Upstream Pursuit

In this episode, we're returning to Scripture to discover Jesus' definition of leadership. Together, we'll explore why biblical leadership is different and why it matters for women serving in ministry. This episode also marks a new chapter for The Upstream Pursuit . While our heart remains the same, we'll be more intentional about helping women serving in ministry grow in Chris...

In the final episode of the "But As For You" series, Chris Benites and I unpack 1 Timothy 6:12–16 as Paul calls Timothy to take hold of eternal life, keep the faith, and live in anticipation of Christ's return. Together, we explore why the return of Jesus brings both hope and self-examination, what it reveals about our relationship with God, and how eternal life begins not someday i...

In this episode of the "But As For You" series, my friend Chris Benites and I turn our attention to the second half of 1 Timothy 6:11 and talk about the pursuits Paul places before Timothy. But rather than treating these as a checklist of virtues to strive for, we explore how every one of them is ultimately found in Christ Himself.  If this episode encouraged you, would you take a moment...

What are the things Christians have normalized that Paul might have told Timothy to flee from? In this episode of the "But As For You" series, Chris Benites and I continue our conversation through 1 Timothy 6:11 by examining some of the attitudes and behaviors that have become common in today's Christian culture. Along the way, Chris becomes increasingly convinced that I'm aski...

In this episode, Chris Benites and I begin unpacking 1 Timothy 6:11 with Paul’s powerful words: “But as for you… flee these things.” Together, we talk about what “these things” mean. We talk about “as for you” moments in discipleship, and what it truly means to flee from destructive patterns and pursuits. Chris also shares part of his testimony and how fleeing from his old life became part of find...

In this special episode, I’m joined by longtime friend Chris Benites, pastor of Freedom Church in Fort Worth, Texas. Chris and I reflect on years of ministry, worship, friendship, and discipleship as we introduce a brand-new series through 1 Timothy 6:11–16. Over the next few weeks, our conversations will center on what believers are called to flee from, what we are called to pursue, and how fixin...

In the final episode of the Maranatha Pursuit series, Uzihel and Brisa Alfaro and I reflect on a simple but weighty question: How should the return of Jesus shape the way believers live right now? The promise of Christ’s return is a living hope that shapes our priorities, endurance, relationships, and pursuit of God. Tune in.   If this episode encouraged you, would you take a moment to leave a rev...

In this episode of the Maranatha Pursuit series, Uzihel and Brisa Alfaro and I continue our conversation through Epistle of James 5:7–12, focusing on prayer, unity in suffering, steadfast endurance, and wholehearted devotion as we await the coming of the Lord. Together, we discuss the realities of navigating hardship and how establishing our hearts through prayer helps sustain us while living with...

 In this episode, we look to Epistle of James 5:7–12 for encouragement to believers navigating hardship, injustice, and everyday struggles while still living with hopeful expectation. James reminds us that waiting is not passive; it is a pursuit of faithful living, steadfast hope, and trust in the promises of God.  If this episode encouraged you, would you take a moment to leave a review? It helps...

In Part 2 of the Maranatha Pursuit series, I’m joined again by Uzihel and Brisa Alfaro to talk about the heart behind their children’s book, Jesus is Coming Back , and the deeper conviction that led them to write it. As a child, Brisa experienced Christ’s return as distant, while Uzihel experienced it through fear. Now as parents, they’re committed to passing down something different:  A longing f...

This week on The Upstream Pursuit , we begin a 5-part conversation in what I’m calling The Maranatha Pursuit —learning to live in faithful expectation of Jesus’ return while walking through everyday life. I’m joined by longtime friends Uzihel Alfaro and Brisa Alfaro for a meaningful catch-up that goes deeper than updates. Since we last spoke, life has shifted—marriage, family, and seasons that req...

What does it look like to be content no matter the circumstance? In Philippians 4:10–23, Paul closes his letter with a powerful reflection on contentment, provision, and partnership in the gospel. Writing from prison, he reveals that true contentment is not found in having more or less, but in learning to depend fully on Christ in every situation. As he thanks the Philippians for their faithful su...

