In this episode of Anchored Conversations, Marian Jordan Ellis sits down with women’s ministry leader and Bible teacher Tasha Calvert to talk about what it really means to live a life anchored to Jesus—especially in a culture that often celebrates the opposite of holiness.
Peter’s message to the early church is strikingly timely: believers are “elect exiles” living under pressure, misunderstood, and sometimes mocked—yet called to stand out with lives so compelling that others “see your good deeds and glorify God.” (1 Peter 2)
Tasha unpacks holiness with fresh clarity—not as a rigid checklist or religious performance, but as a “sacred otherness that originates from God, is extended to us through His Spirit, manifested in our character, and strengthened in Christian community.”
Together, Marian and Tasha talk about:
--- What “Be holy, because I am holy” meant to Peter’s original audience—and what it means for us now (1 Peter 1)
----Why holiness is rooted in the Holy One, not white-knuckled behavior change
--- How to live distinctively without becoming defensive, reactive, or losing credibility online
--- The role of Scripture, prayer, and community in staying anchored
--- The “upside-down economy of God”: how suffering refines faith and clarifies what matters (1 Peter 1)
---Why Peter keeps pulling our eyes toward an eternal perspective and an inheritance that can’t be stolen
If you’ve ever felt torn between blending in and standing out—or you’re weary from the cultural noise—this conversation will steady your soul and call you back to the Living Hope found in Jesus.
➡️ Learn more about Marian’s Bible study: Anchored: The Life and Letters of the Apostle Peter (7-week study) https://www.lifeway.com/en/product/anchored-bible-study-book-with-video-access-P005850823
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🎧 Listen to Tasha’s podcast: Digging In with Tasha Calvert
What does it really look like to be anchored to Jesus in a busy, noisy world? In this Anchored Conversations episode, Marian Jordan Ellis sits down with Kelly Needham (author of Friendish and Purposefooled, co-host of the Clearly Podcast) to talk about everyday discipleship, holy living, and practical rhythms that keep our hearts tethered to Christ.
In this episode you’ll learn:
– The difference between wearing the “Christian” label and living as a disciple of Jesus
– How Peter’s life (and John 6:68—“To whom shall we go?”) shapes faithful perseverance
---Simple, powerful practices: Word, prayer, and God’s people
---How to disciple your kids (or friends!) in real life—no platform required
---What “holiness” really means and why it’s good news
---Courage to obey the Great Commission right where you are
About Kelly Needham
Author, Bible teacher, and co-host of the Clearly Podcast with her husband, Jimmy. Kelly is passionate about helping people see that nothing compares to knowing Jesus.
Get the Bible Study
Explore Marian’s new study, Anchored: The Life & Letters of the Apostle Peter—7 video teachings + 6 weeks in 1 & 2 Peter to help you stand firm in cultural confusion and everyday storms. (Available wherever books are sold.)
Timestamps
00:00 Welcome & intro
01:22 Kelly’s story: loving Jesus & fighting pride
07:50 Why Peter’s passion matters for cautious hearts
16:05 Christian vs. Disciple—what’s the difference?
18:50 John 6:68: when you don’t understand, stay with Jesus
21:10 What “holy” really means (set apart)
28:55 Daily practices for busy women (being with Jesus without “doing”)
34:55 How anyone can make disciples today
40:45 Non-negotiables: Word, Prayer, God’s People
43:55 Where to find Kelly & closing prayer
Connect
Follow Marian Jordan Ellis & This Redeemed Life for more Anchored Conversations
Listen to Kelly & Jimmy on the Clearly Podcast
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If this encouraged you, like, subscribe, and share with a friend who needs hope today.
When life doesn’t go as planned, where do you anchor your soul? In this conversation, Marian Jordan Ellis sits down with writer and speaker Vaneetha Risner—a self-described “sufferer who writes”—to talk about finding a living hope in Jesus through polio and post-polio syndrome, multiple miscarriages, the death of her infant son, betrayal and divorce, and unexpected restoration. Drawing from John 6 (“Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of life”), John 9, and 1 Peter 1 & 4, Vaneetha shares how God meets us in the fire, refines our faith like gold, and teaches us to place our hope in a Person, not an outcome.
