The God Journey

Brad's back from Hong Kong where he spent some time exploring what God has done among the drug addicts and...

"To have faith is to trust love," which is where the bulk of Wayne and Kyle's conversation goes this week as they come through the mailbag. There are comments about relational community, how prayer changes as trust grows, and the McDonald's Toy Syndrome. They finish with one email that talks about the importance of trusting God's love and not knowledge alone. While human love can be weak and conditional, God's love is the strongest force in the universe and opens people to truth and reality. Those who desire love will recognize him when he comes; those who desire knowledge will see him as a threat. Podcast Notes: The video version of this podcast Beyond Sundays Just Love, referred to in this podcast, is a book Wayne is writing with Tobie van der Westhuizen from South Africa. We hope to have it available in February 2026. The post Trusting Love (#1020) first appeared on The God Journey.

How do you view friendships around you, especially those that may be short-lived? Do you shy away, not wanting to get hurt, exploit them for what you can get, or engage them as an opportunity to share life, even if it won't last long? Wayne and Kyle discuss what a healthy mindset looks like as we engage others, whether it be short-term or long-term. Be true to your "yuck meter" so you won't be manipulated. Learn the power of active listening as a gift to give others by giving them your full attention, a curious mind, and a calm presence, while resisting the desire to make judgments or give advice. Of course, all of that begins in our growing trust in Father's love and realizing that anything that argues against our belovedness to him is a lie we need to walk away from. Podcast Notes: The video version of this podcast My Friend Luis podcast My Grandmother's Hands by Resmaa Menakem. Quote Wayne read on the podcast: “Talking with another person to process what you learned or experienced doesn't mean having a friendly chat with them. It means describing an event that had meaning for you, while the other person listens with caring, full attention, a calm presence, and a settled body. This might involve both of you letting you tremble, cry, sway, shake your head, or move your body in some other way as it metabolizes the experience. Therapists call this active listening. Being an active listener involves not interrupting; not making judgments; not asking questions other than to make sure you understand; not giving advice or offering explanations; and not jumping in with a story of your own. It's important to reach out to others for this type of support. It's just as important to allow others to reach out to you for it.” Just Love, referred to in this podcast, is a book Wayne is writing with Tobie van der Westhuizen from South Africa. We hope to have it available in February 2026.  The post Toward Relational Wholeness (#1019) first appeared on The God Journey.

"The enemy's chief strategy is to make dead things look alive." And wow, does it ever work! In the backdrop of yet another revelation of moral failure on the part of a Christian celebrity, Kyle and Wayne discuss how the theology of love can fail us in our desperate moments. The question remains, however: Why doesn't love and faith transform even its most ardent advocates? How can people give lip service to love and grace for decades and yet remain so utterly untransformed by it? Unless we discover God's kind of love inside his presence with us, we will remain unchanged and still act in our own expedience rather than treating others around us justly. And in the aftermath of failure, how does love restore the victims who suffer because of it and the one who fell to temptation? Podcast Notes: The video version of this podcast My Grandmother's Hands Just Love, referred to in this podcast, is a book Wayne is writing with Tobie van der Westhuizen from South Africa. We hope to have it available in February 2026. The post God’s Love and Moral Failure (#1018) first appeared on The God Journey.

"All healing involves discomfort—but so does refusing to heal." So writes Resmaa Menakem in his book, My Grandmother's Hands, which Wayne and Sara have just finished reading. The book is about healing from traumatic pain, especially around trauma related to race. Quotes from the book draw Wayne and Klye into a discussion about clean pain and dirty pain as they apply to emotional hurt and wounds. Our responses or reactions to our own pain can either put more hurt in the world, both for ourselves and others, or our responses to pain can promote healing. The difference is whether we come at healing from an agitated state or from a calm, settled body, which we can find in the peace and presence of Jesus. This also points out why our society cannot have a reasoned, healing conversation about race today—both sides come at it from agitation and frustration. Podcast Notes: The video version of this podcast My Grandmother's Hands Just Love, referred to in this podcast, is a book Wayne is writing with Tobie van der Westhuizen from South Africa. We hope to have it available in February 2026. The post Clean Pain or Dirty Pain (#1017) first appeared on The God Journey.

"Love fulfills the law because it fills us." After a brief conversation about a perspective shift in challenging times and sharing inexhaustible love, Kyle and Wayne discuss finding our fullness in him.  They plough through an article about desire. It turns out humans enjoy getting the thing they desire than having it. The dopamine hit that comes from procuring what's desired doesn't last long, which is why so many are almost immediately out seeking the next new thing. What if the root of our desires is for God himself? Trying to fill that desire with anything else would always fail. Finding our fullness it him would let us live with gratitude and appreciation, no matter what we possess, rather than the constant yearning and dissatisfaction. Podcast Notes: The video recording of this podcast. A $100,000 New Car Won't Make You Happy - Article Wayne read from Just Love, referred to in this podcast, is a book Wayne is writing with Tobie van der Westhuizen from South Africa. We hope to have it available in February 2026. Lifestream Store with 25% discount through Christmas with the promo code:  Christmas 25 The post The Root of Desire (#1015) first appeared on The God Journey.

