What does it really mean to live bold as a lion?

In this powerful episode of Be the Encounter Podcast, James & Katie unpack the biblical call to courage through Proverbs 28:1 and reveal the deeper meaning behind a lion's roar—hunger, territory, and identity—and how it applies to your spiritual life.

From the Roman context of Jesus' words to the truth about the Armor of God (and why you were never meant to retreat), this episode is a wake-up call to stop fearing the battle and start advancing in it. If you've been distracted, passive, or unsure of your authority in Christ, this conversation will challenge you to rise, take your place, and feast on what God has already prepared.

It's time to remember who you are—and live like it. 🦁🔥

TOPICS:

(0:38) Today's Topic: Being Bold as a Lion

(1:24) Jesus: Lamb of God AND Lion of Judah

(1:59) The Armor of God: Full Frontal, No Back Coverage

(3:00) Advancing the Kingdom, Not Running from It

(4:09) The Meaning of Ecclesia & the Roman Apostle

(7:18) Three Reasons Lions Roar: Hunger, Territory & Creation

(8:15) Hunger: Those Who Hunger & Thirst for Righteousness

(9:16) What Are You Really Hungry For?

(13:30) Territory: Expanding Your Tent Pegs

(15:35) Hebrew Words for Lion: Youth, Cubs & Proximity to God

(18:31) Creation: Redeeming Regions, Government, Business & Culture

(20:21) Lions Don't Rule Apathetically — Neither Should We

(20:49) No Weapon Formed Against You Will Prosper

(21:13) David & Bathsheba: The Danger of Leaving the Battle

(21:55) Where Have You Stepped Out of Alignment?

(25:31) Psalm 23:5: God Prepares a Feast in the Presence of Your Enemies

(26:03) Stop Fixating on the Enemy — Enjoy What God Prepared

(27:17) Don't Let the Gnats Distract You from Your Destiny

(28:19) Closing Prayer

LINKS:

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In this episode of Be the Encounter Podcast, James & Katie explore the story of Gideon from Judges 6, drawing parallels to modern Christian family life. They discuss how Gideon transformed from a fearful man raised in idolatry into a mighty warrior for God by confronting generational sin. James and Katie emphasize parents' responsibility as spiritual gatekeepers, the importance of breaking family curses through righteous action, and equipping children with spiritual discernment. They encourage listeners to identify strongholds in their own lives, put on the full armor of God, and take a bold stand for righteousness.

(0:49) Old Testament Focus: Judges

(1:12) Jael's Story & Spiritual Readiness

(2:59) Transition to Gideon

(3:24) Gideon's Background & Generational Idolatry

(9:05) Setting Spiritual Boundaries

(14:21) Parenting & Spiritual Gatekeeping

(17:38) Impact of Environment & Discernment

(19:19) Practical Gatekeeping & Spiritual Awareness

(23:02) Modern Idolatry & Spiritual Consequences

(24:26) Gideon's Confrontation & Breaking Patterns

(27:19) Transformation Through Righteousness

(28:31) Personal Testimony: Family Transformation

(31:20) Religious Performance vs. True Surrender

(32:43) Power of Spiritual Stand & Identity Shift

(33:44) Armor of God & Spiritual Warfare

(38:52) Call to Courage & Prayer

(39:54) Conclusion & Call to Action

Website: BeTheEncounter.com

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Email: info@betheencounter.com

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In this episode of Be The Encounter Podcast, hosts James & Katie wrap up their exploration of spiritual discernment, focusing on the Hebrew words "ra'ah" and "shama," and their role in recognizing God's presence and activity. They discuss how discernment is often misunderstood in the church, share personal stories of obedience, and emphasize the importance of awareness, healing, and spiritual growth. The episode encourages listeners to pursue personal encounters with God, steward His revelations faithfully, and allow the Holy Spirit to transform their lives, ultimately fostering deeper intimacy with God and genuine change within the church community.

(0:39) Recap & Introduction to Ra'ah: Spiritual Perception

(8:05) Ra'ah in Isaiah & Spiritual Hunger

(13:10) Church, Growth, and Discernment

(18:22) Introduction to Shama: Stewarding What You Hear

(27:01) Delighting in God & Transformation

(33:31) Faithfulness, Discernment, and Living Set Apart

(39:13) Responding to God's Heart & Closing

Website: BeTheEncounter.com

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Email: info@betheencounter.com

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In this episode of Be the Encounter Podcast, James & Katie continue their series on spiritual discernment, focusing on the concept of "nakar"—the ability to spiritually inspect and perceive what God is highlighting. They share biblical insights, personal stories, and practical advice on recognizing spiritual cues, understanding life's seasons, and acting in faith. The Trents encourage listeners to overcome fear, embrace their unique callings, and trust God's timing. The episode concludes with a prayer for boldness and discernment, inviting listeners to step into their God-given assignments and impact their communities.

