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Detours

by Michael Snyder & Deb Marsalisi

Season 7

The Marriage Jesus Models

What if one of the greatest keys to a thriving marriage isn't romance—it's friendship? In this episode of Detours, we explore God's design for marriage as a relationship built on genuine friendship, not just commitment or chemistry. We'll talk about the difference between loving your spouse and actually liking them, why shared joy and companionship matter, and how Jesus models this perfectly as the Bridegroom who doesn't merely love His Bride—He delights in her. If you're single, dating, engaged, or married, this conversation will challenge you to pursue the kind of relationship that reflects the heart of Christ.

Following Jesus in a Divided World

Following Jesus isn't always easy—especially when your faith is tested at home and in the public square. In this episode, we tackle two challenging questions that many Christians are asking today: What if your spouse doesn't believe? and Has Christianity become too political? We'll explore what Scripture says about loving and honoring an unbelieving spouse without compromising your faith, and we'll discuss how Christians can faithfully engage political issues while keeping their ultimate allegiance to Jesus Christ. From navigating spiritual differences in marriage to resisting the temptation to let politics shape our theology, this conversation is centered on one truth: our identity is found first and foremost in Christ. Whether you're facing tension in your home, wrestling with today's political climate, or simply seeking biblical wisdom for an increasingly divided world, this episode will encourage you to stand firmly on God's Word while extending the grace and love of Christ to those around you.

Handling Church Wounds

Church hurt is one of the most painful experiences a believer can face. When the place that was supposed to bring healing becomes the source of the wound, it can leave us questioning our faith, our community, and sometimes even God Himself. In this episode of Detours, we tackle the difficult question: "What do you do after church hurt?" We discuss why hurt within the church cuts so deeply, the difference between being offended and being wounded, how to navigate forgiveness, and what it looks like to trust Jesus when His people have let you down. Whether you've walked away from church, are struggling to stay connected, or are helping someone who has been hurt, this conversation offers biblical encouragement, practical wisdom, and hope for the journey ahead. Because while people may fail us, Jesus never will.

The Hot Seat: Q&A

This season of Detours dives into some of the hardest and most honest questions people ask about Christianity and the Bible. Why does God seem different in the Old Testament? Did Jesus really claim to be God? What do we do with difficult Bible passages that make us uncomfortable or confused? Through thoughtful conversations, real questions, and honest wrestling with faith, this series explores the tension between doubt, truth, and belief without avoiding the difficult parts. Whether you’re deeply rooted in faith, questioning everything, or somewhere in between, these episodes are an invitation to engage the conversation honestly.

Season 6

Repentance vs. Regret

Two people encountered Jesus. Both were confronted with their sin. Both had a chance to respond. But one walked into restoration—and the other into destruction. In this episode, we explore the powerful contrast between repentance and regret through the lives of Zacchaeus, Judas Iscariot, Peter, and others. What’s the difference between feeling sorry and actually being changed? Why does one response lead to life, while the other leads to isolation? 2 Corinthians 7:10 tells us that godly sorrow leads to repentance and life, while worldly sorrow leads to death. This conversation unpacks what that really looks like in everyday life. If you’ve ever wrestled with guilt, shame, or wondering how to truly come back to God—this episode is for you.

Weapons of Spiritual Warfare

Every believer faces a battle. It’s not against people—it’s against unseen forces seeking to steal your peace, distort your identity, and derail your faith. But here’s the good news: victory has already been won through Christ Jesus. In this episode, we unpack Ephesians 6:10–20 and explore the armor God has given you to stand firm: the Belt of Truth, the Breastplate of Righteousness, the Shoes of the Gospel of Peace, the Shield of Faith, the Helmet of Salvation, and the Sword of the Spirit. We’ll break down what each piece means, how to apply it in daily life, and how prayer activates your spiritual defenses. Walk away with practical steps to recognize the lies of the Enemy, replace them with God’s truth, and stand immovable in the power and victory of Christ. Whether you’ve been a Christian for years or are new to this journey, this teaching will help you fight—not for victory—but from victory.

Worship First

How do you usually begin your prayers? For many of us, prayer starts with requests—needs, worries, burdens, and long lists of things we hope God will do. And while God absolutely invites us to bring those things to Him, the early church showed us a different starting point. In Acts of the Apostles 4:24, after being threatened by the Sanhedrin, the believers gathered together to pray. But before they asked for protection… before they asked for boldness… they began with worship: “Sovereign Lord, you made the heavens and the earth and the sea, and everything in them.” In this episode of Detours, we explore why adoration is such a powerful starting place for prayer and how beginning with worship can completely shift our perspective. You’ll also be introduced to the simple and helpful ACTS model of prayer—Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, and Supplication—not as a rigid formula, but as a gentle guide to deepen your conversations with God. Whether your prayers feel rushed, repetitive, or uncertain, this episode offers encouragement and practical reflection to help you slow down, lift your eyes, and remember who you’re speaking to. Because sometimes the most powerful change in prayer happens before we ask. To avoid the "disappointed wife look", here's Deb's devo we based our episode on: https://docs.google.com/document/d/11f60uJNoRDVvfJWnx9NutwZcLscUPWvw1dmdAaNVaMo/edit?usp=sharing

The Humility of God

What does it mean to say that God chose humility? In The Humility of God, we examine one of the most uncomfortable images in Scripture: the worm. Drawing from Psalm 22, Isaiah 66, and Jesus’ own words in Mark 9, this episode explores how the Bible uses an image of weakness, decay, and insignificance to reveal something shocking about God’s character. We look closely at the crimson (coccus) worm—a tiny creature whose life cycle involves self-giving, suffering, and a blood-red stain—and why ancient readers would have immediately understood its symbolic weight. Far from being accidental or grotesque, this imagery points to a God who does not cling to power, but willingly lowers Himself for the sake of others. This episode invites us to reconsider greatness, strength, and glory—not as domination or distance, but as sacrificial love. The humility of God is not a contradiction. It is the revelation.

Calling vs. Self Ambition

In this episode, we explore the tension between ambition and calling and why confusing the two can lead to burnout, frustration, and misplaced identity. Is ambition inherently bad, or can it coexist with a God-given calling? How do you discern whether you are pursuing something because it fuels your ego or because it aligns with God’s purpose for your life? We unpack the differences between personal ambition and spiritual calling, how culture often rewards achievement over obedience, and the subtle ways ambition can masquerade as faith. This conversation dives into biblical perspective, practical self-reflection, and real-life examples to help you evaluate your motivations and realign your pursuits with what truly matters. If you’ve ever wrestled with questions about purpose, success, career, ministry, or direction, this episode will challenge you to slow down, listen closely, and ask whether you are chasing what you want or responding to what God is calling you to do.

A Conversation with Gen Z

In this episode of Detours, we sit down with some in Gen Z for an honest, eye-opening conversation about faith, doubt, purpose, and what following Jesus looks like in today’s world. Her questions are bold, their perspectives are refreshing, and their desire for authenticity challenges all of us to think differently about how we engage the next generation. Whether you’re a parent, a pastor, a young adult, or simply someone who wants to understand the heart of Gen Z, this episode offers a candid look at what matters most to them—and what the Church can learn when we stop talking at them and start listening to them. Join us for a conversation full of honesty, hope, and the reminder that God is moving in every generation.

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