"All of this praise is built on the foundational bedrock of who God is."
— Natalie Abbott

Today's episode: Has your praise ever felt hollow or empty? On today's episode, Dwell Differently cofounder Natalie Abbott shares about how she initially felt "meh" reading Psalm 100 and our memory verse. She shares how God met her in confessional prayer and used his Word to transform her heart and help her honestly say those words of praise. She also helps us see how God himself and his character must fuel our worship. Finally, she leaves us with practical tips on how we can build our own honest praise on the foundation of who God is.

This month's memory verse: "For the LORD is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations." — Psalm 100:5

Memorize Scripture with us: Find out more about the easy button for Scripture memory, Dwell Differently’s monthly kit!

Support Our Show: Leaving us a review is the best way to encourage us and help other people find our show.

Links from today's show:

• Read Natalie's Devotional, Feeling Far From God? to hear more about how she wrestled with this verse.
• Check out The Pour Over, Natalie's go-to source for concise, unbiased news from a Christian perspective.
• Check out Natalie and Vera's new Bible study, Dwell on These Things: Transform Your Heart and Mind by Memorizing God's Word.
• Memorize 11 new verses in Natalie and Vera's book, Dwell Differently: Overcome Negative Thinking with the Simple Practice of Memorizing God’s Truth.
• Dig deeper into this month's verse in our weekly devotionals. Get them sent to your inbox free every Monday!

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"Everybody has a 'yes' they can give [to mentor someone]. Give up your time for the good of someone else, then you will...also grow in it."
— Courtney Doctor

Today's Episode: What does a mentoring relationship really look like? Today Courtney Doctor and Hunter Beless are pulling back the curtain of their mentoring relationship. They are real and deep and rooted in the Word. And they are fun and practical and hilarious, and you won't want the conversation to end! We hope this episode blesses you and encourages you to intentionally pursue relationships with your gospel-friends like Hunter and Courtney do.

Today's Verse: "Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you." — Philippians 4:9

The Dwell on These Things Series: We’re talking about the 6 verses in our new Scripture memory Bible study with some of our favorite people! We’re talking about joy, peace, a firm mind, and the nearness of God himself. And we’re also talking with vulnerability and compassion about the things that plague our hearts, keep us up at night, and give us anxiety. Want more? Get the Dwell on These Things Bible study today!

Today's guests:
Courtney Doctor received an MDiv from Covenant Theological Seminary and currently serves as the Director of Women’s Initiatives for The Gospel Coalition. She is a Bible teacher and author of From Garden to Glory as well as several Bible studies including In View of God’s Mercies, Behold and Believe, and Remember your Joy. Courtney and her husband Craig have four children, five beautiful grandchildren, and a goofy dog named Walter.
Hunter Beless is passionate about helping women and children know and love God more, especially through His Word. She is the founder of Journeywomen, hosts the Journeywomen podcast, and loves doing ministry in her local church context. Hunter and her husband, Brooks, have four wonderful kiddos. When they’re not snuggled up reading a good book, you can find the Beless family gardening, riding bikes, or exploring the Buffalo River. Learn more about Hunter at www.hunterbeless.com.

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Links from today's show:

• Find out more about Courtney at CourtneyDoctor.org and Hunter at HunterBeless.com.
• Get your own copy of the Dwell on These Things Bible study.
• Discover the simplest way to get God's Word in your head and heart: Dwell Differently’s monthly membership!

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"We have been formed by the world...and we have to be reformed by the way of truth."
— Elizabeth Woodson

Today's Episode: The world has so much impact on our thought life—on how we think about ourselves, about what matters, about who God is—and so often we just passively allow the world to form us. On this episode, Elizabeth Woodson is urging us not to just passively or thoughtlessly receive what the world is dishing out, but to actively take in God's Word and reform our thinking. She encourages us to spend time in God's Word—to meditate on it, study it, memorize it, and allow it to impact our whole person for good.

Today's Verse: "Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things." — Philippians 4:8

The Dwell on These Things Series: We’re talking about the 6 verses in our new Scripture memory Bible study with some of our favorite people! We’re talking about joy, peace, a firm mind, and the nearness of God himself. And we’re also talking with vulnerability and compassion about the things that plague our hearts, keep us up at night, and give us anxiety. Want more? Get the Dwell on These Things Bible study today!

Today's guest: Elizabeth Woodson is a Bible teacher, the author of Embrace Your Life and From Beginning to Forever, and the founder of The Woodson Institute, an organization that equips believers to understand and grow in their Christian faith. She is also a graduate of Dallas Theological Seminary with a master’s in Christian education.

Support Our Show: Review our show on Spotify or Apple.

