Podcasts about scripture references matthew

Hello Friends! I love to hear from you! Please send me a text message by clicking on this link! Blessings to You!In this episode, Dr. Jori discusses with her listeners about the angel blowing the 7th trumpet and the declaration that, "The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of His Christ, and He will reign forever and ever."Scripture References: Matthew 4:4; Revelation 11:15; Revelation 1:1-20; Revelation 8:7-9:21; John 12:30-31; John 14:30-31; 1 John 5:19; Revelation 19:1-2 Scripture translation used is the Legacy Standard Bible.  “Scripture quotations taken from the (LSB®) Legacy Standard Bible®, Copyright © 2021 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Managed in partnership with Three Sixteen Publishing Inc. LSBible.org and 316publishing.comFIND DR. JORI ON OTHER PLATFORMS https://linktr.ee/drjorishafferCHECK OUT THE DWELL AUDIO BIBLE APP:Click this link for my unique referral code.  I use this frequently. Such a wonderful audio bible app. https://dwellapp.io/aff?ref=jorishafferBIBLE STUDY TOOLS DR. JORI USES:Note: These contain  Amazon affiliate links, meaning I get a commission, at no extra cost to you,  if you decide to make a purchase through my links.Here is a link to some of my favorite bible study tools on Amazon:https://geni.us/cHtrfEMr. Pen Bible Journaling Kitshttps://lvnta.com/lv_PTrHSCogbRim4yhEDnhttps://lvnta.com/lv_mkaMOuGe6m4oHR88uqhttps://lvnta.com/lv_dgvsxOc99t663A628z  JOIN DR. JORI IN DEVOTIONAL JOURNALING IN 2025Check out this 9 min YouTube Video outlining her journaling strategy! Don't Forget to subscribe to the YouTube Channel! https://youtu.be/lqe9TO7RSz4 BOOKS OF BIBLE COLOR CHARTI made this chart as a helpful tool for grouping the collections of books or letters  in the Holy Bible.  The colors in the different sections are the ones that I use in my journals.  Books of Bible Chart (color) (4).pdf - Google Drive    LOOKING TO RETAIN MORE OF WHAT YOUR PASTOR IS TEACHING?              CHECK OUT DR. JORI'S SERMON REFLECTION JOURNALS! Sermon Notes, Reflections and Applications Journal/Notebooks by Dr. Jori. Click the links below to be directed to amazon.com for purchase. Or search “Dr. Jori Shaffer” on Amazon to bring these up.  https://amzn.to/418LfRshttps://amzn.to/41862EyHere is a brief YouTube video that tells about the Journal/Notebooks as well:https://youtu.be/aXpQNYUEzds   Email: awordforthisday@gmail.comPodcast website:  https://awordforthisday.buzzsprout.com  Support the show

Hello Friends! I love to hear from you! Please send me a text message by clicking on this link! Blessings to You!In this episode, Dr. Jori discusses with her listeners how Jesus gave a tribute to John the Baptist and told those listening that if they were willing to accept it, John was Elijah who is to come.Scripture References: Matthew 11:14; Matthew 10:1-4; Matthew 9:9; Matthew 3:1-17; John 1:29-34; Matthew 11:7-15; Malachi 3:1-2; Luke 1:11-17 Scripture translation used is the Legacy Standard Bible.  “Scripture quotations taken from the (LSB®) Legacy Standard Bible®, Copyright © 2021 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Managed in partnership with Three Sixteen Publishing Inc. LSBible.org and 316publishing.comFIND DR. JORI ON OTHER PLATFORMS https://linktr.ee/drjorishafferCHECK OUT THE DWELL AUDIO BIBLE APP:Click this link for my unique referral code.  I use this frequently. Such a wonderful audio bible app. https://dwellapp.io/aff?ref=jorishafferBIBLE STUDY TOOLS DR. JORI USES:Note: These contain  Amazon affiliate links, meaning I get a commission, at no extra cost to you,  if you decide to make a purchase through my links.Here is a link to some of my favorite bible study tools on Amazon:https://geni.us/cHtrfEMr. Pen Bible Journaling Kitshttps://lvnta.com/lv_PTrHSCogbRim4yhEDnhttps://lvnta.com/lv_mkaMOuGe6m4oHR88uqhttps://lvnta.com/lv_dgvsxOc99t663A628z  JOIN DR. JORI IN DEVOTIONAL JOURNALING IN 2025Check out this 9 min YouTube Video outlining her journaling strategy! Don't Forget to subscribe to the YouTube Channel! https://youtu.be/lqe9TO7RSz4 BOOKS OF BIBLE COLOR CHARTI made this chart as a helpful tool for grouping the collections of books or letters  in the Holy Bible.  The colors in the different sections are the ones that I use in my journals.  Books of Bible Chart (color) (4).pdf - Google Drive    LOOKING TO RETAIN MORE OF WHAT YOUR PASTOR IS TEACHING?              CHECK OUT DR. JORI'S SERMON REFLECTION JOURNALS! Sermon Notes, Reflections and Applications Journal/Notebooks by Dr. Jori. Click the links below to be directed to amazon.com for purchase. Or search “Dr. Jori Shaffer” on Amazon to bring these up.  https://amzn.to/418LfRshttps://amzn.to/41862EyHere is a brief YouTube video that tells about the Journal/Notebooks as well:https://youtu.be/aXpQNYUEzds   Email: awordforthisday@gmail.comPodcast website:  https://awordforthisday.buzzsprout.com  Support the show

Hello Friends! I love to hear from you! Please send me a text message by clicking on this link! Blessings to You!In this episode, Dr. Jori discusses with her listeners Jesus's discussion with his disciples that Lazarus had fallen asleep and HE was going to awaken him. Scripture References: Matthew 4:4; John 11:11; Matthew 10:1-4; John 1:1-5, 9-14; John 20:30-31; John 10:30-11:11; 1 John 4:18 Scripture translation used is the Legacy Standard Bible.  “Scripture quotations taken from the (LSB®) Legacy Standard Bible®, Copyright © 2021 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Managed in partnership with Three Sixteen Publishing Inc. LSBible.org and 316publishing.comFIND DR. JORI ON OTHER PLATFORMS https://linktr.ee/drjorishafferCHECK OUT THE DWELL AUDIO BIBLE APP:Click this link for my unique referral code.  I use this frequently. Such a wonderful audio bible app. https://dwellapp.io/aff?ref=jorishafferBIBLE STUDY TOOLS DR. JORI USES:Note: These contain  Amazon affiliate links, meaning I get a commission, at no extra cost to you,  if you decide to make a purchase through my links.Here is a link to some of my favorite bible study tools on Amazon:https://geni.us/cHtrfEMr. Pen Bible Journaling Kitshttps://lvnta.com/lv_PTrHSCogbRim4yhEDnhttps://lvnta.com/lv_mkaMOuGe6m4oHR88uqhttps://lvnta.com/lv_dgvsxOc99t663A628z  JOIN DR. JORI IN DEVOTIONAL JOURNALING IN 2025Check out this 9 min YouTube Video outlining her journaling strategy! Don't Forget to subscribe to the YouTube Channel! https://youtu.be/lqe9TO7RSz4 BOOKS OF BIBLE COLOR CHARTI made this chart as a helpful tool for grouping the collections of books or letters  in the Holy Bible.  The colors in the different sections are the ones that I use in my journals.  Books of Bible Chart (color) (4).pdf - Google Drive    LOOKING TO RETAIN MORE OF WHAT YOUR PASTOR IS TEACHING?              CHECK OUT DR. JORI'S SERMON REFLECTION JOURNALS! Sermon Notes, Reflections and Applications Journal/Notebooks by Dr. Jori. Click the links below to be directed to amazon.com for purchase. Or search “Dr. Jori Shaffer” on Amazon to bring these up.  https://amzn.to/418LfRshttps://amzn.to/41862EyHere is a brief YouTube video that tells about the Journal/Notebooks as well:https://youtu.be/aXpQNYUEzds   Email: awordforthisday@gmail.comPodcast website:  https://awordforthisday.buzzsprout.com  Support the show

Hello Friends! I love to hear from you! Please send me a text message by clicking on this link! Blessings to You!In this episode, Dr. Jori discusses with her listeners how Jesus explained to those listening that John the Baptist had been spoken of in the prophets.Scripture References: Matthew 11:10; John 1:11-12; Matthew 11:1-11; Matthew 3:1-7; Isaiah 40:3; Mark 1:2; Luke 1:13-17; Malachi 3:1 Scripture translation used is the Legacy Standard Bible.  “Scripture quotations taken from the (LSB®) Legacy Standard Bible®, Copyright © 2021 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Managed in partnership with Three Sixteen Publishing Inc. LSBible.org and 316publishing.comFIND DR. JORI ON OTHER PLATFORMS https://linktr.ee/drjorishafferCHECK OUT THE DWELL AUDIO BIBLE APP:Click this link for my unique referral code.  I use this frequently. Such a wonderful audio bible app. https://dwellapp.io/aff?ref=jorishafferBIBLE STUDY TOOLS DR. JORI USES:Note: These contain  Amazon affiliate links, meaning I get a commission, at no extra cost to you,  if you decide to make a purchase through my links.Here is a link to some of my favorite bible study tools on Amazon:https://geni.us/cHtrfEMr. Pen Bible Journaling Kitshttps://lvnta.com/lv_PTrHSCogbRim4yhEDnhttps://lvnta.com/lv_mkaMOuGe6m4oHR88uqhttps://lvnta.com/lv_dgvsxOc99t663A628z  JOIN DR. JORI IN DEVOTIONAL JOURNALING IN 2025Check out this 9 min YouTube Video outlining her journaling strategy! Don't Forget to subscribe to the YouTube Channel! https://youtu.be/lqe9TO7RSz4 BOOKS OF BIBLE COLOR CHARTI made this chart as a helpful tool for grouping the collections of books or letters  in the Holy Bible.  The colors in the different sections are the ones that I use in my journals.  Books of Bible Chart (color) (4).pdf - Google Drive    LOOKING TO RETAIN MORE OF WHAT YOUR PASTOR IS TEACHING?              CHECK OUT DR. JORI'S SERMON REFLECTION JOURNALS! Sermon Notes, Reflections and Applications Journal/Notebooks by Dr. Jori. Click the links below to be directed to amazon.com for purchase. Or search “Dr. Jori Shaffer” on Amazon to bring these up.  https://amzn.to/418LfRshttps://amzn.to/41862EyHere is a brief YouTube video that tells about the Journal/Notebooks as well:https://youtu.be/aXpQNYUEzds   Email: awordforthisday@gmail.comPodcast website:  https://awordforthisday.buzzsprout.com  Support the show

You Sure About That? Pt. 1 In this message, Pastor Jason Daughdrill from Gateway Church (TN) dives deep into one of the most misunderstood topics in Christianity — tithing. Jesus said, “You cannot serve God and Mammon” (Matthew 6:24). This message isn't about money — it's about masters.Discover how tithing tears down the idol of Mammon, transforms your heart, and realigns your trust in Heaven's economy.

Pastor Stephen Martin hosts Pastor Rob McCoy for an engaging Q&A session that addresses the real questions Christians face in today's culture. Recorded live at Vintage Church, this conversation provides biblical clarity and practical wisdom on some of the most challenging topics believers encounter.TOPICS DISCUSSED IN THIS EPISODE:- Charlie Kirk's servant leadership legacy and its eternal impact- Christian nationalism: Biblical perspective on loving Christ and country- The power of love as the ultimate apologetic weapon- How to share your faith naturally without being preachy- The essential elements of making disciples who make disciples- Why praying for your enemies transforms both parties- Building biblical confidence in hostile workplace environments- Breaking down barriers through genuine questions and listening- Why your words are a direct reflection of your heart- Living in the world but not of the world in a divided culturePastor Rob shares compelling stories—from Elon Musk at Charlie Kirk's memorial service to unexpected divine appointments in auto repair shops—that demonstrate how servant-hearted evangelism breaks down every barrier. You'll discover practical strategies for workplace witness, the developmental window for teaching children, and why genuine relationship is the foundation of effective discipleship.Whether you're navigating cultural pressure, looking for natural ways to share your faith, or building a biblical framework for engaging controversial topics, this Q&A delivers Scripture-based answers for real-world challenges. Perfect for your morning commute or workout—equipping you with the confidence you need for whatever battles you'll face today.Scripture References: Matthew 6:19-21, Philippians 4, Matthew 28:19-20, 2 Timothy 2:15, Matthew 5:44, Ephesians 4:29, Proverbs 4:23, James 1:19-20New episodes drop Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at 7 AM CT. Subscribe now and never miss the biblical wisdom you need to cut through cultural noise and stand firm in your faith.

