Believe & Speak

Have you ever looked in the mirror and deliberately said something endearing about yourself? Can you look yourself in the eye and say, “I am wanted”? Listen as I read Jeremiah 1:4-5 and we take a closer look at a man who hung in there and believed he had value, in spite of all the haters. Join me for today's podcast to be encouraged with a message from the Bible that will assure you God loves you and created you WITH purpose ON purpose. This week's scripture: Jeremiah 1:4-5 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@BeginAgainGod Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shawnamariebryant Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shawnamariebryant

Do you agree with the saying “sticks and stones may break my bones but words can never hurt me?” I don't believe it for a minute. I believe words have power. Today I'll talk about why this podcast is called “Believe & Speak”, and I'll share what the Bible says about the power of the tongue. This week's scripture: Proverbs 18:21 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@BeginAgainGod Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shawnamariebryant Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shawnamariebryant

How does God make His will known? Is it possible to hear God's voice? I say yes. Not only because I've heard Him—not audibly but undoubtedly, but also because He promised in Scripture that He would speak through the Holy Spirit. I can take Him at His Word that God makes known to me what I need to know. Supernatural guidance is different from the way Jesus guided his disciples. We can't follow Him around like the disciples did. But God still guides us today. Just not in the same way Jesus did. Today we're going to look at His promise to guide us and how we receive that guidance. This week's scripture: John 16:13b-15 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@BeginAgainGod Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shawnamariebryant Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shawnamariebryant

Supernatural guidance may not be as obvious as following Jesus around in the flesh, but the Holy Spirit is every bit as present with us now as Jesus was with the disciples when he walked this earth. And He has something to say to you. Imagine hanging out with a wise and loving person who always has your back. Now imagine that perfect friend and ideal mentor suddenly disappears. That's exactly what happened to the disciples when Jesus died. BUT... shortly before going to the cross, Jesus promised that the Holy Spirit would come to them and enter into a deeply profound relationship with them. Being filled with the Spirit is different from following Jesus around; it's supernatural rather than natural. But having a supernatural relationship with God means I can trust that the Spirit of truth guides me into all truth. This week's scripture: John 16:12-13a YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@BeginAgainGod Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shawnamariebryant Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shawnamariebryant/

This podcast episode is for anyone who understands that you can hunger and thirst for more than food and water. If you've ever felt entirely empty or desperately dry, then you'll be encouraged by the hope I'll be sharing today from Psalm 63. The message in this psalm can be summed up in today's declaration: Praising God refreshes my dried-up soul. If you're currently in a dry season, then stick with me because I've got three ways to refresh your soul and a “happy feet” version of an old hymn that will have you praising God. This week's scripture: Psalm 63:1-8 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@BeginAgainGod Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shawnamariebryant Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shawnamariebryant/

Do you know what it's like to be stuck in a pit of disappointment? Dashed hopes and dismantled dreams can plunge us into a pit of despair where the mud and mire of despondency keep us from climbing out. I've been there and know the only hope of escape is rescue. But I also know this: I have a rescuer who hears my cries from the pit. SUBSCRIBE AND WATCH TO LEARN MORE  @BeginAgainGod  Whether or not you're currently in a pit, I think you'll be encouraged by the scripture I'll be sharing today along with 3 things it teaches us about how to wait patiently for God's rescue. We will learn to believe and speak this declaration with confidence: God lifts me up and steadies me. Today we'll look at 3 things Psalm 40 teaches us about how to persevere through tough times and actually wait patiently. This week's scripture: Psalm 40:1-3 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@BeginAgainGod Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shawnamariebryant Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shawnamariebryant/

Does God accept some people but not others? Are only certain people from certain backgrounds welcomed by God? Or can anybody say with confidence, “I am welcomed and accepted by God.” In the earliest days of the church, the apostles held a narrow view of who could enter the kingdom of God. Sadly, today's church also has preconceived ideas about who is acceptable to God. Today we'll look at what the Bible says about who is acceptable to God and why. We will also learn to keys to unlocking the joy of acceptance. This week's scripture: Acts 10:34-35 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@BeginAgainGod Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shawnamariebryant Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shawnamariebryant/

I've heard it said that we're human beings not human doings, and yet too many of us feel like we need to be doing something to prove ourselves worthy of being. It's a trap I get caught in even though I know I don't have to prove myself to God. That's the phrase I'll ask you to believe and speak with me today. I'll also give you two reasons why you don't have to prove yourself and a secret that will have you saying “I'm free to be me.” This week's scripture: Romans 8:1-2 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@BeginAgainGod Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shawnamariebryant Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shawnamariebryant/

Does God set a high bar of expectations for Christians that we can never reach? Do we have to be godly superheroes to do what God commands? I'm discouraged by how many people seem to think so. But today I'm going to show you that God empowers us to obey Him. We'll discover that when the Bible says “work out your salvation” it says something surprisingly hopeful right after that—in the same sentence. It's something that takes the pressure off of us to perform. Join me as I share the one thing you'll want to consider when you feel compelled to jump through hoops to work things out. This week's scripture: Philippians 2:12b-13 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@BeginAgainGod Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shawnamariebryant Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shawnamariebryant/

The Bible says that mercy triumphs over judgment. Even though God is holy and perfect, He puts mercy above judgment. God wants us to go after the hurting and broken with mercy and love. So much so, that He empowers us to show mercy by giving us both the “want to” and the “can do.” Watch to learn the secret to pleasing God when it comes to obeying His command to act justly, love mercy and walk humbly.  I also share a helpful tip on how to love mercy if mercy doesn't come easy for you. This week's scripture: Micah 6:8 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@BeginAgainGod Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shawnamariebryant Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shawnamariebryant/

What does God require of you and me? If I could boil down God's commands into a short list of dos and don'ts, what would make it onto that list? The Talmud says there are 613 commandments in the Torah, which is what Christians refer to as the Old Testament. 613! A 12th Century Jewish philosopher divided these commandments into 248 “dos” and 365 “don'ts”. That's one “don't do it” a day for a year! Thankfully, Jesus simplified the list so that all we really need to remember is this: Love God. Love People. In this week's podcast, we'll dig deeper into the two commands Jesus called the greatest of all. This week's scripture: Matthew 22:36-40 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@BeginAgainGod Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shawnamariebryant Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shawnamariebryant/

How should I cope with all the pressure I'm under? Does the Bible give practical tips on how to deal with anxiety? If these questions resonate with you, then you'll be encouraged by the two Bible verses I'll share today: one from Old Testament and one from the New Testament. You'll also be encouraged to believe and speak the Bible-based truth I pulled from those verses: I choose to cast my cares, and then let go. I realize that's easier said than done, cares are clingy. Even if we do cast off our cares, we might just reel them back in. In this week's podcast, I've got two tips to free you from clingy cares. This week's scripture: Psalm 55:22 and 1 Peter 5:7 Website: https://shawnamariebryant.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@BeginAgainGod Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shawnamariebryant Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shawnamariebryant/  

If God spoke to you in a clear and undeniable way, what's the first thing He would say to you? Do you know what God earnestly wants you to know? I not only know WHAT God would say to you, I know HOW He would say it to you. God speaks in mysterious ways and I've learned from experience that He can speak through me. I believe God has something to say to you today. Watch now to learn 4 things mentioned in Titus 3:4-7 that God has done to prove His kindness. Hint: Jesus proves the kindness of God. Watch to the end to discover the one thing God wants you to know more than anything else. This week's scripture: Titus 3:4-7 Website: https://shawnamariebryant.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@BeginAgainGod Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shawnamariebryant Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shawnamariebryant/  

