle.

The world of social media encourages us to live our best life now. But what does that really mean in light of eternity, and how would Christ have us live in the here and now of our daily lives? In this episode, Leslie warns against using free time in a frivolous way and gives you a grid through which to measure the eternal value of your lifestyle.

The word “modesty” can elicit a cringe or a drab set of dos and don’ts for many of today’s Christian women. That’s why Leslie is taking time this week to alter the shape of modesty in our minds and standards by uncovering the heart behind this concept and showing that adorning every aspect of our lifestyle – from our wardrobes to our motives – with the radiance of Christ outfits a woman with the beauty of Heaven itself.

While spiritual warfare can seem to be a nebulous concept, this week Leslie shares one of the most important lessons in both personal and ministry life – how to resist the enemy. Using God’s Word, Leslie brings clarity on how to determine whether a problem is a trial from God or an attack from the enemy so that you can walk biblically and confidently in knowing how to handle whatever comes your way with grace and truth.

If you are burdened to minister to today’s young women this episode gives you practical first and continuing steps that will lead you to be a life-giving voice of truth amongst today’s generation. Learn the top five modern ministry pitfalls and how to respond to them in a biblical and beautiful way!

Mighty movements of God don’t have to be relegated to the Old and New Testament stories of the saints who have gone before us. Instead, God is longing to show Himself strong on our behalf and deliver us just as in the days of old. But He is looking for men and women of faith in which to manifest His everyday miracles. In this episode, Leslie shares principles that will help you build a bold prayer strategy. Watch your faith grow as you see God come through and deliver you with His outstretched hand!

A walk through Christian history reveals a strength of faith and power of the Spirit of heroic proportions – but why don’t we wrestle for that same display of might and valor today? In this episode, Leslie talks about how to become a woman of valor without forsaking femininity but rather restoring it to biblical proportions! Using inspiring examples of women of the faith, Leslie draws out two key principles that are intrinsic to the return of strong, biblical femininity.

When we think of cultivating healthy friendships, our minds naturally drift towards ensuring our relationships with the opposite sex are God-glorifying. In this episode, Leslie highlights the importance of having edifying, Christ-focused relationships with other women and shares warning signs of unhealthy female relationships and how to guard against the corrosive effects of gossip and manipulation.

A life hidden in Christ is the truest form of self-discovery we can attain. Learn the difference between using your unique strengths for your own glory and surrendering them to bring God glory. Leslie answers questions about personality, finding fulfillment, and maximizing your unique talents in this week’s episode by uncovering Jesus’ pattern for individuality as defined by His Word.

The self-care craze encourages us to indulge in mini “mind-escapes” in order to rest and refuel, but what is God’s pattern? Discover how to rest at the soul level that will leave you feeling recharged and revived that lasts longer than the weekend. Leslie shares the secret to true rest, how to rest in the midst of a schedule peppered with commitments, and how to engage in non-spiritual activities in a healthy, Christ-focused way.

Discover that burnout doesn’t have to be a necessary evil but an opportunity to tap into the amazing grace of Jesus Christ! This week, Leslie shares key truths she has learned from serving over 20 years in the trenches of Christian ministry. Learn how to surrender your expectations for life, ministry, and more and adopt a Christ-focused mindset that is set on the Cross – not comfort – as the ultimate goal!

Now more than ever it is vitally important that Christian women know how to stand on the unchanging truth of God’s Word. As our ever-changing world caters to the whims of the culture, it is imperative that God’s children adopt a Scripture-focused mindset rather than aligning with feelings-based or relative truth. Listen as Leslie shares keys to exchanging the shifting sands of popular opinion to solid, steadfast biblical principle!

This week, Leslie shares how to keep from bringing wrong expectations into your church, ministry, or lifestyle by uncovering cultural Christianity’s insatiable desire to be catered to and entertained through gimmicks, impressive media and technology, and the latest, greatest _______. Begin asking a new question, not “What am I getting out of this?” but “What is God getting out of this?” All this and more in this week’s episode!

Strategic marketing and personal-fulfillment mantras are designed to tempt us toward thrill-seeking, binge-watching, and adventure-hunting to our heart’s content – when our true fulfillment, contentment, and pleasure will be found in Jesus Christ. In this episode, Leslie shares the difference between the pursuit of our own gratification versus the pure enjoyment of the blessings God has graced us with. 

