The Journey of a Misfit: Recent Episodes
The Journey of a Misfit
Encouragement for those who have felt rejected, misunderstood, on the outside looking in. For all the beautiful Misfits that Jesus died for. 1 Corinthians 1:27-28 Join Misfits for Jesus Pastor, Randy Abbott, Worship Leader Valerie Hays, and Catrina King along with many special guest as they take you through a journey of how far God will go for His broken and hurting children. Be encouraged through God's word and song.
The final chapter of Ephesians teaches us how to cover ourselves with the Armor of God to be able stand firm against what the enemy might throw at us. Listen in as the girls unpack each piece of equipment God has given us to win this battle. Thanks to special guest, Randy Abbott and Tim Kloppenberg for their words of wisdom. We would love to hear from you. Feel Free to reach out to us on Facebook @journeyofamisfit or email us at Valerie@MisfitsForJesus Catrina@MisfitsForJesus Scripture References: Ephesians 6, Psalm 91, Romans 12:18, 2 Corinthians 10:5, John 14 Other References: Rick Renner "Dressed to Kill" Music Credit: "I Belong to You" by Iron Bell Music Opening and closing song: "Changing Me" by Anna Golden CCLI License #11436341 CSPL License #162619
What is the will of God for you? Ephesians 5 tells us to be filled with the Holy Spirit and worship!!! That is always His will for us. Paul also gives us some challenging yet practical advice for those that are married. Bottom line is...if we love like Christ loves the church, things will work as they should. Love like Jesus, because love covers a multitude of sins. We would love to hear from you. Feel Free to reach out to us on Facebook @journeyofamisfit or email us at Valerie@MisfitsForJesus Catrina@MisfitsForJesus Scripture References: Ephesians 5, Isaiah 51:17, and 61 1 Peter 4:8 Other References: Shaunti Feldhahn "For Women Only and "For Men Only" Music Credit: "Great Are You Lord" by All Sons and Daughters "I Am Set Free" by All Sons and Daughters "Broken Vessels" Hillsong Opening and closing song: "Changing Me" by Anna Golden CCLI License #11436341 CSPL License #162619
In this episode the girls give an update on their recent journey to Kenya and Uganda. Listen in to hear about how the children of Hosanna and Foundation of Hope are doing and how God continues to grow His church in Africa. Mark your Calendars- Faithfest in Wisconsin is August 17th Wright City is September 28th For more information visit us online at misfitsforjesus.com mercyshope.net We would love to hear from you. Feel Free to reach out to us on Facebook @journeyofamisfit or email us at Valerie@MisfitsForJesus Catrina@MisfitsForJesus Music Credit: :Opening and Ending Song Credit- "Changing Me" by Anna Golden CCLI License #11436341 CSPL License #162619
In this episode Val and Catrina chat with Randy Abbott, Pastor of Misfits For Jesus, about his upcoming road trip with a team of men from Misfits. They are getting ready to hit the road searching for where revival is happening across the United States. Spontaneous Revival is happening in ways and places we would not expect, it is happening in truck stops, rest areas, homeless shelters, drug rehabs, coffee shops and prisons. Listen in on what Jesus is doing in the hearts of these Misfits, We would love to hear from you. Feel Free to reach out to us on Facebook @journeyofamisfit or email us at Valerie@MisfitsForJesus Catrina@MisfitsForJesus Scripture References: Music Credit: :Opening and Ending song credit- "Changing Me" by Anna Golden "When you walk into the Room" Bryan and Katie Torwalt CCLI License #11436341 CSPL License #162619 Additional references: https://www.acti70.org/ http://www.revivewisconsin.org/
Are you struggling with something in your life? Are you continuing to put on the grave clothes, or are you walking in the newness of who you are in Christ. Jesus came to give us life, and life abundantly. It all begins with love-God is Love and He created us for love, love of Him, and others. What ever you are going through, God will use this pain to strengthen you to your core. Stand firm and rest in who He says you are. We would love to hear from you. Feel Free to reach out to us on Facebook @journeyofamisfit or email us at Valerie@MisfitsForJesus Catrina@MisfitsForJesus Scripture References: Ephesians 3, Galatians 3:28, Matthew 5, 6 and 7 Music Credit: :"Come Thou Fount of Every Blessings" by Robert Robinson "Amazing Love" Billy James Foote CCLI License #11436341 CSPL License #162619
