Rise By Lifting

No one gets married with the thought of it ending as this was never God's intent for marriage. However sometimes certain circumstances lead to the ending of a marriage. With no doubt many are left to deal with heartbreak while learning to navigate through the unknowns of the next chapter of life. In this episode, guest speaker Torkwase Joseph shares her own journey through divorce and how God brought her to a place of healing.

With so many wrong messages out in the world today, it is no wonder modesty seems to have such a negative connotation even when it comes to Christian women. But is modesty really a bad thing? Or is there really beauty in a woman that chooses to pursue it in a world where the opposite seems to be promoted? In today's episode, Mercedes debunks some modesty myths and addresses some common thoughts surrounding modesty.

Life is constantly changing and with those changes comes different seasons we experience; some for the better and others, not so much.  Sometimes seasons can propose challenges in our walk with God, however, no matter the challenge, we can aim to remain faithful and steadfast in our walk with Jesus.  Guest speakers, Jordan and Jackie Mensah share their own journey of how they have navigated through the years and different seasons of life while aiming to remain steadfast with in their walk with God.  

“Where there is no vision, the people perish…” ; A clear and well known verse in the bible.  One of the benefits of having a vision for your life is the fact that vision can dictate your actions.  It gives a sense of purpose and direction, especially when aligned with God's desires for our lives.  In today's episode, guest speaker Cynthia Okonkwo shares tips on how to develop a God-centred vision for your life through her own lessons, challenges and experiences.  

Let's face it: our world is more than ever filled with sexual perversion. From same-sex relationships to an increase in pornography exposure and other promiscuous lifestyles, there's no doubt that many try to fill an empty void by engaging in such acts, which in turn leaves one more broken while battling shame and guilt. But what if that void could be healed and the cycle could be broken? What if you could experience real freedom, everlasting healing, and a fresh start? Tune into today's episode as guest speaker, Kaylia Peters shares her journey of how Jesus set her free from the bondages of pornography and same-sex attraction.

Is forgiveness really possible when an offence is greater than what we think we can handle? What if the offence is repetitive, harmful or causes us pain? Should we and can we still forgive? In today's episode, guest speaker, Rochelle, walks us through her journey of how she found strength in God to forgive despite her circumstances and the importance of forgiveness. Seeking a church? Questions about salvation? Connect with us at risebyliftingpodcast@gmail.com. We'll happily connect you with one of our worldwide fellowship churches! Come and experience Jesus for yourself!

Part of the Christian walk is learning: Learning about God, learning about others, learning about life, learning about your identity in Christ, the list goes on!  In today's episode, host, Mercedes, shares a few lessons she has learned throughout her walk with God after 9 years of salvation thus far.

Getting married is one thing; staying married is another.  Let's face it: marriage is hard.  It's the union of two naturally sinful people with flaws coming together to do life and the will of God. There's no doubt it requires intentionality, putting aside self and learning to love and understand the other person. Having God in the centre of any marriage can help but still requires both parties to make their marriage work.  Our guest speaker, Sheri-Lynne states that the later years in marriage can be the best years, but it takes work to get there! Tune into today's episode as she shares her experience and lessons learned after 28 years of marriage.

In our society today, mental health issues have skyrocketed like never before. From anxiety to fear, to hopelessness and depression, there's no doubt the way we think about God, others and even ourselves can impact the quality of our lives. The good news is no matter how trapped you may feel in the wrong thought processes, God's intent isn't for you to remain stuck in that cycle. Tune into today's episode as guest speaker Daisy Verplak shares her own struggle in this area and how God helped her gain dominion over her mind and thoughts.

What a privilege we so often forget that we have as believers to bring matters directly to God. Imagine the possibilities if we really did pray about everything. How could our lives and the lives of others be transformed if we prioritized this essential practice in our walk with Jesus? What if the answer we so desperately sought out for in our circumstances was just a prayer away? Tune into today's episode with guest speaker, Diana Callender as she shares her journey of understanding the importance of prayer.

