Dwell Differently

"Where's your heart at? What are you longing for? Are you longing for things other than God?" — Natalie Abbott Today's episode: On today's episode, Dwell Differently sister Natalie and Vera are asking us this question: What if God was truly your best thing? It's foundational...and it's also really hard to live out. They talk honestly and practically about what it looks like in their own lives to navigate the challenges and the benefits of trusting in God and loving him the most. You won't want to miss it! This month's memory verse: "My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever." — Psalm 73:26 Memorize Scripture with us: Find out more about the easy button for Scripture memory, Dwell Differently’s monthly membership! Support our show: It's really just as simple as leaving us a review! Links from today's show: The “If” That Changes Everything thegoodbook.comDisciplines of Devotioncrossway.org/disciplinesofdevotionTheOneYearBible.comEvery Woman's BibleSupport the show Follow Natalie & Vera at DwellDifferently.com and @dwelldifferently.

"The Lord sometimes reveals himself to us and shows himself to us in ways that we wouldn't know apart from our flesh and our heart failing." — Megan Hill Today's Episode: Join Natalie Abbott and Megan Hill as they discuss both individual failure and corporate failure in the church and how God meets us in both places. Megan gives spiritual insights and practical advice for how we can deal with our own doubts and disappointments by honestly bringing them to God and relying on others to lift us up. She also gives us some helpful categories for understanding the failures of others in the church, and she walks us through what we can do when we experience those hurts first-hand. It's a great conversation that helps us understand a biblical framework for how God is always at work even through our failures, both individually and corporately. This month's memory verse: "My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever." — Psalm 73:26 Today's guest: Megan Hill is the managing editor for The Gospel Coalition. She is also the author of several books for adults and children, most recently Sighing on Sunday: 40 Meditations for When Church Hurts and Sabbath Rest. Megan lives with her husband and four children in Massachusetts where they belong to West Springfield Covenant Community Church (PCA). Memorize Scripture with us: Find out more about the easy button for Scripture memory, Dwell Differently’s monthly membership! Love the show? Support us by leaving a review. Links from today's show: hereSighing on Sunday here.The “If” That Changes Everything thegoodbook.comDisciplines of Devotioncrossway.org/disciplinesofdevotionEvery Woman's BibleSupport the show Follow Natalie & Vera at DwellDifferently.com and @dwelldifferently.

"He takes his doubts about God to God...He's modeling what we should do." — Natalie Abbott Today's episode: Join Natalie as she dives into Psalm 73, revealing how one man's doubts, envy, and personal suffering led him to the powerful conclusion that God is indeed good to those who follow him. If you’ve ever struggled with doubt or wondered why the why the wicked prosper while you suffer or needed a reminder that God indeed cares for you, then this episode is for you. This month's memory verse: “My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.” — Psalm 73:26 Memorize Scripture with us: Find out more about the easy button for Scripture memory, Dwell Differently’s monthly membership! If you love this show...support it by leaving us a review. Links from today's show: The “If” That Changes Everything bythegoodbook.comDisciplines of Devotioncrossway.org/disciplinesofdevotion Support the show Follow Natalie & Vera at DwellDifferently.com and @dwelldifferently.

"He does not promise to deliver you from hard times. He does not promise to deliver you from hard relationships. He does promise to deliver you from besetting sin, and that is a far better promise." — Jen Wilkin Today's Episode: Join Natalie Abbott and Jen Wilkin as they discuss God's unwavering presence and promises. They explore those themes through the lens of Joshua's life. Jen explains how God's work in Joshua's story intersects with his work in the greater story of the Bible and in the lives of believers today—delivering us from our sins just as he delivered God's people into the promised land. You'll be encouraged to find strength and courage in God's enduring faithfulness. This month's memory verse: "The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged." — Deuteronomy 31:8 Today's guest: Jen Wilkin is an author and Bible teacher from Dallas, Texas. She has organized and led studies for women in home, church and parachurch contexts. An advocate for Bible literacy, her passion is to see others become articulate and committed followers of Christ with a clear understanding of why they believe what they believe grounded in the Word of God. Recent titles include Joshua, Deep Discipleship, You are a Theologian and Women of the Word. Memorize Scripture with us: Find out more about the easy button for Scripture memory, Dwell Differently’s monthly membership! Links from today's show: Joshua: Every Good Promise Fulfilledphone lock screenThe Hebrews Bible StudyThe EASY Bible Study Method.Friend of Sinnersthegoodbook.comSupport the show Follow Natalie & Vera at DwellDifferently.com and @dwelldifferently.