In this episode the girls discuss Ephesians 2. A reminder of God's great love for us and His gift of Grace. His Extravagant Love! We would love to hear from you. Feel free to reach out to us on Facebook @journeyofamisfit or email us at Valerie@MisfitsForJesus.com Catrina@MisfitsForJesus.com Scripture References: Ephesians 2, Genesis 15:20, 1 Samuel 23:14, John 10:10, John 4, Luke 10, Galatians 3:28 Book References: A Biblical Commentary by Joyce Meyer Ephesians Our Immeasurable Blessings in Christ by John MacArthur Music Credits: "Extravagant" by Steffany Gretzinger and Amanda Cook- Bethel Music Opening and Closing Song Credit: "Changing Me' by Anna Golden CCLI License #11436341 CSPL License #162619
Join Valerie as she chats with Jayne Patton of Altered Ministries. Hear about her recent trip to Israel and her passion for the female inmates she has the honor to know. She shares about the door God opened for an Altered Conference to take place for the general population in Chillicothe Prison. God is so good, and Jayne's life and stories give testimony to His goodness! For more information about Jayne and Altered Ministries visit her online at alteredministries.com We would love to hear about your journey with Jesus. Please feel free to email us at Valerie@MisfitsForJesus.com Catrina@MisfitsForJesus.com "Opening and Closing" Credit: Anna Golden "Changing Me" CCLI License #11436341 CSPL License #162619
Every moment of everyday, we have choices. We can choose life or death. When Jesus died on the cross, He took on Himself the punishment for our sin, He bore the fullness of God's wrath on evil. Because of the love and mercy that God has for us, we no longer have to bear the punishment or pay the debt, it is finished. WOW! Thank you Jesus. But do we walk in the understanding that we are now adopted and co-heirs with Christ in the Glorious Kingdom of God, or do we still walk around like dead people? If we are still making choices based on the flesh, then we are feeding the flesh- which is dying. If we are making choices based on the Spirit, then we are feeding the Spirit.(2 Corinthians 4:16) Choose this day who you will serve- God or the enemy. Every choice we make leads us closer to one or the other. As for me and my house.....we will choose the Lord.
- We would love to hear from you and pray with you. Feel free to reach to us on Facebook@journeyofamisfit
- or email us at
- Valerie@MisfitsForJesus.com
- Catrina@MisfitsForJesus.com
- Scripture references: Isaiah 51, 2 Corinthians 5:9, Romans 6, Joshua 24:17 and Galatians 6:9
- Opening and Closing Song: Anna Golden "Changing Me"
- CCLI License #11436341
- CSPL License #162619
Proverbs 23:7 states "as a man thinks in his heart, so he is." Our thoughts and mindset can be powerful. What we think about ourselves, and how we perceive the world around us can influence how we treat ourselves and others. In this episode Catrina and Val discuss having an open mind to understanding God's law and love for us. It is not always easy to live out, or even appreciate and understand all that God's word teaches, but we MUST be open minded and teachable. We must be open minded to the love that God has for ALL people, not just people who look and think like us. All are called to the table, some choose to take a seat, and some don't. But as followers of Jesus- WE don't choose who can be invited. As followers of Jesus, we really should lead the way for accepting ALL people, that does not mean that we will always agree with, or participate in lifestyles that are contrary to what God calls us in to.....but there is not one who does not deserve to know the redeeming power of the cross. Open mindedness is being willing to say yes to God's calling, even when it doesn't fit into your view of life right now. We would love to hear from you and pray with you. Feel free to reach to us on Facebook@journeyofamisfit or email us at Valerie@MisfitsForJesus.com Catrina@MisfitsForJesus.com Scripture References: Psalm 119:34, Romans 12:12, 2 Timothy 1:7, Matthew 13:1-23, Mark 4:1-20, Luke 8:4-15, 2 Timothy 3:16-17 Book Reference- Heidi and Rolland Baker "Reckless Devotion-365 Days Into The Heart of Radical Love Opening and Closing Song: Anna Golden "Changing Me" CCLI License #11436341 CSPL License #162619
In this episode, Valerie, Catrina and Randy discuss the many gifts the Father lavishes on His children. So often as followers of Jesus, we open the main gift, our pardon, our salvation, but we neglect all the other gifts the Father gives as children of the Most High God. Not only do we have access to Spiritual gifts for the edification and building of the church(1 Corinthians 12) , we are also given the Fruit of the Spirit(Galatians 5:22) and all we ever need through the Holy Spirit.
