Savor

Savor Ministries

This podcast is dedicated to helping women delight in the goodness of God through discovering the heart of God. Join Staci and friends as they delight in the goodness of God through honest conversations about Him and His Word. Like a good meal, it’s our hope that Savor will bring refreshment and sustenance to your journey with God. Taste and see that the Lord is good.

  1. May 26

    Be Opened: A Word for Weary Women

    Are you at the end of your own comprehension, struggling to understand why a prayer hasn't been answered or why a healing hasn't come? In this episode, hosts Staci and Elizabeth camp out in the Gospels to unpack some of Jesus' most unusual miracles: the healing of a deaf man and the gradual healing of a blind man in the book of Mark. By digging into the Old Testament context using cross-references, they reveal why Jesus used spit and mud, what it means to truly "look intently" at the Healer, and how we can guard our hearts against the hardened, sign-seeking mentality of the Pharisees. Whether you are seeking physical, emotional, or spiritual healing, this episode is a powerful reminder to turn your unmet expectations into moments of deeper worship. In This Episode We Talk About: The "Otherworldly" Nature of Scripture: Reflecting on the supernatural worldview of the biblical authors and how modern Western society often misses it. The Mystery of the Spitting Miracles: A deep dive into Mark 7 and 8, exploring why Jesus used physical elements like saliva and dirt, and why one healing happened in stages. Unlocking the Power of Cross-References: How a simple link between Mark and Ezekiel 12 completely changes our understanding of Jesus’ actions. The Trap of a Hardened Heart: Recognizing the difference between seeking God out of true need versus testing Him for a "sign" like the Pharisees did. Chiastic Structure in Mark: How Mark brackets the stories of the feedings and healings to build up to Peter’s life-changing declaration: "You are the Christ." Our Responsibility to "Look Intently": Exploring the human element in spiritual restoration and why we must fix our eyes on Jesus rather than demanding He prove Himself on our terms. A Word from Acts 11: Stacy shares a powerful personal moment of listening to the Holy Spirit and how God reminds us that His grace and the Gospel are for everyone. Key Scriptures Mentioned: Mark 7:31–35 — The healing of the deaf man with an impediment in his speech. Mark 8:11–21 — The Pharisees demand a sign, and Jesus warns His disciples about the leaven of the Pharisees. Mark 8:22–26 — The two-stage healing of the blind man at Bethsaida. Ezekiel 12:1–3, 6, 11 — The Old Testament prophetic context of being a physical "sign" to a rebellious house. Acts 11:18 — Peter's realization that God has granted repentance leading to life to the Gentiles as well. Best Quote From the Episode: "When I come to the end of my comprehension, when it's incomprehensible to me, will I respond with a hardened heart, or will I respond bowing my knee to the one who holds it all, looking intently at him and worshiping?" Reflection Question: If you have been praying for healing—whether it is physical, emotional, or spiritual—and you haven't received it yet, have you allowed your heart to drift into a place of testing God? How can you practice "looking intently" at the character of the Healer this week, choosing worship over a demand for signs? Challenge for the week: Put a pen in your passage, follow a cross-reference in your Bible, and see how the Holy Spirit connects the dots for you!   Savor Moment:  Chopped Kale, Prosciutto, Fig Salad:  https://www.foodandwine.com/recipes/chopped-kale-salad-prosciutto-and-figs