Links from today's show:

• Find out more about Elizabeth and the Woodson institute here.
• Get your own copy of the Dwell on These Things Bible study.
• Discover the simplest way to get God's Word in your head and heart: Dwell Differently’s monthly membership!

Support the show

"I can actually hold on to peace and grief at the same time. I can hold on to peace and disappointment at the same time. I can savor the peace that Jesus offers me because of who he is, not because of what is going on in my life."
— Melissa Spoelstra

Today's Episode: Looking for real and lasting peace—peace that isn't dependent on perfect outcomes or shifting circumstances? Then stop right here and take a listen. Today Natalie and Vera are chatting with Melissa Spoelstra about peace. She helps us understand that Biblical peace isn't a tranquil state of circumstances, but a tranquil state of the soul. She helps us see how real and lasting peace is found in Jesus, and she gives us practical insights into how we can find our peace in him.

Today's Verse: "And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." — Philippians 4:7

The Dwell on These Things Series: We’re talking about the 6 verses in our new Scripture memory Bible study with some of our favorite people! We’re talking about joy, peace, a firm mind, and the nearness of God himself. And we’re also talking with vulnerability and compassion about the things that plague our hearts, keep us up at night, and give us anxiety. Want more? Get the Dwell on These Things Bible study today!

Today's guest: Melissa Spoelstra is a Bible teacher and author who is madly in love with Jesus. She is passionate about studying God’s Word and helping women of all ages to seek Christ and know Him more intimately through serious Bible study. Melissa has a degree in Bible theology and has authored many Bible studies, including Isaiah: Striving Less and Trusting God More and The Gospel of John: Savoring the Peace of Jesus in a Chaotic World. Melissa enjoys spending time with her pastor husband, Sean, and their children: Zach & Morgan, Abby, Sara, Rachel, and Yoni.

Support Our Show: Review our show on Spotify or Apple.

Links from today's show:

• Find out more about Melissa at MelissaSpoelstra.com.
• Get your own copy of the Dwell on These Things Bible study.
• Discover the simplest way to get God's Word in your head and heart: Dwell Differently’s monthly membership!

Support the show

"When you feel anxious, your body is sending you this signal. Don't just sit in that. Respond. Do something about it. Go to prayer; ask God to help you realign your mindset...Give him the burdens. Go to this quiet special place and start to adjust and recalibrate and do things differently. And when you leave that place, you will be filled with the peace of God."
— Debra Fileta

Today's Episode: Debra Fileta wants you to take good care of your soul. In today's episode she helps us see how anxiety is an alarm signal that lets us know something's wrong in us. She encourages us to consider and incorporate the spiritual rhythms Jesus practiced in our own lives. It's a really practical, encouraging conversation...one you won't want to miss!

Today's Verse: "Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God." — Philippians 4:6

The Dwell on These Things Series: We’re talking about the 6 verses in our new Scripture memory Bible study with some of our favorite people! We’re talking about the highest highs—like joy and peace and a firm mind and the nearness of God himself. And we’re also talking with vulnerability and compassion about our lowest lows—like the things that plague our hearts, keep us up at night, and give us anxiety. These are such good, honest, real conversations with real friends and experts on these matters. Want more? Get the Dwell on These Things Bible study today!

Today's guest: Debra Fileta is a Licensed Professional Counselor, relationship expert, national speaker, and founder of the Debra Fileta Counselor’s Network. She is the author of True Love Dates, Choosing Marriage: Why it Has To Start With We > Me, Love in Every Season, Are You Really OK?, Married Sex, RESET, and Soul Care. Debra is the creator of the popular relationship advice blog, www.TrueLoveDates.com, and the host of Talk To Me: The Debra Fileta Podcast where she facilitates on-air authentic counseling-style sessions. You may also recognize her voice from her 200+ articles published across the internet. Connect with her on Facebook or Instagram!

Links from today's show:

• Get Debra's new book, Soul Care.
• Get your own copy of the Dwell on These Things Bible study.
• Discover the simplest way to get God's Word in your head and heart: Dwell Differently’s monthly membership!

Support the show

"It grieves me that so many women and men struggle to experience God's presence...Somehow the enemy has fooled us into believing that enjoying [God's] presence, experiencing his presence, hearing his voice, being led by his Spirit, is something that they somehow haven't figured out the formula for."
— Jeannie Cunnion

Today's Episode: Jeannie Cunnion is convinced that God's purpose for you is to enjoy his presence. On today's episode, she shares how God goes about making himself available, and even, near to his people. It's such a beautiful conversation that will leave you not only wanting a closer relationship with Jesus, but also, practically equipped to pursue God as he pursues you.

