Podcast appearances and mentions of wendy blight

Description:Have you ever carried a secret so heavy that it began to shape your life? In today's episode, Anne Beiler — founder of Auntie Anne's Pretzels — shares her powerful testimony of walking through unimaginable grief and trauma and how one moment of courageous vulnerability transformed her story. Through her honest words and biblical insight, you'll learn how confession isn't just about admitting guilt — it's about breaking the silence, stepping into the light, and embracing connection with God and others.You'll learn:How to shift your perspective from “God is harsh” to “God is good.”Why secrecy and silence can be a spiritual stronghold — and how confession breaks it.The biblical foundation for confession (James 5:16) and what freedom looks like when you finally step into the light.Resources From This Episode:Join us in the free First 5 app to study the book of Jonah and discover how every detour, every delay — it's all part of God's plan to lead us exactly where we need to go.Grab your copy of Anne's book: {The Secret Lies Within: An Inside Out Look at Overcoming Trauma and Finding Purpose in the Pain.}Support Proverbs 31 Ministries by donating here. Your gift helps us continue to offer free biblical resources to women when they need it most. Help others find this episode by leaving a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.Click here to download a transcript of this episode.Want More on This Topic? If you're walking through trauma and wondering how God can use it, listen to Wendy Blight's episode on “God's Faithfulness in Life's Hardest Moments.”Want a deeper theological dive into vulnerability and confession? Check out “Does God Actually Call Us To Be Vulnerable?” with Dr. Joel Muddamalle on the Proverbs 31 Ministries YouTube channel. We want to hear how this podcast has impacted you! Share your story with us here.

Description:Suffering isn't something we choose, but it's something we all face. In today's episode, Wendy Blight courageously shares her journey through unimaginable hardship and reveals the truth that God meets us in our suffering — not only to sustain us but to strengthen our faith. Wendy shows us that enduring trials with God's help doesn't just change our circumstances; it transforms us. You'll walk away with a deeper understanding of how to embrace endurance as a path to greater intimacy with God and experience His faithfulness like never before.You'll learn:How trusting God in suffering shapes your character.Why endurance is a spiritual gift that deepens your faith.How to find glimpses of joy in God's presence during pain.Practical steps for applying God's Word in tough times.How to view suffering as an opportunity for growth.Resources From This Episode:Ready for a summer of deepening your faith? Join the Circle 31 Book Club as we read The Hidden Prince by Tessa Afshar starting June 1. This powerful novel weaves together themes of faith, perseverance, and God's sovereignty — perfect for anyone walking through a season of endurance. Order your book, and let's dive in together!Want to go deeper in your understanding of God's Word? Download our free guide, How To Study the Bible, and discover simple, effective methods to help you grow in your faith — even when life feels overwhelming.When you give to Proverbs 31 Ministries, you make it possible for us to help you and women like you know the Truth of God's Word and live the Truth every day because we know it changes everything.Click here to download a transcript of this episode.Want More on This Topic? In this episode, Wendy referenced a previous podcast teaching she gave on the topic of anxiety. Click here to listen to “Secret Weapons To Fight Anxiousness.”Watch this clip from our Therapy & Theology podcast on “How To Help Others With What You've Been Through.”We want to hear how this podcast has impacted you! Share your story with us here.

You can do all things for Jesus and in His name. But without closeness to the One who empowers you to do great things, are you missing out on truly knowing Him?If you're feeling worn down by the weight of your assignment, maybe it's because it was never meant to be something you carried in the first place. But how do you know? It comes through intimacy with our Savior. Join our friend Gloria Umanah on today's episode to hear a teaching rooted in the truth that apart from Jesus, we really can't do anything.Related Resources: We're celebrating six years of The Proverbs 31 Ministries Podcast! If you've been listening since Day 1 or just joined us, we're grateful you're here. Keep scrolling to listen to some of our favorite episodes over the last six years!Do you have a topic you'd like to learn more about or a guest speaker you'd like to hear on the show? Direct message Kaley Olson on Instagram at @kaleyolsn to share!If you haven't done so yet, please leave a rating and a written review on Apple Podcasts.Join Gloria's organization, Hope Booth, in their efforts to end the mental health crisis by clicking here.Click here to download a transcript of this episode.Six Favorite Episodes for Six Years of The Proverbs 31 Ministries Podcast:"There's Always a Meanwhile" with Lysa TerKeurst (our very first episode!)."How Should I Handle Disagreements as a Christian?" with Lysa TerKeurst and Dr. Joel Muddamalle."How To Pray Through the Armor of God" with Wendy Blight. "What Does God Want Me To Do Next?" with Shae Hill."3 Questions To Ask When Faith Feels Impossible" with Nicki Koziarz."Why Do Bad Things Happen to God's People?" with Dr. Joel Muddamalle.Proverbs 31 Ministries is a nonprofit organization, and this podcast is funded thanks to the generous support of our one-time and monthly donors. To learn more about how to partner with us, click here!We want to hear how this podcast has impacted you! Share your story with us here.