- Additional Biblical References-NIV
- Ephesians 4:22-24
- 2 Corinthians 1:3-5
- Philippians 2:1-5
- Ephesians Challenge- Read the Whole Book
- Opening and Closing Song by Anna Golden "Changing Me"
- churchgrowth.org
- CCLI License #11436341
- CSPL License # 162619
In this episode, Valerie and Randy discuss his recent trip to India and what God has been doing there. Hear about the struggles Christians encounter in their daily walk. India is under persecution at this time, with churches being shut down and religious organizations being kicked out of the country. Yet, a few Misfits, against all odds boldly proclaim the name of Jesus apologetically and God is adding to their numbers daily. Join us as we pray for our brothers and sisters there.
Thank you for you listening- we would love to hear from you. You can email us at
valerie@misfitsforjesus.com
catrina@misfitsforjesus,com
randy@misfitsforjesus.com
Open and closing music credits- Anna Golden "Changing Me" '
CCLI# 11436341
CSPL#162619
Relationships can be are hard. We have these expectations of what the relationship should look like, and we are always disappointed. We also disappoint others when we don't meet their expectations. No matter how much effort we put into something, it never sustains or fills us like we had hoped. Then their is the Father, Jesus and Holy Spirit who alone can always meet our expectations. Still we strive for their love and acceptance when it already belongs to us, just in our being. We are imperfect people loved by a perfect God...perfectly. All the effort in the world will not change God's Love for us, He loves us completely day one! We, on the other hand get to enjoy the journey of loving Him and knowing Him more everyday. Email us at Valerie@MercysHope.net Catrina@MisfitsForJesus.com Scripture References- Psalm 1:12, Revelation 1 Song Credit- "Sails" Pat Barrett and "Steady Heart" Steffany Grettzinger Opening Song- "Changing Me" by Anna Golden
God's love and acceptance came at a high price, Jesus on the cross! It is a gift that is given to us with no strings attached except that we "accept" His absolute unconditional love, grace and mercy over our lives. Through that acceptance, He will transform and renew our minds to become the child of God He created us to be. It is not always easy. It is a marathon, not a sprint. But the journey is beautiful and with the company of Father, Son, Holy Spirit and brother and sisters, it is a bit of heaven on earth and makes the tough times tolerable. Email us at Valerie@MercysHope.net Catrina@MisfitsForJesus.com Scripture References-Psalm 139, Luke 15:11-32, Matthew 6:33, John 3:16, 2 Peter 3:9 Song Credit- "Goodness of God"-Bethel Music/Jenn Johnson Open and Closing Song-Anna Golden "Changing Me"
We all have that one song that when we hear it, it takes us right back to the moment we said yes to Jesus. In this episode, Val and Catrina chat about how the classic songs have stood the test of time and are still making an impact even today. Hear about the story behind two of the most well known hymns, It Is Well and Just As I Am. Both songs were born out of tragedy and suffering, and yet the story has allowed thousands to come to a loving relationship with Jesus. Our God is so kind, never letting any hurt or pain end there. He is in the business of bringing beauty from ashes, mourning into joy! Email us at Valerie@MercysHope.net Catrina@MisfitsForJesus.com Book references- Then Sings My Soul: 150 of the World's Greatest Hymn Stories Book by Robert Morgan Song Credit- Just As I Am Charlotte Elliot 1835- sang by Valerie Hays Open and Closing Song- Anna Golden "Changing Me"
Everyone of us sets ambitious goals at the beginning of the year- in this episode Catrina and Val check in on how their New Year goals are going. To say the least...not well. However, they do go deep into the spiritual implications of "too much" stuff in your life. Too much stuff, too much toxic relationships, too much self-hatin! Hear about simple steps to reduce the stress of clutter in your life and drawing clear boundaries in all areas of your life. Email us at Valerie@MercysHope.net or Catrina@MisfitsForJesus.com *Opening and closing song written and performed by Anna Golden- Changing Me Book References: Girl Wash Your Face by Rachel Hollis The Life Changing Magic of Tidying Up by Marie Kondo
Have you ever considered long term mission work far away from all your comforts and family. Listen in as Val interviews Todd Hendry, Missionary to Brazil. Hear about the journey of this misfit who found his place among the people of Croatia, Brazil, Find encouragement and inspiration as he shares the ups and downs of saying yes to whatever God calls you to. Special thanks to Todd and Valerie's parents(who are first cousins) for praying us through our teen age years and the many Saturdays we spent together in detention as kids. Your prayers worked! We might be misfits- but we are lovers of Jesus! Opening and closing song written and performed by Anna Golden- Changing Me
