Stephanie welcomes back author Margaret Feinberg to explore Margaret’s journey to better understand and personally experience the Holy Spirit, and share insights about how God’s Spirit works in our everyday lives. Margaret’s new book, "The God you need to know” invites us into a deep dive in the Person and Work of God’s Holy Spirit.

Many people think the Holy Spirit first appeared in Acts 2 (Pentecost), yet the Spirit has been active throughout the whole Bible. In the Old Testament, the Spirit is present from the very beginning, hovering over the waters in Genesis. The Holy Spirit empowers people in many diverse ways, such as giving wisdom to artisans like Bezalel or clothing Gideon with courage. Realizing this deepens our appreciation of God’s ongoing presence and reminds us that spiritual experiences aren’t limited to the extraordinary—they are woven throughout the ordinary. Margaret says, the story of the Spirit didn’t start at Pentecost, and it doesn’t only happen in dramatic moments. Where might you miss the Spirit at work in your daily routines?

Margaret describes her research into how people experience the Holy Spirit, and discovered that there is no “cookie-cutter” approach. Some feel a nudge or inner voice, others recall Scripture, some sense physical warmth, and others have dreams or receive guidance in mundane activities. The Holy Spirit’s creativity matches our unique personalities and learning styles. Together, Margaret and Stephanie wonder, How might God communicate with you in a way that matches your temperament? Are you overlooking His voice because you expect it to look a certain way?

Margaret expands the definition of miracles from the spectacular to “the kindness of God on display.” She shares examples like God guiding someone home when lost or prompting a generous act. Sometimes miracles are obvious, but often, like at the wedding in Cana, they remain hidden to many—yet are miraculous all the same. So, together, they ask, What small moments in your life might be God’s quiet miracles—His kindness breaking into your routine?

Drawing from the story of Bezalel, Margaret points out the Spirit’s role in empowering creativity. Making art, plans, connections, and even daily tasks can be inspired by God. We’re all invited to “make” with the Spirit’s inspiration, whether it’s a beautiful loaf of bread or a supportive friendship. She prompts us to wonder, What is God inviting you to create or offer today?

Margaret encourages us to pray simple prayers for the Holy Spirit’s presence and guidance daily—paying attention to coincidences, inspirations, or “nudges.” While engaging with the Spirit may seem mysterious or even intimidating, it leads to freedom, peace, and transformation. She challenges each one of us: For the next week, ask, “Holy Spirit, help me notice Your presence today.” Journal what you sense, feel, or notice—especially in small ways.

The Holy Spirit is alive and active—sometimes dramatic, often gentle, always personal. By lifting our expectations and slowing down to notice, we can discover God’s kindness in new places and learn to walk more closely with Him, trusting that He meets us right where we are. Embrace God today, the God you need to know!

MEET MARGARET FEINBERG

Margaret Feinberg, one of America’s most beloved Bible teachers, speaks at churches and conferences. Her books, including Taste and See and Fight Back With Joy, along with their corresponding Bible studies, have sold more than one million copies and received critical acclaim and national media coverage from the Associated Press, USA Today, the Los Angeles Times, the Washington Post, and more. She was named by Christianity Today as one of fifty women most shaping culture and the church today. Margaret savors life with her husband, Leif, and their superpup, Zoom. Zoom makes an appearance in the interview on Gospel Spice, and you can catch him on our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/gospelspice

Now that you’ve read the official bio, here’s the kick off your shoes and drink iced tea on the back porch version:

Margaret spends most mornings with her good friends Coffee and God. Without Coffee, mornings would be difficult. Without God, life would be impossible. You’ll often find Margaret (puppy-in-tow) adventuring outdoors—she enjoys hiking, river rafting, and scanning the night sky for the Northern Lights and shooting stars. She boasts an exceptionally dry sense of humor that she attributes to her Jewish father. Little known secret: He was recently inducted into the Surfer’s Hall of Fame, and her mom earned her captain’s license for 60-ton ships. They’re pretty amazing. You’d like them. Married to Leif for more than a decade, Margaret’s known for losing things like her sunglasses on her head, keys in her hand, or her phone for the 12th time in the same day. Luckily, Zoom hasn’t been left anywhere… yet. Always up for an adventure, Margaret is known to drive 50 miles to chase down a food truck. She prefers watching comedies and laughing until her tummy aches over doing sit ups.

More about Margaret here: https://margaretfeinberg.com/ 

ABOUT “THE GOD YOU NEED TO KNOW”

Discover answers to your biggest questions about the Holy Spirit--and invite the Spirit to move in your life in powerful, real, tangible ways.

The topic of the Holy Spirit can be…well, spirited…and one that sparks passionate discussion, especially among the most devout religious circles. What does it mean to be filled with the Holy Spirit? Are spiritual gifts still relevant today? Was the move of the Holy Spirit reserved for a specific age in history – or is the Spirit active now?

The book traces Margaret’s personal search for the Holy Spirit’s work in her own life, rooted in childhood experiences and theological study. She unpacks the Spirit’s role in the lives of biblical figures like Gideon, David, Ezekiel, and Bezalel, showing how God’s presence has never been limited to a single moment in history.

