Little Things With Amber Albee Swenson

Mark 5 covers the account of Jesus healing a demonic man. What are the characteristics someone displays if they are possessed? What can we do to conquer the sins we struggle with? Later in chapter 5, Jesus goes with Jairus, a temple ruler. But first, he stops to console and comfort a woman who has been bleeding for 12 long years. Look for additional resources, including PDFs for discussion and additional study, on Amberalbeeswenson.org.

The second part of Mark 4 brings us to this question: How are you going to shine for Christ? In addition, Jesus admonishes us to be careful what we listen to. We also get the encouragment that God is doing something every time we open the Bible and every time we share the Word with someone else. Look for additional resources, including PDFs for discussion and additional study, on Amberalbeeswenson.org.

Mark chapter 4 takes us to the parable of the sower. In it we are reminded that we plant seeds as we tell people about God, but only God can produce faith. We'll talk about the pitfalls that Jesus talked about and how to produce the greatest crop in the kingdom of God. Look for additional resources, including PDFs for discussion and additional study, on Amberalbeeswenson.org.

This episode finishes Mark 3 by taking a look at Jesus' disciples—a group most of us wouldn't have chosen. They weren't straight A students and didn't have the kind of careers we might find to be resume worthy. They certainly had their black marks. We also talk about family expectations and church hurt. Look for additional resources, including PDFs for discussion and additional study, on Amberalbeeswenson.org.

Mark 3 takes us to the synagogue and to the Pharisees who were watching Jesus to find fault. Jesus became angry at their concern for their manmade laws while showing no concern for people who were suffering. Jesus withdrew, and as demon-possessed people came to be healed, Jesus wouldn't let them speak. In this episode we examine anger, withdrawing as a coping strategy, and when to speak up or not say anything, even if it's the truth! Look for additional resources, including PDFs for discussion and additional study, on Amberalbeeswenson.org.

Today's episode takes us to Mark chapter 2—to the healing of a paralytic man; the calling of Jesus' disciple Matthew; and lessons on fasting, legalism, and the Sabbath (day of rest). Look for additional resources, including PDFs for discussion and additional study, on Amberalbeeswenson.org.

This episode covers Mark 1:21-45. These few verses are packed full of miraculous healings by Jesus and Jesus' authoritative teaching. Also learn what gospel motivation is and witness Jesus' model for your prayer life.

Today's episode is about a man named John the Baptist and God's plan for him, Jesus' baptism and temptation, the meaning of the term "kingdom of God," and the calling of Jesus' first disciples. We'll also consider four things that Jesus went through—which we also will go through in our own faith journeys. Look for additional resources, including PDFs for discussion and additional study, on Amberalbeeswenson.org.

We are beginning a new series today called "Screenshots of Jesus: A Study of the Life of Jesus Through the Book of Mark." And over the course of several months, we'll walk through the gospel of Mark. This episode offers an introduction to the Bible book and the writer. Look for additional resources, including PDFs for discussion and additional study, on Amberalbeeswenson.org. 

We are taking a look at one little verse in Exodus 38 today that talks about what some women were willing to give up in order to give to the Lord sacrificially. And as we study these women, I hope we take a look at ourselves and ask, "What would I be willing to give?"Amber wants to hear from you! If you have feedback or ideas, drop her a line at amber@timeofgrace.orgIf you have questions and want to know more about God, like what does he think of you, what exactly was Jesus all about, how do you get “saved” and just what exactly does it mean to “get saved,” and what you should do next, we want you to download this free resource Pastor Mike Novotny wrote called, The Basics: God. You. Jesus. Faith. Get your free download at timeofgrace.org/thebasics.OR, you can listen to the audio version of The Basics! Just search "The Basics With Pastor Mike Novotny" wherever you listen to your favorite podcasts.Time of Grace is a donor-supported effort. If you would like to give a gift of support, please donate here: http://bit.ly/2K06lcJ

