Coffee and Bible Time Podcast – Details, episodes & analysis

How do we see God at work when life doesn’t go as planned? Laurie Polich Short shares powerful insights on living by faith—even when doors close, plans shift, or life takes unexpected detours. 

Join Ellen and Laurie as they discuss:

• Recognizing God's patterns of action in our lives
• Biblical stories that demonstrate God's faithfulness, even in uncertainty
• Practical exercises for spiritual growth

Learn more about Laurie's new guided journal, Tracking God In Your Life! 

Scripture referenced:

• Ruth 1
• Genesis 40-41
• Genesis 29-30
• Job 42:7-17
• Psalm 77:11

About Laurie Short:

Website | Instagram | Facebook

Laurie's favorite Bible study tools:
NIV | The Message | Journal | Bible Gateway

Got a question or something on your heart? We’d love to hear it! Drop us a note — your feedback helps us create episodes that truly encourage and inspire.

Join our community! If you are a Christian woman seeking to know God deeper, study Scriptures, pray with and for others, strengthen your faith, and support other in doing the same, this is the place for you. 

Want to study God's Word for yourself? Try our In-Depth Bible Study Academy
Click here to try a free mini-course!

Support the show

💌 You don't have to grow alone! Subscribe to our newsletter for spiritual encouragement, podcast news, and practical resources to help you thrive. 

YouTube channel ☕ Instagram 

Some of the links in this episode may be affiliate links, meaning if you click through and make a purchase, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

Do you feel distant from God—and aren’t sure how to fix it? Lisa Whittle joins Ellen to share a simple, Scripture-based framework—Remember, Repent, Repeat—to help you reconnect with God in your everyday life.

You’ll learn:

•  How to return to God without shame or pressure 
•  Small daily practices that reignite your faith 
•  How Bible study, journaling, and community lead to real spiritual renewal

Check out Lisa's new Bible study, Come Back to God: Letting Go of What's Keeping You From Soul Revival

Scripture referenced:

• Revelation 2:1-7
• 1 Corinthians 12:12-14
• John 16:33
• John 10:10
• Psalm 103, 104
• Deuteronomy 4:9

About Lisa Whittle:
Website | Instagram | Podcast

Lisa's favorite Bible study tools:
NLT Life Application Study Bible | NIV | CSB  | Journaling Bible | Pink Highlighter | Logos | Blue Letter Bible

Got a question or something on your heart? We’d love to hear it! Drop us a note — your feedback helps us create episodes that truly encourage and inspire.

Join our community! If you are a Christian woman seeking to know God deeper, study Scriptures, pray with and for others, strengthen your faith, and support other in doing the same, this is the place for you. 

Want to study God's Word for yourself? Try our In-Depth Bible Study Academy
Click here to try a free mini-course!

Support the show

💌 You don't have to grow alone! Subscribe to our newsletter for spiritual encouragement, podcast news, and practical resources to help you thrive. 

YouTube channel ☕ Instagram 

Some of the links in this episode may be affiliate links, meaning if you click through and make a purchase, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

What if staying with Jesus isn’t about feeling more—but remembering better? 

Worship leader, songwriter, and Christian music producer Andrew Osenga shares his story of staying with Jesus through seasons of disillusionment, church hurt, and spiritual burnout. When faith felt thin and friends were leaving the church, Andrew discovered something unexpected: hymns, liturgy, and written prayers that carried his faith when feelings and words ran out.

If you’ve ever:

• Loved Jesus but struggled with church
• Felt burned out, distracted, or spiritually numb
• Sat down to pray and didn’t know what to say
• Wondered how to stay with Jesus for the long haul

this conversation is for you.

Check out Andrew's book, How to Remember: Forgotten Pathways to an Authentic Faith!

