Our first guest of Season 3 is Kristin Scott, a spiritual director who—along with her husband Jason Scott—leads Activation Ministries. This episode is a tender, deeply formative conversation about intimacy with God, learning His voice, and following Him with courage and trust.

Kristin’s Story: God as Her Personal “Rabbi”

Kristin shared how she came to faith early in life and, from the beginning, experienced a deeply personal relationship with God. While she often longed for human disciplers, she eventually realized something profound:
The Father Himself had been teaching her.

She described knowing God not just as Savior, but as her Rabbi—patiently instructing her, shaping her inner life, and walking with her day by day.

This season-opening conversation beautifully echoes the heart of With Him: not living for God in striving, but living with Him in relationship.

What Is a Spiritual Director?

Kristin explained what it means to serve as a spiritual director—someone who helps others notice where God is already present and active in their lives. Rather than giving answers, a spiritual director helps people:

1. Listen more attentively to God
2. Become aware of the movements of the Spirit
3. Grow in discernment and trust

She also shared about her formal training and certification through Sustainable Faith
https://sustainablefaith.com

and how that process deepened her confidence in the quiet, gentle work of God.

Ancient Practices for a Modern Faith

We explored some spiritual disciplines that Kristin has learned and now practices—many rooted in the ancient church, particularly the Catholic tradition.

One key practice she discussed was the Examen, a reflective prayer discipline developed by St. Ignatius, which invites believers to:

• Review their day with God
• Notice moments of consolation and desolation
• Give thanks, repent, and listen

Kristin emphasized that these practices are not about performance—but about awareness, presence, and love.

Stepping Into the Unknown With God

One of the most moving moments of the episode was Kristin’s vulnerability about stepping out in faith when it felt scary. She shared how the deep love of God—not pressure or fear—compelled her forward.

She testified that following God into the unknown doesn’t mean abandoning safety; instead, it means discovering that true security is found in His love.

A Prayer for the Listeners

Kristin closed the episode by praying over the listeners, inviting us all to slow down, listen more deeply, and trust the God who is already with us—teaching, leading, and loving us every step of the way.

Why This Episode Matters

This Season 3 premiere sets the tone for what’s ahead:

• A God who desires intimacy, not distance
• A faith shaped by listening, not striving
• A life formed with Jesus, not merely for Him

If you’re longing to know God more personally, to trust His guidance, or to cultivate a deeper inner life—this conversation is for you.

Listen, slow down, and learn to walk with Him.

To learn more about Kristin—and how to connect with her for spiritual direction—visit:

Activation Ministries
https://www.activationministries.org

Instagram: @activation_ministries
https://www.instagram.com/activation_ministries

Facebook: Activation Ministries
https://www.facebook.com/activationministries

Subscribe to the "With Him" Podcast email list

Get new episodes, bonus content, and more:
https://mailchi.mp/mariemontchurch/sub-to-

What does it look like to develop history with God?

In this episode, Jamie and Raz explore the idea that our relationship with God is meant to grow the same way any meaningful friendship does—through shared experiences, trust built over time, and walking together through both ordinary and extraordinary moments. Faith isn’t just about beliefs or behaviors; it’s about history—a lived, relational story with the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

Throughout Scripture, we see men and women who didn’t just know about God—they knew Him, because they had history with Him. Their intimacy wasn’t instant; it was formed through obedience, failure, listening, repentance, courage, and costly faithfulness.

This conversation invites listeners to move beyond transactional spirituality and into relational depth—where God is not just someone we serve, but Someone we walk with.

A Question Worth Sitting With

What kind of history are you building with God right now?
Not just what you believe—but what you’ve walked through together.

Invitation

If you’re longing for a deeper, more personal relationship with God—not just knowledge about Him—this episode will encourage you to start where all real intimacy begins: walking with Him, one step at a time.

Listen in, reflect, and consider how God may be inviting you into deeper history with Him.

