SeeKing Holy

Barbara & Jess have a casual conversation looking back on Season 1.Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=UEQLMAGHHSYN4&source=url)

Thankfully the word of God uses analogies and imagery which relates to roles in everyday life and cross cultural norms and boundaries. Jesus said even the parables, although simple, can only be discerned or understood through spiritual lenses, eyes to see and ears to ear, opened by the Holy Spirit of God. We take a look at 3 types from Paul’s examples to Timothy to note HOW we are to use courage:Key passage 2 Timothy 2:1-7 We’re not an apostle, we’re not Timothy, but we all have some role in relating precious biblical truths from one generation to the next!The Farmer: We are to scatter the seed. The seed is the gospel. The Athlete: We are not competing against other women. We are each running our own race toward Jesus. Our comparison is Jesus. Keeping our eyes on Him. We are called to run hard after and become more and more like Him, not more and more like each other. The Soldier: Anyone who God calls to serve is also being called to battle. Lastly, we want you to be enCOURAGEd to seek the Lord, stand firm, and advance onward!Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=UEQLMAGHHSYN4&source=url)

It takes courage to have convictions, draw a line, set boundaries, and sometimes stand alone. In this episode, we look at what it takes to possess:The courage to separate/not participateThe courage to pray, speak, and/or performCourage to serve (and not have to be seen, prayer)Verses sited:Deuteronomy 8:5Proverbs 3:121 John 1:8-9Hebrews 10:26-27, 12:4-11Reference:Should a Christian Drink Alcohol? - Paul Chappell Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=UEQLMAGHHSYN4&source=url)

Considering all Esther went through to prepare to go before the King, it is such a testimony of courage and the bigger picture. See God doesn’t just save us, clean us up, beautify us, make us an heir, prepare us, provide for us, and bless us so we can only enjoy the kingdom of God for ourselves, so we can look strong, tough, and put together. The saving and sanctifying work He is performing in us is for us to cooperate with the Holy Spirit and serve. To be an advocate for the least, last, lost, and lonely, to become an ambassador for the gospel, and assimilate ministry for others. To build the kingdom of God. We continue observing some examples of courage by reading some narratives of King Jehosaphat, Esther, Sabina Wurmbrand, and more.Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=UEQLMAGHHSYN4&source=url)

How do you define courage? When you ask for boldness, what is it you picture needing it for?Is it to speak in front of others? To worship without worrying about how others perceive you? Is it moving across the world or facing the person next to you? If you HAD the courage, then what would you do?So many women desire to be courageous. Many want to be more bold, more confident, self-assured, brave, daring, fearless, fierce, strong, valiant, and tenacious. Juxtapose this against the ongoing challenges of fear, anxiety, anxiousness, depression, worry, and insecurity. The reality of just how much we’re struggling with it is conspicuous; there are thousands of books, messages and programs available with the intent of assisting women to look better, speak better, act better, get better, and feel better about themselves. Is when we think of courage, is what we’re really after, the absence of fear? As I (Barbara) was thinking about how I would define courage, what I view as courageous, what in my own life demanded the most courage, I was surprised at what I settled in on because frankly I lived in this state of fear for so long, so many things, everyday things which to many others, they find common, or which come easily. We tend to think the opposite of, antithesis of, antonym of fear is courage, confidence, independence, or bravery. As if only I could gain those things, I would no longer be or live afraid. So the verdict for me is this, what took the most courage in my life was to receive, accept, and live loved, as if I am loved.The truth is the inverse of fear isn’t courage, it’s love. God’s love was the only fear-wrecking force powerful enough to overcome what I learned later was a spirit of fear. God does not give us a spirit of fear or timidity, but of power, love, and a sound mind. Over and over the word of God tells us to not fear and to not be afraid, do not be terrified because of them, He will never leave us or forsake us. But that can only truly occur, cessation of fearing, having true courage, and is only possible when God is with us and after Christ indwells us by the Holy Spirit; now driving out fear. It's God’s amazing love which sets me free from debilitating fear and is ultimately the overcoming power which I abide, move, and have my being today. 1 John 4:18 There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love. Episode Links:Barbara's book - Rescued, Ransomed, Restored: from Damaged to Delivered (episode 6.b)The Pastor's Wife, by Sabina Wurmbrand (episode 6.c)Should a Christian Drink Alcohol? - Paul Chappell (episode 6.d)Other's May, You Cannot - bulletin read by J.D. Watson (episode 6.e)YouTube references:“Is it wrong for guys to listen to female speakers?”“Can a Woman Preach if Elders Affirm it?”“50 Crucial Questions About Manhood and Womanhood: What's the Difference” “A Challenge For Women” (a little free book where JP gives 80 kinds of ministries for women)desiringgod.org Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=UEQLMAGHHSYN4&source=url)

So often we want to avoid awkwardness or dodge fear and God is saying, you need to walk right through this. But do not fear: I will be with you.” We wonder if for some of us, do we believe this and is that enough for us? It should be…Also we note that although God could easily eliminate Israel’s enemies with just the shadow of the wave of His finger - He invited Israel to partner with Him to complete the work in order to witness His great will and glory. How many opportunities has God given us to partner with Him to accomplish and witness a miraculous work from Him that we have said “no thank you. I do not wish to work. Nevertheless will you bring me happiness and success and good health?” We also look at some examples of God's leading in Barbara's life and comparing it to scripture, as well as looking at the biblical example of Pheobe.Furthermore, if you're a woman who knows God has called you into ministry, we discuss identifying what that biblically may not be... however we focus more on the the less-addressed what women CAN do. Episode Links:Barbara's book - Rescued, Ransomed, Restored: from Damaged to Delivered (episode 6.b)YouTube references: “Is it wrong for guys to listen to female speakers?”“50 Crucial Questions About Manhood and Womanhood: What's the Difference” “A Challenge For Women” (a little free book where JP gives 80 kinds of ministries for women)desiringgod.org Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=UEQLMAGHHSYN4&source=url)

