Seeing Deep in a Shallow World

Oh mommas! Happy Mother's Day! Last week we began unpacking 10 lies moms believe and replacing them with God's sweet truths. This week we finish that list. What lies have you believed and how have you refuted those lies with God's word? Listen in and be encouraged!

Oh momma! Being a mom is so very challenging, no matter what stage you are in. I confess that Norman Rockwell images set me up for shock over the realities of motherhood. But the Gospel rescued me from that expectation, anyway. If you feel like a failure or maybe just need an encouraging boost, listen in this week we unpack ten of the lies moms believe with 10 truths to replace those lies. 

Life throws us curveballs that can throw us off course and off purpose. Our mindsets are shaped largely by our environment without our being aware. Knowing our “why” or our purpose and keeping it in front of us helps us to steer and maintain a healthy, godly mindset. Renewing your purpose will require vigilance to recognize when you are drifting from God's purpose and calling on your life. Don't let failure stop you from living on purpose with the purpose God has for you. We can limit our purpose based on man's limitations or we can simply live on purpose no matter what the results are.  God is not held accountable for a purpose that is not of His own design. So when we renew our purpose to be God's purpose for us, we don't have to strive. Listen in for five tips to help you to keep your mindset from drifting from your purpose and being faithful to God's call on your life.

Renewing our minds involves resolving to do so. Resolving to think like Jesus is not just a resolution of the flesh but of the Spirit. And when we resolve to think like Jesus, our suffering and problems in this life are reframed with the gospel. Our resolve is not to suffer, but to have the same attitude and response to suffering that Christ did.  Suffering does not have to end in order for us to be able to choose joy. Listen in to this week's Seeing Deep podcast.

Mind renewal is not dependent upon perfect circumstances, but it is dependent upon a perfect God. What we focus on shapes our mindset and worldview. Renewing your focus takes intentionality and practice. Listen in to some tips on how to renew your focus and ultimately your mind in Christ.

Happy Easter, all! Christ has risen! In Christ, we have His victory! But sometimes we don't live like it. This is where mind renewal comes in. Renewing your mind is not just a good thing to do. Don't neglect mind renewal. It affects your whole life. So why is it so hard to renew our mind? We have the Holy Spirit. We have God's word. We have the mind of Christ.  Mindset woes are often provoked by life's "non-fun" circumstances. Life's mishaps are never convenient. If our mindset is dependent upon a convenient, perfect, comfortable life, we are in trouble. Life in a fallen world is not perfect. But our Savior is, and His mind is. We were never meant to live life apart from our Savior. Don't let unbelief keep you from the mind renewal and transformation that belong to you in Christ Jesus! Listen to today's episode and learn what is needed in the foundation of our mindsets to help us renew our minds daily.

April is here! And this month we are going to be talking about being renewed! Today's topic is aptly titled, “No foolin” since April Fool's Day just passed. Did any of you get duped by April Fool's jokes? Sometimes I can be gullible because I want to believe the best in someone so I can get snagged by some April Fool's puns. But the most significant fooling we need to be aware of is the devil's schemes. This is a comforting thought, right? We have an enemy, friends. And he is trying to find a way to fool us or deceive us so we will be duped to sin or be discouraged or defeated by our own minds. In other words, don't be controlled by our own minds but control our minds and thoughts, or the devil can get a foothold and fool us. Listen to this podcast and learn how to stop being fooled by your own self-defeating thoughts and how to fight right in the Spirit!

What is the cause of your struggle to find a healthy rhythm in your life? Sometimes our busyness is due to poor planning or maybe due to a perfectionist mentality that does not know when to quit. The list could go on and on. But the truth is, we don't have to be in rush mode. We choose to be. But finding your rhythm is possible. Listen in for tips to help you start again. And again.  Life happens. Boy does it happen. And can I just say that DRAMA happens? Drama will crash your rhythm in a heartbeat. Drama in relationships. Drama at work. But we get to choose how we deal with drama. It does not have to tank our mindset or our rhythm. We don't have to conform to someone else's rhythm. But we can transform the way we think about time and seek to let go of the “perfect rhythm” and be content with the rhythm that God has willed for us to do in the time we have been given.

Well, y'all, it has been a while. I left you in August with the topic, “what's the hurry”, then disappeared. 5 years of podcasting and I hit a wall and had to pause. Are you feeling over capacity? God might be calling you to pause.  Are you feeling under capacity? God wants to increase your capacity and ability for His glory. Greater capacity for us is not so we will increase, but so He will.

This month we are talking about Hurried Mindsets – Slowing Down and Finding Rest. The hurried mindset can get praise for all that is accomplished, but I wonder at what cost? And sometimes we will discover that being hurried actually caused us to accomplish less. Listen in as Denise shares how to overcome the taskmaster of the hurried mindset.