Resources mentioned:

• The Daily Office
• Drive Thru History: The Gospels | Acts to Revelation | Ends of the Earth
• The Daily Liturgy Podcast

Andrew's favorite Bible study tools:

CSB Bible (small) | CSB Bible (unmarked) | YouVersion | BibleGateway

About Andrew Osenga:
Website | Substack | The Pivot Podcast

Got a question or something on your heart? We’d love to hear it! Drop us a note — your feedback helps us create episodes that truly encourage and inspire.

Join our community! If you are a Christian woman seeking to know God deeper, study Scriptures, pray with and for others, strengthen your faith, and support other in doing the same, this is the place for you. 

Want to study God's Word for yourself? Try our In-Depth Bible Study Academy
Click here to try a free mini-course!

Support the show

💌 You don't have to grow alone! Subscribe to our newsletter for spiritual encouragement, podcast news, and practical resources to help you thrive. 

YouTube channel ☕ Instagram 

Some of the links in this episode may be affiliate links, meaning if you click through and make a purchase, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

Have you ever wrestled with the constraints life throws at you or experienced limitations that seem to fence you in? Wondering where grace fits into the picture and asking the question, are there blessings in the boundaries of our lives? Sara Hagerty, a writer of deep insight and experience, joins us in a profound exploration of finding peace amidst boundaries of personal trials, from infertility to the challenges of understanding God's love in times of stillness. Her candid stories serve as a testament to the surprising ways grace manifests in our lives, especially when we're grappling with the weight of feeling we have too much and yet not enough.

Sarah and I discuss the importance of honoring our limits, in everything we do from physical activities to finances to parenting. Through her story of ambition clashing with reality, we shed light on the realism in navigating life's challenges—a journey not just about reaching goals but also learning from the detours.

In the final segment, we delve into the connection between our emotions, self-awareness, and the pace at which we live our lives.  Our conversation invites listeners to slow down, listen to the signals of our limitations, and discover the power of presence in the narratives unfolding in our lives.

Join Sara and me for a conversation that will not only move you but might also reshape the way you view the quiet spaces where grace resides.

Book: The Gift of Limitations
IG - @sarahagertywrites
Bible - ESV
Illuminated Scripture Journal - NT
Illuminated Scripture Journal - OT
Growth Journal
App - Blue Letter Bible

Got a question or something on your heart? We’d love to hear it! Drop us a note — your feedback helps us create episodes that truly encourage and inspire.

Join our community! If you are a Christian woman seeking to know God deeper, study Scriptures, pray with and for others, strengthen your faith, and support other in doing the same, this is the place for you. 

Want to study God's Word for yourself? Try our In-Depth Bible Study Academy
Click here to try a free mini-course!

Listen on: Apple Podcasts   Spotify

Support the show

💌 You don't have to grow alone! Subscribe to our newsletter for spiritual encouragement, podcast news, and practical resources to help you thrive. 

YouTube channel ☕ Instagram 

Some of the links in this episode may be affiliate links, meaning if you click through and make a purchase, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

Have you ever felt a deep-seated yearning for divine companionship, a sense that something greater is perpetually by your side? This episode, graced by the insightful Cody Andras, author of "Jesus by Her Side," invites you into a heartfelt exploration of this spiritual hunger, as we traverse the remarkable encounters of women with Jesus in the Gospels. Through my own journey of vocational twists and faith-stirred decisions, I uncover the beauty of God's personalized touch in our lives, mirroring the individual moments of faith portrayed in Scripture. Cody's transition from business to bibliology exemplifies the profound importance of laying all our paths before God, affirming His care for each unique stride we take.

Tuning in, you'll witness the poignant narrative of Mary Magdalene and her transformative encounter with the resurrected Christ—a story that encourages us to advance in faith, leaving behind the comfort of past spiritual peaks. We discuss the empowering story of Mary and Elizabeth, whose bond exemplifies the support we can find within our own communities amid life's singular trials. These stories serve as an anchor, reaffirming the unwavering truth of God's constancy, even when His presence feels distant or intangible.