In this episode Val and Catrina chat about vision for 2019 and the difference between being happy and finding joy and peace in all situations. As we dive into 2019, we are seeking wisdom through all life's ups and downs. James 1 tell us to consider it pure joy whenever we face trials- pure joy in trials. *Opening and closing song written and performed by Anna Golden- Changing Me
During the holiday season, we get crazy busy and we have all these expectations, plans and agendas that WE want to accomplish. There is never a time to be still, and allow God to schedule our day. Throughout scripture, God interrupted peoples plans to do amazing things. For example, a young virgin Mary...interrupted to give us the Savior of the World! Jesus also allowed for interruptions in his day to heal and bless people along the way. We too, should hold our plans and agendas loosely and allow the Holy Spirit to alter our plans based on God's agenda, which is SO much better! Let us not forget that people above plans is always better! We would love to hear from you and know how we can be praying for you. Email us at valerie@MercysHope.net Catrina@MisfitsForJesus.com You can also find us on Facebook @journeyofamisfit *Opening and closing song written and performed by Anna Golden- Changing Me Sing Mary Sing-Written by Jennifer Knapp
In this episode, the studio is overtaken by a bunch of Misfits. Val is out sick, and the guys join Catrina to discuss fun Christmas facts, what Christmas means to them and the meaning of God with us- Emmanuel. Please reach out to us and let us know about your Journey with Jesus. Valerie@MercysHope.net Catrina@MisfitsForJesus.com
In this episode Catrina and Val are discussing the Presence of God and how blessed this generation is in that not only does God's Presence dwell WITH us, He dwells IN us through His Holy Spirit. Because of the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross, we no longer have to stand at the bottom of the mountain, or watch outside the tent of meeting- we get to go up the mountain, into the tent and be in the Presence of God at anytime. Because of Jesus, we can call out to our Abba anytime, anywhere, and know in confidence that He hears and responds. What a gift the Holy Spirit is! He is a good, good Father who is the best giver of Presents! Please let us know how we can be praying for you and your family. Email us at Valerie@MercysHope.net Catrina@MisfitsForJesus.com You can also contact on Facebook @JourneyofaMisfit
In this episode we dive into the topic of convictions. As believers, the Holy Spirit convicts our hearts, but we also walk in this life with convictions. Do these two things line up with what The Word and Jesus say? If not, it is time to check your heart and seek God for what He is passionate about, and stand firm on that! We would love to hear what your convictions are. Email us at Valerie@MercysHope.net Catrina@MisfitsForJesus.com
During this holiday season, we reflect on blessings and time spent with friends and family. For some, the holidays can be a time of stress and regret. If we can focus our gratefulness on what Jesus did on the cross and remember why He did it. It helps us to walk in the promises He gave, even in the midst of hard times. Jesus chose to suffer an excruciating death so we would not have to suffer the pain of our sin. That does not mean that there won't be consequences here for the fall. Yet, we found our hope in the promise of the cross,the empty tomb and eternity with our Lord. Please feel free to contact us and let us know what God is doing on your journey with him. Valerie@MercysHope.net Catrina@MisfitsForJesus.com Check us out on Facebook @journeyofamisfit
In this episode Catrina and Val spend time with Jonathan Hayashi, Music/Worship Pastor at Troy First Baptist Church and author of Ordinary Radicals. Jonathan shares the ups and downs of his journey with the Savior and his passion for sharing the Gospel of Jesus. To learn more about Jonathan and his ministry visit his website at https://jonathanhayashi.com/ To reach out to Catrina or Valerie email us at valerie@mercyshope.net catrina@misfitsforjesus.com
In this episode Catrina and Val chat with their good friend Mercy, from Kenya about what is means to have integrity. Mercy shares of the work Mercy's Hope is doing in Kenya, Africa, and how God is moving in both Kenya and America. To learn more about Mercy's Hope visit us at our website mercyshope.net