“Over the last few years, I’ve embarked on a deep exploration of the Holy Spirit prior to Pentecost, Margaret writes. “When we simply skip forward to the displays of the Spirit at Pentecost, we miss the faithful ways the Spirit of the Living God has been present and active with people throughout history. That’s why we must explore the Holy Spirit on the road to Pentecost. The Spirit is not just the God we want to know; this is the God we need to know.”

Everyone has questions about the Holy Spirit. If faith in Jesus provides my connection to God, then what role does the Holy Spirit play? How is the Spirit part of my day-to-day relationship with Christ? And why doesn't the Spirit's work play out in my life the way it seems to in the Bible? Why do other believers seem to have a connection to the Spirit, and I don't? Even longtime Jesus followers can feel stymied and confused.

In The God You Need to Know, Margaret Feinberg, the bestselling author of Fight Back with Joy and Scouting the Divine, takes you on a journey through the Old Testament on the road to Pentecost to find answers to your burning questions about the Spirit. You will discover:

• The Spirit still working powerfully in unexpected places
• How to respond to spiritual promptings that often go ignored
• A deeper understanding of the Spirit's role in biblical events, especially the Old Testament
• How to encounter the Holy Spirit in fresh and practical ways
• Spiritual renewal through companionship with God

The Holy Spirit's appearance on the Day of Pentecost was not a grand debut; it was the culmination of the Spirit's work since the beginning of time. You can experience a vibrant life with the same powerful flame. It's time to discover the God you need to know.

We invite you to check out the first episode of each of our series, and decide which one you will want to start with.

Go to gospelspice.com for more, and go especially to gospelspice.com/podcast to enjoy our guests! Interested in our blog? Click here: gospelspice.com/blog

Identity in the battle | Ephesians

https://www.podcastics.com/episode/74762/link/

Centering on Christ | The Tabernacle experience

https://www.podcastics.com/episode/94182/link/

Shades of Red | Against human oppression

https://www.podcastics.com/episode/115017/link/

God's glory, our delight 

https://www.podcastics.com/episode/126051/link/

 

You are invited to join us on the Gospel Spice Prayer Bible Study, titled "The heart behind prayer" starting September 20, 2025! Details and registration here: https://www.gospelspice.com/prayer 

There are a few things in our Christian life that we know we should do more, or at least better – and prayer just might top the list. Prayer is a mystery. Why would a conversation with a human have any influence on God’s eternal, sovereign plan? It defies logic, and beckons love. How can God, the Almighty Lord of Hosts, be this close, this personal? It defies understanding, and beckons involvement.

But, lack of time, inspiration, and discipline, combined with the ruthless tyranny of our busy lives, push prayer to the periphery, to the “one day I’ll get to it” pile. And yet, we can excel at what we endeavor to undertake. So, why isn’t prayer more of a spiritual priority? Could we develop a mindset around prayer that made it attractive, inspiring, even maybe delightful? What if we attuned our spiritual ears to listen to God, and our spiritual eyes to see His provision?

As an unassuming student, I’m going to humbly offer to share the little I have learned from others about the joy of prayer. I will give us theology, practical tips, and useful resources, sharing what works for me as we, together, learn to pray.

If you find prayer intimidating, or if your lack of prayer makes you feel guilty or “less than,” then this is the place for you! If you have been a student of prayer for many years, this is the place for you too! If you have breath in your lungs, then prayer can become one of the deepest joys of your day. Don’t miss out!

A PERSPECTIVE ABOUT PRAYER

To pray is to believe that God not only hears, but that He responds. It is to stand in the gap for a broken world, wielding the authority of Christ, empowered by the Spirit, and trusting in the goodness of the Father. The question is not whether prayer works, but whether we are willing to pray the kinds of prayers that invite God’s Kingdom into the darkest places of the earth—and of our own hearts.

We may never fully understand the mechanics of prayer, or how it intersects with God's sovereignty, but we are not called to understand everything. We are called to be faithful. And faithfulness means showing up—in prayer, in persistence, in expectation.

So today, let us pray not only for the comfort of our hearts, but for the transformation of the world. Let us take our place as image-bearers, co-laborers, and co-heirs. Let us believe that God is still listening—and still acting. Because He is.

There’s only one way to find out what might happen when we truly pray like this.

Let’s begin.

THE MINDSET BEHIND THIS COURSE

Before we begin, let me tell you the obvious: I don’t really know how to pray. I’m a humble student and absolute beginner at the holy endeavor that is prayer. So, this course isn’t really about what I’ve learned, or any wisdom I might have gathered. But, I’ve sat at the feet of many prayer warriors over the decades, through books and teachings.

So, I’ll share what I learned from them. Humility is going to be our primary heart posture! With each lesson, I will offer a few thoughts, practices, and ideas – with much humility, and not taking myself too seriously. I will also share her favorite books and resources about prayer. FInally, I will introduce you to some of the most influential prayer warriors of our history as the Body of Christ.

Most importantly, I will invite YOU to pray! Learning to pray comes from praying. Our humble ambition is to inspire you to pray, and to give you a few tips on how to do that. Then, it’s up to you! Prayer is a lifelong endeavor. Let’s make it delightful together!

So, let’s get started.

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