Have you ever been in a constant state of unsettledness? It's like your soul has been taken hostage by your emotions or circumstances, and you just can't break free! Whether it shows up as anxiety, fear, panic attacks, or a mind that never stops racing, it can seem hopeless, can't it? Well today, author Wendy Blight shares how you can replace your restlessness with rest! She'll teach you three holy habits to help you transform your mind, quiet your heart, and still your soul. SHOW NOTES: 413Podcast.com/283

This episode is one I have been waiting to release! I met Wendy Blight many years ago through Proverbs 31 ministries and absolutely love her heart for reminding people they are not alone and that God will use every part of their stories, even the hardest parts, to not only grow us, but to help others who are going through the same thing. She demonstrates this during today's episode when she talks about how she was sexually assaulted for an entire day after graduating from college. She talks about how that event led to over 10 years of debilitating fear, so much so that she could not even be home alone. The story about her first night alone is a great reminder that God knows what we need and how He speaks directly to us, even if it isn't audible. She speaks about the importance of learning the Bible on our own, not just through a study or a book, but discovering the living, breathing, active Word of God. She even ends the podcast in a way no one has done before, which I loved so much! Enjoy this episode and let it remind you as you enter into this busy Thanksgiving and Christmas seasons to take time and be silent before God and let your soul have rest. Bio: Wendy is a wife, mother, author, Bible teacher, attorney, and the Biblical Content Specialist for Proverbs 31 Ministries. Her heart's desire is to connect women more deeply with God's Word. To learn it, pray it and know with confidence they can tackle any problem life presents through it. Wendy's newest book, Rest for Your Soul: A Bible Study on Solitude, Silence & Prayer, released in August 2023. She's authored four other books, Hidden Joy in a Dark Corner, Living So That, I Know His Name and 1 John: Walking in the Fullness of God's Love. Wendy has been a featured guest on Oprah Radio, The 700 Club, Family Life Today with Dr. Dennis Rainey, Revive Our Hearts with Nancy Leigh DeMoss and Building Relationships with Dr. Gary Chapman. Wendy lives with her husband, Monty, in Charlotte, North Carolina and loves most when her children, Lauren, Morgan and Bo come home to visit and fill their home with lots of love and laughter!   Verses Discussed: Hebrews 4:12 Psalm 40:1-3 Psalm 139 Isaiah 55:11-12 Anchor Verses: Isaiah 26:3-4 Romans 8:37-39 Connect with Wendy: Website: https://www.wendyblight.com FB: https://www.facebook.com/WendySBlight IG: https://www.instagram.com/wblight/ Proverbs 31 Ministries: Website: https://proverbs31.org/ IG: https://www.instagram.com/Proverbs31Ministries/ FB: https://www.facebook.com/Prov31Ministries/ Podcast: https://proverbs31podcastnetwork.com/ ***This podcast is a proud member of the Spark Network! It is a network of Christian podcasts that cover so many different topics!  Head over to: https://www.sparkmedia.ventures/spark-network#/ to find more amazing podcasts!!***

In today's episode, you'll hear a devotion written by Melissa Taylor based on Isaiah 53:5, which says, “But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed” (NIV).We hope today's devotion encourages you that no matter what you've been through, you are a child of God, worthy of love. Related Resources: Find support at the National Sexual Assault Hotline website: online.rainn.org. Or call the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 800-656-HOPE (800-656-4673) to speak with someone who can help.Check out Wendy Blight's book Hidden Joy in a Dark Corner here!For more from Proverbs 31 Ministries, head to our website at proverbs31.org, where you can subscribe to Encouragement for Today Devotions in written format, delivered to your inbox each weekday.Click here to read the transcript for this episode.We want to hear how this podcast has impacted you! Share your story with us here.

It's hard to pause and pray when we feel unsettled or anxious.The Bible is clear that prayer is the remedy for a lot of the anxiousness we feel. (Just look at Philippians 4.) But what does that look like daily, especially when we are so overwhelmed that we don't know what to do? On today's episode, our friend and author Wendy Blight shares her story of struggling with anxiety and the unlikely tools she found in Scripture that helped her overcome it. She gets practical on what happens when we remain still and shows us what to do when we pause and slow down. It's in those moments, we will find God's nearness that leads to the peace we are really longing for.This episode is Part 4 of a four-part series; make sure you go back and listen to the other episodes!Related Resources: Escape the feeling of "never knowing what to say" with our free e-book, For the Girl Who Needs Hope: 50 Biblical Prayers for the Hard Moments. We can't choose when anxious thoughts come our way, but we can choose how we fight back. Learn how to in our next Online Bible Study, Rest for Your Soul: Simple Practices When You're Worn Out and Weary, with Wendy Blight, starting September 5. Click here to download a transcript of this episode.  We want to hear how this podcast has impacted you! Share your story with us here.

When God doesn't answer our prayers, it's easy to feel grief.If you have been walking with Him for a long time, it's tempting to want to numb out or give up. But what happens when neither of those options works?If you are exhausted repeating the same prayers and getting less hopeful, or wrestling knowing God can change your circumstances and being heartbroken that He isn't, this episode is for you. Our friend Shae Hill talks about how we can find a gift in prayer, even while we are feeling frustrated and forgotten. Be encouraged that it is possible to hold disappointment and a desire to pray at the same time.This episode is Part 3 of a four-part series; make sure you subscribe so you don't miss what's next!Related Resources: Escape the feeling of "never knowing what to say" with our free e-book, For the Girl Who Needs Hope: 50 Biblical Prayers for the Hard Moments. We can't choose when anxious thoughts come our way, but we can choose how we fight back. Learn how to in our next Online Bible Study, Rest for Your Soul: Simple Practices When You're Worn Out and Weary, with Wendy Blight, starting September 5. Click here to download a transcript of this episode. We want to hear how this podcast has impacted you! Share your story with us here.