"Work" is often seen as a dirty word, and yet the vast majority of us work for someone. Whether you love your job or hate your job is irrelevant. As a bearer of the name of Christ, you can stand apart as an upstanding employee who brings honor to your role and the people you work for. Amber wants to hear from you! If you have feedback or ideas, drop her a line at amber@timeofgrace.orgIf you have questions and want to know more about God, like what does he think of you, what exactly was Jesus all about, how do you get “saved” and just what exactly does it mean to “get saved,” and what you should do next, we want you to download this free resource Pastor Mike Novotny wrote called, The Basics: God. You. Jesus. Faith. Get your free download at timeofgrace.org/thebasics.OR, you can listen to the audio version of The Basics! Just search "The Basics With Pastor Mike Novotny" wherever you listen to your favorite podcasts.Time of Grace is a donor-supported effort. If you would like to give a gift of support, please donate here: http://bit.ly/2K06lcJ

We are taking a look at Titus chapter 2 and the apostle Paul's guidance for how men and women should act. Why should we care? Because the way we act and treat each other shows the world a whole lot about Christ. Amber wants to hear from you! If you have feedback or ideas, drop her a line at amber@timeofgrace.orgIf you have questions and want to know more about God, like what does he think of you, what exactly was Jesus all about, how do you get “saved” and just what exactly does it mean to “get saved,” and what you should do next, we want you to download this free resource Pastor Mike Novotny wrote called, The Basics: God. You. Jesus. Faith. Get your free download at timeofgrace.org/thebasics.OR, you can listen to the audio version of The Basics! Just search "The Basics With Pastor Mike Novotny" wherever you listen to your favorite podcasts.Time of Grace is a donor-supported effort. If you would like to give a gift of support, please donate here: http://bit.ly/2K06lcJ

Have you ever considered the role that greed plays in your life? If you don't think this is a problem for you, you might want to give this a listen and make sure!Amber wants to hear from you! If you have feedback or ideas, drop her a line at amber@timeofgrace.orgIf you have questions and want to know more about God, like what does he think of you, what exactly was Jesus all about, how do you get “saved” and just what exactly does it mean to “get saved,” and what you should do next, we want you to download this free resource Pastor Mike Novotny wrote called, The Basics: God. You. Jesus. Faith. Get your free download at timeofgrace.org/thebasics.OR, you can listen to the audio version of The Basics! Just search "The Basics With Pastor Mike Novotny" wherever you listen to your favorite podcasts.Time of Grace is a donor-supported effort. If you would like to give a gift of support, please donate here: http://bit.ly/2K06lcJ

As women, we have tremendous impact on our households. An encouraging, joy-filled attitude will be a blessing to those around us, but a critical, ungrateful spirit will tear our houses down. A simple change of perspective can change everything. (This episode originally ran in May 2023).Amber wants to hear from you! If you have feedback or ideas, drop her a line at amber@timeofgrace.orgIf you have questions and want to know more about God, like what does he think of you, what exactly was Jesus all about, how do you get “saved” and just what exactly does it mean to “get saved,” and what you should do next, we want you to download this free resource Pastor Mike Novotny wrote called, The Basics: God. You. Jesus. Faith. Get your free download at timeofgrace.org/thebasics.OR, you can listen to the audio version of The Basics! Just search "The Basics With Pastor Mike Novotny" wherever you listen to your favorite podcasts.Time of Grace is a donor-supported effort. If you would like to give a gift of support, please donate here: http://bit.ly/2K06lcJ

Do you find it difficult to share your faith? Amber sits down with Pastor Jonathan Hein for a timely and honest conversation about why sharing our faith feels harder than ever—and why it still matters more than you realize. They unpack the growing skepticism around church, the impact of spiritual hurt, and what it actually looks like to bring Jesus into everyday relationships. Through personal stories and practical insight, Amber and Pastor Hein highlight the quiet power of small, intentional moments that reflect Christ. This is the last of the conversations Amber had at the Christian Leadership Experience in La Crosse, Wisconsin, earlier this summer. The conference was a chance for those in ministry to learn from leaders. Pastor Jonathan Hein led a workshop titled, "Leading Others to Jesus."