What you’ll hear:
-- Vaneetha’s story: polio as an infant, long hospital stays, grief and losses, and the paradox of joy (2 Cor. 4:17).
--Why living hope (1 Peter) is sturdier than “if-this-then-I’ll-be-okay” outcomes—and how that shift changes everything.
--The refining fire: what gets burned away, what remains, and how Christ’s presence becomes tangible in suffering (Dan. 3; 1 Pet. 1:6–7).
--Church as the hands and feet of Jesus: practical ways to love people in pain.
--Discipleship in hard seasons: daily Scripture, honest prayer, real community—and obedience that blesses enemies.
--How suffering kills entitlement and awakens gratitude and wonder.
Resources mentioned:
Marian’s new Bible study: Anchored: The Life & Letters of the Apostle Peter — 7 video teachings + 6 weeks of study.
Vaneetha’s memoir: Walking Through Fire.
If this episode encourages you, share it with a friend, leave a comment with your takeaway, and consider partnering with This Redeemed Life to help us reach more women with the hope of Jesus.
#AnchoredPodcast #ThisRedeemedLife #VaneethaRisner #LivingHope #1Peter #RefiningFire #FaithInTrials #ChristianTestimony #John6 #GriefAndFaith #HopeInJesus #Discipleship
Welcome to the premiere of Anchored, a 7-episode series from This Redeemed Life with Marian Jordan Ellis, created to supplement Marian’s new Bible study, Anchored: The Life and Letters of the Apostle Peter. In Episode 1, Marian sits down with Kandi Gallaty (Long Hollow Church; author of Disciple Her and The Practice of Prayer) to unpack how Peter’s story shapes our everyday discipleship in a culture full of pressure, persecution, and confusion.
Together they trace Peter’s call to “leave the nets” (Matthew 4), his transformation from impulsive fisherman to bold apostle, and his letters that name us “sojourners and exiles” (1 Peter). Kandi shares practical rhythms for abiding in Christ—daily Bible engagement, prayer, and doing life in small-group discipleship—and offers courage to obey when the Spirit prompts, to lay down rival loves, and to multiply by making disciples who make disciples (Matthew 28).
If you’ve wondered how to stay steady in the storm, this conversation will help you anchor your life to Jesus—to know Him, love Him, and obey Him, even when it’s costly.
Subscribe, share with a friend, and check the show notes for links to the Anchored study and ways to partner with This Redeemed Life. “Stand firm in the true grace of God” (1 Peter 5:12).
Order your copy of Anchored today https://a.co/d/h7McTiy
This Redeemed Life is listener supported ministry and podcast. All donations go to help us share God's truth and grace through the teaching of His Word.
How to Hear God's Voice & Be Led by the Holy Spirit | Abundant Teaching Series with Marian Jordan Ellis
Have you ever felt stuck, unsure of what decision to make or which direction to go? In this powerful session of the Abundant Spirit-Filled Life series, Marian Jordan Ellis teaches how you can discern God’s voice and be led by the Holy Spirit.
Discover how to:
✨ Recognize the Spirit’s guidance in your daily life
✨ Discern God’s will through Scripture and prayer
✨ Surrender fully to God and experience His abundant life
✨ Build a strong foundation of faith that stands firm in life’s storms
God wants a real, personal relationship with you—one where He guides, comforts, and leads you every day. You can hear His voice, and you can live a Spirit-filled life of freedom and purpose!
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#HolySpirit #GodsVoice #DiscerningGodsWill #MarianJordanEllis #SpiritLedLife #ChristianTeaching #AbundantLife #ThisRedeemedLife
In Session 4 of The Abundant Spirit-Filled Life, Marian Ellis unpacks how Jesus, our Good Shepherd (John 10:10), invites us into a Spirit-filled, abundant life—where joy and peace show up together like the Holy Spirit’s “Wonder Twins.”