Send us a textThis episode was originally released as a Patreon-only bonus episode on the 5th of March 2025.Episode Summary:In this special bonus episode, I explore the political thought of Hannah Arendt—particularly her seminal work The Origins of Totalitarianism—from a biblical and theological perspective. Arendt's analysis of 20th-century totalitarianism is as relevant today as ever, but what happens when we place her ideas alongside the timeless truths of Scripture?We begin with a look back at the philosophical split between Plato's “contemplative life” and the “active life” exemplified by Socrates and Aristotle. Arendt's critique of Western philosophy's retreat from political engagement opens up rich questions for Christians: Is our faith a private, introspective affair—or a public, active witness?Drawing from The Origins of Totalitarianism and The Human Condition, this episode reflects on:The spiritual and moral roots of totalitarian regimesThe dangers of ideological conformity and the erosion of personal responsibilityThe biblical understanding of action, identity, and communityThe importance of grounding public and political life in divine truthWe also examine Arendt's critique of Enlightenment thought, her categories of Labor, Work, and Action, and how they hold up against a biblical vision of human purpose and flourishing.Key Themes:Faith in Action: Christianity is not merely a contemplative retreat—it calls us to be salt and light in the world (Matthew 5:13–16).The Heart of the Problem: Totalitarianism is ultimately a manifestation of humanity's fallen nature, not just failed politics.Identity in Christ: Unlike Arendt's political anthropology, the Bible teaches that identity is found not through action alone but in relationship with God (Genesis 1:27, Galatians 3:26).Political Systems and the Gospel: Both capitalism and Marxism fall short of the biblical vision for justice, mercy, and dignity.True Freedom: Jesus declares, “You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free” (John 8:32)—a freedom deeper than political liberation.Scripture References:Matthew 5:13–16John 8:32Genesis 1:271 John 4:8Matthew 4:4Matthew 6:19–20Micah 6:8Acts 2:44–45Galatians 3:26Featured Thinkers:Hannah Arendt – Political theorist known for her works on totalitarianism, authority, and the nature of political life.Plato & Socrates – Contrasting visions of philosophy and public life.Stanley Milgram – Psychologist whose experiments reveal the dangers of blind obedience.Takeaway:Arendt's analysis challenges us to reflect deeply on the nature of evil, the meaning of action, and the role of individuals in resisting oppressive systems. But as Christians, we recognize that no amount of political engagement can change the human heart. Only Christ can do that. And through Him, we're called not just to think, but to live faithfully in the world—witSupport the showTo listen to my monthly church history podcast, subscribe at; https://thehistoryofthechristianchurch.buzzsprout.com For an ad-free version of my podcasts plus the opportunity to enjoy hours of exclusive content and two bonus episodes a month whilst also helping keep the Bible Project Daily Podcast free for listeners everywhere support me at;|PatreonSupport me to continue making great content for listeners everywhere.https://thebibleproject.buzzsprout.com

In this week's sermon, I explore Jesus' closing challenge in the Sermon on the Mount - will we build our lives on the rock of actually doing what he says, or on the sand of merely hearing and looking religious? (Matthew 7:24-29). We look at why The Salvation Army says it is a holiness movement, but why so many Salvationists still drift or give up, and how daily obedience, clear faith goals, and accountable community keep us storm-proof.

In this week's sermon, I explore Jesus' closing challenge in the Sermon on the Mount - will we build our lives on the rock of actually doing what he says, or on the sand of merely hearing and looking religious? (Matthew 7:24-29). We look at why The Salvation Army says it is a holiness movement, but why so many Salvationists still drift or give up, and how daily obedience, clear faith goals, and accountable community keep us storm-proof.

Emmy and Natalia talk about the Feeding Miracles of Jesus, and why they matter today as much as ever.  Scripture References:  Matthew 14:13-21  Luke 9: 10-17 Mark 6: 30-44 John 6: 1-14 https://venmo.com/u/cafeteriachristian www.patreon.com/cafeteriachristian

Hello Friends! I love to hear from you! Please send me a text message by clicking on this link! Blessings to You!In this episode, Dr. Jori discusses with her listeners how we do not have to fear because we are more valuable than many sparrows in GOD's sight and HE knows and takes care of their every need. Scripture References: Matthew 10:31; Romans 3:23; Matthew 9:9; 2 Timothy 3:16-17; Matthew 10:1-4; Matthew 10:16-31; Romans 5:8; Genesis 1:27; Matthew 6:25-33; Isaiah 26:3 Scripture translation used is the Legacy Standard Bible.  “Scripture quotations taken from the (LSB®) Legacy Standard Bible®, Copyright © 2021 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Managed in partnership with Three Sixteen Publishing Inc. LSBible.org and 316publishing.comFIND DR. JORI ON OTHER PLATFORMS https://linktr.ee/drjorishafferCHECK OUT THE DWELL AUDIO BIBLE APP:Click this link for my unique referral code.  I use this frequently. Such a wonderful audio bible app. https://dwellapp.io/aff?ref=jorishafferBIBLE STUDY TOOLS DR. JORI USES:Note: These contain  Amazon affiliate links, meaning I get a commission, at no extra cost to you,  if you decide to make a purchase through my links.Here is a link to some of my favorite bible study tools on Amazon:https://geni.us/cHtrfEMr. Pen Bible Journaling Kitshttps://lvnta.com/lv_PTrHSCogbRim4yhEDnhttps://lvnta.com/lv_mkaMOuGe6m4oHR88uqhttps://lvnta.com/lv_dgvsxOc99t663A628z  JOIN DR. JORI IN DEVOTIONAL JOURNALING IN 2025Check out this 9 min YouTube Video outlining her journaling strategy! Don't Forget to subscribe to the YouTube Channel! https://youtu.be/lqe9TO7RSz4 BOOKS OF BIBLE COLOR CHARTI made this chart as a helpful tool for grouping the collections of books or letters  in the Holy Bible.  The colors in the different sections are the ones that I use in my journals.  Books of Bible Chart (color) (4).pdf - Google Drive    LOOKING TO RETAIN MORE OF WHAT YOUR PASTOR IS TEACHING?              CHECK OUT DR. JORI'S SERMON REFLECTION JOURNALS! Sermon Notes, Reflections and Applications Journal/Notebooks by Dr. Jori. Click the links below to be directed to amazon.com for purchase. Or search “Dr. Jori Shaffer” on Amazon to bring these up.  https://amzn.to/418LfRshttps://amzn.to/41862EyHere is a brief YouTube video that tells about the Journal/Notebooks as well:https://youtu.be/aXpQNYUEzds   Email: awordforthisday@gmail.comPodcast website:  https://awordforthisday.buzzsprout.com Support the show

Hello Friends! I love to hear from you! Please send me a text message by clicking on this link! Blessings to You!In this episode, Dr. Jori discusses with her listeners how much our Father loves us and knows us, even to the extent that the very hairs of our head are numbered. Scripture References: Matthew 10:30; Matthew 10:1-4; Matthew 9:9; Matthew 10:5-6; Matthew 10:16-30; Jeremiah 1:5; Psalm 139:13-16; Romans 8:28; 2 Corinthians 5:7 Scripture translation used is the Legacy Standard Bible.  “Scripture quotations taken from the (LSB®) Legacy Standard Bible®, Copyright © 2021 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Managed in partnership with Three Sixteen Publishing Inc. LSBible.org and 316publishing.comFIND DR. JORI ON OTHER PLATFORMS https://linktr.ee/drjorishafferCHECK OUT THE DWELL AUDIO BIBLE APP:Click this link for my unique referral code.  I use this frequently. Such a wonderful audio bible app. https://dwellapp.io/aff?ref=jorishafferBIBLE STUDY TOOLS DR. JORI USES:Note: These contain  Amazon affiliate links, meaning I get a commission, at no extra cost to you,  if you decide to make a purchase through my links.Here is a link to some of my favorite bible study tools on Amazon:https://geni.us/cHtrfEMr. Pen Bible Journaling Kitshttps://lvnta.com/lv_PTrHSCogbRim4yhEDnhttps://lvnta.com/lv_mkaMOuGe6m4oHR88uqhttps://lvnta.com/lv_dgvsxOc99t663A628z  JOIN DR. JORI IN DEVOTIONAL JOURNALING IN 2025Check out this 9 min YouTube Video outlining her journaling strategy! Don't Forget to subscribe to the YouTube Channel! https://youtu.be/lqe9TO7RSz4 BOOKS OF BIBLE COLOR CHARTI made this chart as a helpful tool for grouping the collections of books or letters  in the Holy Bible.  The colors in the different sections are the ones that I use in my journals.  Books of Bible Chart (color) (4).pdf - Google Drive    LOOKING TO RETAIN MORE OF WHAT YOUR PASTOR IS TEACHING?              CHECK OUT DR. JORI'S SERMON REFLECTION JOURNALS! Sermon Notes, Reflections and Applications Journal/Notebooks by Dr. Jori. Click the links below to be directed to amazon.com for purchase. Or search “Dr. Jori Shaffer” on Amazon to bring these up.  https://amzn.to/418LfRshttps://amzn.to/41862EyHere is a brief YouTube video that tells about the Journal/Notebooks as well:https://youtu.be/aXpQNYUEzds   Email: awordforthisday@gmail.comPodcast website:  https://awordforthisday.buzzsprout.com Support the show

In this week's sermon, I explore why unforgiveness keeps us spiritually stuck - and how Jesus calls us to radical mercy in Matthew 18:21-35. We look honestly at broken relationships, bitterness, and resentment, and we ask: how do I actually forgive someone who hurt me?

In this week's sermon, I explore why unforgiveness keeps us spiritually stuck - and how Jesus calls us to radical mercy in Matthew 18:21-35. We look honestly at broken relationships, bitterness, and resentment, and we ask: how do I actually forgive someone who hurt me?

The church is more than just a building—it's the establishment of God's Kingdom on Earth. In Part 3 of our series, Pastor Alvin teaches that your dominion has been restored through Jesus Christ! It's time to stop the passivity and start using the authority you've been given to bring Heaven to Earth in your everyday life. This message gives you the scripture and practical examples you need to walk in that power. Listen now!     Scripture References: Matthew 4:23 Mark 16:15–19 John 15:5–8     ABOUT US At Nashville Life Church, our vision is dedicated to following Jesus & building leaders. We are here to point every person to Jesus Christ.   CONNECT Ready to connect? Click this link so we can stay in touch and get you connected here at Nashville Life: http://www.chrch.es/ap9bd   GIVE To support this ministry & help us continue to reach people all around the world: http://www.chrch.es/3a843   PRAYER REQUESTS If you have a prayer request or need, we'd love to pray with you. Click this link to let us know how we can pray with you: https://bit.ly/3fVDSDh

In this message, Isaac Wheeler invites us to rediscover Jesus as not just Savior, but Teacher—the kind of teacher who shapes how we live every day, not just what we believe about eternity.Drawing from personal stories, cultural insight, and Jesus' invitation in Matthew 11 and 16, Isaac explores what it means to apprentice under Jesus. He contrasts modern ideas of education and independence with the deeply relational and practical teaching style of Jesus—a teacher for everyone, for our real lives, and one who transforms us through practice.Whether you're weary, curious, or simply hungry to grow, this message calls us to take Jesus seriously as our rabbi and guide—and to let his words shape us into people of love, rest, and generosity.Key Themes:What it means to apprentice under JesusJesus as the ultimate teacher—human and divineSpiritual formation as hands-on learningFollowing Jesus as an invitation open to allThe connection between desire and transformationGrace, effort, and the power of practiceNotable Quotes:Reflection Questions:Who has been a teacher that shaped your life, and how?What does it mean for you to see Jesus as your teacher today?What do you want Jesus to do for you?Scripture References:Matthew 11:28–30Matthew 16:24Luke 18:35–43 (Jesus and the blind man)Speaker: Isaac WheelerSeries: North City Church Values – Jesus Leads Us to Apprentice HimHost: JD Larson“The Christian life doesn't happen by accident—it happens by apprenticing under Jesus.”“Grace is not opposed to effort; it's opposed to earning.” —Dallas Willard“Jesus' teaching isn't an escape from reality—it's a better way to live in it.”

