From GLP-1s to Botox to testosterone therapy, body-altering decisions are more normalized than ever, but what does it actually look like to process those decisions as a married couple through a Biblical lens? In this episode, Derek, Gabrielle, and Andrew tackle the theology behind how we think about our bodies and why those decisions are never just about you.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
- When it comes to decisions about your body — diet, supplements, cosmetic procedures, medical interventions — do you tend to make those decisions together or independently? Why?
- Andrew mentioned that working out became an idol for him at one point. Are there any areas of health or appearance where you sense you might be seeking something beyond physical wellbeing?
- Gabrielle shared that she had gotten into careless patterns with her appearance without thinking about why. Are there any habits you have around your body or appearance that you've never really examined?
- Derek mentioned that influences around us constantly try to make us discontent with how we look. Who or what are you allowing to shape how you feel about your body — and is it trustworthy?
- Is there any area of your body or health that feels like an "off-limits" topic in your marriage — something you wouldn't want your spouse to weigh in on? What might that be telling you?
- Cooper wrote scriptures in the shower for Gabrielle during a season of body insecurity. How are you actively speaking truth over your spouse in the way they feel about themselves?
Episode 377: Priorities, Big Rocks & Beating Busyness | Live at Beso Live
June 22, 2026 • Jonathan Pokluda, Kathy Davidson, Nate Hilgenkamp
As an extension of JP's Friday Q&A, he answers live audience questions from Beso Live! Topics include prioritizing the big rocks of life, why your phone is the biggest threat to intimacy with God, learning to say no, and what it actually takes to live a life leveraged for the kingdom.
Personally Experiencing Jesus in Pain
June 21, 2026 • John Elmore • Psalm 34
June 21, 2026
John Elmore
Psalm 34
Psalm 34 shows us that following Jesus can’t be borrowed from someone else’s story, you must personally taste and see that He is good by trusting Him in your fear, pain, and need. David’s testimony in the cave reminds us that Jesus hears us, stays near to us in suffering, gives peace in the middle of trouble, and invites us to live boldly by sharing what He’s done and resting in the promise of eternal life.
Testify to others about Jesus
Ask God for answers
Seek the Lord and peace
Trust God with your troubles
Endure afflictions because of Christ
Life Group Discussion:
If you really believed someone’s eternity was at stake, how might it change the way you pray for and engage the people around you this week?
Is there an area of your life right now where you’re tempted to panic, control the outcome, or rely on yourself instead of bringing it honestly before God?
What practically helps stir your affection for God, Scripture, worship, prayer, silence, community, serving, and how can you intentionally build more of that into your week?
When life feels crushing, do you tend to carry the weight yourself or cast it on God? What usually keeps you from surrendering it to Him?
As we are reminded that the Christian life is not freedom from affliction, but confidence that Jesus will deliver us fully in the end. How does that challenge the way you normally think about hardship, suffering, or unanswered prayer?
Episode 185- Navigating Addiction in Marriage
June 16, 2026 • Derek Davidson, Gabrielle McCullough, John Elmore • James 1, 2 Corinthians 7:10, Proverbs 23, Proverbs 24:11–12, 1 Corinthians 7
Addiction doesn't stay self-contained — especially in a marriage. In this honest and pastorally rich conversation, Derek, Gabrielle, and John Elmore talk about how to recognize addiction, what it does to a marriage, and what courageous, biblical steps actually look like for both the addict and the spouse who loves them.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
- John described the difference between being "enslaved" to something versus "occasionally enticed" by it. Using that framework, is there anything in your life right now that feels more like enslavement than struggle?
- John mentioned several "Ds" of addiction: duration, depth, deceit, destruction, defensiveness, dependency. Are any of those present in your life or your marriage in ways worth naming?
- Gabrielle shared that when asked to give up Diet Coke for a year, her reaction surprised her. Is there anything in your life where the thought of giving it up produces a stronger reaction than you'd expect?
- John said that "struggling" looks like confessing, feeling convicted, and moving toward accountability — while addiction looks like enjoyment despite destruction. Which of those better describes your relationship with your hardest habit?
- If your spouse gently raised a concern about something you're running to, how would you honestly respond — and what might that response reveal?