Maybe mind-numbing fear doesn’t grip you on a daily basis, but are niggling worrisome thoughts ruling your existence? Leslie uncovers the lies many of us are believing surrounding worry and shines a biblical perspective on how to overcome worry with the grace and strength found only in Christ!

Is it possible for believer’s today to hear and respond to God’s voice in their lives? Leslie answers this question with straightforward biblical principles that take the mystery and guesswork surrounding this question out of the picture and instead leave you with a clear and simple plan for you to begin growing in the leading the Holy Spirit in your life.

Do you have a heart for vulnerable children in need? It can be overwhelming to know where to start or how to begin impacting this world with Christ’s love to those who need it most – children. In this episode, Leslie shares her own story of the powerful gift of child sponsorship and adoption and how those journeys have impacted her family. Gain practical next steps that you can begin implementing today and gain a focus for your prayer life so you know how to strategically combat the darkness that is engulfing children around the world today!

Should single women proactively pursue marriage?  How should we handle the cultural pressure to hurry up and find Mr. Right?  Join Leslie as she shares encouraging biblical reminders for those traversing the single years of life. Whether you are single find yourself longing for marriage, or you are eager to invest your time and energy in a meaningful way during your single years – this episode is sure to turn your eyes upon Jesus and renew your passion for living each day with heavenly intentionality!

Insecurity is a blight that has plagued women since their pre-teen years. But God never intended for His daughters to wallow in self-esteem issues. He has prescribed a perfect solution to the insecurity trap that outlasts the temporary, shallow, self-help messages of today’s culture – that of denying self and finding our sole confidence in Christ Jesus alone. Join Leslie as she talks uncovers the secret to radiant confidence, and shares Scripture that talks about the love of God and the value His places upon us, His own!

How do I keep others from stealing my joy? Is it ever right to show a little attitude back towards those who are treating me harshly? and Why do some unbelievers seem happier than believers? If you’ve ever had questions like these stream through your mind, join Leslie in this new episode as she broaches these challenging questions (sent in by women like you!). Have a question of your own? Email us at [email protected] and we may feature your question in an upcoming episode or in our magazine Q&A!

There is a popular personal fulfillment catchphrase that is popular in today’s culture that is often scripted on decorative wall plaques, t-shirts, and coffee mugs: “Do what makes you happy.” While this is the touted mantra of our day, is there really truth in this statement? Will doing more of what makes us happy – make us truly happy? In this episode, Leslie unpacks a biblical response that illuminates the misleading notion of seeking personal fulfillment above all else. Rather than seeking the high places of self-focused happiness, seeking to serve in the lowest position will lead us to discover the true happiness that comes from living like Jesus and pouring out our lives for others. And this episode will encourage you to do just that. 

Maybe you’ve had a bad day, bad week … or a bad year. While it might seem impossible to maintain a buoyant attitude that finds joy in all circumstances, the Bible commands us to rejoice and then offers a much-needed promise of grace to help us accomplish what lies before us. In this episode, Leslie shares about the power and importance of the grace of God to do what we never could in our own strength. Drawing from the testimonies of joyful, grace-filled Christians, your faith will be bolstered in the power of Christ in us the hope of glory!

In this episode, Leslie shares how to cultivate a purity that lasts in a world full of shattered promises and broken hearts. Establishing the principle that purity is based not on a concept but a Person, she uncovers the important truth that God first looks upon the purity of our hearts rather than outward symbols or trinkets. Gain practical handles on how to discipline your thought life, how to handle attraction to a godly guy, and how to act honorably in interactions with the opposite to protect the treasure of your heart and glorify God!

We’ve all been there – between the rock and the hard place of trying to finagle a way to get the men around us to choose honor over the cultural cues of the world. These practical tips from Leslie are refreshingly simple to implement, pack a spiritual punch, and don’t include nit-picking, complaining, or any tactics that at best reform men, rather than lead them to a close encounter with Jesus Christ. God is, in fact, raising up gentleman for a time such as this, and this episode shows you how we, as women, can serve them unto that end. Take hope and give it a listen!

Want to know if there is still hope for a beautiful, God-scripted love story? As we turn in repentance from past mistakes and receive His forgiveness, it’s not too late to experience God’s best for us in the area of romantic relationships.  Join Leslie as she shares about the beauty of experiencing God’s restoration in the area of compromised purity from her own story, and shares transforming biblical truth that will give you bright hope in God’s very best for your future!