We can pray about anything and everything as often as possible.If God's Word tells us we can ask Him for anything, how do we cultivate lives where we pray bold prayers? What does that look like? And how do we do this? On this episode, Ashley Morgan Jackson sits down with Meghan Ryan and Shae Hill for a conversation on why we can approach God with our needs and how to keep our faith when we get weary waiting for His reply. Make sure you find something to take notes with because this one has lots of practical ideas you won't want to forget!This episode is Part 2 of a four-part series; make sure you subscribe so you don't miss what's next!Related Resources: If you long for deeper connection to God but aren't sure where to start, our new study guide is for you ... Praying Through the Psalms: 30 Days To Uncomplicate How You Talk to God, starting August 7 in the free First 5 mobile app! Escape the feeling of "never knowing what to say" with our free e-book, For the Girl Who Needs Hope: 50 Biblical Prayers for the Hard Moments. We can't choose when anxious thoughts come our way, but we can choose how we fight back. Learn how to in our next Online Bible Study, Rest for Your Soul: Simple Practices When You're Worn Out and Weary, with Wendy Blight, starting September 5. To the woman constantly pouring out, we planned a day where all you have to do is show up and be filled. Join us for Reset: A Saturday To Tend to Your Soul at First Baptist Church in Charlotte, NC, on October 7, 2023. Click here to download a transcript of this episode. We want to hear how this podcast has impacted you! Share your story with us here.

The Bible has a lot to say about prayer.But what does "prayer" really mean? And what does it look like in our everyday lives? On this episode, our host Kaley Olson sits down with Shae Hill, Ashley Morgan Jackson and Meghan Ryan for a conversation about what it looks like to talk to God. We'll open our Bibles, trade some embarrassing stories, and take an honest look at what it means to communicate our desires, fears, worries and praises to our Creator. It's possible that prayer might not be quite as complicated as we make it.This episode is Part 1 of a four-part series; make sure you subscribe so you don't miss what's next!Related Resources: If you long for deeper connection to God but aren't sure where to start, our new study guide is for you ... Praying Through the Psalms: 30 Days To Uncomplicate How You Talk to God, starting August 7 in the free First 5 mobile app! Escape the feeling of "never knowing what to say" with our free e-book, For the Girl Who Needs Hope: 50 Biblical Prayers for the Hard Moments. We can't choose when anxious thoughts come our way, but we can choose how we fight back. Learn how to in our next Online Bible Study, Rest for Your Soul: Simple Practices When You're Worn Out and Weary, with Wendy Blight, starting September 5. To the woman constantly pouring out, we planned a day where all you have to do is show up and be filled. Join us for Reset: A Saturday To Tend to Your Soul at First Baptist Church in Charlotte, NC, on October 7, 2023. Click here to download a transcript of this episode. Proverbs 31 Ministries is a nonprofit organization, and this podcast is funded thanks to the generous support of our one-time and monthly donors. To learn more about how to partner with us, click here!We want to hear how this podcast has impacted you! Share your story with us here.

Mentioned in this episode: Rest for Your Soul by Wendy Blight Hebrews 4:12 Isaiah 55:11-12 Isaiah 26:3   Connect with Katy:  Website Instagram Facebook   Connect with Wendy:  Website Facebook This podcast produced and edited by Angie Elkins Media.

Prayer is the place we can entrust our deepest needs and hurts, fears and anxieties, longings and disappointments, and most especially our questions, to God.But sometimes it's hard to know where to start. On this episode, Bible teacher Wendy Blight teaches us what prayer is and how to practice it. Learn how prayer allows us to know God and love Him more. Our friend Wendy even walks us through how to hear God through prayer and shares practical tips for cultivating a deeper prayer life today. You won't want to miss this episode. Make sure to share it with a friend!Related Resources For a limited time, get our newest devotional, Clear Mind, Peaceful Heart: Prayers and Devotions for Sleeping Well in a World Full of Worry, free with a donation of your choice to Proverbs 31 Ministries. Our staff loves the opportunity to pray for you. Head over to our Prayer Wall and let us know how we can be praying for you in this season. Click here to read the transcript for this episode.

How do you finish this sentence: “I am…”Maybe what comes to mind first is negative self-talk that others would never use to describe you. This is especially true if you've experienced a traumatic situation or if you're currently in a season of suffering. But the beautiful thing about God's love is that it is all-embracing regardless of our circumstances. His desire is for you to know and say, "I am LOVED!"In this episode, I'm joined by Wendy Blight to discuss the power of God's... read more