In this episode, Randy and Valerie interview Jayne Patton of Altered Ministries. Jayne has been ministering to women for years. She is passionate about Jesus and has an incredible story about where she has been and where she is going. Learn more about Jayne and her ministry at alteredministries.com https://www.facebook.com/AlteredMinistries/ To reach out to Journey of a Misfit for prayer or encouragement reach us at Valerie@MercysHope.net Catrina@MisfitsForJesus.com Randy@MisfitsForJesus.com
In October 2018, Catrina, Val and several ladies from Misfits for Jesus took a road trip to Bon Aqua, Tennessee. They camped in the bitter cold, on Johnny Cash's farm, anticipating a spiritual renewal and longing for a fresh encounter with Jesus and His followers. They went to soak in the Holy Spirit and hear from the God they love and serve. In this episode of Journey of a Misfit, you will hear of how God did indeed show up and encountered each lady, exactly as they needed. He is so good at that!! Please feel free to reach out to us if you need encourage or prayer. Valerie@MercysHope.net Catrina@MisfitsForJesus.com
In this episode Catrina and Val recap the events of Faithfest and discuss the topics of forgiveness and unity. We do not battle as the world does. We battle with prayer, worship and remaining still in the presence of God. He will fight out battles, He goes before us and sees beyond today. Have faith that He is for you and works all things for the good of those who love Him and stay in His presence and will.
Join us as we dig deeper into the work that God has laid on Jamie's heart for the ones the world has forgotten. Learn more about the Timothy Bradford House and The Waymaker Project. https://www.facebook.com/TTBH2016/ https://www.facebook.com/thetimothybradfordhouse/
In this episode one of our favorite worship leaders and sister in Christ, Jamie Drye, stops by to share with us her heart concerning worship and the journey she has been on with Jesus these days. She shares an original song of praise to the lover of her soul along with her current favorite anthem of freedom- No Longer a Slave!!! You will be blessed with her testimony and love for God and others. Enjoy Part 1 of a two part interview. Remember Jesus is crazy about you! Valerie@MercysHope.net Catrina@MisfitsforJesus.com
When Jesus had an unprecedented encounter with a misfit Samaritan woman at the well.( John 4.) He told her that the Father was seeking worshipers who worship in "spirit and truth" In this episode, Catrina and Valerie discuss what that might look like, and mean. Is worship really about a style of music, or setting? Is it about music at all? Could it be that to worship in spirit and truth is to actually, fully comprehend the immense gift that the Father gave us through Jesus and to be so overwhelmed with gratitude that your heart can not contain how much you love Him. That the very words you sing, speak or share with another have such power to change the atmosphere and soften the hardest hearts. God himself, who is spirit, collides with the presence of the Holy Spirit in us, and a little bit of heaven on earth is the result. Be encouraged! Please reach out to us and let us know what God has been doing in your life lately Valerie@MercysHope.net Catrina@MisfitsForJesus.com
Everyone has a story. In today's episode we get to know a little more about Barry Price, Associate Pastor at Misfits For Jesus, and his journey as a follower of Christ. The gang dives into what is means to walk in love, being the church, not just going to church. What happens when we get off the pew and go out to a hurting and lost community! The Church has left the building, and revival is taking place in the least expected places, by the least expected band of misfits. The ones despised and forgotten by society, but loved by their Father in Heaven! 1 Corinthians 1:27-28
Have you ever heard the saying- unforgiveness is like drinking poison and hoping someone else dies. When we walk around with unforgiveness in our hearts, it keeps us from fully walking in the Spirit of God, and therefore, we miss out on the abundant life that John 10:10 speaks of. What a great example we have with the prodigal son.(Luke 15) God's forgiveness is forever, He does not remember our sin. It was crucified on the cross with Jesus. The Father just comes running with open arms when we come with a repentant heart. We have all been forgiven, we must ask the Father to teach us to forgive like He does, Forgiveness is a process, and sometimes it is a life long process. God wants to heal us completely from all our pains and hurts, but we must first forgive those who have have hurt us. In doing this, we not only unshackle the offender, we unshackle ourselves from the spirit of bitterness, anger, rejection, etc. Jesus came to set the captive free- by bringing Grace-forgiveness. Just as He has done, so should we.