Marian explains the difference between fleeting happiness and durable, Spirit-born joy, and introduces the biblical concept of shalom—whole-person peace that steadies both your heart and mind. Using Galatians 5, Romans 15:13, Psalm 16, and Philippians 4, Marian shares practical steps to help you: fix your eyes on God, rejoice before you feel it, pray through everything, and guard your thoughts with truth.
If anxiety, fear, or control have been stealing your joy, this teaching will help you return to the Source and live the abundant, Spirit-filled life Jesus promised.
✨ Support This Redeemed Life
Your gifts help us share the hope of Jesus with women everywhere. Partner with us today:
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📖 Marian’s 30-Day Devotional — Garden to Garden
Take a hope-filled journey through the story of redemption—from Eden to the empty tomb. Learn more and order your copy here:
https://thisredeemedlife.org/gardentogarden
Teacher: Marian Ellis
Series: The Abundant Spirit-Filled Life
Session: 4 — Joy & Peace
Key Scriptures: John 10:10; Galatians 5:16–25; Romans 15:13; Psalm 16; Philippians 4:4–9
You’ll Learn:
How surrender deepens your experience of the Holy Spirit
How to resist the flesh and walk in spiritual freedom
How to cultivate lasting joy and unshakable peace
A simple prayer posture to invite the Holy Spirit to fill you daily
#MarianEllis #AbundantSpiritFilledLife #HolySpirit #FruitOfTheSpirit #JoyAndPeace #BibleTeaching #ChristianLiving #ThisRedeemedLife #GardenToGarden #John1010 #Galatians5 #Philippians4 #Romans1513 #Psalm16
In Session 5 of The Abundant Spirit-Filled Life, Marian Jordan Ellis unpacks sanctification—the Holy Spirit’s ongoing work to make us more like Jesus. From Matthew 5 (“You are the light of the world”) to Galatians 5 (the fruit of the Spirit), Marian shows how God’s Spirit empowers everyday obedience—patience with a long fuse, kindness in action, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness (strength under control), and Spirit-led self-control.
You’ll learn how:
The Spirit restores us to our original purpose—to reflect God’s glory (Gen 1; Matt 5:14–16).
We are made perfect in Christ and being made holy (Hebrews 10:14).
Abiding in Scripture is the Spirit’s primary tool for transformation (John 17:17; Romans 12:2).
“Beholding” Jesus leads to “becoming” like Him (2 Corinthians 3:17–18).
If you’re weary of striving, this message will help you trade self-effort for Spirit-empowered living—so your life shines for God’s glory.
👩🏻🏫 Teacher: Marian Jordan Ellis
📺 Series: The Abundant Spirit-Filled Life — Session 5
🙏 Support This Redeemed Life: https://thisredeemedlife.org/donate/
📖 Devotional: Garden to Garden by Marian Jordan Ellis (available via This Redeemed Life and major retailers)
#HolySpirit #Sanctification #FruitOfTheSpirit #MarianJordanEllis #AbundantLife #ChristianTeaching #BibleStudy #ThisRedeemedLife #Galatians5 #Matthew5 #2Corinthians318
Fruit of the Spirit: How to Abide in Christ and Live Spirit-Filled
So many of us try to “be better Christians” by sheer willpower—but the Bible teaches a better way. In this message, Marian Jordan Ellis unpacks Galatians 5, John 15, and Ephesians 5 to show that the fruit of the Spirit is not something we produce on our own. Instead, it is the supernatural overflow of abiding in Christ and being filled with the Holy Spirit.
➡️ What you’ll learn in this teaching:
The difference between the works of the flesh and the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5)
Why “whatever fills us controls us” and how to walk under the influence of the Spirit
The secret to bearing fruit: abiding in Jesus, the true Vine (John 15)
What it practically looks like to live the Spirit-filled life every day
Friend, you don’t have to strive to produce fruit on your own—Jesus promised that when we remain in Him, His Spirit will empower us to live with love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.
