These are the Vallies: Recent Episodes
These are the Vallies
Have you ever felt like you were in a "valley" season in your life? During her time in her first valley, Jasmine found herself needing a space for consistent encouragement, replenishment, and strengthening in Christ that wasn't available to her during that time. God led her to create the space she so sought and it's now here for you. She can't tell you about the mountaintop just yet, but for now, these are the vallies.
This weekend, we observe the death and resurrection of Jesus. Let's take some time to really think about what the experience must have been like for the disciples.
Also, I'm taking a break! Pray for me please!
Fully grasping that God has called us each to do and be someone in this Earth means wrestling with the question of "why me". Here's an encouraging correction: Why NOT You? Let's dive in.
This episode is for all of us who have been scared, inactive, and lazy with our faith. No more asking for 1 million confirmations. No more waiting around and doing nothing. No more second guessing. God says MOVE.
IT'S OUR ANNIVERSARY! Happy Birthday TRTV & Valley Village!
Takeaways:1. Obedience is scary but worth it.
2. Stewardship is really about partnership.
3. Discipline and consistency are not all on you; God can and DOES show up!
4. Seeds have to grow down before they can grow up.
"I want to find my purpose." "I want to be called." What does that really entail? What do we have to sacrifice?
Takeaways:1. Everyone wants to be called; no one wants to be obedient.
2. You can't have purpose without sacrifice.
3. The version you are before the calling must die before or during the achievement of your calling.
4. You've got to grow before you go.
Religion is all about ritual; God is all about relationship. What is important about Lent? How do we fast effectively, if at all? What should we fast from? Let's jump in.
Takeaways:1. Fasting should be meaningful and intentional.
2. We should fast from what takes our time from God.
3. What we fast from should be a sacrifice.
4. You don't have to fast from everything.
5. Fasting without prayer and your Word is a diet, not a fast.
When God asks things of us or makes promises, it can be hard to keep the faith that He meant what He said. I'm living testimony that if He said it, He means it. Let's dive in!
Takeaways:1. Sometimes God doesn't give you "confirmation" because He trusts you to obey anyway.
2. He is a God of action. He will back up what He says.
3. God can provide more than just the bare necessities. He already knows what you need and desire.
4. When He calls you to it, He'll bring you through it.
Running to friends, family, or significant others for the comfort, rest, and peace that only God can provide will always leave us feeling empty, resentful, and alone. Let's dig into that.
Takeaways:1. We are not called to feel empty, resentful and alone.
2. Matthew 11:28-30 shows us to lean on God for rest and to consider that His burden is light.
3. The name of the Lord is our strong tower. Proverbs 18:10
4. If it doesn't point us back to God, it should no longer be a source of support.
Have you ever second guessed something God told you? All too often we can struggle with holding on to God's directions but I've got a tool that can help: a prayer journal!
Takeaways:Prayer journals:
1. serve as a tracker of both personal and spiritual growth
2. encourage consistent communion with God
3. help you fight the lies of the enemy
4. track your testimonies
Get your prayer journal here!
When we mess up, we can begin to question if God still forgives us, loves us, and even trusts us. I've got good news, friends! HE DOES.
Takeaways:*Numbers 22:20-35*1. God corrects those whom He loves.
2. A pause is not a cancellation.
3. God still trusts you!
YOU CAN BE CORRECTED AND CALLED AT THE SAME TIME!
This month, I found myself swept up in the "traditions" of Christianity while leaving my heart behind. It's been my discovery that this practice is not pleasing to God so, I let it go. Let's discuss!
Takeaways:1. God is not pleased with routine. (Isaiah 58)
2. If your heart is not in it, it means nothing. (2 Corinthians 9:7)
3. Give god what He desires most: your heart.
4. Repent, be honest, and ask how you can move forward!
From the outside looking in, can others tell you're a Christian? We have to stop making conscious decisions to blend in and "relate" to the world. We are SET APART. It's high time we start acting like it.
Takeaways:
1. We cannot serve two masters.
2. Standing in God's truth does and will pay off.
3. Scoffers/Haters are to be expected.
4. There is beauty and wisdom in purity & consecration.
In light of 2023's vision board parties and vicious goal setting, we can find ourselves in a frenzy of selfish ambition and forced futures. It should not be so. As Christians, we are called to submit ourselves to Christ and in following His direction, find purpose and fulfillment. Let's dive in.
Takeaways:1. Vision is God given.