"The deepest longing in our hearts, that maybe we don't even identify all the time, is that we want him. We want him...himself." — Natalie Abbott Today's episode: Natalie Abbott and Vera Schmitz talk about what the courage that comes from God's constant presence. They talk through the promise in Deuteronomy 31:8 that God goes before his people, both leading them and giving them the thing they most need: himself. You'll be encouraged to step out in faith wherever God is taking you, knowing that he not only goes before you, he goes with you. This month's memory verse: "The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged." — Deuteronomy 31:8 Memorize Scripture with us: Find out more about the easy button for Scripture memory, Dwell Differently’s monthly membership! Support our show: It's really just as simple as leaving us a review! Links from today's show: Friend of Sinnersthegoodbook.comThe Hebrews Bible Studycrossway.org/hebrewsbiblestudyThe EASY Bible Study MethodMoodyPublishers.comSupport the show Follow Natalie & Vera at DwellDifferently.com and @dwelldifferenly.

"I know my heart, and I know my sin, and I know how frail and fickle and feeble my heart is. So...what a comfort to just keep coming back to the Lord. The Lord is faithful to his promise. He is faithful to his word here, that he will never leave or forsake, even when I am so quick and my heart is so prone to wander." — Sarah Dargue Today's Episode: Join Natalie as she sits down with sisters Felicity and Sarah from the Two Sisters and a Cup of Tea podcast to discuss the wonder of God's faithful presence with his faithless people. Together, they delve into Deuteronomy 31:8, discussing the beauty of community, the challenges of life, and the steadfast promise that God will never leave nor forsake us. Join them for an inspiring conversation about faith, courage, and the transformative power of Scripture in our everyday lives. This month's memory verse: "The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged." — Deuteronomy 31:8 Today's guests: Felicity Carswell is from England but currently lives near Chicago with her book-selling husband, Jonathan, along with their two young sons, Rufus and Billy. She loves to teach the Bible, both locally and further afield, and disciple women on a one-to-one basis. She co-hosts, along with Sarah, the Two Sisters and a Cup of Tea podcast. Sarah Dargue is married to David, and mum to Toby, Sam & Emily. They live in London, where her husband is the pastor of their local church. She loves teaching and training women in her church family through the women's ministry. She's the co-host of the Bible study podcast Two Sisters and a Cup of Tea, and the author of Bumps, Babies, and the Gospel. Memorize Scripture with us: Find out more about the easy button for Scripture memory, Dwell Differently’s monthly membership! Love the show? Support us by leaving a review. Links from today's show: twosistersandacupoftea.comThe Hebrews Bible Studycrossway.org/hebrewsbiblestudyThe EASY Bible Study MethodMoodyPublishers.comFriend of Sinnersthegoodbook.comSupport the show Follow Natalie & Vera at DwellDifferently.com and @dwelldifferenly.

"Whatever precipice you’re standing on or whatever dark valley you’re walking through, whatever uncertainty, whatever diagnosis or decision or adventure or woe. The Lord himself goes before you. Yes, he himself. And he will be with you." — Natalie Abbott Today's episode: Join Natalie Abbott as she explores the profound promise in Deuteronomy 31:8 that God will never abandon his people. She delves into the enduring faithfulness of God to Joshua, to his people throughout time, and to his people still today. She shows how the promise that God will always be with us and goes before us, finds its fulfillment in Jesus. And she helps us see how God's constant presence offers us strength and courage in times of fear and discouragement. This message will encourage you to trust in the God who is constant and safe. This month's memory verse: The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. — Deuteronomy 31:8 Memorize Scripture with us: Find out more about the easy button for Scripture memory, Dwell Differently’s monthly membership! If you love this show...support it by leaving us a review. Links from today's show: Friend of Sinnersthegoodbook.comThe Hebrews Bible Studycrossway.org/hebrewsbiblestudyThe EASY Bible Study MethodMoodyPublishers.com Support the show Follow Natalie & Vera at DwellDifferently.com and @dwelldifferenly.