We can't  deny the large influence society has on the youth, whether it's dictating how they should dress, speak, act & overall live.  In a world where many just want to “fit in,” it can be tempting to shy away from the life God has called you to live and gravitate towards the way culture dictates how one should live.  Is it possible to still be faithful to God, stand up for Jesus as a student and not conform to the world's teachings?  Tune into today's episode with guest speaker, Zaria, who shares her journey of learning to take a stand against cultural norms after coming to Christ at 17. 

1 Peter 3 encourages wives to be mindful of their conduct and that in doing so, their unsaved husbands may be won over to Christ. One might think: this is easier said than done. Is it really possible to still honour your husband who doesn't seem to honour the Lord? Tune into today's episode with guest speaker, Danielle Adedokun who shares how God helps her to be an example in her home in spite of circumstances.

We live in a world where many tend to search for answers and means to heal themselves from brokenness, fill their emptiness and seek for happiness.  How many of us have been in that same journey until we realize, all our methods provide temporary solutions.  The reality is, only Jesus can bring healing and salvation to all.  In today's episode, guest speaker Chandini shares her powerful journey from practicing Hinduism to coming to know the One true saviour, Jesus Christ.  Hear how God restored her life, freed her and gave her understanding of true salvation in Him. 

“Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful.” - Hebrews 10:23 In this season finale of the RBL podcast, guest speaker, Sarah King shares her story of experiencing God's faithfulness and learning to remain faithful, even during the tough seasons of life and ministry. Fight the good fight. Finish the race. Remain faithful till the end. Stay encouraged! Enjoy this podcast? Share and leave us a rating to help others be encouraged too!

One of the most beautiful things about coming to Jesus is experiencing a redeemed life. No matter how broken you are, how hopeless your situation may seem or how too "far gone" you may feel, Jesus can restore even the worse of the worse situations and bring us a new life in Him. As we approach Christmas, let this message be a reminder of hope for you. In today's episode, guest speaker, Yalfal Agyemang shares her journey from being adopted to being adopted in God's family. Enjoying the podcast? Let us know by leaving us a rating on spotify/apple! We appreciate it!

We so often hear and know God to be the God of miracles. However, the question is, how much do we believe that, if even at all? It is easy to believe that others can experience a miracle and have faith for God to move in their situation but what about when it comes to our own situation? Can we have faith in our own circumstances even when it seems all odds are against us? Tune into today's episode with guest speaker, Amy Owusu, as she shares her story of how God miraculously brought healing to her life. If you're enjoying this podcast, leave us a rating and encourage others by sharing! We appreciate it!

G R A T I T U D E : In a world where we are always so eager to move on to the “next best thing," how easy it can be to become not only discontent with where we are but also develop a habit of complaining about areas in our lives. But is that the attitude God intends for us to have? What if we were to find appreciation for what we would often call the “little things” or take a step back and reflect on how much God has already done, or just for who He is, how would these small yet significant mind shifts affect our perspectives and ultimately our lives as a whole? Tune into today's episode as guest speaker, Victoria Rodney explains the importance of having an attitude of gratitude and her own journey of growth in this area. Verses: Psalm 95:2 , Philippians 2:14-15 Some gratitude resources: https://habitnest.com/en-ca/products/gratitude-sidekick-journal Free app for prompts: Presently Enjoying this podcast? Share/Leave us a rating or comment on Spotify/iTunes. We greatly appreciate it!

R O M A N S 8 : 1 Have you ever had the thought that somehow you had messed up too much for God to forgive you or perhaps you have come to Christ, but somehow the mistakes of your past constantly torment you? Guilt and shame are associated with condemnation, which is not from God, however, many live in this state of mind, which results in distancing oneself from God instead of running to Him. In today's episode, Mercedes breaks down her own experience with guilt and shame and how God set her free once and for all. Enjoying the podcast? Leave us a rating on apple/spotify! We would love the feedback!

