Small town BIG Kingdom: Recent Episodes
STBK
Two small town women trying to help others find the way to His Big Kingdom.
Musical credit: Jared Thompson, Ocilla Baptist Church
Join Holly and Mallory as they discuss what we as Christians tend to get backwards in our walk. Let's chat about the way we can at times promote the positives and hide all the negatives. We can want to look together and perfect and hide our sin and failures from others, especially our Christian brothers and sisters. This is not what Jesus modeled or what He described as the Christian life. Join us for a deeper discussion...Scripture References: Matthew 6Galatians 6:21 John 1:9Songs of the Week: Mallory: Yet - the King will come https://music.apple.com/us/album/yet/1685449771?i=1685449772Holly: Sunday is Coming - Phil Wickham https://music.apple.com/us/album/sunday-is-coming/1675581985?i=1675581986
Anyone else struggle with overindulging... Gluttony isn't just a food problem. Our culture has convinced we "need" so many things to the point that everywhere we look influencers and brands are pushing to get more more more.... Join Holly and Mallory as they discuss what they have felt convicted about when it comes to the overindulgences in their lives. Scripture References: John 6:27, Philippians 3:19-20, Matthew 6: 19-21, Proverbs 15:16Songs Of the Week.
Holly: Names-Elevation worship and Maverick City https://music.apple.com/us/album/names-feat-tiffany-hudson/1557087895?i=1557088237
Mallory: I Belong to Jesus- Common Gathering
https://music.apple.com/us/album/i-belong-to-jesus/1719585331?i=1719585335
holly conner (00:00.046)
Good morning everybody. We are coming back this week bringing you some songs that we've been jamming out to. Hi, welcome back. So the song I picked for this week is called Worthy of It All. And I'm not gonna give you a specific person that's viable tag one in the notes, but it's an older song. I just enjoyed listening to it this week. Sometimes I just like bringing in like.
old ones from like my teen years kind of just brings in memories and reminders of things and what God's brought me through. But it just references how worthy our Savior is and just a little bit reminder. I just kind of like to listen to it sometimes and it's a good one that gets stuck in your head. Yeah, it's a good one too that they used to mash up or
They'll use it as like an intro to another one. It's really good. It's just one of those ones that I think you don't need music to, like you can just claim that when you're singing and humming it. That's a good one to get stuck in your head. So mine is, I don't know if it's new. I stumbled upon it as I often do, but it's by Hillsong United. And it's called, even when it hurts, a praise song.
which to me, even the title sounds counteractive, that even when it hurts, praise. It's not our go-to thing, is to praise God in the middle of storms and trials. But that's exactly what the song talks about, is even in the middle of hard things, that we can praise him, that he is still God and that he is still with us in it. And so just, I think when I stumbled on it, it was kind of a pertinent time, not maybe for myself, but for...
someone in my life and so it was a nice song to get to send them like that you can praise them even when right now you're hurting so check them out hope you enjoy them okay so we are gonna dive on in to our episode this week did we decide on this our title no we're still wrestling with that too
holly conner (02:27.446)
We wrestled with it yesterday and called it wrestling with forgiveness. Yes. We may change that. You'll find out when you hear the episode. I feel like that's the season of my life. I told somebody that earlier, like I'm ready for wrestling season to end. Well you know. And I don't mean just with things outside of my life or other people. I mean internally. Like spiritually, internally....
Join Holly and Mallory as we discuss the importance of your testimony and remember all the ways God has seen you through.
Scripture References:
2 Peter 1:3
2 Timothy 1:8
Mark 5:19
Psalms 145:7
Songs of the Week:
Holly: Sound Mind - Brian & Katie Torwalt
Mallory: Evidence- Josh Baldwin
If your like us the further down the journey with Christ and in your faith the more questions you seem to have. Questions are ok.
Join Holly and Mallory as they talk about some of the questions they have had and give a little advise about what to do when you need to question something you have heard.
Sorry for the rabbit holes our questions and discussions may lead to... haha
Scripture References:
Matthew 7:15
2 John 1:10
Romans 16:17
Songs of the Week:
Holly: On Time God (Woman Evolve Worship...)
