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In this powerful episode of Faith with Friends, Lisa Lorenzo draws listeners into the often-overlooked day of Holy Saturday, a pivotal moment between Jesus' crucifixion and resurrection known for its profound silence. The episode immerses listeners in the somber atmosphere faced by Jesus' disciples, highlighting themes of grief, uncertainty, and the ultimate hope tied to Silent Saturday. Lisa guides her audience in understanding the hidden workings of God during this pause, providing a reflective lens that resonates deeply with our spiritual journeys today.

Lisa unpacks the significance of Silent Saturday—known for its tension between the agony of Good Friday and the triumph of the resurrection on Easter Sunday. Focusing on Matthew 27:62-66 and Luke 23:56, the episode considers this day of waiting and reflection as a time of crucial spiritual significance, offering a parallel to our personal experiences of uncertainty and divine timing. The episode emphasizes the concept of "already not yet," explaining how it captures the interim space in Christian belief between what has been accomplished and what is anticipated in faith.

• Significance of Silent Saturday: Silent Saturday is a vital part of the Holy Week, symbolizing a period of waiting and reflection amid uncertainty.
• Themes of Waiting and Hope: These themes are woven throughout the episode, highlighting the spiritual importance of patience and trust in God's timing.
• God's Hidden Work: Even in silence, God is at work; this episode reminds us to lean into faith during times of waiting and uncertainty.
• Reflection on 'Already Not Yet': The podcast explores the tension between the already completed work of salvation and the anticipated future fulfillment of God's promises.
• Practical Steps for Faithful Waiting: Listeners are encouraged to engage with Scripture, worship, and prayer as means to navigate their own Silent Saturdays.

• "Even in the darkest of times, God's still at work. He's still with us."
• "In life, there are times where there are periods of waiting, not knowing what the future holds."
• "God is always in control, even when we don't see him or understand what he's doing."
• "Silent Saturday embodies that tension between already and not yet."
• "Trust that God is working even when you don't see it. Especially when you don't see it."

In this episode of "Faith with Friends," host Lisa Lorenzo takes us on a reflective journey through Good Friday, an essential day in the Christian calendar that commemorates the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. Lisa invites listeners to pause at the foot of the cross and delve into the profound significance of this day which, despite its somber events, is central to the celebration of Easter. Through scriptural reflections and theological insights, the episode sheds light on why Good Friday, a day filled with suffering and sorrow, is indeed called "good."

Lisa explores the events leading to Jesus' crucifixion as recorded in the Gospels, uncovering the depth of human sin and the boundless love of God. She explains that Good Friday, though marked by the brutal and unjust execution of Jesus, is a pivotal moment that signifies God's immeasurable love and sacrifice. The episode emphasizes the reality of sin, the incredible love of God for humanity, and the ultimate victory over sin and death achieved through Jesus’ sacrifice, reminding listeners that the seeming darkness of Good Friday is transformed into the glorious light of salvation and hope.

• Importance of Good Friday: Despite its sorrowful nature, Good Friday marks the pivotal turning point in Christian history that leads to salvation.
• Reality of Sin: Lisa stresses the depth of human sin manifested through the crucifixion, highlighting the need for a Savior.
• Love of God: The episode reflects on the unconditional love of God, demonstrated through Jesus’ willing sacrifice.
• Call to Repentance: Listeners are encouraged to examine their own hearts, confess sins, and seek reconciliation with God.
• Hope and Transformation: Good Friday, though a day of immense suffering, brings the hope of resurrection and the promise of eternal life.

• "Imagine a day where darkness seems to win, where evil triumphs...what if that day was also the largest, most pivotal turning point in all of history?"
• "Good Friday was actually the beginning of God's ultimate victory over sin and death."
• "The crucifixion of Jesus demonstrates the depth of human sin and our desperate need for a Savior."
• "May we live each day, especially today, in gratitude for the sacrifice of Jesus."

Charlotte is a valued member of the Faith with Friends circle, actively engaging in spiritual discussions and prayer. Her passion lies in supporting others through prayer and sharing inspirational scripture. Charlotte's contributions to the podcast encapsulate her dedication to deepening spiritual connections and offering encouragement through faith-based experiences.

Join us for a deeply spiritual and reflective episode of the Faith with Friends podcast, hosted by Lisa Lorenzo. In this episode, we continue our devotional series focused on seeking God daily through Scripture. Lisa invites listeners to immerse themselves in a tranquil environment to fully receive the messages from God. Charlotte, a dedicated member of the Faith with Friends circle, shares an intimate account of prayer and faith during challenging times, drawing inspiration from the Bible.

