The Woman Podcast

In this episode of the Woman Podcast, Bethany and Amir Rostampour share their incredible testimony of navigating the loss of their son, Kyler Brave who was diagnosed with a rare genetic condition called "triploidy." The Rostampour's rawness with the Lord and their faith to trust Him will encourage and inspire you! To reach out to the Rostampours, you can email them at bethanyr@newlifechurch.tv

Scripture Highlight: After six days Jesus took with him Peter, James and John the brother of James, and led them up a high mountain by themselves. There he was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and his clothes became as white as the light. Just then there appeared before them Moses and Elijah, talking with Jesus. Peter said to Jesus, “Lord, it is good for us to be here. If you wish, I will put up three shelters—one for you, one for Moses and one for Elijah.” While he was still speaking, a bright cloud covered them, and a voice from the cloud said, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased. Listen to him!” When the disciples heard this, they fell facedown to the ground, terrified. But Jesus came and touched them. “Get up,” he said. “Don't be afraid.” When they looked up, they saw no one except Jesus.Matthew 17:1-8Reflection Question: Has there been a moment recently where God revealed the glory of Jesus to you in a new way? Prayer: Jesus, Your glory changes everything. It protects me and sustains me in all circumstances and seasons; it is a reminder that You are always with me. As I go throughout my day, I will actively seek Your glory and allow it to transform me to be more like You. In Jesus' name, amen.

Scripture Highlight: Jesus, once more deeply moved, came to the tomb. It was a cave with a stone laid across the entrance. “Take away the stone,” he said. “But, Lord,” said Martha, the sister of the dead man, “by this time there is a bad odor, for he has been there four days.” Then Jesus said, “Did I not tell you that if you believe, you will see the glory of God?” So they took away the stone. Then Jesus looked up and said, “Father, I thank you that you have heard me. I knew that you always hear me, but I said this for the benefit of the people standing here, that they may believe that you sent me.” When he had said this, Jesus called in a loud voice, “Lazarus, come out!” The dead man came out, his hands and feet wrapped with strips of linen, and a cloth around his face. Jesus said to them, “Take off the grave clothes and let him go.” Therefore many of the Jews who had come to visit Mary, and had seen what Jesus did, believed in him.John 11:38-45Reflection Questions: Where is God calling you to trust Him with your plans? Who is God calling you to walk alongside as you trust Him? Prayer: God, I trust Your timing and plans for my life. There have been times when I believed my plans for my life were better than Yours. Forgive me. Proverbs 19:21 says, “Many are the plans in a person's heart, but it is the Lord's purpose that prevails.” God, I submit my plans and expectations to You, knowing that You see the bigger picture. When Your purpose is fulfilled in my life, Your glory is revealed. In Jesus' name, amen.

Join us for a six-week study called "Who is This King of Glory?" as we encounter the glory of Jesus in our everyday lives.Scripture Highlight:  When Jesus heard what had happened, he withdrew by boat privately to a solitary place. Hearing of this, the crowds followed him on foot from the towns. When Jesus landed and saw a large crowd, he had compassion on them and healed their sick. As evening approached, the disciples came to him and said, “This is a remote place, and it's already getting late. Send the crowds away, so they can go to the villages and buy themselves some food.” Jesus replied, “They do not need to go away. You give them something to eat.” “We have here only five loaves of bread and two fish,” they answered. “Bring them here to me,” he said. And he directed the people to sit down on the grass. Taking the five loaves and the two fish and looking up to heaven, he gave thanks and broke the loaves. Then he gave them to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the people. They all ate and were satisfied, and the disciples picked up twelve basketfuls of broken pieces that were left over. The number of those who ate was about five thousand men, besides women and children.Matthew 14:13-21Reflection Questions: Is there something in your life you're clinging to, an “only,” that God is asking you to give to Him? Is there hesitation in releasing it to Him? If so, why?PrayerLord, I thank you for being faithful to reveal Your glory. I pray that You would help me pursue You when I feel myself clinging to those “only” things in my life. God, I bring all that I have to You. I trust You and have faith in You. I relinquish control, knowing that in Your hands, my “only” is multiplied abundantly more than I can imagine. I will remind myself of the “only” You sacrificed when You gave me Jesus (John 3:16). Your word says that if I seek You, I will lack no good thing (Psalm 34:10) and that You will meet all my needs according to the riches of Your glory (Philippians 4:19). I claim these promises in Your word over my life. In Jesus' name, amen.