Pastor Randy Abbott and Valerie discuss how our battles in the flesh always have a spiritual aspect. How do we stay the course, when the world seems to be against you. If you are saying yes to God's calling for you, you WILL face opposition from the enemy, he hates when you are walking in who you were created to be, and he will work overtime to get you off course. Our brothers and sisters in Jesus, are not the enemy(however, unknowingly, sometimes the enemy uses them to discourage) Always remember that there is a real spiritual warfare going on over your life. Your weapons are not weapons of the world, but in the Spirit- worship, prayer and God's Word! Stay the course and know that God is for you, He has gone before you and will fight your battles! Be still, worship, praise and thank Him for He is worthy! Psalm 27 valerie@mercyshope.net
Special guest and worship leader, Ray Shular shares about his journey of discovering a new level of communion with God through worship. How he moved away from the traditional church setting into more of a community of worshipers not defined by denomination, but by their absolute abandonment to the Holy Spirit and coming into the Presence of God through worship. He and members from over 5 different churches have created a ministry called Watchman's Call. A community of worshipers that gather monthly to celebrate what God is doing through prayer and praise. Watchman's Call will be leading worship at Faithfest on September 29th at Diekroeger Park in Wright City, Mo for information about Faithfest- visit misfitsforjesus.com To reach out to Valerie or Catrina, email us at Valerie@MercysHope,net Catrina@MisfitsForJesus
We live in a society that values busyness! The more active and involved you are in your world, the more is expected. This is great, if you are a machine. However, we are humans, who need balance in our lives to stay the course, and not be overtaken by lesser things than our relationship with Jesus. When Jesus is the center of our life, we are able to handle more in His power and strength. We also have to take care of our body, mind and soul. If we neglect any of those areas, the whole body is weakened, making room for the enemy to attach. Think of it like a table, with four legs, if any leg is weak, you cannot put much on the table. Spending time with the Father is a non-negotiable- that is the table top! Take a look at your life, is there something or someone you need to say no to so you can say yes to Jesus and spending time with Him. Take that step today! Check out the story of Mary and Martha in Luke 10:38 Contact us at Valerie@MercysHope.net Catrina@MisfitsForJesus
Everyone of us have had moments where we felt sorry for ourselves. If you live in this world, there will come a time when you feel everyone is against you and you are all alone. We call this having a pity party. The problem with this kind of party is no one has fun! Feeling sorry for yourself and being a follower of Jesus are really not compatible. As a follower of Jesus, first and foremost, we are who He says we are and second, He shows us that serving others and trusting Him in hard times is actually the cure to selfish, unrealistic expectations that we put on others and ourselves. We are never alone in Jesus. He is always interceding on our behalf to The Father, He sent the best gift ever, The Holy Spirit so that we would never be alone. He is our great comforter. He calls us beloved, daughter, son and friend. Choose today to listen to Truth and not the lies of the enemy. Philippians 4:8 "Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things."