2. A true mark of servanthood is submission.
3. It's okay to live day-by-day.
4. Focus on your current mission & trust you'll get your next one when it's time.
5. Selfish ambition is sin and rooted in anxiety and pride.
Key Scriptures:James 3:14-16
James 4:13-16
Happy New Year, Valley Village!
As the end of 2022 approaches, we often become nostalgic and want to reflect on the closing chapter of the year. Let's.
Takeaways:1. To reflect on your spiritual journey this year, think back on the storms, leaps of faiths, and challenges you've faced.
2. Reframe how you think about "unanswered" prayers in one of two ways: (1) you may have been asking for something on your time and not God's. or (2) He DID answer your prayer and you just (a) don't like what He said or (b) had different expectations of how He should've answered it.
3. When you set goals and plans, check in with God and submit them to Him!
HAPPY NEW YEAR!
In the last two weeks of 2022, we often reflect on our successes and failures of the year and make plans for the future. Have you ever considered reevaluating your metrics of success and bringing them into alignment with what God is pleased by? Let's discuss.
TakeAways:1. Success can be defined as the accomplishment of God's will.
2. A successful Christian may not look successful to the world.
3. The goal is to store up Heavenly treasures, not just Earthly ones.
4. Poverty and prosperity gospels do not accurately describe God's plan for us.
5. Small obedience leads to purpose. The fulfillment of purpose is success.
When God gives you a seed--be it an idea, business or gift, He is entrusting you to plant and take care of it. With this in mind, have you been doing the best you can?
TakeAways: 1. The Parable of the Weeds (Matthew 13) teaches us to plant and watch for the enemy until harvest time.
2. Procrastination, laziness, and inactivity are robbing you of your anointing and harvest (i.e. King Saul in 1 Samuel)
3. Don't underestimate the necessity and impact of your seed. People need you! (i.e. Abraham)
Have you ever explored the thought that you may need to forgive God? Unforgiveness in our relationship with Him can harden our heart and weaken our faith.
Takeaways:
1. Realize your hurts, disappointments and perception of "unanswered" prayers are in your way.
2. Demystify your relationship with God. In the same way that you need communication, healing and forgiveness in a regular relationship, you also need these things with God.
3. Remind yourself of His character and His promises. Go to Him about this and to His word.
4. Create space for faith. Dare to dream again. Start planning out your vision again. Regain a faithful heart.
We've all had our fair share of problems with lust whether it be porn, fornication, fantasizing, or the like. Let's talk about how we can get help from God and for ourselves.
Takeaways:1. Let go of your shame. Romans 8:1
2. Invite God into your struggles and be open to His correction. 1 Corinthians 3:16
3. Get ahead of your triggers and set yourself up for success.
4. Prioritize community and accountability partners to help you stay the course. 2 Timothy 2:22
Trusting God's timing is SO HARD sometimes. Let's talk about why we wait and how we can be a little more patient.
Takeaways:
1. Having less is not a punishment but an invitation.
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Comparison is not worth the cost of being in God's will.
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Let go of your timeline. It does not serve you.
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Rushing the process can cost you longevity. {King Saul 1 Samuel 13}
We often get so wrapped up in ourselves that we forget to thank God for everything we have and how far we've come. Let's discuss.
Takeaways:
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Today was a prayer of yesterday.
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Acknowledge how far God has brought you and where you are now.
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God's promises are not only material but transformative.
Watch on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@thesearethevalleys
Having trouble trusting God, or even yourself? Tap in. This one's for you!
Takeaways:
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Trust in God's character is developed through reading the Bible.
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Because you know His character, you can trust His promises and plans.
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Because you believe in His plans and promises, you can trust His methods and design.
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When you understand that God trusts you, you can begin to trust yourself.
We can find ourselves obsessing over "purpose" while missing the whole point. God is not here to serve us but, for us to serve Him! Let's get into it.
Newsflash: God never leaves. If you feel distant or disconnected, it's okay but, it's also all on your end. Let's discuss how God is a father who will find you when you're lost.
Key Takeaways:
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God meets us where we are.
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Start to look for Him everywhere because He's always there.
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Allow the small whispers from Him to soften your heart.
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When you're finally on the other side, look for the message in the mess.
Sometimes growing your relationship with God can be draining. Even maintaining the blessings you prayed for starts getting hard. What do we do? Honestly, I'm not sure but, I can certainly relate. Let's discuss.
Life often distracts us from our relationship with God. It's our job to (1) notice we're drifting, (2) identify the cause of the drift, and (3) return to/refocus on God.
Jasmine turns 24 today! She looks back on her last year and shares what she's learned and how she's grown.