Join us for a six-week study called "Who is This King of Glory?" as we encounter the glory of Jesus in our everyday lives. Scripture Highlight:Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory. And he said to him, “All these I will give you, if you will fall down and worship me.” Then Jesus said to him, “Be gone, Satan! For it is written, ‘You shall worship the Lord your God and him only shall you serve.'”Matthew 4:8-10Reflection Questions:What does your spiritual diet look like? Are you allowing your appetite to be developed by the Word of God, or is it shaped mainly by what the wilderness of the world has to offer? God is giving you the opportunity to discover what you need rather than being consumed by what you crave.Prayer:God, I recognize that You are all I need. I pray that my spirit would remain in a posture of continually seeking You and Your kingdom. Reveal those things in my life that are counterfeit and attempt to draw my gaze from You. Lord, only You are worthy of all glory. Let my life reflect Your glory. In Jesus' name, amen.

Join us for a six-week study called "Who is This King of Glory?" as we encounter the glory of Jesus in our everyday lives. “I will be to her a wall of fire all around, and I will be the glory in her midst,” declares the Lord. Zechariah 2:5 Reflection Question: What circumstances in your life seem to be bringing your unbelief to the surface? Prayer: Lord, I thank you that your glory is greater than any uncertainty or circumstance in my life. Lord, forgive me for the times I struggle with unbelief. There is no one like You, and I surrender my control to You. You are the Lord of my life and the lover of my soul. I choose to trust You with all my heart and to fear You more than the storms in my life. Amen.

Join us for a six-week study called "Who is This King of Glory?" as we encounter the glory of Jesus in our everyday lives. “I will be to her a wall of fire all around, and I will be the glory in her midst,” declares the Lord. Zechariah 2:5 Reflection Questions: Walk with Jesus throughout the week, inviting Him to shine His light in every corner of your world. What aspect of your life do you see is not reflecting His glory? What areas of your life do reflect His glory? Prayer: Jesus, please reveal the things in me that are not of You. Take a moment to surrender to Him what He reveals. Thank You for Your merciful forgiveness! Thank You for continually changing me to be more like You, reflecting Your glory to others. In Jesus' Name, amen.

We hope you'll join us over the next six episodes. We'll be going through a bible study called "Who Is This King of Glory" written by women of New Life Church. Download the Woman Conference App here: https://get.theapp.co/qnv6

In this episode of the woman podcast, we interview Stacy Henagan who is one of our guest speakers at Woman Conference 2022. Listen in to get to know her with some fun questions & catch a sneak peek of what she'll be sharing at conference! Stacy Henagan is a passionate pastor, speaker, author and annual women's conference host. With more than twenty-six years of people building experience, Stacy's weekly teachings offer inspiring biblical truth and practical application. Stacy and her husband, Casey, are the founders of Keypoint Church in Northwest Arkansas. They have four children: Haven, who they anxiously await to see again in heaven, Holland, Hayes and Hudson. Stacy's book, Breath Again can be found anywhere you purchase books! https://tinyurl.com/3jsb5ekr Connect with Stacy: https://www.stacyhenagan.com/

In this episode of the Woman Podcast, Emily Free leads a discussion on what it looks like to be set apart. This conversation is a part of the “next-gen takeover” that happened at New Life Church recently, where young people led every aspect of the service! "Don't become so well-adjusted to your culture that you fit into it without even thinking. Instead, fix your attention on God. You'll be changed from the inside out. Readily recognize what he wants from you, and quickly respond to it. Unlike the culture around you, always dragging you down to its level of immaturity, God brings the best out of you, develops well-formed maturity in you." Romans 12:1-2 MSG “I do not ask that you take them out of the world, but that you keep them from the evil one. They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth. As you sent me into the world, so I have sent them into the world.” John 17:15-18

You may know Tracy Robbins as a power-house worship leader at New Life Church, but you may not know she is a licensed massage therapist, a CrossFit coach, and is passionate about health! In this episode of the Woman Podcast, Nicheyta interviews Tracy about taking care of our God-given body. She shares practical strategies for staying motivated, increasing our activity, and great nutrition tips.