M O T H E R H O O D: Psalms 127:3 reads “Children are a gift from the Lord; they are a reward from him.” There's no doubt that motherhood is a blessing and honour, nevertheless, as with everything else, it can present its challenges. Sometimes these challenges may present themselves in finding overall balance, figuring out what works, and still aiming to be a godly example in your home. In this week's episode, guest speaker, Renee Wright shares her lessons, challenges, and overall journey as a mother of 3. Enjoying the podcast? Leave us a rating on apple/spotify! We would love the feedback!

In the concluding part of this two-part series “When God writes your love story”, guest speaker Pearl Le shares her journey in the courtship process, things she learned along the way, and how she came to realize God was in control of this area of her life. Enjoying this podcast? Please leave us a rating on Apple/Spotify. We would love the feedback!

Let's face it: Most, if not all women desire marriage and if that is truly what God has in store for your life, sometimes the process of waiting can be a struggle.  It can often feel as though everyone around you is getting married, but you. What then do you do? Continue to believe in God to direct your steps in this journey or take control and make things happen your own way? In part one of this two part series, returning guest speaker, Pearl Le, who was single for 14 years after salvation, shares her story of how she maneuvered through her years of singleness, expectations she had and areas of brokenness God had to restore prior to her meeting her husband. Enjoying the podcast? Subscribe and leave us a rating on apple/spotify! We would love the feedback!

“God I will serve you, but first…” This line sounds all too familiar, not just from people in the bible, but even recited today. We all envision things for our lives and although there is nothing wrong with having goals for our lives, sometimes these goals can become idols that keep us from wanting to serve God or giving Him our heart completely. What does that look like and can we really trust in God's plan for our lives when it does not align with our own plans? Tune into today's discussion with Mariah Thomas as she shares her journey of leaving behind a pursuit of pro-basketball to a pursuit of God. Enjoying the podcast? Leave us a rating on apple/spotify! We would love the feedback!

There's no doubt that sometimes life takes a turn we did not see coming. In a split second, things can change, sometimes for the worse and other times for the better. What do you do however when that unthinkable event includes losing a child? It is a nightmare that no parent would ever wish to face. But what do you do in a situation where that does become your reality? Tune into today's episode as guest speaker, Essence Reid-Oxley shares her story of how God restored her hope after losing a child. Enjoying the podcast? Leave us a rating on apple/spotify! We would love the feedback!

I D E N T I T Y - One of the most important aspects of life is knowing who you are. It is easy to say many try however to find their identity in the wrong things and thus, it has directed their lives in the wrong path. So where do you find your identity? Relationships? People pleasing? Accomplishments? Substances? Why is it so important to understand who you are and Whose you are? Does how you view yourself diminish the quality of life you'll have? Tune into today's discussion with D'angellique Allick as she shares her own journey of understanding identity and self-worth in Christ. Enjoying the podcast? Leave us a rating on apple/spotify! We would appreciate the feedback.

Surrender: A word part of many worship songs but what does it really look like in our own lives? Sometimes the very thing we are missing in our walk with God is the surrender aspect. It is things that hold us back from God's very best for our lives. Why then do so many of us withhold things back from God knowing it robs us of truly experiencing all that we can in Him? Tune into today's episode with Kaycha Bennette as she shares her own journey from a sinner to a surrendered pastor's wife. Enjoying the podcast? Leave us a rating on apple/spotify! We would appreciate the feedback.

M I S T A K E S : We all make them, and we're prone to make more in all areas of life. The most important thing however is what we learn from them. The interesting thing about mistakes is that sometimes we learn from not only our own, but also from others who have been in similar situations. Tune into today's episode as Mercedes shares responses from different women on mistakes they made as a new believer, wrong mindsets and most importantly, lessons learned through it all. Enjoying the podcast? Leave us a rating on apple/spotify! We would love the feedback!

