Joyful Journey

What do you do when all hope seems to be lost? How can Christians support one another through times of discontent and despair? In this episode, Janet and Jocelyn explore the challenging topics of discontent, self-pity, and despair. They discuss the root causes of these struggles and suggest that discontent with God often lies at the heart of the matter. The hosts examine the concept of biblical co...

Adoption offers a picture of the spiritual adoption Christians experience in Christ. However, for many adopted children, this journey can also involve deep sorrow and grief over the separation from their birth families. This week, Janet and Jocelyn have the honor of hosting Pam Bauer, a graduate of Faith Seminary’s MABC program. Pam and her husband have adopted 12 children from Russia. Pam dedicat...

Despite being more connected than ever through social media, many people today are struggling with what some have termed “the loneliness epidemic.” But what guidance does the Bible offer on the topic of loneliness? This week, Janet and Jocelyn explore loneliness from a Christian perspective, reflecting on how Christ’s example can shed light on our feelings of isolation. They delve into the roots o...

Pride can easily take root in the hearts of Christians, often unnoticed. Humility is frequently seen as the remedy for pride, but how can Christians genuinely cultivate this virtue? This week, Janet and Jocelyn interview Dr. Stuart Scott, a seasoned educator who has taught at Southern Seminary and Masters Seminary, and is now collaborating with Bob Jones University to establish a counseling center...

Often in the Christian life, we are called to encourage others spiritually by affirming their right choices. However, it can be challenging to avoid the pitfalls of flattery. What does Scripture say about affirming others in spiritual matters? This week, Janet and Jocelyn discuss how to genuinely affirm others on their spiritual walk. They explore the importance of motivation, emphasizing that aff...

Meditation is frequently recommended in popular culture as a way to alleviate stress and anxiety while fostering a sense of calm. The Bible, however, provides specific guidance on what authentic, biblical meditation and contemplation should entail. This week, Janet and Jocelyn explore the tenets of biblical meditation and contemplation, highlighting how they differ from worldly perspectives. They...

Parents often feel overwhelmed, unsure, and nervous about speaking with their kids about sex, but what principles about “the talk” can we find in scripture? This week, Janet and Jocelyn explore how Christians can approach conversations about sex with their children. They share personal examples of discussing the beauty of biblical sex, highlighting how their approaches varied based on each child&#...

We welcome special guest, Aaron Birk, to the podcast to talk about the sovereignty and providence of God. In this episode, we talk about this beautiful, theological topic that can be difficult to grasp. We answer some of the big questions about God’s sovereignty. Aaron is the pastor of global missions for Faith Church and Pastor of Faith West Ministries. Aaron oversees Faith Church West, internati...

In this episode, we welcome special guest Dr. Dan Wickert to the podcast to discuss a highly requested topic, postpartum depression. Postpartum depression is a common experience of moms that is not always well-understood.  As an OBGYN doctor and certified biblical counselor, Dr. Wickert brings deep knowledge and experience as Janet and Jocelyn discuss this sensitive and complex issue from a medica...

Fear can often seem all-consuming and overpowering, especially in our fallen, sin-cursed world. How can Christians see fear in light of the Bible? Today’s episode features a returning guest–  renowned author Dr. John Henderson, an associate pastor at University Baptist Church in Fayetteville, AR. In addition to being a professor of Biblical Counseling at the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary,...

Christians can often be tempted to bristle underneath the authorities God has given us. It can be hard to submit to certain authorities in our lives, and sometimes it can be hard to discern how far submission should go.  This week, Janet and Jocelyn discuss a biblical basis for authorities and submission–not only in marriage, but throughout the Christian life.  Episode Transcript⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Resou...

Humans will inevitably experience suffering which is often labeled as “trauma”, but how would the Bible define trauma?  Today’s episode features renowned author Dr. John Henderson, who is an associate pastor at University Baptist Church in Fayetteville, AR. In addition to being a professor of Biblical Counseling at the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, he is a board member for the Biblical Co...

Christians know that the main focus of Easter is Christ’s resurrection providing salvation, but what does salvation really do? Janet and Jocelyn discuss the benefits of salvation not only to the believer, but God’s self-glorifying plan of redemption. This week we are reminded that salvation of sinner is ultimately to the praise of God’s glorious grace.  Episode Transcript⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Resources Books...

