In a world that tells Gen Z to “do what feels right,” my teenage guests are choosing something different — obedience to Jesus. In this conversation, Yasminee, Mikaela, Sebathany, and Ana Karina share what it means to walk in obedience and follow Christ even when it costs them something. Their honesty and conviction will challenge all of us to reflect on what obedience looks like in our own walk with God. Please leave a comment or review for this episode to help us share this conte...

In this episode, we continue our conversation with four incredible Gen Z girls from my church. This time we are hearing from Sebathany and Karina. Both young women share how Christ became real to them in powerful and personal ways. The audio can’t fully capture the emotion we felt in the room as Karina opened up about an experience that changed her life, one that ultimately drew her closer to the Lord and deepened her hunger for His Word. Then, Sebathany invites us into her spiritual rhythms,...

I sat down with four amazing teenage girls—Yasmine, Mikaela, Sebathany, and Ana Karina—to talk about what it looks like to Pursue Christ, community and change in their generation. In this first episode, Yasmine and Mikaela share how Christ became real to them. Their honesty will remind you that no matter your age or season, following Jesus is always about pursuing a faith that’s real, alive, costly and transforming. Please leave a comment or review for this episode to help us share this conte...

We’re stepping away from our regular programming for a special episode in honor of Pastor Appreciation Month. I sat down with four Gen Z girls from our church to share heartfelt encouragement and gratitude for our pastors. Their words beautifully reflect the impact of godly leadership and the seeds being planted in the next generation. This episode also marks an exciting milestone—the very first recording in our brand-new CDP Studio at Camino de Paz Christian Church! Join me for this sh...

I had the opportunity to visit the memorial set up outside the Turning Point USA building in Phoenix, Arizona. In this episode, I talk about what I saw, felt, and experienced, share some thoughts on the memorial service and reflect on how God can use even the deepest tragedies to awaken hearts and bring about His good. Please leave a comment or review for this episode to help us share this content with others! Connect with us: Website: https://www.narcelyruiz.com/podcast Instagram: ht...

In this closing episode of our Repentant Lament series, we explore the final verses of Psalm 51, where David’s prayer shifts from personal forgiveness to the restoration of God’s people. Sin is never just private—it weakens families, churches, and even nations. But repentance not only cleanses the heart, it rebuilds the walls of community and strengthens God’s people for worship that truly delights Him. Together, we’ll trace the psalm’s flow from guilt to grace, from brokenness to renew...

What if the very thing you’ve been running from, your guilt, your failure, your brokenness, was the one thing God actually wanted you to bring Him? Forgiven people become worshipers and witnesses. In this episode, we explore how David moves from guilt to praise in Psalm 51:13–17. Learn how God uses our brokenness not to shame us but to point others toward His grace. Please leave a comment or review for this episode to help us share this content with others! Connect with us: Website: https...

In a world full of division, anger, and grief, how do we respond as followers of Christ? In this episode, we reflect on the tragic death of Charlie Kirk not to dwell on politics, but to examine our own hearts and the sin that dulls our awareness of God’s presence. Using Psalm 51:7–12 as our guide, we explore David’s model of repentant lament—confessing without excuses, seeking cleansing we cannot achieve on our own, and asking God to renew our hearts and spirits. This episode is a call to tur...

No excuses. No blame-shifting. Just honest confession before God. In this episode, we continue our journey through Psalm 51, David’s raw and honest prayer of repentance after his sin with Bathsheba and Uriah. We unpack David’s words in verses 3–6 and learn why true repentance requires truth in the inward being. Discover the freedom that comes when we stop hiding and agree with God about our sin. Next week, we’ll cover David’s cry for renewal: “Create in me a clean heart, O God.” Don’t m...

In this episode, we begin our journey through Psalm 51 with David’s opening cry: “Have mercy on me, O God.” After being confronted with his sin, David doesn’t excuse or justify himself; he throws himself on the mercy of God. Whether you feel the weight of past failure or the daily struggle of following Jesus, this episode will remind you that God’s mercy is greater than your sin. As disciples, we are called not to run from Him in shame, but toward Him in honesty, where mercy meets us, cleanse...