The motivation for what we do reveals who we are doing it for. Sometimes we can get caught in the trap of trying to earn man's respect which is ultimately self-worship. Let that sink in. Living for an audience of one helps us to break free of living to please others. The broken mindsets in this culture often arise from living for an audience of men rather than an audience of One—Christ alone. The shame culture invites us to participate in this perpetual seeking of others' approval, and we would not have shame if we did not have an audience. So who is your audience? Who is it that you care what they think about you? When we live for an audience of one, our motivation is God's glory. When we live for an audience of one, our joy is not on what the audience perceives of us – their acceptance or rejection, but just on the fruit that God bears through us. If we are living for man's approval, we just might miss God's. Listen in as Denise shares how to live for an audience of one.

Brokenness in this world has robbed us many times of our calling. We struggle to try and put our lives back together, but it is an uphill battle. Sometimes people simply give up. It just feels too hard. But underneath what seems impossible in our eyes is this seed of potential within us waiting for us to activate it by faith. Our potential in Christ is different than the potential in this world and our mindset will determine whether we reach that potential. Listen in as Denise shares how to reach your potential in Christ.

The sky's the limit! What do you think of when you hear that phrase? We tend to think of boundaries as limiting us – keeping us from something but they also keep things in and protected. Boundaries are not limitations. They are freedom within parameters that God has set. But there are limitations that are not healthy. Limits form in our own minds from mindsets that develop over time making us feel like it is impossible to rise above these limits that in actuality, we created. We need to let go of limitations that are formed in the flesh. Listen in as we learn how to let go of limitations in our own minds.

If we were to have the same mindset as Christ in our relationships with one another, we would have flourishing families and churches. But if we have the mind of Christ, as Paul says we do in 1 Corinthians 2:16, then why isn't this the case in our relationships? Listen in as Denise unpacks how to cultivate healthy thriving mindsets in our tribe.

Gratitude does not have to follow feelings. Feelings come when we choose how we are going to think. Listen in as Denise shares how gratitude can help us to shift negative mindsets.

This month we are talking about having a healthy mindset! This is not achieved just by saying we are going to have a growth mindset or a positive outlook, but by letting the Holy Spirit renew our thoughts as we learn about the new culture God has for our minds through the mind of Christ. Creating thriving thoughts is possible through the mind of Christ.

To round off the month, Denise defines the needs of our mindset battles—which requires more than positive thinking. Using Philippians 4:8, she powerfully sets forth the prescription for a right mind as defined in God's Word.  The release of Make Up Your Mind is approaching quickly! Grab a copy on pre-order and claim your freebies at https://bit.ly/Transform-Your-Mindset You can take the mindset quiz over at https://bit.ly/mindset-battle-quiz. And, you're invited to join the book launch team! Applications are accepted at https://bit.ly/MUYM-Book-Launch-Participation-Form

Denise continues the conversation of making up our minds as the publication date for her new book "Make Up Your Mind" draws nearer. On today's episode, she shares five powerful ways to embrace an abundance mindset.  Make Up Your Mind, coming your way on April 12th, is available NOW for preorder! Once you're purchased your copy, head over to: https://bit.ly/Transform-Your-Mindset  You'll find freebies including two free ebooks: 1. "Finding Refuge in the Mind of Christ" and 2. "Praying with the Mind of Christ" based on the Lord's prayer. You can also expect seven days of an encouraging personal devotion from Denise straight to your inbox. Take the mindset quiz to find out what negative mindset you struggle with at: https://bit.ly/mindset-battle-quiz And lastly, our launch team is open! We'd love to have you join us—expect lots of fun and swag— at: https://bit.ly/MUYM-Book-Launch-Participation-Form

We who are in Christ must put on Christ. So, how do we put on Christ? We choose His thoughts over ours. Listen in as Denise shares 5 ways we put on Christ as we learn to make up our mind.  "Make Up Your Mind: Unlock Your Thoughts, Transform Your Life" by Authors Denise Pass and Michelle Nietert is available for pre-order. Enjoy these freebies with your pre-order:  bit.ly/Transform-Your-Mindset

Putting off things is not quite as easy as putting things on. But putting off paves the way for putting on a new way of thinking. This is more than just trying to convince ourselves by willpower or by a good deed. This is like a brain transplant—where we truly learn to think differently. This new paradigm is the Kingdom of God. It is not something we can achieve on our own, but it is something we are given and can learn to walk in. "Make Up Your Mind" is now available for pre-order!!! Check out the link in the show notes for freebies with pre-order!

As we have been examining our thoughts and how mindsets are both formed, today we are looking at the significance of protecting our belief system. Mindsets that pull us away from God's thoughts. We are lulled away by degrees when we acquiesce to the world system rather than a biblical worldview. Listen in as Denise shares 5 keys to protecting your belief system. Download a free PDF of these keys to remind you to be diligent to protect your belief system.