What's in store for 2024? Maybe you've seen Christian YouTube channels that post “I hear the Lord saying this about the coming year.” God has a word for you, and I'm excited to share the 3 things He told me we can expect from Him. I've learned that a prophetic word can be foretelling or forthtelling. I'm not a “foreteller” I don't predict the future. But God has gifted me through His Holy Spirit to be a forthteller, which means I speak about things God has already spoken about. I offer insight into the things God revealed long ago through the prophets of old, and I point out what I hear the Lord saying to us today. As a forthteller, I believe God wants us believing and speaking the truth found in Psalm 139. I hear the Lord saying: I am with you to bless you. I am with you to guide you. I am with you to support you. Join me as I home in on Psalm 139:5-10 and declare this truth: No matter what lies ahead, God is already there. This week's scripture: Psalm 139:5-10 The Blessing (paid link): https://amzn.to/41D5J3p Angels in the Outfield DVD (paid link): https://amzn.to/489jdGw Longing to Belong (paid link): https://amzn.to/3GYmhck As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Link to blog post: It Could Happen - Bible Teacher | Author | Podcaster | YouTuber (shawnamariebryant.com) I'd love to connect. Please consider subscribing to my YouTube channel @BeginAgainGod and to my eNewsletter. Website: https://shawnamariebryant.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shawnamariebryant Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shawnamariebryant/  

Why do some people have the Christmas spirit and others don't? If I don't have enough of the Christmas spirit, how do I get more? If you're having a hard time filling yourself with the Christmas spirit, I've got good news for you! I know four things you can do to boost Christmas spirit. I'll give you a hint right up front: The four things form the acrostic M. A. L. L. Every shopping MALL can remind you how to be filled with the Spirit this Christmas. Being filled with the Christmas spirit hinges on knowing the truth about the power and presence of the Holy Spirit. Sign up for my email list I'd love to connect. Please consider subscribing to my YouTube channel @BeginAgainGod and to my eNewsletter. This week's scripture: Galatians 5:22-23 Website: https://shawnamariebryant.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shawnamarieb... Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shawnamarie...

‘Tis the season for carols about good tidings of great joy. But if God really promised peace on earth, then why don't people have good will toward each other? Could it be we've misunderstood the announcement made by angels to the shepherds near Bethlehem? The angels' message was for all people, but it was directed to individual hearts. Here's what happened when Jesus was born: Peace came to earth. The Prince of Peace came to dwell among us when Jesus was born. To help you remember that, I'm asking you to believe and speak this declaration with me: Jesus came to give me peace. Listen and learn two secrets to having peace on earth. And if you stay with me to end, I'll share how to receive a free Christmas gift from me. Sign up for my email list I'd love to connect. Please consider subscribing to my YouTube channel @BeginAgainGod and to my eNewsletter. This week's scripture: Luke 2:10-15 Website: https://shawnamariebryant.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shawnamarieb... Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shawnamarie...

Why do some people read the Bible every day? How could something written thousands of years ago be useful now? What makes Bible study worthwhile? After decades of reading the Bible, I've become convinced that God uses the Bible to prepare and equip me. If you let Him, God will use the Bible to prepare and equip you too. This episode covers 3 great reasons to make a habit of reading the Bible: God inspired every word in the Bible. The Bible teaches us what is true and right. The Bible corrects us when we're wrong. I'd love to connect. Please consider subscribing to my YouTube channel @BeginAgainGod and to my eNewsletter. This week's scripture: 2 Timothy 3:16-17

My husband and I are both preacher's kids. AKA PKs. We both grew up in church, but our experiences were very different. And so was our understanding of God. I knew Him as a loving Father who had good plans for me and wanted what was best for me. My husband on the other hand came to know God as a condescending, mean judge who would send you to hell for the slightest moral failure. If you were raised with the fear that you might lose your salvation, then you'll find comfort in this declaration of truth straight from the book of Romans: Nothing can separate me from God's love. The Apostle Paul had a message for the ancient church in Rome that's every bit as true for anyone who believes in Jesus today. Stick with me to find out whether Christians can lose their salvation as I share truth from Romans 8:35-39. I'd love to connect. Please consider subscribing to my YouTube channel @BeginAgainGod and to my eNewsletter. This week's scripture: Romans 8:35-39

If you're going through a hard time right now and you're wondering if God is punishing you, then I've got good news! God is not mad at you. He loves you. Maybe you've made wrong choices, maybe you think you deserve punishment, but God is known for His mercy and grace. Grace = receiving the favor and blessings we don't deserve. Mercy = not getting the punishment we do deserve. I've learned that my struggles aren't because God is mad at me. God allows hardship as a form of discipline, and God disciplines me for my good. Today we're going to look at what Hebrews 12 says about enduring hardship and we'll learn 3 reasons God's discipline is NOT about punishment. I'd love to connect. Please consider subscribing to my YouTube channel @BeginAgainGod and to my eNewsletter. This week's scripture: Hebrews 12:7-11

Did you know believers in Jesus can come against evil with a simple prayer? We can actually pray evil away! Do you know how to pray evil out of your life? If you have been under demonic attack and want to know how to stand firm when spiritual warfare rages around you, you'll learn what you need to know from my 3-part series based on Ephesians 6:11-18. This is part 3 of 3. For resources to help you in the fight visit: Praying-Scripture.pdf (shawnamariebryant.com) I'd love to connect. Please consider subscribing to my YouTube channel @BeginAgainGod and to my eNewsletter. This week's scripture: Ephesians 6:16-18

Have you been under demonic attack? Do you want to know how to stand firm when spiritual warfare rages around you? If you're a Holy Spirit-filled believer in Jesus, then you've got what it takes to stand firm. For resources to help you in the fight visit: Praying Scripture I'd love to connect. Please consider subscribing to my YouTube channel @BeginAgainGod and to my eNewsletter. This week's scripture: Ephesians 6:11, 14-15

The devil is hellbent on your destruction. He hates everything God loves, and God loves you deeply. That's why He made sure you have exactly what you need to stand against the devil's schemes. Do you know what you need in order to stand? Learning how to take your stand starts with knowing who your real enemy is. To fight strategically, you must understand that the spiritual influences of evil are at the root of every battle. I'd love to connect. Please consider subscribing to my YouTube channel @BeginAgainGod and to my eNewsletter. This week's scripture: 2 Corinthians 10:3

If you're like me, you don't like being hit over the head with the Bible. The Word of God isn't supposed to be used as a weapon against people, but that doesn't mean the Bible isn't a weapon. It's a very sharp weapon. We don't use it to clobber people, we use it to clobber lies. I'd love to connect. Please consider subscribing to my YouTube channel @BeginAgainGod and to my eNewsletter. This week's scripture: 2 Corinthians 10:3-5a

Ever have one of those prayers you're glad God didn't answer? For years I asked God to give me thick skin and a tender heart. I thought my request made sense because I don't want to become callus or unfeeling but I also don't want the unkind things people say to me or about me to hurt. But a wise counselor recently told me that thick skin is by definition a callous. He pointed out that God created pain to make us aware of and respond to harm. It's not good to be numb to pain if we need to get away from it. If thick skin is not the answer, what is? To find out, we'll look at Colossians 3:12-14 and declare this together: I can clothe myself with mercy because God has forgiven me. I'm thankful God didn't answer my prayers for thick skin for a couple of reasons: Pain reveals toxic relationships. Mercy heals broken relationships. If you know a tender-hearted person who needs to set some boundaries or a thick-skinned person who needs to show a little mercy, I hope you send them a link to this episode.  Your tongue has power. Use it for good. I'd love to connect. Please consider subscribing to my YouTube channel @BeginAgainGod and to my eNewsletter. This week's scripture: Philippians 4:8

ANTs! We've all had problems with them at one time or another. And I'm not talking about those pests that march in formation along our baseboards. I'm talking about automatic negative thoughts (ANTs). Psychologists use this term for intrusive thoughts that crawl around our minds unwelcome and unwanted. The Bible equips us to squash those ANTs dead in their tracks. Today we'll look at an especially helpful Bible verse to kill ANTs and we will declare this truth: I choose to think on purpose. If you'd like to listen to the children's song I mentioned in today's episode, please follow this link to Hide ‘em in Your Heart with Steve Green Vol. 2. You just might find yourself singing along and memorizing Philippians 4:8. I'd love to connect. Please consider subscribing to my YouTube channel @BeginAgainGod and to my eNewsletter. This week's scripture: Philippians 4:8