How will the bride of Christ be revealed in the world, especially since she is so fractured into thousands of denominations? Perhaps there is already a parable of that in the Creation, in the murmuration of starlings and the schools of fish. Scientists call it behavioral synchronization, but maybe it is something more. It now seems that for a brief time, starlings and fish become part of an interconnected organism. Kyle and Wayne discuss the idea of "unmanaged community" and how it reflects the organic, spiritual connections among believers. These connections, often spontaneous and unstructured, can be more authentic than human-managed communities. While we get glimpses of it now and then, perhaps the time is coming for a global "murmuration" of believers that comprise the Bride of Christ. Wouldn't that be awesome? Podcast Notes: The video recording of this podcast. Murmuration Video - not quite the one Wayne referred to. And here's another one with music. The Secret of Secrets Finding Church by Wayne Jacobsen Lifestream Store with 25% discount through Christmas with the promo code:  Christmas 25 The post The Murmuration of the Bride (#1014) first appeared on The God Journey.

In a world that seeks to crush us into its mold, having the space to contemplate, explore, question, and grow is a rare and delicious treat. That's where Wayne and Kyle landed today after reading an email from a listener. That thread ran through their other conversation about seeing beyond the home team/away team binary that religion throws at us and how listening to God has changed over the course of their lives. They also discuss how we can better facilitate that space for others instead of trying to cram the breath of the Spirit into a curriculum, presentation, or system. Podcast Notes: The video recording of this podcast. When the Maps Run Out - the podcast Wayne referred to in this podcast. Lifestream Store with 25% discount through Christmas with the promo code:  Christmas 25 The post Finding the Space to Explore (#1013) first appeared on The God Journey.

Kyle's away this week, so an old friend joins in. Brad Cummings was co-host of The God Journey for 700+ episodes, and joined us most recently on #1000. Many of you asked to have him back again, so he joins Wayne for a conversation about equipping people to engage a real presence when they give their hearts to Jesus. Instead of training them to be good Christians, might it be more valuable to help them learn to live from their hearts in growing communion with God? This is the essence of the New Covenant, not to be led by programs and rituals, but to connect to God's presence in them so that they can be drawn into the adventure of following him and find increasing freedom in his transformation. Podcast Notes: Sorry, we did not make a video of this podcast A Man Like No Other, which Brad talks about on the podcast The post Communing with God (#1012) first appeared on The God Journey.

It was a tale of two cities over consecutive weekends that got this conversation going. Wayne shares about his experience with former 2x2 members in the South, and then he went with Sara to their 50th college reunion at Oral Roberts University. As Wayne processes those experiences with Kyle, they find themselves contrasting performative Christianity to a doctrine or program and a transformational journey that comes from an ever-deepening engagement with God's love. As part of that conversation, they read through Psalm 15 as it describes the company of the just, where God wants to make his presence known. Podcast Notes: The video recording of this podcast The post Performative or Transformational? (#1011) first appeared on The God Journey.

Kyle surprises Wayne with a new term that is being utilized in trauma work—moral injury. This happens when someone, either by choice or coercion, acts in opposition to their deep moral framework. It causes significant damage not only to the one who does it, but to the people impacted by his actions. It is especially troublesome in religious contexts where such betrayal can even destroy our ability to believe in God. They highlight the challenges of healing from such injuries, noting that they often affect a person's identity, worldview, and ability to trust others. They talk about betrayal and how to move beyond it to healing, highlighting the transformative power of God's love and the ability to find purpose in suffering. They end with the idea that the painful groanings of that injury may, in part, be the prayers that are too deep for words. Podcast Notes: The video recording of this podcast Moral Failings in the Pulpit Lead to Moral Injury in the Pews Identifying and Addressing the Hidden Cost of Moral Injury  Moral Injury and Spiritual Recovery The post The Pain of Moral Injury (#1010) first appeared on The God Journey.

Following up on last week's podcast, Kyle and Wayne begin by discussing the power of presence to shape our lives in love. They agreed that religion often removes the focus on presence, offering instead a system of rules and certainty that doesn't lead to an authentic connection with God. By motivating people's fear, Christianity has often prioritized fear and control over genuine spiritual transformation. How different would our influence be in the world if love were our foundation? They conclude with a conversation about a false application of Ordo Amoris, which falsely allows us to be selective in those we love, allowing us to treat others with contempt. Podcast Notes: The video recording of this podcast It's Not Chocolate - an earlier podcast The post When Fear Trumps Endearment (#1009) first appeared on The God Journey.

Kyle asks AI to define the message of The God Journey, leading to a brief discussion about AI and the soothing properties of the ancient cathedrals. Then he and Wayne get into the conversation about finding our fullness in his Presence, rather than seeking it in the temporal amusements of the world. Presence is about focus and simplicity, not elaborate rituals or time-consuming practices or having to “fill up” at weekend services. Religious institutions can unintentionally create a cycle of spiritual emptiness and dependency, rather than fostering a continual engagement with presence and joy. Podcast Notes: We're sorry, but we are still having technical difficulties and were not able to make a video of this podcast. The audio release of It's Time The post Living from Fullness (#1009) first appeared on The God Journey.

