Hope is Here!: Recent Episodes
Rhonda Benwell
If you have been searching for a place to find hope, feel encouraged, know the truth, and get refreshed, this is it! We need to know that God has a better narrative of life than what we have believed. This podcast will reveal the hope Jesus gives, the One Who makes all things new, and longs to restore your joy. God loves you with an immeasurable and eternal love. Tune in and hear the Father's heart with me, as we see His TRUE nature unfold before our very eyes. Hope is here! My name is Rhonda and I would love to hear from you! You can message me at grabthebaton@yahoo.com
Ecclesiastes 3 is full of seasonal proclamations. There is even a song by ‘The Byrds’ with some lyrics from these scriptures. (Sorry if you can’t get that song out of your head now)😆.
Ecclesiastes 3:5 in this chapter says “there is a time to cast stones and a time to gather them”.
This is a contrast- you are either casting, or you are gathering.
You don’t need them… or you do.
Jesus was called the ‘Chief Cornerstone’- Acts 4:11; Ephesians 2:20; 1 Peter 2:6-7
Over the last 3 years, we have been in a season of casting stones, throwing out the things we know aren’t useful for our mission. It’s been a looooong and somewhat painful process.
And now, friends, we are entering a season of gathering stones. We have went back to the beginning- to our Cornerstone, Jesus. And it’s time to rebuild.
It’s time to gather stones.
Don’t worry about how long it will take to build, or where you will find your stones. God directs your path and will lead you to each stone- one at a time.
There are a multitude of 'sacred cows' that subliminally creep into our lives- trends, socials, relationships, ministries, etc..
If we do not recognize these cows, this can often result in compassion fatigue. You are not alone. We have all experienced this. We want to help expose just a few of those things that might be keeping you in bondage and causing you exhaustion.
Sometimes, we need to dial down or retreat. Sometimes, we may need to leave the situation, entirely. Whatever the case may be, you are the one who can determine what is healthy or becoming toxic. We encourage you to pray and ask God to help you (or lead you) in the place that fulfills your purpose.
Change isn't easy- it hardly ever is. One thing is for certain... change amplified in 2020 and is on a 'snowballing' speed that hasn't slowed down. When a change or a move is needed, you might feel some shock (or it may cause those around you to feel some shock), but it's imperative that we start to consider self care, and even consider finding our place in new communities, because God is working everything for the good and He (more than anyone) wants you in your purpose.
We love you and we hope that this video encourages you today!
The link (below) that was mentioned in the podcast regarding 'Church Hurt' has been eye opening to me. Being in ministry, I have been in so many circles of this conversation- and this (in my opinion) has been the most clear understanding in what the response needs to be, as well as, helpful in how to heal:
https://youtu.be/6-r9XNqSLHU
Subscribe to (and share) this podcast if you have felt encouraged!
trends #socialmedia #compassionfatigue #burnout #churchhurt #ministry #joy #peace #purpose #fullfilment #change #killingsacredcows #godspromise #Jesus #selfcare #Jesusheals #forgiveness
Realistic Resolutions: Let's make sure our goals and plans for 2023 are geared to bring us hope and excitement! (while making sure they don't set us up for failure) 🤦♀️
The move: Transition is the theme that made it's debut in 2020. People moved and we haven't seen the end of this yet...
Has the church left the building? Elvis has😆. What is the church, and what should we expect from it?
We truly hope and pray that your heart will feel refreshed, your mind will be renewed, and your joy will be restored in 2023. Let's kick off the New Year being hopeful with our expectations, but always leaving our steps up to the One Who loves to lead us... right into our purpose!
With much love for you,
Rhonda and Pam
'Tis the season to be... fill in the blank.
While everything around us narrates the Christmas season, what season of your life are you encountering?
Are you struggling with something, or feeling accomplished?
Are you financially challenged, or financially stable?
Are you dealing with a sickness, or in good health?
Are you feeling a season of anxiety or peace?
Let's talk about it. Journey with us as we share how we walk through seasons- taking one day at a time and seeking joy- when it seems un-seekable.