If we wait until we feel like doing something good and right, we may never start doing it. But if we decide to do something good and right, we may actually start feeling it. I believe the reason God commands us to give thanks, regardless of our circumstances, is because He knows gratitude is good for the soul. Today, we'll look at the command to give thanks and declare this truth: I can give thanks when my heart isn't in it. God never commands us to do something that He doesn't also empower us to obey. If the Bible tells us to rejoice, pray and give thanks in spite of the myriad of circumstances we're going through, then these actions are possible. I don't have to convince you that people act on their feelings. But I submit that people can also feel based on their actions. Feelings can be positive or negative, but they're not morally good or bad. You can't pass a moral judgment on feelings—only on the actions taken as a result of those feelings. So, it makes sense that God would command an action that has the power to affect our emotions. Please subscribe to my YouTube channel @BeginAgainGod This week's scripture: 1 Thessalonians 5:16-19

With increasing food and gas prices making the basics take a bigger bite out of our budgets, it's hard not to worry, but that's exactly what God commands. So how do we lower our stress and increase our faith? In the gospel of Luke, Jesus gives his disciples 2 wrongs and 1 right thing to do when stressing over the cost of living. In Luke 12:22-32 we find Jesus talking to his disciples about how God feeds the birds even though they don't sow or reap and clothes the wild-flowers even though they don't labor or spin. Worrying about life is the first wrong we want to avoid. If you're like me, your go-to when fear and doubt creep in is worry. What if our auto-response was prayer instead? The second wrong reaction is Running after stuff. The message of Luke 12:29-30 is twofold: don't be disheartened by your limited supply AND don't set your heart on the fine and fancy. God doesn't want us to focus on earthly things, He wants us to focus on Him, which brings me to the right response to stress: Seeking God's kingdom. Romans 14:17 says, “The kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit...” Righteousness, peace and joy are the ingredients for less stress and less striving. Let's not hunger for the things of this world, when God can truly satisfy us. Please subscribe to my YouTube channel @BeginAgainGod This week's scripture: Luke 12:22-32

Wavering when we should hold steady isn't a good look. But clinging to nonsensical views looks bad too. So, how do we make wise decisions and then stand firm? The book of James opens with 2 do's and 2 don'ts for anyone who needs wisdom. Today's scripture has a 4-step formula that can even make fools wise. It's in James 1:5-6. Verse 5 gives an if/then: If you need wisdom, then ask God. That's our first “do”: Ask God. James actually says later in this same letter, “You don't have what you want because you don't ask God for it.” (James 4:2 NLT) Ask God for wisdom. I'm not embarrassed to admit I do it all the time. Whether in my relationships or my work, I'll say “Lord, I don't know what to do but you do.” The world has gotten so crazy that sometimes I don't even know what to think.  There's nothing to be ashamed of when you have nowhere else to turn but to God. Maybe you've guessed what our first “don't” is. Don't: Be Ashamed. God doesn't want you to be ashamed of calling on Him. He will never rebuke you for crying out to Him. James 1:6 has the next set of do's and don'ts. The “do” may seem obvious. Believe God. The Bible says, “anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.” (Hebrews 11:6) It's one thing to believe in God and another to believe God. If we want to receive wisdom or anything else, we must believe He exists AND trust Him to do what He says He'll do. God will make you wise if you ask Him to make you wise. So ask! And when you do, don't doubt God. I'm not going to point the finger at you and suggest I never doubt God. I struggle to believe He will meet all my needs, even though the Bible promises He will. I tend to doubt my decisions, too. If you want to make wise decisions and then stand firm, then remember to ask God unashamedly and believe God undoubtedly. Here's the news I've been teasing for a couple of weeks now... I launched a YouTube channel @BeginAgainGod Please subscribe today! Thank you for all your support and thank you for listening and declaring truth with me. Your tongue has power. Use it for good.   This week's scripture: James 1:5-6

Why does the Bible say God heals all my diseases when He doesn't? A tough question like that can cloud our understanding of God, but the right focus clears away doubt. Focusing on the good things God has done may not change bad things we might currently be struggling with, but the right focus will change our attitude. Today I'll share three good things God has done from Psalm 103 to help us keep the right focus. Psalm 103 was written by David, the King of Israel who did heroic things like kill Goliath. He also did bad things like adultery and murder. David knew that sickness and death are the result of sin, and I think that's why he wrote in Psalm 103:3, “He forgives all my sins and heals all my diseases.”  This world won't be free of disease until it is free of sin, and the world obviously isn't free of sin. But the first good thing we need to remember is this: God forgives all my sins. Disease and pain are a part of life because of sin, but God's grace covers our sin. There's no sickness in heaven, and when we praise God, we bring a little bit of heaven to earth. Rather than focus on the results of sin, we can focus on the God who forgives all our sins. The second good thing to remember is this: God cancels the debt of my sins.  Romans 6:23 says, “For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord.” Even though sin invaded the world—and with it, sickness and death—Jesus paid the penalty for us. Death has lost its sting, so ultimately disease has also lost its power. We may not receive healing till heaven, but we can look forward to spending forever in a place completely free of all disease. As king, David knew the symbolism of a crown, and he wrote that God “crowns me with love and tender mercies.” The third good thing we don't want to forget is this: God guards me from the shame of my sins.  Does anybody need another reason to praise God than that? No guilt. No shame. Only love and tender mercies. Sin doesn't define us. Disease doesn't define us. God defines us and He calls us His own children. Our inheritance is in heaven. God crowns us, which means He surrounds and protects us. God has given us a crown of righteousness and victory, not a mark of guilt and shame. The next time tough questions raise doubts and stifle our praise, let's remember the good things God has done: He forgives all our sins, cancels the debt of our sins and guards us from the shame of our sins. Please share this episode. Thank you for listening and declaring truth with me. Your tongue has power. Use it for good. Author of Longing to Belong | Shawna Marie Bryant This week's scripture: Psalm 103:1-5

If you've ever put God in a box and decided there's only so much that He can do, then I've got some encouraging words for you. Nothing is too hard for God. Today, I'm going to share three insights from the OT book of Jeremiah that show us why we can expect more from God. So get ready to believe God for the impossible! I love how Jeremiah 32:17 starts out with the word “Ah.” Like, it's a relief to say it. “Ah, Sovereign Lord.” I can feel the emotion packed into Jeremiah's “Ah…” Isn't it a relief to know that God is sovereign? That's the first point I want to make. God is Sovereign! He is in charge of everything and everyone. Nothing gets past Him. Maybe you need relief in your life right now. Maybe you've gone back to school and are worried about your class schedule being too tough. Or maybe you're dealing with a difficult relationship and don't know how to fix things. Or, like me, you're facing financial pressures that are stressing you out. If you feel ill-equipped to work through the hard issues in your life, I encourage you to linger at the beginning of Jeremiah 32:17. “Ah, Sovereign Lord.” Take a deep breath and let God be God. My next point is this: God is Creator! He made everything and everyone. He tilted earth precisely on its axis so that it wouldn't freeze over or burn up. He commands the wind and the waves. He crafted you with a plan and a purpose in mind. God is not only in charge of what's been set into motion, He's the one who set it all in motion. Proof that He can do anything! My third point is this: God is Powerful! He is able to do anything for anyone. “Anyone” means you. God is for you. He loves you so very much. If what you're facing right now is too hard for you, that doesn't mean it's an impossible situation. God does impossible! Whatever is over your head is already beneath His feet. He can handle your situation; all you have to do is hand it over to Him. He knows what needs to be done and He has the power and authority to get it done. We don't always understand God's methods, but we can always trust His motives. He works everything for good. So let God out of the box and believe Him for impossible things. He is Sovereign. He is Creator. He is Powerful. Can you think of someone who might need a reminder that God can do anything. If so, I hope you'll share this podcast. Most of you listen on your phones and it's easy peasy to click the link to share this episode. Thank you for doing that for me, and as always, thank you for listening and declaring truth with me. Your tongue has power. Use it for good. Author of Longing to Belong | Shawna Marie Bryant This week's scripture: Jeremiah 32:17