"I want to speak the words of life. I want to believe the words of life. I want to speak over myself the words of life. And you just can't do that unless they're in you." — Natalie Abbott Today's episode: Join sisters and Dwell cofounders, Vera Schmitz and Natalie Abbott as they walk through the past year and how they were impacted by God's Word. You'll hear about the power and the importance of getting Scripture into your heart and mind. And hopefully you'll be inspired to memorize even just one verse and see how God will use his Word powerfully in your own life. This month's memory verse: “The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned.” — Isaiah 9:2 Memorize Scripture with us: Find out more about the easy button for Scripture memory, Dwell Differently’s monthly membership! Support our show: It's really just as simple as leaving us a review! Links from today's show: New Morning Mercies: A Daily Gospel DevotionalWhen Dreams Fall ApartAmazed: 30 Days of Growing in Awe,Dwell DifferentlySupport the show Follow Natalie & Vera at DwellDifferently.com and @dwelldifferenly.

"One night I'm sitting out in my car, smoking a cigarette, and I look up at the church (cause it's always lit up) and the tree that's on the front corner...is engulfed in flames. I got joy for a second, you know. Like, 'oh this is good.' But I'm looking at it, and it's burning...but it's not being consumed." — Patrick Mahon Today's Episode: Listen in as Natalie's friend Patrick Mahon shares his remarkable testimony of God's work in his life to bring him out of the kingdom of darkness and into the kingdom of light. It's a powerful story of miraculous transformation. You won't want to miss it! Note: this episode is not appropriate for younger listeners. This month's memory verse: “The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned.” — Isaiah 9:2 Today's guest: Patrick Mahon is a member of Central Church in Jefferson City, Missouri, where Natalie's husband is the pastor. Memorize Scripture with us: Find out more about the easy button for Scripture memory, Dwell Differently’s monthly membership! Love this show? Support us by leaving a review. Links from today's show: New Morning Mercies: A Daily Gospel DevotionalWhen Dreams Fall ApartAmazed: 30 Days of Growing in Awe,Dwell DifferentlySupport the show Follow Natalie & Vera at DwellDifferently.com and @dwelldifferenly.

"The amount of time that we spend on our screens, the amount of time that we spend numbing ourselves, the amount of time that we "check out" as people, as parents, as friends....It's amazing to me how more and more isolated we have become as a culture in the last 20 years and the last 5 years and the last year." — Natalie Abbott Today's episode: Join Dwell Differently cofounders and sisters Natalie Abbott and Vera Schmitz as they talk about darkness and light from a biblical perspective. They share personal stories, including Vera's childhood fear of the dark. They talk about the temptation to isolate in the dark and to numb ourselves with false comforts instead of walking in the true freedom and peace we find only in the light of Jesus. You'll love this heartfelt encouragement to bask in the warmth of God's light. This month's memory verse: "Yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will be joyful in God my Savior." — Habakkuk 3:18 Memorize Scripture with us: Find out more about the easy button for Scripture memory, Dwell Differently’s monthly membership! Support our show: It's really just as simple as leaving us a review! Links from today's show: New Morning Mercies: A Daily Gospel DevotionalWhen Dreams Fall ApartAmazed: 30 Days of Growing in Awe,Dwell Differently Support the show Follow Natalie & Vera at DwellDifferently.com and @dwelldifferenly.