In this episode Catrina and Val discuss how close God is to the broken hearted. When trials come, and they will, it can feel like God has forgotten us, like His promises aren't really true. His Word is true, and He never misses an opportunity to bring us closer to His perfect will for us. He loves us so much and knows how to refine us through the fire, if we just trust Him. James 1: 2-5 "Consider it pure joy, my brothers, when you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish it's work so that you may be mature and complete not lacking anything"
We sing the songs, and we make promises to God, telling Him that He can have our all. For many, giving your time, money, talents and Sundays to God is the easy part. But what about your thoughts, your ideals, your ways, your very comforts. It is so hard in this independent, self sufficient, western way, to fully submit to Jesus's way. We hold onto our strengths, natural abilities and ideologies. God wants to do a new kind of work in our heart. He wants you to fully understand what it means to be His child and live an abundant life. To walk by faith and not by sight. To trust Him, even when things don't seem to make sense, or fit into the box we have tried to put God in. To fully surrender to God, we must DIE to our old selves and take on a new identity through Jesus. This is a daily death, for some hourly or minute by minute. We were given a heart, soul and mind to be used for the Glory of God. We are not robots, controlled by a mean dictator. We are held in the hands of a gentle, loving Father who will never force us to walk in absolute freedom. But the Father's Delight is that we do!! Who doesn't want to delight the Father and walk more freely in an enslaved world. Please feel free to reach out to us for prayer to let us know what God is doing in your Journey valerie@mercyshope.net catrina@misfitsforjesus.com
The God we serve, is the same today, yesterday and tomorrow. He is a miracle working God, who desires for His children to be fully empowered with His presence. Although time spent at the foot of the cross is a daily need, spending time with Jesus is necessary for our everything. We must spend time in God's word, and at the foot of the cross. But we cannot stay there, we must go to a dying and hurting world and pour out what God has poured out on us! Sitting at the feet of Jesus will give us what we need, love, joy, peace, gentleness.....etc, so that we can be a light in darkness. It is possible to walk in the fruit of the spirit, but not without time with the giver of the fruit. God has gifts that He wants to give you, but you must ask and ask and ask!! He is a good Father who gave us Jesus- the best gift ever, but then He kept giving by sending His Holy Spirit to live in us. ( Matthew 7 and 5) We would love to hear from you-please email us valerie@mercyshope.net randy@misfitsforjesus..com
A bitter root in your heart will keep you from experiencing the abundant life we long for. Bitterness comes from unforgiveness and offense that you hold against people, systems and God himself. It was once said that unforgiveness and a bitter heart is like drinking poison, and hoping someone else dies. The one who is harmed... is you. The Father's desire is that you walk in absolute freedom, enjoying all the fruit in which walking in the spirit produces. Bitterness and unforgiveness produces fruit of the flesh and keeps you in bondage. We are not promised that life will be easy, or go our way- but God is good, He is Sovereign and we can trust His ways. Even in the midst of heartache, we can still walk in the fruit of the spirit. He is close to the brokenhearted- Let Him heal you today! It is an honor and privilege to share our hearts with you. We would love to hear how this podcast is encouraging you in your journey. Please email us and let us know how we can be praying for you. valerie@mercyshope.net randy@misfitsforjesus.com
Have you ever wondered why God used an eagle to illustrate, strength, endurance and power throughout scripture and specially in Isaiah 40:31? In this episode Val and Randy take time to discuss the many analogies between our walk with Christ, and the eagle. In our own strength and wisdom, we are very limited, however, in the power of the Holy Spirit, we can renew our strength, run and not grow weary, walk and not faint. We can rise above our circumstances and see thru the eyes of Jesus all the possibilities! We would love to hear from you and pray with you on this journey. You can reach out to us at valerie@MercysHope.net randy@MisfitsForJesus.com
In this episode of The Journey of a Misfit, Randy and Val invite long time friend, Brandon Boatner to talk about his journey with Jesus through song and stories. Brandon has been part of the Misfit's ministry since it's beginning in downtown St. Louis. He is a monthly guest worship leader at Misfits for Jesus in Wright City. Currently he serves as the Student Ministry and Worship Leader at River Oaks Church in Wentzville. We are huge fans and think you will be too! Have a prayer request or a story about how a song has drawn you closer to the lover of your soul. Let us know valerie@mercyshope.net randy@misfitsforjesus.com
A relationship is always two sided! God does His part.....quite well! His love his consistent, His promises are true and He is always faithful. We, however, are not always holding up our end of the deal. Like the Israelite's, we too have seen God to be faithful in our lives and yet 3 days later we are asking Him if He has forgotten us. For us to fully hold up our end of the relationship, we must allow God to teach us how to love like He loves. We must allow Him to give us His perspective on all things. We must empty ourselves, and allow His spirit to fill us. This is a daily dying to your will, your way! There is nothing legalistic about this journey, we are dead to the law and alive in Jesus's sweet Grace- we just have to grab it and walk it in. (which incidentally changes us) we must take off the grave clothes and put on the presence of Jesus. We are a new creation, the old is dead and nailed to the cross! Don't know who Jesus says you are, well, then, pick up His Love Letter to you and devour it over and over again! (That would be The Bible) If you are struggling to know your value in Jesus, and need prayer for anything, please reach out to us valerie@mercyshope.net randy@misfitsforjesus.com Remember- Jesus is crazy about you!