Did you know that God is not only ABLE to make you strong, but He is also PLEASED to make you strong! Psalm 89:17 points out something pleasing to God that I hadn't thought of before. It pleases God to make me strong. God know our weaknesses. He knows our vulnerabilities and fears. He knows our limits. He doesn't expect us to be all powerful and all mighty. That's His job! And the crazy thing about being in relationship with an all-powerful, almighty God, is that He enjoys empowering us. The secret to being made strong is found in the verses preceding Psalm 89:17. If you want to check it out, grab your Bible and look at verse 14, 15 and 16. They teach us that God strengthens us when we acknowledge His righteousness and justice along with His unfailing love and truth. God strengthens us when we walk in the light of His presence and worship Him. God strengthens us when we look to Him and depend on Him to make us strong. You and I don't have to be all powerful and all mighty. It's actually the act of humbling ourselves before God that makes us strong. Paul said it best in his second letter to the Corinthians. After writing about how God's grace is sufficient and His power is made perfect in weakness, Paul wrote, “I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong” (2 Cor 12:9-10 NIV). God doesn't expect us to be strong enough to take on life's challenges. He doesn't even want that. He wants us to acknowledge Him, worship Him, depend on Him. He is not impressed when we go our own way. He is pleased when we look to Him in our weakness and trust in His strength. So, the next time you're tempted to condemn yourself for being weak or you're tempted to applaud yourself for being strong, remember what pleases God and choose to rejoice in God's great reputation instead of dwelling on your own. I'm excited to be teaching Women's Bible study this fall, and I've posted the details as well as a registration form on my website. Please take a minute to check it out by visiting shawnamariebryant.com. The Bible study is based on my book, Longing to Belong, and it will teach you how to make a habit of reading the Bible not just for information, but also for conversation. We will take time each week to make declarations of truth. After all, your tongue has power. Use it for good. This week's scripture: Psalm 89:14-17

Today's episode was inspired by a friend of mine who just lost her son to fentanyl, and yet in the midst of her pain she still radiates the light, hope, and joy we have in Jesus. The Bible tells us that the tongue has the power of life and death. My friend is proof that even in the face of death, we can speak life and spread the love of God to those around us. I know it's hard to keep from speaking death when our hearts have been ripped to shreds with grief. I buried a son too, and I can't imagine anything hurting more than losing a child. When we're hurting, we don't necessarily feel like praising God. But he isn't any less worthy of praise. It's certainly easier to praise God when we're flying high, but we're supposed to praise him at all times, not just when we're flying high. Focusing on the truth in today's declaration makes it a little easier. Each day, God carries me in his arms. When I repeat that phrase, I can picture God carrying me in one of two ways. Sometimes I feel like he has lifted me up with his arms in a show of celebration and victory. Like when a team lifts the most valuable player up on their shoulders and marches around with shouts and cheers after a big win. But other times, God carries me in his arms because if he didn't, I wouldn't be able to make it through the day. I might not even get out of bed because of the aching of my loss. My friend asked me to speak at her son's memorial service last Friday, and she asked me to make sure I told everyone about how to get saved. Her son came to faith in Jesus while he was in rehab, and then brought her to church with him, which is where we met. I got to pray with her and do Bible study with her and watch her not only grow in her own relationship with God, but also inspire others to get to know God better—just like her son had inspired her. My friend wanted her son's death be an opportunity to talk about the victory we all have over death because of Jesus. She wanted it to be an occasion for everyone who came to pay their respects to know that the same arms of God that carried her son through rehab and carried her through the grief of his death would also carry them… through addiction, through fear, through anger, through anything to victory. Faith is the victory. Because of Jesus we are victorious over death! Sin and death cannot hold us down because of what Jesus did on the cross. He paid the price for our sin and then rose from the dead to give us new life. Whether we're grieving or celebrating, we can trust in God's love for us. We can trust that he will lift us up and carry us in his arms. I'm excited to be teaching Women's Bible study this fall, and I've posted the details as well as a registration form on my website. Please take a minute to check it out by visiting shawnamariebryant.com. The Bible study is based on my book, Longing to Belong, and it will teach you how to make a habit of reading the Bible not just for information, but also for conversation. We will take time each week to make declarations of truth. After all, your tongue has power. Use it for good. This week's scripture: Psalm 68:19-20

I find myself saying the words “yes and amen” when I hear truth that excites me, and the truth in today's declaration definitely excites me! God is able to do what I cannot do—even when it comes to standing firm in my faith. When we said “Yes” to Jesus, God wiped away our guilt and shame. When we said “Amen” to making Jesus Lord and Savior, God gave us the Holy Spirit as a deposit. Nothing can separate us from God. His seal of ownership is on us. God draws us, redeems us, and sanctifies us. He also makes us stand firm in Christ—even when standing firm is hard. A quick read through Paul's letters to the Corinthians gives evidence of the sinful lifestyle prevalent in that church. If God can make the Corinthians stand firm in Christ, He will certainly do the same for you and me. Isn't it a relief to know that God has promised to give us the strength we need to hold fast to the truth? Philippians 2:13 says that “it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose” (NIV). God does the work in us. He gives us the want-to and the can-do. He makes us stand firm in Christ. I am far too hard on myself. I am a perfectionist who wants to do everything faultlessly—which includes following Jesus faultlessly. But if I could be perfect then I wouldn't need a savior. Every time I mess up serves as a reminder that I definitely need a savior. I can relate to Paul who said that he tends to do the very things he doesn't want to do and doesn't do the things he wants to do. I also relate to Peter. In John 6:67-68, after several disciples had turned away, Jesus asked the twelve, “You do not want to leave too, do you?” I know Peter's answer by heart. He said, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life.” I stumble in my faith walk, but I'm with Peter on this. Where else am I going to go? He has the words of eternal life. And He sent the Holy Spirit as a deposit guaranteeing what is to come. We are destined for heaven! Then—and only then—will we be made perfect. No matter how many promises God has made, they are “Yes” in Christ. So I say “Amen” to the glory of God. I'm excited to be teaching Women's Bible study this fall, and I've posted the details as well as a registration form on my website. Please take a minute to check it out by visiting shawnamariebryant.com. The Bible study is based on my book, Longing to Belong, and it will teach you how to make a habit of reading the Bible not just for information, but also for conversation. We will take time each week to make declarations of truth. After all, your tongue has power. Use it for good. This week's scripture: 2 Corinthians 1:20-22

One of the things I love about the Apostle Paul is that he wasn't afraid to talk about Jesus to anyone, because he knew that anyone could—and anyone actually might—put their faith in God. He knew and preached the truth summed up in today's declaration. In Acts 17, Paul began debating with a group of Epicurean and Stoic philosophers. Some called him a babbler, others wanted to hear more. So, they brought him to a meeting of the Areopagus and asked to know about the new teaching he was presenting. I love how Acts 17:20 records the Athenians saying, “You are bringing some strange ideas to our ears, and we would like to know what they mean.” And then verse 21 says, “All the Athenians and the foreigners who lived there spent their time doing nothing but talking about and listening to the latest ideas” (NIV). Wouldn't that have been an interesting place to be! Paul told the people of Athens what I declare to you. If we reach out to God, we don't have to reach far. We will find him because he is not far from any one of us. Paul stood in front of really smart philosophers and told them how easy it was to find Jesus. On his missionary journeys throughout the Roman Empire, Paul stood in front of men and women from all different walks of life with different traditions and different lifestyles. His message was always the same: God is not far from anyone. I'm reminded of Psalm 139, which says, “If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there. If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast” (NIV). Isn't it great to know that no one is far from God—even if they're running hard in the opposite direction. All that's needed is to stop, turn around, and look up. God is not far away. He can be found by anyone who seeks him—no matter where they come from or what they've believed. God is close by everyone—devout followers, back sliders and even those who seem totally distant from God. The same word that Paul preached to Greek philosophers in ancient times is every bit as true for you and me today. I'm excited to be teaching Women's Bible study this fall, and I've posted the details as well as a registration form on my website. Please take a minute to check it out by visiting shawnamariebryant.com. The Bible study is based on my book, Longing to Belong, and it will teach you how to make a habit of reading the Bible not just for information, but also for conversation. We will take time each week to make declarations of truth. After all, your tongue has power. Use it for good. This week's scripture: Acts 17:24-27

