The Aspen Collective

I find it increasingly difficult to listen to Christian music. Primarily because most songs tend to be self-centered. Just because something is labeled as "Christian" doesn't mean it's good for you. What does the Bible say about this? Why does it matter?

In the past year I have put together quite a few puzzles. Everytime I open a brand new puzzle I'm struck with how much faith I have that everything is contained inside that box. I have ZERO doubts that I have all the pieces I need to make the picture on the outside. Why is my faith in God not more like that?

I tend to ignore the road signs that say, "Caution: Slippery When Wet" because I've seen them so many times. There are warnings in the Bible that often get overlooked, maybe because they are too hard or too heavy to think about. Today, I talk about one of those warnings.

Excuse the audio in today's episode. I was experimenting.

Did you know that the God who created the universe also knows the number of hairs on your head? It's true. What does that say about the kind of God He longs to be? Does it paint a picture of a far-off God who doesn't care about you? I don't think so. Take a listen as I share about purchasing the wrong kind of makeup reminds me of the intimacy of our Heavenly Father.

Birds are skittish creatures, and I think we tend to be like them when God prompts us to do something out of our comfort zone. What if we reacted differently next time God tugs on your heart? You might just be surprised at what God can do through your obedience.

Are you married? If yes, this episode is for you! I have been married for 25+ years, but having and maintaining unity is hard. Very hard. But guess what? It's not impossible. God designed a husband and wife to be one. I pray today's episode will offer some helpful encouragement in how to promote unity in your relationship with your spouse. 

Have you ever felt completely out of place? Like you didn't belong? You are not alone. There are numerous examples of people who found themselves in similar circumstances in the Bible. Join me as we take a look at some of those examples and glean from their experiences.

Episode Correction: The portion of scripture I use is Genesis 37-45, not 40-45.

Are you struggling with feelings of inadequacy? Do you feel like you don't have what it takes to accomplish what God has called you to? Don't fret! He has given us a promise that you can hold on to when you're in doubt. 

I pray these episodes leave you feeling challenged and encouraged to dive deeper into your relationship with the Lord. You will never regret time spent with Him.

I'd love to hear from you! Shoot me an email at chrisamybender@gmail.com.

I've been distracted lately. I've also been feeling a bit down and discontent. Over the years I have learned what causes this and today I am sharing about how I remedy this. 

I pray these episodes leave you feeling challenged and encouraged to dive deeper into your relationship with the Lord. You will never regret time spent with Him.

I'd love to hear from you! Shoot me an email at chrisamybender@gmail.com.

What verse are you holding on to for hope right now? Did you know that His Word offers hope for every situation that you face? If you haven't found a verse or a passage that speaks truth to your current struggle, then it's time to dig in!

I pray these episodes leave you feeling challenged and encouraged to dive deeper into your relationship with the Lord. You will never regret time spent with Him.

I'd love to hear from you! Shoot me an email at chrisamybender@gmail.com.

Last night I realized that my fears and insecurities were holding me back from being fully obedient. Back in July of 2021, God asked me to do something but I only partially obeyed. In fact, this podcast is a direct result of that day back in July. In today's episode I share how God gently corrected me and gave me the courage to step out in faith.

I pray these episodes leave you feeling challenged and encouraged to dive deeper into your relationship with the Lord. You will never regret time spent with Him.

I'd love to hear from you! Shoot me an email at chrisamybender@gmail.com.

This episode originally aired in March of 2022. 

I pray these episodes leave you feeling challenged and encouraged to dive deeper into your relationship with the Lord. You will never regret time spent with Him.

I'd love to hear from you! Shoot me an email at chrisamybender@gmail.com.

Jesus was a perfect example of how we should live our lives. Often I forget some of the basic things He did, that I also need to do. 

I pray these episodes leave you feeling challenged and encouraged to dive deeper into your relationship with the Lord. You will never regret time spent with Him.

I'd love to hear from you! Shoot me an email at chrisamybender@gmail.com.

We have forgotten that following Christ comes at a great cost. All through the Bible we see examples of people laying their lives down for the sake of obedience. Are you willing to pay the price? 

I pray these episodes leave you feeling challenged and encouraged to dive deeper into your relationship with the Lord. You will never regret time spent with Him.

I'd love to hear from you! Shoot me an email at chrisamybender@gmail.com.

Today's episode is short and sweet. Find a reason to be thankful. It will shift your perspective. 

I pray these episodes leave you feeling challenged and encouraged to dive deeper into your relationship with the Lord. You will never regret time spent with Him.

I'd love to hear from you! Shoot me an email at chrisamybender@gmail.com.

This episode originally aired in December of 2021.

I pray these episodes leave you feeling challenged and encouraged to dive deeper into your relationship with the Lord. You will never regret time spent with Him.

I'd love to hear from you! Shoot me an email at chrisamybender@gmail.com.

All of us have feelings, but in a world where we're encouraged to embrace our feelings it can be difficult to navigate them in a Godly way. A majority of the time I don't believe our feelings give an accurate representation of what is really going on around us or even inside us. Today's episode gives some encouragement and a challenge on how to handle this tricky topic.

I pray these episodes leave you feeling challenged and encouraged to dive deeper into your relationship with the Lord. You will never regret time spent with Him.

I'd love to hear from you! Shoot me an email at chrisamybender@gmail.com.

This episode ranks as one of my favorite topics. It grieves me that so many believers get so caught up in searching for their "purpose." I don't see anywhere in the Bible where that mindset is taught. What if instead we shifted our thinking? What if you realized that your sole purpose was to know God? When your heart is set on that purpose, everything else comes out of that - ministry, career, family, etc. - because then you are living in constant communion with the Lord and He can truly direct each of your steps. 

This episode originally aired in December of 2021. 

I pray these episodes leave you feeling challenged and encouraged to dive deeper into your relationship with the Lord. You will never regret time spent with Him.

I'd love to hear from you! Shoot me an email at chrisamybender@gmail.com.

I pray these episodes leave you feeling challenged and encouraged to dive deeper into your relationship with the Lord. You will never regret time spent with Him.

I'd love to hear from you! Shoot me an email at chrisamybender@gmail.com.

This episode originally aired in December of 2021. 

I pray these episodes leave you feeling challenged and encouraged to dive deeper into your relationship with the Lord. You will never regret time spent with Him.

I'd love to hear from you! Shoot me an email at chrisamybender@gmail.com.

One simple question - what are you living for? Before you give a quick answer, stop and consider....What motivates your daily decisions in life? Is it your children, your spouse, your career, or something? If you're a believer, then the answer should only consist of one thing. God. 

I pray these episodes leave you feeling challenged and encouraged to dive deeper into your relationship with the Lord. You will never regret time spent with Him.

I'd love to hear from you! Shoot me an email at chrisamybender@gmail.com.

This podcast originally aired in November of 2021. 

I pray these episodes leave you feeling challenged and encouraged to dive deeper into your relationship with the Lord. You will never regret time spent with Him.

I'd love to hear from you! Shoot me an email at chrisamybender@gmail.com.