How do you define courage? When you ask for boldness, what is it you picture needing it for?Is it to speak in front of others? To worship without worrying about how others perceive you? Is it moving across the world or facing the person next to you? If you HAD the courage, then what would you do?So many women desire to be courageous. Many want to be more bold, more confident, self-assured, brave, daring, fearless, fierce, strong, valiant, and tenacious. Juxtapose this against the ongoing challenges of fear, anxiety, anxiousness, depression, worry, and insecurity. The reality of just how much we’re struggling with it is conspicuous; there are thousands of books, messages and programs available with the intent of assisting women to look better, speak better, act better, get better, and feel better about themselves. Is when we think of courage, is what we’re really after, the absence of fear? As I (Barbara) was thinking about how I would define courage, what I view as courageous, what in my own life demanded the most courage, I was surprised at what I settled in on because frankly I lived in this state of fear for so long, so many things, everyday things which to many others, they find common, or which come easily. We tend to think the opposite of, antithesis of, antonym of fear is courage, confidence, independence, or bravery. As if only I could gain those things, I would no longer be or live afraid. So the verdict for me is this, what took the most courage in my life was to receive, accept, and live loved, as if I am loved.The truth is the inverse of fear isn’t courage, it’s love. God’s love was the only fear-wrecking force powerful enough to overcome what I learned later was a spirit of fear. God does not give us a spirit of fear or timidity, but of power, love, and a sound mind. Over and over the word of God tells us to not fear and to not be afraid, do not be terrified because of them, He will never leave us or forsake us. But that can only truly occur, cessation of fearing, having true courage, and is only possible when God is with us and after Christ indwells us by the Holy Spirit; now driving out fear. It's God’s amazing love which sets me free from debilitating fear and is ultimately the overcoming power which I abide, move, and have my being today. 1 John 4:18 There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love. Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=UEQLMAGHHSYN4&source=url)

Titus 3: 3-7 “For we ourselves also were sometimes foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving diverse lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, and hating one another.But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared,Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour;That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.”When we recall... we remember... where we once were, we’re reminded that fallen nature is not that far from us, and we need constant reminding to stay on course, --where we should be in the Lord lest we begin to drift.Hebrews 4:16 - Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.We can ask for His strength, His mercy, His help, His grace. We have everything we need in Jesus - we only need to seek Him. So in this segment we’re going to talk about changing the legacy, walking in freedom, ,and walking in pursuit of holiness. I realize that there are many of you listening who cannot exactly relate to what you’ve heard. Perhaps you had a wonderful childhood, a delightful Christian upbringing, and a blessing of godly people to disciple you in life. So often those of us who did not have that place our sadness onto these people and they feel guilty for the great start and support they’ve received from their loved ones. I’d like to extend the message that if you - you had a healthy upbringing, to rejoice in it and not worry about making up for it! Please don’t feel the need to be silent about it or to apologize in any way - in fact this is something to celebrate! Now, those of us who may not have been as fortunate - and I’m talking to myself because this can be a real struggle that creeps in again and again, but we must be careful to not displace our hurt onto those who haven’t walked where we had to walk. I get it - it’s hard! I’ve felt it creep up when someone was mourning a grandparent or relative that they had a wonderful relationship with and all I could think was “at least you had someone you can mourn their great influence instead of grieving the coulda wouldas that never were” or “at least you knew your grandparents” - perhaps we should call this the “at least” syndrome. We must be careful, for this is not the attitude we Christians should have. It’s so so difficult … but there is an opportunity in EVERY circumstance of suffering… let’s not waste it, to minister to someone. Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=UEQLMAGHHSYN4&source=url)

(From Jess) Praying the most terrifying prayer of my life exposed my character and lead me slowly down one of the most miserable roads of internal madness and disobedience.It is true that you cannot serve 2 masters - you will love one and hate the other, I lived it, and thankfully by the Lord's grace I'm still here to tell of it.When the Holy Spirit indwells you, the darkness cannot fit and you feel that battle within yourself. It is nothing short of madness. God WILL come for His sheep and He will either return with you on His shoulders rejoicing or give you over to the adversary that is wooing you in order to destroy you.Furthermore, God is PERSONALLY interested and intimately involved in every believer's life. I also share about how I went from "God loves me, but He loves everyone so what's special about that." to knowing without a doubt that He loves ME the person- and He loves YOU too, with intimate and specific detail to who He created you to be.Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=UEQLMAGHHSYN4&source=url)

Just because you forgive someone, should you also let them fully participate in your life as if nothing happened? How do you separate forgiving and forgetting?In this episode we look at the definitions of forgiveness and trust, and explore the different ways we can genuinely obey God, trust Him and forgive and love others; even if it means from a distance.Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=UEQLMAGHHSYN4&source=url)

Is there someone in your life that has hurt you so terribly, that you can't even wrap your mind around how they could do this to you?It may be to the seriousness of traumatic, yet it doesn't have to be a dramatic offense to hurt deeply.How do we genuinely get to a place where we can let it go? How do we prepare ourselves to deal with it? One of the hardest parts of forgiving a heavy offense, is having to face it - but there's freedom on the other side! God WILL BLESS your forgiveness and bring you peace.Forgiveness is strength - given to you by God, His strengthIn forgiving there's finally true, genuine freedom from the painIt doesn't matter anymore... can we get to a place where we can say "it wasn't okay what was done, but I'm letting it all go." (We'll separate forgiveness and trust in the next episode 5.c)Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=UEQLMAGHHSYN4&source=url)

Is there an area in your life where you've been hurt or wronged, and you've pushed it down ... and yet it creeps up once in a while?Jess shares gives part of her story of childhood abuse and rejection to share how God teaches us:The necessity of forgiveness That we've been duped into thinking that withholding forgiveness makes us strongWe behave as if forgiveness is a choiceWithholding forgiveness causes US to suffer, not the offenderThe depth, majesty, and love God forgives usSupport the show (https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=UEQLMAGHHSYN4&source=url)

Chapter A: The Necessity of Forgiveness: choosing to deal with it over pushing it downIs there an area in your life where you've been hurt or wronged, and you've pushed it down ... and yet it creeps up once in a while?Jess shares gives part of her story of childhood abuse and rejection to share how God's word reveals:The necessity of forgiveness How we've been duped into thinking that withholding forgiveness makes us strongThat behave as if forgiveness is a choiceWithholding forgiveness causes US to suffer, not the offenderThe depth, majesty, and love God forgives usChapter B: The Benefits of Forgiving those that you can't understand how they could hurt you in such a terrible, ugly wayIs there someone in your life that has hurt you so terribly, that you can't even wrap your mind around how they could do this to you?It doesn't have to be a dramatic offense to hurt deeply.How do we genuinely get to a place where we can let it go? How do we prepare ourselves to deal with it?Forgiveness is strength - given to you by God, His strengthIn forgiving there's finally true, genuine freedom from the painIt doesn't matter anymore... can we get to a place where we can say "it wasn't okay what was done, but I'm letting it all go." (We'll separate forgiveness and trust in the next episode 5.c)Chapter C: Discerning Forgiveness and TrustJust because you forgive someone, should you also let them fully participate in your life as if nothing happened? How do you separate forgiving and forgetting?In this episode we look at the definitions of forgiveness and trust, and explore the different ways we can genuinely obey God, trust Him and forgive and love others; even if it means from a distance.Chapter D: The Rejoicing Father: Discovering once and for all God IS PERSONALPraying the most terrifying prayer of my life exposed my character and lead me slowly down a miserable road of disobedience.When the Holy Spirit indwells you, the darkness cannot fit and you feel the battle within yourself. It is nothing short of madness. God WILL come for His sheep. He will either return with you on His shoulders rejoicing or give you over to the adversary.Also, if you think "God loves me, but He loves everyone so what's special about that." I share how without a doubt how He loves YOU the person, with intimate and specific detail to who He created you to be.Chapter E: Changing the Legacy and Walking in Pursuit of HolinessTitus 3: 3-7 “For we ourselves also were sometimes foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving diverse lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, and hating one another. But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared,Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour;That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.”When we recall... we remember... where we once were, we’re reminded that fallen nature is not that far from us, and we need reminding to stay on course, we can ask for His help. We have everything we need in Jesus - we only need to seek Him. Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=UEQLMAGHHSYN4&source=url)

