Life with God: A Renovaré Podcast

Lent is the season when people give up things they enjoy. But is that even a good idea? What's the litmus test for observing Lent—or any spiritual practice, for that matter? Author, pastor, and Renovaré Institute instructor Trevor Hudson offers some liberating answers in this interview with Nathan Foster.

Most Christians practice spiritual disciplines long before they know what a spiritual discipline is. For Jean Nevills, spiritual director and Renovaré Ministry Team member, celebration was a normal part of her upbringing and is part of everyday life now. In this conversation with Nathan Foster, she makes celebration practical.

Written by an anonymous author in the 14th century, The Cloud of Unknowing serves as a guide to Christian contemplation. For guest James Catford, Renovaré board member and former British Bible Society Chief Executive, it's a "lifetime book." Nathan Foster draws out James's insights on the book.

A good translation of Philippians 4:4 is, "Celebrate in the Lord, always." But what does that mean in practical terms? Author and teacher Jan Johnson joins Nathan Foster again to discuss being glad with God in the present moment.

Is learning to discern God's voice a fundamental spiritual discipline? Evan Howard believes so and joins Nathan Foster to share how God leads us. Evan's Ph.D. is in the area of Christian Discernment, and he teaches at institutions including Fuller Theological Seminary.

"There's a difference between someone's words and someone's voice." Spiritual director and author Fil Anderson talks with Nathan Foster about learning to love and discern the sound of God's voice.

Dallas Willard once said, "If you don't come away for a while, you will come apart after a while." Ruth Haley Barton, author of Invitation to Retreat, joins Nathan to talk about the gift and necessity of retreat where we rest, unplug, and relinquish ourselves to God.

Losing someone close opens up new perspectives and a deep gratitude for that person's life. Songwriter, worship leader, and Renovaré Director of Communications Brian Morykon reflects on worship in the light of the loss of his mentor and friend Scott Baker.

Vices are bad habits we can rely upon to make our lives not work. So why do we do them? How do we get to the bottom of our sin-symptoms and allow The Master Physician to heal the root causes? Rebecca DeYoung, author of Glittering Vices and Vainglory, talks with Nathan Foster about ordering our loves. The Renovaré Bookclub is reading Glittering Vices together—learn more at renovare.org/bookclub.

Sometimes the voice, message, and volume of our secrets can dominate us. Enter confession, a spiritual practice that helps us receive forgiveness and healing. To explore this liberating spiritual discipline, Nathan Foster welcomes back Paul Patton, author, playwright, former pastor, and now artist in residence at Spring Arbor University.