Tune into today's episode with guest speakers from the Genesis Cast podcast, as they give a male's perspective on all things relationships.  Listen as they address everything from favourable and unfavourable characteristics about a woman, courtship, pursuit and more.    Enjoying the podcast? Leave us a rating on apple/spotify! We would love the feedback! 

They say men need respect and women need love. This is more than just a saying but is also a biblical principle. But how important is respect really for a man in a relationship? In many homes, most young girls are taught everything from learning to become independent to developing domestic attributes but how many girls are really taught to be respectful growing up? Has this become a factor in how both married and single women relate to men in today's society? Tune into today's episode with Pastor Gary Rodney, as he provides a male's perspective on the importance of respect and the impact it can have in different areas of relationships. Enjoy this podcast? Share & leave us a rating on Apple and/or Spotify to help others find this podcast too!♡

What an honour it is that God would create us as a woman. However, in today's culture, the feminism movement has disregarded the essence and beauty of womanhood and sadly, this distorted mindset can make its way into the body of Christ as well. What does it mean to be a strong woman according to the bible? Is Proverbs 31 an unrealistic standard? Has God's design for womanhood and femininity become outdated? Tune into today's discussion with guest, Monique Campbell as she unpacks these common questions and more on biblical womanhood. Enjoy this podcast? Help others find it by leaving us a rating on Apple & Spotify!

E • N • V • Y Has it ever bothered you seeing someone else obtain something perhaps you desire or believe deserved? Struggled rejoicing with others with whom you didn't believe deserve a certain blessing in their life? At the root of such thoughts we find envy. So easily overlooked and concealed but like Proverbs 14:30 states, it rots the bones. Tune into this mini study on the topic of envy in hopes of not only identifying it in your own life but also ways to move past it.

R E J E C T I O N. We all face it in some way regardless of where we are in life. What happens when this becomes an identified spirit in your life that you seem to can't shake off? Tune into today's episode with Abigail Dumapit as she shares how God delivered her from the bondage of rejection in her life and set her free. Enjoying this podcast? Be sure to follow and leave us a rating.

Let's face it: we all have moments from our past in which we regret. Sometimes these past decisions can still taunt us after we have repented and have come to Jesus. However, we know that isn't how God wants us to live. In today's society, the term "My body, My choice" is used greatly to defend one's decision to proceed with abortion. Sadly, hardly ever is considered the aftermath of the decision. In today's discussion, Lynett Cater shares her experience along with how God brought her through dealing with her past and truly experiencing God's forgiveness.

Some of our most biggest battles are often times the most hidden. We tend to hide them from people out of shame and guilt and most times it discourages us from even approaching God. There is no battle however God cannot take us through. Listen in to the final part of the Purity's Pursuit series with guest, Mimi Onasanya as we talk all things lust, and how you can overcome in this area of your life. Encouraged by the podcast? Let us know by leaving us a rating on Spotify & Apple.

In today's sexualized culture, is purity still something God values and should we really make it a priority in our lives? And if we do, are purity pledges and purity rings enough to not only define our commitment but enough to sustain us over time? In part one of this series, we will explore what purity is and how we can make it an aim to pursue it.

Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside *every weight and sin* which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us - Hebrews 12:1. Our walk in Christ can be hindered sometimes by things in our lives that hold us back, including sin we have yet to address. In today's conversation, you'll hear how Jovel Dennis identified areas that hindered her walk with God for years and how God helped her overcome.

We have reached the end of Season 1 of the RBL podcast! This mini episode is a thank you and insight as to how the podcast began and the Rise By Lifting Ministry as a whole. We look forward to returning back for Season 2 with more topics and guest speakers on January 20th, 2022. Love you guys, stay encouraged!

In a world that dictates what is right, we must stand firm on God's word and hold to our convictions regardless of what everyone around us is doing. What does it mean to have personal convictions and how does it impact our growth and walk with Jesus? Can convictions be based on our own preferences or do they align with biblical principles? Tune into today's discussion with guest speaker, Tara Mojeed as we touch on these questions and share some of our own convictions.