Our hope is that you feel loved, heard, and encouraged through each and every season!
The beauty of hope is that it never originated with us.
It originated in Heaven before the Universe was ever created, and therefore holds a greater promise than we could ever receive from this Earthly realm.
Hope continues down the timeline and remains a promise for you and me. Join me in the Garden of Eden, the crowded street where a woman was healed, and a cave. All three places show us the hope we can grab for ourselves today.
Remember, you are loved. ❤️
What people (or things) influence you? Are they your family? friends? co-workers? entertainers? social media platforms?
In this episode we talk about what kind of influence brings us joy and what kind brings us stress. We share our challenges and the changes we have made to make our lives more peaceful- ESPECIALLY this time of year.
Join the joy and be encouraged that change isn't bad... sometimes it's necessary. Our mental health depends on it.
Be hopeful, encouraged, and JOYFUL!
We are promised hope and joy in this life AND in eternity.
In this episode, we cover the biblical truths about Heaven. We have an inheritance that our mind cannot even imagine.
Can we be joyful about Heaven? Absolutely!
Tune in and grab some of these promises. Pam will also be sharing just a bit of how she made it through some difficult times with her health.
We pray you are encouraged, hopeful, and joyful!
Thank you for tuning in to our first episode of Join the Joy! with Rhonda and Pam.We know life can be tough, but we don't have to lose our laughter.In this episode, we share what this podcast is all about - finding joy again!We also cover some topics in this episode that include generational differences and how we can help each other.Grab your beverage and take a seat. We believe you will be encouraged - and catch some laughs along the way.
How many times have we heard that living and walking in humility will build our character? While this is definitely true, it also has its benefits. God tells us in His word that those who are humble shall be exalted. What exactly does that mean? I think it means something different to each of us. In this episode, we see a teachable moment where Jesus shows Peter that just because He has authority to skip something doesn't always mean it's the right thing to do. Sometimes, we are called to move in humility in order to avoid offending someone or causing a misunderstanding. The Kingdom of Heaven notices this, my friend! Jesus knows it's hard to take the high road, but He promises to bless you for your Christ-like reaction. The blessing or the reward of exaltation will come in different forms because He reserves the right to make it unique to your needs and your purpose. In this episode, Jesus performs a miracle while calling Peter to do something he is really good at- FISHING! Come to Capernaum with me and step into this story of provision and be encouraged. Whenever you take the high road, Heaven is watching. The provision and increase is near. Exaltation is on the horizon.
God said, that whenever He sends His word forth, it accomplishes the very thing He set it out to accomplish (Isaiah 55:11). When Jesus walked the Earth, part of His plan was to teach the disciples (so that we would know) about the Kingdom of Heaven and how they would have His authority to bind on earth what is bound in Heaven and loose on Earth what has been loosed in Heaven (Matthew 16:19). In Mark 11, Jesus shows us how powerful His spoken word is. He simply speaks to a fig tree and the tree responds. He encourages us that the we carry His authority to speak to, and to move mountains. What is a mountain? Tune in to this episode and find out what it is, and how you can move it. There is nothing that can hinder us from walking into our destiny if we truly know the power that is within us. It's 2022 and it's time to know exactly how to live the life we were created to live.
In Matthew chapter 12 we find a beautiful character trait of Jesus that just might surprise some of you. If you have ever felt broken because of failures or felt as if your fire is just about out, tune in to find out what Jesus wants to do in you and for you. Instead of believing that your current state is permanent, that your past has dictated your future, or that you don't have a purpose, hear this truth! My friend, you have a purpose- and it's the delight of your Heavenly Father to lead you there... even if He has to carry you. I pray this blesses you. More encouraging videos are on my youtube channel 'God's Heart For You'. https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEP95KA6bttNaqrj7DTlV1A
If anyone had the thought of 'What's next?', it was Abigail. Lets take a trip to 1st Samuel (chapter 25) and find out how this woman approaches this fear, and discover the outcome and provision that God put before her. Can we have that same hope? YOU BET WE CAN!