Grief & Trauma Expert  | Author | Speaker | Sexual Abuse Advocate | Psychotherapist.These are a few of the titles that describe me. If you throw wife, mom, granny, Bible teacher, and avid sports fan into the mix that would about complete the picture.The truth is, life is tough and sometimes really bad things happen. I know because I've had my share--- from abuse to divorce to financial hardship, and loss. But one of the things you'll hear me say frequently is, “life happens to all of us, but the true story is told in how we respond to what has happened.”There's no way I could have known as a 14 year old girl living through sexual abuse that my pain would or could be used to help others. But that's exactly what it means “to give beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness” Isaiah 61:3.Have you ever had difficulty connecting in meaningful relatinships because of your past trauma? Ever felt like you were being suffocated by the secret you were holding? I get it. I've been there. That's why I'm passionate about helping women suffering in silence learn to live in perfect peace. Through my work I share my story of triumph over childhood sexual while equipping and encouraging the women I serve.I want women to know they do not have to live in the shadows of abuse. They do not have to remain silent about their trauma for fear of not being believed. I know all too well how it feels to hide in plain sight, to be hyper vigilant, and to feel disconnected during times of intimacy with the one you love. I also know healing is indeed possible and life can flourishYou may have heard me on popular radio show or podcast including Saving Grace Podcast, Grace Café, Ralph Cooper Show, The Review with Joy & Company, Women of Power Radio Show, Marketer's on a Mission and others.I've interviewed a long list of women of faith on my radio program The Pearls of Wisdom Show with Katherine Barner including Erica Tazel, Wendy Blight, Susie Larson, CeCe Winans, Karen Abercrombie, Melanie Few Harrison and others. The show has ceased production, but you can listen to show archives here.I earned my BA in Psychology from Spelman College, my M.Ed. in Counseling from the Univeristy of North Texas and am certified as an ICISF crisis responder, Clinical Trauma Specialist, and trained EMDR practitioner.When I'm not consulting with clients, creating content for the women I serve, prepping for a speaking engagement or writing, you can find me hanging out with my family and closest friends.  My husband and I call Houston, TX home and are blessed to be parents to 4 adult children and 1 amazing granddaughter.

Wendy Blight Biblical teacher from Proverbs 31 Ministries tells her story of the life-changing trauma of rape while attending college and how she now studies and teaches the word of God. She gives help on scripture and how to lean on God for everything. #God #rape #Bible #suffering #wordofgod #wendyblight #proverbs31woman Wendy's book: Hidden Joy in a Dark Corner: The Transforming Power of God's Story and many of the other books and resources, on her website WendyBlight.com or Amazon.com To learn more about this ministry go to HTTPS://thecallwithnancysabato.com @thecallwithnancysabato Thank you for subscribing to my channel --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/nancy-sabato/message

Motherhood and loss are two things that should not go together. Yet most of us either have experienced or know someone who has experienced infertility, a miscarriage, infant loss, or postpartum anxiety and depression. Walking through loss can leave a mother, or hopeful mother-to-be, feeling like she's alone in her struggles. So over the next three weeks, we will be joined by Proverbs 31's biblical content specialist — author Wendy Blight — and Rachael Elmore, who is a licensed, professional counselor, to address the realities no one talks about related to motherhood and loss. Our deepest desire is that, through the content in these three episodes, you leave encouraged and more rooted in what Scripture says about the specific trials you, or those you love, are walking through. Click here to download the transcript for this episode. Related Resources: -We know this topic is difficult to process in a short podcast episode. That's why we put together a free resource, "What Nobody Talks About: When the Journey of Motherhood Involves Disappointment, Suffering & Loss," to help you further unpack what you heard today. -If you have a friend who is in the middle of processing unmet expectations or other painful situations, we recommend Lysa TerKeurst's book It's Not Supposed to Be This Way. -Follow Wendy Blight @wblight and Rachael Elmore @rachaelhuntelmore on Instagram for more biblical encouragement and resources. -If you are looking for a licensed Christian counselor near you, visit aacc.net A note from Proverbs 31 Ministries: Some content in this episode is not appropriate for children and may serve as a trigger due to circumstances in your past. Please use discretion before listening.

Motherhood and loss are two things that should not go together. Yet most of us either have experienced or know someone who has experienced infertility, a miscarriage, infant loss, or postpartum anxiety and depression. Walking through loss can leave a mother, or hopeful mother-to-be, feeling like she's alone in her struggles. So over the next three weeks, we will be joined by Proverbs 31's biblical content specialist — author Wendy Blight — and Rachael Elmore, who is a licensed, professional counselor, to address the realities no one talks about related to motherhood and loss. Our deepest desire is that, through the content in these three episodes, you leave encouraged and more rooted in what Scripture says about the specific trials you, or those you love, are walking through. Related Resources: -We know this topic is difficult to process in a short podcast episode. That's why we put together a free resource, "What Nobody Talks About: When the Journey of Motherhood Involves Disappointment, Suffering & Loss," to help you further unpack what you heard today. -If you have a friend who is in the middle of processing unmet expectations or other painful situations, we recommend Lysa TerKeurst's book It's Not Supposed to Be This Way. -Follow Wendy Blight @wblight and Rachael Elmore @rachaelhuntelmore on Instagram for more biblical encouragement and resources. -If you are looking for a licensed Christian counselor near you, visit aacc.net A note from Proverbs 31 Ministries: Some content in this episode is not appropriate for children and may serve as a trigger due to circumstances in your past. Please use discretion before listening. Click here to download the transcript for this episode.