Perhaps instead of needing more faith, may we utilize the measure of faith we’ve been given, say by using our talents God has equipped us with. There is another illustration of how we will be held accountable by putting faith in action by using the talents God has given. Jesus shares a parable in Matthew 25 beginning in vs 14. The parable illustrates different levels of faithfulness with different amounts of talents, which a man had given each one of his slaves. Let’s not miss a perhaps even greater truth here however. The parable is also saying, when we do possess a true saving faith, we will find a way to utilize what measure God has given to us. The wicked slave was not condemned for his failure to invest the talent, rather his lack of good works showed he lacked genuine saving faith. Do we believe in God’s ability to move unmovable mountains?That His Promises are for us to grab ahold of?We can read them today, in 2020 in our bibles. We can read His will We can read His promises, We can hold them up and say Lord I read this and I believe this. "I trust You! You WILL fulfill your promise!"WHO CARES about the obstacle?! WHo cares about the obstacles in your way? Is your God not greater? Did He not create ALL things? Even our greatest adversary, the devil, is God’s creation.I often think “Lord WHO IS YOUR EQUAL CONTENDER?"Why aren’t we getting fed up with this: There are enemies of your God - your PRECIOUS GOD Who loves you, died for you, gave His Son - most of us have a home, have some food and clothing. Has He been good to you? He’s certainly given me more than I deserve. Why aren’t we angry, with a godly, heavenly fire over the injustice that’s being done in our lives by the adversary? Aren’t you tired of the chipping, the accusing the wearing down -... your enemy studies you and takes that chipping hammer to you and those you hold precious. He accuses you, and mocks your God. This should light a fire in us! Yet so many of us are hiding out in caves, waiting to be rescued and unwilling to fight. Has God not given us His mighty armor?His weapons of protection:His belt of truth- we are one of the fortunate ones to have direct and easy access to truthHis helmet of salvation - it is a giftHis breastplate of righteousness - another gift paid for with your Messiah’s bloodHis shoes for you - to spread the gospel in peace. They’re gripped for running swiftly or standing firmHis shield of faith - another gift. Our faith is being worked out in us daily. I love a message from the late Dr. Walter Martin and it’s stuck with me so much that I pray this almost everyday if I remember: He said “Lord Jesus, You have said that You have conquered the world. I believe you. Therefore, conquer this day through me. Give to me the victory. Give to me the measure of faith I need for TODAY. Nevermind tomorrow, nevermind next week - I might not be here. Give me the measure of faith I need for today.”I love this prayer because it puts right now into frame. For today. I can do that. Furthermore it motivates me to seek Him again tomorrow to pray and ask for the same measure. He always generously blesses. God is good at accomplishing His will. To view our problems with fresh eyes, new lenses, which are focused on the object of our faith, which is God - those mountains ;they won’t seem so big.Verses Sighted:Psalm 89Exodus 23:221 Samuel 7:3, 14:9, 17:9, 20:21, 26:192 Samuel 15:251 Kings 18:21Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=UEQLMAGHHSYN4&source=url)

What do we do when we don't understand what God is doing?How can we continue to wait on Him when we're worn out and weary?Often In times of stress and difficulty, we learn our greatest lessons, for that is often when God breaks through in our lives and shows us something new for His purposes.If you were to examine your faith, would you say it’s a little faith, a struggling faith, or that you’re just stepping into great faith? Do things that used to shake you up no longer ruffle you up - you immediately give it over to the Lord trusting He’s going to take care of it.Habakkuk wrestled with God in deep theological issues, but embraced God with a life that was in tune for His purposes for him. Habakkuk had a burden - not only in the sense of a message from God, but also in the sense of a heavy weight. It was heavy in its content, because Habakkuk announced his coming judgment on Judah. It was also heavy in its source, because Habakkuk deals with tough questions he brings to God and God's answer to those questions.There will certainly be opportunities for our faith to be tried and tested in it’s resolution. It’s not if, it's when situations and storms are sifted through the powerful, sovereign hands of God our Father and allowed to seep into our lives. When they do, faith responds, “how can I respond to this in such a way and by doing proves my faith and belief in God to be true, and my Savior to be tremendously present in my time of need, in the end bringing His beautiful purpose into and out of this hard thing, placing His glory and ultimate goodness on display?” References:Notes taken from Aleister Begg’s sermon “Faith that is Taught” http://blb.sc/00920pNotes from Sermon Mountain Moving Faith - Bill Foote http://blb.sc/005vpyNotes from David Guzik's commentary on Habbakuk 2: https://preview.tinyurl.com/ybwq8v5cVerses Sighted: 2 Timothy 1:121 Peter 1:3-9James 2:17-26Habakkuk 2:1-4Psalm 22:1Romans 1:17Hebrews 10:38Galatians 3:11Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=UEQLMAGHHSYN4&source=url)

Did you know the Bible talks about there being different “measures” of faith? We read statements like “ye’ of little faith, faith as small as a mustard seed(Mt 17:20)., the tiniest of seeds(Mt. 13:32). Jesus himself tells a woman you have great faith, and to another (Centurion Mt. 8:10), I haven’t found anyone in Israel with such great faith! God has saved each of His children by grace through faith, and this not from ourselves; it is Gods’ gift --not from works, so that no one can boast. We previously addressed how God really is pleased by us living and exercising our faith, evidenced by acting and moving in obedience to all He has commanded. Perhaps you’ve felt as the disciples did when they boldly yet humbly stated, “increase our faith”. God gifts each of us a certain “measure” of faith which He empowers us to exercise in the operation of our spiritual gifts. But, we all don’t receive the same allotment, however. We also spoke about the fig tree earlier this week and why Jesus performed this remarkably destructive miracle of cursing this tree having the pretense of fruit but not possessing it, and now we’ll focus on some of our favorite parts:Casting mountains into the sea, powerful faith without doubt, and as verse 22 continues: And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive.This gets us excited as we ponder: what is the potential of faith? God is limitless! So - can our prayers be limitless? Verses Sighted:Matthew 17:20, 13:32, 7:7, 8:10, 21:231 Corinthians 12:9Jeremiah 29:111 Timothy 6:82 Corinthians 1:8-9, 12:7-10Romans 12:1-8Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=UEQLMAGHHSYN4&source=url)