Stories & Resources Mentioned

Foxe's Book of Martyrs – A sobering reminder of believers who developed deep, costly history with God through unwavering faith
https://www.amazon.com/dp/0882708759

Jesus Freaks – Modern-day stories of Christians who followed Jesus boldly, often at great personal cost
https://www.amazon.com/dp/0764237284

VeggieTales – Rack, Shack, and Benny – A surprisingly profound retelling of Daniel 3, reminding us (and our kids) that faithfulness is formed long before the furnace
https://veggietales.com

Subscribe to the "With Him" Podcast email list

Get new episodes, bonus content, and more:
https://mailchi.mp/mariemontchurch/sub-to-with-him-podcast

Explore past episodes and resources

https://www.mariemontchurch.org/with-him-podcast

Resources & Contact Info

Email Raz & Jamie:
razwithhim@gmail.com

Their church: Mariemont Church (Cincinnati, OH)
https://www.mariemontchurch.org

Jamie’s website & writing:
https://www.jamiemoore.org

Jamie’s book, Friendship with God
https://www.amazon.com/dp/1736292609

Welcome to Season 3 of the With Him Podcast!
As we step into the New Year of 2026, Raz and I kick off the season with a simple but profound theme: learning how to be present with Abba.

This episode isn’t about hustle, goals, or religious performance—it’s about relationship. We explore the Father’s heart to be with His kids and what it might look like to intentionally choose His presence in the year ahead.

The Word for 2026: Presence
What if this year wasn’t about doing more for God—but about being more with Him?

We talk about how human parents experience deep joy when their adult children choose to spend time with them—not out of obligation, but desire. That same joy, we believe, reflects the heart of God the Father. Abba delights when His kids want to be with Him.

Abba’s Love Language?
Building on insights from The 5 Love Languages, we play with a compelling idea:
What if God the Father’s primary love language is quality time?

If that’s true, then our presence—our attention, our availability—might be one of the greatest gifts we can give Him.

A Question for the New Year
We pose a reflective, prayerful question for listeners:
If Abba’s love language was quality time, what would you do differently this year?
Would you linger longer in prayer?
Create unhurried space in your day?
Choose presence over productivity?

Resources Mentioned in This Episode
If this theme stirs something in you, here are a few thoughtful resources we referenced:

God’s Relational Presence — J. Scott Duvall & J. Daniel Hayes
https://www.amazon.com/dp/0801049598

The Mission of God (2nd Edition) — Christopher J. H. Wright
https://www.amazon.com/dp/1514000040

The 5 Love Languages — Gary Chapman
https://www.amazon.com/dp/080241270X

Each of these helps frame a vision of God not as distant or demanding, but as a relational Father who desires closeness with His children.

An Invitation
As Season 3 begins, we invite you to consider this New Year not as a reset of striving—but as an invitation to presence.
Choose to be with Him.
Let your life flow from relationship.
Discover the joy of simply showing up with Abba.
We’re so glad you’re on this journey with us.

Subscribe to the "With Him" Podcast email list
Get new episodes, bonus content, and more:
https://mailchi.mp/mariemontchurch/sub-to-with-him-podcast

Explore past episodes and resources
https://www.mariemontchurch.org/with-him-podcast

Resources & Contact Info

Email Raz & Jamie: razwithhim@gmail.com

Their church: Mariemont Church (Cincinnati, OH)
https://www.mariemontchurch.org

Jamie’s website & writing:
https://www.jamiemoore.org

Jamie’s book, Friendship with God
https://www.amazon.com/dp/1736292609

In this second conversation, Jason Scott shares the heart and mission behind Activation Ministries, the ministry he and his wife Kristin launched to awaken hearts and ignite the Body of Christ. Their passion is simple and biblical: equip everyday believers to hear God’s voice, step into their identity, and join Jesus in His Kingdom work.

Jason describes himself as a “player-coach”—someone who doesn’t just teach from the sidelines but equips people and then steps onto the field with them to minister side-by-side.