In popular culture, the conscience is often depicted as a little voice that tells you what you should do. How does the Bible describe the conscience? Does our conscience interact with our emotions? This week on the podcast, we welcome special guest Dr. Andrew Naselli to discuss the conscience, the topic of his book entitled– Conscience: What is it, How to Train it, and Loving Those That Differ. Dr...

Our hosts, Janet & Jocelyn, had the opportunity again this year to record a special live episode at our church’s Biblical Counseling Training Conference in Lafayette, Indiana. Janet and Jocelyn answer audience questions submitted online. We enjoyed meeting many of our listeners and we hope this can be a blessing to those who weren’t able to attend live. For more information about the Biblical...

In American culture the word love can be overused, seem trite, and easily misused. Biblical love, on the other hand, is love as exemplified in the life of Christ and how he selflessly cared for the souls around Him.  In today’s episode, Janet and Jocelyn discuss how biblical love cares for the souls of others by making it easy for them to pursue righteousness.  Episode Transcript⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Resources...

Our hearts are constantly crying, “More, more!” Rarely do we find ourselves completely at peace with the circumstances in our lives. So what is it about humanity that makes it so difficult to be content? And what even is contentment - just feeling happy all the time even as the world crashes down around you? Janet and Jocelyn help us find a biblical definition of contentment and overview how we as...

Do we need our souls refreshed? Do we need to be made wise? Do we need joy in our hearts and light in our eyes? All of these things can be found in learning to love the Word of God. Janet and Jocelyn walk us through Psalm 19, a psalm of David that shows the delight of deep affection for the truth of God’s Word. Episode Transcript⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Resources Songs O Lord Our Rock and Our Redeemer - Sovereign Gr...

It’s that time of year again: Ask Us Anything! You submitted questions to our team, and we chose as many as we could to respond to in this Q&A style episode to close out our Season 3 episodes for 2023. Episode Transcript⁠⁠⁠⁠ Resources Books Between Us Girls - Trish Donohue Beautiful Girlhood - Karen Andreola Girl Talk - Caroline Mahaney Feminine Appeal - Caroline Mahaney  Becoming a Titus 2 Wo...

Jesus has many names, but one of His Names that is mentioned most at Christmas is Immanuel, meaning “God with us”. Where does this Name come from, and how are we supposed to understand the prophetic work of Isaiah in light of the Christmas story? Janet's husband Pastor Brent joins us to help teach us how the old testament prophecy in Isaiah 7 foretells the birth of Christ, who is “God with us”...

The New Testament repeatedly calls the church community the body of Christ. That sounds simple enough, but it takes hard work to develop loving, Christlike relationships in our church community.  Listen to this episode as Janet and Jocelyn discuss the importance of being involved in a church community. They discuss the different ways that a church community can help us all grow more like Christ in...

Thanksgiving is a time when we set aside a special episode to rejoice over the Lord’s blessings in our lives and to give thanks to Him as the Giver of all good gifts! For our Thanksgiving special, Janet and Jocelyn share and explain their current favorite… Book Sermon Song Bible passage We hope all our listeners are able to take some time to reflect and rejoice over God's faithfulness this sea...

From the moment we open our eyes to when our head hits the pillow, our lives are filled with a million and one decisions, small and great. As Christians, we want the choices we make to honor the Lord and to align with His wisdom and love as described in Scripture. This episode, Janet and Jocelyn consider how to make wise decisions that bring glory to God in the big and small moments of our lives....

If we’re being honest, who among us hasn’t broken the commandment “Thou shalt not covet?” We see what others have, and we want it for ourselves. It may even be a good thing we are wanting - but one that God has granted to others and not to us. Janet and Jocelyn explore the struggle common to us all and ways to fight against the envy that wages war within our hearts. Episode Transcript⁠ Books Seein...

Emotions can sometimes feel like they come out of nowhere. How can we react to and guide our emotions with Scripture?  Jocelyn and Janet discuss where emotions come from, are emotions sinful, and how we can use scripture to handle our emotions in a biblical way.  Episode Transcript Books Untangled Emotions - J. Alasdair Groves, Winston T. Smith Managing Your Emotions - Amy Baker Feelings and Faith...