It can be so easy to let the enemy get in our heads and sow seeds of ungratefulness, doubt and forgetfulness. We gotta put respect on God's name and take a hard look at ourselves and ask, "How dare you".
TakeAways:
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Stop letting the enemy knock you around. FIGHT BACK with your WORD.
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Whatever you say or believe about yourselves reflects on what you believe about God.
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Stop having amnesia about WHO God is and what He's ALREADY DONE in your life.
On this walk, we have to get comfortable detaching from our former selves in identity, habits, and language. Let's talk about what burning bridges with yourself looks like.
Takeaways:
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Don't entertain your flesh in areas in which you struggle.
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Stop identifying yourself in your present by your actions and characteristics of the past.
Contentment can seem fleeting or like a "perfect life" scenario characteristic. Jasmine reminds us that it's attainable and practical for believers.
Key Takeaways: 1. Double check that where you are is where you truly believe God wants you. 2. Your #1 priority should be pleasing God. 3. Shifting your metrics of success to align with God's is key. 4. You don't have to be "happy" to be content. 5. If you fail to stay in your own lane, you will never be content and vice versa.
There is a delicate balance between planning and exercising faith that can be really hard to find. Let's dive into finding it and moving forward with confidence.
Takeaways:
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There are extremes of "faith" and "hustle".
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Don't apply yesterday's limits to today.
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Plan but submit to God.
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Complete previous commands before asking for new ones.
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Use the wisdom, lessons, and gifts from the last season to make informed decisions in this season.
Have you ever wondered how to hear from God, or why He seems to always want our time? In this episode, Jasmine breaks down the concept of quality time with God.
TakeAways:
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There's a difference between doing things for God and withGod. (Luke 10:38-42)
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When God says He's faithful, He means it.
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Spending time with God is the LEAST we can do.
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There is ALWAYS a benefit to spending time with THE SOURCE.
How I spend time with God:
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Worship.
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Give thanks.
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Silence everything and sit expectantly.
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Have something to write on and with. Record everything that comes to mind.
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Bring your open-ended topics.
Sometimes we can experience stagnation because we're afraid to fail. This is a trick of the enemy! Christians serve an unconditionally gracious and loving God. What do we have to fear?
Take Aways:1. Being a Christian should give us a freedom to fail.
2a. Romans 8:28 -> Even mistakes work for our good.
2b. God can still make beauty in your missteps.
- You can mess up and He will STILL love and treat you the same!
If you have been feeling spiritually exhausted, physically tired, and mentally drained, this one is for you!
Time Stamps:
1:15 Let us not grow weary in doing what is right {Galatians 6:9}
2:04 A word from God
3:21 When your actions are inefficient, you're bound to be exhausted easily {Numbers 20}
4:38 Endurance is a fruit of the Spirit {Hebrews 12:1}
5:43 Check your why: who are you doing this for?
9:08 Get back up!!
9:52 The glory you seek is already within. {Romans 8:18}
If you were to rush God's timing, would it be worth it?
Time stamps:
1:31 The problem with the perceptions of getting to the next level
3:25 Having less is not a punishment but an invitation.
5:49 Comparison is not worth the cost of being in God's will.
10:17 Let go of your timeline. It does not serve you.
12:15 Rushing the process can cost you longevity. {King Saul 1 Samuel 13}
Why do Christians use the phrase "Born Again" to describe their salvation process? Because it is spiritually LITERAL. In this episode, we dive into the perpetual process that is "dying to yourself" and being "born again". Leggo.
Key Takeaways:
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Being born again is a consistent process.
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You should be willing to "lose" yourself.
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It's okay to grieve your former self.
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You should rely on God to recreate/redefine you.
What many of us miss when God seems to stop responding is that He wants us to get still, quiet, and vulnerable enough to (1) hear Him but EQUALLY IMPORTANTLY, (2) dig deeply within ourselves for answers.
Key Take Aways:1. God wants you to be vulnerable with both Him AND yourself.
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God works on the internal longer and deeper than the external.
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No one can decide to be an "active Christian" for you.
Key Scriptures:Psalm 40
Mark 4:35-41
Did you know it was okay to give your frustrations, anger, anxiety, grief, trauma and depression to God, especially when we feel like He's the cause of it?
In this episode, Jasmine talks about how we can deepen our intimacy with God, receive soften hearts, and begin the healing processes.
Time markers:
01:50 Debunking "Don't question God" & "Not having enough faith to not be frustrated"
03:38 What we can learn from the story of the death of Lazarus (John 11)
08:23 God is a good father.
