Not Crushing It

In Part 4 of the “How to Be Still” series, Emily and Isaac explore the spiritual surrender at the heart of Zechariah 4:6: “Not by might, nor by power, but by My Spirit,” says the Lord Almighty. Through the story of Zerubbabel and the rebuilding of the temple, this episode examines the tension between human effort and divine grace, reminding us that the Kingdom of God is never advanced through striving, control, or self-sufficiency, but through dependence on the Holy Spirit. This episode is a call to lay down the exhausting burden of “being god” over our own lives and instead enter the restful obedience where God’s Spirit accomplishes what human strength never could.

In Part 3 of our How to Be Still mini-series, we explore one of the hardest parts of stillness: our words.What does it mean to practice “Be Still My Mouth” in a world that rewards constant commentary, venting, reacting, and noise? Together, we unpack the biblical connection between stillness and speech—looking at the power of the tongue, the danger of restless words, and how silence can create space to actually hear God.If your mind feels scattered, your conversations feel circular, or your heart is struggling to hear God, this episode is for you.“Be still my mind. Be still my mouth. Be still my might.”

In this episode of the Not Crushing It Podcast, Isaac and Emily Gay begin a 3-part series on learning to “be still and know that He is God,” starting with the phrase "be still my mind." In this episode they unpack how worry often shapes our thoughts and behaviors. Together, they explore practical ways to take anxious thoughts captive, replace lies with God’s truth, and break free from the spinning cycle of fear. If you’ve been feeling anxious, mentally exhausted, stuck in fear, or desperate for peace, this episode is an invitation to slow down, be still, and discover the peace of God that guards both heart and mind.We hope this episode empowers you to enter into new freedom today!

In this episode of the Not Crushing It Podcast, hosts Isaac and Emily Gay explore what it really means to “be still.”Through personal story, biblical context, and honest reflection, Emily opens up about a moment when her body forced her to slow down—and how that physical stillness exposed a deeper struggle to trust God’s control over her life. What began as frustration turned into a profound invitation: not just to believe in God’s power, but to trust His leadership.Looking at the historical and biblical context of Psalm 46 in light of the story of the Red Sea, they reveal that stillness has never been about a calm environment or passively waiting—it’s about anchoring yourself in God’s presence, even when everything around you feels unstable.In this introductory episode, Isaac and Emily offer a simple, practical framework to help you live this out in real time that they will unpack in the episodes to come: Be still my mind. Be still my mouth. Be still my might.This conversation reframes stillness as surrender—not resignation, but a releasing of control. It’s about trusting God in the present, remembering His faithfulness in the past, and letting go of outcomes in the future. We hope you join us for the journey.

Filmed LIVE at The Chapel during the Spark Conference—a young adult gathering— hosts Isaac and Emily Gay explore the powerful story of Moses and the burning bush. Together, they unpack the truth that in the wilderness, God prunes us and prepares us so that we can become carriers of His presence. What may feel like a delay or setback to us is often what God uses to form us —where identity is cemented, dependence on God is deepened, and character is shaped.Whether you’re in a season of waiting, transition, or stepping into something new, this episode offers the reminder: God is at work even in the wilderness. You are not forgotten—you are being refined.

In this episode of the Not Crushing It Podcast, hosts Isaac and Emily Gay explore the deep, pursuing love of God through the powerful story of Hosea—just in time for Valentine’s Day.As this cultural celebration of love approaches, this season can stir longing, gratitude, comparison, or even loneliness. Together, Isaac and Emily offer a hopeful perspective by turning to one of Scripture’s most vivid pictures of covenant love. Through Hosea’s story, they unpack how God responds to human unfaithfulness not with rejection, but with relentless pursuit, restoration, and compassion.They reflect on what it means to truly know God and how modern idols can subtly shape our hearts. The book of Hosea reveals a love that heals, renames, and restores what feels broken beyond repair.Whether Valentine’s Day feels joyful, complicated, or heavy this year, this episode offers the reminder: you are already deeply loved, fully known, and chosen by God. You’ll walk away assured and invited to experience His love in a deeper way—with less hype and more hope.