- For the spouse walking alongside an addict: have you carried this alone, or have you brought others in? Who could you call this week?
RESOURCES
- Freedom Starts Today by John Elmore
Episode 376: Modesty, Dating Standards & Motive | Live at Beso Live
June 15, 2026 • Jonathan Pokluda, Kathy Davidson, Nate Hilgenkamp
As an extension of JP's Friday Q&A, he answers live audience questions from Beso Live! Topics include modesty and what the Bible actually says about it, how culture shapes our standards, dating with discernment, and why God cares more about why you wear what you wear than what you wear.
Interrupting The Ordinary
June 14, 2026 • Sam Langenbahn • Exodus 3:1–20
Life can easily become a cycle of routines, responsibilities, and distractions, but Exodus 3 reminds us that Jesus steps into our ordinary lives to awaken us to His presence, invite us into His mission, and sustain us with His power. Just as God met Moses in the middle of his monotony, He is calling us out of comfort and into a life of purpose, dependence, and kingdom impact.
Christ's Presence Awakens You
Christ's Mission Includes You
Christ's Power Sustains You
Life Group Discussion:
What routines, distractions, or struggles make it easy for you to miss God's presence in your everyday life?
Like Moses, have you ever felt unqualified or inadequate for what God was calling you to do? Why?
What challenge or calling in your life feels impossible without Jesus?
Episode 184- Spiritual Intimacy in Marriage
June 9, 2026 • Andrew Owen, Derek Davidson, Gabrielle McCullough • Hebrews 10:24, 1 Peter 3:1, Ecclesiastes 4:9
Spiritual intimacy is one of those things every Christian couple knows they're supposed to have — but what does it actually look like day to day? In this episode, Derek, Gabrielle, and Andrew get honest about the barriers, the breakthroughs, and the simple practical steps that can help couples grow closer to each other by growing closer to God.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
- What expectations did you bring into marriage about what spiritual intimacy would look like — and how has reality compared?
- On a scale of 1–10, how would you rate where you are in spiritual intimacy right now? What's one thing contributing to that number?
- What does your individual walk with God look like right now? Are you in a full season or a dry season — and does your spouse know?
- Andrew mentioned that bitterness and unresolved conflict make it hard to pray together. Is there anything between you right now that needs to be cleared before you can go to God together?
- What's one thing God has been teaching you lately that you haven't shared with your spouse yet?
- What's one practical rhythm — praying together, a shared devotional, asking better questions — you could try this week?
Episode 375: Q&A with JP Part 2 | Live at Beso Live
June 8, 2026 • Jonathan Pokluda, Kathy Davidson, Nate Hilgenkamp
We are back for Part 2 of the Q&A with JP as he answers live audience questions from Beso Live! Topics include storing up treasures in heaven, the purpose of prayer, grief and loss, discipleship, insecurity, legalism, and how to know if you're truly saved.
How To Change
June 7, 2026 • John Elmore • Genesis 32:22–32
Jacob spent his entire life trying to secure blessing, identity, and control through his own strength, only to discover that true change came when he finally surrendered to Christ. In his wrestling match with God, Jacob received a new identity and a lasting testimony, reminding us that Christ changes people not through self-improvement but through surrender, transformation, and dependence on Him.
Christ Wants Your Surrender
Christ Changes Your Identity
Christ’s Work is Our Testimony
Life Group Discussion:
What is something you tend to hold onto tightly for security, control, or identity, and how might that be keeping you from fully trusting Jesus?
Can you think of a specific way Jesus has changed your desires, priorities, or character since you began following Him?
If you had 10 seconds to share your testimony, what would you say about who you were before Christ, how you met Him, and how He has changed you?
Episode 183- Did I Marry the Wrong Person?
June 2, 2026 • Derek Davidson, Gabrielle McCullough, Scott Kedersha • 1 Corinthians 7:28, 2 Corinthians 6:14, Proverbs 5:18
At some point, almost every married person has had the thought: did I marry the wrong person? In this honest and hopeful conversation, Derek, Gabrielle, and Scott unpack where that feeling comes from — unmet expectations, comparison, cultural lies — and what to actually do when it shows up.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
- What expectations did you bring into marriage that didn't match reality — and where did those expectations come from?