God Himself has given His stamp of approval regarding the faith of some. We have many examples we can glean from in the scriptures. You’ve heard of the Hall of Fame right? Most would love their name to be found there.Have ya heard of the “Hall of Faith”? It's kinda like the “honor roll” of faith listed by God Himself. Shouldn’t the highest, most coveted accolade be to please God? To bring Him pleasure? There is an entire list of heros and even a couple heroines of faith found in Hebrews 11!This is such a special passage, and it’s no wonder that our research on faith leads us here, right to the very heart of the christian life; for there is no christian life without faith. These examples of faith in hebrews 11 is a spiritual faith so deep and abiding in God, that natural man cannot comprehend.These all walked by faith and not by sight. They all desired a better place--a heavenly one. Verses Sighted: Hebrews 11 & 12Hebrews 11:16, 24, 12:1-21 Peter 3:20Exodus 33:18-202 Timothy 1:4-7Genesis 12:1-5Acts 7:2-4Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=UEQLMAGHHSYN4&source=url)

In this series on faith, we’re going to define faith, hold it up to the light so-to-speak, and examine it from multiple angles. Is “having more faith” something you wrestle with? Does it feel like no matter how hard you try to believe, doubt and anxiety overwhelm you?Have you prayed for something, and yet it hasn’t come. Are you weary from the fight - the earthquake that shakes you - do you feel cracks in your foundation beginning to form? To what will you hold on to - to what shall you cling?...or are you one of those who feels strong in their faith? You feel that often you’re the one encouraging others to remain strong. Well who encourages the encourager? What can you do to remain steadfast when everything chips away at you?Verses Sighted:Isaiah 11:10, 53:2Romans 10:17, 15:12Revelation 5:5, 22:16Ephesians 3:17Colossians 2:7Jude 1Luke 8 Hebrews 11:1-3, 6John 5:38-39Matthew 21:18-20 Additional References:Mountain Moving Faith - Bill Foote http://blb.sc/005vpySupport the show (https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=UEQLMAGHHSYN4&source=url)

In this series on faith, we’re going to define faith, hold it up to the light so-to-speak, and examine it from multiple angles. Is “having more faith” something you wrestle with? Does it feel like no matter how hard you try to believe, doubt and anxiety overwhelm you?Have you prayed for something, and yet it hasn’t come. Are you weary from the fight - the earthquake that shakes you - do you feel cracks in your foundation beginning to form? To what will you hold on to - to what shall you cling?...or are you one of those who feels strong in their faith? You feel that often you’re the one encouraging others to remain strong. Well who encourages the encourager? What can you do to remain steadfast when everything chips away at you?Chapters: 3a. Am I Trusting in Real Faith?3b. Stepping Out onto the Hand of God3c. Measures of Faith/ Casting Mountains into the Sea3d. Walking in Faith: Tested, Tried, True 3e. Advancing Forward in Faith: Our Faithful GodReferences:Notes from Sermon Mountain Moving Faith - Bill Foote http://blb.sc/005vpyNotes taken from Aleister Begg’s sermon Faith that is Taught http://blb.sc/00920pStudy Guide on Hebrews 11: Commentary from David Guzik Examples of Faith to Help the Discouraged via Blue Letter Bible https://preview.tinyurl.com/y7lexev6Paul Washer series on Faith:It Comes Down To Faith, (1 of 4) http://blb.sc/008nbzGod is a Rewarder (2 of 4) http://blb.sc/008mdhFaith Obeys (3 of 4) http://blb.sc/009fu8Childlike Faith (4 of 4) http://blb.sc/008q14Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=UEQLMAGHHSYN4&source=url)

There’s an insinuation these days that the Christian life is boring. But make no mistake: To follow Christ is the most scandalous, exhilarating, terrifying, paradoxical - as we find peace amongst discomfort - the greatest testing of self, the most challenging, qualifying, fire burning - hanging onto the very edge of the human experience.When we place our trust in Christ and turn away from the old life, we are sealed with a guarantee of eternal salvation. When we pray for wisdom or discernment from a pure heart of obedience, then God will give us the answers. Sometimes He’ll test us to apply that answer to our lives. Therefore knowing the answer is only half the battle. We must live it. What makes obedience bearable? The promises we have from God. Knowing He’s faithful, he’s not a man who should lie, He is true to His promises! What are the promises of God?First off - the direct, bank-on-it unchangeable, unmoveable, unshakable promises are in His Word. The Word of God is His will revealed to us. In each promise, God pledges that He will either cause or not cause something to pass and He is faithful! He will do it. There are hundreds of biblical promises. Possessing and living in peace, rest, and joy reflect the character of God.If our life isn’t displaying peace and joy much or rest at all, it gives a false witness to the lost world. The evidence of true peace, joy, and rest demonstrated in our lives offers others a transparent, true testimony reflecting the real nature of our God and Savior. We are His representatives. Verses Sighted: Romans 10:9Proverbs 1:33John 14:27Romans 8:37-39Philippians 4:19Isaiah 40:29-312 Corinthians 1:3-7Mark 16:15Isaiah 43:2-3Jude 1:24-25Jeremiah 29:11-122 Corinthians 4Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=UEQLMAGHHSYN4&source=url)

Girls, I feel like I’m constantly working to press in to God. To feel His peace - to rest in Him - to draw joy from HIM. The battle is so hard and thankfully, the Lord is graciously and faithfully with us! He is with you my sisters, He is fighting for you! We only need to keep pressing into Him. So girl - you keep on keepin’ on!But sometimes in my life I’ve mixed up joy with forcing myself to be happy. Jesus said in John 16:33 to “be of good cheer, I have overcome the world”. The full verse says: “These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.”Be of good cheer! That’s not to “make yourself be happy” and it’s not to be careless and oblivious to your troubles. The verse says “In the world you may? No - ye shall have - tribulation. So the sooner we accept that, we can actually get prepared, amen?So you hear that? No matter the pain, toiling, uncertainty, discontentment, fear, anxiety, anger, disappointment, emptiness ...any battle you’re going through, Jesus has already conquered it.He has overcome the world.Claim that. Hold fast to it and don’t let go, because those are HIS words.True joy isn’t contingent on our circumstances or situation, but real joy is deep, abiding, and flowing from the Holy Spirit. Verses Sighted:John 15:5-11John 17Psalm 32:1-2Psalm 103:12Isaiah 43:25Romans 4:7-8Hebrews 8:12, 10:17Mark 8:38John 16:33Deuteronomy 28:46-48Luke 7:36-44Psalm 16:11Hebrews 12:2Philippians 4:41 Peter 1:81 Thessalonians 5:18Philippians 3:3Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=UEQLMAGHHSYN4&source=url)

