• Episode 32: Navigating Predestination, Cultural Influences, and Spiritual Community in Our Modern World
    Oct 10 2024

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    Imagine the world as a vast tapestry, interwoven with threads of destiny and choices. Can the seemingly random events in our lives hold a divine purpose? On the latest episode of Finding Faith and Losing Sleep, we unravel the intriguing concept of predestination as highlighted in Ephesians. We explore the mysterious synchronicities that challenge our understanding of free will and divine preordination, encouraging you to contemplate how your decisions might align with a higher plan. Through personal stories and engaging analogies, we invite you to reflect on the uncanny coincidences in your own journey and ponder their possible significance.

    Our exploration doesn't stop at predestination; it extends into the fabric of cultural influences and spiritual warfare that shape our society. From historical movements to today's complex issues like the transgender movement and celebrity culture, we discuss how these elements intertwine with our spiritual beliefs. By analyzing the power dynamics and moral dilemmas faced by influential figures, we draw parallels to biblical teachings, offering insights into how these themes resonate with our personal values. Through this lens, we challenge you to consider the role of kindness and integrity in navigating the ever-evolving landscape of cultural and spiritual influences.

    Finally, we turn our focus to the essence of community and spiritual practices beyond traditional church walls. Delving into the significance of prayer, protection, and unity, we highlight the importance of life groups and the church as a living community. Whether it's during times of adversity like the COVID-19 pandemic or natural disasters, we emphasize the transformative power of empathy and support. As we discuss the teachings of Ephesians, we encourage listeners to embrace their roles in fulfilling God's purpose, finding hope and purpose amid life's challenges, and recognizing the predestined good works prepared for us all.

    Email: findingfaith.losingsleep@gmail.com
    Twitter: @FindingFaithPod

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    54 mins
  • Episode 31: Faith, Healing, and the Complex Journey of Spiritual Wealth
    Sep 19 2024

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    Can traditional interpretations of the Bible stand up to modern questions of faith? Join us on this episode of Finding Faith and Losing Sleep as we unravel the teachings of the Book of Ephesians, inspired by our listener, Travis. Together we explore the nuances of spiritual practices, the complexities of faith healing, and the often controversial interplay between wealth and piety, all while marveling at our unexpected popularity in places like Laos.

    We dive deep into the historical and spiritual significance of the Holy Spirit, its gifts, and the importance of unity as preached in Ephesians. By challenging the conventional attributions of biblical authorship, such as the possibility of Apollos being the author of Hebrews, we emphasize the need for open-mindedness and humility in today's faith discussions. Michelle provides heartfelt reflections on contributing to our mission of spreading God's word without seeking financial gain, reinforcing the community spirit we cherish so deeply.

    From confronting the exploitative practices of the prosperity gospel to recounting transformative personal anecdotes about tithing and blessings, our conversations are both poignant and eye-opening. We also touch on the importance of renouncing sin and embracing righteousness, inspired by the dramatic story of the seven sons of Sceva. As we prepare to journey further into the teachings of the Book of Ephesians, we invite you, our cherished listeners, to engage with us through comments and reviews, helping us build a stronger, faith-filled community together.

    Email: findingfaith.losingsleep@gmail.com
    Twitter: @FindingFaithPod

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    1 hr and 2 mins
  • Episode 30: Navigating Divisions and Technology Through the Lens of Faith
    Jul 31 2024

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    Join Pierre, Michelle, and Wes as we celebrate our 30-episode milestone with laughter, nostalgia, and a few unexpected twists. We reminisce about past discussions, especially our deep dives into Genesis. Our chat then veers towards the latest Olympic opening ceremonies, sparking a lively conversation about the importance of focusing on uplifting news over negativity.

    Navigating the choppy waters of political division, we examine how media and public discourse often fuel societal divides. By reflecting on campaigns like "He Gets Us" that showcase Jesus' teachings, we highlight the universal appreciation for his messages and the disillusionment felt due to the actions of some Christians. Emphasizing kindness and respectful communication, we stress the importance of educating rather than belittling, recalling that actions without love lose their meaning. From personal experiences with racism to the influence of media on cultural perceptions, our discussion aims to foster unity and critical thinking.