"The picture is to just faithfully share light—be light and share light—and trust that God is going to open eyes and bring people out of darkness in his time and in his power. And we get to be a part of it." — David Platt Today's Episode: Join Natalie as she talks with David Platt about God's work of rescuing people out of darkness and bringing them into the kingdom of his light. You'll hear them talk about the beauty of God's Word and how it shines like a light in people's lives, bringing freedom and salvation and guidance and life. They also share powerful stories about how the they've seen that light dawn in the lives of people. You'll go away encouraged to walk in the light and to share the light of Jesus with others too. This month's memory verse: “The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned.” — Isaiah 9:2 Today's guest: David Platt serves as a Lead Pastor for McLean Bible Church. He is also the Founder of Radical, an organization that makes Jesus known among the nations. David lives in the Washington, D.C. metro area with his wife and children. Memorize Scripture with us: Find out more about the easy button for Scripture memory, Dwell Differently’s monthly membership! Love this show? Support us by leaving a review. Links from today's show: Radical.netNew Morning Mercies: A Daily Gospel DevotionalWhen Dreams Fall ApartAmazed: 30 Days of Growing in Awe,Dwell Differently Christmas SaleSupport the show Follow Natalie & Vera at DwellDifferently.com and @dwelldifferenly. Support the show Follow Natalie & Vera at DwellDifferently.com and @dwelldifferenly.

"The gospel story remains the same—that the God of the universe has stepped into the darkness of this world and is offering us life and light." — Natalie Abbott Today's episode: Join host Natalie Abbott as she delves into the profound imagery of light and darkness in the book of Isaiah. She follows the theme of light throughout the book and shows us it tells God's salvation story, spanning thousands of years and going on into eternity. More than that she invites us into God's story of light and life, challenging us to allow God to continue to break into our personal darkness and to shine his light in the world. This month's memory verse: "The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned.” — Isaiah 9:2 Memorize Scripture with us: Find out more about the easy button for Scripture memory, Dwell Differently’s monthly membership! If you love this show...support it by leaving us a review. Links from today's show: New Morning Mercies: A Daily Gospel DevotionalWhen Dreams Fall ApartAmazed: 30 Days of Growing in Awe,Dwell Differently Christmas Sale Support the show Follow Natalie & Vera at DwellDifferently.com and @dwelldifferenly.

"You don't want to just 'hang in there' forever. You want to be able to thrive again." —Clarissa Moll Today's Episode: Natalie talks with Clarissa Moll about her personal journey of loss—discussing the impact of her husband's death and how she navigated grief with faith. Clarissa helps us understand the complexity of finding joy even amidst deep sorrow. She talks honestly about struggling for faith and the importance of community. Clarissa also talks about her dedication to helping different age groups cope with grief, creating resources to help both kids and adults. This month's memory verse: "Yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will be joyful in God my Savior." — Habakkuk 3:18 Today's guest: Clarissa Moll is an award-winning writer and podcaster who helps bereaved people find flourishing after loss. Clarissa’s writing appears in Christianity Today, The Gospel Coalition, RELEVANT, Modern Loss, Grief Digest and more. She co-hosted Christianity Today’s “Surprised by Grief” podcast and produces Christianity Today's flagship news podcast, "The Bulletin." Clarissa’s debut book, Beyond the Darkness was a best-selling new release in 2022. She is the author of the Beyond the Darkness Devotional, Hurt Help Hope: A Real Conversation about Teen Grief and Life after Loss, and Hope Comes to Stay. Memorize Scripture with us: Find out more about the easy button for Scripture memory, Dwell Differently’s monthly membership! Love this show? Support us by leaving a review. Links from today's show: ClarissaMoll.comHow to Remember,QavaThe Biggest Story Holy Bible hereDwell Differently Christmas SaleSupport the show Follow Natalie & Vera at DwellDifferently.com and @dwelldifferenly.

"These are the words that we need in our own despondency and our sadness and the hard reality of living in the world that we live in. We need a defiant, 'Yet I will rejoice in the Lord. I will be joyful in God my Savior.'" — Natalie Abbott Today's episode: Join Dwell Differently cofounders and sisters Natalie Abbott and Vera Schmitz as they talk about finding joy even in the toughest situations—in the Bible and in their own lives. They help us understand Habakkuk's struggle for defiant joy in spite of his fear and his complete lack. They also talk about the gritty daily reality of choosing joy every day—especially when life feels bleak. They are compassionate and compelling. It's a message you won't want to miss. This month's memory verse: "Yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will be joyful in God my Savior." — Habakkuk 3:18 Memorize Scripture with us: Find out more about the easy button for Scripture memory, Dwell Differently’s monthly membership! Support our show: It's really just as simple as leaving us a review! Links from today's show: How to Remember,QavaThe Biggest Story Holy Bible hereSupport the show Follow Natalie & Vera at DwellDifferently.com and @dwelldifferenly.

