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The leadership podcast for Christian women going against the current. The Upstream Pursuit calls women to go against the current by measuring everything against the Truth of God’s word. Join Narcely every other Monday for energizing conversations and practical tips on how to live and lead in pursuit of unchanging Christian values. To learn more about joining our community, visit us at narcelyruiz.com or on our Facebook or Instagram!
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In this episode of the Maranatha Pursuit series, Uzihel and Brisa Alfaro and I continue our conversation through Epistle of James 5:7–12, focusing on prayer, unity in suffering, steadfast endurance, and wholehearted devotion as we await the coming of the Lord. Together, we discuss the realities of navigating hardship and how establishing our hearts through prayer helps sustain us while living with hopeful expectation. We also reflect on Job as an example of faithful endurance and unpack what ...
In this episode, we look to Epistle of James 5:7–12 for encouragement to believers navigating hardship, injustice, and everyday struggles while still living with hopeful expectation. James reminds us that waiting is not passive; it is a pursuit of faithful living, steadfast hope, and trust in the promises of God. Please leave a comment or review for this episode to help us share this content with others! Connect with us: Website: https://www.narcelyruiz.com/podca...
In Part 2 of the Maranatha Pursuit series, I’m joined again by Uzihel and Brisa Alfaro to talk about the heart behind their children’s book, Jesus is Coming Back, and the deeper conviction that led them to write it. As a child, Brisa experienced Christ’s return as distant, while Uzihel experienced it through fear. Now as parents, they’re committed to passing down something different: A longing for Christ. A longing for His return. A life lived in anticipation, not for the th...
This week on The Upstream Pursuit, we begin a 5-part conversation in what I’m calling The Maranatha Pursuit—learning to live in faithful expectation of Jesus’ return while walking through everyday life. I’m joined by longtime friends Uzihel Alfaro and Brisa Alfaro for a meaningful catch-up that goes deeper than updates. Since we last spoke, life has shifted—marriage, family, and seasons that required real waiting on God. We talk about what it looks like to wait well: trusting God in relations...
What does it look like to be content no matter the circumstance? In Philippians 4:10–23, Paul closes his letter with a powerful reflection on contentment, provision, and partnership in the gospel. Writing from prison, he reveals that true contentment is not found in having more or less, but in learning to depend fully on Christ in every situation. As he thanks the Philippians for their faithful support, Paul reframes their generosity not as mere giving, but as participation in the work of the...
What is shaping your mind and are you following the pattern that leads to true peace? In Philippians 4:1–9, Paul lays out a clear pattern for a steady, anchored life in Christ. Writing to a church facing both internal conflict and external pressure, he calls believers to stand firm, pursue unity, replace anxiety with prayer, and intentionally fix their minds on what is true and good. As Paul moves from instruction to practice, he reminds us that the goal is not just a feeling of peace, but th...
Have you ever felt like you should be “further along” in your faith—or wondered if you’re measuring your life by the wrong standard? In Philippians 3:12–21, Paul confronts the illusion of spiritual arrival and redirects the believer’s focus toward a lifelong pursuit. Though he has gained Christ, he makes it clear that he has not yet reached the finish line. Instead, he presses on, leaving behind both past confidence and past failure, straining toward what lies ahead.Paul draws a sharp contras...
In this episode, we step into Philippians 3:1–11 and uncover what it truly means to count everything as loss for the sake of Christ. After calling believers to unity, joy, and humility, Paul issues a strong warning against performance-based faith and exposes the danger of placing confidence in anything other than Jesus. What once defined identity, success, and righteousness is now re-evaluated in light of one truth: knowing Christ is worth everything. Please leave a comment or review for this...
After calling believers to humility and obedience, he presents two living examples of what Christlike devotion looks like in everyday life: Timothy and Epaphroditus. In this episode, we explore Philippians 2:19–30, where Paul redefines honor in a culture obsessed with status. These closing verses show us that Christian greatness is not measured by platform or prominence, but by steady faithfulness and costly partnership in the gospel. Tune in as we uncover how humility becomes visible in real...