Ever wondered about the perspective of the child who grew up in church, also labelled sometimes as the “church kid?” Do they ever experience challenges in their walk with Christ? It is easy to formulate misconceptions of the “church kid” based on our unspoken expectations. In today's episode, sisters Christina and Larissa share their experience of being children of missionaries. From amazing adventures to personal challenges, tune in as they give their perspective through the eyes of children in the church and debunk common views of the church kid.

At the age 5, guest speaker, Sheri-Lynne made a decision to come to Christ and never turned back since. Listen in on her amazing journey of how God directed her steps to the purpose He had for her life. You'll hear about her ongoing experience as a missionary and how she endured through the rough seasons of being out on the field.

It's easy to believe that because we are "good people" in society that somehow God overlooks the sin in our lives. Believe it or not, no where in the bible does it state being a "good person" makes us right before God. But how easy it is to believe in this lie. In today's discussion, guest speaker Akira shares her story of how she came to understand her hope for salvation could not be found in her good works, but in Jesus alone.

Infertility: Surprisingly one of the most common battles amongst married women but hardly ever spoken about. In this week's episode, Lisa shares her own story of dealing with infertility for 8 years. From depression to relational issues, you'll hear lessons from what she encountered during this season and how God intervened. There is nothing that we face that God cannot bring us through!

Have you had seasons of discouragement or are currently discouraged in your walk with God? Trust me, we've all been there. In today's episode, you'll hear 7 ways to stay encouraged in your walk no matter the season of discouragement you may find yourself in.

At some point in life, everyone gets offended by someone and the truth is, we have offended others as well. What do we do when these offences take place inside the church? Run or learn to endure? Tune into today's open discussion with guest speaker, Magali Britos as we touch on offences and practical tips to help you overcome them.

We are called to be more than just Christians but disciples, i.e, followers of Jesus Christ. Yes, women that includes us too! The beauty of being poured into by an older saint and eventually pouring out into younger believers is the essence of the process of discipleship. Tune in with guest speaker, Nella Lothian as she describes her journey of being discipled, to becoming one who disciples. Find out the importance of having an older believer help you in your journey with Jesus and how you can invest in a young woman's life as well!

Life often hits us with unexpected events, even as a Christian. As a believer, sometimes those events have a lasting effect; other times, only for a season. How do you respond when life takes a turn in your walk with God that you didn't see coming? Tune in with guest speaker, Pearl Le as she walks us through her journey of dealing with an unexpected event in her life.

In a fallen world, we sometimes experience events that make a negative impact on our lives. It may seem as though the world we once knew crashes before our very eyes, leaving us broken, confused, and angry. But what if the story didn't end there? What if God could redeem such a situation in your life. Tune in with guest speaker, Amanda David, as she shares her story of redemption after sexual abuse.

Singleness is not a curse, but sometimes it can be hard to see the blessings of it. There's no doubt that many thoughts can easily fill up the mind of a woman, especially when you have been saved for a while and seem to be getting older. Tune in with guest speaker, Alisha Morris, as she candidly speaks on this topic of singleness, sharing her own struggles and triumphs in this season.

In this week's episode, hear how Victoria Rodney entered into God's purpose for her life, manoeuvred through the doubts and stayed hopeful through it all. She shares her personal journey as a Pastor's wife at Proclaim Church, North York.

Have you ever found yourself believing in something that wasn't true? In today's episode, we will look at 3 common lies believed by women today, expose them for what they are and practical ways to help you overcome these areas in your life. Let's walk in the freedom Jesus paid for us to have!

What if you grew up with a step-father with whom you didn't get along with? Perhaps even resented? In the final part of this series, you will hear how Chanique found restoration in Christ after harbouring bitterness for years towards her stepdad.

In part one of this two part series, Father to the Fatherless, guest speaker Alisha shares her story of what it was like growing up with a distant father in her life. Hear how through Jesus, she was able to have a renewed view of God, herself and others around her.