The ABIDE Podcast With Gretchen Stevenson

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Welcome to this episode of the Abide podcast, where we will meditate on one of the most awe-inspiring attributes of God—His holiness. In this sacred time together, we will reflect on what it means to encounter a holy God, to stand in awe of His purity, majesty, and perfection. God's holiness sets Him apart, yet through Christ, He invites us to draw near. As we enter this moment, allow the beauty of His holiness to stir your heart, to lead you into reverence and surrender.
Take a deep breath and release it slowly, letting your soul quiet in His presence. May this time of reflection bring you into a deeper awareness of His divine nature and fill you with a profound sense of awe and worship. Let us now settle into this space and meditate on the holiness of our God.

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Welcome to today’s episode of the ABIDE podcast. We’re diving into a beautiful and comforting truth—the sufficiency of Christ. Have you ever felt like you’re lacking, like something is missing in your life, or that you’re not enough? I’ve been there too, and it’s in these moments that God’s sufficiency becomes so beautifully clear.
In a world that often tells us we need to strive harder, be more, and do more, the Gospel reminds us that Christ is enough. He is our source of strength, provision, and peace. Today, we’ll explore how we can rest in His sufficiency, trusting that in Him, we lack nothing. Join me as we reflect on this life-giving truth and learn how to embrace it in our daily walk with Him.

Reflection questions:
1. Think about a part of your life where you feel weak, inadequate, or lacking. How might you open your heart more fully to God's power, trusting Him to meet your needs and be more than enough for you?

2. If God has promised to provide everything we need for life and godliness, what specific areas of your life do you need to surrender to Him in trust today?

3. Take a quiet moment to reflect on the sufficiency of Christ. Does your life show faith and trust in His care, or are there places where you're trying to hold on to control or rely on the insufficiency of your strength?

Key Passages:
- 2 Peter 1:3-4
- Philippians 4:19
- Colossians 1:17-18
- 2 Corinthians 12:9
- Romans 8:32

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Biblically, grace is defined as God's unmerited favor and kindness towards humanity. It is a gift that cannot be earned by good deeds or human effort but is freely given by God out of His love and mercy. Grace is foundational to the Christian faith, as it is through grace that salvation is offered to sinners.
How then are we to live by a posture of grace toward those we love, those we serve, those who are strangers, and most importantly towards ourselves? In this episode, we're going to explore the different ways grace has influenced and shaped our lives over the years. We will share the ups and downs as well as the joy and challenges that are a part of learning how to live from a posture of grace.
For further study, consider studying the following passages to help build your understanding of the characteristics that are forged by cultivating a posture of grace.
1.Humility: Recognizing our own need for grace and responding with humility in our interactions with others. This involves putting others’ needs before our own and being willing to serve without seeking recognition.

•Philippians 2:3: “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves.”

2.Forgiveness: Extending forgiveness freely to others, understanding that we have been forgiven much by God.

•Colossians 3:13: “Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.”

3.Compassion: Showing love and empathy towards others, especially those who are suffering or in need.

•Ephesians 4:32: “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.”

4.Generosity: Being willing to give of our time, resources, and love without expecting anything in return, reflecting the generous grace of God.

•2 Corinthians 9:8: “And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.”

5.Patience and Peacefulness: Maintaining a peaceful and patient attitude, even in difficult circumstances, and striving to live in harmony with others.

•Romans 12:18: “If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.”

Recommended book: What's So Amazing About Grace, by: Philip Yancy
"Grace is God's best idea! His decision to ravage a people by love, to rescue passionately, and to restore fully - just what rivals? Of all His wondrous works, grace, in my estimation, is the magnum opus." - Max Lucado
If you would like to support this ABIDE podcast and the other resources provided by our ministry, please consider donating at https://gretchenstevenson.com/donate/
Thank You!
Gretchen
https://gretchenstevenson.com/

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Welcome to Nerd In The Word, where we dive deep into the Scriptures with enthusiasm and curiosity! I’m here with my good friend Kristin, and today we’re kicking off the first part of a series on the Shema, a foundational passage in Deuteronomy 6. Now, when you hear the word "hear," you might think it’s just about listening. But in the original Hebrew, the word Shema is packed with so much more meaning—it's about actively engaging, understanding, and responding. In today’s episode, we’re going to explore the depth of this powerful word and its call not just to hear, but to hear with intention—a concept that has profound implications for how we live out our faith. So, grab your Bible, get ready to dive in, and let’s nerd out together!

If you would like to support this ABIDE podcast and the other resources provided by my ministry, please consider donating at https://gretchenstevenson.com/donate/
Thank You!
Gretchen
https://gretchenstevenson.com/

Questions to consider:

1. What does it look like in your daily life to truly "hear" God's voice with a heart that is ready to respond?

2. How does understanding obedience as a response to God's covenant love, rather than "rule following" change your perspective on following His Commands & teachings in Scripture?

3. Jesus said, "If you follow me, you will keep my commandments" (John 14:15). How does this connect with the Shema?

4. What practical steps can you take this week to cultivate a more intentional practice of listening to God through His Word and responding with action?

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Welcome to the Abide podcast. I’m so grateful you’re here as we begin this special Advent series, a time to pause and reflect on the miracle of Christmas. Over the next few weeks, we’ll explore love letters from God—words of hope, peace, joy, and love—straight from His heart to yours.

In this first episode, we’ll focus on the wonder of His coming, the Light that broke into the darkness, and the invitation to let His love fill our hearts this season. Wherever you are, whatever this season holds for you, know this: You are fully known, deeply loved, and never alone. Let’s settle in and prepare our hearts for the beauty of this Advent journey together.
Pause & Reflect

1. How does the truth that Jesus left heaven to draw near to you personally change how you see this season?
2. Are there burdens you are carrying that you need to give over to Jesus? How can you surrender those to Him today?
3. What does it look like to “make room for Jesus” in your heart and life during Advent?

Scripture references:

John 1:14
John 10:10
Lamentations 3:22-23
John 16:33
Isaiah 55:8-9,10-11
Isaiah 9:6
Jeremiah 29:12-13
Matthew 11:28
Isaiah 41:10
Jeremiah 31:3

If you would like to support this ABIDE podcast and the other resources provided by our ministry, please consider donating at https://gretchenstevenson.com/donate/
Thank You!
Gretchen
https://gretchenstevenson.com/