"Joy is accessible to all of us now, if we've put our trust in Jesus. This is something we can access and practice." — Nicole Zasowski Today's Episode: In this heartfelt episode, Nicole Zasowski sits down with Natalie Abbott to chat about the beautiful yet challenging journey of finding joy in the midst of life's trials. They discuss the biblical practice of speaking truth into circumstances as a means of rewiring our feelings and rooting our hope in Christ. Nicole shows how joy can be a choice we make, even when life feels tough. She opens up about her own experiences, sharing how practicing joy and wrestling with God can deepen our relationship with Him. The conversation is a warm reminder of the power of hope. Listeners are invited to embrace joy and trust in God's promises, no matter what life throws their way. This month's memory verse: "Yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will be joyful in God my Savior." — Habakkuk 3:18 Today's guest: Nicole Zasowski is a licensed marriage and family therapist, sought-after speaker, and author. She lives in Connecticut with her husband and three young children. Memorize Scripture with us: Find out more about the easy button for Scripture memory, Dwell Differently’s monthly membership! Love this show? Support us by leaving a review. Links from today's show: Support the show Follow Natalie & Vera at DwellDifferently.com and @dwelldifferenly.

"There are things going on that are difficult...and yet I will rejoice in the Lord." — Natalie Abbott Today's episode: Join host Natalie Abbott as she delves into the profound beauty of finding joy even in our struggles. In this episode, Natalie walks us through Habakkuk's journey from honest criticism of the injustices he sees to complete trust in the God who is just and who saves those who trust in him. You'll be encouraged to be honest and to trust in God through your own trials. saying with Habakkuk, "Yet, I will rejoice in the LORD!" This month's memory verse: "Yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will be joyful in God my Savior." — Habakkuk 3:18 Memorize Scripture with us: Find out more about the easy button for Scripture memory, Dwell Differently’s monthly membership! If you love this show...support it by leaving us a review. Links from today's show: How to Remember,QavaThe Biggest Story Holy Bible herePiper and Leaf Tea Advent CalendarSupport the show Follow Natalie & Vera at DwellDifferently.com and @dwelldifferenly.

"The more we learn about angels, the more we learn about God, and the more we can root our faith in him." — Melissa Spoelstra Today's Episode: Today Natalie is chatting with Melissa Spoelstra about the unseen spiritual realm, specifically angels. They talk about our tendency to either underemphasize or overemphasize angels—pointing out that a good theology of angels comes from a healthy study of them. They discuss how our theology of angels helps us rightly understand the role of angels and our own place as fellow creatures, worshipers, and messengers of God in the world. This episode will not only grow your understanding of the spiritual realm but awaken your awe for our amazing God who created all things, including angels. This month's memory verse: "For we live by faith, not by sight." — 2 Corinthians 5:7 Today's guest: Melissa Spoelstra is a women’s conference speaker, Bible teacher and author who is madly in love with Jesus. She is passionate about studying God’s Word and helping women of all ages to seek Christ and know Him more intimately through serious Bible study. Melissa has a degree in Bible theology, and she enjoys teaching God’s Word to diverse groups and churches across the nation. Melissa is the author of many Bible studies, including “Angels,” “The Gospel of John,” and “Isaiah.” Want to go even deeper in this month's verse? Study along with Natalie in the monthly Bible Study Membership. Get the first month FREE with the code: PODCAST. Love this show? Support us by leaving a review. Links from today's show: MelissaSpoelstra.com.AngelsESV Prayer Journals.Forever Welcomed Hopeful-ishPiper and Leaf Tea Advent CalendarSupport the show Follow Natalie & Vera at DwellDifferently.com and @dwelldifferenly.