What does it mean to give generously to the church? In this insightful conversation with Amber and her guest, Josh Birkholz, you are invited to explore generosity and giving from a fresh, meaningful perspective grounded in faith and community. Josh, a fundraising consultant, reveals how giving is not merely an obligation but a source of genuine joy that connects people to something greater than themselves. The discussion challenges conventional views on philanthropy, emphasizing personal involvement, spiritual gifting, and the importance of inviting everyday donors into ministry. This is one of several conversations Amber had at the Christian Leadership Experience in La Crosse, Wisconsin, earlier this summer. The conference was a chance for those in ministry to learn from leaders. Josh Birkholz gave a keynote address titled, "Bold Generosity: How to Excel in the Grace of Giving."Amber wants to hear from you! If you have feedback or ideas, drop her a line at amber@timeofgrace.org

How do we define worship? Amber and her guest Brian Davison, lead singer of the band Koiné, explore that question. They discuss how Koiné puts modern spins on traditional hymns and what worship really means—both personally and in a church setting—stressing that worship doesn’t have to follow a strict format. The conversation also covers how different styles of worship can connect with different people and the importance of being open to change while keeping Christ at the center. This is one of several conversations Amber had at the Christian Leadership Experience in La Crosse, Wisconsin, earlier this summer. The conference was a chance for those in ministry to learn from leaders. Brian led worship during the conference.Amber wants to hear from you! If you have feedback or ideas, drop her a line at amber@timeofgrace.org

Youth ministry takes center stage as Amber sits down with Pastor James Buske, executive director of Lighthouse Youth Centers. They talk about the powerful ways faith and practical support intersect to help young people. Pastor Buske shares how his personal experiences and God’s guidance shaped a ministry that addresses complex challenges faced by young people in urban neighborhoods. The conversation reveals how Lighthouse provides more than just a safe space. It equips youth with vital life skills and fosters spiritual growth amid difficult circumstances.This is one of several conversations Amber had at the Christian Leadership Experience in La Crosse, Wisconsin, earlier this summer. The conference was a chance for those in ministry to learn from leaders. Dr. Schoof led a breakout session about fear.Amber wants to hear from you! If you have feedback or ideas, drop her a line at amber@timeofgrace.org

We all have fears. But we don't have to let our fears control us. Amber sits down with Dr. Ashley Schoof of Christian Family Solutions to have a grounded conversation about fear as a natural part of being human, explained through both psychological insight and a faith perspective. Dr. Schoof shares clear, practical ways to respond to fear that emphasize connection and validation rather than dismissal. The discussion highlights how understanding our emotional wiring and learning to coregulate with others can help manage fear at any age. Find thoughtful guidance on navigating fears that impact daily life, including how to recognize when it’s time to seek support—all without oversimplifying the complexity of emotions.This is the second of several conversations Amber had at the Christian Leadership Experience in La Crosse, Wisconsin, earlier this summer. The conference was a chance for those in ministry to learn from leaders. Dr. Schoof led a breakout session about fear.Amber wants to hear from you! If you have feedback or ideas, drop her a line at amber@timeofgrace.org

Trigger warning: Amber hosts a vital conversation about domestic abuse with Dr. Brandon Hayes of Christian Family Solutions and Lori Kinsley of Kingdom Workers.The conversation thoughtfully explores the complex realities of domestic abuse within faith communities, offering insight into recognizing signs and supporting those affected. With expertise and compassion, Dr. Hayes and Lori provide practical guidance and resources, encouraging listeners to foster awareness and hope without shying away from difficult truths. This is the second of several conversations Amber had at the Christian Leadership Experience in La Crosse, Wisconsin, earlier this summer. The conference was a chance for those in ministry to learn from leaders. Dr. Hayes and Lori led a breakout session about domestic abuse. Amber wants to hear from you! If you have feedback or ideas, drop her a line at amber@timeofgrace.org