To have boundaries in relationships is a very healthy thing, especially if you are a wounded soul(and we are all wounded souls) however, we don't need to put boundaries on what God can do to us and through us. His love knows no boundaries, we see that in the Cross of Jesus and the giving of the Holy Spirit. Sometimes the boundaries that we put on relationships to keep us safe, we also put on God. His word says in Proverbs 4:23 "Above all else, guard your heart from out of it flows springs of life" Yes, we should guard our hearts, but not against God and His plan for us. He is good, trust Him and let Him take you deeper into His great love....it is safe, and it is who we were created to be. Blessings Beloved!
God longs to be with you. He wants to be your everything. So often we seek validation, love, belonging and purpose in other people and things. When Jesus is not our first love, we are left longing and insecure. In this episode Randy and Val share how important it is to find that quiet place, whether it is a physical place, or within your own heart, to get with the lover of your soul. He is always waiting, and never disappoints. John 15:5 says “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing." Remain in Him friends, He really is enough! If you are needing more encouragement or have a need for prayer- please reach out to us at valerie@mercyshope.net randy@misfitsforjesus.com
In this episode Randy and Val chat about how we can still walk in the fullness of who God says we are even in the midst of suffering. That by remaining in Christ, and seeing things from His point of view- we are given an "instead". Isaiah 61 tells us that instead of ashes, we are given beauty, instead of mourning we get garments of praise.....when we abide in Him, we trust in His promises. Apart from Him, we can do nothing.....but bring glory to ourselves. In Him, He receives all the Glory, and we are His delight! And all can be well in our world, even in the midst of great suffering and pain. If you are needing more encouragement or have a need for prayer- please reach out to us at valerie@mercyshope.net randy@misfitsforjesus.com
You're not enough.....you're too much! Have you ever been told that lie? The Father says you are His delight. His thoughts about you are more than the grains of sand - wow- that is a lot of thoughts. Too often we listen to the lies of the enemy and what the world says. But the Father has another plan for you! He delights in us when we walk in who He created us to be, which is his daughter and son. You are no longer orphans, but an heir to the Kingdom of God through Jesus! Amen! Walk in that confidence and tell the enemy to take a hike! Beloved, ask the Holy Spirit to reveal to you today how the Father sees you! Anything that is not full of Mercy, Love and Grace, even in discipline(because the Lord disciplines those He loves) should be suspect. God's Grace is sweet and safe and not condemning. Zephaniah 3:17 "The Lord your God is with you, the Mighty Warrior who saves. He will take great delight in you, in his love he will calm your fears. He will rejoice over you with singing"
In this episode we share about how women who feel broken, used up and misunderstood find their new and true identity in Jesus. The woman in Bethany, in Mark 14-check it out, and the Samaritan woman at the well in John 4. Valerie also shares a bit of her journey and the process the Holy Spirit took her through and is still taking her through finding identity and value in Jesus alone. God's love is enough, it is all we need. He created us for His delight and glory, we must learn to walk in this as daughters of the most High King and lover of our soul! Enjoy
When we can finally grasp in our minds how much God's love us, friend, wow! Are you that one who has stepped away from the flock, out in the darkness on your own? God has his eye on you and He wants you- He will leave the others every time to bring his lost and hurting children back to Him. Press into Him and let Him speak His life into you.
Fear is a liar! 2 Timothy 1:17 says "For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind" Be encouraged that greater is HE that is in us, than he that is in the world! You got this!!!! This is our Journey! If you would like to reach out to us or need prayer- please contact us at valerie@mercyshope.net randy@misfitsforjesus.com
Love the Lord with all you heart, mind and soul and love your neighbor......as yourself. So many cannot love well, because they cannot love themselves. So many of us have not allowed the complete healing and wholeness that God has in store for us. We have listened to the lesser voices over the One who gave us our name, Beloved, and He knows us more than we know ourselves. No one leaves this world without scars, wounds, bumps and bruises. God's heart is that His children would be healed completely in Him. That we would open our hearts to the only One who mends the brokenness within. Then and only then, can we fully love like Him and when this happens, we can change the world! This is our Journey!