Thinking biblically will be an intentional choice we need to make as we learn to discern between worldly and godly thoughts and learn how to think rightly. We need to be aware of our thoughts and so often we don't question our thoughts. Who would've thunk examining our thoughts is key to a joy-filled life in Christ? Our thoughts don't have to run our lives. We get to choose to run our thoughts through God's word. Make Up Your Mind is available for Pre-Order! https://www.amazon.com/Make-Up-Your-Mind-Transform/dp/1614841268/ Get freebies for pre-ordering at: bit.ly/transform-your-mindset. Take the "What's Your Mindset Struggle" Quiz: bit.ly/mindset-battle-quiz.

Do you need a mindset reset? This week we conclude our discussion of a mindset reset by unpacking how to overcome negative mindsets. Listen in as Michelle shares strategies in overcoming negative mindsets through 5 key spheres.

Does your mindset need a reset? This week and next week Michelle and I are unpacking how to overcome negative mindsets. Listen in as we discuss 7 ways to overcoming negative mindsets. You do not have to be held captive by negative thoughts anymore. God's thoughts are not our thoughts, but God is able to help us in our thoughts.  Take the Chief Negative Mindset quiz to discover where your area of mindset struggle is: https://bit.ly/mindset-battle-quiz

This month we are focusing on resetting our mindset for this year and for our lives. This week we are talking about knowing your mindset. Listen in as Denise discusses and defines 10 chief negative mindsets. Part of healing our broken mindsets is understanding how we developed them and what mindset struggles we actually have. Take the Chief Negative Mindset quiz to discover where your area of mindset struggle is at the link below. https://bit.ly/mindset-battle-quiz

Friends, are you ready for 2022? We can go through this life just rolling with the punches and getting back up again, or face this uncertain life with His certain promises. We are not victims of our circumstances. We are victors through our circumstances when we reset our mindset with God's word. Listen in as Denise shares principles from God's word to help you to reset your mindset in 2022.  ***Bonus: Free download: The State of My Mind Annual Review

Today, Denise engages in the second part of her dynamic interview with guest David A. Fiensy. They continue to discuss the cultural context of Jesus' parables and how these lessons apply to our lives today. David is the author of Hear Today: Compassion and Grace in the Parables of Jesus. Author Bio: David A. Fiensy has a passion for teaching and preaching the Bible and for thinking about and articulating theological ideas. After graduating from Duke University with a Ph.D. in New Testament and Second Temple Judaism, David Fiensy taught for seven years at Kentucky Christian University. He then served a two-year tenure at the Institut zur Erforschung des Urchristentums in Tuebingen, Germany. Upon returning to the United States, he accepted a church pastorate for six years and then resumed teaching at Kentucky Christian University. He has participated in seven archaeological excavations and surveys and has otherwise traveled widely in the Mediterranean area and the Middle East. Now semi-retired, David serves as a speaker and consultant for churches and colleges and is involved in several writing and research projects. David and his wife, Molly, have two daughters and three grandchildren. You can connect with David at https://davidafiensy.com/.

On today's episode, Denise continues the discussion of God's Real Gifts for Christmas and the rest of the year by addressing what we hear. She shares four significant ways we can hear from God in our daily lives.

Denise kicks off the month by addressing the topic of seeing and hearing God's real gifts to us for Christmas and the rest of the year. She shares three things we need in order to see what God places before us.

To wrap up a month focusing on real gratitude, Denise concludes her conversation with Morgan Sugg, author of Forever in My Goodness: Trusting in the Abundant Favor of God. Check out their final discussion as they continue to illuminate real gratitude through the characteristics of God's goodness. You can check out Morgan's ministry and book at https://www.morgansugg.com.

For the last half of the month, Denise will discuss real gratitude with Morgan Sugg, author of Forever In My Goodness: Trusting in the Abundant Favor of God. Listen in as Denise and Morgan unpack God's goodness one characteristic at a time and remind us how much we have to be grateful for. You can check out Morgan's ministry and book at https://www.morgansugg.com.

For the last half of the month, Denise rounds off the discussion of God's gifts to us for Christmas and the year round as she interviews guest David Fiensy. Listen in as they discuss biblical context of the parables of Jesus and what a gift His Word is to us.  Author Bio: David Fiensy has a passion for teaching and preaching the Bible and for thinking about and articulating theological ideas. After graduating from Duke University with a Ph.D. in New Testament and Second Temple Judaism, David Fiensy taught for seven years at Kentucky Christian University. He then served a two-year tenure at the Institut zur Erforschung des Urchristentums in Tuebingen, Germany. Upon returning to the United States, he accepted a church pastorate for six years and then resumed teaching at Kentucky Christian University. He has participated in seven archaeological excavations and surveys and has otherwise traveled widely in the Mediterranean area and the Middle East. Now semi-retired, David serves as a speaker and consultant for churches and colleges and is involved in several writing and research projects. David and his wife, Molly, have two daughters and three grandchildren. You can connect with David at https://davidafiensy.com/.