When we are hurt, disparaged, or backstabbed the wounds are raw and real. It is here that we have an opportunity to learn of Christ and make the conscious decision to obey. In this episode, Leslie shares how she has overcome the dangerous pitfall of unforgiveness fueled by the inspiring testimony of a great leading lady of the faith – Corrie ten Boom. Grasp the forgiveness you have received through Christ, learn how to practice forgiveness in the day to day offenses of life, and recognize that forgiveness is first choice rather than feeling. And be amazed at the depth of love and forgiveness that Christ exemplified through Corrie’s life as she surrendered her feelings in exchange for His supernatural grace!     Notes: 1.) Story adapted from Tramp for the Lord by Corrie ten Boom

What if instead of putting Band-Aid fixes on your outlook to keep your happiness level patched up, you could experience lasting joy – no matter the circumstance? Is this even possible? In this episode, Leslie tackles that question by surprising you with the secret to finding constant, unwavering joy. (Hint: It may not be what you were expecting to hear!) Listen and uncovers practical keys to cultivating joy by turning your gaze away from self to serving those in need … starting right where you are today.

If you are frustrated, in need of reassurance, or beginning to wonder if Christ-centered love stories still exist in today’s modern age of heartbreak, hook-ups, and divorce, this episode is for you! Listen as Leslie answers popular questions about relationships on the hearts of women across the globe. Also, hear about the exciting opportunity to take this topic deeper in Eric and Leslie’s upcoming course, Secrets to an Amazing Love Story, available in February for a limited time! In This Episode, Leslie Shares: The reason behind the lack of godly relationships in our Christian culture. Biblical perspectives on pursuing relationships and “helping” God out in the area of love and romance. How to find fulfillment, even while single. Three principles found in every God-written love story.

Do you have goals, aspirations, and areas of your life you look forward to strengthening in 2018? As we lace up our shoes to continue running the race set before us, Leslie shares about the inspiring life of Catherine Booth, co-founder of the Salvation Army, who left a sterling legacy that was intent on loving God with her entire life. Reject the notion that Catherine-esque Christian living is a thing of the past, and discover key characteristics like serving in spite of physical challenges and responding cheerfully in every situation and circumstance that you can begin incorporating into your daily lifestyle. Be encouraged through her life that proclaims that you, too, can cultivate vibrant, heroic life through the enabling grace of God!

As we unwind from the holiday hustle and bustle and look forward to a new year that is ready to be established with heavenly goals in view, purpose to abandon the “Martha mentality” of having a rushed soul, and instead choose to still yourself before the Lord. No matter if your to-do list has two or twenty things on it, Leslie shares practical tips to growing in spiritual strength through all seasons of life! Tune in today and with fresh resolve set forth to accomplish His plans for your life and His glory.

Taking up our cross and following after Christ is not a popular notion in modern Christianity much less, actually disciplining ourselves to suffer well and for the glory of God. In this episode, Leslie continues her series on unshakable women of Christian faith who did mighty deeds in and through His strength. This week, be challenged afresh at Esther Ahn Kim’s perseverance and tensile strength in the face of prison, torture, and seeming death – all out of love to her King, Jesus Christ! May we all be reminded, that while we may not be facing persecution, surrender is requisite for every believer!

Frustrated with prayers that seem to hit the ceiling? Longing for a close walk with Christ, but feel like there’s a wall blocking your path? If you feel distant from the Lord, Leslie offers an encouraging, biblical solution to the “why” behind what you are experiencing through sharing what God worked in the soul of her family. Learn how to enjoy the unhindered intimacy of abiding in His presence in and through your life today! 

In this new series, Leslie begins sharing her favorite inspiring and unsung stories of victorious women from Christian history. In this episode, Leslie highlights Gladys Aylward and all she accomplished for Christ, despite having so many odds against her.  As Leslie shares key stories and principles from this amazing woman’s life, you will be inspired to see that it does not take wealth, popularity, or education to be used for God’s glory. Rather, a humble, surrendered heart is just what God is looking for to raise women up in our day and age to perform mighty deeds in His Name, through His strength. Listen today and take your first steps in becoming a woman of victorious faith!