You are not stuck! You are actually stepping into the things you were created for. Tune in to this episode and be encouraged about what God is doing in the world- and in you. He is not slow, He has not forsaken us, and He has not revoked our gifts and calling. The bread crumbs are there... do you see them? He is leading us right into our purpose. Friends, it's party time. God is still celebrating you and the reason He created you. Let's change our mindset and begin to see what He is seeing.
Do you ever feel like you have missed your purpose? Or that your opportunity was given to someone else? Or that your degree or your dream job isn't actually your dream job anymore? I have. The lies I have believed is that I misheard God; I failed too many times to deserve my purpose; I didn't know then-- what I know now, therefore its too late for me. We fall into a purpose depression when we buy the lies that we are unworthy, unqualified, too much of a failure, not holy enough... fill in the rest of the blanks. Purpose Depression makes us feel like we aren't fulfilling the desires of our heart, and that we believe we never will. Let me ask you... Who created our thoughts and our desires? Yep, God! Who knows us inside and out and gives us our gifts and callings? Yep, God. He has not revoked our gifts, nor will He (Romans 11:29). He knew which shortcuts we would want to take. He knew each time we would fail. He new when fear would cause us to make rash decisions, and yet He corrected our courses so that we could still fulfill our purpose. He is right on time with your destiny. Here are some of the things we can believe about God: He is faithful even when we are faithless; He has mercy for us when we screw up; He brings good out of the bad; When He gives us our gifts/callings, there are no takesies backsies 😆! Beloved, take a listen and be encouraged. Your purpose is still ON, and no person or principality can take it from you.
This is a question that Jesus asked the disciples. Peter got it right, but only by the revelation of God. One of the foundational strongholds that we need to tear down, is the incorrect perception of Who God is. He is first a Father. I believe that when we look at the first time He expressed His love, we will have a better understanding of what His heart is feeling when we read His word. The world around us has a collection of perspectives. Most are not that great. If we don't see (for ourselves) what He is truly like and learn to feel His heart rightly, we will always believe a different narrative, which will then develop more strongholds. That's why I believe this one is foundational. Take a trip with God in the garden, and then sit with Jesus in the temple courts, and lets see what His heart is really feeling. He is asking you... "Who do you say that I AM"?
What does it actually mean to 'overcome'? I discuss the context of overcoming strongholds as we enter into the thoughts and strategies that Jesus gives us in His word about overcoming anxiety. If anyone knew about anxiety, it was the Apostle Paul. In this episode, I will take you through a journey in Philippians, chapter 4, where Paul shows us how he overcame his anxiety. I will also point to where anxiety was experienced on our behalf, so that we would have a way out. I encourage you to get out your Bible. I like to use The Passion Translation, but I also like to refer to the New King James version as well as the New Living Translation. I want you to be hopeful that if you experience anxiety, there is a way to freedom. Tune in, and don't forget to check out the other episodes for encouragement and hope.
Are you ever taunted by the stronghold of comparing yourself to someone else? Welcome to the club. Whether it's in the corporate world, the ministry, your family, or your friends; the sneaky and deceptive distraction of comparison likes to sneak in the back door. Comparison sets us up for jealousy, envy, strife, and trails that will lead us down a road that Jesus did not pave for us. The only way to demolish a stronghold is to recognize it, hold it up the truth, and let the truth tear it down (2 Corinthians 10). While strongholds can come from trauma or experience, what I have found, is that they mostly come from the root of not knowing our identity in Christ. Beloved, if you knew all of the thoughts He has for you, there would be NOTHING in your way of fulfilling your calling and destiny. This is why we need to demolish strongholds. They are like walls that disable us from walking out the life that God created us to live. They keep us from experiencing the peace and the joy that Jesus died for. Journey with me through the hope that we have in renewing our mind to our true identity. Let's demolish some strongholds!