In this episode of the Not Crushing It Podcast, hosts Isaac and Emily Gay continue their conversation on biblical boldness with special guest Ashley Anderson—former missions pastor turned missionary to the Middle East—who brings both wisdom and real-world experience to the table.Ashley shares two practical, accessible tools to help you share the gospel with confidence, clarity, and genuine invitation. Whether you’ve felt intimidated by evangelism or unsure how to begin meaningful spiritual conversations, this episode offers simple frameworks that move faith-sharing from awkward obligation to sincere, Spirit-led engagement.Together, Isaac, Emily, and Ashley explore how evangelism doesn’t have to feel forced or formulaic. Instead, it can become a natural overflow of love, curiosity, and obedience—creating space for others to encounter Jesus in authentic ways. You’ll walk away not only encouraged, but genuinely excited to put these tools into practice in your everyday life.If you’ve been longing to share your faith with greater courage and joy, this conversation will leave you equipped, inspired, and ready to step into the adventure of joining God in what He’s already doing around you.

In this episode of the Not Crushing It Podcast, hosts Isaac and Emily Gay follow up their conversation on biblical boldness and what that really looks like—especially when it comes to sharing the gospel. Using a past–present–future framework, Isaac and Emily name the real hindrances many of us face in living and speaking boldly about our faith. We can feel disqualified by our past, weighed down by mistakes or shame. We may feel ill-equipped in our present, unsure if we know enough, are spiritual enough, or have what it takes. Or struggle with fear of future outcomes—rejection, misunderstanding, or relational cost. Isaac and Emily share hope for overcoming each of these hindrances—leaving you feeling empowered to step out boldly in sharing your faith, enter into meaningful kingdom work, and have a whole lot of fun along the way! Rather than calling listeners to try harder or be louder, this conversation reframes boldness as something that is received and released through relationship with the Holy Spirit.

In this episode of the Not Crushing It Podcast, hosts Isaac and Emily Gay explore what biblical boldness really looks like—especially when it comes to sharing the gospel. Drawing from the account of Peter and John in Acts chapter 4, they unpack how true boldness is formed not through force or fear, but through intimacy with God.Isaac and Emily challenge the common misconception that being bold for God means overpowering others with our beliefs. Instead, they reveal that gospel boldness flows from sensitivity to the Holy Spirit—learning to recognize and respond to the moments God is already inviting us into.Through Scripture, reflection, and honest conversation, they show how confidence in sharing our faith grows as we are shaped by God’s presence rather than pressured by performance. This episode offers a freeing vision of boldness rooted in obedience, humility, and trust.Join the conversation as Isaac and Emily invite you into a deeper confidence—one marked by attentiveness to the Spirit and courage to say yes when God opens the door.

✨ Advent Reflection: Love — A Less Hype, More Hope ChristmasJoin Isaac and Emily for a worshipful Advent reflection on Love—the love that is both the source and fulfillment of all our waiting.In 1 John 4:9–12, we are reminded that love begins with God: not that we loved Him, but that He loved us, sending His Son so that we might live through Him. Our world often defines love by comfort and fulfillment, but the love of Jesus is measured by sacrifice. It is this self-giving love that transforms our hearts. This Advent, let’s embrace a less hype, more hope kind of love.

✨ Advent Reflection: Joy — A Less Hype, More Hope Christmas Join Isaac and Emily for a worshipful Advent reflection on Joy—a joy rooted not in circumstances, but in the nearness of God.In Luke 2:8–14, the shepherds hear the angel’s announcement: “I bring you good news of great joy.” Heaven breaks into the ordinary as the Savior is revealed, and peace is proclaimed on earth.Advent joy is not naïve. It does not ignore pain—it rests in the truth that redemption has entered the world. True biblical joy is less of something you choose and more the realization that Someone has chosen you. From that knowing flows deep, lasting joy.This Advent, let's welcome a less hype, more hope kind of joy.

✨ Advent Week 2: Peace — A Less Hype, More Hope ChristmasJoin Isaac and Emily for a worshipful reflection on Peace—an invitation to slow down, breathe, and welcome the Prince of Peace into every area of your life this season.In Luke 2:1–7, we find ourselves in Bethlehem, where Jesus entered our world with no room available for Him. And yet, the One who was placed in a manger is the One who brings shalom—the deep, holistic peace that makes us whole: peace with God, peace with others, peace with ourselves, and peace with the very places God has planted us.As we reflect on Micah 5:4–5, we rest in the promise that He Himself will be our peace. Set aside a moment to invite Christ’s peace to shepherd your heart today.