The Bible tells us God created the world, all in it and on it in 6 days; and what does the book of Genesis say He did on the 7th day? He rested.Yet, God never gets tired nor does He slumber or sleep. So why did He rest? Isaiah 40:28 Do you not know?Have you not heard?Yahweh is the everlasting God,the Creator of the whole earth.He never grows faint or weary;there is no limit to His understanding.Have you ever heard someone say, “Yeah I slept, but I never feel rested”. I have ladies express to me all the time, they are stretched thin, overworked, stressed to the point of mental exhaustion and physical symptoms. We have so many enemies of rest. One so-called enemy presents with what I call a “rushing” spirit, which is usually accompanied by revealing an obnoxious loudness. It says pressingly, “hurry hurry hurry, this HAS to be done NOW, NOW, NOW”.Verses Sighted: Isaiah 40:28Exodus 33:14Hebrews 4:9-10Matthew 11:28-30Matthew 7:14Matthew 5:29-301 Timothy 6:6Isaiah 40:12-15, 18, 22, 25, 29, 31Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=UEQLMAGHHSYN4&source=url)

Joy, peace, rest. What wonderful promises we have in the Lord.There appears to be many women - people really, searching for either peace, or rest, or joy in their lives -and it’s no wonder: these are natural desires of the human experience and each one of these: peace, rest, & joy are promised to us in God’s word.Let’s start right out of the gate:We do not claim to know all the answers… but we DO CLAIM that we have unlimited access to all of the answers through the ONE Who has all the answers. And so do you!This One, our Lord, who calls Himself, presents Himself, as the Prince of Peace. We're so eternally thankful He made a way for us to experience real peace in everyday life no matter what is happening. We can enjoy peace through His presence literally living on the inside of us. We experience peace believing the promises found in His word. The only way to come to know and discover those are to open the bible and read about them and meditate on them. We also find great peace in the providence of God, knowing He is Creator, all things which occur, happen under God’s sovereignty, meaning He is working all things together for the good of those who love him and are called according to His purposes. These help me to maintain a calming peace within which I can operate. When you’re searching for peace, for rest, or looking to rediscover “joy” - how do you go about doing it? Perhaps you watch a little tv, to take your mind off of things, scroll through social media, or crank up your worship music… or maybe like me you break into your european chocolate stash. These are common ways we all seek - and I myself have sought to feel a little better. Yet in light of the current global situation; the pandemic creeping by our doorstep, loved ones bracing their essential work on the front lines, our cities shrouded in sickness and death, the political climate in uproar, job security, future uncertainty ...in just a matter of weeks our lives have flipped upside down and internally we wonder:Where are we now? What is life now?We may very well see things eventually return to normal, but will life ever be quite the same?Verses Sighted: John 14:27Philippians 4:7Colossians 3:15Hebrews 4:12John 14:6Psalm 85:8Colossians 1:20Romans 5:1Psalm 119:165Isaiah 26:3Luke 22:31-34, 54-62Matthew 26:35John 21:15Revelation 12:11Galatians 5:22Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=UEQLMAGHHSYN4&source=url)

This week we’re going to be digging into some favorite subjects! We love and want more peace, to enter His rest, and to grasp joy. We think that it’s only fair to prepare you that this may not be the average message on these subjects. In fact, ironically we found that this has been the most difficult series to write so far! Goodness! I mean - it’s about happy things, things we want! So why was it so much… work? Why was it so hard for each of us?We think there’s a few things in play:Peace rest and joy is something that many women are chasing, and it’s easy that in pursuit of it - unbeknowingly, we bypass the actual way of acquiring it. In concern for women who are wondering “I strive to have peace, or enter His rest, or to have joy but it isn’t coming!” we’ve felt the need to identify, clarify, and caution women from going down this path.Defining what it is and what it is not to aid us and confirm for us that we are in fact, pursuing the right things.Solidifying our confidence in Him - SO THAT we are actually able to abide in peace, in rest and with joy - 2 of which are fruits of the Spirit, and therefore not just something we can have in our own strength - and we want to address this in these challenging times.So, in the next few episodes, we’ve decided after much discussion, a good approach would be to address each subject in 4 parts:1] What are these? 2] Is there a cost?3] What are they not?4] How do we receive and enjoy them?In order to accomplish this, please realize that there will be highs and lows in each episode: there will be a sense of exhortation - we’ve been given so many promises of aid in God’s Word!And - there will be some hard stuff. We talked this over a lot, as there were parts in reading and recording where one or both of us were like, “man- this is deep. Or Man, this is hitting hard.” and we had to keep going back in prayer - and if I may just lay it out… we had to determine if we ...we as ladies with a microphone, with a platform to voice on this podcast ...what is our style? What is our responsibility with how to handle what has been given to us? We must teach the word - and I’m just being transparent, it’s not easy. Ironically, this is feeling a bit heavy.Ok, so we feel the need to address some ways peace, rest, and joy are being STOLEN from you - and dramatic as it sounds, it’s true… but if you’ll hang with us, we promise that while we get into some deep stuff - we won’t leave you there! There is no greater hope ever to be found in the heavens or on the earth than the hope we have in Jesus Christ.Ok, are we ready? So before we get started on defining peace, rest, and joy. Let us all, all of us… ask ourselves:How do we define them? What do we think peace is? I often hear the term peace partnered with “and quiet” and I quite like that and would likely gravitate to thinking of peace in that way… but that may not be the actual way peace is always given.Or rest ...are you tired? Do you long to have some solitude? What does rest look like to you?What about joy? What is joy? How close is it to happiness?In these answers lie the hidden pursuits: what is it we’re searching for?Verses SightedJohn 6:25-68Luke 19Psalm 23Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=UEQLMAGHHSYN4&source=url)