I've been desperate to believe I can still hold on to a long ago promise God made me, and so several weeks ago, I entered two words into the search bar of one of my Bible programs: word fail My search served up seven results, which have been sitting on a tab on my computer ever since. I kept clicking on the tab and reading the first two and the last two results over and over. I never intended to share any of this with you, but God did a crazy thing a couple weeks ago when my good friend Efe gave a powerful presentation that included one of the verses I'd been drawn to in those search results. For weeks before I went to hear Efe speak, I kept looking at my search results and dwelling on the obvious fact that not a word God spoke to Moses and Elijah had failed. I mean, they're Moses and Elijah for heaven's sake. But then, there is that part in Romans 9:6 about how not all who are descended from Israel are Israel. Didn't my adoption through faith in Jesus mean this promise is for me too? Sometimes, it takes God doing something crazy to get me to see what's right in front of me. He used Efe to do that! She was teaching from Luke 1 and had put the text from Luke 1 up on the screen so the women in attendance could read along with her. My eyes widened when she got to verse 37. These words were in bold type: no word from God will ever fail. What? Did she know I'd been chewing on Luke 1:37 for weeks and weeks? I actually looked through old texts to see if I'd told her about my struggle to believe that God would fulfill his outrageous promise to me. Then Efe did the very thing I ask you to do. She pointed to the words in bold and told us to say them out loud. The chapel was filled with women who bore little in common with Moses and Elijah, and yet Efe asked us to declare that promise and make it our own. God isn't in a hurry, but he keeps every promise. He is worthy of our trust. So, let's rest in the assurance of his faithfulness.   I'm excited to be teaching Women's Bible study this fall, and I've posted the details as well as a registration form on my website. Please take a minute to check it out by visiting shawnamariebryant.com. The Bible study is based on my book, Longing to Belong, and it will teach you how to make a habit of reading the Bible not just for information, but also for conversation. We will take time each week to make declarations of truth. After all, your tongue has power. Use it for good. This week's scripture: 1 Kings 8:56, 2 Kings 10:10, Luke 1:37, Romans 9:6

Yesterday would've been by dad's 87th birthday. I'm sure he and my mom had a great time celebrating in glory, that is, if we still celebrate birthdays in heaven. I marked the occasion with my husband and my dear friend, Donita, whose husband went to be with Jesus about a month before my dad left earth for heaven. When my friend popped over a little sooner than I expected, I told her I was writing my podcast for today and asked if she could suggest some verses for me to share with you. Without hesitation she said her favorite passage comes from 1 John 4:13-16. Thank you, Donita, for the inspiration. I pulled our declaration from 1 John 4:16, which is true of anyone who acknowledges that Jesus is God's son. God's love never ends, never fails, never gives up. Ever. If you've experienced God's love, then you know that the love of God is a love like no other. His love is a love you can trust in and depend on. You and I can't begin to grasp the depth of God's love because it is beyond our human capacity to measure. It's also beyond our human capacity to offer. Oh, how I wish I could love like God loves: unconditionally, continually, and deeply. But even when I fail to love like He does, He never fails at loving me. There is so much security in being loved the way God loves us. Love like the love God has for us is described in scripture as being a love that is patient and kind. A love that is never envious or boastful. It's a love that does not dishonor others or come across as self-seeking. it is not easily angered, and keeps no record of wrongs. The love that God has for us and desires for us to spread around is a love that always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. The love of God never ever fails. I'm excited to be teaching Women's Bible study this fall, and I've posted the details as well as a registration form on my website. Please take a minute to check it out by visiting shawnamariebryant.com. The Bible study is based on my book, Longing to Belong, and it will teach you how to make a habit of reading the Bible not just for information, but also for conversation. We will take time each week to make declarations of truth. After all, your tongue has power. Use it for good. This week's scripture: 1 John 4:13-16

The lyrics to “Blessed Assurance” come from the book of Lamentations. Several years ago, I recorded a fun, upbeat version of that old hymn, and you can hear it on Spotify, YouTube and other online sources to this day. The message in “Blessed Assurance” will help you remember the truth in today's declaration—a truth well worth believing and speaking. I'm a big fan of blueletterbible.org. I visit the site whenever I want to look up the original language of a word and its meaning. I did that today with the word “compassions.” Lamentations 3:22-23 says that the Lord's compassions never fail. They are new every morning. The word “compassions” comes from the Hebrew word rāḥam, which means to love, love deeply, have mercy, be compassionate, have tender affection, have compassion. God loves you so much that no matter what happened yesterday, you can start fresh with him today. You don't have to wake up with guilt or shame over what happened yesterday. You can step into today knowing that God's enduring love and faithfulness don't depend on you. He is faithful when we are not. He is loving when we are not. He is full of mercy and grace so that we do not have to carry guilt and shame. No wonder the old hymn sings of our blessed assurance. Waking up to the knowledge of God's new mercies offers merely a foretaste of the glory of God. As children of God, we are indeed blessed. This is my story. This is my song. Praising my Savior all the day long. No matter what comes your way today, remember that God loves you. When you lay your head on your pillow tonight, thank God for his loving compassion. Before you drift off to sleep, confess any sinful thoughts, words, or deeds that you were responsible for today, knowing that God will purify you from all unrighteousness and that you can start fresh, with a clean slate tomorrow and every morning. We are blessed to be loved by such a great God. This week's scripture: Lamentations 3:19-26

I'm 3 ½ years into this podcast, and I've never read from Lamentations. A book filled with laments doesn't seem like the best source for a podcast designed to help you speak life. But today's declaration is positively life-giving, and you can find it tucked into an Old Testament book filled with laments. But as you'll soon see, Lamentations contains so much more than a gush of grief. In fact, Lamentations provides the lyrics to one of my favorite old hymns, Blessed Assurance. That hymn comes from the same chapter as today's reading. (I'll make a note to read the “Blessed Assurance” Bible passage another day.) God knows we have nothing to fear in His presence, and that's why the Bible tells us not to be afraid. Over and over, we read those words. When angels brought messages to earth in Bible times, they often said, “Do not be afraid.” The 23rd Psalm—one of the best-known chapters in the entire Bible—talks about walking through the darkest valley without fear. The New Testament teaches us that God has not given us a spirit of fear and that perfect love casts out all fear. God's Spirit brings peace, which means we can be courageous in the midst of frightening circumstances. Fear motivates people to take action. But fear also clouds their judgment. God doesn't want us running away in fear, he wants us standing firm in the blessed assurance of His ever-present help. The commentary in my NIV Zondervan Study Bible says, “Lamentations is not simply a gush of grief but a highly reflective and considered response to trauma.” Wow. Let me say that again. “Lamentations is not simply a gush of grief but a highly reflective and considered response to trauma.” I can see how a gush of grief to God that also reflectively considers my response to trauma would require sound judgment. Fear shatters sound judgment, but God has not given us a spirit of fear. He gives us a spirit of power and of love and of a sound mind. I believe the devil uses fear to make us take action that drives us away from the love and protection of God. That drives us further into the darkest valley. That drives us into despair. When God says, “Don't be afraid,” He is not saying “Don't be silly.” Fear is the natural response to out-of-control circumstances and trauma. We don't need to be ashamed if we get scared. God didn't shame Joshua before the battle of Jericho and he won't shame us today. Instead, He offers the peace and strength and comfort that comes with His presence, and His love will drive out fear. So, let's respond to fear with faith. Let's stand firm and take courage. Let's invite God's loving presence to drive away all fear.   This week's scripture: Lamentations 3:55-58