How divine love, surrender, and grace free us from striving and lead us to true rest.We gathered in gratitude and worship, reflecting on the beauty of God's love revealed through Christ's sufficiency. The discussion centered on the invitation to come to Jesus for rest, freedom, and transformation. Through Scripture, we explored how believers find completeness not in self-effort, but in Christ's finished work on the cross. The message emphasized salvation by grace, continual spiritual growth through faith, and the call to surrender our will to God's love. We were reminded that His love is unconditional, His Word eternal, and His yoke light—an invitation to experience intimacy and freedom in relationship with Him.Themes:True sufficiency is found in Christ alone, not in self (2 Corinthians 3:5; Philippians 4:19)“Come unto Me” is a continual call to rest in Christ's love and finished work (Matthew 11:28–30)God's love draws through conviction, not condemnation (John 6:44; John 16:8)Grace empowers holiness—never permission to sin (Romans 6:1–2)The Holy Spirit reveals truth and sustains growth (John 1:1–18; Romans 8:9)Believers must look away from distractions and fix their eyes on Jesus (Hebrews 12:2)The resurrection secures hope: all things work together for good (Romans 8:28)Salvation invites continual surrender and renewal (Philippians 2:12–13)God's love is unchanging, personal, and proven through the cross (Romans 5:8)His eternal Word anchors the believer's confidence and peace (Isaiah 40:8; John 17:17)Scripture References: Matthew 11:28–30; John 1:1–18; John 6:44; John 16:8; Romans 6:1–2; Romans 8:9, 8:28; Philippians 2:12–13; Philippians 4:19; 2 Corinthians 3:5; Hebrews 12:2; Isaiah 40:8; John 17:17Reflection Question: Am I resting in the finished work of Christ and His love, or still striving to find sufficiency in my own strength?

How surrender and divine intimacy bring freedom and spiritual completeness.Summary: We reflected on God's perfect sufficiency in Christ, the source of true rest, love, and salvation. Through Scripture, we explored how believers are called to lay down self-sufficiency and receive God's love through the Spirit's drawing. The message emphasized that salvation is not earned but received by grace, and that growth comes from continually coming to Christ. We discussed the contrast between Adam's fall and Christ's redemptive authority, the permanence of God's Word, and the call to surrender fully to divine love. The meeting concluded with a heartfelt invitation to accept God's yoke—resting in His freedom, truth, and unchanging presence.Themes:Sufficiency is found only in Christ, not in self (2 Corinthians 3:5; Philippians 4:19)God's love draws through conviction and grace, not fear (John 6:44; Romans 8:9)Christ's sacrifice covers past, present, and future sin (John 1:1–18; Romans 8:28)True freedom comes from surrendering to God's love and order (Matthew 11:28–30)Divine love is unconditional, limitless, and transformative (John 3:16; Romans 5:8)Salvation and growth are ongoing responses to God's invitation (Philippians 2:12–13)The believer's identity rests in Christ's finished work, not in external authority (Ephesians 1:3–7)God's Word is permanent and unchanging—proof of His love (Isaiah 40:8; John 17:17)Spiritual rest is found in yielding to God's will and walking in His Spirit (Hebrews 4:9–10; Galatians 5:25)God's love invites intimacy, not performance—relationship over religion (1 John 4:18–19)Scripture References: Matthew 11:28–30; John 1:1–18; John 6:44; Romans 8:9, 8:28; Philippians 4:19; 2 Corinthians 3:5; Ephesians 1:3–7; Philippians 2:12–13; Isaiah 40:8; Hebrews 4:9–10; 1 John 4:18–19Reflection Question: Am I resting in Christ's sufficiency and love—or still striving to earn what God has already freely given through His Son?

Burnout isn't just an adult problem—it's showing up in the lives of our daughters at alarming rates. Between heavy academic loads, endless extracurriculars, and the pressure to be “perfect” online and in real life, girls today are carrying stress that leaves them weary in body, mind, and spirit.  On this episode of the Raising Godly Girls Podcast, host Rachael Culpepper, Executive Director of American Heritage Girls, sits down with Dr. Saundra Dalton-Smith, physician, international speaker, and bestselling author of Sacred Rest. Together, they unpack how burnout is shaping this generation of girls—and how moms can step in with both wisdom and grace.  Dr. Saundra shares practical ways to recognize the warning signs of burnout, the dangerous link between perfectionism and exhaustion, and why rest is not a luxury, but a God-designed necessity. Rachael and Dr. Saundra also explore the different kinds of rest beyond sleep—social, emotional, creative, and spiritual—and how each one can help restore your daughter's resilience.  If you've ever wondered how to support your girl when she's running on empty, this conversation will give you hope and direction. Because at the heart of it all is the reminder Jesus gives us: “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28).  Scripture References:  Matthew 11:28  Learn more about Dr. Saundra's work at ichoosemybestlife.com. Explore more resources to raise girls rooted in Christ at raisinggodlygirls.com. To find or start an AHG Troop in your area, visit americanheritagegirls.org.   

Hello Friends! I love to hear from you! Please send me a text message by clicking on this link! Blessings to You!In this episode, Dr. Jori discusses with her listeners Matthew's account of the woman who touched the hem of Jesus's garment so that she would be healed.Scripture References: Matthew 9:21; Matthew 10:1-4; Matthew 1:1-17; John 1:1-4; Matthew 9:13-22; Mark 5:25-34; Ephesians 2:8-9; Matthew 6:33 Scripture translation used is the Legacy Standard Bible.  “Scripture quotations taken from the (LSB®) Legacy Standard Bible®, Copyright © 2021 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Managed in partnership with Three Sixteen Publishing Inc. LSBible.org and 316publishing.comFIND DR. JORI ON OTHER PLATFORMS https://linktr.ee/drjorishafferCHECK OUT THE DWELL AUDIO BIBLE APP:Click this link for my unique referral code.  I use this frequently. Such a wonderful audio bible app. https://dwellapp.io/aff?ref=jorishafferBIBLE STUDY TOOLS DR. JORI USES:Note: These contain  Amazon affiliate links, meaning I get a commission, at no extra cost to you,  if you decide to make a purchase through my links.Here is a link to some of my favorite bible study tools on Amazon:https://geni.us/cHtrfEMr. Pen Bible Journaling Kitshttps://lvnta.com/lv_PTrHSCogbRim4yhEDnhttps://lvnta.com/lv_mkaMOuGe6m4oHR88uqhttps://lvnta.com/lv_dgvsxOc99t663A628z  JOIN DR. JORI IN DEVOTIONAL JOURNALING IN 2025Check out this 9 min YouTube Video outlining her journaling strategy! Don't Forget to subscribe to the YouTube Channel! https://youtu.be/lqe9TO7RSz4 BOOKS OF BIBLE COLOR CHARTI made this chart as a helpful tool for grouping the collections of books or letters  in the Holy Bible.  The colors in the different sections are the ones that I use in my journals.  Books of Bible Chart (color) (4).pdf - Google Drive    LOOKING TO RETAIN MORE OF WHAT YOUR PASTOR IS TEACHING?              CHECK OUT DR. JORI'S SERMON REFLECTION JOURNALS! Sermon Notes, Reflections and Applications Journal/Notebooks by Dr. Jori. Click the links below to be directed to amazon.com for purchase. Or search “Dr. Jori Shaffer” on Amazon to bring these up.  https://amzn.to/418LfRshttps://amzn.to/41862EyHere is a brief YouTube video that tells about the Journal/Notebooks as well:https://youtu.be/aXpQNYUEzds   Email: awordforthisday@gmail.comPodcast website:  https://awordforthisday.buzzsprout.com  Support the show

As parents, our hearts want the very best for our girls. We long to shield them from failure, hardship, and pain. But what if our desire to protect is actually preventing them from growing into the young women God created them to be?  In this episode of the Raising Godly Girls Podcast, co-hosts Rachael Culpepper and Natalie Ambrose dive into the parenting pitfalls of “helicoptering” and “lawnmowing”—those tendencies to hover or clear every obstacle out of our daughter's path. Together, they wrestle with the tension between loving our girls well and trusting the Lord to use challenges, disappointments, and even failures to build godly character.  You'll hear real-life parenting stories, Biblical wisdom, and encouragement from American Heritage Girls Founder & Executive Director Emeritus Patti Garibay in this week's Raising Godly Girls Minute.   The truth is, resilience grows when girls are allowed to stumble, problem-solve, and experience God's faithfulness firsthand. Parenting is not about writing their story—it's about trusting the One who already has.  Scripture References:  Matthew 7:9–11  Hebrews 12  If you've ever struggled with when to step in and when to step back, this episode will help you release the pressure, pry your hands open, and lean on God's sovereignty as you raise your daughter with courage and faith.  Explore more resources to raise girls rooted in Christ at raisinggodlygirls.com.     To find or start an AHG Troop in your area, visit americanheritagegirls.org. 

Hello Friends! I love to hear from you! Please send me a text message by clicking on this link! Blessings to You!In this episode, Dr. Jori discusses with her listeners Jesus's statement to those listening to go and learn what was meant by the scripture, "I desire compassion and not sacrifice," and that HE came to call sinners, not the righteous. Scripture References: Matthew 9:13; Matthew 9:9; Matthew 9:1-13; Hosea 6:6; Psalm 51:16-17; Matthew 22:37-40; Romans 7:7 Scripture translation used is the Legacy Standard Bible.  “Scripture quotations taken from the (LSB®) Legacy Standard Bible®, Copyright © 2021 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Managed in partnership with Three Sixteen Publishing Inc. LSBible.org and 316publishing.comFIND DR. JORI ON OTHER PLATFORMS https://linktr.ee/drjorishafferCHECK OUT THE DWELL AUDIO BIBLE APP:Click this link for my unique referral code.  I use this frequently. Such a wonderful audio bible app. https://dwellapp.io/aff?ref=jorishafferBIBLE STUDY TOOLS DR. JORI USES:Note: These contain  Amazon affiliate links, meaning I get a commission, at no extra cost to you,  if you decide to make a purchase through my links.Here is a link to some of my favorite bible study tools on Amazon:https://geni.us/cHtrfEMr. Pen Bible Journaling Kitshttps://lvnta.com/lv_PTrHSCogbRim4yhEDnhttps://lvnta.com/lv_mkaMOuGe6m4oHR88uqhttps://lvnta.com/lv_dgvsxOc99t663A628z  JOIN DR. JORI IN DEVOTIONAL JOURNALING IN 2025Check out this 9 min YouTube Video outlining her journaling strategy! Don't Forget to subscribe to the YouTube Channel! https://youtu.be/lqe9TO7RSz4 BOOKS OF BIBLE COLOR CHARTI made this chart as a helpful tool for grouping the collections of books or letters  in the Holy Bible.  The colors in the different sections are the ones that I use in my journals.  Books of Bible Chart (color) (4).pdf - Google Drive    LOOKING TO RETAIN MORE OF WHAT YOUR PASTOR IS TEACHING?              CHECK OUT DR. JORI'S SERMON REFLECTION JOURNALS! Sermon Notes, Reflections and Applications Journal/Notebooks by Dr. Jori. Click the links below to be directed to amazon.com for purchase. Or search “Dr. Jori Shaffer” on Amazon to bring these up.  https://amzn.to/418LfRshttps://amzn.to/41862EyHere is a brief YouTube video that tells about the Journal/Notebooks as well:https://youtu.be/aXpQNYUEzds  Email: awordforthisday@gmail.comPodcast website:  https://awordforthisday.buzzsprout.com  Support the show

|| ABOUT THIS MESSAGE || Yesterday Pastor Jerry kicked off a brand new series called Made For More, a five week journey about why we exist and how we're called to live on mission for Jesus. It's not just about knowing the mission, it's about actually living it out. He talked about three different ways people approach the mission: some believe in it enough to benefit from it, some believe in it enough to follow it comfortably, but the real life change comes when you believe in it enough to give your life for it. That's the kind of mission we're called to. At Beach, that means reaching people with the love of Jesus, raising up followers who become more like Him, and releasing world changers into their God given purpose. Mission isn't something we do once in a while, it's a way of life, and Jesus invites us to live it every day as we go.|| ABOUT BEACH CHURCH || We exist to reach, raise up, and release followers of Jesus who change the world. Our goal is to create an environment where everyone is welcome to learn about a relationship with God, whether you're curious or confident in your faith.|| GET CONNECTED || Here at Beach, we are most passionate about seeing people come into a relationship with Jesus! Head over to our website to get connected https://www.beachchurchjax.com/im-new|| FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA ||@beachchurchjax|| SCRIPTURE REFERENCES || Matthew 28:16–20

