Everyday Joy podcast | Listen online for free

Available Episodes

5 of 674

Why Does God Let Us Go Through Hard Things? | Isaiah 43:2 with Steph Blair
Isaiah 43:2 — “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you… when you walk through the fire, you will not be burned.” In today’s episode, Ash and Steph explore one of the most comforting — and confronting — promises in the Bible: hardship is guaranteed, but so is God’s presence. Steph goes full Bible-nerd (in the best way) as she unpacks how this verse echoes three massive moments in Scripture — the Red Sea, the Jordan River, and the fiery furnace — all reminders that God has always been with His people: at the beginning, in the middle, and at the end of every trial. Ash and Steph also dive into a powerful idea: what if God uses hardship to grow spiritual maturity in us?Not to harm us, but to shape us into people who trust Him deeper, stand firmer, and walk closer. In this episode, we talk about: Why Isaiah 43:2 is rooted in real Israelite history The difference between if hardship comes and when it comes How God prepares us through difficulty, not despite it The call to spiritual maturity in Romans 8:19 Why God’s love is the anchor when the water rises Taking your thoughts captive when you feel like God is far The truth that God’s presence is the promise — not an easy life This episode is tender, challenging, and deeply encouraging — a reminder that whatever you’re walking through, God is not distant, disinterested, or disappointed. He is near, He is present, and He is forming something beautiful in you.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
--------
14:39
--------
14:39
Who goes to heaven?! | Understanding the gift of grace! | Matthew 19:26 with Steph Blair
Matthew 19:26 — “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” In today’s episode, Ash and Steph dive into one of the most confronting and freeing truths Jesus ever taught: you cannot earn your way to God.Not with good behaviour.Not with wealth.Not with a “perfect” life.Not even with a lifetime of doing the right things. Jesus flips the entire idea of worthiness upside down — showing the disciples that salvation isn’t something we climb our way into, it’s something only God can make possible. Steffi shares a powerful story about a pastor stepping out in faith, and how it helped her understand the difference between our part and God’s part. Ash unpacks the cultural context behind the wealthy young man, why the disciples were so shocked, and why Jesus’ words would have completely reshaped what blessing, favor, and salvation looked like. In this episode, we talk about: Why no one is “too far gone” for God’s grace The upside-down kingdom Jesus introduces Why surrender, not perfection, is the doorway to salvation Letting go of the belief that you can earn God’s favor Why God asks you to do the possible and leaves the impossible to Him The surprising truth about wealth and spiritual dependence The beauty of giving Jesus your whole life — not just the tidy parts This episode is both challenging and wildly comforting.If you’ve ever wondered whether you’re “doing enough,” “good enough,” or “worthy enough,” this one will breathe fresh truth and freedom into your heart.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
--------
13:23
--------
13:23
You Don’t Have to Believe Every Thought | 2 Timothy 1:7 with Steph Blair
“For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.” Today on the Everyday Joy Podcast, Steph is back — and we go deep into the wrestle every believer knows all too well: your thoughts, the ones that spiral, overwhelm, and convince you you’re not enough. This episode is raw, vulnerable, and incredibly practical. Steph opens up about her long battle with body image, the way her thoughts used to run wild, and how learning to “take every thought captive” didn’t come naturally… it came through discipline, counselling, Scripture, and choosing the harder path — the one that actually heals. We also look at the context of 2 Timothy 1:7 — written by Paul while in prison, literally facing death — and the boldness he calls Timothy into. Not a cute, soft encouragement… but a command to live with power, love, and self-control in the middle of fear. In this episode we talk about: Why your first thoughts aren’t always the true ones How God gives power and practical tools to take thoughts captive Why self-control is a spiritual gift, not a personality trait Building new mental “pathways” when old thoughts feel like highways Why calling on God’s strength isn’t optional — it’s necessary The long-term impact of choosing the harder-but-healthier option How God meets you in fear, anxiety, overwhelm, and self-doubt This one is full of honesty, hope, and real transformation.If your mind feels loud lately — this episode will breathe so much freedom into you.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
--------
16:00
--------
16:00
Are You Overthinking What Jesus Made Simple? | Mark 10:14 with Steph Blair
“Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.” Steph is back for her last episode of the year before heading off on a two-month overseas adventure — but today’s conversation might be one of her most powerful yet. We dive into Mark 10:14, a moment where Jesus does something completely countercultural: He welcomes children when everyone else pushes them aside. And in the process, He reveals something stunning — childlike faith isn’t just cute; it’s Kingdom-level essential. Steph shares a story from when she was five years old: praying with her parents every night, asking the Holy Spirit for prophetic words, and boldly speaking out something she didn’t even understand yet — a word that ended up encouraging her parents during a painful setback.It’s a beautiful reminder that children often hear God with a clarity adults lose along the way. In this episode, we talk about: Why Jesus defended children — and what that reveals about His heart What “childlike faith” really means (humility, trust, dependence) How life experience can make faith complicated… and how to get back to simplicity Removing barriers — in ourselves and in others — that keep us from Jesus The surprising spiritual sensitivity children often carry Why adults can (and should) learn from the way children approach God This episode is tender, grounding, and full of joy — a reminder that your soul is wired to run to Jesus just like a little child would.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
--------
13:13
--------
13:13
Are You Ready for the Bible to Get Personal? | Hebrews 4:12 with Stephanie Blair
Today, Ash and Steph dive into Hebrews 4:12 —“For the Word of God is alive and active… it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.” This conversation is vulnerable, honest, and so real. From spilled coffee on Bibles to childhood memory verses, Ash and Steph unpack what it actually means for God’s Word to be alive — not just something you read, but something that reads you. They share openly about: Why conviction isn’t scary — it’s freeing How the Bible speaks to modern problems in timeless ways The difference between reading Scripture and living Scripture Why obedience is often where real transformation begins Letting God into the parts of your heart you’d rather avoid Steph reminds us that God’s Word doesn’t just point out what needs to change — it empowers you to change. And Ash shares honestly about seasons where opening the Bible felt hard because she knew it would confront her heart. If you want a deeper walk with God, if you want your Bible to come alive, or if you’ve been avoiding a verse that cuts a little too close… this episode is for you.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
--------
12:48
--------
12:48