Charlotte offers a powerful narrative on the importance of praying for others, particularly during periods of hardship, such as when a loved one nears the end of life. Drawing from her personal experience, Charlotte shares a moving story about praying for a friend whose mother is in hospice care. She references Isaiah 6:1-4, describing the vivid imagery and spiritual reassurance found in the scripture. By visualizing God's presence, Charlotte provides comfort and strength to her friend, reminding her that even in life's darkest valleys, God’s glory and peace are always present. This episode encapsulates the essence of community and support through faith, emphasizing the strength found in shared prayers and spiritual solidarity.

• Praying for friends during difficult times: Emphasize the value of supporting each other spiritually, particularly in moments of deep sorrow or hardship.
• Sharing scripture for comfort: Use powerful imagery from the Bible, like Isaiah 6, to find and provide peace and strength.
• Sense of divine presence: Recognize and visualize the presence of God, reinforcing the feeling of divine support during life's challenges.
• Faith community's role: Highlight the importance of spiritual friendships and communal prayer in nurturing faith and providing emotional support.
• Easter's significance in suffering: Reflect on how Jesus' journey serves as a point of empathy and strength in our own trials.

1. "Praying for our friends in valleys in difficult times as we approach the time when our Savior faced the most difficult valley of suffering anyone on earth has faced." - Charlotte
2. "Holy, holy, holy is the Lord Almighty. The whole earth is full of his glory." - Charlotte, quoting Isaiah 6
3. "As I was praying for her, I felt the presence of the Lord in the room with her mom and her family." - Charlotte
4. "The King is in the room. May he strengthen your hearts and minds and give you the peace that transcends all understanding in Jesus Christ." - Charlotte

In this episode of the Faith with Friends podcast, hosted by Lisa Lorenzo, listeners are invited on a transformative journey through Holy Week. The discussion goes beyond merely recounting biblical events by encouraging personal spiritual reflection and growth. This episode implores the audience to consider what it means to become a true "house of prayer" and a dwelling place for God in both communal worship spaces and personal daily life.

The heart of the episode centers around Mark 11:15-17, where Jesus cleanses the temple, disrupting the transactional nature of religion at the time. Lisa Lorenzo draws attention to Jesus' righteous anger as an expression of God's desire for genuine worship and authentic connections with humanity. This episode is rich with biblical references, including Isaiah 56:7 and 1 Corinthians 6:19, emphasizing a call for inner reflection and spiritual intimacy. Review your daily life and identify any barriers, distractions, or idols that may hinder your communion with God, urging for an acceptance of transformative change.

• Explore the concept of becoming a "house of prayer" both within worship settings and in everyday life.
• Jesus' cleansing of the temple reflects God's call for authentic worship over transactional religion.
• Reflect on personal barriers that might prevent a deeper connection with God, such as anxiety, pride, or unforgiveness.
• The importance of creating personal space for God's presence, welcoming divine transformation and intimacy.
• Acknowledge the shift from a physical temple to a spiritual reality where God's spirit resides within us.

• "Jesus, in his righteous anger, reveals the heart of God. A heart that yearns for authentic worship, not transactional religion."
• "Let this be your prayer. Jesus, Come and make my heart your home, a house of prayer."
• "Is my life a reflection of God's presence, a living prayer?"
• "Don't fear the overturning of tables. He's cleansing your heart."
• "God's love is not exclusive, but expansive, drawing all into his presence."

• Follow Faith with Friends on Instagram: Faith with Friends.
• Biblical references: Mark 11:15-17, Isaiah 56:7, 1 Corinthians 6:19.
• The song mentioned: "Come and make my heart your home."

This episode offers a profound reflection on embracing God's transformative power and establishing a deeper, more intimate connection with Him.

Join Lisa Lorenzo on this episode as she delves into the profound spiritual significance of Palm Sunday and its resonating themes of humility, love, and sacrifice. The podcast explores the events leading up to Jesus entering Jerusalem, welcomed as a king on Palm Sunday. Lisa provides an in-depth examination of the moment's emotions and how they parallel with our personal lives, inviting listeners to find courage and hope in Jesus' journey.

This episode journeys through the biblical texts, offering a deep understanding of passages from Matthew 21 and Zechariah 9. It highlights the crowd's actions and their calls of "Hosanna," linking these with the transformative power of salvation and redemption. Lisa encourages listeners to contemplate the joy Jesus saw beyond his suffering, a sentiment mirrored in our own lives during times of trial. As the conversation unfolds, the listener is invited to discover the enduring love and hope offered by God's presence, encouraging a deeper connection with faith throughout Holy Week.