Mallory: What If (Matthew West)
Join Holly and Mallory as we discuss the end of our year and what we are looking forward to in the coming year of 2024. Scripture References: Isaiah 43:18-19Songs of the week: You want to hear these!Mallory: I speak Jesus- Charity Gayle https://music.apple.com/us/album/i-speak-jesus/1521119685?i=1521119687Holly: Abandoned-Benjamin William Hastings https://music.apple.com/us/album/abandoned/1724860436?i=1724860442
So many of us have questions about this gift... Is it still present today?Is it real?Is it authentic?Can anyone receive it?Join us today as we chat with a dear friend, pastor and spiritual mentor and discuss the gift of the spirit, speaking in tongues. Scripture References: 1 Corinthians 12:1-11John 14;16-171 Corinthians 14:5, 24-25Romans 8:26-27Acts 1:4-5, 2:1-4Mark 16:17Song suggestions of the week:
Holly
https://music.apple.com/us/album/in-the-room-feat-tasha-cobbs-leonard/. 1709435050?i=1709435615
Mallory
https://music.apple.com/us/album/10k/1521510115?i=1521510122
We may not believe it but we all have gifts. Gifts given to us from the Father. Our gifts may be small ones or huge ones, but they are all given for the purpose of furthering the kingdom. Some of the spiritual gifts are for public prosperity and some are for personal advancement, even if personal we can use them to inspire others along their spiritual journey. Join Holly and Mallory as they discuss some of the "personal" spiritual gifts, how they see the ones they have and how we all might be about the Father's business in using them.Scripture References: Matthew 28:191 Corinthians 12:4-14,27-30Songs of the Week: Holly and Mallory- Dancing on the Waves (Bethel Music & We the Kingdom) https://music.apple.com/us/album/dancing-on-the-waves/1507049753?i=1507049757
On this weeks episode we will dive into 2 more public spiritual gifts: Leadership and administration. We will break these two down a little bit and talk about different ways to utilize them if you aren’t already. Biblical references: Nehemiah 2-5, 1 Corinthians 12:20, 2 Kings 22-23, and Exodus 18. Song of the week, Mallory https://music.apple.com/us/album/the-blood-feat-mitch-wong/1645389401?i=1645389402 Holly https://music.apple.com/us/album/tend/1645389401?i=1645389404
Ever had that the thought, I don't have a gift or can contribute to the church or the kingdom? I certainly have. Join Holly and Mallory as they discuss this feeling and exactly what spiritual gifts are, why all have one or many and why they are so important to the body of Christ. Scripture References:Romans 12:91 Corinthians 12:4-14, 27-30Ephesians 4:7,11-131 Peter 4: 10-11Spiritual Gifts Assessments:Spiritual_Gifts_Assessmentpdf.pdf (scene7.com)FREE Spiritual Gifts Test - Spiritual Gifts Test - Discover Your PurposeThe Spiritual Gifts Test (whataremyspiritualgifts.org)Website references:A Comprehensive Spiritual Gifts List from the Bible (biblestudytools.comSpiritual Assessment Tool; Discover Your God-Given Spiritual Gifts | LifewaySongs of the Week: Holly- Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus: Lauren Daiglehttps://music.apple.com/us/album/turn-your-eyes-upon-jesus/1658627139?i=1658628318Mallory- Tremble: Lauren Daigle https://music.apple.com/us/album/tremble/1581807295?i=1581807299
Many times we can think sharing the gospel has to look like some lengthy story of the Bible, sitting with your Bible in hand, in a particular setting. Or that we have to share our entire testimony with others...
Join Holly and Mallory as we discuss some tips and suggestions on fulfilling the great commission in everyday life.
Scripture Refences: Romans1: 8-12 James 1:22-24 Romans 10:14-17 Matthew 28:18-20
Resource Reference: 3 Circles... Life on Mission www.namb.net
Songs of the Week: Holly: By Faith I will Find It (Steven Furtick)
https://music.apple.com/us/music-video/by-faith-i-will-find-it/1701689959
Mallory: In Jesus Name (Katy Nicole)
https://music.apple.com/us/album/in-jesus-name-god-of-possible/1664261738?i=1664262329
Ever had doubt and fears about sharing the Gospel with others and get stuck in that mindset...Lets chat about the misconceptions and negative mindset we can have. Join Holly and Mallory as they discuss the gospel, how we are all imperfect people in need of the only perfect savior and how we can get past that imperfection to bring others to Him.Scripture to Reference:
Isaiah 43: 10-13 2 Corinthians 12:7-10
Galatians 6:3 Philippians 1:6 Romans 3:23
Acts 1:7-8 2 Corinthians 5:18-20
Romans 1:6, 14-18 John 6:43 2 Timothy 4:12
John 4:36 1 Corinthians 3:7 Galatians 6:7-10
Music Suggestions for your Week:
Holly: No Turning Back https://music.apple.com/us/album/no-turning-back/1684545940?i=1684546126.