"Suffering is where our faith is made real... And anything you see of enduring faith in me, that's God. That's his strength in my weakness." — Christine Hoover Today's Episode: Listen in as Natalie talks with Bible teacher Christine Hoover about how God brought her through the most difficult year of her life. She shares how she learned to rely on God's strength in her weakness, to relinquish control, to accept the help and love of others, and to believe God through even the darkest times. More than that, she walk us through how she heard God's tender, faithful voice speaking to her in 2 Corinthians. You won't want to miss her amazing story! This month's memory verse: "For we live by faith, not by sight." — 2 Corinthians 5:7 Today's guest: Christine Hoover is Bible teacher who serves as the Women’s Ministry Associate at The Austin Stone Community Church’s Northwest congregation in Austin, Texas. She has authored seven books, including Messy Beautiful Friendship and You Are Not Forgotten, as well as a Bible study of Matthew, Seek First the Kingdom. Her work has been featured on The Gospel Coalition and Christianity Today. Christine is married to Kyle, a pastor, and they have three sons. Want to go even deeper in this month's verse? Study along with Natalie in the monthly Bible Study Membership. Get the first month FREE with the code: PODCAST. Love this show? Support us by leaving a review. Links from today's show: christinehoover.net@christinehoover98More than EnoughPiper and Leaf Tea Advent CalendarESV Prayer Journals.Forever Welcomed Hopeful-ishFALL SALESupport the show Follow Natalie & Vera at DwellDifferently.com and @dwelldifferenly.

"If I'm living by faith...I am believing that the God of the universe is at work. He is doing something. And I am not going to set that aside for something that is visible, something that is tangible." — Natalie Abbott Today's episode: Join Dwell Differently cofounders and sisters Natalie Abbott and Vera Schmitz as they discuss what it means to live out our faith. They talk about the real choice we make every day to get up and believe in the unseen work of God in our lives. They talk practically about how they create patterns of trusting God through reading and reciting his Word and how they rely on the faith of others to help them through seasons when faith is hard to find. You'l be encouraged in your own faith as you listen along. This month's memory verse: "For we live by faith, not by sight." — 2 Corinthians 5:7 Want to go even deeper in this month's verse? Study along with Natalie in the monthly Bible Study Membership. Get the first month FREE with the code: PODCAST. Love our show? Support it by leaving us a review. Links from today's show: Hopeful-ish,ESV Prayer Journals.Forever Welcomed FALL SALE24 Teas of Advent—Piper and Leaf Advent Calendar Support the show Follow Natalie & Vera at DwellDifferently.com and @dwelldifferenly.

"Our faith is not about how well we do our faith." — Scarlet Hiltibidal Today's Episode: Join Natalie Abbott and Scarlet Hiltibidal as they discuss what it looks like to actually live by faith and instead of trusting in more tangible things. It's messy, and it often feels precarious, but it's so good. Scarlet talks about how she's seen God show up in the midst of cross-country moves and sad days and her mom's cancer diagnosis. She shares about the wonder of receiving instead of faking our faith or trying to earn God's favor. You won't want to miss this episode! This month's memory verse: "For we live by faith, not by sight." — 2 Corinthians 5:7 Today's guest: Scarlet Hiltibidal is the author of “Afraid of All the Things,” “You’re the Worst Person in the World,” “He Numbered the Pores on My Face,” and the “Anxious and Ashamed” Bible studies. She writes regularly for ParentLife Magazine, HomeLife Magazine, and She Reads Truth. Scarlet enjoys speaking to women around the country about the freedom and rest available in Jesus. She loves hanging out with her husband and four kids, eating nachos by herself, writing for her friends, and studying stand-up comedy with a passion that should be reserved for more important pursuits. Want to go even deeper in this month's verse? Study along with Natalie in the monthly Bible Study Membership. Get the first month FREE with the code: PODCAST. Love this show? Support us by leaving a review. Links from today's show: ScarletHiltibidal.comHopeful-ishESV Prayer Journals.Forever Welcomed A Long Obedience in the Same DirectionSupport the show Follow Natalie & Vera at DwellDifferently.com and @dwelldifferenly.