Hi friends! Before we continue our study through Philippians, I wanted to share a quick update. I’ll be taking a short break as I travel to Puerto Rico with my family and revisiting the places and staples of my childhood and sharing them with my husband. During this time away, I encourage you to catch up on previous episodes and continue reflecting on what we’ve learned so far in Philippians. We’ll resume our study in Philippians 2:19–30 when I return. Thank you for listening, for walking thi...
In Philippians 2:12–18, Paul moves from the humility of Christ to the obedience of the church. Tune in as we examine what this means in context, how God works in us as we work it out, why unity is threatened by complaining spirits, and how obedience under pressure causes the church to shine in a dark world.If we want to pursue maturity, this passage shows us that it requires both surrender and effort. Please leave a comment or review for this episode to help us share this content with o...
In a culture shaped by status, honor, and self-advancement, Paul commands the church to pursue unity through humility, not by diminishing themselves, but by refusing selfish ambition and empty glory. This episode we dive into Philippians 2:1–11, where Paul moves from calling believers to live worthy of the gospel to revealing the ultimate model of worthy living: Christ Himself. Please leave a comment or review for this episode to help us share this content with others! Connect wit...
What does it mean to live a life worthy of the gospel, especially when following Jesus comes with opposition, pressure, and suffering? In this episode, we unpack Philippians 1:18-30, which confronts comfortable Christianity and invites us into a deeper, more resilient pursuit of Christ. Paul reminds us that suffering for Christ isn’t an accident or a failure of faith; it’s a gift that accompanies belief. If you’ve ever wondered what faithful obedience looks like when it’s costly, this episode...
In this episode, we continue our journey through Philippians by studying Philippians 1:12–18. As Paul writes from confinement under Roman authority, he reframes his circumstances not as a setback, but as a means by which the gospel advances. We explore how Paul’s imprisonment emboldened other believers, exposed mixed motives within ministry, and ultimately revealed a mature joy rooted not in fairness or freedom, but in Christ being proclaimed. The pursuit in this passage calls us to trust God...
In this episode, we begin a journey through the book of Philippians. Starting with Philippians 1:1–11, we explore Paul’s gratitude for the Philippian believers, the beauty of shared partnership in the gospel mission, and his prayer that their love would grow in knowledge and discernment as they live in anticipation of Christ’s return. The pursuit is learning to trust that God will complete the work He has begun. Please leave a comment or review for this episode to help us share this con...
In this episode, we reflect on the heart of this podcast: a short, Scripture-centered discipleship space designed to ground you, challenge you, and realign your walk with Christ each week. With biblical clarity, personal reflection, and a renewed call to abide rather than perform, this episode invites you to stop chasing noise and start pursuing what—and Who—truly matters. This year will not be about perfect routines but about returning again and again to the feet of Jesus. Please leave...
Five years ago, The Upstream Pursuit began with a conversation between two friends saying yes to God. In this special anniversary conversation, I’m joined by my best friend Erica Reese as we reflect on what God has been doing in her life since she stepped down from the show last year. This episode is about faithfulness, friendship, and trusting God when seasons shift but the calling to follow Christ remains. Please leave a comment or review for this episode to help us share this content...
Happy New Year, Pursuers! In this very short episode, I am inviting you to begin the year with intentional pursuit of Jesus. In the next few weeks, we will be diving into what to expect from the podcast in 2026. Please leave a comment or review for this episode to help us share this content with others! Connect with us: Website: https://www.narcelyruiz.com/podcast Instagram: http://instagram.com/upstreampursuit Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/UpstreamPursuit/
2025 was a year of change, growth, and unexpected blessings. In this episode, I reflect on the highs and lows of a year that reshaped my life—stepping into solo podcasting, getting married and adjusting to married life, becoming a dog mom, and navigating shifting spiritual rhythms. Join me as I share personal stories of waiting, change, and God’s faithfulness in every season. Please leave a comment or review for this episode to help us share this content with others! Connect wi...
In this episode, we connect Simeon’s story in Luke 2 with the history of this ancient Advent hymn, O Come, O Come, Emmanuel, and discover how both call us to trust God’s timing, remain attentive to His Spirit, and recognize His presence even when He comes quietly. If you are in a season of waiting and are feeling uncertain, weary, or tempted to rush ahead, this episode will encourage you. Please leave a comment or review for this episode to help us share this content with others! ...
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