As Denise continues the discussion on real gratitude, she turns her attention to the need for true grit. Check out her thoughts from a previous health crisis that showed her that the grit that grows gratitude often is the irritant that forms a pearl as we cast our pain onto God's grace.

As we enter the month of November, and Thanksgiving approaches, Denise dives into the topic of real gratitude. On today's episode, she encourages us to throw off the temptation to be a sunshine patriot—a person dedicated to a cause only when it's easy. Listen in as she shares from personal experience the persistence needed to remain grateful when trials came her way.

In the second part of Denise's interview with Catherine Bird, author of "The Armor of God," they continue to discuss how to put on God's Armor and the tremendous benefit it is to our lives. Then they wrap up with strategies for future battles we don't yet know are coming.

Denise wraps up a month of discussing embracing changes and facing hard places with a 2-part interview. Catherine Bird is a Bible study teacher and author who is passionate about helping parents and tweens explore the wonder of God's Word. She recently published "The Armor of God" that helps apply the spiritual armor God gives us to today's generation. Listen in as they discuss how to know who your enemy is and, when facing him, tap into God's strength.

When circumstances in this world become so overwhelming that we find ourselves living out a "new normal," keeping our eyes fixed on God can help us open the gift of resiliency. Tune in as Denise shares six reminders of our resiliency in Christ.

As Denise continues the conversation about "new normal," she moves on to discuss how we can thrive and not just survive. Listen in as she shares God's purposes, promises, and provision that can help us see change not as an obstacle but as a doorway to a more abundant life.

This month on the Podcast, Denise tackles the topic of embracing changes and facing hard places. Many things in this world right now are a challenge. But God! He desires for us to lean on Him for the strength to navigate through everything we face. Listen in this week as she shares five Christ-centered ways to aid our mindset when accepting our ”new normal” circumstances. 

As Denise wraps up this month's conversation about joy, she focuses on spreading joy. Listen in as she shares five ways to spread the joy found in Christ to others.

In this episode, Denise continues a deep dive into the topic of joy and moves the conversation into finding joy. Did you know joy often happens in the midst of suffering? Discover this truth and others as you listen in on five ways we can find true joy in Christ.

This week, Denise's conversation about joy continues by discussing how elusive joy can be. This episode is a powerful reminder to be persistent in finding joy when experiencing difficult circumstances. Listen in as she discusses three reasons why joy can be so hard to find and why the effort is worth it.

In the month of September, Denise will focus on the topic of joy and how this is such a source of hope for believers in Christ. Listen in as she talks about defining joy: what it is. . . and what it isn't. 

As we wrap up a month of exploring how to maintain a biblical worldview, Denise shares 5 ways to protect this belief system as we face cultural pressure to abandon this perspective.

Denise continues the discussion about the need for a biblical worldview. Listen in as she explores the obstacles we must overcome in order to have a worldview focused solely on God. 

In this last episode for the month, we focus on our worldview and the ability to be culture changers as Denise completes her interview with Dr. George Barna. He shares astounding insights from years of research to equip us to reach the culture right where we are at.  

For the last part of this month, Denise will continue to discuss worldview and effective ways to be culture changers with Dr. George Barna. Listen in as they talk about 5 things that inhibit having a biblical worldview and how to overcome a worldly mindset to reach the culture around us.

As we wrap up the month, Denise continues her conversation with Tracie Miles regarding her latest book, Living Unbroken: Reclaiming Your Life and your Heart After Divorce. Listen in as they dive into 4 steps to healing from depression that can set in when living through the pain of a divorce.  

For the next two episodes, Denise talks with Tracie Miles about her latest book, Living Unbroken: Reclaiming Your Life and your Heart After Divorce. Check out their discussion of how God led them from brokenness to joy through in the aftermath of divorce.   

Brokenness can't be fixed by the broken. Brokenness requires the Maker's hand. The puzzles of this life require the One Who has the master plan. Picking up the shattered pieces of our lives happens when we trust the One Who gave us life. This month, Denise continues the discussion of how to live unbroken. Listen in as she shares 12 ways God shows us, through Psalm 31, how to pick up the shattered pieces of our lives and bring them to Him for healing.  

Brokenness is not a life sentence. We are not identified with our brokenness and we are not defined by it, either. We are defined by what Jesus did on our behalf that heals every brokenness we experience in this world. This month Denise invites you to bring your brokenness and lay it at Jesus' feet. Listen in this week as she shares how to handle the initial moments of brokenness.