Why are some followers of Jesus deeply concerned over the tactics and demeanor of the Trump Administration, while others wholeheartedly endorse it? A recent article suggests it may have to do with how we view God's morality. Is it keeping to a moral code by a vengeful deity, or is it the fruit of God's love, teaching us how to treat others? Kyle and Wayne explore this article and whether or not vengeance, intimidation, and arrogance are helpful to advance Jesus's kingdom in the world. Wasn't the Incarnation God's desire to win by love what fear could never accomplish? They also discuss the complexities of U.S. immigration policies and their desire to make them more humane. Podcast Notes: We're sorry, but we are still having technical difficulties and were not able to make a video of this podcast. Article on Vertical and Horizontal Morality Walter Brugermann's talk on Justice from above, versus justice from below The audio release of It's Time The post How We View Morality (#1008) first appeared on The God Journey.

During Wayne and Sara's recent trip around the Rocky Mountains, they met many people in the cities they traveled through who have left or are considering leaving a worldwide, legalistic Christian sect. Recent revelations of child sexual abuse on the part of leadership caused many to reconsider the teachings and practices of the group. Now, many are seeking to move out of religious performance, motivated by fear and pursued by self-effort, to an affection-based relationship with God, where love provides the impetus for rest and transformation. Kyle wants to know what Wayne learned in these conversations and how he helps people process this stage of their journey. Podcast Notes: We're sorry, but we were not able to make a video of this podcast. The audio release of It's Time The post A Path out of Legalism (#1007) first appeared on The God Journey.

What would change if you trusted God's presence abiding in you instead of seeking to feel his love? Wayne and Kyle read through a recent Facebook post by Graham Cook that talks about the difference between resting in his habitation instead of seeking encounters with him. When you realize that you can stop chasing what you already have, rest in relationship instead of working for relationship, practice awareness of existing presence instead of creating encounters, live from His promise, not your feelings, and make his presence your dwelling place, not your occasional destination. Podcast Notes: Sorry, there is no video of this podcast. Here is a copy of Graham Cooke's FB Post The audio release of It's Time The post What it Means to Abide (#1006) first appeared on The God Journey.

After Wayne and Sara shared their trauma story with Kyle's Advanced Counseling course, Kyle wanted to talk more about forgiveness as the fruit of God's healing, not the way we earn it. So many see forgiveness as an obligation God requires of us, even if we only pretend on the outside, instead of a process that flows out of his healing inside our hearts. They also talk about how easily bullies can misinterpret Scripture to great discussion, and what it means to take God's name in vain. Podcast Notes: Sorry, there is no video of this podcast. Wayne and Sara's trip to Calgary and back through Idaho, Washington, and Oregon The post The Fruit of Forgiveness (#1004) first appeared on The God Journey.

Wayne and Kyle were together in Sheridan, Wyoming, this week and had the rare chance to sit down face-to-face after Wayne had shared the Language of Healing with Kyle's sociology class. They talk about Wayne and Sara's trip so far, and that leads them to a conversation about finding calmness in the midst of chaos. Peace doesn't come from our circumstances, but from Presence. His peace can actually guide us through any difficulty and allow us to see what opportunities he has for us. Podcast Notes: Sorry, there is no video of this podcast. Wayne and Sara's trip through Wyoming, Montana, southern Alberta, and back through Idaho, Washington, and Oregon The post Finding Calm Amid Chaos (#1003) first appeared on The God Journey.

Many people are substituting AI for their interactions with other human beings. From romantic relationships to therapy, even spiritual direction. Which brings up the question: Is it healthy to try to have heart-to-heart conversations with an algorithm, even one designed to mimic human responses? Humanity has always adapted to technological changes, but does it make us even more relationally challenged than religion did? AI unleashes some powerful tools that can be used for good, and at the same time, open doors for tremendous evil. As a mental health professional, Kyle is particularly concerned that this trend will do irreparable harm to human engagement in the process. Podcast Notes: Video recording of this podcast Wayne and Sara's trip through Colorado, South Dakota, Montana, and maybe Alberta before heading back for a lap around the Pacific Northwest. The post Authentic Relationship in an AI World? (#1002) first appeared on The God Journey.

It is easy to respond to someone's pain with love and prayers for healing, but what do you do when healing doesn't come? Many feel awkward, unintentionally withdrawing from the relationship because they don't know how to support someone negotiating chronic pain. Kyle and Wayne explore what it means to care about someone with a long term condition, whether it be emotional or physical. Can we sit with someone in pain and know that the power of our presence to hold it with them is as powerful as trying to get God to fix it? The best way to learn that is by discovering how God is present with us when we are in pain. Presence is everything! Podcast Notes: Video recording of this podcast Wayne and Sara's trip through Colorado, South Dakota, Montana, and maybe Alberta before heading back for a lap around the Pacific Northwest. The post Loving Through Chronic Pain (#1002) first appeared on The God Journey.