10:06 Presenting frustrations to God v. Blaspheming & disrespect
10:50 Proverbs 3:6 "In ALL your ways"
13:52 Ezekiel 36:36 Heart of stone v. Heart of Flesh
16:15 Vulnerability is the key to intimacy
It can be difficult to balance faith and emotions. In this episode, we talk about the Biblical truths of emotions and how we can win the war.
Timestamps:00:29 Jasmine shares how she struggled with overpowering emotions this week, but allows Holy Spirit to guide her perception instead.
4:05 Our feelings can be deceptive. (Jeremiah 17:9)
9:09 It is possible to feel and not act. (Ephesians 4:26-27)
12:52 Confliction is necessary. (Galatians 5:17)
16:57 The key to controlling our emotions comes form the Spirit. (Galatians 5:22-23)
Here's a 30 Day Emotional Control Bible Plan.
WHEW CHILE. This episode feature a direct word from God imploring us to MOVE on what He's given or asked us. Brace yourself. LEGGO.
Have you been feeling like you're watching everyone else get their shine while God has you seated in the shade? This one is for you.
As a follow up to last week's episode, Jasmine shares practical tips for how she was able to reset her spiritual, mental, and emotional health.
What should we do when we're feeling down and "Christian-ing" isn't helping? "Take heart."
In this episode, Jasmine opens up about feeling down lately and how she hopes to cope. Tap in.
" “I have the right to do anything,” you say—but not everything is beneficial. “I have the right to do anything”—but I will not be mastered by anything." Galatians 5:12
What we perceive as freedom may actually be a trap to bondage in sin. Let's discover what true freedom in Christ is.
Jasmine welcomes Aaronic Dorsey to the show to shed light on what it means to say "yes" to God in your valley season.
He shares: * Hearing from God will lead to discomfort * Obedience to God is most important and can be built up * We have to prioritize the process over the product
Check out his music here: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/aaronic-dorsey/1443516942
"But still". Even in the worst of circumstances, we have a choice. We can shift our perspectives and realign ourselves with the God of the Universe. Let's turn to Ephesians 6:13 to check our proactive approach to promised bad days.
Let's just talk: Sometimes, our spirits (and lives) start feeling cloudy out of nowhere. In this episode, we discover that (1) It's not out of nowhere and (2) there's a practical solution you can start doing NOW. Tap in.
Have you been living one foot in, one foot out? Have you been getting comfortable in your sinful patterns and habits? This one is for you.
When we get frustrated after giving everything we have or trying to think everything through, we hit a much needed wall. This reality check is purposed to remind us that WE ARE NOT GOD... and that's how it's supposed to be. We are smart enough, strong enough, or GOD enough to be God. Let's tap into how we can shift our minds from trying to relying.
THIS IS NOT A DRILL, I REPEAT THIS IS NOT A DRILL. The things of the spiritual realm are REAL. In this episode, Jasmine describes her first human encounter with a demonic spirit. We, as children of God, need to stand in our spiritual authority and GET ON OUR POSTS. Let's get into it.
Click HERE for the 8 Watches of Prayer PDF.
Because culture suggests self-centered thinking and values, it can be easy to apply those principles to our Faith. It's high time we realized the gut-wrenching fact that everything is not all about us.
Have you ever been "waiting on God", "asking for confirmation", or "sitting in expectation" for God to move on your behalf? Hate to break it to you, but sometimes, God's waiting on YOU. Confirmation, or the lack thereof, can often be crutches we use to hesitate on what God has already told us to do. Well, that buck stops here!
It can be easy to feel like you've lost sight of yourself. This can be especially detrimental because the world and culture often make flawed suggestions of where we should place our value and identity. Let's get back on track.
It can be easy to believe that God has forgotten about our needs, desires, and dreams. Let me tell you: that is FAR from the truth.
Your circle matters. Always. In the valley, you MUST protect your spirit and soul on an extra level. Your friends, or lack thereof, can greatly influence your ability to make it through the valley with the grace God intends. Let's get into it.
The Bible is our ultimate survival guide for every season. However, in the valley, we oftentimes find ourselves needing to focus in on supplemental principles to see it through. Solitude, Stewardship, and Surrender are Biblical foundations that we need to hone in on during tough times. Let's dig in.
This episode features Jordyn Roberts, woman of God and serial entrepreneur. Jordyn and Jasmine dive into her stories of the journey from college dropout to six-figure earning business owner before the age of 21. Here's proof of what the hand of God can do in your life with a litte faith and obedience!
In this episode, Host Jasmine Cambridge dives into defining "the valley", sharing her valley, and explaining what you can expect from this podcast in the future.