What does true repentance look like? Before we dive into Psalm 51, this introduction sets the stage with David’s backstory, the structure of the psalm, and the themes of mercy, confession, renewal, worship, and corporate revival. Discover why this psalm of repentance matters for your walk with Christ today. Please leave a comment or review for this episode to help us share this content with others! Connect with us: Website: https://www.narcelyruiz.com/podcast Instagram: http://instagr...

In this follow-up episode, we move from understanding biblical lament to practicing it. Drawing from the pattern in Psalm 13, we explore how to bring our grief, confusion, and pain honestly before the Lord—whether alone or in community. Lament is more than a concept; it’s a spiritual discipline that helps us process sorrow, find comfort in God’s presence, and anchor our hope in His promises, even in seasons of deep brokenness. Please leave a comment or review for this episode to help us sh...

In this episode, we turn to Psalm 13 as a guide for biblical lament, bringing our raw and honest questions before God. I share my personal struggle in the aftermath of the recent devastating floods in Kerrville, Texas, where many lives, including those of fellow believers, were lost. How do we respond when tragedy strikes, and God feels distant? Together, we’ll see how Scripture gives us permission to grieve, ask hard questions, and still cling to the hope that God has not abandoned us. Pl...

fter a short sabbatical, I’m back refreshed, realigned and ready for what God is leading me into next. In this short episode, I share what I’ve been up to during my break and how God is shifting my focus. Let’s talk about what it means to truly pursue Christ in every season. Please leave a comment or review for this episode to help us share this content with others! Connect with us: Website: https://www.narcelyruiz.com/podcast Instagram: http://instagram.com/upstreampursuit Facebook: ht...

Six months into this podcast journey, I’m taking a moment to pause not out of burnout, but obedience. In today’s short and heartfelt episode, I share what God’s been stirring in me: a call to step away for the month of July, not to rest from the work, but to return to the Vine. I hope it encourages you to slow down and listen too. See you in August, friends. Please leave a comment or review for this episode to help us share this content with others! Connect with us: Website: https:/...

As U.S. airstrikes on Iran escalate global tensions, how should the Church in America respond? In this short but timely episode, we explore how to pursue peace, stand with the global Church, and keep our eyes fixed on the mission of Christ in the midst of crisis. Please leave a comment or review for this episode to help us share this content with others! Connect with us: Website: https://www.narcelyruiz.com/podcast Instagram: http://instagram.com/upstreampursuit Facebook: https://www...

Church hurt doesn’t have to be the end of your faith story. In this final part of the series, we turn to Scripture for hope and guidance, exploring the story of Elijah, a prophet who knew the weight of discouragement. If you’ve been carrying wounds for far too long, this episode is for you. There is a way forward. And you don’t have to walk it alone. Please leave a comment or review for this episode to help us share this content with others! Connect with us: Website: https://www.narcelyru...

In Part 1, we explored the pain of church hurt—the deep wounds that can come from betrayal, gossip, manipulation, or leadership gone wrong. But not every uncomfortable experience in church is abuse. In this episode, we’ll dive into the difference between biblical accountability and spiritual abuse, because sometimes what people call church hurt is really just being held accountable for harmful choices. This is a conversation about discernment, responsibility, and healing. 🕊️ There is clarity....

Church hurt is real, and it runs deep. Maybe it came through betrayal, abuse of power, gossip, or spiritual manipulation. Maybe you gave your heart to fellow believer or community that didn’t protect it. In this part 1 of this episode, we discuss what church hurt is and the emotional and spiritual impact of being hurt in a place that was supposed to be safe. If you’ve ever felt disillusioned, discarded, or distant from God because of how people treated you in His name, I'm sorry! ...

In this heartfelt episode, I sit down with my friend, Glenda Medina, as she shares her honest reaction after learning of the allegations against her former pastor, Robert Morris of Gateway Church. She opens up about the confusion, pain, and processing that followed—and why she ultimately chose to remain rooted in her church community. Her story is one of wrestling with disappointment, leaning into faith, and finding her anchor in Christ. Please note: This is her personal experience and perspe...