Hello Friends! I love to hear from you! Please send me a text message by clicking on this link! Blessings to You!In this episode, Dr. Jori discusses with her listeners Jesus's question to the disciples about who people were saying that He was and about Peter's response. Scripture References: Matthew 6:33; Amos 5:6; Mark 8:29; Hebrews 4:15; Acts 15:36-40; Mark 8:27-33; 1 Corinthians 3:19; Jeremiah 17:9; Galatians 5:22-23; John 14:6; John 1:29; Philippians 2:5-11 Scripture translation used is the Legacy Standard Bible.  “Scripture quotations taken from the (LSB®) Legacy Standard Bible®, Copyright © 2021 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Managed in partnership with Three Sixteen Publishing Inc. LSBible.org and 316publishing.comFIND DR. JORI ON OTHER PLATFORMS https://linktr.ee/drjorishafferCHECK OUT THE DWELL AUDIO BIBLE APP:Click this link for my unique referral code.  I use this frequently. Such a wonderful audio bible app. https://dwellapp.io/aff?ref=jorishafferBIBLE STUDY TOOLS DR. JORI USES:Note: These contain  Amazon affiliate links, meaning I get a commission, at no extra cost to you,  if you decide to make a purchase through my links.Here is a link to some of my favorite bible study tools on Amazon:https://geni.us/cHtrfEMr. Pen Bible Journaling Kitshttps://lvnta.com/lv_PTrHSCogbRim4yhEDnhttps://lvnta.com/lv_mkaMOuGe6m4oHR88uqhttps://lvnta.com/lv_dgvsxOc99t663A628z  JOIN DR. JORI IN DEVOTIONAL JOURNALING IN 2025Check out this 9 min YouTube Video outlining her journaling strategy! Don't Forget to subscribe to the YouTube Channel! https://youtu.be/lqe9TO7RSz4 BOOKS OF BIBLE COLOR CHARTI made this chart as a helpful tool for grouping the collections of books or letters  in the Holy Bible.  The colors in the different sections are the ones that I use in my journals.  Books of Bible Chart (color) (4).pdf - Google Drive    LOOKING TO RETAIN MORE OF WHAT YOUR PASTOR IS TEACHING?              CHECK OUT DR. JORI'S SERMON REFLECTION JOURNALS! Sermon Notes, Reflections and Applications Journal/Notebooks by Dr. Jori. Click the links below to be directed to amazon.com for purchase. Or search “Dr. Jori Shaffer” on Amazon to bring these up.  https://amzn.to/418LfRshttps://amzn.to/41862EyHere is a brief YouTube video that tells about the Journal/Notebooks as well:https://youtu.be/aXpQNYUEzds   Email: awordforthisday@gmail.comPodcast website:  https://awordforthisday.buzzsprout.com Support the show

When you feel like you’re starting to sink in the storm, call on the name of Jesus. He’s near, and He won’t let you go down. Don’t panic and obsess over the problem, because when you sync up with Jesus, things can change just that quick. If you’ve just made a decision for Christ, please respond HERE: http://ele.vc/tIepfr To support this ministry and help us continue to reach people all around the world, click here: http://www.elevationchurch.org/giving/ Scripture References:Matthew 14, verses 22-32Isaiah 55, verses 6-11See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hello Friends! I love to hear from you! Please send me a text message by clicking on this link! Blessings to You!In this episode, Dr. Jori discusses with her listeners Matthew's account of Jesus being asleep in the boat as a storm began to rage.Scripture References: Matthew 8:24; John 21:25; Matthew 9:9; Matthew 1:1-17; Matthew 8:18-27; Luke 19:10; Psalm 4:8; Isaiah 55:8-9; 2 Corinthians 5:7 Scripture translation used is the Legacy Standard Bible.  “Scripture quotations taken from the (LSB®) Legacy Standard Bible®, Copyright © 2021 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Managed in partnership with Three Sixteen Publishing Inc. LSBible.org and 316publishing.comFIND DR. JORI ON OTHER PLATFORMS https://linktr.ee/drjorishafferCHECK OUT THE DWELL AUDIO BIBLE APP:Click this link for my unique referral code.  I use this frequently. Such a wonderful audio bible app. https://dwellapp.io/aff?ref=jorishafferBIBLE STUDY TOOLS DR. JORI USES:Note: These contain  Amazon affiliate links, meaning I get a commission, at no extra cost to you,  if you decide to make a purchase through my links.Here is a link to some of my favorite bible study tools on Amazon:https://geni.us/cHtrfEMr. Pen Bible Journaling Kitshttps://lvnta.com/lv_PTrHSCogbRim4yhEDnhttps://lvnta.com/lv_mkaMOuGe6m4oHR88uqhttps://lvnta.com/lv_dgvsxOc99t663A628z  JOIN DR. JORI IN DEVOTIONAL JOURNALING IN 2025Check out this 9 min YouTube Video outlining her journaling strategy! Don't Forget to subscribe to the YouTube Channel! https://youtu.be/lqe9TO7RSz4 BOOKS OF BIBLE COLOR CHARTI made this chart as a helpful tool for grouping the collections of books or letters  in the Holy Bible.  The colors in the different sections are the ones that I use in my journals.  Books of Bible Chart (color) (4).pdf - Google Drive    LOOKING TO RETAIN MORE OF WHAT YOUR PASTOR IS TEACHING?              CHECK OUT DR. JORI'S SERMON REFLECTION JOURNALS! Sermon Notes, Reflections and Applications Journal/Notebooks by Dr. Jori. Click the links below to be directed to amazon.com for purchase. Or search “Dr. Jori Shaffer” on Amazon to bring these up.  https://amzn.to/418LfRshttps://amzn.to/41862EyHere is a brief YouTube video that tells about the Journal/Notebooks as well:https://youtu.be/aXpQNYUEzds   Email: awordforthisday@gmail.comPodcast website:  https://awordforthisday.buzzsprout.com Support the show

WHAT HAPPENS IN THIS EPISODE: Jesus: “What does everyone say about me?” Jesus: “Who do you think that I am?” Peter jumps in with a confession and Jesus responds with an important and controversial reply. The apostles are given access and authority. Jesus shares his future sufferings with his followers. But Peter reprimands him. Jesus responds by telling everyone that following Jesus is costly; it may even cost your life. Jesus is transfigured in front of Peter, James, and John. Jehovah God affirms his identity. Jesus casts out a demon which his apostles cannot cast out. The disciples argue among themselves about who is the greatest. Jesus teaches about humility. The disciples ask about someone throwing out demons in Jesus' name who is not a part of the group. Jesus teaches on conflict resolution. SCRIPTURE REFERENCES: Matthew 16:13-23 Mark 8:31-38 Matthew 17:1-13 Deuteronomy 18:18 Malachi 4:5-6 Matthew 11:14 Luke 9:31 Mark 9:1-37 Luke 17:7-10 Mark 9:36-50 Matthew 18:2-20 FIND US ON SOCIAL MEDIA PLATFORMS: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JesusStoriesThePodcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jesus_stories_the_podcast/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/JesusStoriesPod YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLgJ3Tf0R_aiF-uxG-G97ortxPZMFC7kPu We're on most of the podcast platforms. Just don't forget to subscribe where you listen and leave a rating for us there and on Apple Podcasts. Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

Hello Friends! I love to hear from you! Please send me a text message by clicking on this link! Blessings to You!In this episode, Dr. Jori discusses with her listeners the account of more of Jesus's healings. Scripture References: Matthew 8:16; John 21:25; 2 Timothy 3:16-17; Matthew 1:17; Matthew 8:14-17; Genesis 1:1-2; 1 John 3:3 Scripture translation used is the Legacy Standard Bible.  “Scripture quotations taken from the (LSB®) Legacy Standard Bible®, Copyright © 2021 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Managed in partnership with Three Sixteen Publishing Inc. LSBible.org and 316publishing.comFIND DR. JORI ON OTHER PLATFORMS https://linktr.ee/drjorishafferCHECK OUT THE DWELL AUDIO BIBLE APP:Click this link for my unique referral code.  I use this frequently. Such a wonderful audio bible app. https://dwellapp.io/aff?ref=jorishafferBIBLE STUDY TOOLS DR. JORI USES:Note: These contain  Amazon affiliate links, meaning I get a commission, at no extra cost to you,  if you decide to make a purchase through my links.Here is a link to some of my favorite bible study tools on Amazon:https://geni.us/cHtrfEMr. Pen Bible Journaling Kitshttps://lvnta.com/lv_PTrHSCogbRim4yhEDnhttps://lvnta.com/lv_mkaMOuGe6m4oHR88uqhttps://lvnta.com/lv_dgvsxOc99t663A628z  JOIN DR. JORI IN DEVOTIONAL JOURNALING IN 2025Check out this 9 min YouTube Video outlining her journaling strategy! Don't Forget to subscribe to the YouTube Channel! https://youtu.be/lqe9TO7RSz4 BOOKS OF BIBLE COLOR CHARTI made this chart as a helpful tool for grouping the collections of books or letters  in the Holy Bible.  The colors in the different sections are the ones that I use in my journals.  Books of Bible Chart (color) (4).pdf - Google Drive    LOOKING TO RETAIN MORE OF WHAT YOUR PASTOR IS TEACHING?              CHECK OUT DR. JORI'S SERMON REFLECTION JOURNALS! Sermon Notes, Reflections and Applications Journal/Notebooks by Dr. Jori. Click the links below to be directed to amazon.com for purchase. Or search “Dr. Jori Shaffer” on Amazon to bring these up.  https://amzn.to/418LfRshttps://amzn.to/41862EyHere is a brief YouTube video that tells about the Journal/Notebooks as well:https://youtu.be/aXpQNYUEzds   Email: awordforthisday@gmail.comPodcast website:  https://awordforthisday.buzzsprout.com Support the show

Hello Friends! I love to hear from you! Please send me a text message by clicking on this link! Blessings to You!In this episode, Dr. Jori discusses with her listeners Jesus's explanation of the parable of the sower and what the seed represents. Scripture References: Matthew 4:4; Luke 8:11; Luke 1:1-4; Acts 1:1-5; Luke 8:4-15; Romans 10:17; 1 Corinthians 3:6-7 Scripture translation used is the Legacy Standard Bible.  “Scripture quotations taken from the (LSB®) Legacy Standard Bible®, Copyright © 2021 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Managed in partnership with Three Sixteen Publishing Inc. LSBible.org and 316publishing.comFIND DR. JORI ON OTHER PLATFORMS https://linktr.ee/drjorishafferCHECK OUT THE DWELL AUDIO BIBLE APP:Click this link for my unique referral code.  I use this frequently. Such a wonderful audio bible app. https://dwellapp.io/aff?ref=jorishafferBIBLE STUDY TOOLS DR. JORI USES:Note: These contain  Amazon affiliate links, meaning I get a commission, at no extra cost to you,  if you decide to make a purchase through my links.Here is a link to some of my favorite bible study tools on Amazon:https://geni.us/cHtrfEMr. Pen Bible Journaling Kitshttps://lvnta.com/lv_PTrHSCogbRim4yhEDnhttps://lvnta.com/lv_mkaMOuGe6m4oHR88uqhttps://lvnta.com/lv_dgvsxOc99t663A628z  JOIN DR. JORI IN DEVOTIONAL JOURNALING IN 2025Check out this 9 min YouTube Video outlining her journaling strategy! Don't Forget to subscribe to the YouTube Channel! https://youtu.be/lqe9TO7RSz4 BOOKS OF BIBLE COLOR CHARTI made this chart as a helpful tool for grouping the collections of books or letters  in the Holy Bible.  The colors in the different sections are the ones that I use in my journals.  Books of Bible Chart (color) (4).pdf - Google Drive    LOOKING TO RETAIN MORE OF WHAT YOUR PASTOR IS TEACHING?              CHECK OUT DR. JORI'S SERMON REFLECTION JOURNALS! Sermon Notes, Reflections and Applications Journal/Notebooks by Dr. Jori. Click the links below to be directed to amazon.com for purchase. Or search “Dr. Jori Shaffer” on Amazon to bring these up.  https://amzn.to/418LfRshttps://amzn.to/41862EyHere is a brief YouTube video that tells about the Journal/Notebooks as well:https://youtu.be/aXpQNYUEzds   Email: awordforthisday@gmail.comPodcast website:  https://awordforthisday.buzzsprout.com  Support the show