    41 min
  2. May 20

    Discover the Excitement of the Bible

    Ever hit a season where your Bible reading feels a bit dry, routine, or just plain boring? We’ve all been there—and this episode is the perfect antidote. Hosts Staci and Elizabeth are on a mission to ignite a fresh fire in your scripture reading by uncovering the "magical" (extraordinary, beautiful, and otherworldly) layers hidden beneath familiar stories. By taking a close look at the feeding of the 5,000 in John 6 and laying it side-by-side with the rest of the Gospels, Staci shares how a simple question mark in her own Bible led to a mind-blowing discovery. You'll learn how Jesus was doing far more than just filling hungry stomachs in Galilee—He was systematically revealing Himself as the ultimate fulfillment of the Passover and setting the stage for the Lord's Supper chapters before it ever took place. Grab your Bible, ditch the guilt over using commentaries, and get ready to see God’s Word come alive like never before! In This Episode We Talk About: Redefining "Magical" Scripture: Embracing the true definition of magic: experiences so extraordinary and beautiful they seem otherworldly. The Power of the Question Mark: Why you shouldn’t shy away from what you don’t understand, and the immense value of writing, "Why is this here?" directly in your margins. Harmonizing the Gospels: An introduction to taking different perspectives of the same event—like Jesus walking on water—and overlaying them to build a richer, complete picture. John Chapter 6 and the Passover Connection: Unpacking why John intentionally notes that the Passover feast was near right before Jesus multiplies the loaves. The "Cheating" Myth of Commentaries: Pushing back against the idea that using study tools or books like Four Portraits, One Jesus is cheating, and how God uses human scholarship to illuminate His text. Prophetic Foreshadowing: Exploring the striking, deep structural parallels between the language used in the feeding of the 5,000 and the Last Supper accounts in the other Gospels. The Divine PR Nightmare: A humorous look at the disciples' reactions when Jesus started telling the massive crowds they needed to "eat His flesh and drink His blood" to have eternal life. Key Scriptures Mentioned: Hebrews 4:12 — The reminder that the Word of God is alive, active, and sharper than any two-edged sword. John 6:1–6 — Jesus tests Philip near the Sea of Galilee before feeding the multitude. John 6:11 — Jesus taking the loaves, giving thanks, and distributing them to the seated crowd. Luke 22 — The account of the Lord's Supper/Passover meal, showcasing the parallel language of sitting down, giving thanks, and breaking bread. John 6:34–35 — Jesus declares explicitly, "I am the bread of life." Jeremiah 15:16 — The inspiration to "devour" God's words and let them become a joy and the delight of our hearts. Best Quote From the Episode: "There are so many things that we read over and over sort of with goggles on... because we've heard the story so many times. But then God reveals something completely new and you're like, 'What?!' Mind blown." Reflection Question: Look back at your own Bible reading over the past few weeks. Have you been reading with "goggles on"—skimming past details because the story feels too familiar? What is one passage you can revisit this week with permission to slow down, write down an honest question mark, and ask the Holy Spirit to reveal the deeper layers? Savor Moment:  Healthy Snickers Bar: https://rachaelsgoodeats.com/5-ingredient-date-snickers/   Connect with us: savorministries.org for more information, or just drop us a DM!   Loved this Episode? If this conversation encouraged you, please subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with a friend who may need hope today.

    39 min
  3. May 5

    Why Four Different Gospels?

    Why Four Gospels? Overview of the theme of each Gospel   Matthew: The Promised Messiah (King)  Theme: Jesus is the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy, the legal heir to David’s throne, and the King of the kingdom of heaven. Supporting Verses: "This is the genealogy of Jesus the Messiah the son of David, the son of Abraham" (Matthew 1:1), and "For this is he who was spoken of by the prophet Isaiah..." (Matthew 3:3). Mark: The Suffering Servant Theme: Jesus is the authoritative Son of God who came to serve and give his life as a ransom for many. Supporting Verses: "For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many" (Mark 10:45), and "The time has come... The kingdom of God has come near. Repent and believe the good news!" (Mark 1:15). Luke: The Savior of All Humanity Theme: Jesus is the compassionate Savior for all people—regardless of status, gender, or race—offering salvation to the poor, women, Gentiles, and outcasts. Supporting Verses: "For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost" (Luke 19:10), and "A light for revelation to the Gentiles, and the glory of your people Israel" (Luke 2:32) John: The Divine Son of God Theme: Jesus is the eternal, pre-existent Word of God made flesh, providing eternal life to those who believe. Supporting Verses: "But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name" (John 20:31), and "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God" (John 1:1). Resource Four Portraits: One Jesus Savor Moment: Sweet Pea Risotto