Embarking on the final moments of our discussion, I invite you to explore the myriad of avenues through which we can connect with Jesus—be it through the whispers of nature, the harmony of music, or the sacred texts that chronicle humanity's intersection with God. We look at the earnestness of biblical women, like the bleeding woman's raw pursuit of healing and Mary and Martha's lessons of service and devotion, imploring you to bring the same sincerity to your own spiritual quest. Whether through Scripture reflection or prayerful solitude, Cody and I share our most cherished practices and resources, ultimately guiding you to a more profound closeness with Jesus that reaches beyond the pages of the Bible.

Book: Jesus By Her Side
Website: codyandras.com
Bible: She Reads Truth (CSB)
Blue Letter Bible

Got a question or something on your heart? We’d love to hear it! Drop us a note — your feedback helps us create episodes that truly encourage and inspire.

Join our community! If you are a Christian woman seeking to know God deeper, study Scriptures, pray with and for others, strengthen your faith, and support other in doing the same, this is the place for you. 

Want to study God's Word for yourself? Try our In-Depth Bible Study Academy
Click here to try a free mini-course!

Support the show

💌 You don't have to grow alone! Subscribe to our newsletter for spiritual encouragement, podcast news, and practical resources to help you thrive. 

YouTube channel ☕ Instagram 

Some of the links in this episode may be affiliate links, meaning if you click through and make a purchase, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

Uncover the hidden layers of envy with Dr. Mike Fabarez in a profound exploration of this stealthy sin's grip on our personal and communal well-being. We sit with the esteemed author of "Envy: A Big Problem You Didn't Know You Had" to dissect the historical roots and biblical narratives that underscore envy's destructive power. Through our engaging conversation, gain invaluable insights into how envy has not just shaped individual lives but also influenced societal dynamics throughout the ages.

Feel the weight of envy lift as we discuss the significance of fostering contentment and celebrate the antidote found in our relationship with God. Dr. Fabarez and I reflect on Cain and Abel's tale and other scriptural lessons to highlight the importance of gratitude in overcoming the corrosive effects of envy on our hearts and relationships. Listeners will find encouragement to embark on a journey toward selfless love by acknowledging our blessings and reframing our perspectives, steering clear of the bitterness that can arise from harmful comparisons.

Wrap up this enlightening discussion with a look at how envy can distort the social landscape, sparking discourse on neo-Marxist ideologies and the quest for societal equality. Dr. Fabarez and I tackle the tough questions, such as whether the redistribution of wealth can truly quell societal discontent, and provide spiritual strategies to counteract envy, including embracing divine love and fostering gratitude. Join us for this episode, and walk away equipped with the wisdom to rise above envy and cultivate a life of love and contentment.

Book: Envy
Website: pastormike.com
Bible: ESV
Favorite App/Website: Logos Software

Got a question or something on your heart? We’d love to hear it! Drop us a note — your feedback helps us create episodes that truly encourage and inspire.

True healing begins when our pain collides with the presence of God. Learn what it means to let Jesus into the messiest parts of your heart with Willow Weston's new book (and corresponding Bible study), Collide. Click here to order your copy and get your free gifts!

Join our community! If you are a Christian woman seeking to know God deeper, study Scriptures, pray with and for others, strengthen your faith, and support other in doing the same, this is the place for you. 

Listen on: Apple Podcasts   Spotify

Support the show

💌 You don't have to grow alone! Subscribe to our newsletter for spiritual encouragement, podcast news, and practical resources to help you thrive. 

YouTube channel ☕ Instagram 

Some of the links in this episode may be affiliate links, meaning if you click through and make a purchase, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

Embark on an enlightening quest with Lee Strobel, renowned investigative journalist, and former skeptic turned devout Christian, as he lays out a compelling case for the existence of God and the reality of Jesus's resurrection. In an era where life's biggest questions often lead to more confusion than clarity, Lee's analytical approach cuts through the noise, presenting an investigative perspective that has deeply resonated with my faith journey. Our conversation dives into the toughest challenges faced by believers, from the mystery of God's hiddenness to the ever-present reality of human suffering, all while drawing from Lee's transformative experiences and celebrated works such as "Is God Real?" and "The Case for Christ."