In this powerful episode, we dive deep into what the Bible says about mental health. With 60+ million Americans experiencing mental illness and 98.4% struggling with negative self-image, this message couldn't be more timely. Discover how Jesus' command to "love your neighbor as yourself" reveals that self-love should be natural, and learn 4 practical challenges for biblical mental wellness.SHOW NOTES:

Episode Summary: Being busy is a drug for most people. We believe that busyness is a badge of honor, that constant activity is good, and that productivity (whatever that means), makes us worthwhile. People like to talk about being busy all the time, but oftentimes their relationships suffer. So often we sleepwalk through our days, but there is a tremendous gift in practicing awareness in this present moment. In a culture that gives accolades for business and achievement, we run the risk of forgetting how to be present. Scripture reminds us to “Be still and know that I am God” (Psalm 46:10) but how often do we willingly slow down? My guest, Courtney Ellis and I talk about how to be present in the moment and reap the benefits. Quotables from the episode: What would it look like to love my actual neighbors? What would it look like to press into this particular church? What would it look like to make our kids' schools our schools and really put our feet on the ground and help in all the ways that we can? And so this book came out of that desire that my husband and I had and that commitment we made before God to really try to live into the ministry of stability as long as he called us to. That's a big change after moving six times in six years. It is, it is. You learn some bad habits when you move a lot. Friends in the military, friends who have to move a lot and they say, yeah, you pick up some bad habits. So, we had to unlearn a lot of bad habits. You talk about leaning in and being present. So, what are some practical ways that we can choose to be present in the moment? And then what are some of the benefits? There are so many small, beautiful ways we can choose to be present. Often the easiest one is just to keep your phone in your pocket or your purse because it's fascinating. You'll be at the grocery store, and you see people standing in line and you can time it. People will stand in line patiently for about 30 seconds and then the hand goes down and the phone is out. And it's not that they're being impatient, but might as well use the time to do the word or scroll Facebook or whatever it is. And so, part of this, practicing this attentiveness toward God and being present in the moment is simply resisting that urge to do the easiest thing which is to pull out technology and distract ourselves. Sit near a window and just take a few minutes and observe what you see and it's almost like your soul is the shaken up snow globe and as you sit all of that snow starts to settle and you may hear from God, you may hear things in your own heart that you've been kind of stuffing down and as you're present to yourself, present to what you see around you, present to the Lord, beautiful things can happen. When we can make decisions in our lives ahead of time and leave them closed, it opens up our minds to new possibilities. It gives us new energy. And that's the difference between kind of leaving or living poised to leave and living planning to stay. And God may call us to go tomorrow, but today, if that decision is closed, we have all of these possibilities in front of us that we can turn our full attention to without already being fatigued. You refer to limits as a God -given grace. What do you mean by that? I don't like it. I'm going to start with that. I don't either. Talk about that for a minute. Yes. I want to be infinite. I want to keep going. I want to keep running. But limits ultimately are a grace and they're a reminder to us of our creatureliness that we are part of God's creation. We are not God. Even small things like coming to the end of a day and needing to go to sleep is a reminder of the limits God has set in our days, in our world, in our life. Multiple times a day we have to stop and eat. And that's an intentional creation of God. God could have created us to not need food. God could have created us to eat once a year. But these intentional checks and balances in our lives are an opportunity to practice dependence on God, to understand that our finitude is not burden, but it's grace, even if we are not always able to receive it in that way. Why do you call yourself an achievement addict and what does this have to do with learning to take a Sabbath rest? Yes, I would imagine I'm talking to another achievement addict here on the show. It takes one to know one. Yeah, I, especially early on in my life, that was where I would receive a lot of praise and adulation. And so I really grew into this. I am what I do. And if I've done enough in a day, I can feel good about myself, you know, when my husband and I compare notes at the end of the day and he'll say, "How was your day?" I still will most often jump to, "Well, I got a lot done and I feel really good about that." It's like, "Do you? Okay, let's talk about that. And there's nothing wrong with achievement, there's nothing wrong with being a driven person. But where you encounter some difficulty is when that becomes your identity. So, on a day where I'm ill, on a day where, you know, the kids didn't cooperate, on a day where something unexpected got thrown on my plate ministry -wise, does that mean I'm less of a person because I didn't check off my list? No, it doesn't. It means that God is the God of interruptions and God is the God of limitations. There's great grace in realizing that we are, you know, the old cliche, we're human beings, we're not human doings. and God has created us that way out of love and care and grace so we can rest at the end of the day even while leaving things undone. And that is the message of Sabbath is that once-a-week God commands doesn't invite doesn't suggest God commands that we rest from our labors and not because everything is done not because everything is polished and finished. And I love what Eugene Peterson, wonderful Presbyterian author has to say about Sabbath, which is that if you work with your mind, you should Sabbath with your hands. So, there should be worship, but also, you know, often my husband is out in the garden on Sabbath because that allows his mind to rest. But if you work with your hands, you should Sabbath with your mind. Busyness keeps us from stability and stability is what healthy people and a healthy society desperately needs. The United States has traditionally been one of the most mobile countries in the world with the average American moving about eleven times in their lifetimes. By contrast, Europeans move about four times. Busyness and the transitory nature of our lives and jobs means fewer deep connections with others. Fostering community is some of the toughest, most painful work we engage in. Being present means that we deliberately choose stability. In a world marked by transience, envy, and rootlessness, committing to stay put is a radical, unusual act. Transience threatens to dull our awareness of God. While stability may not always be our choice (like with a job relocation), it is something to be sought after. Remembering to pay attention can be the trickiest spiritual practice of all. Being present is about choices: setting aside time to rest (Sabbath) but also setting aside distractions (like technology). Sabbath is not a gift to you because you've achieved enough. It's actually a gift so that you will rest from your achievement and that's hard. In fact, you write remembering to pay attention can be the trickiest spiritual practice of to hack that a little think in many ways, those are the two primary spiritual disciplines, but what I'm learning is the older I get that the fundamental spiritual practice for all of us is learning to pay attention, to pay attention to God, to pay attention to our neighbor, to pay attention to what God is stirring up in our own souls, to pay attention to what God's stirring up in our broader culture. A lot of it comes back to those practices of noticing and being present with people. This is what Jesus did so well. Jesus was present with people who were very different than he was, people who had been wearing t -shirts with slogans that he did not agree with. And he did that by simply being present with people, by sharing meals with them, by having conversations, by noticing, he meets the woman at the well and through the power of the Holy Spirit, he knows things about her that we wouldn't have known, but we can notice, and we can love as Jesus loved. And so in building community, some of the best tools we have are not going on 100 miles an hour so we can pause at the mailbox and say, "Hey, how was your day?" So we can notice the person in the grocery store check-out line. So, it's slowing down and then practicing that same attentiveness, that spiritual practice of noticing with people. A big percentage of our listeners and viewers are dealing with pain, whether it's physical pain, it's emotional pain, relational pain, or even spiritual pain. So how can we learn to find God's presence in the present moment in the midst of our pain? What a good question. I think the first thing I'd say is sometimes you need to escape the pain a little bit and that's okay. Sometimes what you need are six episodes of the Great British Baking Show and God honors that and God blesses that. God doesn't always force us to face down our pain every minute of every day. So, it's kind of two feet of walking, we face it and then we take a breather, we take a rest, we take a nap. But I think the surprising thing, and we read this so often throughout the journey of Scripture, is that in those most painful moments, we find an intimacy with God that we don't find any other time. I would want to leave them with the gentle permission to slow down, to look up and look around, and to see what grace, God has strewn right in your path, right in front of you. It's easy to look for greener pastures. It's easy to lean into the dissatisfaction that our culture showcases all around us, but truly God has strewn our world with such delight. We slow down and start to look up. It's ours for the taking if we will slow down and be present in the moment. Scripture References: Matthew 5:34 We are warned not to “be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself.” Matthew 24:42-44 “… keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come. But understand this: If the owner of the house had known at what time of night the thief was coming, he would have kept watch and would not have let his house be broken into. So you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him.” Jeremiah 29:7 “Seek the peace and prosperity of the city to which I have carried you into exile. Pray to the Lord for it, because if it prospers, you too will prosper.” Recommended Resources: Present: The Gift of Being All In, Right Where You Are by Courtney Sacred Scars: Resting in God’s Promise That Your Past Is Not Wasted by Dr. Michelle Bengtson The Hem of His Garment: Reaching Out To God When Pain Overwhelms by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner AWSA 2024 Golden Scroll Christian Living Book of the Year and the 2024 Christian Literary Awards Reader’s Choice Award in the Christian Living and Non-Fiction categories YouVersion 5-Day Devotional Reaching Out To God When Pain Overwhelms Today is Going to be a Good Day: 90 Promises from God to Start Your Day Off Right by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, AWSA Member of the Year, winner of the AWSA 2023 Inspirational Gift Book of the Year Award, the 2024 Christian Literary Awards Reader’s Choice Award in the Devotional category, the 2023 Christian Literary Awards Reader’s Choice Award in four categories, and the Christian Literary Awards Henri Award for Devotionals YouVersion Devotional, Today is Going to be a Good Day version 1 YouVersion Devotional, Today is Going to be a Good Day version 2 Revive & Thrive Women’s Online Conference Revive & Thrive Summit 2 Trusting God through Cancer Summit 1 Trusting God through Cancer Summit 2 Breaking Anxiety’s Grip: How to Reclaim the Peace God Promises by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the AWSA 2020 Best Christian Living Book First Place, the first place winner for the Best Christian Living Book, the 2020 Carolina Christian Writer’s Conference Contest winner for nonfiction, and winner of the 2021 Christian Literary Award’s Reader’s Choice Award in all four categories for which it was nominated (Non-Fiction Victorious Living, Christian Living Day By Day, Inspirational Breaking Free and Testimonial Justified by Grace categories.) YouVersion Bible Reading Plan for Breaking Anxiety’s Grip Breaking Anxiety’s Grip Free Study Guide Free PDF Resource: How to Fight Fearful/Anxious Thoughts and Win Hope Prevails: Insights from a Doctor’s Personal Journey Through Depression by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the Christian Literary Award Henri and Reader’s Choice Award Hope Prevails Bible Study by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the Christian Literary Award Reader’s Choice Award Free Webinar: Help for When You’re Feeling Blue Social Media Links for Host and Guest: Connect with Courtney Ellis: Website / Facebook / Instagram / X For more hope, stay connected with Dr. Bengtson at: Order Book Sacred Scars / Order Book The Hem of His Garment / Order Book Today is Going to be a Good Day / Order Book Breaking Anxiety’s Grip / Order Book Hope Prevails / Website / Blog / Facebook / Twitter (@DrMBengtson) / LinkedIn / Instagram / Pinterest / YouTube / Podcast on Apple Guest: After six moves in as many years, Courtney Ellis found herself longing for the stability of one place. Her new book Present: The Gift of Being All In, Right Where You Are explores God’s call to be present, cultivating community and contentment right where we are. Courtney is a graduate of Wheaton College and Princeton Seminary. She trained to be an English lit professor before following God’s call to full-time ministry. She and her husband, Daryl, have three children and live in southern California where they pastor. Hosted By: Dr. Michelle Bengtson Audio Technical Support: Bryce Bengtson Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

141 Episode – Compassion Sometimes words will get stuck in my head and not leave me alone. This week it was compassion, and the lesson I eventually learned was not what I expected it to be. Scripture References Matthew 14:13-21 Mark 6:34 3 Nephi 17:6 Matthew 11:28