    Technology's dual nature and the moral dilemmas it presents also take center stage as we explore how ancient practices and modern challenges intersect. With a nod to 1 Corinthians 8 and its lessons on actions impacting others, we consider how today's "idols" shape our lives and faith. Wrapping up, we address a listener's request to delve into the book of Ephesians, inviting our podcast family to collectively read and discuss its rich themes and key passages in our next episode. Join us for a thoughtful and entertaining journey through life, faith, and everything in between.

    Email: findingfaith.losingsleep@gmail.com
    Twitter: @FindingFaithPod

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    1 hr and 1 min
  • Episode 29: Unexpected Journeys: Parenting, Faith, and Summer Struggles
    Jun 19 2024

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    This week's episode of Finding Faith in Losing Sleep has us (Wes, Michelle, and Pierre) reuniting, after a longer than expected hiatus, to discuss parenthood and its impact on our lives. Our conversation naturally flows from the trials of daily life to a heartfelt discussion on Father's Day. Michelle brings poignant memories of her father's transformation, offering a touching perspective on how earthly relationships shape our understanding of God as our heavenly Father.

    Parenting through the lens of faith takes center stage as we balance the chaos of raising an energetic eight-year-old with the nuanced guidance required for a teenager. Drawing parallels to biblical teachings, we reflect on the story of Naaman from 2 Kings and the simplicity and power of faith. Naaman's journey resonates deeply as we examine our own conditional expectations of God and grapple with the challenges of believing in simple acts of faith. Our stories and reflections offer a practical take on how biblical principles can guide us in modern parenting.

    Celebrating the milestones of our podcast journey, we express deep gratitude for the unconditional love of family and God. Personal anecdotes, biblical references, and a discussion on the significance of baptism reinforce the continuous journey of faith and repentance. We're thrilled to reach 10,000 listens and downloads and invite you to engage with us, share your prayer requests, and join us in finding faith amid life's everyday struggles and joys. Don't miss the behind-the-scenes moments and our unwavering commitment to offering this podcast as a free gift to our listeners.

    Email: findingfaith.losingsleep@gmail.com
    Twitter: @FindingFaithPod

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    48 mins
  • Episode 28: Navigating Life's Eclipses with Lessons from Job's Perseverance
    Apr 12 2024

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    As the shadow of a solar eclipse crossed our skies, my own shadow seemed to stretch across time, connecting me to ancient civilizations and their fear-induced reverence for such celestial events. This episode is a tapestry interwoven with personal reflections on the recent eclipse, musings on how our ancestors interpreted the darkening of their deities, and an introspective dive into the Book of Job. Our conversation about this profound narrative reveals how the trials of a biblical figure can mirror our current struggles with faith and understanding in the face of suffering.

    The Book of Job, often enigmatic and always compelling, serves as a backdrop for our episode's deeper inquiry into the human condition. We examine Job's friends' misinterpretations of his suffering, connecting it to our tendency to impose our own narratives on others' hardships. Through personal anecdotes, we illustrate the universal drive to do good amidst life's capriciousness, drawing parallels between ancient wisdom and the day-to-day efforts to maintain integrity. The discussion leads us to the spiritual and philosophical, where we consider the duality of creation embodied by figures like Leviathan, illustrating the omnipresent dance between nature's beauty and terror.

    Closing this thought-provoking episode, we reflect on the essence of restoration and mercy as witnessed in Job's life. We explore the significance of adversity in shaping character, especially in roles like parenting and personal growth. The resilience that springs from trials and the mercy that follows can be transformative, providing powerful testimonies of faith that resonate across time. Join us as we connect cosmic occurrences and timeless biblical lessons to the tangible aspects of our modern lives, from unclogging sinks to tackling the challenges that keep us awake at night.

    Email: findingfaith.losingsleep@gmail.com
    Twitter: @FindingFaithPod

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    56 mins
  • Episode 27: Journeys at the Threshold: Embracing Near-Death Experiences, Signs from Beyond, and the Quest for Faith
    Mar 25 2024

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    Have you ever stood at the edge of the unknown, where the stories of near-death experiences (NDE's) tempt the imagination with possibilities of what lies beyond? Our latest episode embarks on a profound exploration, drawing from the heart-rending narratives of those in Pierre's men's group and the introspective musings of Michelle from a childhood friend's perspective. Together, we traverse the enigmatic landscape of out-of-body episodes and the weight of spiritual awakenings.

