#397: Can I Steward Biblical Self-Care? With Dr. Benjamin Espinoza

Angels show up all throughout Scripture—from the garden of Eden to the empty tomb. But despite their biblical presence, many of our ideas about angels have been shaped more by culture than by truth. So today, author and Bible teacher Melissa Spoelstra will set the record straight. Drawing from her in-depth study of angels in the Bible, Melissa unpacks who angels really are, what they do, and why understanding them matters for your faith today. She addresses common myths and misconceptions, explores questions like guardian angels and "the Angel of the Lord," and explains how angels fit into God's bigger story. More importantly, Melissa shares how learning about angels can help you know God more deeply. SHOW NOTES: 413Podcast.com/400  Read the episode TRANSCRIPT in the show notes. Get my weekly email, Java with Jennifer, to be notified when a new podcast episode releases. Subscribe HERE.

What do you do when your story feels too broken to redeem? That's exactly where Mary DeMuth found herself—carrying the deep pain of childhood trauma, abuse, and brokenness. It's a story she never would have chosen. But today, she celebrates a God who rewrites, redeems, and restores every story. In this conversation, Mary will help you discover how Jesus meets you in your past, transforms your present, and sets a new course for your future. Because no part of your story is beyond His redemption. So if you're wrestling with shame, feeling stuck, or wondering if God has forgotten you, this episode will meet you right where you are with real hope. Jesus is still writing your story—and you can trust Him with the pen. SHOW NOTES: 413Podcast.com/399  Read the episode TRANSCRIPT in the show notes. Get my weekly email, Java with Jennifer, to be notified when a new podcast episode releases. Subscribe HERE.

Life is busy. Between work, family, and everything else on your plate, consistent Bible reading, prayer, and quiet time can feel out of reach. But growing your faith doesn't require a complete life overhaul! Instead, you can develop "seed habits"—small, simple practices that fit naturally into your everyday routines.  Joining me today is author Hannah Seymour who shares a refreshing, practical approach to spiritual growth by combining the science of habit formation with the power of spiritual disciplines. From your kitchen to your commute, you'll learn how to build meaningful rhythms with God in the middle of your real, everyday life. SHOW NOTES: 413Podcast.com/398  Read the episode TRANSCRIPT in the show notes. Get my weekly email, Java with Jennifer, to be notified when a new podcast episode releases. Subscribe HERE.

What comes to mind when you think of self-care? Massages? Facials? Maybe a nap? While those are all good things, the truth is they won't sustain us in the long run. So today, pastor and theologian Dr. Benjamin Espinoza invites you to rethink self-care. He'll help you see that true self-care goes far beyond any surface-level indulgences and is actually deeply rooted in your relationship with God. You'll see why caring for yourself is essential in caring for others and how something as simple as play can make a big difference. Plus, he'll help you incorporate some very practical (and biblical) self-care into your already busy schedule. So, if you're feeling overwhelmed, burned out, or unsure of how to care for yourself in a way that honors God, listen in! This conversation will help you faithfully steward the divine image God has given you. SHOW NOTES: 413Podcast.com/397  Enter to win the GIVEAWAY and read the episode TRANSCRIPT in the show notes. Get my weekly email, Java with Jennifer, to be notified when a new podcast episode releases. Subscribe HERE.

In the middle of this Holy Week, we're sharing a special episode to help you pause and prepare your heart for the celebration of Jesus' resurrection. We know it's easy to get caught up in the busyness of the holiday, so these Easter reflections will invite you to slow down and simply behold the Lamb—because whatever you behold, you will be held by. Plus, Layne Victoria sings over you a beautiful worship song that will reorient your heart and help you rejoice in the risen Savior!  SHOW NOTES: 413Podcast.com/396    Read the episode TRANSCRIPT in the show notes. Get my weekly email, Java with Jennifer, to be notified when a new podcast episode releases. Subscribe HERE.