    44 min
  4. Apr 28

    Cheap Grace | Don't Settle

    Cheap grace is the preaching of forgiveness without requiring repentance, baptism without church discipline, Communion without confession, absolution without personal confession". The Cost of Discipleship by Bonhoffere Apostle Paul: What shall we say then? Are we to continue in sin so that grace may increase? 2 May it never be! How shall we who died to sin still live in it? 3 Or do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus have been baptized into His death?4 Therefore we have been buried with Him through baptism into death, so that as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, so we too might walk in newness of life. 5 For if we have become [a]united with Him in the likeness of His death, certainly we shall also be [b]in the likeness of His resurrection, 6 knowing this, that our old [c]self was crucified with Him, in order that our body of sin might be [d]done away with, so that we would no longer be slaves to sin; 7 for he who has died is [e]freed from sin. Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body so that you obey its lusts, 13 and do not go on presenting [g]the members of your body to sin as [h]instruments of unrighteousness; but present yourselves to God as those alive from the dead, and your members as [i]instruments of righteousness to God. 14 For sin shall not be master over you, for you are not under law but under grace. 15 What then? Shall we sin because we are not under law but under grace? May it never be! Romans 6:1-15 The age old question a "fire insurance" policy to avoid hell, rather than a life of following Jesus. Also remember what Jesus said in Matthew 9 He did not come for the righteous but for sinners But that is not an excuse to continue to sin Pitfalls of cheap grace 1. It minimizes repentance Cheap grace treats forgiveness as automatic, without a changed heart. Luke 13:3 – “Unless you repent, you will all likewise perish.” Biblical issue: Without repentance, grace is misunderstood as permission rather than rescue. 2. It separates faith from obedience It claims belief in Christ without following Him. James 2:17 – “Faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.” Biblical issue: True faith produces action; cheap grace produces complacency. 3. It ignores the cost of discipleship Jesus consistently taught that following Him requires surrender. Luke 9:23 – “Take up your cross daily and follow me.” Biblical issue: Cheap grace avoids sacrifice, while biblical grace calls for daily surrender. 4. It abuses God’s grace as a license to sin It assumes grace covers ongoing, willful sin without conviction. Romans 6:1-2 – “Shall we go on sinning so that grace may increase? By no means!” Biblical issue: Grace is meant to free us from sin, not excuse it. 5. It resists transformation Cheap grace keeps people spiritually stagnant. 2 Corinthians 5:17 – “If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation.” Biblical issue: Genuine grace changes identity and direction. 6. It neglects holiness Scripture calls believers to a distinct, set-apart life. 1 Peter 1:15-16 – “Be holy in all you do.” Biblical issue: Cheap grace tolerates what God calls us to leave behind. 7. It risks self-deception It creates a false sense of security without true relationship with Christ. Matthew 7:21 – “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom.” Biblical issue: Verbal belief without obedience can lead to spiritual deception. 8. It diminishes the cross Cheap grace forgets the cost of salvation. 1 Corinthians 6:20 – “You were bought at a price.” Biblical issue: Grace is free to us, but never cheap—Christ paid fully. In short: Cheap grace distorts the gospel by offering comfort without transformation, forgiveness without repentance, and belief without discipleship. Biblically, grace is not just pardon—it is power that leads to a changed life. Savor Moment Allow God’s mercy soak into every aspect of your life so that you will be tender to the conviction of the Spirit Don’t settle for cheap grace or dry meatballs Soaking breadcrumbs in milk (creating a "panade") creates tender, moist meatballs by preventing the proteins from over-tightening. Combine equal parts breadcrumbs and milk (e.g., 1/2 cup each), let it sit for 5–15 minutes until a thick paste forms, and then gently mix this paste into the meat mixture. This method works with both fresh or dry breadcrumbs and, traditionally, stale bread. Great Meatballs