Hello Friends! I love to hear from you! Please send me a text message by clicking on this link! Blessings to You!In this episode, Dr. Jori discusses with her listeners Jesus's reminder that those who hear His words and do not do them is like the one who built his house on the sand and this was disastrous. Scripture References:Matthew 7:26; Hebrews 3:13; Matthew 10:1-4; Matthew 9:9; 2 Timothy 3:16-17; Matthew 5-7; Matthew 7:21-27; Psalm 18:2; 1 Peter 2:4-8; Matthew 14:22-33  Scripture translation used is the Legacy Standard Bible.  “Scripture quotations taken from the (LSB®) Legacy Standard Bible®, Copyright © 2021 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Managed in partnership with Three Sixteen Publishing Inc. LSBible.org and 316publishing.comFIND DR. JORI ON OTHER PLATFORMS https://linktr.ee/drjorishafferCHECK OUT THE DWELL AUDIO BIBLE APP:Click this link for my unique referral code.  I use this frequently. Such a wonderful audio bible app. https://dwellapp.io/aff?ref=jorishafferBIBLE STUDY TOOLS DR. JORI USES:Note: These contain  Amazon affiliate links, meaning I get a commission, at no extra cost to you,  if you decide to make a purchase through my links.Here is a link to some of my favorite bible study tools on Amazon:https://geni.us/cHtrfEMr. Pen Bible Journaling Kitshttps://lvnta.com/lv_PTrHSCogbRim4yhEDnhttps://lvnta.com/lv_mkaMOuGe6m4oHR88uqhttps://lvnta.com/lv_dgvsxOc99t663A628z  JOIN DR. JORI IN DEVOTIONAL JOURNALING IN 2025Check out this 9 min YouTube Video outlining her journaling strategy! Don't Forget to subscribe to the YouTube Channel! https://youtu.be/lqe9TO7RSz4 BOOKS OF BIBLE COLOR CHARTI made this chart as a helpful tool for grouping the collections of books or letters  in the Holy Bible.  The colors in the different sections are the ones that I use in my journals.  Books of Bible Chart (color) (4).pdf - Google Drive    LOOKING TO RETAIN MORE OF WHAT YOUR PASTOR IS TEACHING?              CHECK OUT DR. JORI'S SERMON REFLECTION JOURNALS! Sermon Notes, Reflections and Applications Journal/Notebooks by Dr. Jori. Click the links below to be directed to amazon.com for purchase. Or search “Dr. Jori Shaffer” on Amazon to bring these up.  https://amzn.to/418LfRshttps://amzn.to/41862EyHere is a brief YouTube video that tells about the Journal/Notebooks as well:https://youtu.be/aXpQNYUEzds   Email: awordforthisday@gmail.comPodcast website:  https://awordforthisday.buzzsprout.com  Support the show

Hello Friends! I love to hear from you! Please send me a text message by clicking on this link! Blessings to You!In this episode, Dr. Jori discusses with her listeners Jesus's reminder that we will know false prophets by their fruits. Scripture References: Matthew 7:16; Psalm 119:160; John 17:17; Matthew 9:9; Matthew 5-7; Matthew 7:13-7:20; Matthew 6:33; Ephesians 1:13-14; Galatians 5:22-23 Scripture translation used is the Legacy Standard Bible.  “Scripture quotations taken from the (LSB®) Legacy Standard Bible®, Copyright © 2021 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Managed in partnership with Three Sixteen Publishing Inc. LSBible.org and 316publishing.comFIND DR. JORI ON OTHER PLATFORMS https://linktr.ee/drjorishafferCHECK OUT THE DWELL AUDIO BIBLE APP:Click this link for my unique referral code.  I use this frequently. Such a wonderful audio bible app. https://dwellapp.io/aff?ref=jorishafferBIBLE STUDY TOOLS DR. JORI USES:Note: These contain  Amazon affiliate links, meaning I get a commission, at no extra cost to you,  if you decide to make a purchase through my links.LSB Single Column Biblehttps://amzn.to/4g9C47oESV MacArthur Study Biblehttps://amzn.to/3C1cpQwInk Joy Penshttps://amzn.to/3EaZ8oRMr. Pen HighLightershttps://amzn.to/3PE20x8Mr. Pen Bible Journaling Kitshttps://lvnta.com/lv_PTrHSCogbRim4yhEDnhttps://lvnta.com/lv_mkaMOuGe6m4oHR88uqhttps://lvnta.com/lv_dgvsxOc99t663A628z  JOIN DR. JORI IN DEVOTIONAL JOURNALING IN 2025Check out this 9 min YouTube Video outlining her journaling strategy! Don't Forget to subscribe to the YouTube Channel! https://youtu.be/lqe9TO7RSz4 BOOKS OF BIBLE COLOR CHARTI made this chart as a helpful tool for grouping the collections of books or letters  in the Holy Bible.  The colors in the different sections are the ones that I use in my journals.  Books of Bible Chart (color) (4).pdf - Google Drive    LOOKING TO RETAIN MORE OF WHAT YOUR PASTOR IS TEACHING?              CHECK OUT DR. JORI'S SERMON REFLECTION JOURNALS! Sermon Notes, Reflections and Applications Journal/Notebooks by Dr. Jori. Click the links below to be directed to amazon.com for purchase. Or search “Dr. Jori Shaffer” on Amazon to bring these up.  https://amzn.to/418LfRshttps://amzn.to/41862EyHere is a brief YouTube video that tells about the Journal/Notebooks as well:https://youtu.be/aXpQNYUEzds   Email: awordforthisday@gmail.comPodcast website:  https://awordforthisday.buzzsprout.com  Support the show

Scripture References:Matthew 9:35–38, Luke 4:18–21, Mark 1:14–15, Isaiah 61:1–3, 1 Corinthians 15:1–4, Romans 10:14–15, Deuteronomy 6:6–7Primary Sources:Keener, Craig S. Matthew. Vol. 1. The IVP New Testament Commentary SeriesMcCaulley, Esau. The New Testament in ColorMorris, Leon. The Gospel according to Matthew. The Pillar New Testament Commentary.France, R. T. Matthew: An Introduction and Commentary. Vol. 1. Tyndale New Testament CommentariesKittel, Gerhard, Geoffrey W. Bromiley, and Gerhard Friedrich, eds. Theological Dictionary of the New TestamentDavis, Jim, Michael Graham, Ryan P. Burge, and Collin Hansen. The Great Dechurching: Who's Leaving, Why Are They Going, and What Will It Take to Bring Them Back?

In this unforgettable message from Pastor Wayman Mitchell, founder of our fellowship, we hear a clarion call to rise up as men of God. Preached during a conference with boldness, clarity, and urgency, Pastor Mitchell confronts a generation marked by moral confusion, fatherlessness, and rebellion—and offers a timeless solution: prayer, obedience, and surrender to God's call.Why are the laborers so few in a harvest that's ready?What happens when we ignore God's will like Jonah?How can God use discomfort to launch us into our destiny?Are you leading your home like a man of God should?Using vivid illustrations, prophetic insight, and biblical authority, Pastor Mitchell lays out the spiritual chemistry needed for revival—and challenges every man to step into the high calling of discipleship, sacrifice, and leadership.Scripture References:Matthew 9:36–38John 4:35Luke 21:252 Timothy 3:1–5Mark 11:22–24Deuteronomy 32:11Malachi 4:5–60:00 - Intro: The Legacy of Wayman Mitchell0:40 - A Nation in Moral and Political Chaos2:16 - The Call of Every Man to Be a Man of God3:35 - Jesus' Compassion and the Waiting Harvest5:23 - The Fatherless Generation and Its Consequences8:20 - No Solutions Without Prayer11:05 - Political Lawlessness and National Breakdown13:05 - The Power of Prayer to Move Heaven15:40 - God Sends Laborers Through Prayer17:59 - Jonah's Story: God Won't Force You, But He'll Make You Wish He Had20:30 - The Eagle's Nest: Stirred Into Destiny23:04 - From Comfort to Calling: Overcoming Rebellion25:50 - Prophecy of the Last Days: Lovers of Self28:00 - True Compassion Takes Action30:10 - A Living Word Demands a Verdict32:00 - The Verdict: Will You Be a Man of God?34:40 - Christianity Is a Religion of Spiritual Power35:28 - Malachi's Prophecy and the Restoration of Fathers37:55 - Lead Your Home, Lead the Next Generation38:30 - Altar Call: A Decision to Become God's ManShow NotesALL PROCEEDS GO TO WORLD EVANGELISMLocate a CFM Church near you: https://cfmmap.orgWe need five-star reviews! Tell the world what you think about this podcast at: • Apple Podcasts: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://apple.co/3vy1s5b • Podchaser: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/taking-the-land-cfm-sermon-pod-43369

Hello Friends! I love to hear from you! Please send me a text message by clicking on this link! Blessings to You!In this episode, Dr. Jori discusses with her listeners Jesus's reminder that everyone who asks, receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened. Scripture References: Matthew 7:8; Psalm 119:160; John 17:17;  1 Corinthians 15:12-22; Matthew 9:9; Matthew 1:1-17; Matthew 7-9; Isaiah 29:13-14; Mark 7:6-8; Matthew 6:25-7:11; Romans 9:13 Scripture translation used is the Legacy Standard Bible.  “Scripture quotations taken from the (LSB®) Legacy Standard Bible®, Copyright © 2021 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Managed in partnership with Three Sixteen Publishing Inc. LSBible.org and 316publishing.comFIND DR. JORI ON OTHER PLATFORMS https://linktr.ee/drjorishafferCHECK OUT THE DWELL AUDIO BIBLE APP:Click this link for my unique referral code.  I use this frequently. Such a wonderful audio bible app. https://dwellapp.io/aff?ref=jorishafferBIBLE STUDY TOOLS DR. JORI USES:Note: These contain  Amazon affiliate links, meaning I get a commission, at no extra cost to you,  if you decide to make a purchase through my links.LSB Single Column Biblehttps://amzn.to/4g9C47oESV MacArthur Study Biblehttps://amzn.to/3C1cpQwInk Joy Penshttps://amzn.to/3EaZ8oRMr. Pen HighLightershttps://amzn.to/3PE20x8Mr. Pen Bible Journaling Kitshttps://lvnta.com/lv_PTrHSCogbRim4yhEDnhttps://lvnta.com/lv_mkaMOuGe6m4oHR88uqhttps://lvnta.com/lv_dgvsxOc99t663A628z  JOIN DR. JORI IN DEVOTIONAL JOURNALING IN 2025Check out this 9 min YouTube Video outlining her journaling strategy! Don't Forget to subscribe to the YouTube Channel! https://youtu.be/lqe9TO7RSz4 BOOKS OF BIBLE COLOR CHARTI made this chart as a helpful tool for grouping the collections of books or letters  in the Holy Bible.  The colors in the different sections are the ones that I use in my journals.  Books of Bible Chart (color) (4).pdf - Google Drive    LOOKING TO RETAIN MORE OF WHAT YOUR PASTOR IS TEACHING?              CHECK OUT DR. JORI'S SERMON REFLECTION JOURNALS! Sermon Notes, Reflections and Applications Journal/Notebooks by Dr. Jori. Click the links below to be directed to amazon.com for purchase. Or search “Dr. Jori Shaffer” on Amazon to bring these up.  https://amzn.to/418LfRshttps://amzn.to/41862EyHere is a brief YouTube video that tells about the Journal/Notebooks as well:https://youtu.be/aXpQNYUEzds   Email: awordforthisday@gmail.comPodcast website:  https://awordforthisday.buzzsprout.com  Support the show

Hello Friends! I love to hear from you! Please send me a text message by clicking on this link! Blessings to You!In this episode, Dr. Jori discusses with her listeners Jesus's reminder  about making sure we take the log out of our own eye so that we can see clearly to take the speck out of your brother's eye. Scripture References: Matthew 7:5; Matthew 7:1-2; Matthew 7: 1-5; Romans 8 Scripture translation used is the Legacy Standard Bible.  “Scripture quotations taken from the (LSB®) Legacy Standard Bible®, Copyright © 2021 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Managed in partnership with Three Sixteen Publishing Inc. LSBible.org and 316publishing.comFIND DR. JORI ON OTHER PLATFORMS https://linktr.ee/drjorishafferCHECK OUT THE DWELL AUDIO BIBLE APP:Click this link for my unique referral code.  I use this frequently. Such a wonderful audio bible app. https://dwellapp.io/aff?ref=jorishafferBIBLE STUDY TOOLS DR. JORI USES:Note: These contain  Amazon affiliate links, meaning I get a commission, at no extra cost to you,  if you decide to make a purchase through my links.LSB Single Column Biblehttps://amzn.to/4g9C47oESV MacArthur Study Biblehttps://amzn.to/3C1cpQwInk Joy Penshttps://amzn.to/3EaZ8oRMr. Pen HighLightershttps://amzn.to/3PE20x8Mr. Pen Bible Journaling Kitshttps://lvnta.com/lv_PTrHSCogbRim4yhEDnhttps://lvnta.com/lv_mkaMOuGe6m4oHR88uqhttps://lvnta.com/lv_dgvsxOc99t663A628z  JOIN DR. JORI IN DEVOTIONAL JOURNALING IN 2025Check out this 9 min YouTube Video outlining her journaling strategy! Don't Forget to subscribe to the YouTube Channel! https://youtu.be/lqe9TO7RSz4 BOOKS OF BIBLE COLOR CHARTI made this chart as a helpful tool for grouping the collections of books or letters  in the Holy Bible.  The colors in the different sections are the ones that I use in my journals.  Books of Bible Chart (color) (4).pdf - Google Drive    LOOKING TO RETAIN MORE OF WHAT YOUR PASTOR IS TEACHING?              CHECK OUT DR. JORI'S SERMON REFLECTION JOURNALS! Sermon Notes, Reflections and Applications Journal/Notebooks by Dr. Jori. Click the links below to be directed to amazon.com for purchase. Or search “Dr. Jori Shaffer” on Amazon to bring these up.  https://amzn.to/418LfRshttps://amzn.to/41862EyHere is a brief YouTube video that tells about the Journal/Notebooks as well:https://youtu.be/aXpQNYUEzds   Email: awordforthisday@gmail.comPodcast website:  https://awordforthisday.buzzsprout.com  Support the show

