Welcome back to the Fish Bag podcast with JP, where this episode dives deep into the rhythms of life, faith, and the challenge of slowing down in a fast-paced world. JP reflects on how our culture’s obsession with speed, fueled by technology and societal pressures, contrasts sharply with the patient, intentional work God calls us to in our spiritual journey. Through vivid analogies drawn from nature—like the role of beavers in restoring rivers—and personal stories, JP explores how Jesus invites us to slow our pace, cultivate good soil in our hearts, and walk faithfully, even when the path is winding and inconvenient.
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In this episode, JP shares his ongoing wrestling with the information overload from social media and how his interests range from alternative history to permaculture, drawing surprising spiritual lessons from both. Using the example of a river in Utah straightened by humans for efficiency, which led to environmental degradation, JP draws parallels to how rushing life can erode our spiritual soil. The story of reintroducing beavers to restore that landscape illuminates the power of slowing down and letting God’s natural rhythms take hold.
JP challenges listeners to consider whether their lives are being pushed by the relentless speed of technology and culture or if they are allowing Jesus to “introduce beavers” — slowing things down to cultivate lasting spiritual fruit. He emphasizes that obedience to God doesn’t mean doing more faster, but rather resting, abiding, and growing in trust and presence with God and one another.
Reflecting on the parable of the sower, JP encourages Fish Baggers to allow God to cultivate their hearts as good soil, where the seeds of faith can grow deep and bear much fruit. He also touches on the cultural shifts affecting our ability to focus and pray consistently, urging a return to unity, obedience, and sustained spiritual rhythms in community.
JP’s heartfelt ramble ends with a call to resist the idolatry of speed and technology’s control over our lives and to embrace the slower, sometimes inconvenient journey with Jesus. For those walking this path, YWAM Barcelona remains a community exploring what it means to follow Jesus in an increasingly fast world.
Contact JP at: jpsanders@ywambarcelona.org
Want to be on the show? Schedule a time here: https://calendar.app.google/YQ9VXVs5kMGm9Y2d6
Intro Song by Isaac Vasquez, link tree: https://linktr.ee/isaacxvasquez
Outro song by James Tyson. IG: https://www.instagram.com/james.mtyson/
YWAM BCN web: https://www.ywambarcelona.org