This week we’re going to be digging into some favorite subjects! We love and want more peace, to enter His rest, and to grasp joy. We think that it’s only fair to prepare you that this may not be the average message on these subjects. In fact, ironically we found that this has been the most difficult series to write so far! Goodness! I mean - it’s about happy things, things we want! So why was it so much… work? Why was it so hard for each of us?We think there’s a few things in play:Peace rest and joy is something that many women are chasing, and it’s easy that in pursuit of it - unbeknowingly, we bypass the actual way of acquiring it. In concern for women who are wondering “I strive to have peace, or enter His rest, or to have joy but it isn’t coming!” we’ve felt the need to identify, clarify, and caution women from going down this path.Defining what it is and what it is not to aid us and confirm for us that we are in fact, pursuing the right things.Solidifying our confidence in Him - SO THAT we are actually able to abide in peace, in rest and with joy - 2 of which are fruits of the Spirit, and therefore not just something we can have in our own strength - and we want to address this in these challenging times.So, in the next few episodes, we’ve decided after much discussion, a good approach would be to address each subject in 4 parts:1] What are these? 2] Is there a cost?3] What are they not?4] How do we receive and enjoy them?In order to accomplish this, please realize that there will be highs and lows in each episode: there will be a sense of exhortation - we’ve been given so many promises of aid in God’s Word!And - there will be some hard stuff. We talked this over a lot, as there were parts in reading and recording where one or both of us were like, “man- this is deep. Or Man, this is hitting hard.” and we had to keep going back in prayer - and if I may just lay it out… we had to determine if we ...we as ladies with a microphone, with a platform to voice on this podcast ...what is our style? What is our responsibility with how to handle what has been given to us? We must teach the word - and I’m just being transparent, it’s not easy. Ironically, this is feeling a bit heavy.Ok, so we feel the need to address some ways peace, rest, and joy are being STOLEN from you - and dramatic as it sounds, it’s true… but if you’ll hang with us, we promise that while we get into some deep stuff - we won’t leave you there! There is no greater hope ever to be found in the heavens or on the earth than the hope we have in Jesus Christ.Ok, are we ready? So before we get started on defining peace, rest, and joy. Let us all, all of us… ask ourselves:How do we define them? What do we think peace is? I often hear the term peace partnered with “and quiet” and I quite like that and would likely gravitate to thinking of peace in that way… but that may not be the actual way peace is always given.Or rest ...are you tired? Do you long to have some solitude? What does rest look like to you?What about joy? What is joy? How close is it to happiness?In these answers lie the hidden pursuits: what is it we’re searching for?Links sighted: Barbara's book: Rescued, Ransomed, Restored: From Damaged to Delivered - www.abbaloves.usNPL No Place Left Discipleship resources at www.noplaceleft.netBible Verses sighted:3a.John 6:25-68Luke 19Psalm 233b.John 14:27Philippians 4:7Colossians 3:15Hebrews 4:12John 14:6Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=UEQLMAGHHSYN4&source=url)

This week we’re very excited as we have a special treat! Barbara has shared her amazing story this week and has touched on some interesting subjects, including self- identity, significance, and redemption; and after all of this we thought it may be both fun and useful to do a Q & A.Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=UEQLMAGHHSYN4&source=url)

There has been a lot of talk, especially in the past couple, few years of not replacing, sharing our testimonies with sharing the gospel. So, I would like to be very very clear, it’s not the sharing of our testimony which is God’s power for salvation, but it is the sharing, communication, proclamation of the gospel that God has ordained as the vehicle by which the Holy Spirit uses to draw, convict, convince, and ultimately convert people unto salvation. It may seem a bit elementary, but our nation and denominations as a whole, seem to have drifted far from sharing a clear gospel as the main priority and ultimate power by which we are saved. If you hear me (Barbara) say nothing else on this episode, or the entirety of this podcast for that matter, please hear me when I say this: There is no word or truth, no story or testimony, more important, of greater value, or which is more anointed, powerful, containing life-changing potential than the gospel of Jesus Christ. Verses Sighted:Romans 1:16Matthew 16:24-25Isaiah 53:4, 6, 8,10-11, 12Romans 1:18, 2:5-8Colossians 3:62 Thessalonians 1:6-9Romans 3:23Colossians 2:13Ephesians 5:8John 3:18-19, 36Titus 3:5Hebrews 9:22 2 Corinthians 5:21Romans 4:25, 5:16-181 Thessalonians 4:3Luke 12:4-5 Themes and some brief phrases taken from “The Gospel’s Power & Message” by Paul Washer Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=UEQLMAGHHSYN4&source=url)

I put out one of my FEEDBACK posts on Facebook asking those who have heard me share my story or read my book, if there was a question(s) someone may’ve wondered about or wanted to ask, or maybe a subject which rose to the surface which I could elaborate on for a minisode. One response I received was referencing and pertaining to a very, very painful season in my life. The height of it, lasted a couple years, and has had long-lasting repercussions. In fact, it was another one of those ‘life never really was the same after” situations.One of the questions was, during this extremely painful period, how did I cope? Suggestions were offered such as “was it an influx of godly friends, did you hide yourself in the word? How did you deal? Why did the despair not lead back into any type of self harm, drugs, or alcohol abuse? ..." I would get to the end of a one-mile corner, be overtaken by grief and anger, stop and scream at the top of my lungs, “WHY GOD, WHY?”I also stayed in and would literally cry over and read aloud the Word of God. I spent most of my time in the Psalms and developed an appreciation and understanding for the life of Job. I stenciled and painted Job 19:25 on the huge propane tank outside the window. So even as I looked out it served as a bold, black lettered statement of faith and reminder in the midst of fear and despairJOB 19:25 I KNOW MY REDEEMER LIVES The entire verse reads “I know my Redeemer lives, and that in the end He will stand on the earth.” Another from the book of Job I found hopeful was:Job 23:10 But He knows the way that I take; when he has tested me, I will come forth as gold. If there were any idols in my life when this happened, there were none left after. My girls, my babies were the hardest ones and last to go. Besides, children make poor idols. When He tells us he is a jealous God, and to have no other idols before Him; He is sternly and staunchly serious. When he says we are His, bought at a high price, we are sealed. He fiercely protects us, defends us, and yes, dear daughter of God, disciplines, prunes, and proves us to be faithful and brings us forth as gold. He doesn’t put up with predators, wolves, and accusers forever. He moves, sifts, and works all things together for the good for those who love Him and are called according to His purposes. Allow this to sober us and cause us to diligently keep our eyes on, focus in, and seek His face. But none of these can shake my foundation and compromise my stability in Christ. can be taken away or they turn away. See nothing else is worth my life, my devotion, my worship, my all. He remained and I remained in Him. On Christ the solid rock I stand, all other ground is sinking sand. Get Barbara's book, RESCUED, RANSOMED, RESTORED: From Damaged to Delivered here.Verses sighted:Mark 10:45Psalms 103:12 1 John 4:4John 8:32Ephesians 3:20Romans 5:82 Corinthians 5:17-21Ephesians 1:4, 13-14 Galatians 2:20 Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=UEQLMAGHHSYN4&source=url)