Episode Summary: On this episode, I talk with Janet McHenry, who shared her painful wound of walking with her husband through a very unjust situation that happened to him which caused her much shame. Yet, she also shares how God revealed himself to her, and answered her prayers in a way that she didn’t expect, producing a beautiful sacred scar. Quotables from the episode: My wound goes back to fall 2001, when we had a two-day blizzard in the Sierra valley when six calves and a bull bedded down in an old creek bed in the corner of my husband’s ranch, and were covered by snow. My husband was unaware this happened. A neighbor reported it not to my husband but to the local animal control authorities, and my husband was given seven animal cruelty charges, despite all the evidence in our favor. We unfortunately had an unjust judge who would not let records be placed into evidence, nor let experts testify on our behalf. The judge also harassed two of the defense witnesses. So much of the evidence that we had lined up for the trial was not allowed to be admitted. So he ended up being convicted on six animal cruelty charges with the possibility of getting three years in state prison. We felt a great deal of shame. How do you live in a community of your peers, with only 3000 in our entire county without a single stoplight. It’s an agricultural area where people raise hay and beef cattle. We experienced shame over this. We experienced fear because the judge could decide my husband would get those three years in prison, and how would we then live? The judge also could have pulled all the animals away from the ranch, removing my husband’s livelihood. My husband was pursuing his Ph.D. and was beginning to work on his doctoral dissertation, but my husband wouldn’t be able to teach with a felony conviction. So we experienced shame, fear, and a wounding because I had prayer walked around my community, I taught in a school district with only about 32 teachers so we all knew each other intimately, so I wasn’t able to avoid people through this process. I found it very difficult to finish out my school year as a teacher so I took a leave of absence and went on antidepressants because I couldn’t eat, I couldn’t sleep, my heart wouldn’t stop racing; I had never before experienced those physical reactions to stress. We worked really hard to get public support, and two months later was the sentencing. We filled the courtroom with friends and family and six pastors. The entire courtroom was a community of supporters for us. At the sentencing, the judge gave my husband four years of probation and a huge fine, so my husband had to sell off a large percentage of his herd to pay for that. We determined right away to file an appeal with the state appellate court. In the appeal, we documented over 240 instances where the judge had prejudiced the jurors. We waited another two years to get that decision. One by one we heard the appellate judges say that they were going to overturn the original decision. We determined to keep living here and keep serving our community the best that we could. One thing I learned on the day of the sentencing was that God was doing another great work in our lives that was unrelated. Standing in the parking lot after the decision was overturned a friend spoke up about what she saw in my husband and that God was really doing a new work in him and that he had a new countenance. It was then that I realized God was answering my prayers for my marriage which for 20-something years, I had been asking God to do a deeper work in our marriage, to save our marriage, to keep us together. God was working to answer a different prayer request than the ones that seemed more immediate. I don’t think I’d want to go through that situation again, but I did learn a lot about God’s loving presence through that. I re-read the book of Job every year when I read through the Bible, and I realized what I needed was a friend to quietly sit beside me. What Job needed was one good friend to sit with him through his suffering. Even though Job didn’t hear from God, God was that friend in Job’s wait. Even when it seems like God is silent, He is with us, He’s cheering us on. He cares about us. He loves us. Even if the situation doesn’t resolve in the way that we think is best, God will be even closer to us as a result of what we’ve been through. That presence of God, that closeness to him, is the best thing we can get out of this life on earth. Scripture References: Matthew 19:26 NIV “Jesus looked at them and said, ‘With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.’” Recommended Resources: Praying Personalities: Finding Your Natural Prayer Style by Janet McHenry Praying Personality Quiz Prayer Helps: Scripture-Based Prayers When You Don’t Know How to Pray . . . when listeners sign up for my monthly mini-magazine, Looking Up! at JanetMcHenry.com PrayerWalk by Janet McHenry The Complete Guide to the Prayers of Jesus by Janet McHenry Sacred Scars: Resting in God’s Promise That Your Past Is Not Wasted by Dr. Michelle Bengtson The Hem of His Garment: Reaching Out To God When Pain Overwhelms by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner AWSA 2024 Golden Scroll Christian Living Book of the Year and the 2024 Christian Literary Awards Reader’s Choice Award in the Christian Living and Non-Fiction categories YouVersion 5-Day Devotional Reaching Out To God When Pain Overwhelms Today is Going to be a Good Day: 90 Promises from God to Start Your Day Off Right by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, AWSA Member of the Year, winner of the AWSA 2023 Inspirational Gift Book of the Year Award, the 2024 Christian Literary Awards Reader’s Choice Award in the Devotional category, the 2023 Christian Literary Awards Reader’s Choice Award in four categories, and the Christian Literary Awards Henri Award for Devotionals YouVersion Devotional, Today is Going to be a Good Day version 1 YouVersion Devotional, Today is Going to be a Good Day version 2 Revive & Thrive Women’s Online Conference Revive & Thrive Summit 2 Trusting God through Cancer Summit 1 Trusting God through Cancer Summit 2 Breaking Anxiety’s Grip: How to Reclaim the Peace God Promises by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the AWSA 2020 Best Christian Living Book First Place, the first place winner for the Best Christian Living Book, the 2020 Carolina Christian Writer’s Conference Contest winner for nonfiction, and winner of the 2021 Christian Literary Award’s Reader’s Choice Award in all four categories for which it was nominated (Non-Fiction Victorious Living, Christian Living Day By Day, Inspirational Breaking Free and Testimonial Justified by Grace categories.) YouVersion Bible Reading Plan for Breaking Anxiety’s Grip Breaking Anxiety’s Grip Free Study Guide Free PDF Resource: How to Fight Fearful/Anxious Thoughts and Win Hope Prevails: Insights from a Doctor’s Personal Journey Through Depression by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the Christian Literary Award Henri and Reader’s Choice Award Hope Prevails Bible Study by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the Christian Literary Award Reader’s Choice Award Free Webinar: Help for When You’re Feeling Blue Social Media Links for Host and Guest: Connect with Janet McHenry: Website / Looking Up Mini-Magazine / Facebook / X / Pinterest / LinkedIn / Instagram For more hope, stay connected with Dr. Bengtson at: Order Book Sacred Scars / Order Book The Hem of His Garment / Order Book Today is Going to be a Good Day / Order Book Breaking Anxiety’s Grip / Order Book Hope Prevails / Website / Blog / Facebook / Twitter (@DrMBengtson) / LinkedIn / Instagram / Pinterest / YouTube / Podcast on Apple Guest: Janet McHenry and her husband, a cattle rancher, wear sacred scars from his wrongful felony conviction that was overturned in appellate court two years later. A national speaker, Janet is the author of 27 books—eight on prayer, including the bestselling PrayerWalk and her newest, Praying Personalities. The parents of four adult children, Janet and Craig live in the Sierra Valley in northern California, where she serves as prayer coordinator for her church and on the state leadership tam for the National Day of Prayer. Hosted By: Dr. Michelle Bengtson Audio Technical Support: Bryce Bengtson Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Hello Friends! I love to hear from you! Please send me a text message by clicking on this link! Blessings to You!In this episode, Dr. Jori discusses with her listeners Jesus's reminder that with what judgement you judge, you will be judged; and with what measure you measure, it will be measured to you. Scripture References: Matthew 7:2; Matthew 5:1; John 1:1; Colossians 1:16; Matthew 6:19; Matthew 7:1-5; Matthew 7:15-23; Romans 3:23; John 7:24 Scripture translation used is the Legacy Standard Bible.  “Scripture quotations taken from the (LSB®) Legacy Standard Bible®, Copyright © 2021 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Managed in partnership with Three Sixteen Publishing Inc. LSBible.org and 316publishing.comFIND DR. JORI ON OTHER PLATFORMS https://linktr.ee/drjorishafferCHECK OUT THE DWELL AUDIO BIBLE APP:Click this link for my unique referral code.  I use this frequently. Such a wonderful audio bible app. https://dwellapp.io/aff?ref=jorishafferBIBLE STUDY TOOLS DR. JORI USES:Note: These contain  Amazon affiliate links, meaning I get a commission, at no extra cost to you,  if you decide to make a purchase through my links.LSB Single Column Biblehttps://amzn.to/4g9C47oESV MacArthur Study Biblehttps://amzn.to/3C1cpQwInk Joy Penshttps://amzn.to/3EaZ8oRMr. Pen HighLightershttps://amzn.to/3PE20x8Mr. Pen Bible Journaling Kitshttps://lvnta.com/lv_PTrHSCogbRim4yhEDnhttps://lvnta.com/lv_mkaMOuGe6m4oHR88uqhttps://lvnta.com/lv_dgvsxOc99t663A628z  JOIN DR. JORI IN DEVOTIONAL JOURNALING IN 2025Check out this 9 min YouTube Video outlining her journaling strategy! Don't Forget to subscribe to the YouTube Channel! https://youtu.be/lqe9TO7RSz4 BOOKS OF BIBLE COLOR CHARTI made this chart as a helpful tool for grouping the collections of books or letters  in the Holy Bible.  The colors in the different sections are the ones that I use in my journals.  Books of Bible Chart (color) (4).pdf - Google Drive    LOOKING TO RETAIN MORE OF WHAT YOUR PASTOR IS TEACHING?              CHECK OUT DR. JORI'S SERMON REFLECTION JOURNALS! Sermon Notes, Reflections and Applications Journal/Notebooks by Dr. Jori. Click the links below to be directed to amazon.com for purchase. Or search “Dr. Jori Shaffer” on Amazon to bring these up.  https://amzn.to/418LfRshttps://amzn.to/41862EyHere is a brief YouTube video that tells about the Journal/Notebooks as well:https://youtu.be/aXpQNYUEzds   Email: awordforthisday@gmail.comPodcast website:  https://awordforthisday.buzzsprout.com  Support the show

Hello Friends! I love to hear from you! Please send me a text message by clicking on this link! Blessings to You!In this episode, Dr. Jori discusses with her listeners Jesus's reminder not to be worried about our lives, what we eat or drink or about our bodies, what we wear. Scripture References: Matthew 6:25; Psalm 119:160; John 17:17; 2 Timothy 3:16-17; Matthew 4:4; Hebrews 4:15; Luke 22:20; 1 Corinthians 11:25; Matthew 9:9; Matthew 1:1-17; Matthew 5-7; Matthew 6:19-34 Scripture translation used is the Legacy Standard Bible.  “Scripture quotations taken from the (LSB®) Legacy Standard Bible®, Copyright © 2021 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Managed in partnership with Three Sixteen Publishing Inc. LSBible.org and 316publishing.comFIND DR. JORI ON OTHER PLATFORMS https://linktr.ee/drjorishafferCHECK OUT THE DWELL AUDIO BIBLE APP:Click this link for my unique referral code.  I use this frequently. Such a wonderful audio bible app. https://dwellapp.io/aff?ref=jorishafferBIBLE STUDY TOOLS DR. JORI USES:Note: These contain  Amazon affiliate links, meaning I get a commission, at no extra cost to you,  if you decide to make a purchase through my links.LSB Single Column Biblehttps://amzn.to/4g9C47oESV MacArthur Study Biblehttps://amzn.to/3C1cpQwInk Joy Penshttps://amzn.to/3EaZ8oRMr. Pen HighLightershttps://amzn.to/3PE20x8Mr. Pen Bible Journaling Kitshttps://lvnta.com/lv_PTrHSCogbRim4yhEDnhttps://lvnta.com/lv_mkaMOuGe6m4oHR88uqhttps://lvnta.com/lv_dgvsxOc99t663A628z  JOIN DR. JORI IN DEVOTIONAL JOURNALING IN 2025Check out this 9 min YouTube Video outlining her journaling strategy! Don't Forget to subscribe to the YouTube Channel! https://youtu.be/lqe9TO7RSz4 BOOKS OF BIBLE COLOR CHARTI made this chart as a helpful tool for grouping the collections of books or letters  in the Holy Bible.  The colors in the different sections are the ones that I use in my journals.  Books of Bible Chart (color) (4).pdf - Google Drive    LOOKING TO RETAIN MORE OF WHAT YOUR PASTOR IS TEACHING?              CHECK OUT DR. JORI'S SERMON REFLECTION JOURNALS! Sermon Notes, Reflections and Applications Journal/Notebooks by Dr. Jori. Click the links below to be directed to amazon.com for purchase. Or search “Dr. Jori Shaffer” on Amazon to bring these up.  https://amzn.to/418LfRshttps://amzn.to/41862EyHere is a brief YouTube video that tells about the Journal/Notebooks as well:https://youtu.be/aXpQNYUEzds   Email: awordforthisday@gmail.comPodcast website:  https://awordforthisday.buzzsprout.com  Support the show