Danny Gokey has a new song out called My America (I Still Believe). I've only heard it a few times, but every time he breaks into America the Beautiful, I get goosebumps. Certainly, God has shed his grace on this nation. Before putting my thoughts together for this episode, I looked at my podcast's statistics because I recently crossed a major milestone in the total number of listeners. I wasn't surprised that America is first on the list of countries listening and Canada comes second. But the country in the third position of my listeners throughout the world is Ukraine. Oh, my goodness! Ukraine is listening to my podcast. God has shed his grace not only on America the beautiful, but also on Ukraine, which is every bit as beautiful and beloved by God. Singapore is fourth on my list of countries tuning in. Then New Zealand, and then France. France. The country that has been on fire the past week is a country where God has also shed his grace. Here's what God is saying to you through Isaiah's prophecy, “Come out in freedom. Come into the light.” The Lord in his mercy will lead you; he will lead you beside cool waters. A lyric in Danny Gokey's new song says that America is a little bruised up. So is France. So is Ukraine. These bruises are nothing new. The apostle Paul wrote in Romans 8:20-21 that “… creation was subjected to frustration, not by its own choice, but by the will of the one who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay and brought into the freedom and glory of the children of God” (NIV). You and I need to believe and speak this truth no matter where we live. Jesus is the one who sets us free. He is the light of the world who has overcome the darkness. Let's look to Jesus in the midst of the bruises and decay. Let's heed his call to live in the light of the freedom. Like a good shepherd, He will lead the way.   This week's scripture: Isaiah 49:9-10

God spoke life into existence, but he didn't merely say “Let there be people.” He said, “Let us make mankind in our image, in our likeness.” God had a special design in mind for mankind—for us to be like him. I'm reminded of something I wrote in my book Longing to Belong, which I'll quote for you now. You are beautiful. You belong. You are loved.  The fourth line of the Manifesto of Acceptance addresses who you are inside and out. I am wonderfully made.  You were knit together by the master craftsman, who watched you and wanted you before you were born. Your existence was anticipated and planned by the Creator of the universe, who laid out every moment of your life before a single day had passed. You are a masterpiece with a unique purpose. Declare the fourth line of the Manifesto aloud. I am wonderfully made.  Believe it! God made human beings in his image, to be like him. By framing his design for you from the perfect model, God made certain to craft you with precision for a purpose. You are God's masterpiece, equipped with everything needed to do the incredible things God planned for you to do and to be the complex person he created you to be. I am wonderfully made.  This line of the Manifesto may be the most difficult to believe, but that doesn't make it any less true (p. 94). That excerpt comes from the chapter called “I Am Wonderfully Made.” I hope you know that. You are indeed wonderfully made because you are made in the image and likeness of God, and that's pretty wonderful. God made you with a body, a soul, and a spirit. Your body won't last forever, but it will be resurrected and glorified just like Jesus. Your soul, which is made up of your mind, will and emotions, is the essence of who you are and it will last forever. Your spirit came alive when you received Jesus as your Lord and Savior, which means you carry within you the indwelling presence of God. You are wonderfully complex and eternal, just like God. If you'd like to check out my book Longing to Belong, you'll find it on Amazon, Walmart.com, Booksamillion.com and Christianbook.com. It's also available as an audiobook from Audible, and as a digital download to your Kindle or from the Apple store for your iBooks app. Look for the Longing to Belong Reading Plan on your mobile device via the YouVersion Bible app. Consider purchasing the Longing to Belong Bundle that I designed to help you go deeper in your study and watching the teaching videos that align with each chapter on my Find Joy video podcast.   This week's scripture: Genesis 1:26-28

Last week, I mentioned a book I wrote several years ago about how God kept his promise to be close to the broken hearted and save those who are crushed in spirit. In the book, The Lord is Close, I share the story of God's faithfulness during a season of deep, overwhelming grief. In the previous episode, I talked about one of two things I learned at the time about tears. If you haven't already heard it, I hope you'll check it out. The second lesson about tears is spelled out in today's declaration: God made sure my tears can heal me. God's design for tears was proven by a scientific study that came out the year after my son died. My hope for today's episode is to do away with the lie that we shouldn't cry. Jesus is our best role model, and if he wept than it's definitely okay to cry. He knows the healing power of tears. In Philippians 4:9, Paul wrote, “Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you” (NIV). Paul is also a role model who cried many tears. Let's put to bed the lie that big boys don't cry. Any teaching that admonishes us not to cry keeps us from the healing God designed for us through our tears. Which brings me back to the scientific study. Research scientists collected human tears for analysis, and compared tears resulting from an emotional response to those shed from allergies, onions and the like. The chemical make-up of the tears was different. The emotionally shed tears contained within them the chemical in our bodies that causes depression. God designed crying for a special purpose. It actually expels the depression building up inside. If anxiety, fear or depression are assailing you, you might need a good cry. Don't forget to download the graphic that goes with today's episode. You'll find it—along with the graphics for all my episodes—on my podcast page at this link: Shawna's Blog - Bible Teacher | Author | Shawna Marie Bryant   This week's scripture: John 11:32-36, Hebrews 5:7, Acts 20:19 and 2 Corinthians 2:4

In the late 1990s, I wrote a book about how God kept his promise to be close to the broken hearted and save those who are crushed in spirit. I had buried my baby boy and cried countless tears. No pain has touched my life as deeply as the pain I felt when my son died. Even when we're going through the deepest pain of our lives, we can be comforted in God's presence and walk in his life-giving light. I serve on the Prayer Team at my church. At the end of each week's sermon, the worship team makes its way back onto the platform. Our worship services are formatted to include a music set after the sermon as well as at the beginning. It's one of the things I love about our church. It gives the congregation an opportunity to respond to God's Word, and it also creates an atmosphere for prayer. As soon as the keyboardist begins to underscore the preacher's closing remarks, I make my way to a spot on the side of the sanctuary where I wait for anyone to approach me with a request for prayer. This past Sunday, something unusual happened. I was singing along with the congregation from my spot off to the side, when I felt like God said to me, “She needs a hug.” I looked toward the back of the room and saw a young woman weeping and dabbing her tears with a tissue. I approached her and said, “I couldn't help but notice your tears. May I pray for you?” She nodded and I asked her name. Then I began to pray whatever came into my mind. As I was praying, I mentioned that I had come to literally be the arms of Jesus because I believe God wanted to give her a hug. The woman's tears came even harder as I gave her a squeeze on behalf of Jesus, and I was reminded of the promise in Psalm 56:8. God doesn't merely collect our tears; he knows why we cried them and he makes a record of the reason. God keeps track of the things that hurt us, which is why we can trust the Holy Spirit to be our comforter and our advocate. We can trust Father God to work all things together for our good. We don't have to keep a record of the wrongs done to us or the things that caused us pain. God keeps track of all our sorrows. He has collected all our tears in His bottle. He has recorded each one in his book. What a profoundly comforting thought! God not only sees you when you're crying, but he is right there with you, collecting every tear that falls. And one day, he will wipe them all away. Revelation 7:17 says, “For the Lamb on the throne will be their Shepherd. He will lead them to springs of life-giving water. And God will wipe every tear from their eyes” (NLT). Don't forget to download the graphic that goes with today's episode. You'll find it—along with the graphics for all my episodes—on my podcast page at this link: Shawna's Blog - Bible Teacher | Author | Shawna Marie Bryant   This week's scripture: Psalm 56:8-13

Lately, my mind has been conforming to thought patterns out of sync with my preferred pattern of thinking. I desperately want to break out of the rut of negative thought patterns that my mind has settled into. Renewing my mind definitely takes effort, but it can be done. Everything is possible with God! Romans 12:2 contains a two-part command: don't conform be transformed God never commands us to do something that he doesn't also empower us to obey. Therefore, I absolutely can stand against conforming to the world's pattern. Here's another part of the Romans 12:2 promise. Once I've been transformed and renewed, I'm able to test and approve what God's will is. Wow. But here's the thing. The transformation process begins with breaking out of the world's pattern of thinking, acting, living. Philippians 4:8 says, “whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things” (NIV) That's how we renew our minds. Philippians 4:9, says that if we put biblical teaching into practice, then the God of peace will be with us. God will be with us. Not merely his peace, but also his presence. God's presence brings a depth of peace that surpasses human understanding. God's supernatural peace flows in to shore us up against the tide of fear, anxiety and negativity in this world. You and I can't always choose what we hear. Unsolicited comments and automatic negative thought patterns will clamor for our attention. We can't choose what we hear, but we can choose what we listen to. What we think about. What we give voice to. A friend of mine once told me of the importance of ear gates. We use ear gates when we turn off the TV or stop scrolling on our mobile devices. We also use our ear gates to keep out what we hear so it doesn't invade our thoughts. When we tune into negativity and other patterns of this world, the hinges on our ear gates can get worn down. Let's refuse to conform to the listening patterns of the world. Let's set aside our tendency toward fear, anxiety and negativity. Let's renew our minds by focusing on the God of peace and all that he calls true, right and pure. Don't forget to download the graphic that goes with today's episode. You'll find it—along with the graphics for all my episodes—on my podcast page at this link: Shawna's Blog - Bible Teacher | Author | Shawna Marie Bryant   This week's scripture: Romans 11:33-12:2