We talk through the practical skills they teach, including how to hear God’s voice, how to give a prophetic word with love and clarity, and how to pray for healing in a naturally supernatural way.

This past summer, Activation partnered with City Church OTR for a missional outreach initiative. Each weekend they trained believers, then went out in small groups to hand out popsicles—affectionately called “godsicles.” This simple act opened doors for SALT conversations:
Start a conversation. Ask questions. Listen. Take action.

Through these steps of faith, they saw Jesus move—people encouraged, prayed for, deeply listened to… and even physically healed, including a man walking away from crutches.

If you’re hungry to learn how to recognize God’s voice, love people with boldness, and grow in Kingdom confidence, this episode will stir your heart.

To learn more about what Jason and Kristin are doing—and to consider partnering with or supporting their ministry—visit:

Activation Ministries
https://www.activationministries.org

Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/activation_ministries

Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/activationministries

Their ministry is catalytic, practical, and deeply needed in the Church today. Go check them out and consider praying, giving, or getting equipped.

Subscribe to the "With Him" Podcast email list
Get new episodes, bonus content, and more:
https://mailchi.mp/mariemontchurch/sub-to-with-him-podcast

Explore past episodes and resources
https://www.mariemontchurch.org/with-him-podcast

Resources & Contact Info

Email Raz & Jamie:
razwithhim@gmail.com

Their church: Mariemont Church (Cincinnati, OH)
https://www.mariemontchurch.org

Jamie’s website & writing:
https://www.jamiemoore.org

Jamie’s book, Friendship with God
Available on Amazon:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/1736292609

This week on the With Him podcast, Raz and Jamie do something a little different. Instead of a deep theological dive or guest interview, we slow down and have some Christmas fun—sharing favorite Christmas memories, laughing about beloved (and debated!) Christmas movies, and reflecting on the timeless Charlie Brown Christmas special.

Along the way, we talk about nostalgia, simplicity, and why Charlie Brown’s struggle to find the meaning of Christmas still resonates so deeply today. It’s a light-hearted, warm, and honest conversation—perfect for the holiday season.

So grab some hot chocolate, settle in, and join us for a Christmas conversation with Him.

Resources mentioned:

Cincinnati Contemporary Jazz Orchestra
Bringing world-class jazz to the Cincinnati region, including incredible holiday performances.
https://www.cincinnatijazz.org

Cincinnati Contemporary Jazz Orchestra's New Christmas Album: “The Nutcracker Remix”
Looking for a fresh and fun Christmas soundtrack? The Cincinnati Contemporary Jazz Orchestra’s inaugural holiday recording reimagines The Nutcracker with bold, audience-favorite arrangements—blending funk, hip-hop, contemporary big band swing, and more.
The album also features several holiday classics, including a heartfelt original song by Mandy Gaines titled “Christmas This Year.” It’s joyful, soulful, and perfect for the season.
https://www.cincinnatijazz.org/recordings

Vince Guaraldi Trio
The iconic jazz sound behind A Charlie Brown Christmas—simple, soulful, and timeless.
A Charlie Brown Christmas (Album) – available on all major streaming platforms
https://open.spotify.com/album/4jKeipwuUTjlx9USNYdhZn

https://music.apple.com/us/album/a-charlie-brown-christmas/1440852425

A Charlie Brown Christmas (Movie)
The classic Christmas special that continues to point hearts back to the true meaning of Christmas.
Available on Apple TV, Amazon Prime Video, and other major streaming platforms
https://tv.apple.com/us/movie/a-charlie-brown-christmas/umc.cmc.3c7p8x0p8z5k7x2x3c6zv9x5n

https://www.amazon.com/Charlie-Brown-Christmas-Peter-Robbins/dp/B000W5Z0YO

Subscribe to the "With Him" Podcast email list
Get new episodes, bonus content, and more:
https://mailchi.mp/mariemontchurch/sub-to-with-him-podcast