What is shaping your mind and are you following the pattern that leads to true peace? In Philippians 4:1–9, Paul lays out a clear pattern for a steady, anchored life in Christ. Writing to a church facing both internal conflict and external pressure, he calls believers to stand firm, pursue unity, replace anxiety with prayer, and intentionally fix their minds on what is true and good. As Paul moves...

Have you ever felt like you should be “further along” in your faith—or wondered if you’re measuring your life by the wrong standard? In Philippians 3:12–21, Paul confronts the illusion of spiritual arrival and redirects the believer’s focus toward a lifelong pursuit. Though he has gained Christ, he makes it clear that he has not yet reached the finish line. Instead, he presses on, leaving behind b...

In this episode, we step into Philippians 3:1–11 and uncover what it truly means to count everything as loss for the sake of Christ. After calling believers to unity, joy, and humility, Paul issues a strong warning against performance-based faith and exposes the danger of placing confidence in anything other than Jesus. What once defined identity, success, and righteousness is now re-evaluated in...

After calling believers to humility and obedience, he presents two living examples of what Christlike devotion looks like in everyday life: Timothy and Epaphroditus. In this episode, we explore Philippians 2:19–30, where Paul redefines honor in a culture obsessed with status. These closing verses show us that Christian greatness is not measured by platform or prominence, but by steady faithfulness...

Hi friends! Before we continue our study through Philippians, I wanted to share a quick update. I’ll be taking a short break as I travel to Puerto Rico with my family and revisiting the places and staples of my childhood and sharing them with my husband. During this time away, I encourage you to catch up on previous episodes and continue reflecting on what we’ve learned so far in Philippians. We’l...

In Philippians 2:12–18, Paul moves from the humility of Christ to the obedience of the church. Tune in as we examine what this means in context,  how God works in us as we work it out, why unity is threatened by complaining spirits, and how obedience under pressure causes the church to shine in a dark world. If we want to pursue maturity, this passage shows us that it requires both surrender and e...

In a culture shaped by status, honor, and self-advancement, Paul commands the church to pursue unity through humility, not by diminishing themselves, but by refusing selfish ambition and empty glory. This episode we dive into Philippians 2:1–11, where Paul moves from calling believers to live worthy of the gospel to revealing the ultimate model of worthy living: Christ Himself.  If this episode en...

What does it mean to live a life worthy of the gospel , especially when following Jesus comes with opposition, pressure, and suffering? In this episode, we unpack Philippians 1:18-30, which confronts comfortable Christianity and invites us into a deeper, more resilient pursuit of Christ. Paul reminds us that suffering for Christ isn’t an accident or a failure of faith; it’s a gift that accompanies...

In this episode, we continue our journey through Philippians by studying Philippians 1:12–18. As Paul writes from confinement under Roman authority, he reframes his circumstances not as a setback, but as a means by which the gospel advances. We explore how Paul’s imprisonment emboldened other believers, exposed mixed motives within ministry, and ultimately revealed a mature joy rooted not in fairn...

In this episode, we begin a journey through the book of Philippians. Starting with Philippians 1:1–11, we explore Paul’s gratitude for the Philippian believers, the beauty of shared partnership in the gospel mission, and his prayer that their love would grow in knowledge and discernment as they live in anticipation of Christ’s return. The pursuit is learning to trust that God will complete the wor...

In this episode, we reflect on the heart of this podcast: a short, Scripture-centered discipleship space designed to ground you, challenge you, and realign your walk with Christ each week. With biblical clarity, personal reflection, and a renewed call to abide rather than perform, this episode invites you to stop chasing noise and start pursuing what—and Who—truly matters. This year will not be ab...

Five years ago, The Upstream Pursuit began with a conversation between two friends saying yes to God. In this special anniversary conversation, I’m joined by my best friend Erica Reese as we reflect on what God has been doing in her life since she stepped down from the show last year.  This episode is about faithfulness, friendship, and trusting God when seasons shift but the calling to follow Chr...

Happy New Year, Pursuers! In this very short episode, I am inviting you to begin the year with intentional pursuit of Jesus. In the next few weeks, we will be diving into what to expect from the podcast in 2026.  If this episode encouraged you, would you take a moment to leave a review? It helps more women in ministry find the show and be encouraged in their walk with Christ and leadership in the...