Mallory: Jehovah https://music.apple.com/us/album/jehovah-feat-chris-brown/1680568635?i=1680569026
Ever felt like you in a fight, a battle and you're doing all the things, following all the instructions but not seeing anything happen? Well, you're not alone! Join Holly and Mallory as they talk Jericho... a major battle for the Israelites that took faith and complete and deliberate following of God's instructions. Bullet Points Follow God even if the journey seems impossible When we listen, we hear God speak to us God is purposeful and planned The outcome may not be instant so be patient in your waiting We need God Obedience in God matters. The plan will not be Go's but ours if we don't obey.* God is always fulfilling His promisesScripture References: Romans 8:28Isaiah 40:31Luke 11:9Music: Songs of the WeekHolly: The Saints- Andy Mineo. https://music.apple.com/us/album/the-saints-feat-trip-lee-kb/1533134185?i=1533134190Mallory: Monday Morning Faith- SEU Worship. https://music.apple.com/us/album/monday-morning-faith/1636612484?i=1636612966
Sin is humanities curse to bear but it is a cycle we can break. Sin CAN be broken through recognition and repentance. You can change the spiritual attributes within yourself and the generations that follow. Start today setting in motion a different sowing and reaping process! * Recognize the problem * Discuss it openly with your spouse (don't forget the communication) * Forgive the people who sinned in your past that may have affected you * Give it to God
Scripture References: Ezekial 18:20 Romans 5:18 Deuteronomy 5:9-10 Deuteronomy 6:5-9
Songs of the Week: Holly: While We Wait - Amanda Cook https://music.apple.com/us/album/while-we-wait/1612542994?i=1612543453
Mallory: Count 'Em - Brandon Lake
https://music.apple.com/us/album/count-em/1696125997?i=1696125998
If you are in an argument: Can you help me understand why you are so upset? I want to understand and solve this problem together. Can you help me understand why you did that? I want to know what happened so we can solve this together. Can you tell me more about how I made you feel? I want to understand how you felt. What can I do to make it right? What needs to change for next time? If you just want to engage in better conversation on an average day: What was one thing that brought you joy today? What was a low point in your day? What made it low? Where did you see God move today? What is something you are hopeful for? What gave you energy today? Did anything drain your energy today? James 3:5-6, Ephesians 4:29, Matthew 12:36-37, Proverbs 18:21
Songs of the Week:
Holly: Send me, Jenn Johnson Mallory: Trouble, The Chosen
Spend some time catching up with us and where the summer has left us spiritually. Summer with its long days and vacations can be relaxing and energizing but can also lead to distance in relationships. Spiritual and physical. Join us and hear where we are and how we are dealing with spirituality during the summer.
Songs of the Week:
Holly: Kind by Cory Asbury
Mallory: Praise by Elevation Worship
Living life for an audience of 1.
We were not created to seek approval from those around us, only the one above us. So often, especially in today's world, approval can be found in a heart, thumbs up, retweet or share of your post. We have misplaced our need for approval to the world around instead of to the creator of it.
Martin Lloyd Jones said " We should realize that our supreme object in life should be to please God, to please Him only, and to please Him always in everything. If that is our aim, we cannot go wrong."
How powerful and thought provoking right. So, I hope this devotional or my inner thoughts and questions in some way help you to do some reflection and drive you to access your motives and whose approval you are really seeking.
Scripture Reference: Psalm 91:1 Church/Pastor Reference: LifeGate Denver
Sharing some of what I have been thinking about lately as well as some words, well I guess a poem that I recently wrote.
Weekly Worship Recommendations:
Holly: Good Plans, Red Rock Worship. https://music.apple.com/us/album/good-plans/1678206810?i=1678206820
We are going to start a new series on marriage and some of the crucial aspects we must be aware of and work on. Marriage is supposed to be a mirror relationship of Christ. Many times, we completely miss the mark with this relationship and most times because we don't even know where the target is. We want to talk about some keys to strengthening this relationship under God's guidance.