🙌 Subscribe to This Redeemed Life for more Bible teaching that equips you to live Spirit-filled, anchored in God’s Word, and confident in your faith.
#FruitOfTheSpirit #SpiritFilledLife #HolySpirit #AbideInChrist #Galatians5 #John15 #ChristianTeaching #BibleStudyForWomen #MarianJordanEllis #ThisRedeemedLife
What if the Christian life was never meant to be lived in your own strength? In this powerful teaching, Bible teacher and author Marian Jordan Ellis unpacks what it means to be indwelled by the Holy Spirit and how He transforms us from the inside out.
From the moment of salvation, the Spirit of God takes up residence in every believer. You don’t have to strive or perform—the same power that raised Jesus from the dead now lives in you. This session will help you:
Understand your identity as God’s temple (1 Corinthians 6:19–20)
Learn how the Holy Spirit sanctifies, convicts, helps, and empowers
Discover the difference between conviction and condemnation
See how the Spirit produces supernatural fruit like love and forgiveness—even toward the impossible
Experience true intimacy with God through the Spirit’s guidance and prayer
This message is full of truth, grace, and practical illustrations—including Marian’s unforgettable story of being convicted to confess a lie, and a moving account of Corrie ten Boom’s Spirit-empowered forgiveness.
💬 If you’ve ever felt weak, stuck, or spiritually dry—this message is for you. The Holy Spirit is your Helper. You don’t have to do this alone.
🔔 Subscribe to This Redeemed Life for weekly Bible teaching, spiritual encouragement, and real talk about walking with Jesus.
📘 Learn more at thisredeemedlife.org
📱 Follow @marianjordanellis on Instagram for daily encouragement.
#HolySpirit #SpiritFilledLife #ChristianLiving #Sanctification #GodsTemple #BibleTeaching #MarianJordanEllis #ThisRedeemedLife #CorrieTenBoom #ChristianWomen #IdentityInChrist
"We Don't Talk About the Holy Spirit" | Why Jesus Said the Spirit Is Our Greatest Advantage
Is the Holy Spirit the most misunderstood person of the Trinity? In this powerful and personal teaching, Bible teacher Marian Jordan Ellis dives deep into what Jesus said about the Holy Spirit—and why it’s time we stop avoiding this vital part of our faith.
Using stories, Scripture, and humor (yes, including a memorable “Encanto” moment!), Marian breaks down the confusion many believers feel around the Holy Spirit and helps us see that He is not the “crazy uncle” of Christianity—but the very power of God dwelling in us.
✅ What You’ll Learn in this Teaching:
Who the Holy Spirit is (and who He’s not)
Why Jesus called the Spirit our greatest advantage (John 16:7)
How to receive and walk in the power of the Spirit (John 7:37–39)
What Ezekiel and Acts tell us about the Spirit’s transforming work
How to stop blocking the river of living water God wants to flow through you
🕊️ Whether you're new to faith or have followed Jesus for years, this teaching will ignite a deeper hunger to know and walk with the Holy Spirit daily.
Why do friendships hurt so deeply sometimes? What do we do when our baggage gets in the way of the people we love most?
In this powerful and honest teaching, Marian Jordan Ellis dives into the raw realities of friendship struggles—jealousy, comparison, ghosting, unmet expectations—and unpacks how our flesh, unhealed wounds, and relational idolatry can sabotage the very relationships God designed for our healing and joy.
You’ll laugh, cry, and most importantly—see how Jesus meets us right in the mess. From backpacking through Europe to navigating friendship breakups, Marian shares personal stories and biblical truth that lead to freedom and restoration.
💡 What you’ll learn:
How your sinful nature shows up in relationships (James 4)
Why unresolved trauma affects how we relate
What relational idolatry is and how to break free from it
How to cultivate healthy, Christ-centered friendships
Why prayer and spiritual warfare are essential to thriving relationships
Whether you've been hurt by a friend, walked through seasons of loneliness, or just long to build stronger community—this teaching will speak straight to your heart.