Explore past episodes and resources
https://www.mariemontchurch.org/with-him-podcast

Resources & Contact Info

Email Raz & Jamie:
razwithhim@gmail.com

Their church: Mariemont Church (Cincinnati, OH)
https://www.mariemontchurch.org

Jamie’s website & writing:
https://www.jamiemoore.org

Jamie’s book, Friendship with God
Available on Amazon:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/1736292609

In this episode, Jason Scott shares his incredible journey from religious upbringing to radical life transformation in Jesus. Growing up in the Catholic church, Jason knew about God but didn’t walk with Him. College at Ohio University led him into deep addiction to alcohol and drugs — a path that nearly destroyed his life.

Everything shifted 25 years ago when Jason attended a church service in Cincinnati, heard the gospel clearly, and was instantly set free from addiction. His life with Jesus took off from there: restored identity, a thriving marriage, and major success in the corporate world.

Then God spoke: “I’m going to bless you, and you’re going to work for Me.”
What followed was a wild season of confirmations as Jason and Kristin stepped out of their careers, downsized their home, and launched Activation Ministries by faith.

And yes — one of those confirmations happened in a Power Rangers movie. The god-like mentor figure looked at the main character (named Jason Scott) and said, “Jason Scott, now is the time.” It became a defining moment of calling and courage.

If you’re longing to hear God’s voice, take a risk, or step into the adventure of following Jesus, Jason’s story will inspire and strengthen you.

Check out Jason and Kristin’s work at Activation Ministries:
Website: https://activationministries.org
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/activation_ministries
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/activationministries

Subscribe to the "With Him" Podcast email list
Get new episodes, bonus content, and more:
https://mailchi.mp/mariemontchurch/sub-to-with-him-podcast

Explore past episodes and resources
https://www.mariemontchurch.org/with-him-podcast

Resources and Contact Info

Email Raz and Jamie: mailto:razwithhim@gmail.com

Their church: Mariemont Church (Cincinnati, OH)
https://www.mariemontchurch.org

Jamie’s website and writing:
https://www.jamiemoore.org

Jamie’s book, Friendship with God
Available on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1736292609

In this conversation, Jamie and Raz dive into one of the most challenging parts of the Bible to understand: the Old Testament Law. As the YOUR STORY reading plan leads the church family into Exodus, they explore how New Testament believers—rooted in the gospel of Jesus—should make sense of laws that address topics like slavery, women’s rights, and sexuality.

They emphasize that God the Father was not endorsing the broken structures of the ancient Near East. Rather, He was working within a fallen cultural world to plant the earliest seeds of freedom, equality, and human dignity—seeds that would grow into full bloom in the New Testament.

Key Ideas
1. OT Slavery ≠ Modern Slavery
Ancient Israel’s system was more like indentured servitude, usually temporary and often voluntary for economic survival.
God built protections, limits, and humanizing commands into Israel’s laws that were radical for their time.
These were not endorsements—they were first steps toward liberation.

2. God Plants Seeds, Not Finished Structures
The Father works inside a broken culture but sows truths that outgrow that culture.
By the time the NT arrives, God’s heart becomes unmistakably clear:
“There is neither slave nor free, male nor female… for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” (Gal 3:28)
The eventual abolition of slavery and the expansion of women’s rights have deep biblical roots.

3. Eden Is the Goal, Not the Ancient Near Eastern Culture
The culture God wants is Eden—no slavery, no domination, no oppression, no devaluing of women.
The ANE was simply the culture He stepped into to begin restoring Eden through His people.

4. Sexuality and Holiness
OT laws around sexuality aimed to protect covenant faithfulness, stabilize families, and create a distinct community of holiness.
Jesus fulfills and intensifies this—bringing us from outward rules to inner transformation in the Spirit.