    52 min
  5. Apr 21

    Common Grace | God's Favor To All

    Common Grace From God This is unmerited favor that all people, believers and unbelievers alike, experience Common as in in common for all people not just believers Examples; Medical breakthroughs Art Sunsets Good meal Non believers may not acknowledge it as God’s grace but a lack of acknowledgment makes it no less grace Biblical example Joseph in Potiphar's house “Now Joseph had been taken down to Egypt; and Potiphar, an Egyptian officer of Pharaoh, the captain of the bodyguard, bought him from the Ishmaelites, who had taken him down there. Now his master saw that the Lord was with him and how the Lord caused all that he did to prosper in his hand. So Joseph found favor in his sight and became his personal servant; and he made him overseer over his house, and all that he owned he put in his charge. It came about that from the time he made him overseer in his house and over all that he owned, the Lord blessed the Egyptian’s house on account of Joseph; thus the Lord’s blessing was upon all that he owned, in the house and in the field. So he left everything he owned in Joseph’s charge; and with him there he did not concern himself with anything except the food which he ate. Now Joseph was handsome in form and appearance.” ‭‭Genesis‬ ‭39‬:‭1‬, ‭3‬-‭6‬ ‭NASB1995‬‬ So what are some reasons God shows common grace? To lead to saving grace or divine grace Demonstrate Gods’ goodness and mercy '9The Lord is good to all, And His mercies are over all His works. ' Psalms 145:9  Demonstrate God’s justice '5For You, Lord, are good, and ready to forgive, And abundant in lovingkindness to all who call upon You. ' Psalms 86:5  Romans 5:8: "God shows his love for us, because while we were still sinners Christ died for us". Demonstrate God’s glory ' The heavens are telling of the glory of God; And their expanse is declaring the work of His hands. ' Psalms 19:1   Savor Moment Creamy Salmon

    42 min
  6. Apr 14

    God’s Grace | Finding Favor

    Grace   A Very Big Topic     Many ideas behind grace Grace we can give to others Grace we receive from others Grace we receive from God:   Today we will tackle the concept of  Divine Grace     General definition of grace: Peace with God, unmerited favor Grace is not a static attribute of God but rather a dynamic expression of God’s activity   First mention in the bible 5 bThe Lord saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every cintention of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually. 6 And dthe Lord regretted that he had made man on the earth, and it egrieved him to his heart. 7 So the Lord said, “I will blot out man whom I have created from the face of the land, man and animals and creeping things and birds of the heavens, for I am sorry that I have made them.” 8 But Noah ffound favor in the eyes of the Lord.  b Ps. 14:2, 3 c ch. 8:21; Job 14:4; 15:14; Ps. 51:5; Jer. 17:9; Matt. 15:19; Rom. 3:23 d 1 Sam. 15:11; 2 Sam. 24:16; Joel 2:13; [Num. 23:19; 1 Sam. 15:29] e Isa. 63:10; Eph. 4:30 f ch. 19:19; Ex. 33:12, 13, 16, 17  The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2025), Ge 6:5–9.   Verse 8 states that Noah found ‘favor’ Favor can also be translated as Grace (Hebrew word  for favor is khane; literally translates to grace) Verse 5 says that the Lord saw the wickedness of man was great but then verse 8 says Noah found favor in the eyes of the Lord   Do you think this means Noah was sinless and perfect? I don’t think so I think God chose Noah and bestowed grace on Him If you continue reading,   These are the generations of Noah. gNoah was a righteous man, hblameless in his generation. Noah iwalked with God g ch. 7:1; Ezek. 14:14, 20; 2 Pet. 2:5 h Job 1:1, 8; Luke 1:6 i ch. 5:22, 24; [Heb. 11:7]  The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2025), Ge 6:9.   The bible only tells us that Noah is righteous after he found “favor” in God’s eyes.   It says he was blameless, but we need to understand this word in its original context. It can mean lots of things   Hebrew word for righteous is sadiq, translates to just, righteous in conduct and character   Hebrew word for blameless is tamim. Interestingly, in this verse, it translates to complete/sound…Definition of sound is: reliable, in good condition, or based on valid reasoning. It describes something secure, healthy, or thorough (e.g., sound advice, a sound structure, or sound sleep). It implies stability and trustworthiness.    The OT idea of “blameless” does not mean perfect or perfection The OT does not support the idea of total perfection   “Those who make claims of blamelessness do not profess to be absolutely sinless, but they do disclaim all fellowship with the wicked, from whom they expect to be distinguished in the course of Providence” (A. F. Kirkpatrick, Cambridge Bible, Psalms, I, p. lxxxvii).  J. Barton Payne, “2522 תָּמַם,” in Theological Wordbook of the Old Testament, ed. R. Laird Harris, Gleason L. Archer Jr., and Bruce K. Waltke (Chicago: Moody Press, 1999), 974.   This passage may be indicating that Noah was not in fellowship or agreement with the wickedness of man not that Noah was perfect or sinless   But God’s act of giving Noah favor or grace not only saved Noah but all of humanity   This is the idea of divine grace that we see in Scripture   Divine grace is God moving towards man with compassion and empathy in our poor and sinful state   Now let’s jump to Romans 5:2 aTherefore, since we have been justified by faith, bwe1 have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. 2 Through him we have also cobtained access by faith2 into this grace din which we stand, and ewe3 rejoice4 in hope of the glory of God. a ch. 3:28 b [ch. 15:13; Heb. 12:28] 1 Some manuscripts let us c Eph. 2:18; 3:12; [Heb. 10:19, 20; 1 Pet. 3:18] 2 Some manuscripts omit by faith d 1 Cor. 15:1 e ver. 11; Heb. 3:6; [ch. 12:12] 3 Or let us; also verse 3 4 Or boast; also verses 3, 11  The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2025), Ro 5:1–2.       We have been granted access into grace by faith   God has given us a full VIP backstage pass to enter into His kingdom with Him   It is up to us if we choose to accept that invitation   Divine Grace means that God knows we are sinners and yet He still chose to die for us   God moves towards our darkest parts  Are you willing to open up your darkest parts to God?    Savor Moment Steamed then fried potatoes Prep & Steam: Place whole russet potatoes in a Dutch oven with enough water to touch the bottom of the potatoes. Add a sprig of rosemary cover, and steam over medium heat for 20  minutes until just fork-tender.  Dry: Remove lid and allow any moisture to evaporate. Pat dry if necessary. Break potatoes into bite sized pieces. Fry: Add oil/lard to the Dutch oven, bringing the temp to 375∘F. Fry the steamed potatoes in batches until golden brown and crispy. Sprinkle with parmesan cheese Finish: Season immediately with salt.