(0:39) Series Context & Introduction to "nakar"

(2:26) Spiritual Perception & Testimonies

(6:25) Living on Assignment & Everyday Influence

(11:18) Discernment in Relationships & Seasons

(25:28) Growth, Obedience, and Provision

(33:46) Intentional Parenting, Boldness, & Closing Prayer

Website: BeTheEncounter.com

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Email: info@betheencounter.com

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In this episode of Be The Encounter Podcast, hosts James & Katie continue exploring biblical discernment, focusing on the Hebrew word yada—to know, recognize, or perceive. They discuss how true discernment grows from intimacy with God, cultivated through abiding, worship, and praise. Using personal stories and biblical examples, they emphasize that worship is not just a ritual but a spiritual weapon that activates discernment, breaks strongholds, and brings transformation. Listeners are challenged to move beyond passive church attendance into a vibrant, Spirit-led life marked by deep intimacy, obedience, and authentic worship.

TOPICS:

(1:10) Senses in Discernment

(4:56) Knowing God's Voice & Obedience

(8:40) Abiding, Pruning, and Bearing Fruit

(12:16) Praise, Worship, and Church Culture

(18:36) Praise as Spiritual Warfare & Prophetic Action

(25:28) Intimacy, Hearing God's Voice, and Legacy

(35:18) Discernment, David's Worship, and Call to Intimacy

(39:23) Closing Prayer & Blessing

LINKS:

Website: BeTheEncounter.com

Facebook: @BeTheEncounter

Instagram: @BeTheEncounter

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Email: info@betheencounter.com

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Website: KingdomEncounterCenter.com

When Discernment Isn't What You Think It Is

What if discernment is more than a gut feeling… more than suspicion… more than calling out what's wrong?

In this powerful kickoff to a brand-new multi-week series, James and Katie dive deep into one of the most misunderstood spiritual topics in the Church: discernment.

Moving beyond surface-level definitions, they explore five distinct Hebrew words used in Scripture for discernment—beginning with "Bin"—a word that means to separate, distinguish, and authenticate truth from error. This isn't about criticism. It's about clarity. It's about developing the ability to rightly divide what is from what isn't.

James and Katie share candid stories from their twenties—moments where they had to learn discernment the hard way. They unpack why fear is not discernment, how suspicion can masquerade as spirituality, and why God is calling believers to develop their own spiritual radar instead of outsourcing their convictions to someone else's voice.

If you want to grow in spiritual maturity, make wise God-honoring decisions, and anchor your faith in truth rather than trends, this episode will challenge and equip you.

This is just the beginning.

(1:50) Personal Journey with Discernment

(5:20) Bin: Understanding & Separating Truth

(14:00) Fear vs. Discernment

(19:50) The Prophetic & Testing Fruit

(29:20) Personal Discernment Over Others' Opinions

(34:30) Developing Kingdom Discernment

(42:40) Closing Prayer & Next Steps

Website: BeTheEncounter.com

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Email: info@betheencounter.com

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In this episode of Be The Encounter Podcast, hosts James & Katie address recent scandals and challenges within the charismatic movement and the wider church. They discuss the dangers of idolizing leaders, share personal stories of disappointment, and emphasize the importance of anchoring faith in God rather than people. The Trents encourage listeners to seek discernment, extend grace instead of judgment, and pursue restoration over punishment. They urge believers to return to prayer, Scripture, and authentic relationships, reminding the audience that God can redeem even the most difficult situations. Tune in today for hope and encouragement.

(0:39) Challenges in the Charismatic Movement & Idolatry

(3:06) Personal Story & Encouragement for the Disillusioned

(6:25) Discerning Ministry Gifts & Judgment

(10:22) Honoring People While Addressing Sin & Changing Church Culture

(12:13) Evaluating Exposure, Idolatry, and Platforming

(16:28) Embracing Messiness, Critical Thinking, and Self-Examination

(19:30) Marriage, Humility, and Returning to Basics

(22:37) Redemption, Forgiveness, and Exposure as Healing

(27:32) Pruning vs. Discarding & Praying for Restoration

(30:14) Guarding Against Pride & Encouragement for the Future

(32:11) Prayer, Conclusion, and Invitation for Support

Website: BeTheEncounter.com

Facebook: @BeTheEncounter

Instagram: @BeTheEncounter

YouTube: @BeTheEncounter

Email: info@betheencounter.com

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In this episode of Be The Encounter Podcast, hosts James & Katie discuss the spiritual significance of "Dreaming with God." They explore how dreams and maintaining a kingdom mindset can deepen intimacy with the Holy Spirit. Drawing on biblical examples and personal stories, they highlight the importance of worship, forgiveness, and aligning thoughts with God's will. The conversation encourages listeners to invite God into every area of life, remain open to His guidance, and dream boldly with Him to experience healing, transformation, and lasting impact in their lives and communities. Tune in now!

(0:40) Dreaming with God: Mindset and Imagination

(6:01) Breaking Out of the "God Box" & Being Interruptible

(9:03) Aligning Thoughts, Dreams, and Spiritual Health

(12:53) Testimony: Nightmares, Forgiveness, and Worship

(16:28) Worship, Prayer, and the Mind of Christ

(20:04) Focusing on God's Mission in Hard Places

(26:32) Navigating Transitions & Building Faith

(30:16) Personal Worship Practices & Invitation

(31:40) Closing Prayers & Blessing

Website: BeTheEncounter.com

Facebook: @BeTheEncounter

Instagram: @BeTheEncounter

YouTube: @BeTheEncounter

Email: info@betheencounter.com

Go Deeper with Kingdom Encounter Center

Download the App: APPLE ~ GOOGLE

Website: KingdomEncounterCenter.com