5. The Gospel Is the True Foundation of Freedom
The good news that He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us (2 Cor 5:21) is the ultimate liberation.
Freedom doesn’t come from law-keeping; it comes from union with Christ.
The gospel restores our dignity and re-establishes our identity as God’s image-bearers.

Want help understanding OT Law?
If you want deeper clarity as you read these Law passages, here are two excellent resources to guide you:

Highly Recommended Book: How to Read the Bible for All Its Worth (Gordon Fee and Doug Stuart)
This classic (over 1 million copies sold) helps you understand the different kinds of literature in Scripture—including the Law.
It explains what these texts meant to their original audience and how to apply them today with confidence.

Link to the book on Amazon here:
https://www.amazon.com/How-Read-Bible-All-Worth/dp/0310517826

Here's a sample from chapter 9 of the book – “The Law(s): Covenant Stipulations for Israel”
Read it here (Google Doc):
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1cFXumVOBu4J0-Mcl0SndROvk-OebKFdx/edit?usp=sharing&ouid=102229517336768502134&rtpof=true&sd=true

Even skimming the last page—“12 Dos and Don’ts for Reading the Law”—will change the way you read Exodus.

To join the "YOUR STORY" reading plan, sign up here:
https://mariemontchurch.churchcenter.com/groups/unique/your-story-encountering-the-father-in-his-word

Subscribe to the "With Him" Podcast email list
Get new

In this conversation, Jamie and Raz explore the Kingdom adventure that opens up when we follow God the Father into assignments that are bigger than our strength, skill, or experience. Using the story of Moses and the burning bush (Exodus 3–4), they highlight how Yahweh calls Moses to confront Pharaoh—a task far beyond Moses’ natural capacity.

Instead of telling Moses to get more training, build a better résumé, or take a leadership course, God gives him a single promise: “I will be with you.” That promise becomes the bridge across the gap between human weakness and divine calling.

Key Ideas
1) The Gap Is Where the Adventure Lives
God routinely invites His children into spaces where their own capacity is not enough. The “gap” between what I can do and what God is asking is the very place where Kingdom adventure is born.

2) God Doesn’t Solve Moses’ Insecurity With Self-Improvement
Moses argues that he’s inadequate, unskilled, and not up for the job. Yahweh’s solution isn’t: “Improve yourself.”
It’s: “My presence fills the gap.”

3) Don’t Play It Safe
Many believers limit themselves to things they can succeed at based purely on natural strength. Jesus invites us into a life where obedience requires His presence—where if He doesn’t show up… we can’t pull it off.

4) Courage Looks Like Neediness, Not Self-Confidence
We often feel nervous, afraid of failing, or afraid of looking foolish. But the right posture isn’t “I’ve got this”—it’s “Father, I need You.”
That needy dependence is where faith is formed and where the Kingdom breaks in.

5) Unless Jesus Shows Up…
Following God often looks like stepping into something where, unless Jesus intervenes, it won’t work. That’s not recklessness—that’s trust.

Practical Encouragement for Listeners
Notice where God may be inviting you into something beyond your ability.
Don’t disqualify yourself because you don’t feel capable.
Let your nervousness be a reminder: the adventure is supposed to be bigger than you.
Step into obedience with the confidence that He is with you—the same promise He gave Moses.

To join the "YOUR STORY" reading plan, sign up here:
https://mariemontchurch.churchcenter.com/groups/unique/your-story-encountering-the-father-in-his-word

Subscribe to the "With Him" Podcast email list
Get new episodes, bonus content, and more:
https://mailchi.mp/mariemontchurch/sub-to-with-him-podcast

Explore past episodes and resources
https://www.mariemontchurch.org/with-him-podcast

Resources & Contact Info

Email Raz & Jamie: razwithhim@gmail.com

Their church: Mariemont Church (Cincinnati, OH)
https://www.mariemontchurch.org

Jamie’s website & writing:
https://www.jamiemoore.org

Jamie’s book, Friendship with God
Available on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1736292609