    44 min
  7. Apr 1

    Tuning in: How to hear God

    In this episode Staci and Elizabeth discuss how we can practice hearing God's voice. One of the hardest things about our Christian walk is trying to discern what God is saying. In this episode, Staci and Elizabeth share practical tips on how to develop a lifestyle that enables you to hear from God. 3 P’s that prevent Pace of Life Peace of Mind Puny Little Lies 3 P’s that promote Prayer Practice Persistence Savor Moment Are you setting aside time to hear God? Do you have a note pad to write down the thoughts that clutter your mind? Spicy Sausage Baked Ziti with Ricotta & Pizza Seasoning Ingredients • 1 lb ziti pasta • 1 lb ground Italian sausage • 1 jar (24 oz) Arrabbiata sauce from Rao's Homemade • 1 cup ricotta cheese • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese • 1–1½ tsp pizza seasoning from Williams Sonoma • 2 cloves garlic, minced • 1 tbsp olive oil • Salt and pepper to taste • Optional: chopped fresh basil or parsley for garnish 🌿 Instructions 1. Cook the pasta • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. • Cook ziti until just shy of al dente (about 1 minute less than package directions). • Drain and set aside. 2. Brown the sausage • Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. • Add ground Italian sausage and cook until browned and fully cooked, breaking it into crumbles. • Add minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant. 3. Build the sauce • Pour in the jar of Arrabbiata sauce and stir to combine with the sausage. • Sprinkle in Williams Sonoma Pizza Seasoning and simmer for 5 minutes to let flavors meld. 4. Mix the pasta and ricotta (I don’t mix in the ricotta. I dollop it on top) • In a large bowl, combine: ◦ cooked ziti ◦ sausage sauce mixture ◦ ricotta cheese • Stir until evenly coated and creamy. 5. Assemble the baked ziti • Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). • Spread half the pasta mixture into a greased 9×13 baking dish. • Sprinkle with half the mozzarella and Parmesan. • Add remaining pasta, then top with remaining cheeses. 6. Bake • Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. • Remove foil and bake another 10–15 minutes until cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden. 7. Rest and serve • Let the dish sit for 5–10 minutes before serving so it holds together when sliced. • Garnish with fresh herbs if desired.

    38 min

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
6 Ratings

About

This podcast is dedicated to helping women delight in the goodness of God through discovering the heart of God. Join Staci and friends as they delight in the goodness of God through honest conversations about Him and His Word. Like a good meal, it’s our hope that Savor will bring refreshment and sustenance to your journey with God. Taste and see that the Lord is good.

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