BONUS EPISODE! Ellen Hutchinson recently spoke at NLC's student conference, "Collide." Her message to the students is one we all can learn from! Make sure to check out our recent conversation with Ellen on this episode: https://apple.co/3TswfYF

In this episode of the Woman Podcast, Katy interviews Ellen Hutchinson and Emily Bezet about how God is moving in the younger generation! New Life Church recently hosted their yearly student conference called "Collide," and there are so many great moments to share with you! And Ellen spoke an incredible message titled "Distractions & Counterfeits" which she unpacks in this episode.

On this episode of the Woman Podcast, Katy and Nicheyta chat with two friends, Angela Kruse & Anna Darnell, about how to have intentional, spiritual conversations with the people in our world. The great commission is clear -- we are all called to share Jesus with the people around us. But sometimes it's hard to know what to say and how to say it. Listen in for practical advice and wisdom from two women who spend their lives sharing Jesus with the people God places in their paths.

Join us on this episode of the Woman Podcast as we hear from Amanda Tarver. She and her husband Tyler are on staff at New Life Church and do lots of amazing things. Amanda shares the story of how God added to their family with the adoption of their son, Finnick. Get ready for some laughs, some tears, and some very raw moments. In the words of Amanda, "We are all adopted into the family of God -- Adoption is a part of our story too!"

In this episode, we discuss relationships, identity, and fashion trend missteps! Ms. B, Kim, and Heather rehash it all and reflect on what they would tell their younger selves.

The Woman Podcast is back! And it's officially Woman Conference season. Join us as we chat about our favorite conference moments, a few behind-the-scenes stories, and the vision for this upcoming year!

Join us as we follow through the "He Shall Reign" Advent plan from New Life Church: https://www.bible.com/reading-plans/28893-he-shall-reign

Join us as we follow through the "He Shall Reign" Advent plan from New Life Church: https://www.bible.com/reading-plans/28893-he-shall-reign

Join us as we follow through the "He Shall Reign" Advent plan from New Life Church: https://www.bible.com/reading-plans/28893-he-shall-reign

Join us as we follow through the "He Shall Reign" Advent plan from New Life Church: https://www.bible.com/reading-plans/28893-he-shall-reign

Join us as we follow through the "He Shall Reign" Advent plan from New Life Church: https://www.bible.com/reading-plans/28893-he-shall-reign

Join us as we follow through the "He Shall Reign" Advent plan from New Life Church: https://www.bible.com/reading-plans/28893-he-shall-reign

Join us as we follow through the "He Shall Reign" Advent plan from New Life Church: https://www.bible.com/reading-plans/28893-he-shall-reign

Join us as we follow through the "He Shall Reign" Advent plan from New Life Church: https://www.bible.com/reading-plans/28893-he-shall-reign

Join us as we follow through the "He Shall Reign" Advent plan from New Life Church: https://www.bible.com/reading-plans/28893-he-shall-reign

Join us as we follow through the "He Shall Reign" Advent plan from New Life Church: https://www.bible.com/reading-plans/28893-he-shall-reign

Join us as we follow through the "He Shall Reign" Advent plan from New Life Church: https://www.bible.com/reading-plans/28893-he-shall-reign

Join us as we follow through the "He Shall Reign" Advent plan from New Life Church: https://www.bible.com/reading-plans/28893-he-shall-reign

Join us as we follow through the "He Shall Reign" Advent plan from New Life Church: https://www.bible.com/reading-plans/28893-he-shall-reign

Join us as we follow through the "He Shall Reign" Advent plan from New Life Church: https://www.bible.com/reading-plans/28893-he-shall-reign

This is the final episode of our Armor of God Bible Study! Join us for a sit-down discussion with the teachers of this Bible study: Ellen Hutchinson, Abbey Ichter, Nicheyta Raino, and Callie Duke. In this episode they discuss the practical side of the Armor of God, and what they learned through this study! You can download the written devotional + devotional questions on the "Woman Conference App" - https://apple.co/3As0mW5

Join us for a 5-week study through the Armor of God! This week's episode features Callie Duke. You can download the written devotional + devotional questions on the "Woman Conference App" - https://apple.co/3As0mW5

Join us for a 5-week study through the Armor of God! This week's episode features Abbey Ichter. You can download the written devotional + devotional questions on the "Woman Conference App" - https://apple.co/3As0mW5 Reflection Questions: What in your life is the most common threat to your peace? What are some practical ways to put on peace? How is our faith like a shield?