Motherhood and loss are two things that should not go together. Yet most of us either have experienced or know someone who has experienced infertility, a miscarriage, infant loss, or postpartum anxiety and depression. Walking through loss can leave a mother, or hopeful mother-to-be, feeling like she's alone in her struggles. So over the next three weeks, we will be joined by Proverbs 31's biblical content specialist — author Wendy Blight — and Rachael Elmore, who is a licensed, professional counselor, to address the realities no one talks about related to motherhood and loss. Our deepest desire is that, through the content in these three episodes, you leave encouraged and more rooted in what Scripture says about the specific trials you, or those you love, are walking through. Related Resources: -We know this topic is difficult to process in a short podcast episode. That's why we put together a free resource, "What Nobody Talks About: When the Journey of Motherhood Involves Disappointment, Suffering & Loss," to help you further unpack what you heard today. -If you have a friend who is in the middle of processing unmet expectations or other painful situations, we recommend Lysa TerKeurst's book It's Not Supposed to Be This Way. -Follow Wendy Blight @wblight and Rachael Elmore @rachaelhuntelmore on Instagram for more biblical encouragement and resources. -If you are looking for a licensed Christian counselor near you, visit aacc.net Click here to download the transcript for this episode. A note from Proverbs 31 Ministries: Some content in this episode is not appropriate for children and may serve as a trigger due to circumstances in your past. Please use discretion before listening.

Jenn is welcoming Wendy Blight back to the show today.  Wendy is a wife, mother, author, Bible teacher, and speaker with Proverbs 31 Ministries.  Her desire is for every woman to know with confidence she can tackle any problem life presents through God's Word.  They discuss Wendy's new book based on 1 John, and the impact God's love can have on our identity and our moments of darkness.   Wendy's new book, 1 John:  Walking in the Fullness of God's Love   Nothing Can Separate Us From God's Love, Romans 8:31-39 1 John 4:4 1 John 4:16 Max Lucado's new devotional book, You Can Count on God   Website Facebook Twitter Proverbs 31 Ministries   Connect with Jenn: Instagram Facebook Website DONATE to Coming Alive Ministries

Mentioned in this episode: Genesis 3 Isaiah 62:1-4 Luke 1:37 Hebrews 4:12 Connect with Katy:  Website Instagram Facebook   Connect with Wendy Blight: Website Instagram Facebook This podcast produced and edited by Angie Elkins Media.

Have life's circumstances landed you in a place where you just don't know how you're going to get through it all?  Maybe if you've been a Christian for years, you feel an added layer of shame and guilt because you know what God's Word says about getting through hard times. So, why can't you seem to press on? Wouldn't it be easier to give up? Today our friend Wendy Blight shares her journey of getting through a difficult season in life. You'll be equipped with the Scriptures and takeaways from the book of Exodus to use when you're facing something that makes you want to turn back, give up or walk away. Related Resources: -Grab a friend, and study the book of Exodus with us in the First 5 app for free, starting April 5, 2021! Find out how to download the free mobile app here. -Take your study of the book of Exodus deeper with our newest study guide, "How Do I Get Through This? Pressing On When You Want To Turn Back, Give Up or Walk Away." -Did you know we have Facebook groups created just for you? Find community for your specific season of life. If you are a 20-something, wife or mama, click here to find out more! Click here to download the transcript for today's episode.

When we go through trials, it's easy to wonder, is this from God or caused by God? Am I under attack? Today on the Proverbs 31 Podcast, Wendy Blight, our Online Bible Studies Biblical Content Specialist, addresses these questions in her teaching on the armor of God from Ephesians 6. Wendy shares a five-step process for praying through the armor of God, using the letters A-R-M-O-R. You'll discover what each piece of the armor of God means, why you need it, and the importance of guarding your heart and mind on a daily basis.  Whatever you're facing today, friend, you can rejoice knowing God's already equipped you with what you need to stand victoriously. Related Resources:  Purchase Wendy's book, Hidden Joy in a Dark Corner, to learn more about Wendy's story and her relationship with the Lord.  Our Hidden Joy in a Dark Corner Teaching Series includes teachings on fasting, spiritual discipline, studying and memorizing Scripture, and more! Click here to get access to the teachings.  Click here to download Wendy's Armor of God prayer. Download our free First 5 app to spend the first five minutes of your day in God's Word. No matter where you are in your faith journey, we hope you'll join us in the app today! We want to get to know you better! Will you take a few minutes to complete this short survey as one of our podcast listeners? Click here to download the transcript for this episode. 

Jessica Sentell presents a devotional adapted from Wendy Blight’s devotion on Mark 12 and Lyli Dunbar’s devotion on Proverbs 3 for First 5’s plans. It follows Tadd speaking on the spiritual discipline of giving and stewardship.

Jessica Sentell offers a devotional adapted from devotions written by Leah Dipascal, Wendy Blight, and Lysa TerKeurst for First 5 plans and the book, “Jesus Today,” by Sarah Young.

This week we're diving deeper into the power of praying God's word and the call to be obedient even when He's fighting the battle for us. If you missed last weeks episode (55) with Wendy Blight it is one you'll want to be sure to tune into. 2 Chron. 20:12,15,1712- For we are powerless against this great horde that is coming against us. We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on you."15- Thus says the LORD to you, 'Do not be afraid and do not be dismayed at this great horde, for the battle is not yours but God's.17- You will not need to fight in this battle. Stand firm, hold your position, and see the salvation of the LORD on your behalf, O Judah and Jerusalem.'Do not be afraid and do not be dismayed. Tomorrow go out against them, and the LORD will be with you.The Lord calls us to be obedient even when He's fighting the battle for us. Matthew 15:1313- He answered, "Every plant that my heavenly Father has not planted will be rooted up.The Lord wants to eradicate everything in our lives that is not meant to be there. 2 Corinthians 10:5We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.The Lord gives us the opportunity to hand over the thoughts that are not from Him and we then allow Him to remove it from our lives. This has to become a habit, not a one time thing. (This is a HUGE work in progress for me).