How many of you expected a dramatic change this year and have felt like something is still out of sorts? We cannot seem to overcome our anxiety and the spirit of fear is on the rampage. Confusion, anger, insecurity, and unresolved conflicts seem to recycle in our hearts and in our minds. How can we get through this? How do we overcome? Beloved, this is the year of breakthrough! This is the year we will walk through the process that Jesus set up for us in His Word- and we will demolish these strongholds. Join me in celebrating the New Year, not based on what your physical eyes see or what your physical ears hear. Let's celebrate what God is doing and wants to do in this season. We have much to be hopeful for. How can I say this? Because He said it first. He wants our strongholds demolished. He wants us to experience freedom. Join me this year as we journey to freedom together.
We often sing carols this time of year and hardly give any thought to what we are singing. I encourage you to really listen to the lyrics and find the scriptural truths and the hope that have been in the music sheets for years, from the day they were inspired and written. In 2020, many of us have lost our joy. Beloved, Jesus has much to say about that. How can we find joy, and how can we stay in joy? What about peace on Earth? Jesus has much to say about that as well. Join me in this episode as we seek to find our inheritance of joy and of peace. We are created in His image according to His likeness and He is JOY! If He is joy, then it's in our spiritual DNA.
This short clip is taken from a devotion I did for my church this year. When God spoke this promise to me, Romans 8:28, He didn't let up. He continued to refresh my soul daily with this truth. I meditated on this more and more until it changed my reaction in all of my circumstances this year, to praise Him and remain hopeful. My prayer is that this truth encourages you to know that 'God does not own an eraser'. He is all knowing and has a better plan for all things going on in your life, in your city, and in your nation. Be blessed and know that God has already gone into your tomorrows.
This is such a timely word. I have felt God talk to me about this since April (7 months ago). This episode will inspire you and encourage you to NOT give up on your dreams, your calling, and your commission. Are you creative? Are you a leader? Are you a teacher? Are you wanting to pioneer a non-profit? What has been stirring up in your heart that you feel has been a slowed down or dead dream? You need to hear the Father's heart for you right now! You need to hear what He is saying to you about the gifts and passion He has placed in your heart. He calls your purpose worthy, and your destiny is meant to make a difference. God gave me this in April and it had been a 'sleeping' word until now. He has been 'bothering' me to get this timely and encouraging word out for you to hear. He wants you to be hopeful about your future. Tune in to hear how beautiful Holy Ground is- when we truly know what it means to us. Your Heavenly Father wants you to be excited again, and be joyful again. It's your inheritance! You are on Holy Ground- He is giving you your next commission.
You can also follow me on Instagram @ifoundthekeys to keep updated with encouraging words that will transform our way of thinking.
Feel free to email me at grabthebaton@yahoo.com if you have any questions or comments. If you are feeling encouraged by these episodes, share a review so that others can be inspired, encouraged, and hopeful.
Are you feeling like you haven't seen God move lately? What if I told you He has never stopped? Take a listen to this word of encouragement that assures you that God is definitely moving on your behalf and is very much interested in your life. He is waiting for you to cast all of your burdens to Him (Psalm 55:22). He wants to renew your strength, keep you on course, remove your hindrances. Yes! He very much wants to perfect the things that concern you (Psalm 138:8). This hope is a refreshing drink of water in a dry desert. Take a listen and be watchful, because God is making His next move!
What kind of storm are you facing? Take a trip with me to the Sea of Galilee and find out what Jesus says about our storms. Mark chapter 4 sets the scene. Our peace comes from the position of our heart when we receive the word of God. Our hearts can be so distracted in what's happening around us that if we do hear the word, Satan steals it before we even get a chance to believe it. Our hearts can become afflicted, or persecuted therefore, keeping us from seeing the truth come to fruition; our hearts can become attracted to the things of the world choking the effectiveness of the truth; or our hearts can become hungry for the truth and reap a harvest of peace in the only reliable Source, Jesus! What harvest do you want to see in your storm? What we plant is what we harvest. What seeds are you planting and what are you doing to keep the ground fertilized? We need our hearts to get realigned with the word of God, so that when the storm comes, we can demand that they 'be muzzled'! Storms do not have the right to become louder than the truth. In this episode, I want you to find Jesus in the middle of your storm. Hear His words and feel His heart about the situation. Plant the truth, water the truth, and prepare for your harvest! He longs to bring you peace in the storm.