Today's Verse: "Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near." — Philippians 4:5

The Dwell on These Things Series: We’re talking about the 6 verses in our new Scripture memory Bible study with some of our favorite people! We’re talking about the highest highs—like joy and peace and a firm mind and the nearness of God himself. And we’re also talking with vulnerability and compassion about our lowest lows—like the things that plague our hearts, keep us up at night, and give us anxiety. These are such good, honest, real conversations with real friends and experts on these matters. Want more? Get the Dwell on These Things Bible study today!

Today's guest: Jeannie Cunnion is a bestselling author of several books and Bible Studies. Her work has been featured on outlets such as The TODAY show, Fox News, CBN, and a host of popular podcasts. Jeannie holds a master’s degree in social work and she is the co-founder of The 509 Foundation. She and her husband, Mike, live in Greenwich, Connecticut, with their five boys. Connect with her at JeannieCunnion.com.

Support Our Show: Review our show on Spotify or Apple.

Links from today's show:

• Get Jeannie's new book, Closer to God.
• Get your own copy of the Dwell on These Things Bible study.
• Discover the simplest way to get God's Word in your head and heart: Dwell Differently’s monthly membership!

Support the show

"In the midst of a world that's not right, we drink from the well—which is Christ—and we have refreshment in a dry and weary land."
— Melissa Kruger

Today's Episode: How do we find joy? Real, deep joy in joyless circumstances, in dry seasons or dark places? On today's episode, Melissa Kruger walks us through the journey of finding joy. Spoiler alert: joy isn't discovered or mustered, it's given to us when we abide in Jesus. He is the source of all safe and solid joy, not our circumstances. It's both a practical and a beautiful conversation that will encourage you to find true joy in Jesus.

Today's Verse: "Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!" — Philippians 4:4

The Dwell on These Things Series: We’re talking about the 6 verses in our new Scripture memory Bible study with some of our favorite people! We’re talking about joy, peace, a firm mind, and the nearness of God himself. And we’re also talking with vulnerability and compassion about the things that plague our hearts, keep us up at night, and give us anxiety. Want more? Get the Dwell on These Things Bible study today!

Today's guest: Melissa Kruger serves as vice president of discipleship programming for The Gospel Coalition (TGC). She’s the author of multiple books, including The Envy of Eve: Finding Contentment in a Covetous World, Growing Together: Taking Mentoring Beyond Small Talk and Prayer Request, Parenting with Hope: Raising Teens for Christ in a Secular Age, and Wherever You Go I Want You to Know. Her husband, Mike, is the president of Reformed Theological Seminary and they have three children.

Support Our Show: Review our show on Spotify or Apple.

Links from today's show:

• Find out more about Melissa at MelissaBKruger.com.
• Get your own copy of the Dwell on These Things Bible study.
• Discover the simplest way to get God's Word in your head and heart: Dwell Differently’s monthly membership!
• Dig deeper into this month's verse in our weekly devotionals. Get them sent to your inbox free every Monday!

Support the show

"Whatever is going to happen—whatever the literal next things are that happen in my life—this symbolic vision of God means that in the end, it's going to be alright. I can trust the God who made time to steward time all the way to its conclusion."
— Jen Wilkin

Today's Episode: Does the book of Revelation intimidate you? Maybe even scare you a little? Or do you wonder how it could relate to your life in the slightest? On today's episode, Jen Wilkin acknowledges the scary and the weird in Revelation while pointing our hearts to the true purpose of the book: reassurance. The God who is holy and mighty is coming back to make all things right, and we can take great comfort in this knowledge. But this book and our memory verse isn't just about the future. Jen helps us consider how we can live faithful lives in the present as we trust in our everlasting, powerful, returning God. It's a conversation that you won't want to miss!

This month's memory verse: "Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty, who is, and was and is to come." —Revelation 4:8b

Today's guest: Jen Wilkin is an author and Bible teacher from Dallas, Texas. Her passion is to see others become articulate and committed followers of Christ, with a clear understanding of why they believe what they believe, grounded in the Word of God. Jen is the author many books and Bible studies. Find her at JenWilkin.net and learn more about her latest Bible study, Revelation, at lifeway.com/revelation.

Memorize Scripture with us: Find out more about the easy button for Scripture memory, Dwell Differently’s monthly kit!

Support Our Show: Leaving us a review is the best way to encourage us and help other people find our show.

Links from today's show:

• Get a copy of Jen's Revelation Bible study.
• Find out more about Jen here.
• Check out Natalie and Vera's new Bible study, Dwell on These Things: Transform Your Heart and Mind by Memorizing God's Word.
• Dig deeper into this month's verse in our weekly devotionals. Get them sent to your inbox free every Monday!

Support the show