This week's episode with Wendy Blight is one that teaches us why we need to have God's word tucked in our hearts and know His word for ourselves. She shares her story of overcoming the darkest of times by learning God's word and His deep love for her.**Trigger Warning: Wendy's story involves sexual assault happening to her. If you'd like to skip that part it is at the end of the ninth minute, 9:49-9:57.** 1)Tell us about the wonderful you! (Family, where you live, ministry, church, etc.)I’m married to Monty and have two children, Lauren and Bo. Monty and I have been married 32 years!! We were college sweethearts, and he was my first, and only, boyfriend. Lauren was born 6 years after we got married, and she is now married (age 26) and living in Atlanta with her husband, Morgan, who is the best ever answer to prayer for her. Bo was born 4 ½ years after Lauren, and he is 21 years old, a senior in college academically and a redshirt junior for basketball. He plays college basketball at UNC Charlotte and is also actively involved with FCA.We attend a newly formed church called Moments of Hope. I teach weekly Bible study for our women with our pastor’s wife. I love our community. Though less than a year old, we already have over 1500 attending and have 300 women participating in our Bible study. So exciting!I work part time for Proverbs 31 Ministries as the Biblical Content Coordinator for P31 Online Bible Studies, and I absolutely LOVE my job. And, I work with the best people, one you know … Kendra … she has been your guest a few times.As we dig into the meat of this episode I think we need to set the stage a bit for what Spiritual Warfare looks like. For some this part of scripture seems so foreign or uncomfortable. Can you give a breakdown about what it is and where people can read about it in the Bible.Spiritual warfare is REAL. It began in the Garden of Eden with Adam and Eve and it will continue until Jesus comes back as our Ruling and Reigning King. Satan slithered into this world, entered the serpent, tempted Eve and has been around ever since. And, he is not alone. Simple summary of the beginning of this war … At one time, Satan was one of God’s good angels. But, he decided he wanted what God had and rebelled against God. God threw him out of heaven along with 1/3 of the angels who sided with him. He has been battling God’s people ever since. The first chapter of Job gives us a great vision of what this warfare looks like!We hear most about spiritual warfare in Ephesians Chapter 6. Paul tells us in this chapter that we do not fight against flesh and blood enemies (though it often feels like it). We really fight against Satan and those fallen angels. But, we need not fear spiritual warfare because of so many truths in Scripture. First, when we are children of God, we have God’s Holy Spirit living in us. John tells us in 1 John 4:4 the truth about this situation … GREATER is the ONE who lives in us (Holy Spirit) than the one (Satan) who lives in this world. Paul tells us in Romans 8:37 that we are MORE than conquerors in these battles through Christ who lives in us. And, Paul tells us in Ephesians 6 God doesn’t leave us to fight alone. We have weapons of warfare … The Armor of God … Helmet of Salvation, Breastplate of Righteousness, Belt of Truth, Shield of Faith, Sword of the Spirit and the Shoes of the Gospel of Peace. That Sword is the Word of God. It is our OFFENSIVE weapon with which we can fight.3) Many people live their lives taking others word for who God is and what His truths say. You and I both know the importance of knowing His word for ourselves and having that deep relational connection with who He is. Can you give an example when you were so thankful you knew God’s word for yourself in a season that was hard and filled with attacks from the enemy.The very worst, most horrific event in my life brought me closer to God and into a deeper understanding of God’s Word than anything else I’ve walked through. I had nothing else. In wrestling with God … in being so very angry with God … I came to know, trust and love Him by exposing my heart and mind to the Bible. I learned it was living, active and penetrating (Hebrews 4:12) meant to speak to us today and bring healing and life transformation. I learned that when His Word goes out … spoken or prayed or written … it will not return void but will accomplish His desires and achieve the purposes for which He sent it (Isaiah 55:11).We also know there are many people who know God’s word but don’t know the weapon that it can be against the evil one! Can you explain how to stand firm in faith or stand firm from our knees in prayer when things get hard/painful/questionable.Share the power of praying God’s Word and how it came to fruition when I saw a wall of the angels surrounding my house as I was faithful to pray Scripture to free me from fear.  Since we know the enemy can’t create, but can twist and manipulate is there a tactic you feel the enemy uses with you over and over? How can someone begin identifying when he is attacking them instead of chalking it up to bad luck/bad day/ etc.My latest battle has been with anxiety. Our enemy knows our weaknesses. Peter tells us to be alert for the work of the enemy in our midst because He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to desire. So, Satan observes us and sees those places where we have no confidence, we struggle with trusting God and he attacks, pounces, lies and deceives. The enemy knows what things make me anxious. So, the more I began to pay attention to my anxious times and what was causing them, the less he could claim victory over me. I found Scriptures on peace and I memorized them (Isaiah 26:3 the biggest one) and I prayed them. I stopped allowing the anxiety to paralyze me. Baby steps. Riding the wave. One of my favorite verses I turn when under attack to other than Eph 6:16 is John 10:28, “I will give them eternal life, they shall never perish, no one will snatch them out of my hand.” What are some of the truths of God you point people to when they feel the enemy is coming against them?1 John 4:4, “Greater is the One who lives in us than the one who lives in the world.”Romans 8:35-39 “Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? As it is written: “For your sake we face death all day long; we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered.” No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”My favorite question of the episodes are this - the living with less podcast is all about living with less of the things getting in the way of who Christ is calling us to be. If someone asked you what they needed to begin living with less of in regard to this what would you tell them and why!Worry less about what you fear and what causes you anxiety. It truly sucks the joy and life out of us. I did me. When I look back, I think it’s where I lived for my late childhood and young adult life. Once I experienced the power of God’s Word and truly lived loved by God, I found myself living with more hope, more confidence, more faith. Faith and belief that God is BIGGER than my fears and anxieties. He is ABLE … MORE THAN ABLE … to equip us to overcome whatever challenges us right now. And will will only be able to live with more hope, confidence and faith when we KNOW God intimately and KNOW His Word so deeply that we’re familiar with it as we would be a favorite song or book. Know God’s names. Know the stories. These are what you can recall in those hard moments so speak truth and God’s promises over your heart and mind.FUN question - I know you’re a huge college football girl, who is your team and how do you root them on? From the stands or the comforts of home!Great question! I went to Baylor and my husband was on the football team for a few years while we dated. So, we are Baylor fans first. And, they are undefeated as I write this. But, our daughter went to UGA, so we have also adopted the Dawgs and love to cheer them on. When we lived in Texas, we did go back for games. When my daughter was still at UGA, we would drive to Athens for some of the games. But, now we mostly watch both from TV. I also love college basketball!! My son plays for UNC Charlotte, so we go to all their home games and some away.To learn more about Wendy and see her resources head to her website wendyblight.com and follow her on Instagram @wblight. 