🛑 Don’t walk alone. God wants to heal your heart and restore your friendships.
🔔 Subscribe for more teachings: @ThisRedeemedLife
🌐 Visit: www.thisredeemedlife.org
💖 Support this ministry: Give Here
#FriendshipBreakups #HealingFromHurt #MarianJordanEllis #ChristianFriendships #ThisRedeemedLife #FaithAndHealing #BibleTeaching #SpiritualGrowth #JesusHeals #WomenInMinistry #RelationalBaggage
You were created for more than surface-level friendships and silent struggles.
You were created for real, soul-deep community—the kind that shows up, speaks truth, and carries you to Jesus when you can’t get there on your own.
In a world that celebrates independence and isolation, this message is a call back to God’s design for friendship.
Because healing doesn’t happen in hiding. Freedom isn’t found alone. And walking with Jesus was never meant to be a solo journey.
In this powerful teaching, you’ll discover:
Why true community is essential to your spiritual growth
How to recognize the people God has already placed in your life
What to do when you feel lonely—even surrounded by people
How friendship becomes the place where God transforms lives
If you're craving connection that goes beyond small talk…
If you’re ready to stop waiting to be invited and start building the kind of friendships your soul needs…
If you want to be a woman who shows up for others in the name of Jesus…
This message is for you.
Because you were never meant to walk alone.
💬 Subscribe for more truth-filled Bible teaching
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"Let's Talk About" is a series of conversations from This Redeemed Life Ministry. In this episode, Marian Jordan Ellis sits down with Allie Jordan for a candid conversation about sexual purity. Topics discussed: The heart of sexual purity vs. legalism, temptations and lies we believe, and the blessing of abstaining until marriage.
In this series called "Let's Talk About," we are chatting about singleness. Today, Marian sits down with her guest, Allie Jordan and they discuss the power of prayer and why and how we can pray for our unmet desires. Marian shares how prayer led her to meet her husband and through prayer she saw the Lord answer her longing for marriage.
Matthew 7:7
In this new TRL podcast series called "Let's Talk About," Marian Jordan Ellis sits down with her friend (and niece) Allie Jordan to talk about singleness as a Christian woman and waiting on God for marriage. In this episode, Marian shares how the season of singleness shaped her life and they discuss the power and beauty of consecration.
Psalm 107 is the song of redemption, for in it God's power to rescue, deliver, and heal is exalted. In this teaching by Bible teacher, Marian Jordan Ellis, we unpack the ways in which Jesus redeems our lives and reveals His glory through miraculous deliverance.
There is a difference between the will of God and the ways of God. In Psalm 25, King David leads us in asking God to reveal to us His ways. To walk in God's ways is an invitation to experience HIs highest and best and to live for His Glory. In this Bible teaching by Marian Jordan Ellis, she unpacks Psalm 25 and testifies to the goodness of God's ways.
Biblical hope is more than wishful thinking, it is the confident expectation of good based on the Person and Promises of God. In this teaching by Marian Jordan Ellis, she unpacks Psalm 33 and looks at how we can activate hope in God.
Did you know that clinical studies reveal that spending 20 minutes a day in awe of God can rewire our brains, relieving stress, anxiety, and depression? This is no surprise. After all, God's word repeatedly teaches the power of our thoughts to shape our lives. Taking time to marvel at God and stand in awe of His majesty substantially impacts our emotional, spiritual, and physical well-being.
Our souls are created to worship, to elevate the Living God to His rightful place. When we do, we experience true peace—or what the Bible calls "shalom." For this reason, our new teaching series is called "Then Sings My Soul." In these teachings, Marian explores the Psalms. She teaches us how to quiet anxiety in our souls with God's nearness, power, and presence.
In Psalm 23 we discover the nature and power of the Good Shepherd who leads, guides and provides for us.
In this series on the Promises of God, Bible teacher Marian Jordan Ellis shares how we can anchor our souls to these timeless truths. In this session, Marian unpacks Romans 8:28 and shares how God works all things for the good of those who love Him.