Has your happiness been put on hold until “such and such” finally happens? Ever felt down and depressed after the holidays or after attaining a certain success to find that you still want more? We’ve all been there, and in this episode, Leslie shares a profound truth – true joy is not found in circumstances but in a Person. Includes ways to change your mindset and recenter your perspective on God’s Word rather than your emotions as well as how to delight yourself in the Lord no matter what.

We all know what it is like to hear the “ding” of our phone and be instantly drawn into the digital distractions that bombard us daily. In this new episode, Leslie shares practical insights for how to keep digital noise in its proper place and not let it hinder our relationship with God or our sensitivity to those around us.  Learn practical ways to turn down digital noise in your daily life and adopt God-honoring habits in your digital conduct.  Leslie shares key principles for having a quiet time without digital interruption, conversing with others without being controlled by your phone, and embracing the real-life divine appointments that God has for you each day!

If you’ve spent any length of time navigating the area of “modesty” – this podcast is for you! In this episode, Leslie Ludy shares a simple, practical, and biblical vision for what it means to dress with dignity and honor those around you in doing so! Tune in to be refreshed in this often-challenging area of set apart femininity – we’re sure you’ll come away encouraged, above all, to wear the true beauty of Christ-reflective womanhood!

If the title of this episode makes you shrink back from pressing play – just wait! Personal discipline doesn’t have to invoke the same emotions as a visit to the dentist. Rather, when enabled by the grace of God, godly discipline brings life, not misery and freedom, not bondage that is indispensable to our lives as Christian women. Give it a try, and hear how Leslie is learning to make every facet of her lifestyle reflect and worship Jesus Christ. You will be inspired and equipped to take your first steps beginning today! In This Episode Leslie Shares: The difference between godly discipline and legalism. (No, they’re not the same thing!) How to keep up with godly priorities when you’re in especially busy or crisis seasons of your life. Easy to implement systems that will help you realign your priorities to get in step with God’s heart for your life. Three practicals that will get you moving in the right direction towards reordering your spiritual and daily lifestyle.

Have you ever felt that the standards of womanhood are too high for you to attain? From home decorating magazines, to the women around us that seem to “have it all together,” it’s all too easy to count the many ways that we don’t measure up. But God’s pattern for true womanhood is one that inspires and encourages us to a standard of excellence, fueled by the enabling of His Spirit. In this podcast, Leslie illuminates the common comparison trap that many women fall into today, and provides a biblical framework for living out our high calling as women with God-glorifying motives, rather than self-made perfectionism.

With Halloween just around the corner, it’s a great time to take a fresh look at our lives and evaluate if there are any spots of darkness that we’ve allowed to take up residence in our soul. In this podcast, as Leslie candidly discusses the dangers of dabbling in darkness and the clear instruction found in God’s Word, you’ll be encouraged in your pursuit of living wholeheartedly for Jesus Christ; celebrating the light, joy, and life of His Kingdom; and the amazing freedom found through His Cross-work!

It only takes a few minutes of watching the latest news update, or catching the tail-end of a reality TV show to realize that our culture has labeled respect toward authority figures as outdated and unnecessary.  Now, more than ever, our culture in desperate need of Christlike women of strength and honor! Leslie uncovers the spirit of the age and shows you how you can be on guard against a disrespectful attitude toward authorities and gain a heavenly vision for honoring parents, leaders, and elders. In This Episode, Leslie Shares: The biblical reality of moral decline Four amazingly simple ways to keep from being disrespectful towards those in authority The wisdom of Proverbs as it applies to honor and respect

Have you ever wondered how you can find your true identity or reach your full potential? In this new podcast episode, Leslie will walk you through the refreshing reality of what it looks like for your life to hidden in Christ – and what it means to identify yourself with the death, life, and resurrection of Jesus. You will quickly discover that the greatest question isn’t really, “Who am I?” but “Whose am I? And how does that change the daily reality of my life?” Join Leslie for this surprisingly refreshing reminder to lose your life for Christ’s sake, and thus, truly find it. 

A common concept buzzing around in women’s circles in Christianity today is learning to “forgive yourself.” Is there truth to this statement? And if so, how do we learn to forgive ourselves for past sin? In this new episode, Leslie uncovers the misunderstanding that the concept of “forgiving yourself” is rooted in and shares the freeing truth and practical applications in receiving God’s forgiveness. Rather than of brushing off the pardon God has extended to us through the blood of His Son, we must be armed with the truth of His Word to understand the amazing gift of His forgiveness and the freedom from sin He has purchased for us!