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In this episode of the Abide podcast, I sit down with a dear friend to explore the transformative power of the posture of obedience. Through her journey in Christ, she learned to surrender her mind, will, and attitude—particularly in her marriage and ministry—to the Lord. By embracing this posture of obedience, God brought greater joy, peace, and confidence into her life and calling. Together, we discuss how this act of surrender reshaped her heart and deepened her walk with Christ, offering a beautiful testimony of grace at work. Join us for an inspiring conversation!

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/
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Gretchen
https://gretchenstevenson.com/

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Is love a fruit, a person, a divine attribute, or God?

"The answer is a resounding YES! Yes, love is at the heart of everything God is and calls us to be. In this episode, we’re diving deep into a four-part look at how love, as a fruit of the Spirit, is the core from which all other fruit gains nourishment. Love is God’s very essence—His character, His presence, His everything summed up in one powerful word.

While it’s impossible to capture the fullness of God’s love in one devotion, we can begin to explore its depths through four unique aspects. We’ll use L.O.V.E. as our guide, each letter revealing more of who God is and why love is the ultimate fruit we’re invited to grow within and give generously to others. So, let’s settle in and discover why love truly is the quintessential fruit of a life rooted in the Spirit."

Pause & reflect:

1. How do you express love in a way that reflects the Spirit of God who has nurtured it within you?
2. Jesus said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness but will have the light of life.” Is there someone you know and love who is living in darkness? How can you shine the light of Christ that is in you to help guide them out of darkness and into the glorious light and love of Jesus?
3. Spend time with Emmanuel. Respond to whatever the Light has revealed and offer up a prayer of repentance and thanksgiving.

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/
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Gretchen
https://gretchenstevenson.com/

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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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In this devotional episode of the Abide podcast, we reflect on the transformative work of God as our Divine Gardener. John 15:1 reminds us that God lovingly prunes the branches of our lives so that we can bear the spiritual fruit that glorifies Him—love, joy, peace, and, most beautifully, goodness. But this transformation only happens through the work of the Holy Spirit.

As we surrender to His leading, allowing Him to prune and shape us, we begin to bear the fruit of His power within us. It’s in our surrender that goodness blooms and God is most glorified. We’ll also meditate on the contrast between the fruit of the Spirit and the fruit of sin—how envy, hatred, and idolatry rob us of God's blessings. Join me in this time of devotion as we seek to grow in surrender and invite the Holy Spirit to cultivate a life that reflects the goodness of God and brings Him glory.

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/
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Gretchen
https://gretchenstevenson.com/

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Welcome to this special episode of the Abide podcast, where we explore the power of redemption through the love of Christ. October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and today we’re highlighting an incredible ministry called The Dwelling Place, a Christian organization that offers refuge and protection for women and children who have fled from the horrors of domestic violence.

Our conversation today is not only about the heartbreaking reality of abuse but more importantly about the redemptive love of God that these brave women experience as they rebuild their lives. We’ll hear about how God's grace is at work in The Dwelling Place, transforming pain into healing, and restoring hope where there was once despair.

Joining me is a guest who will also share her deeply personal story of redemption—how God renewed her heart and spiritual journey after she believed she had missed out on her calling in ministry. Her testimony is a beautiful reminder that God's plans for us are never over, and His redemptive work is ongoing, even when we feel we've missed the opportunity.

I invite you to listen in and be inspired by these stories of grace, healing, and the unfailing love of Christ, who redeems all things for His glory.

The National Domestic Violence Hotline number is 1-800-799-SAFE (7233). You can also text "START" to 88788 for assistance. This hotline provides confidential support and resources for anyone affected by domestic abuse.


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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We live in a culture where time and productivity are of the highest value. Rarely is being still, pausing for times of reflection or meditation encouraged. For that reason, we place ourselves at risk of fatigue, stress, and misguided perspective.

In today's episode of the Abide podcast, we will quiet our busy minds and meditate on one of the most awe-inspiring attributes of God - His omnipotence. The word omnipotence speaks to the all-powerful nature of God- there's nothing He cannot do. As you listen, try to open your heart to the fullness of what each verse is saying. With each passage let yourself collapse into the arms of the all-powerful One who created you and sustains you. He is God. Almighty and powerful. Soak in these truths and be renewed by His Spirit - He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together!


Pause and consider:
In what specific areas of life are you struggling to trust God's power and goodness, and how can you actively surrender those doubts to Him this week?

Key verses:
Isaiah 49:9-10
1 Chronicles 29:11-12
Matthew 19:26
Romans 1:20
Colossians 1:15-17
Hebrews 1:3
Psalm 147:5

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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In today’s episode, we’re diving deep into the transformative power of forgiveness— a gift that, as followers of Christ, we are called to embrace not just occasionally, but as a permanent posture of the heart. I’m sitting down with a dear friend to talk about what it truly means to forgive with the same readiness and grace that Jesus extends to us. We’ll explore how Scripture calls us to release anger, bitterness, and resentment, and instead, incline our hearts toward mercy, grace, and reconciliation. This conversation is all about the freedom and healing that comes when we choose forgiveness, even when it’s hard.

Key Scripture:
Romans 8:1; 1 John 1:9; Ephesians 1; 2 Corinthians 5:17; John 1:12; Colossians 3:13; Ephesians 4:32; Romans 12:19; Psalm 103:2


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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In this episode of the ABIDE podcast, we take a deep dive into the often-overlooked fruit of the Spirit: gentleness. Through the lens of Scripture and vivid examples from creation, we’ll reflect on how God calls us to live with a gentle heart that mirrors Jesus's character.

Just as the Grand Canyon was shaped by the slow, persistent flow of water, our hearts are shaped by the quiet strength of gentleness. We'll discuss how our words and actions can either wound or heal, and how true gentleness is not a sign of weakness, but of Christ’s power working through us. Whether you're navigating difficult relationships or simply seeking to grow closer to God, this episode will encourage you to embrace the transformative beauty of a gentle spirit.

Tune in and discover how the gentle love of Christ can shape you—and those around you—for good. Just as the forces of nature shape mountains and valleys, our lives, too, are molded by the words spoken to us. Harsh words, whether spoken over time or in the heat of an argument, have the power to cut deep into our hearts. These wounds, though often hidden, can leave scars that quietly shape us for years, influencing the way we see ourselves and the world around us. But unlike nature’s slow erosion, we’re not left defenseless, God's Word gives us the wisdom for today and how to live differently.

Pause and consider:

1. Consider a specific relationship or situation where you struggle to show gentleness. Spend time in the company of Jesus and ask Him to help you cultivate a more gentle and compassionate heart.

2. Proverbs 16:24 says, Pleasant words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.

• Who in your life needs to experience the gentleness of Christ through your words or actions?

3. Consider the company you keep. Do they promote a spirit of gentleness in you, if not, what might need to change?

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/