- In what areas do you find yourself comparing your spouse or your marriage to others? How does that comparison affect your contentment?
- Scott mentioned that part of the feeling often comes from something in us — selfishness, unrealistic expectations — not just our spouse. Where do you see that in yourself?
- What are three specific things you're genuinely grateful for in your spouse right now? Have you told them recently?
- What are some things you did early in your relationship that raised the attraction level — and how could you bring some of those back?
- Is there something you've been feeling disconnected about that you haven't fully said out loud yet? What would it look like to bring that to your spouse this week?
Episode 374: Finding Hope in Suffering | feat. Kirby Kelly
June 1, 2026 • Jonathan Pokluda, Kathy Davidson, Nate Hilgenkamp
In this episode we talk to author Kirby Kelly about her new book The Fabric of Hope. Life is full of seasons that leave us asking "why God?" — but what if those same seasons are exactly how He builds our faith? We talk with Kirby about how God weaves redemption into suffering and why bringing Him your honest pain is the key to finding real hope!
Christ in the Waiting
May 31, 2026 • Jonathan Pokluda • Genesis 18:1–15
When waiting turns into doubt, Jesus meets us where we are and reminds us that His timing and ways are greater than our own. Abraham and Sarah's story shows that nothing is too hard for God, and what begins in cynicism can end in celebration when we trust His promises.
Christ comes close in the waiting
Christ is counterintuitive
Christ confronts the cynic
Life Group Discussion:
What is something you're currently waiting on, and how has that waiting affected your faith?
Have you ever had a plan for your life that God seemed to completely rewrite? What happened?
What's the difference between honest doubt and cynicism toward God?
Episode 182- From Contempt to Celebration: Honoring Your Spouse's Differences
May 26, 2026 • Andrew Owen, Derek Davidson, Gabrielle McCullough • James 4:1–2, Philippians 2:3–4
The differences that drew you to your spouse in dating can become the very things that drive you crazy in marriage — but what if they didn't have to? In this episode, Derek, Gabrielle, and Andrew talk honestly about what it looks like to move from contempt toward genuine celebration of the spouse God gave you.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
- What differences first attracted you to your spouse — and have any of those become sources of frustration over time?
- Where do you tend toward contempt rather than celebration when your spouse does things differently than you would?
- What's one specific difference in your spouse that you could choose to reframe with gratitude this week?
- How do you currently discern, in your marriage, between a difference that's just a preference and one that has crossed into a sinful pattern?
- Who in your life — friends, community, mentors — do you trust to speak honestly into your marriage when conflict keeps coming up?
- What would it look like practically for you to pray for God's eyes toward your spouse this week?
Episode 373: Q&A with JP Part 1 | Live at Beso Live
May 25, 2026 • Jonathan Pokluda, Kathy Davidson, Nate Hilgenkamp
As an extension of JP’s Friday Q&A, he answers live audience questions from Becoming Something Live! Topics include feeling like you’re not doing enough for God, the Holy Spirit, dating and marriage, eschatology, spiritual success, Israel, and self-defense.
Jesus Looks After The Overlooked
May 24, 2026 • John Elmore • Genesis 16
Jesus doesn’t just show up for the polished and put-together, He pursues people in the middle of their mess, pain, and wilderness seasons. Through Hagar’s story in Genesis 16, we see that Christ is personal, present, and powerful enough to take the broken pieces of our lives and turn them into something full of purpose, hope, and redemption.
Christ Pursues You in Your Pain
Christ is Personal and Pastoral
Christ has Plans Beyond Your Perspective
Life Group Discussion:
Why do you think pain often becomes the place where people experience God most deeply?
In a culture that often values image over honesty, what keeps us from being real with God and others about what we’re going through?
What broken part of your story have you struggled to believe God could use for good?
Episode 181- How to Deal with Divorce in Family of Origin
May 19, 2026 • Derek Davidson, Gabrielle McCullough, Scott Kedersha • Genesis 50:20, Matthew 19:6
In this episode, Gabrielle, Derek, and Scott discuss how your family of origin—especially experiences of divorce or relational brokenness—can shape your expectations, fears, and habits in marriage. But Scripture makes it clear: your past may influence you, but it does not define your future.