Anybody else struggle to fall asleep or stay asleep? Since I was a little girl, I've had a hard time slowing down my mind and/or my body when the clock says it's time for bed. Perhaps that's why I'm so familiar with the verses I'll be reading for you today. Psalm 63 serves as a wonderful reminder that if I lose sleep, I can still find God. Psalm 63:6-8 inspired today's episode, and I have thought of these verses on countless sleepless nights. When I have trouble falling asleep, I try to quiet my mind with prayer. The longer I lie awake, the more earnestly I search for God. I'll ask him, “What is it you want me to pray about?” Sometimes a name or a situation will pop into my head, and I'll begin to pray along those lines. Other times, my mind quiets and I can't figure out why I still can't fall asleep. As the clock ticks away at my hopes for a full-night's rest, I'll ask God to multiply the hours once I do fall asleep so that in the morning it seems like I got in all the required hours. Then I'll breathe deeply and count my blessings. It's crazy how often I'll wake up in the morning totally refreshed, even though I may have remained wide awake well past midnight. I wake up thanking God for multiplying the hours and giving me the rest I needed. I thank him for showing himself faithful by supplying my need for sleep. I also thank him for hearing my prayers as I earnestly searched for him while sleep evaded me. If we keep the mindset of David, the one who wrote Psalm 63, then we can be certain that losing sleep doesn't have to be a total loss. Don't forget to download the graphic that goes with today's episode. You'll find it—along with the graphics for all my episodes—on my podcast page at this link: Shawna's Blog - Bible Teacher | Author | Shawna Marie Bryant   This week's scripture: Psalm 63:6-8

My daughter gave me the idea of which scripture to share with you in this week's episode, and I can't believe that after 178 episodes, I still haven't featured the much-loved verses I'll be reading today. Thank you, Sarah, for the inspiration! I know the verses by heart that provide the foundation for the truth we will declare together today. My path has been anything but certain lately. I'm doing my best to lean on God rather than my own understanding—especially because I'm having a hard time understanding! I tend to joke about how I'm on a need-to-know basis with God and all too often he thinks I don't need to know. Acknowledging God in all my ways is much easier when I have lots of reasons to give him praise. It's harder to acknowledge that God is present and working in the midst of my difficulties, dead ends, and disappointments. The other day I was riding along with my daughter to run some errands, which is much easier with two adults when you've got three little ones in tow. Sarah had pulled up a playlist of Disney soundtracks for her little princesses to listen to in the car. I wasn't paying attention to the music while I tried to verbally process my difficulties, dead ends, and disappointments with my daughter. Suddenly, my oldest granddaughter—who will be 5 in August—declared with glee, “Listen! This song is about Jesus!” Sarah turned up the music and sure enough, it was! “That's weird,” she said, as she clicked forward and backward through the playlist, and sure enough, the theme song from some Vacation Bible School soundtrack was right there in the middle of a Disney playlist. That's when I started paying attention to the music. Right after a lyric about how life will get crazy, I heard the words “I'm trusting you, God. You are good.” Sarah said, “Mom! That's a miracle from God right there. What else could explain this song dropping into the middle of a Disney playlist?” When the song ended, my granddaughter shouted, “Play it again!” So, we listened again to a chorus of children's joyful voices sing, “I'm trusting you, God. You are good.” I admit, that happy, unexpected song redirected my focus. in the midst of me trying to figure out the crazy path my life had taken, God creatively reminded me that I can trust in the Lord with all my heart, and that I should not lean not on my own understanding. He reminded me to acknowledge God, and trust him to direct my paths for my good and his glory because he is a good God. I asked Sarah to send me the link to that happy song so that I could listen to it the next time I started to lean on my own understanding rather than on God. If he can drop a children's praise song into the middle of a Disney playlist, then he can do anything—even make my wild and crazy paths straight. If you're a new listener you probably don't know about the graphic I design for each episode. It's perfect for posting to social media. Just visit the podcast page on my website to find and download the graphics. The images change with every episode and contain the declaration for that week. Share this podcast and/or a link to my website: www.shawnamariebryant.com This week's scripture: Proverbs 3:5-6

This week's declaration comes from Psalm 118, which I keep coming back to read as if God doesn't want me to miss something hiding there. Two of the verses in Psalm 118 inspired today's declaration, which has the power to bring life just by speaking it. Psalm 118:24 has provided the lyrics to a number of happy, upbeat songs about how today is the day to rejoice and be glad. Psalm 118:27 tells us God is the Lord and He has given us light. I find the context of these verses fascinating, because I can hear the struggle to stay focused on God rather than the dire circumstances. I struggle with the same forces that want to rob me of the joy that comes in the light of God's presence. I can relate to the need to bind the sacrifice with cords so that it doesn't get away. There are days when the choice to rejoice isn't easy. Maybe—like me—you've sung at least one version of the words in Psalm 118:24. It's especially hard to sing “I will rejoice and be glad in it” when the day isn't a great day. I just got a text from my neighbor as a follow up to her request that I keep an eye out for her beloved black lab Bodie. She found him behind a tree in her backyard, where he laid down for the last time. She chose gratitude in the midst of loss and sadness. I know this because she texted, “I'm grateful he just fell asleep and didn't have to suffer.” The words that follow the oft-repeated (and even sung) Psalm 118:24 prove that circumstances weren't the reason to rejoice. “Save now, I pray, O Lord; O Lord, I pray, send now prosperity” (Psalm 118:25 NKJV). The urgency in the request to save now and send provision now suggest that circumstances were not cause to rejoice. The goodness and mercy of God—the God who gives us light in darkness—is the reason to rejoice today and every day. I learned a life-changing lesson right before entering into an extremely difficult season of loss and sadness. The lesson is tucked into in a phrase worth writing down. Don't focus on what you don't have. Focus on what you do have and be thankful.  God is good and his mercy endures forever. He is worthy of praise in good times and bad. He has given us the light of his presence. He has given us a reason to rejoice. If you're a new listener you probably don't know about the graphic I design for each episode. It's perfect for posting to social media. Just visit the podcast page on my website to find and download the graphics. The images change with every episode and contain the declaration for that week. Share this podcast and/or a link to my website: www.shawnamariebryant.com This week's scripture: Psalm 118:24-29

I pulled this week's declaration out of Ephesians 3:14-19, which comes just a couple verses after Paul writes of how God has welcomed us to come boldly and confidently into his presence because of Jesus. It's no wonder the passage opens with Paul talking about falling to his knees. The passage closes with Paul saying that you will be made complete. Being complete—being filled with all the fullness of God—starts with being rooted and established in God's love. Paul says that God's love is difficult to grasp, hard to comprehend, mindboggling to wrap your head around. That's because God's love is not like human love. If we really could grasp how wide, how long, how high, and how deep God's love is, we would never fear rejection or abandonment. Instead, we would feel a strong sense of security. My friend, the strongest and most secure relationship you could ever have is the relationship you have with God, because nothing—absolutely nothing—can ever separate us from God's love. Being loved by the Creator of everything in heaven and on earth is being in the most secure relationship you could ever be in. The strength and security found in God's love make us complete—filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. When I think of this, I could fall to my knees just like Paul. I am incredibly thankful for the security found in a loving relationship with God. If you're a new listener you probably don't know about the graphic I design for each episode. It's perfect for posting to social media. Just visit the podcast page on my website to find and download the graphics. The images change with every episode and contain the declaration for that week. Share this podcast and/or a link to my website: www.shawnamariebryant.com This week's scripture: Ephesians 3:14-19