Join us for a 5-week study through the Armor of God! This week's episode features Ellen Hutchinson. You can download the written devotional + devotional questions on the "Woman Conference App" - https://apple.co/3As0mW5 Reflection Questions: Why is it important to know what the truth is? What does it look like in our day-to-day lives to align ourselves with the truth of God? What are some practical ways you can align your life with the Truth each day? Are you choosing to think about what is true? What does it look like to walk in the righteousness of Christ? How can you combat the attacks and accusations of the enemy?

Join us for a 5-week study through the Armor of God! This week's episode features Ellen Hutchinson. You can download the written devotional + devotional questions on the "Woman Conference App" - https://apple.co/3As0mW5 Reflection Questions: What does it look like to walk in the victory of Jesus? Why do we need the armor if we already have the victory? What would be a good practice to live out Ephesians 6:12? Why would Satan seek to divide the church? How can we fight back? What does Jesus pray for in John 17:20-21?

Resources Mentioned in This Episode: Hot Wire: booking hotels for a discount TripAdvisor: reviews and rankings of hotels, restaurants, etc.  Turo: car booking site (better deals than traditional rental companies) Arkansas: so many places to visit locally Our episode on budgeting / making good decisions with money!

To connect with Kim Brown, follow her on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kimberly.lashea/ Did you know Kim is an author? You can find her book "Suddenly A Woman" on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Suddenly-Woman-Kimberly-L-Brown/dp/B08KWFKJYW

To connect with Miah & Nicheyta, and follow their plant-mom journey, you can follow them on Instagram! Miah: https://instagram.com/lifeenapot?utm_medium=copy_linkNicheyta: http://instagram.com/brwngirlbloom

“As we grow in our spiritual health we understand more of his love for us and his kindness for us and then somehow embrace kindness for ourselves. It's so easy for us as women to be kind to others but it's difficult to be kind to ourselves.” -Renee FoutsTopics Covered in this Episode: Spiritual health and rest  How our emotions signal a personal need we've been ignoring  Practicing kindness with yourself  Scheduling rest and margin Self narrative- how do we talk about ourselves? Sabbath expectations  Changing your lifestyle to be in step with the Holy Spirit  Holy Subtraction- what can we remove from our lives that leaves room for the Holy Spirit? How margin allows for a peaceful start to the week “Jesus was relaxed” To connect with Renee Fouts, visit their website: https://www.cedarrockministries.com or follow them on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cedarrockministries/If you have a prayer need or question, email Katy at kbezet@newlifechurch.tv 

Topics Covered in This Episode:  Getting to the root cause of medical issues Managing postpartum mental health by taking care of your body The definition of mental health from a medical standpoint  The importance of sleep Coping mechanisms  Foods that cause inflammation and mood swings  Gut health  Foods that harm and foods that help  Enjoying exercise  Relaxing nighttime routines that contribute to good sleep Stress management strategies “Sleep is the way to heal and restore so that when tomorrow comes we are able to handle it.”WHAT FOODS ARE PRO-INFLAMMATORY? Processed Foods (nearly anything in a box or the center of the store) Vegetable oils (nearly every fried fast food) For some Alcohol, Coffee, Gluten, and Dairy SUGAR! (including artificial and food color additives) WHAT FOODS ARE GOOD FOR YOUR GUT AND YOUR BRAIN?Foods high in: Omega 3 Fatty Acids: such a fish, flax seed, chia seeds, and walnuts Vitamin D: fish, eggs, mushrooms Magnesium: avocados, bananas, pumpkin seeds, and dark chocolate Folate and Iron: dark green leafy vegetables Fiber and Fermented foods are also important because they feed the good bacteria and the gut.  Cruciferous veggies and turmeric are also highly anti-inflammatory FOODS THAT SUPPORT SLEEP: Tart Cherries Eggs Asparagus Broccoli Flax seed To connect with Amanda, visit https://www.cornerstoneclinicforwomen.com/amanda-manleyIf you need help or have a prayer need, please email me at kbezet@newlifechurch.tv! 