• Humility and Love of Jesus: Explore the themes of humility and love in Jesus's entry into Jerusalem and how these virtues guide us through our challenges with faith and courage.
• Palm Sunday's Significance: Understand the crowd's shouts of "Hosanna" as a profound cry for salvation and deliverance, symbolizing our ongoing need for Jesus.
• Joy Set Before Jesus: Learn how Jesus embraced the joy beyond his forthcoming suffering as a manifestation of love for humanity and the promise of salvation.
• Relating Challenges: Connect personal struggles to the biblical journey, finding inspiration in Jesus's perseverance and the joy of restored relationships with God.
• Holy Week Reflection: Open your heart to faith during Holy Week, laying down personal burdens and embracing spiritual transformation with humility and hope.

• "This verse is a prophecy, a spotlight on Jesus's humility, showing us that his power is demonstrated through humility."
• "He endured patiently under difficult circumstances, and it really speaks to how Jesus, with great patience, went through this great suffering."
• "He knew this crazy, mixed-up moment was all a part of God's plan, and he saw the joy of a relationship with you and me."
• "We can look to Jesus and remember that even when times are tough, there's a joy set before us, too."

Join Lisa Lorenzo in this heartfelt episode of "Faith with Friends" as she guides us into the sacred pause right before Holy Week. This episode invites listeners to create space in their hearts for deeper spiritual reflection, focusing on preparing oneself internally for the journey through Holy Week. The ambiance Lisa creates is one of quiet reflection and sincere openness to spiritual transformation and healing.

In the episode, Lisa emphasizes the importance of pausing before rushing towards the events of Holy Week. She skillfully uses Psalm 139:23-24 to illustrate how introspection can lead to healing and wholeness, fostering a space free from cluttered thoughts and distractions. Central themes include vulnerability in allowing God to search our hearts, acknowledging our anxious thoughts, and realigning ourselves with God’s path. Lisa inspires us to prepare a space for Jesus, not just as a visitor in our lives but in a permanent dwelling, encouraging listeners to cultivate an open, honest, and humble relationship with God. As she eloquently puts it, the essence of this preparation is not perfection but authentic presence and transformation.

• Preparing for Holy Week involves quiet reflection and creating space in our hearts for Jesus.
• Introspection can lead to spiritual healing and transformation, making room for God’s presence.
• Psalm 139:23-24 encourages us to invite God to search our hearts and know our anxious thoughts.
• Genuine spiritual preparation focuses on humility and honesty, not on perfection.
• A relationship with God is deepened through open and yielding hearts, welcoming His gentle transformation.

1. "Before we move into Holy Week, the most sacred part of our journey, we pause."
2. "Jesus doesn't want your performance, your perfection. He wants your presence, your authentic presence with Him."
3. "Reflection is not about regret. We're not asking you to regret. We're asking you to return."
4. "God reveals what's broken in us so he can restore what's whole."

In this episode of "Faith with Friends," host Lisa looks into the crucial theme of obedience, as exemplified by Jesus Christ. The discussion focuses on how Jesus’ obedience, marked by his decision to set out for Jerusalem, serves as a profound model for Christians seeking to understand the essence of following God's will. She describes how this act of willful submission was not passive or effortless but was made with full awareness of the impending sacrifices.

Throughout the podcast, the hosts emphasize that true obedience is relational, a loving response to God rather than a mere adherence to rules. With references to scriptural passages such as Luke 9:51 and Hebrews 10:19-20, the episode underscores how Jesus' obedience brought forth reconciliation and victory over sin, thereby granting believers the same. The narrative calls listeners to reflect on the personal cost of obedience in their own lives, encouraging them to follow Jesus’ example by choosing love, forgiveness, and God's purpose over worldly comforts.

• Obedience as Sacrifice: The co-host explores Jesus’ obedience as a conscious choice, reflecting deep commitment towards his divine mission, despite knowing the associated trials and tribulations.
• Relational Obedience: True obedience to God is characterized as relational and love-driven, a response to God’s voice rather than mere rule-following.
• Purpose over Popularity: The podcast encourages listeners to choose their spiritual path over societal approval, drawing parallels with Jesus choosing purpose over popularity.
• Victory and Reconciliation: Jesus' obedience provided the path to believers’ reconciliation with God and victory over sin, highlighting its transforming power.
• Personal Reflection: Listeners are invited to examine their own lives regarding obedience, understanding its meaning beyond simple compliance and seeing it as an act of worship.

• "Obedience is not just about following rules; it's a loving response to God's voice."
• "When Jesus chose to obey, he didn't just comply, he surrendered."
• "Obedience will cost you something, but it will give you so much more."
• "True obedience comes from relationship, never religion."
• "His obedience unlocked our freedom, and his yes became our way home."

• Biblical References: Luke 9:51, John 12:27-28, Romans 5:19, Hebrews 10:19-20, Philippians 2:8-11