Episode Summary: If you have ever felt like God didn’t or couldn’t love you, then today is the perfect show for you. In this episode, I had the opportunity to chat with Wendy Blight about her journey to discovering how much God loves her, and how that has positively impacted her outlook since that time. Wendy shares her most harrowing life experience, and how that caused her to view God initially, question God, and come to know God’s love in a new and transforming way. We all go through experiences that cause us to question, and sometimes even question God. Such experiences can either cause us to turn away from God in anger, or turn toward God to find His love and comfort despite our circumstances. We often have a picture of God that is quite different than who He really is, until we begin to get to know God’s character. Wendy shared what helped her get through life’s difficult trials, and how He can change us if we let Him. Wendy discussed the importance of answering the question “Who is on the throne of my heart,” and how that impacts our attitudes and behaviors. Wendy shared how we can know and truly receive God’s love, and how much He desires that for each one of us. Quotables from the episode: Many people question if God loves them, especially when it seems God allowed things to happen to us that He could have prevented. It’s hard to associate someone who supposedly loves you and who is so powerful who allows bad things to happen. But the truth is nothing separates us from the love of God. There are several universal questions people ask when going through a dark time, “God are you real?” and “God do you care? Sometimes we grow up with a picture of God that isn’t consistent with the God of the Bible. What we really need to know is the character of God. Being in the word of God can give us a new lens and a new perspective. Even when God allows things to happen, He is there, He cares, He loves us, He weeps for us, and He is waiting for us on the other side. We will be more than a conqueror in Christ Jesus. But to be a conqueror, we have to go through the battle. But we make it through that because of Him. He can take the most ugly, traumatic messes of our life and make them beautiful with his healing, peace, love, and joy. An important question for us to ask is, “Who is on the throne of my heart?” God wants to be on the throne of our heart. He wants to be our everything. When we talk about what is on the throne of our heart, it’s anything, like a recurring thought pattern, that comes to you all the time and governs your day or governs your life. Who or what am I looking to for my hope, and for my safety and my security? That’s an indication that that thing holds a higher place in your heart and in your life than God does. In such situations, it’s important to have Scriptures which can interrupt those thought patterns, and speak those scriptures out loud over our lives and our situation which cause us to look to other things or other people. When we do it faithfully and consistently, God will use it to change us. When you have the perspective of God sitting on the throne of your heart, it helps you love everyone better. If we don’t truly know how much God loves us, then we can’t give that kind of love away. We love out of the overflow of our heart, so that means our heart must first be filled up with the knowledge of how much He loves us. The reason God loves you so much is because you are His: a child of God. We are blood-bought children of the One True God. That is our identity. When we carry the identity around that we are lavishly loved by the God of the universe, and He lives inside of us, that empowers us. No matter what you’re walking through right now, God is living inside of you and He promises He will never leave us or forsake us. Instead, He is living inside us to help equip us and teach us. Jesus came to save us, despite all our faults. If we were perfect that would make His sacrifice for us worth nothing. Scripture References: 1 John 3:1 “Consider the kind of extravagant love the Father has lavished on us … He calls us children of God. It’s true, we are His beloved children.” 1 John 5:12 “Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have the Son of God does not have life.” 1 John 4:4 “You, dear children are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.” Recommended Resources: “I Am Loved: Walking in the Fullness of God’s Love” by Wendy Blight https://amzn.to/2XfwPfv FREE Declaration from Wendy https://wendyblight.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/Wendy-IAL-WIF-Declaration.pdf https://drmichellebengtson.com/great-love-prompts-great-sacrifice-its-what-love-does/ https://drmichellebengtson.com/ask-dr-b-truth-for-when-you-feel-unloved/ https://drmichellebengtson.com/its-what-love-does/ https://drmichellebengtson.com/love-broke-through/ https://drmichellebengtson.com/does-god-love-me/ https://drmichellebengtson.com/because-he-loves-you-in-case-you-were-wondering/ https://drmichellebengtson.com/words-from-a-loving-father/ “Breaking Anxiety’s Grip: How to Reclaim the Peace God Promises” by Dr. Michelle Bengtson https://amzn.to/2ZSTP4N “Hope Prevails: Insights from a Doctor’s Personal Journey Through Depression” by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the Christian Literary Award Reader’s Choice Award https://amzn.to/2zB0e7J “Hope Prevails Bible Study” by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the Christian Literary Award Reader’s Choice Award https://amzn.to/2yMdN46 Social Media Links for Host and Guest: https://wendyblight.com/ https://twitter.com/wendy_blight Twitter @wendy_blight Facebook https://www.facebook.com/WendySBlight/ Instagram https://www.instagram.com/wblight/ For more hope, stay connected with Dr. Bengtson at: To order Breaking Anxiety’s Grip: https://drmichellebengtson.com/breaking-anxietys-grip/ To order Hope Prevails: https://drmichellebengtson.com/hope-prevails-book/ Website: https://drmichellebengtson.com/ Blog: https://drmichellebengtson.com/blog/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrMichelleBengtson Twitter: https://twitter.com/DrMBengtson (@DrMBengtson) LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drmichellebengtson/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drmichellebengtson/ Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/drbhopeprevails/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/MichelleBengtson Radio Show Host: http://graceandtruthradio.world/shows/your-hope-filled-perspective/   Guest: Wendy Blight Wendy is a wife, mother, author, Bible teacher, attorney, and the Biblical Content Specialist for Proverbs 31 Ministry’s Online Bible Studies. Her heart's desire is to help women fall in love with God's Word. To learn it, pray it, and know with confidence they can tackle any problem life presents through it. Wendy has authored four books, Hidden Joy in a Dark Corner, Living So That, I Know His Name, and her newest book, I Am Loved: Living in the Fullness of God’s Love. Wendy has been a featured guest on Oprah Radio, The 700 Club, Family Life Today with Dr. Dennis Rainey, Revive Our Hearts with Nancy Leigh DeMoss, and Building Relationships with Dr. Gary Chapman. Wendy lives with her husband, Monty, in Charlotte, North Carolina and loves most when her two children, Lauren (26) and Bo (20), come home to visit and fill their home with lots of love and laughter!   Hosted By: Dr. Michelle Bengtson Audio Technical Support: Bryce Bengtson    