Hello Friends! I love to hear from you! Please send me a text message by clicking on this link! Blessings to You!In this episode, Dr. Jori discusses with her listeners Jesus's reminder not to lay up treasures for ourselves on earth where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. Scripture References: Matthew 6:19; Romans 3:23; John 3:16; Matthew 9:9; Matthew 4:23-5:1; Matthew 5-6; Matthew 6:17-21;  Proverbs 6:6-9; 1 John 2:15-17; Luke 9:23 Scripture translation used is the Legacy Standard Bible.  “Scripture quotations taken from the (LSB®) Legacy Standard Bible®, Copyright © 2021 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Managed in partnership with Three Sixteen Publishing Inc. LSBible.org and 316publishing.comFIND DR. JORI ON OTHER PLATFORMS https://linktr.ee/drjorishafferCHECK OUT THE DWELL AUDIO BIBLE APP:Click this link for my unique referral code.  I use this frequently. Such a wonderful audio bible app. https://dwellapp.io/aff?ref=jorishafferBIBLE STUDY TOOLS DR. JORI USES:Note: These contain  Amazon affiliate links, meaning I get a commission, at no extra cost to you,  if you decide to make a purchase through my links.LSB Single Column Biblehttps://amzn.to/4g9C47oESV MacArthur Study Biblehttps://amzn.to/3C1cpQwInk Joy Penshttps://amzn.to/3EaZ8oRMr. Pen HighLightershttps://amzn.to/3PE20x8Mr. Pen Bible Journaling Kitshttps://lvnta.com/lv_PTrHSCogbRim4yhEDnhttps://lvnta.com/lv_mkaMOuGe6m4oHR88uqhttps://lvnta.com/lv_dgvsxOc99t663A628z  JOIN DR. JORI IN DEVOTIONAL JOURNALING IN 2025Check out this 9 min YouTube Video outlining her journaling strategy! Don't Forget to subscribe to the YouTube Channel! https://youtu.be/lqe9TO7RSz4 BOOKS OF BIBLE COLOR CHARTI made this chart as a helpful tool for grouping the collections of books or letters  in the Holy Bible.  The colors in the different sections are the ones that I use in my journals.  Books of Bible Chart (color) (4).pdf - Google Drive    LOOKING TO RETAIN MORE OF WHAT YOUR PASTOR IS TEACHING?              CHECK OUT DR. JORI'S SERMON REFLECTION JOURNALS! Sermon Notes, Reflections and Applications Journal/Notebooks by Dr. Jori. Click the links below to be directed to amazon.com for purchase. Or search “Dr. Jori Shaffer” on Amazon to bring these up.  https://amzn.to/418LfRshttps://amzn.to/41862EyHere is a brief YouTube video that tells about the Journal/Notebooks as well:https://youtu.be/aXpQNYUEzds   Email: awordforthisday@gmail.comPodcast website:  https://awordforthisday.buzzsprout.com  Support the show

Hello Friends! I love to hear from you! Please send me a text message by clicking on this link! Blessings to You!In this episode, Dr. Jori discusses with her listeners Paul's exhortation about the armor of God and especially concerning putting on the helmet of salvation and taking up the sword of the Spirit which is the word of God.Scripture References:Matthew 4:4; Deuteronomy 8:3; Ephesians 6:17; Ephesians 1:1-2; Acts 9, 22, 26; Acts 19-20; Ephesians 2:8-9; Ephesians 1:3-14; Ephesians 6:10-20; Hebrews 4:12; Psalm 119:11; Psalm 119:105  Scripture translation used is the Legacy Standard Bible.  “Scripture quotations taken from the (LSB®) Legacy Standard Bible®, Copyright © 2021 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Managed in partnership with Three Sixteen Publishing Inc. LSBible.org and 316publishing.comFIND DR. JORI ON OTHER PLATFORMS https://linktr.ee/drjorishafferCHECK OUT THE DWELL AUDIO BIBLE APP:Click this link for my unique referral code.  I use this frequently. Such a wonderful audio bible app. https://dwellapp.io/aff?ref=jorishafferBIBLE STUDY TOOLS DR. JORI USES:Note: These contain  Amazon affiliate links, meaning I get a commission, at no extra cost to you,  if you decide to make a purchase through my links.LSB Single Column Biblehttps://amzn.to/4g9C47oESV MacArthur Study Biblehttps://amzn.to/3C1cpQwInk Joy Penshttps://amzn.to/3EaZ8oRMr. Pen HighLightershttps://amzn.to/3PE20x8Mr. Pen Bible Journaling Kitshttps://lvnta.com/lv_PTrHSCogbRim4yhEDnhttps://lvnta.com/lv_mkaMOuGe6m4oHR88uqhttps://lvnta.com/lv_dgvsxOc99t663A628z  JOIN DR. JORI IN DEVOTIONAL JOURNALING IN 2025Check out this 9 min YouTube Video outlining her journaling strategy! Don't Forget to subscribe to the YouTube Channel! https://youtu.be/lqe9TO7RSz4 BOOKS OF BIBLE COLOR CHARTI made this chart as a helpful tool for grouping the collections of books or letters  in the Holy Bible.  The colors in the different sections are the ones that I use in my journals.  Books of Bible Chart (color) (4).pdf - Google Drive    LOOKING TO RETAIN MORE OF WHAT YOUR PASTOR IS TEACHING?              CHECK OUT DR. JORI'S SERMON REFLECTION JOURNALS! Sermon Notes, Reflections and Applications Journal/Notebooks by Dr. Jori. Click the links below to be directed to amazon.com for purchase. Or search “Dr. Jori Shaffer” on Amazon to bring these up.  https://amzn.to/418LfRshttps://amzn.to/41862EyHere is a brief YouTube video that tells about the Journal/Notebooks as well:https://youtu.be/aXpQNYUEzds   Email: awordforthisday@gmail.comPodcast website:  htSupport the show

Hello Friends! I love to hear from you! Please send me a text message by clicking on this link! Blessings to You! In this episode, Dr. Jori discusses with her listeners Jesus's reminder that if we don't forgive others, our Father will not forgive us. Scripture References: Matthew 6:15; Matthew 10:1-4; Matthew 1:1-17; Matthew 6:9-15; John 1:14; Romans 3:23; Romans 6:23; Matthew 18:21-35; Psalm 103: 1-14; 2 Corinthians 5:14-15 Scripture translation used is the Legacy Standard Bible.  “Scripture quotations taken from the (LSB®) Legacy Standard Bible®, Copyright © 2021 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Managed in partnership with Three Sixteen Publishing Inc. LSBible.org and 316publishing.comFIND DR. JORI ON OTHER PLATFORMS https://linktr.ee/drjorishafferCHECK OUT THE DWELL AUDIO BIBLE APP:Click this link for my unique referral code.  I use this frequently. Such a wonderful audio bible app. https://dwellapp.io/aff?ref=jorishafferBIBLE STUDY TOOLS DR. JORI USES:Note: These contain  Amazon affiliate links, meaning I get a commission, at no extra cost to you,  if you decide to make a purchase through my links.LSB Single Column Biblehttps://amzn.to/4g9C47oESV MacArthur Study Biblehttps://amzn.to/3C1cpQwInk Joy Penshttps://amzn.to/3EaZ8oRMr. Pen HighLightershttps://amzn.to/3PE20x8Mr. Pen Bible Journaling Kitshttps://lvnta.com/lv_PTrHSCogbRim4yhEDnhttps://lvnta.com/lv_mkaMOuGe6m4oHR88uqhttps://lvnta.com/lv_dgvsxOc99t663A628z  JOIN DR. JORI IN DEVOTIONAL JOURNALING IN 2025Check out this 9 min YouTube Video outlining her journaling strategy! Don't Forget to subscribe to the YouTube Channel! https://youtu.be/lqe9TO7RSz4 BOOKS OF BIBLE COLOR CHARTI made this chart as a helpful tool for grouping the collections of books or letters  in the Holy Bible.  The colors in the different sections are the ones that I use in my journals.  Books of Bible Chart (color) (4).pdf - Google Drive    LOOKING TO RETAIN MORE OF WHAT YOUR PASTOR IS TEACHING?              CHECK OUT DR. JORI'S SERMON REFLECTION JOURNALS! Sermon Notes, Reflections and Applications Journal/Notebooks by Dr. Jori. Click the links below to be directed to amazon.com for purchase. Or search “Dr. Jori Shaffer” on Amazon to bring these up.  https://amzn.to/418LfRshttps://amzn.to/41862EyHere is a brief YouTube video that tells about the Journal/Notebooks as well:https://youtu.be/aXpQNYUEzds   Email: awordforthisday@gmail.comPodcast website:  https://awordforthisday.buzzsprout.com  Support the show

Dig-A-Bit is a weekly mini Bible study with Cindy Colley. It supplements the Digging Deep Bible study for women. In this episode, Cindy discusses the anointing of Christ by the Holy Spirit For more information about the Digging Deep Bible Study for Women, visit TheColleyHouse.org. SCRIPTURE REFERENCES: Matthew 16:15,16 John 1:40,41 LINKS: PDF Transcript for this Podcast Digging Deep in God's Word Bible Study for Women Bless Your Heart Blog West Huntsville church of Christ at Providence RESOURCES: The Colley House Music: “Podcast” by JD Sound at audiojungle.net

Real joy doesn't come from circumstances, it comes from Jesus. God isn't withholding joy from you; He's inviting you to find it right where you are. If you're looking for joy in hard times, start here. To support this ministry and help us continue to reach people all around the world, click here: www.elevationchurch.org/giving/ Scripture References: Matthew 5, verses 1-10

Real joy doesn't come from circumstances, it comes from Jesus. God isn't withholding joy from you; He's inviting you to find it right where you are. If you're looking for joy in hard times, start here. To support this ministry and help us continue to reach people all around the world, click here: www.elevationchurch.org/giving/ Scripture References: Matthew 5, verses 1-10

Real joy doesn’t come from circumstances, it comes from Jesus. God isn’t withholding joy from you; He’s inviting you to find it right where you are. If you're looking for joy in hard times, start here. To support this ministry and help us continue to reach people all around the world, click here: www.elevationchurch.org/giving/ Scripture References:Matthew 5, verses 1-10See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Graduation is a time of excitement, transition, and growth—but also uncertainty and change. In today’s devotional, Alicia Searl offers heartfelt encouragement and a prayer for graduates stepping into a brand-new chapter. Drawing from Jesus’ words in Matthew 7, listeners are reminded of the importance of building their life on the solid rock of faith. Whether on a mountaintop or in a valley, God is faithful, present, and ready to guide each step forward. Themes Explored: Encouragement for graduates Building a foundation on Christ Trusting God in new seasons The importance of godly community Spiritual preparation for the future Scripture References Matthew 7:24 “Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock.”

Today’s episode is a beautiful reminder that a “no” from God is never the end of the story—it may just be a “not yet.” Chelsey DeMatteis shares a powerful testimony of how God brought full-circle redemption to a door that was once closed. As we look to Matthew 2 and reflect on God leading Mary, Joseph, and Jesus back to Egypt—a place once synonymous with captivity—we see the incredible ways God repurposes our past for His glory. Let today’s prayer renew your faith in God’s timing and goodness. Themes explored: Trusting God when doors close Patience in waiting seasons Full-circle redemption Boldness to share testimony God’s sovereignty in our calling Scripture References Matthew 2:13–15 “After the wise men were gone, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream. ‘Get up! Flee to Egypt with the child and his mother,’ the angel said…”