Spiritual warfare can feel mysterious, confusing, or even intimidating! But what does the Bible actually say about it—and why do we need to know? Well today on the 4:13, author and theologian Dr. Joel Muddamalle unpacks spiritual warfare through a biblical lens that will cut through the confusion. He tackles some intriguing and often misunderstood topics—such as the Nephilim—and reveals how all spiritual conflict originated from three key rebellions in Genesis. But this conversation isn't just theological—it's deeply practical!  Joel connects these ancient events to the very real, everyday battles believers face today, helping you understand why this unseen battle matters. And most importantly, he'll remind you that the ultimate victory has already been won through Jesus Christ! SHOW NOTES: 413Podcast.com/395  Read the episode TRANSCRIPT in the show notes. Get my weekly email, Java with Jennifer, to be notified when a new podcast episode releases. Subscribe HERE.

God didn't create you just to survive—He created you to flourish! In this episode of the 4:13, Bible teacher Christine Caine shares how you can thrive in every season of life—even the hardest ones—by grounding yourself in God's unchanging truth. Using the biblical imagery of the olive tree, Christine explains how pruning can be restorative, pressing can produce the good stuff, and abiding in Christ leads to resilient, evergreen faith. So, if you're feeling weary, stretched, or spiritually dry, listen in! This conversation will equip you to grow deep spiritual roots, bear lasting fruit, and flourish exactly where God has planted you. SHOW NOTES: 413Podcast.com/394  Read the episode TRANSCRIPT in the show notes. Get my weekly email, Java with Jennifer, to be notified when a new podcast episode releases. Subscribe HERE.

Shannon Bream—the number one New York Times bestselling author of The Women of the Bible Speak series—is with us today, and she's got just what you need if you're facing something that feels impossible. On today's episode, Shannon will chronicle some unlikely biblical heroes whose stories mirror our own struggles and teach us about overcoming seemingly impossible situations. Plus, Shannon vulnerably shares her own impossible, and you will be blown away by God's grace and her perseverance! This conversation will comfort, inspire, and equip you for all that you face because—the truth is—nothing is impossible with God. SHOW NOTES: 413Podcast.com/393  Read the episode TRANSCRIPT in the show notes. Get my weekly email, Java with Jennifer, to be notified when a new podcast episode releases. Subscribe HERE.

Last week, we flipped the mic and you got to hear my two sons interview me! If you joined us, you know this conversation only scratched the surface about ministry, blindness, writing, and speaking. So today, we're picking right back up where we left off and going deeper into the story behind the ministry and the heart behind the microphone! In Part Two of this special miniseries, the questions turn more personal as we talk about how C.S. Lewis found his way into my life during a season of depression—and how his words helped shape my faith, my thinking, and my writing.  We also rewind to some surprising beginnings: my first exposure to audiobooks, why I wasn't a reader growing up (yes, really!), and the unexpected author who helped me come alive inside. Then we fast-forward to what may be on the horizon—a book I'm prayerfully considering writing next. SHOW NOTES: 413Podcast.com/392  Read the episode TRANSCRIPT in the show notes. Get my weekly email, Java with Jennifer, to be notified when a new podcast episode releases. Subscribe HERE.

For the last five years on the 4:13—and for the last eighteen years at Fresh Grounded Faith conferences—you've heard me spill the beans and interview incredible guests! But today, we're doing something we have never done before! My two sons asked if they could turn the tables and interview me—to talk about the story behind the ministry and the heart behind the microphone. They wanted to unpack my life, my calling, and the journey that led us here. So, in this two-part miniseries, we're officially flipping the mic.  As my boys ask the questions, you'll hear a candid, curious, revealing conversation about ministry, blindness, writing, speaking, and legacy.  In Part One, we look back at how this ministry got started. Plus, I take you behind the scenes of writing and speaking—sharing some of my funniest moments along the way and what I've learned about reading the audience … especially without being able to see them. SHOW NOTES: 413Podcast.com/391 Read the episode TRANSCRIPT in the show notes. Get my weekly email, Java with Jennifer, to be notified when a new podcast episode releases. Subscribe HERE.