Key Themes in This Episode: Reframing the way you view your situation to see what God is doing Prioritizing time with God so you don't get in your own head Litmus test for toxic thinking - how to notice it Therapy - when you need it and when you don't  Self love vs. the call of the upside down kingdom  The counterfeit truth of “self love” Battle of the mind and our responsibility to renew it To connect with the Woman team, follow @womanconference on instagram.To connect with New Life Church, visit www.newlifechurch.tv or follow @newlifechurchtv on instagram. 

The Woman Podcast is back with a new season of episodes! This week, we have an interview with Andi Andrew, our special guest for Woman Conference 2021. Andi joins us in what feels like one of those good, refreshing convos over coffee with a dear friend. Based in NYC, Andi is a pastor, author, and podcaster as well as a devoted wife and mother. We'll cover a wide range of topics all the way from women in leadership, “Do my dreams have meaning?” motherhood, seasons of transition and more. 

To learn more about Andi and browse her books check out her website AndiAndrew.com or follow her on Instagram @andiandrew. Quote from this episode: “I think that the last year and a half alone brought so much pruning and cutting off and shaking and awakening that I was in this constant state of transition and change. God has really been showing me how to do those shifting of seasons well... I'm longing to see a movement of wholeness happen in women's lives: in their mental, emotional and spiritual health. That's what God's been doing with me... I'm just really passionate about empowering women to excavate and find what those false beliefs are and what lies they believe and to really align with the truth of who God is.”

Our guests for this episode are Ellen Hutchinson and Ms. B (formerly known as JoAnn Bezet). Ellen and her husband are on staff as worship pastors at New Life Church in West Little Rock. And Ms. B is a mother to MANY! She is mom to Rick and Randy Bezet, and pastors women who are "doing life solo" at New Life Church in Conway. Resources mentioned: Power of a Praying Parent by Stormie Omartian: https://amzn.to/3vN0w82Woman Conference at New Life Church: https://womanconference.tv/

Discussion Questions:  Which women were the first to approach the tomb & not find Jesus? Who spoke to them there? Which apostle had to see for himself? Why could the “Emmaus Disciples” not recognize Jesus? Why do you think this is? Jesus tells his disciples to stay in the city until they are “empowered from on high." What do you think Jesus means here? (Hint: Acts 1)  After Jesus ascended into heaven, how did the disciples respond? On Your Own: “When he was at the table with them, he took bread, gave thanks, broke it and began to give it to them. Then their eyes were opened and they recognized him, and he disappeared from their sight. They asked each other, “Were not our hearts burning within us while he talked with us on the road and opened the Scriptures to us?”-‭‭Luke‬ ‭24:30-32‬ ‭NIV‬‬Notice this question, “were not our hearts burning within us when he talked with us?” How often do we miss Jesus right in front of us? His miracles, His mercy, His kindness and grace. He's left us so much through His Word so that we might seek Him, know Him, and receive His gift of salvation. And it doesn't end there either, He gives us the gift of His presence through His Holy Spirit (which you can read more about in Acts!). Invite Him today to know you more deeply, for Him to revive you in His presence, and for us to see all things in the light of His glory and grace as we keep our eyes on our Savior, King Jesus! 