The intricacies of faith and doubt are unraveled, not through blind acceptance but through rigorous research and candid dialogues with prominent atheists and skeptics. As we explore the surge in spiritual curiosity among today's youth, set against a backdrop of increasing mental health struggles, Lee Strobel's insights reveal a growing trend of conversions to Christianity. His encounters with figures like Anthony Flew and Charles Templeton serve to fortify his convictions, offering listeners a testament to the power of an unwavering belief borne from critical examination and expert testimony.

The discussion extends to the profound philosophical questions surrounding God's role in human suffering, providing solace and understanding through personal stories and theological perspectives. As we consider the delicate balance God maintains in revealing himself, we equip our listeners with the intellectual and spiritual tools needed to both defend their faith and invite others into these profound truths.

Book: Is God Real?
Website: www.leestrobel.com
Bible: NET Translation

Got a question or something on your heart? We’d love to hear it! Drop us a note — your feedback helps us create episodes that truly encourage and inspire.

True healing begins when our pain collides with the presence of God. Learn what it means to let Jesus into the messiest parts of your heart with Willow Weston's new book (and corresponding Bible study), Collide. Click here to order your copy and get your free gifts!

Join our community! If you are a Christian woman seeking to know God deeper, study Scriptures, pray with and for others, strengthen your faith, and support other in doing the same, this is the place for you. 

Listen on: Apple Podcasts   Spotify

Support the show

💌 You don't have to grow alone! Subscribe to our newsletter for spiritual encouragement, podcast news, and practical resources to help you thrive. 

YouTube channel ☕ Instagram 

Some of the links in this episode may be affiliate links, meaning if you click through and make a purchase, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

Ever found yourself knee-deep in the chaos of everyday life, juggling parenting, work, and what seems like a million little mess-ups? You're not alone! Join me and the hilariously insightful Cynthia Yanof, author of "Life is Messy, God is Good: Sanity for the Chaos of Everyday Life," as we navigate the joyous battlefield of life with a healthy dose of humor. Get ready to laugh at our blunders, nod in agreement with our parenting foibles, and get a fresh perspective on how embracing the mess can draw us closer to an authentic Christian experience.

This episode isn’t just about chuckles though; it's also an invitation to ponder the footprints we leave in the lives of others. Through personal reflections and the heartfelt story of a friend’s anointing, we unpack how small acts of intentionality can ripple into waves of influence. Discover how answering that 'God-sized' call, like opening your heart to foster care, can reshape not just your world, but the world of those around you. It's a powerful reminder that our influence isn't measured by our audience's size but by the depth of our impact.

And let's get real about the high-wire act of parenting, shall we? We strip away the glossy filters of social media success and have a heart-to-heart on recognizing the divine beauty in our children's quirks and challenges. This conversation goes beyond the surface, as we embrace vulnerability and build a stronger community within our churches and personal lives. There's strength in showing up as we are – imperfect, but together. So tune in, grab a coffee, and join us for a conversation that promises to uplift, inspire, and perhaps even laugh.

Book: Life Is Messy, God Is Good
Bible: NIV Life Application
5-Year Journal
Favorite App/Website: Dwell App

Got a question or something on your heart? We’d love to hear it! Drop us a note — your feedback helps us create episodes that truly encourage and inspire.

Join our community! If you are a Christian woman seeking to know God deeper, study Scriptures, pray with and for others, strengthen your faith, and support other in doing the same, this is the place for you. 

Want to study God's Word for yourself? Try our In-Depth Bible Study Academy
Click here to try a free mini-course!

Listen on: Apple Podcasts   Spotify

Support the show

💌 You don't have to grow alone! Subscribe to our newsletter for spiritual encouragement, podcast news, and practical resources to help you thrive. 