Mark 10:45 For even the Son of man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give Is life as a RANSOM for many. Somehow by the grace of God I was sentenced to 10 years suspended sentence and to a drug rehab which presented a problem right away because I had tried and failed so many times. Despite the past failures, I took my youngest daughter at the time and checked myself in a women and children’s treatment center.This is where seeds continued to be planted in my life. There were two pastors…Psalm 103:12As far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us.That’s good news for a person like me.In order to complete the steps…✔️I asked the Lord for 3 things which were the deepest desires of my heart and I saw as the greatest needs of my life.✔️I asked to deliver me from drugs and alcohol. I didn’t want to want them anymore and I knew only He could do that. ✔️I asked Him to let me know the truth about my adoption. I didn’t believe I could really be free unless I knew the truth about where I came from, what happened to me, and who I really am.✔️Finally, I asked the Lord to give me a family which could love each other and serve Him together. I left it at that. There was a little lady who worked there by the name of Patsy. she would tell me “Barbara, He that is in you is greater than He that is in the world” I realized later she was speaking God's word to me:1 John 4:4 You are from God, little children, and you have conquered them, because the One who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.Other Verses Sighted>Romans 10:9-10Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=UEQLMAGHHSYN4&source=url)

Since my salvation in a jail cell twenty 22 years ago, God has instilled within me an insatiable desire to share with and offer others what has been freely given to me. I want ladies to know there is a way out; but only one way out. We live in a culture and world that is constantly telling us there are many ways to God and to happiness and contentment. There was a time in my life when I didn’t sense my life had any worth. I certainly couldn’t see any value in it. I didn’t feel I had any significance. In fact, I didn’t feel life had any meaning at all other than general misery; then you die. I was suicidal mostly from my preteen years to 24 y/o, which the age of my salvationThese deeply felt beliefs really influenced me to make a lot of detrimental decisions. This general pervading sense of self abasement, I believe, came from most of my early life feeling abandoned, rejected, and unloved. What I found to be true is: John 14:6 Jesus answered, I am the way the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. I didn’t find the one way, I learned He found me. I assure you I did not wake up one day in a jail cell having almost lost my own life including everything worth anything to me and decide to follow Christ. He pursued me. He called me. Through the Holy Spirit, He came for me. He found me. There are women who will listen to this and who God is right now pursuing and calling to salvation. I encourage you, if you’re listening, to respond to Him with humility, repentance, willingness to surrender to Him in prayer. Believe Him, receive Him, and desire to follow Him. Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=UEQLMAGHHSYN4&source=url)

Since my salvation in a jail cell twenty 22 years ago, God has instilled within me an insatiable desire to share with and offer others what has been freely given to me. I want ladies to know there is a way out; but only one way out. We live in a culture and world that is constantly telling us there are many ways to God and to happiness and contentment. There was a time in my life when I didn’t sense my life had any worth. I certainly couldn’t see any value in it. I didn’t feel I had any significance. In fact, I didn’t feel life had any meaning at all other than general misery; then you die. I was suicidal mostly from my preteen years to 24 y/o, which the age of my salvationThese deeply felt beliefs really influenced me to make a lot of detrimental decisions. This general pervading sense of self abasement, I believe, came from most of my early life feeling abandoned, rejected, and unloved. What I found to be true is: John 14:6 Jesus answered, I am the way the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. I didn’t find the one way, I learned He found me. I assure you I did not wake up one day in a jail cell having almost lost my own life including everything worth anything to me and decide to follow Christ. He pursued me. He called me. Through the Holy Spirit, He came for me. He found me. There are women who will listen to this and who God is right now pursuing and calling to salvation. I encourage you, if you’re listening, to respond to Him with humility, repentance, willingness to surrender to Him in prayer. Believe Him, you received Him, and desire to follow Him. Verses Sighted>Romans 3:23Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=UEQLMAGHHSYN4&source=url)

In this episode, we’ll be digging into God’s sufficiency - His ability to satisfy ALL needs, and how we can grasp it, believe it, and use that to advance forward for the Kingdom of God.How possible is it to believe? Do you believe the word of God is real? Is it true? Is it applicable for our lives in every circumstance? In the Greek, the term believe is Pisteuo (pist-yoo'-o) and means to believe with such a depth of conviction and trust that if the whole idea was to cost you your life - or if everything in it was to crumble, you hold on and you go down with it.We are created to worship, follow, live for, and be devoted to something. We suspect that many are hungry to feel that way about something - and here we’re going to look at how scripture in and of itself is infallible and sufficient for ALL circumstances.Verses Sighted: John 8:31-32Matthew 4:3-52 Corinthians 10:4 (3-5)Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=UEQLMAGHHSYN4&source=url)

It appears that often one of the things that gets us jumbled up in hectic schedules is divvying out priorities.In our culture in the US, there seems to be a sense of dedicating a section of our lives to God and then having another section that lives somewhat removed from Him, you know - in the day to day stuff. Arranging priorities can be hard, painful, even tiring lesson to learn. To pray, wait, rest in the Lord, and trust He will lead. My mind turns to the story of Mary and Martha...who chose the better thing? Mary spending thing with and worshiping the Lord at his feet over being busy and blaming everyone else for not being busy too. Verses sighted: Proverbs 16:9John 6John 12:24Galatians 2:19-20Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=UEQLMAGHHSYN4&source=url)

It seems that so many of us are searching for ways to serve God, and in this quest to be busy about Him, we risk busying ourselves so much that we actually dilute our effectiveness to penetrate the culture.When Jesus was asked in Matthew chapter 22“Master, which is the great commandment in the law?” Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.Then He goes on to state that “This is the first and greatest commandment.”Why would He say that? We all wrestle with doing this with the GOD of the universe Who as spoken in Romans 5:8 that He …”commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.”And it's so easy to focus on what we can do for God and we get so busy about what we can do for him that we forget the very first commandment that Jesus himself gave us to love him and to love him with everything that we are. and I think it's good for us to ask ourselves what is that look like? How do I apply it?How do I seek him everyday all day and instead of him being an integral part of my life he be the center of my life? When love for our God overflows in our heart and life, it's not so much “I can never DO enough as it is, I can never GET enough of Him.” It's being completely at rest and satisfied in Him; yet, seeking Him more and more. Verses sighted: Matthew 22: 37-38Romans 5:8Exodus 20:2-31 John 2:15-17Matthew 6:24Psalm 34:15Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=UEQLMAGHHSYN4&source=url)