Discussion Questions: What is the “new covenant”? Explain. Go to Isaiah 53 and read the entire chapter. Mark the verses that remind you of what you've read in Luke 22 & 23 today! In 22:24-30 Jesus touches on servant leadership. What does he say about it to the disciples? In Luke 22:42, what does this passage remind you of? (Someone close to Jesus said something very similar before his birth.) Why did Herod want to see Jesus? (Why was he later disappointed?) How does Jesus react in the midst of the suffering we see in chapter 23? On Your Own: "Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done."-Luke 22:42 NIVRemember, it wasn't too long ago when Jesus's mother, Mary, was praying a similar thing. She, like Jesus, was scared, anxious, yet still trusting of the Father. Jesus would go on to sacrifice way more than Mary would, and His sacrifice would save even her and the rest of mankind. Tonight, think on the freedom you and I walk in today because of Jesus's ultimate sacrifice on the cross. The suffering servant, faithfully fulfilling the scripture-ordained role of the Messiah, truly blameless and full of compassion for those who took his life. It's humbling isn't it? Say a prayer of gratitude tonight, thanking Jesus for this sacrifice and the gift of salvation we walk in today! 

Discussion Questions:  In the story with Zacchaeus, why did Jesus say He had come?  In the “Parable of the Ten Minas,” why was the master so furious at the end of the story? What is there to learn from this parable? (What stands out to you personally?) What prophecies were fulfilled during the triumphal entry? Do any passages come to mind? (Be sure to check out your study Bible, sometimes there will be notes like this in the margins!)  In the parable of the widow's offering in chapter 21, what can you draw from this story when it comes to giving? Where is God's temple now?  On Your Own: “Jesus said to him, “Today salvation has come to this house, because this man, too, is a son of Abraham. For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.”‭‭Luke‬ ‭19:9-10‬ ‭NIV‬‬In this story with Zacchaeus, Jesus tells him why He came to earth. Rebecca discussed this last week when teaching on our purpose. We oftentimes can attach our identity to many things that are not Jesus, and as a result, lose our sense of purpose. It's humbling to read passages like this and others when Jesus says that He came to serve. If you're feeling a little lost or discouraged today, pray and ask God to remind you of the essentials of the Gospel message. If you're unsure of your purpose, start with this passage and then ask God to reveal anything that may have been lost over the years. He loves to encourage and ultimately draw us back to Himself.

Discussion Questions What does Jesus say about those who cause others to stumble? According to chapter 17, how should we seek forgiveness from one another? How does Jesus illustrate the power of faith in Luke 17:5-6? Why the mustard seed?  In chapter 18:14, what does this contrast of characters teach us about humility when we pray? Do you ever feel that you fall into this trap of pride when you're around other believers? If so, why?  In Luke 18:42-43, we see a beggar healed because of his faith in Jesus. What encourages you the most about this interaction with Jesus?  On Your OwnIn the “Persistent widow” parable at the start of Chapter 18, Jesus asks, “how much more will our God meet the needs of His children who are persistent in prayer? He then closes with “...when the Son of Man comes, will He find faith on earth?”What a question...when Jesus returns, will He find faith among His people? Or will He find people who've put their faith and hope in themselves or idols. When you read this passage, fight the urge to feel shame for unbelief. If you've been in a dry season where you've lost hope or put faith in anything but God alone, repent, and then ask the Lord to renew your faith and assurance in Him. Like we read in chapter 17, even if your faith is the size of a mustard seed, God can work with that. Release the tendency to make it happen on your own, surrender all your cares to God because He cares for you! 

This week's teaching covers chapters fourteen, fifteen, and sixteen of the Gospel of Luke. To dig deeper into this study, you can use these discussion questions:  Review the story of the Great Banquet. Who are the elite and who are the “spiritual outsiders”? Which one do you relate to best right now & why? Jesus spends a lot of time in the “lost parables”. What does it teach us about those who do not know God or have fallen away from Him? Why do you think Jesus spent so much time on this concept? In the story of the Rich Man & Lazarus, we see a foreshadowing of what's to come for Jesus. What specific parallels can you draw from this story? (Hint: think about the trial of Jesus.) On Your Own: “He answered, ‘Then I beg you, father, send Lazarus to my family, for I have five brothers. Let him warn them, so that they will not also come to this place of torment.' “Abraham replied, ‘They have Moses and the Prophets; let them listen to them.' “ ‘No, father Abraham,' he said, ‘but if someone from the dead goes to them, they will repent.' “He said to him, ‘If they do not listen to Moses and the Prophets, they will not be convinced even if someone rises from the dead.”‭‭-Luke‬ ‭16:27-31‬ ‭NIV‬‬This story can be hard to read when you think about the rich man, calling out for mercy from Hades. It feels impossible to wrap our minds around the idea of eternity. We oftentimes think our current time on earth will last forever—but we know this is a tiny piece of what's to come! It's even harder to imagine Hell waits for many as well. It's not something we like to dwell on. However, it should motivate us to share the good news of Jesus! That's why we call it GOOD news—because all have fallen short of the glory of God. Scripture says our best works are like filthy rags, there's nothing we could do to set ourselves righteous before Him. We desperately need a Savior, and we know that's why Jesus came—to be the ransom for many. This surely is good news to ALL people! In this story, we see a parallel between the brothers of the rich man, and Israel's stubborn leadership refusing to accept Jesus's resurrection. They won't be convinced! Pray tonight and ask God to reveal places in your life that are hardened. What's something you want God's wisdom on? And are you willing to accept if He gives it? Ask for this wisdom tonight, and hold out your palms in front of you as a sign of acceptance if you're willing. 