Discussion Questions
- What messages about marriage did you absorb from your family growing up—spoken or unspoken?
- Do you notice any fears in your marriage that might be rooted in your family of origin?
In what ways are you tempted to repeat patterns you saw growing up—or overcorrect them?
- How can you intentionally build “truth-based theology” about marriage instead of experience-based beliefs?
- Where have you already seen God bring redemption or healing into your family story?
Resources
https://www.amazon.com/flawed-families-bible-imperfect-relationships/dp/1587431556/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3l9wu88y619ar&dib=eyj2ijoimsj9.i44o1ipo406eckssfvihrspjo2agzo8pgch6l9pmhos.i_xwbtwu023ev8rwtk0xctnrmfwwnzbwzdbcjj3t8_s&dib_tag=se&keywords=david+garland+broken+families+of+bible&qid=1779034621&sprefix=david+garland+broken+families+of+bib%2caps%2c177&sr=8-1
https://www.watermarkresources.com/ministries/merge
Episode 372: Guarding Your Heart | Live at Beso Live
May 18, 2026 • Jonathan Pokluda, Kathy Davidson, Nate Hilgenkamp
As we continue our BESO Live series, we start by answering a question about hearing God’s voice through dreams and how to discern what’s from Him. Then we dive into a conversation about staying pure and faithful through every stage of relationships—dating, waiting, and marriage.
Bible, Gifts, Demons, Free Will and Predestination
May 17, 2026 • John Elmore
Can we trust the Bible? Are spiritual gifts still active? What role do demons play, and how do free will and predestination coexist? John Elmore reminded us that Scripture is not only historically trustworthy, but powerfully transformative, calling us to trust God’s Word, stay spiritually alert, and boldly live on mission through the power of Christ in us.
How Do We Know the Bible is True
Are Spiritual Gifts Still Active Today
What Role Do Demons Play in Our Lives
Predestination
Life Group Discussion:
What evidence or experience has most strengthened your trust in the Bible personally?
When you hear about gifts like prophecy, healing, or tongues, what reactions or assumptions come up for you?
Which area of spiritual warfare mentioned in the sermon feels most real or relatable in your life right now?
How does knowing God is both sovereign and personal encourage you in your faith?
Episode 180- Should We Cut Them Off? A Biblical Look at the "No Contact" Trend
May 12, 2026 • Derek Davidson, Gabrielle McCullough, John Elmore • Exodus 20:12, Matthew 18:15–16, Romans 12:10–18
Going no contact with family is trending — but is it biblical? In this episode the MTR team walk through the counsel of Scripture — from leaving and cleaving to the ministry of reconciliation — to help couples navigate in-law conflict with honesty, boundaries, and biblical wisdom. They dig into what Scripture actually says about honoring parents, setting boundaries, and pursuing reconciliation even when it's hard.
Discussion Questions
- Have there been moments in our marriage where you felt we weren't on the same team when navigating conflict with family or in-laws? What did that feel like, and how can we get more aligned?
- Is there any relationship in our family system — parents, siblings, in-laws — where we've been avoiding a hard conversation? What has kept us from having it?
- Where do we land on the spectrum between full contact and no contact in difficult relationships? Are we erring too far in either direction?
- John mentioned keeping a shared note about how he and Laura want to be grandparents and in-laws one day. What values do we want to write down about how we hope to show up for our kids when they're married?
- Romans 12:18 says, "As far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone." What is one practical thing that depends on you right now in a strained relationship that you could own?
Resources
https://open.spotify.com/episode/5xqbbjmw7tk89y0lby90ve?si=fc63119c0b8f4d87
https://open.spotify.com/episode/1rwaqopfsxnve5brslrrpg?si=b41622d232104562
Episode 371: How to hear God’s voice | Live at Beso Live
May 11, 2026 • Jonathan Pokluda, Kathy Davidson, Nate Hilgenkamp
In our first episode from BeSo Live, we answer the question that our attendees most wanted answered. They asked, “How do you hear God’s voice from your own thoughts?” If you want to grow in your understanding of God’s voice, this episode is for you!
