The God Journey

"My emotions are a messenger, not a master." So wrote one of our listeners, and that refrain continues to pop up through the podcast, not just with our emotions but with our desires as well. Kyle shares how a false identity statement he had carried for years was exposed in a recent conversation with a friend. That invites them to pick up the thread of their conversation three weeks ago about the deep well of desire that exists in the human heart for a connection to God. Recognizing that deeper desire will help us see that most of our surface desires are attempts to fill a place they cannot fill. So, how do we deal with unmet desire, or even the disappointment of having others sidetrack something beautiful God began through a community? And what if our unfulfilled desires are an invitation into a more spacious trust? Podcast Notes: The video version of this podcast. (Due to FB policy, this link is only good for thirty days from the date of posting.) The JUST LOVE Conversations in Kansas City Get your copy of Just Love The post The Thirst Beneath Our Desires (#1040) first appeared on The God Journey.

"The God Journey has been a long conversation about what happens when faith migrates from obligation into love." That's how ChatGPT summarized the twenty-two-year history of The God Journey. Kyle and Wayne were blessedly shocked at how ChatGPT captured the heart of this journey with uncanny clarity as it synthesized the trajectory of The God Journey over the past twenty-two years. What began as a refuge for people exhausted by religious performance and disillusioned with institutional Christianity has slowly matured into a broader exploration of trust, healing, justice, and love. They add their own thoughts to this AI assessment, delighting in how the podcast has moved from helping people understand their frustrations, but more importantly, to discovering what Father was inviting them into—a life grounded in affection rather than obligation. They also explore the promise and peril of AI, especially in spiritual conversations, where tools can serve reflection but never replace relationships. At its core, this episode celebrates a long, unfolding invitation to inhabit love in the world. Podcast Notes: The video version of this podcast (Due to FB policy, this link is only good for thirty days from the date of posting.) The full summary from ChatGPT Get your copy of Just Love The post How AI Summarized The God Journey (#1036) first appeared on The God Journey.

"How is the vision impacting you?" Wayne and Kyle begin with brief conversations about the permanence of love and how we are worthy of God's love not by merit, but because of the value he sees in us. After that, they circle back for a further discussion about Wayne's vision shared in the last two podcasts, responding to comments and questions others have made. They talk about what it means to him, how it unfolds, and what he would say to those who want similar experiences. They talk about an image of the living words of God. Rather than treating these experiences as something to chase, Wayne reflects on how they deepen the ordinary ways he has long known Jesus: quiet nudges, inner thoughts, and growing trust. These glimpses are expanding his heart beyond personal encounter into a wider hope for God’s love at work in the world. Podcast Notes: The video version of this podcast (Due to FB policy, this link is only good for thirty days from the date of posting.) Get your copy of Just Love The post Reflections on Wayne’s Vision (#1035) first appeared on The God Journey.

Perception is its own reality, false though it may be. The podcast begins with a brief conversation about the trajectory of life, Kyle looking forward to what might lie ahead, and Wayne glancing back in gratefulness at how Jesus has walked with him. Then, they look at perceptions—how people perceive God and how they think he perceives them. They talk about those who see God as a demanding taskmaster, those who respond to him as his wrath drives them, and what people make of unanswered prayers. How does God want us to perceive him, and what is he thinking when he looks at you? A reference from Exodus, of all places, shows us how God wants to be known. Podcast Notes: The video version of this podcast Just Love, referred to in this podcast, is a book Wayne is writing with Tobie van der Westhuizen from South Africa. We hope to have it available later this month. The post How God Sees You (#1023) first appeared on The God Journey.

Where do you place your hope in the midst of difficult times? Kyle is finding that more and more people are turning to AI as a source of hope and direction because they don't have relationships that encourage and inspire them. Can AI be a spiritual advisor, or even a conduit to God? Or, is it becoming a golden calf for those who don't feel God's presence and wisdom aren't tangible enough? Wayne and Kyle talk about our substitutes for presence and community, as well as the addictive nature of AI's Positive Validation Feedback Loop that keeps people engaged by telling them what they want to hear. Authenticity can only be found in our connection to Jesus and in the community of fellow-travelers that he places around us. Podcast Notes: The video version of this podcast Just Love, referred to in this podcast, is a book Wayne is writing with Tobie van der Westhuizen from South Africa. We hope to have it available later this month. The post AI and the Golden Calf (#1021) first appeared on The God Journey.

How do you view friendships around you, especially those that may be short-lived? Do you shy away, not wanting to get hurt, exploit them for what you can get, or engage them as an opportunity to share life, even if it won't last long? Wayne and Kyle discuss what a healthy mindset looks like as we engage others, whether it be short-term or long-term. Be true to your "yuck meter" so you won't be manipulated. Learn the power of active listening as a gift to give others by giving them your full attention, a curious mind, and a calm presence, while resisting the desire to make judgments or give advice. Of course, all of that begins in our growing trust in Father's love and realizing that anything that argues against our belovedness to him is a lie we need to walk away from. Podcast Notes: The video version of this podcast My Friend Luis podcast My Grandmother's Hands by Resmaa Menakem. Quote Wayne read on the podcast: “Talking with another person to process what you learned or experienced doesn't mean having a friendly chat with them. It means describing an event that had meaning for you, while the other person listens with caring, full attention, a calm presence, and a settled body. This might involve both of you letting you tremble, cry, sway, shake your head, or move your body in some other way as it metabolizes the experience. Therapists call this active listening. Being an active listener involves not interrupting; not making judgments; not asking questions other than to make sure you understand; not giving advice or offering explanations; and not jumping in with a story of your own. It's important to reach out to others for this type of support. It's just as important to allow others to reach out to you for it.” Just Love, referred to in this podcast, is a book Wayne is writing with Tobie van der Westhuizen from South Africa. We hope to have it available in February 2026.  The post Toward Relational Wholeness (#1019) first appeared on The God Journey.