YouTube channel ☕ Instagram 

Some of the links in this episode may be affiliate links, meaning if you click through and make a purchase, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

Imagine finding the sacred in the routine, the holy in the hustle of daily tasks. That's the transformation Jordan Raynor, a compelling author, and dedicated father shares with us as we examine the deep connection between faith and work. His latest book, The Sacredness of Secular Work, championed by influential voices like the late Tim Keller, urges us to see our everyday labors through a divine lens, affirming their significance in the Christian narrative. Weave through Jordan's personal anecdotes of balancing the demands of fatherhood with the quest for spiritual harmony, and find yourself inspired to view your own work as an integral part of God's grand design.

Have you ever caught yourself questioning the eternal value of your secular job? We lay that doubt to rest by dismantling the misconception that the Great Commission is the only mission for believers. Jordan illuminates how every endeavor, when performed in pursuit of God's kingdom, becomes an act of sacred service. It's a refreshing perspective that elevates our understanding of vocation, celebrating the role that every job, from the boardroom to the stockroom, plays in shaping our eternal story.

Tune in as Jordan and I converse about the importance of our secular work. This episode isn't just a discussion—it's an invitation to redefine your work as a worshipful response to God's call.

Grab your copy of Jordan's book today!
Book: The Sacredness of Secular Work

Got a question or something on your heart? We’d love to hear it! Drop us a note — your feedback helps us create episodes that truly encourage and inspire.

Join our community! If you are a Christian woman seeking to know God deeper, study Scriptures, pray with and for others, strengthen your faith, and support other in doing the same, this is the place for you. 

Want to study God's Word for yourself? Try our In-Depth Bible Study Academy
Click here to try a free mini-course!

Support the show

💌 You don't have to grow alone! Subscribe to our newsletter for spiritual encouragement, podcast news, and practical resources to help you thrive. 

YouTube channel ☕ Instagram 

Some of the links in this episode may be affiliate links, meaning if you click through and make a purchase, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

Ever grappled with the shadow of doubt in your faith or wrestled with questions that seem to have no answers? Pastor J.D. Greear joins us on Coffee and Bible Time to shed light on the transformative power of such uncertainties. With wisdom and empathy, he reveals how these periods of questioning are not a departure from faith but a journey toward a more profound understanding. Our candid discussion with Pastor Greear promises to equip and inspire you, whether you're navigating the complexities of salvation, confronting the problem of evil, or seeking to understand why prayers might go unanswered. This episode is an open invitation to embrace the challenges of spiritual growth, offering encouragement and a renewed perspective on the role of doubt in deepening your relationship with the divine.

Prepare for a nuanced exploration of modern believers' dilemmas, as we confront the pressing issues that shape our faith and daily Christian living such as:

• The intellectual battlegrounds of college campuses
• The struggles within our congregations,
• The intricacies of maintaining unity despite political divides
• The intricacies of sexuality and gender within the church

Engaging with Pastor Greear's profound insights, this episode is an essential guide for anyone seeking clarity and direction amidst the complexities of faith, culture, and Scripture. Join us for a conversation that not only acknowledges the challenges of Christian living but also provides a beacon of hope for the journey ahead.

Book: 12 Truths & A Lie
Bible: ESV
Website: jdgreear.com
App/Website: The Summit Church App
App/Website: Evernote App

Got a question or something on your heart? We’d love to hear it! Drop us a note — your feedback helps us create episodes that truly encourage and inspire.

Join our community! If you are a Christian woman seeking to know God deeper, study Scriptures, pray with and for others, strengthen your faith, and support other in doing the same, this is the place for you. 

Want to study God's Word for yourself? Try our In-Depth Bible Study Academy
Click here to try a free mini-course!

Support the show

💌 You don't have to grow alone! Subscribe to our newsletter for spiritual encouragement, podcast news, and practical resources to help you thrive. 

YouTube channel ☕ Instagram 

Some of the links in this episode may be affiliate links, meaning if you click through and make a purchase, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.