Transition has a reputation of being very difficult. What would happen if we trained ourselves to see God in every step of that move? What if I told you that you have inherited hope and joy in the journey, and that peace can rule in your heart, even amidst the fear? Tune in and be encouraged as we see God's character in transition. He proves Himself faithful in establishing our steps, and He wants us at our new destination even more than we do. Sure there are difficulties but Beloved, God's goodness and faithfulness leads you right through them. He wants to bless you in the journey and He cannot wait to show you the destination.
God called David to be King while he was shepherding in the field. God called Elisha to be a prophet while he was plowing with oxen. Jesus called Peter, Andrew, James, and John out of a fishing boat. God has called you from where you are and He has not abandoned you. The only qualifier you need is Him. Stop looking at your schedule, your bank account, your age, your upbringing, etc. and look at Him. He is the One Who created you and gave you gifts and talents. He wants to be in every part of the journey in fulfilling your destiny. Why? Because He is your Father who delights in you. He wants you to trust Him. He gives you the desires of your heart and placed a calling on your life. There are things only you can do. Just you! Be hopeful and don't quit! Hope is within you. Hope is here.
Have you ever heard someone say, 'Don't get your hopes up'? Did you know, that is the opposite of what Jesus would say? Tune in to hear what God says about the 'how', the 'what', and the 'where' of hope. We will find the proof that it was given to us from the One Who is called Faithful and True. God wants us to have an expectation. Hope strengthens our faith, and starts our journey of believing something that we cannot see. What are you hoping for? Hope is here!
Today, I share some truths about our heart and the challenges it endures. I reveal the real enemy of our soul who is warring for our attention, and the strategy that GOD has for our victory in that battle. You will learn some names and truths of God, that will set you free from the lie that you are not good enough to be seen, heard, and loved by God. If you haven't listened to the other episodes before this one, I highly recommend you visit them. While they do not necessarily build on one another, it will help you put things in the correct perspective when it comes to your promises. I would love to hear from you. Please reach out to me at grabthebaton@yahoo.com. If you know someone who is struggling with feeling hopeful, please share this podcast with them. Jesus paid a hefty price for our hope and God wants Him to get His full reward! Hope is Here!
I am sending out a 'Midweek Mayday' message for those of you struggling with a foreboding spirit. Mayday is a distress signal, and I feel like there are many of you in distress right now. I am hoping to show you a fresh glimpse of Jesus, our Prince of Peace. He gets the platform! He always has the final word. Take a listen to the hope that Jesus gives us. I feel like we are on the road now! We are headed to a place we have been longing for. Keep your eyes fixed on Jesus and on Heaven's view, not the world's view. Stay with me- stay tuned. Hope is here!
Hope is the result of changing our perspective- changing our mind. The more we think on the things God intended us to think on, the more we are transformed. We need to 'renovate' our mind- out with the old, in with the new. What are the trigger words that set you off? What are you feeling, sensing, or believing that doesn't line up the thoughts in Philippians 4:8? God wants to keep us in perfect peace when our mind is stayed on Him, Isaiah 26:3. He wants us taking EVERY thought captive and make it obedient to Him, 2 Corinthians 10:5. Beloved, it's time to change our mind!
Welcome! In this trailer, I share a small portion of how we are transformed from hopelessness to joy. It's all about our perspective. The Apostle Paul encouraged us to renew our minds (Romans 12:2). He must have known that discouragement, lies, and deception would find a conduit to how we view life. The mystery of joy restored is found in knowing the true character of God. What He thinks about us, our situation, the circumstances we find ourselves in. I have been studying and dwelling in His truth for nearly 30 years and it has transformed me. Yes, even in these unprecedented times we live in, I have hope and I have joy. I can't wait to share. Freely I have received, so freely I will give. It's time to change the narrative. Hope is here!