    Music can be a bridge to those we've lost, a theme ever-present in this podcast as we share anecdotes of melodies that hold a special resonance, evoking memories and perhaps even messages from the beyond. We recount tales of songs stirring deep emotions and the uncanny experiences of hearing significant tunes at just the right moment. These stories serve as an invitation to reflect on the signs we all seek - those affirmations of continued existence and the profound impact they have on our lives and beliefs.

    Closing our session with a contemplation on the nature of faith, we recognize the deeply personal journey each of us takes towards or away from belief. We welcome you (our listeners) to engage with us and share your own experiences, providing a space for dialogue and understanding. Whether you find solace in the shared affirmations of faith during Easter or grapple with the mysteries of reincarnation and parallel timelines, this episode promises a communal voyage into the heart of human experience and the eternal questions that accompany it.

    Email: findingfaith.losingsleep@gmail.com
    Twitter: @FindingFaithPod

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    53 mins
  • Episode 26: Living a Life Aligned with Christ's Teachings
    Mar 1 2024

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    Ever found yourself in a serendipitous moment that shifted your perspective on faith? Together, we share such a story of an unplanned church visit that blossomed into a profound conversation about authenticity in faith. This episode of Finding Faith and Losing Sleep takes you on a journey through the complexities and beauty of living a life aligned with Christ's teachings, despite encountering hypocrisy and judgment within the church itself.

    Expect a blend of humor and depth as we traverse topics like the struggles of standing up for personal convictions and the art of shining your own light without blinding others. Our discussions delve into the essence of modern evangelism, the challenges of being a guiding light in the darkness, and how Jesus navigated his relationships with the outcasts of society. We challenge you to consider how to emulate this inclusivity, drawing on personal anecdotes and biblical references to spark a purposeful conversation on living in love.

    Let's talk action, not just contemplation. We encourage you to engage, to reach out with your stories, queries, and reflections as we navigate this shared, sometimes Lego-strewn path of growth and understanding in faith. So whether you're here for the heart-to-heart discussions or the spiritual musings, this episode promises to be a candid look at what it means to faithfully walk through the rigors of everyday life. Join us, and let's explore the transformative power of these everyday faith conversations together.

    Email: findingfaith.losingsleep@gmail.com
    Twitter: @FindingFaithPod

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    55 mins
  • Episode 25: Stepping Stones to a Deeper Impact through Faith and Action
    Feb 1 2024

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    As we raise a toast to the 25th episode of 'Finding Faith and Losing Sleep' and the dawn of a new year, we can't help but share a chuckle over the one that got away – that elusive extra episode we aimed to fit in last year. Life, with its endless demands, has a way of reshaping our best-laid plans, doesn't it? From the bottom of our hearts, we extend our gratitude to you, the listeners who have made this journey so rich and rewarding. Your engagement reminds us why we sit behind the mic – to foster conversations that not only resonate but also uplift.

    This episode is less about resolutions and more about setting a course for continual growth, understanding that even if we fall short, the strides we make are what truly count. We grapple with the challenges of remote work and the isolation that comes with it, pondering how we can still foster meaningful connections in an increasingly digital world. It's a candid exploration of finding the right balance in our fast-paced lives, ensuring we don't just chase productivity but also embrace the restorative power of rest and spiritual prompts.

    Diving further into the heart of our dialogue, we tackle the often tricky conversations around religion and the importance of open-mindedness. We recount instances of divine nudges leading to life-affirming interactions, and we navigate the nuances of faith from varied perspectives. Wrapping up, we stress the universal call to action – the simple yet profound joy of doing good in our communities. We're reminded that it's not just about the prayers we offer but the actions we take, echoing the sentiment that regardless of belief systems, we're united in the pursuit of making a positive impact. So here's to mutual prayer, support, and the ever-present promise of another episode just around the corner.

    Email: findingfaith.losingsleep@gmail.com
    Twitter: @FindingFaithPod

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    49 mins