✨ Advent Week 1: Hope — A Less Hype, More Hope ChristmasJoin Isaac and Emily as we begin Advent with a simple, worshipful reflection on Hope—an invitation to a less hype, more hope Christmas season.Isaiah 9:2–7 reminds us that a great Light has dawned and that the Messiah carries the government—and our burdens—on His shoulders. Whatever feels heavy this Christmas, Christ has come to shatter every yoke and bring freedom.Take a moment to breathe, pray, and cast your cares on Him.Even in darkness, our hope is secure in the God who never forgets His people.

In this episode of the Not Crushing It Podcast, Isaac and Emily explore the beauty of the Union Stage—the stage of faith marked by deep communion with Christ, trust in Him, experiencing the fruit of full surrender. Isaac and Emily describe how, in this stage, believers often experience profound peace—not because they have “figured it all out” or have all the answers, but because they have learned to trust God and can rest knowing God is guiding them, even when the path is unclear.Yet, they also stress that we are never meant to grow complacent here. The stages of faith are not linear milestones, but cyclical movements of grace. The Union Stage, while beautiful, is not a final destination. God continually leads us back through each stage of faith, and with every return, we are drawn into greater wholeness and the expanding fullness of Christ in us.

In this episode, Isaac and Emily walk listeners through the Unraveling Stage, the stage of our faith journey where God lovingly exposes our false assumptions, misguided theology, and self-reliant patterns.They share how unraveling is not a sign of spiritual collapse but often the work of the Spirit sanctifying us—pruning what cannot bear fruit so that deeper trust can take root.Drawing from Scripture and church history, they explore how believers throughout the ages have faced seasons of uncertainty, doubt, and stretching—and how these moments, approached honestly, can lead to profound closeness with God. They offer both cautions and encouragement for walking through this stage with wisdom and hope.They also remind us that unraveling is not a detour but a rhythm we return to repeatedly. Across the Christian life, God continually invites us to release what does not align with His truth, not to punish us but to give us more freedom. so we can grow into greater maturity and freedom in Christ.Ultimately, Isaac and Emily remind us that unraveling isn’t punishment, but a sacred invitation for God to purify our faith—an unfamiliar process at times, yet one that leads us into deeper hope, greater freedom, and maturity in Christ.

In this episode of the Not Crushing It Podcast, Isaac and Emily explore the profound mystery of the Unveiling Stage—the moment when the Holy Spirit opens our eyes to the reality of Jesus and the beauty of the gospel. They unpack how revelation—not effort—initiates our journey with God, reshaping how we see Him, ourselves, and the world.They discuss the benefits of how this first stage of faith is often filled with joy, discovery, and spiritual hunger, while also identifying the pitfalls to be aware of while in this stage of faith. Isaac and Emily remind us that unveiling isn’t a one-time moment but a recurring grace. Throughout our lives we return to this stage of faith and each time God continues to reveal new layers of His character and love, inviting us again and again to see Jesus more clearly and grow our intimacy with Him.

In this episode of the Not Crushing It Podcast, hosts Isaac and Emily Gay unpack what it truly means to enter into faith in Jesus. They unpack the truth that saving faith isn’t something we earn—it’s a gift we receive. Yet, like any living thing, faith can grow and mature over time.Isaac and Emily explore this growth through three key stages of our walk with Jesus: the Unveiling Stage, the Unraveling Stage, and the Union Stage. They share how recognizing where you are in this journey can help you nurture your relationship with God, offering both perspective and hope.Importantly, they remind us that moving through these stages isn’t about graduating from one to the next—it’s about learning to delight in the One who you are progressing with. Learning to respond to God’s continual invitation to go deeper. Throughout life, we’ll revisit each stage again and again, each time uncovering fresh layers of love, surrender, and intimacy with Him.This conversation invites you to embrace the next step of your growth.

In this inaugural episode of the Not Crushing It podcast, Emily and Isaac share about their journey of faith as followers of Jesus who found themselves confronted with the realities of their misconceptions about what being a disciple of Jesus really means. Through the process of asking what real hope in Jesus actually looks like, they share what they’ve discovered: following Jesus isn’t always “up and to the right.”But here’s the good news: Jesus never promised us a perfect, polished life. He never asked us to have it all together in order to be loved or to be useful in His kingdom. In fact, it’s quite the opposite.In this episode, they share their new way of seeing God, success, and what it truly means to live a faithful life. Through stories and honest conversation, they offer a vision of hope: that even when faith feels dry and expectations fall apart, God is nearer than you think, and your life can still bear redemptive consequence.If you’ve ever felt disillusioned, burnt out, or bored in your faith, this episode is for you.