In order to seek holiness, we first explore the character of God and in that process we begin to love Him because He first loved us.We’ve titled this episode: “Seeking Holiness Through the Hectic” which is such an accurate fit, as these days women of all ages and circumstances are executing task after task - small and great - amongst a sea of busyness. Life, at times, can become so overwhelmingly jam-packed with activities and responsibilities. So much so that enjoying God’s presence, time in His word, and in prayer can end up playing second base, the supporting role, or they’re placed on the back burner. Today we’re going to discuss the character of God - one attribute in particular, why we would want to meet with Him and how we get to a place where we desire to know Him...where we’re not having to force it. Therefore ladies, by the end of this episode we’re hopeful that you’ll be encouraged and compelled to pursue the Lord in ways that are real and applicable to you. Each one of us have work to do in God’s Kingdom. WILL our work in the Lord flow from a forced and spiritually-famished framework or from a rested and real relationship with God? Verses sighted in this episode: 1 Timothy 4:8Hebrews 12:141 Peter 1:16Ephesians 1:4Hebrews 10:10Leviticus 11:44-45Leviticus 20:7Leviticus 20:26Ephesians 5:11 Peter 2:9Lyrics to Keith Green's "Until That Final Day"My flesh is tired of seeking GodBut on my knees I'll stayI want to be a pleasing childUntil that final dayMy mind is full of many thoughtsThat clutter and confuseBut standing firm, I will prevailIn faith that I'll be usedAmen! I'm asking once againWon't you help me my friend, Lord JesusHoly Lord Spirit, set us freeFrom chains we cannot seeCome release usI wrestle not with flesh and bloodMy fight is with the oneWho lost the keys of hell and deathTo God's most precious sonOne sleepless night of anguished prayerI triumphed over sinOne battle in the Holy warGod's promised me to win Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=UEQLMAGHHSYN4&source=url)

Why we chose the subject of pursuing holiness, how SeeKing Holy came about, and what you can expect from this podcast.Hello, daughters of the Most High - welcome to episode 1 of the Seeking Holy podcast! I’m one of your hosts, Jessica Eturralde; and joining me is my co-host for Seeking Holy, Barbara Saunders Livingston, Author of Rescued, Ransomed, Restored. With all going on in the world right now, we could not have planned the timing of this, but God sure does know what He’s doing. We believe that it’s God’s plan for many women to be so much more for the Kingdom of Christ. You know, daily we struggle to swim upstream in a strong current of busyness, oppression, comparasinism etc. So we're burdened for women’s desires to seek and know Him. I’m burdened for the wavering of fundamental basics of the Gospel that makes us spiritually anemic in our culture. I’m burdened for the rerouting into the hamster wheel of busyness for God when it overlooks or excludes a daily discipline of reading God’s word and communing with Him in prayer.In light of laying out the mission and vision of Seeking Holy, we have discussed this at great length and agree that we desire to see every woman that tunes in, to strengthen their faith and their relationship with God; and consequently, to reap the benefits of knowing their identity in Christ and walking in it. That we no longer are enslaved to anxiety and the cares of this world - especially in these turbulent times - but conquer each day through Christ Who is our only source of strength, and IS sufficient for ALL.In this episode we discuss the vision and mission of this podcast, as we speak on the unexpected challenges along the way; and the anchored hope we have in Christ.>>>>>>>[TAKEAWAYS]

Hello, daughters of the Most High - welcome to episode 1 of the Seeking Holy podcast! I’m one of your hosts, Jessica Eturralde; and joining me is my co-host for Seeking Holy, Barbara Saunders Livingston, Author of Rescued, Ransomed, Restored. With all going on in the world right now, we could not have planned the timing of this, but God sure does know what He’s doing. We believe that it’s God’s plan for many women to be so much more for the Kingdom of Christ. You know, daily we struggle to swim upstream in a strong current of busyness, oppression, comparasinism etc. So we're burdened for women’s desires to seek and know Him. I’m burdened for the wavering of fundamental basics of the Gospel that makes us spiritually anemic in our culture. I’m burdened for the rerouting into the hamster wheel of busyness for God when it overlooks or excludes a daily discipline of reading God’s word and communing with Him in prayer.In light of laying out the mission and vision of Seeking Holy, we have discussed this at great length and agree that we desire to see every woman that tunes in, to strengthen their faith and their relationship with God; and consequently, to reap the benefits of knowing their identity in Christ and walking in it. That we no longer are enslaved to anxiety and the cares of this world - especially in these turbulent times - but conquer each day through Christ Who is our only source of strength, and IS sufficient for ALL.In this episode we discuss the vision and mission of this podcast, as we speak on the unexpected challenges along the way; and the anchored hope we have in Christ.>>>>>>>[TAKEAWAYS]

Join us for SeeKing Holy, a podcast created for women pursuing Christ by Jess Eturralde and Barbara Saunders Livingston, Author of Rescued, Ransomed, Restored: From Damaged to Delivered.We believe that it’s God’s plan for women to be so much more for the Kingdom of Christ.Many of us all want to be godly women - I mean isn’t that what we want?We want to have a lot of faith. We want to be bold and courageous. We want to be strong women of God and experience significance in our lives, -but somehow it’s elusive. Perpetually over and over we grasp it for a moment, but then it’s soon gone. What is the core driver of this show?Jessica | God’s word is sufficient. God’s grace is sufficient. The discipline of prayer is a privilege, not a burden. Seek Him 1st for ALL things. I want to hammer this concept again and again.Barbara | Love of truth. Grace. Sufficiency of our Savior. Salvation only He can provide. Security and stability in Christ. He is Supremely satisfying above all else. Actions, words, deeds, flow from a heart of love and thankfulness not competition, comparing, or contest. What is your mission?Jessica | Getting women to open the word for themselves. To return them to their knees - and then for them to reap the blessings found in experiencing an abiding relationship with God through the busy, the highs and lows, and the adversities in life with an appreciation for His Son. To aid them in looking beyond the challenges and throws of life to focus beyond - on what is eternal (2 Corinthians 4:18)Barbara | To offer, hold out, highlight, honor, point to, put on display, make much of Jesus and his word as being the answer to all of life, our only hope, the sole source of sanity, sobriety, security, and stability. And to do so in such a way, acknowledging the Holy Spirit as our ultimate communicator and interpreter, listeners hearts and minds will be touched and transformed to action and willing deference and obedience to the word and will of God. How do you want others to perceive and talk about this show?Jessica | I want women to listen and feel as if we are close friends. I want them to laugh, cry, and be challenged by what they hear to seek God in prayer and His word. I hope they are always encouraged to pick themselves up off the battlefield of life, strap up their boots and advance forward; grasping the Sword of the Spirit, clothed in the Armor of God, realising each piece is a gift and not conjured up in their own strength. I’m hopeful that through our messages they will be inspired to grow in their faith. Lastly, considering there will be lots of heavy subject matter and content - I would still like for women to look forward to listening in a having some light-hearted moments as well.Barbara | It would be mission accomplished, for me, if listeners could possibly walk away contemplating within themselves and communicating to others how awe-inspiring, amazing, breath-taking, mind-blowing, magnificently merciful, gargantuanly grace-filled, holy holy holy, longing to rescue, ransom, restore His children, God our father and Jesus our Savior really are! Even If 1 precious woman began to focus in on the genius and grace of Gods plan through the cross and consider just how beautiful He is….I assure you, if this is the image and portrait painted and portrayed….all the other will be pursued passionately by those perceiving. Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=UEQLMAGHHSYN4&source=url)