This week's teaching covers chapter twelve of the Gospel of Luke. To dig deeper into this study, you can use these discussion questions:  Jesus tells us not to worry here and he addresses our basic daily needs. How much do you struggle with worry on a daily basis? What are your biggest concerns & what does Jesus say about them? What does Jesus say in Chapter 12 about those who are full of greed? How should we live with the gifts God gives us? Jesus warns about when the Son of Man will return, aka “the master” in the story. What is there to conclude about the “Lord's Coming” based on the passage starting in Chapter 12:35? What can we do to be ready? On Your Own: In these chapters, we see Jesus making a lot of warnings. He is fired up! At the end of chapter 13, we see the master turn away those who are not authentic in their devotion. Read below. “Once the owner of the house gets up and closes the door, you will stand outside knocking and pleading, ‘Sir, open the door for us.' “But he will answer, ‘I don't know you or where you come from.' “Then you will say, ‘We ate and drank with you, and you taught in our streets.' “But he will reply, ‘I don't know you or where you come from. Away from me, all you evildoers!'”‭‭Luke‬ ‭13:25-27‬ ‭NIV‬‬We see a group of people in this story who may have looked the part—but were not genuine. They did all the things, but their hearts were far from God and there was no real relationship. As you reflect tonight, repent of the times you preferred checking a box rather than being humble before the Lord. When instead of taking the time to sit with Jesus, you rush through your quiet time so you can move on with your day. We all have those moments. The Lord is full of grace and knows we need to constantly be reminded of our humanity and dependence on Him. Thank Him today for the gracious and loving Father He is! 

The Woman Podcast is excited to launch a new teaching series through the Gospel of Luke. Our friends, Rebecca Shatswell and Heather Hoyt will be leading us through scripture and helping us better understand how to read God's word on our own. This week's teaching covers chapter nine of the Gospel of Luke. To dig deeper into this study, you can use these discussion questions:  In chapter 10 when the groups go into the towns, Jesus gives specific instructions if the people do not welcome them (10:10-12). There will always be people we encounter who will not welcome the truth of Jesus or His Gospel message. What is the hardest part about sharing truth in the world today? How does Jesus encourage you? Review the story of The Good Samaritan. In your everyday life, are there people who you have a hard time showing mercy to? If so, why? What can you take away from the mercy that the Good Samaritan showed? What does Jesus tell Martha at the end of chapter 10 verse 41? When you self reflect, is there something in your life you've made greater than it needs to be? Discuss. Jesus reminds us how to pray in chapter 11. What line of the prayer resonates with you the most & why? Practice saying this prayer together as you close discussion.  On your own:  “So I say to you: Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.”‭‭-Luke‬ ‭11:9-10‬ ‭NIV‬‬During prayer & fasting week, Heather reminded us that Jesus is talking about persistence in verse 9. We should be persistent in our asking and pleas to the Lord. It doesn't mean we will have our requests answered instantly, but that instead God wants His children to ask and seek Him. If you've lost hope in a prayer or in a difficult situation recently, approach the Lord again with confidence, (Hebrews 4:16) knowing that He loves when you come to Him. Bonus challenge this week: Every day this week, start and end each day by reciting the Lord's prayer out loud.