When I was a little girl, I dressed up for church. I dressed up for parties. I dressed up for dining out. These days, I rarely get dressed up. Maybe that's why today's declaration makes me smile. Its wonderful news is tucked into a Bible verse at the end of the chapter in Isaiah that contains the prophecy Jesus read in his hometown of Nazareth the day He revealed His identity and purpose to them. Perhaps, like me, you're familiar with the verses Jesus quoted from Isaiah 61:1-2 about how the Spirit of the Lord was on him and had anointed him to proclaim good news to the poor. I'm less familiar with the verses I'll be reading today. They come from Isaiah 61:10-11, and tell us that we are clothed in garments of salvation and arrayed in robes of God's righteousness. We can step out with our heads up and our smiles on because we are looking good to God! I wrote a book called Longing to Belong, and the first chapter talks about how you and I are a display of God's splendor. That wonderful news is also Isaiah 61. “They [which refers to people just like you and me] will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the Lord for the display of his splendor” (Isaiah 61:3 NIV). I recently started taking a group of women through my book on Tuesday nights, which is probably why I was drawn to Isaiah 61 for today's episode. You and I have absolutely no reason to feel any guilt or shame once God clothes us with garments of salvation. Saved by God's indescribable gift of grace, our own good works are nothing but filthy rags. Why try to clean them up when we can cast those filthy rags aside and put on—like it says in Ephesians 4:23—"put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness” (NIV). You, my friend, are holy and blameless because of what God has done, not because of anything you've done or haven't done. God chose you in Christ before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. Paul's letter to the Ephesians goes on to say that Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her to make her holy, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word, and to present her to himself as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless. (Eph. 5:25-27 NIV) Longing to Belong on Amazon: Longing to Belong: Discovering the Joy of Acceptance: Shawna Marie Bryant: 9781684264803: Amazon.com: Books Christianbook.com: Longing to Belong: Discovering the Joy of Acceptance: Shawna Marie Bryant: 9781684264803 - Christianbook.com Share this podcast and/or a link to my website: www.shawnamariebryant.com This week's scripture: Isaiah 61:10-11

Our Bibles contain tons of examples of God helping his people snatch victory out of the jaws of defeat. Both Gideon with his tiny band of warriors and Jehoshaphat with all the fighting men of Israel were outnumbered. Then there's David with his sling shot aimed at a giant and the early church with their prayers lifted on behalf Peter in prison. All of them were ill equipped. But God delivered them from their enemies. He showed up for them, and he will show up for you. Today's declaration is as true for you as it was for Gideon, Jehoshaphat, David and Peter. I encourage you to believe and speak the truth about your ability to destroy the enemies of God with the authority of the Lord. Why surrender to a hopeless situation when you can declare the truth in Psalm 118? God is indeed for you. No matter who is against you, your enemies are no match for God. The secret to overcoming them is found in the Bible stories I mentioned earlier. Gideon and Jehoshaphat inquired of God and then followed God's counterintuitive plan of battle. David considered Goliath miniscule compared to God. The early church cried out to the only one who could rescue Peter, and God surprised them in the middle of their all-night prayer vigil. When you walk in the authority of the Lord, you can win an unexpected victory. You can conquer mighty foes. You can look in triumph at those who hate you knowing that God is for you and will help you. Take refuge in the Lord. He has promised to shield and defend you. His strategy may not make sense, but it's better to trust in him than anyone or anything else. When you're in distress, feeling surrounded or under attack, remember the authority you have been given as a believer. There's power in the name of Jesus. You will have enemies in this life. You will have people who hate you. Jesus warned us of this inevitability. But by the power of God's love, you can overcome evil with good. Share this podcast and/or a link to my website: www.shawnamariebryant.com This week's scripture: Psalm 118:5-12

Psalm 46 has been on my mind and in my heart a lot lately. I take great comfort reading Psalm 46 when my cage is being rattled and the ground around me is shaky. Maybe you're familiar with this part of verse 10: “Be still and know that I am God.” What a beautiful command. Be still. That's hard to do in troubling times. If you're like me, you want to do something. I think Psalm 46 has been on my mind because I'm the one who needs to be repeating the phrase that I'll be asking you to repeat with me today. I'm tempted to read the whole of Psalm 46, but I'll put a link in the show notes to an episode I did more than three years ago based on its first seven verses. Today, I'll start with verse 7 and read to the end because God wants us to redirect our focus from the craziness around us and fix our eyes on him. The beginning of Psalm 46 talks about how we don't have to be afraid even if the earth gives way, the mountains fall into the sea, and the mountains quake. One of the verses I just read talks about the Lord bringing desolations on the earth and the verse right after it says God brings wars to an end. In other words, whether the disasters are natural or manmade, the Lord Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress. That promise in Psalm 46:7 is repeated word for word in verse 11. It's as if God wants us to know that we know that the Lord Almighty is with us as our fortress. You and I can know that we know that the strong and mighty presence of God is trustworthy. In the previous episode, I spoke of wars and rumors of wars, floods and famine, and other disasters. I encourage you to listen if you missed it. It's no wonder there's talk lately about the end of the world. If you're still in your 40s or younger, you didn't grow up like I did with the looming threat of nuclear war. After all these years, we're talking about nuclear war again. That's some craziness right there. I remember learning a couple of crazy concepts in my political sciences classes in college. One of them was called MAD, for “mutually assured destruction”. The other was NUT, which stood for Nuclear Utilization Theory. Like I said. Crazy. But God says, “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.” That's Psalm 46:10. Write that down, my friend. Write this one down too; Psalm 46:1 says, “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.” In a mad world that's gone nuts, you and I don't have to be afraid. Let's keep our eyes on the one who has promised to keep us in perfect peace.   Episode 13: Episode 13 - Bible Teacher | Author | Shawna Marie Bryant Share this podcast and/or a link to my website: www.shawnamariebryant.com This week's scripture: Psalm 46:7-11

No matter what TikTok and Twitter have to say about Easter eggs and bunnies, they cannot negate or erase the truth about Easter. Jesus died and rose again to pay for the sins of the world and cancel our debt, reconciling us to God. The fifth chapter of Romans has a lot to say about justification through faith and gaining access to the grace and peace of God through Jesus Christ. Today's episode is focused Romans 5:7-11. In verse 11, Paul mentions boasting in God. I love that! Expressing our gratitude for the goodness of God is one way we can boast in Him. Today's declaration boasts about what God has done for us through our Lord Jesus Christ. I've said this before and I'll say it again. Hearing the word “justified” reminds me of how Billy Graham used to say that being justified means it's just as if I'd never sinned. If you'd never sinned, you wouldn't fear the wrath of God, would you? You'd have no reason to expect judgment to come down on you like fire and brimstone. Romans 5:7-11 explains that those who have been justified by the blood of Christ, can declare that it's just as if I'd never sinned. If that's you, then empower your tongue with this truth: I will never forget when I was in my 20s and heard about a former classmate dying unexpectedly. I was with others who knew her from school and one of them said, “It goes to show that you need to make sure you're right with your Maker because you never know when you're going to meet Him.” I was too young and insecure at the time to make the most of that opportunity and ask if they knew how to be sure they were right with God. The book of Romans has the answer. We don't get right with God through good deeds or righteous behavior. Christ is the one who reconciled us to God. Paul wrote that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Therefore, if—while we were still God's enemies—we were reconciled to him through the death of his Son, how much more shall we be saved through his life! No wonder Paul wrote in his first letter to the Corinthians “Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!” We have plenty of reasons to boast in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we not only received reconciliation but also grace upon grace, peace with God, and hope in the midst of uncertainty. With all the talk about wars in Ukraine and rumors of wars in Taiwan, with all the talk about floods and famine, tornadoes and climate catastrophes, with all the talk about the end of the world and the coming judgment of God, you and I can rest in the peace of God which surpasses all human understanding. We have no reason to fear the wrath of God. Instead, we can boast in God with a boast like this: I have been justified and saved from God's wrath. I'd appreciate it if you'd take the time to give this podcast a 5-star rating and also text a link to this episode to a friend who needs to know they've been justified and saved. Your tongue has power. Use it for good. Share this podcast and/or a link to my website: www.shawnamariebryant.com This week's scripture: Romans 5:7-11