Podcast Summary: EP 76 - "Unveiling the Hidden Heart"
Podcast Information:
- Title: In Totality with Megan Ashley
- Host: Megan Ashley
- Episode: EP 76: Unveiling the Hidden Heart
- Release Date: June 24, 2025
Introduction
In episode 76 of "In Totality with Megan Ashley," host Megan Ashley welcomes her beloved friend and frequent guest, Jackie Hill Perry. This episode marks the first part of a two-part conversation where Megan and Jackie delve deep into personal spiritual journeys, the challenges of maintaining intimacy with God, and the transformative power of stepping away from social media. Their candid and heartfelt dialogue offers listeners profound insights into living a life wholly devoted to God.
Stepping Away from Social Media
Megan and Jackie begin by discussing their mutual experiences with taking breaks from social media. Jackie shares her intentional decision to step away from platforms like TikTok, emphasizing the need for more meaningful and intentional connections outside the digital realm.
Jackie Hill Perry [04:03]: "I think, like, you have to intentionally connect with people differently when you're not on social media."
They reflect on the superficiality that social media can bring to relationships and the importance of nurturing deeper, more authentic connections.
The Impact of Fasting and Consecration
The conversation shifts to their recent church fast and week of consecration, highlighting how this period of abstaining from food, media, and other distractions led to significant spiritual growth. Jackie relates this experience to Isaiah 6, illustrating how minor sins become major when one seeks deeper intimacy with God.
Jackie Hill Perry [06:11]: "It's like God is no longer giving me the option to not die to it."
Megan adds that this fast helped her understand the perpetual hunger for God's presence and the necessity of continual spiritual nourishment.
True Confession and Repentance
A pivotal part of the discussion revolves around the nature of genuine confession and repentance. Both Megan and Jackie explore the difference between superficial apologies aimed at alleviating guilt and heartfelt repentance that aligns one's life with God's truth.
Jackie Hill Perry [40:52]: "But I'm gonna say, hey, Laura, I said this, or I thought this, and can you please give me contrition?"
They emphasize the importance of quick confession and the role of Scripture in guiding believers to not just acknowledge sins but to actively seek forgiveness and transformation.
Contentment vs. Comfort
Megan and Jackie dissect the nuanced difference between being content and being comfortable. Contentment, rooted in faith, involves surrendering to God's will and finding strength in all circumstances, while comfort often leads to complacency and doing just the bare minimum.
Jackie Hill Perry [38:34]: "Contentment comes from a place of faith... It is the difference between doing the bare minimum and yielding to God's will."
This distinction underscores the call to live a life that reflects true devotion rather than settling for superficial ease.
Intimacy with God and Personal Transformation
The duo discusses how deepening intimacy with God enhances their ability to confess and repent effectively. Jackie shares how understanding God's nature as both holy and merciful allows believers to approach Him with honesty and vulnerability.
Jackie Hill Perry [49:58]: "You are always experiencing graces associated with forgiveness."
They highlight that true intimacy with God leads to a more profound sense of accountability and a desire to embody Christ's love genuinely.
God’s Pursuit and Mercy
Megan brings attention to Genesis 3, reflecting on God's immediate pursuit of Adam and Eve after their fall. This discussion reveals God's character as merciful and relentless in seeking reconciliation with His creation.
Megan Ashley [53:57]: "He was like, what was my first response to the sin? And it was that he came to the garden looking for them. Like, he pursues them."
Jackie elaborates on how this pursuit is a model for the believer's relationship with God, emphasizing that His initial response is always one of seeking rather than condemnation.
Responsibility and Obedience in Intimate Knowledge of God
The conversation delves into the responsibilities that come with an intimate knowledge of God. Jackie reflects on Moses' experience and how heightened revelation demands greater obedience and integrity.
Jackie Hill Perry [36:15]: "He has to develop some stamina for ridicule."
This segment underscores the increased accountability that accompanies a deeper relationship with God, challenging believers to live out their faith authentically.
Conclusion and Teaser for Part Two
As the episode nears its end, Megan and Jackie summarize the transformative insights gained from their discussions. They touch upon the ongoing struggle between flesh and spirit, the battle against shame, and the essential role of continuous confession and repentance.
Jackie Hill Perry [58:50]: "And I guarantee if you tell him even that he will strengthen you. He will give you a grace that did not come from you."
Megan wraps up by inviting listeners to ponder these deep spiritual truths and teases the continuation of their conversation in part two of the episode.
Megan Ashley [65:49]: "But I wanted my kid to know that that is the God that you serve."
Listeners are encouraged to tune in next week for part two, where Megan and Jackie will further explore these profound spiritual themes.
Key Takeaways:
- Intentional Connections: Stepping away from social media fosters deeper, more meaningful relationships.
- Spiritual Fasting: Abstaining from physical and digital distractions can lead to significant spiritual growth and understanding.
- Genuine Repentance: True confession involves aligning one's life with God's truth, not just alleviating guilt.
- Contentment Over Comfort: Faith-based contentment leads to active surrender and growth, unlike mere comfort which can breed complacency.
- Deep Intimacy with God: Enhances the ability to navigate sin and fosters a more profound accountability.
- God’s Merciful Pursuit: God actively seeks reconciliation with His creation, modeling His character as both holy and merciful.
- Increased Responsibility: Greater spiritual revelation calls for higher standards of obedience and integrity.
Notable Quotes:
- Megan Ashley [02:03]: "She hates everything about... I hate the way you walk, the way you talk."
- Jackie Hill Perry [17:09]: "You are always hungry, but you are never going to the source to get full."
- Jackie Hill Perry [51:38]: "We have to go to war on shame."
- Megan Ashley [62:12]: "He will work the will in me."
Final Thoughts
Episode 76 of "In Totality with Megan Ashley" offers a raw and honest exploration of the spiritual challenges and triumphs in living a life wholly devoted to God. Through Megan and Jackie's heartfelt dialogue, listeners gain valuable insights into the importance of intentional living, deep intimacy with God, and the transformative power of true repentance and confession. Stay tuned for part two to continue this enriching conversation.