How do you break free from fear’s grip on your heart? Today, Wendy Blight tells her very hard story of coming home to find a masked man with a knife waiting in her apartment. What followed is what every woman fears. In this eye-opening conversation, Wendy shares how praying God’s Word set her free from the fear and unforgiveness that dogged her for years. Her story can be your story too and today, you’ll learn how. So, if you’ve got fear or anger or unforgiveness, this may be the day you get set free. Plus, I’ve got a free download of Fear Fighting Scriptures just for you! SHOW NOTES: 413podcast.com/59

Wendy Blight is my guest on episode #15. We talk about her latest book and Bible Study I AM LOVED.  This conversation is filled with Biblical depth and practical help. Wendy shares her story of trauma and healing. If you've ever found yourself asking God WHY or felt trapped by anxiety, fear or darkness, this episode will help move you forward toward the PEACE and POWER that we all long to possess.  Epsiode show notes: www.gwensmith.net/graceologie/15 Get your first FabFitFun box for 40% OFF using the code GRACEOLOGIE at www.FabFitFun.com  Move beyond your fears toward faith as you experience the power and peace of God's Word in the Psalm Adventure Online Bible Study series. Find out more at www.GwenSmith.net/PsalmAdventure CONNECT with Gwen on INSTAGRAM: www.instagram.com/GwenSmithMusic GRACEOLOGIE is now on INSTAGRAM! Follow here: www.instagram.com/graceologie  

Do you ever wonder what it would look like if you lived like you were fully loved? Do you wonder if you are loved?  What does God's word have to say about love? Join Jenn Hand and Proverbs 31 Ministries author and First Five App writer Wendy Blight as they discuss Wendy's new Bible study, I am Loved.  As we dive into chatting about this study together we uncover what 1 John has to teach us about living loved.  Come alive with us today knowing you are loved and you can live out that love.   http://wendyblight.com/ Join the Online Bible study http://www.comingaliveministries.com/ Use #comingaliveconversations to share about this podcast     

Heather MacFadyen, mother of four boys, interviews guests discussing the topic of staying God-centered...both replacing "me" with "He" and remembering we are centered in Him.

  Wendy Blight joins Cynthia to share her personal testimony and journey into God’s Word for restoration and healing. In 1986, Wendy had just graduated from college and after a day of relaxing by the pool was met in her apartment by a masked man. This man then spent the afternoon raping and sexually assaulting Wendy. After this horrific ordeal, Wendy struggled to piece her life back together. She married, started law school and a family. On the outside, everything looked great. Underneath, Wendy was angry at God and looking for answers. Over time Wendy learned allowed God to free ...

Because of rape and sexual assault, Wendy Blight--author, speaker, and Proverbs 31 Ministries Bible Study Leader--lived imprisoned by fear, unforgiveness, and bitterness for years. But it was reading the Bible and understanding and praying God's promises that helped her heal and become free. And she longs for you to know it can do that for you too.

Heather MacFadyen, mother of four boys, interviews guests discussing the topic of staying God-centered...both replacing "me" with "He" and remembering we are centered in Him. /