Weekly Worship Recommendations:
Holly: Love Well, The Mueseum
https://music.apple.com/us/album/love-well/1676365345?i=1676365358
Mallory: More Than Able, Elevation Worship
https://music.apple.com/us/album/more-than-able-feat-chandler-moore-tiffany-hudson/1679450141?i=1679450449
Ever felt like your plate if bumped or tilted would completely crash and everything fall off the rails. As women, life can but FULL at times. All the roles and responsibilities can build and stack on us until we are buried under a pile of commitments, responsibilities and "got to get this does". I have been so guilty in life of saying Yes and thinking it won't affect me to take on one more task or assignment. Saying No, letting others know I can't do something, or the feeling of disappointing others has kept me in a mode of continual add on. Join Holly and Mallory as we sit down and get real about the feeling of being overloaded, the ways it has evolved and overwhelmed, as well as, get a few pointers on how to stop juggling and declutter your list of "got To's". Scripture Reference: Exodus 18:13-24 Weekly Worship Recommendations: Holly: By Your Spirit; Influence Music & Kim Walker Smith
https://music.apple.com/us/album/by-your-spirit/1625185829?i=1625185835
Mallory: Praise; Elevation Worship featuring Brandon Lake
https://music.apple.com/us/album/praise-feat-brandon-lake-chris-brown-chandler-moore/1680568635?i=1680569035
Let us fill you in on our lives!
Worship Song of the Week:
Mallory: Same God-Elevation Worship
https://music.apple.com/us/album/same-god-feat-jonsal-barrientes/1605201128?i=1605201133
Holly: Jehovah-Elevation Worship
https://music.apple.com/us/album/jehovah-feat-chris-brown/1680568635?i=1680569026
Come on back and join us as we finish the journey of Pam Mann's walk toward forgiveness. She speaks to the journey of forgiveness for both the men who murdered her husband and the surprising forgiveness she found in her own life. Weekly Worship Suggestions:Holly: Lift my hands by: Forest Frank https://music.apple.com/us/album/lift-my-hands/1674438134?i=1674438135Mallory: Yes he can by: Cain https://music.apple.com/us/album/yes-he-can/1560439033?i=1560439182
Pam discusses her journey to forgive the men who murdered her husband all those years ago. She shared her heart for making sure he knew that he was forgiven and loved by her but ultimately by God. Join us as we continue to hear such words of wisdom from one of God's beautiful children.For a full story on Pam's forgiveness journey check out her book: The Search to ForgiveWorship Suggestions: Holly: Trust in God: Elevation Worship. https://music.apple.com/us/album/trust-in-god-feat-chris-brown/1680568635?i=1680569028Mallory: Start a Fire: Unspoken. https://music.apple.com/us/album/start-a-fire/1560667420?i=1560667440
Pam continues to share her journey through life as she struggles to find the one Man we are all searching for. Life gives her a beautiful glimpse into love as well as a glimpse into the pains of a broken world. Join us as we finish our discussion and all access pass into one woman's beautiful story.
Worship Suggestions:
Mallory: Brand New, Holly Halliwell https://music.apple.com/us/album/brand-new/1547958231?i=1547958240
Holly: By Your Spirit, Influence Music https://music.apple.com/us/album/by-your-spirit/1625185829?i=1625185835
Pam Mann: Author of multiple booksTalk about a woman of faith that we can learn from. Her journey of faith and learning about the beauty of God's grace is amazing. "I have come to the place in my Christian journey where I can now fully proclaim my belief in the risen Lord and profess that Jesus is my Savior. I give God all the glory for all He has done in me; for it is by grace alone, through faith, that I am saved. " No Mountain Too HighJoin Holly and Mallory as they have a candid in depth conversation with Pam Mann and discuss her journey of faith. Her Available Books: No Moutain Too High: My Story of God's Amazing GraceThe Search to Forgive
Tamar"It's always the woman's fault!"Tamar has a beautiful, twisted, dark, deceitful story. Her story seems awkwardly placed in the middle of the Joseph saga. She is put through a rough set of circumstances. She marries into a family and then seems to pay the price for the generational sins they continue to pass down. However, when man fails her, God comes through in redemptive fashion that only God can orchestrate. God uses someone the world may see as terrible, unworthy, passed over and too far gone to show us how to love our family. Tamar's decision to be faithful no matter what to her family is inspiring. Today, we tend to air our family drama and issues to the world. We don't care the damage and affects or words, posts, and tweets make. Tamar found her beautiful ending in showing grace, humility and love to Judah, an underserving man. Our country could learn so much from her! So join Holly and Mallory as they discuss the juicy details of Tamar's story.Scripture References: Genesis 38Deuteronomy 25:5-6 Worship Song Suggestions:
Holly: Miracle in the Works https://music.apple.com/us/album/miracle-in-the-works/1566476917?i=1566476918
Mallory: Jesus Does
https://music.apple.com/us/album/jesus-does/1635453617?i=1635453621
Eve…..The First First Lady. Dive into this episode with us as we break down about Eve and how she had to learn how to do really everything by herself and then ultimately was still human and started down the path of sin. Join us as we break all of this down and little bit and find out what we can take away from her story. Bible references: Genesis 3:8 1 Corinthians 15:22. Weekly worship recommendations: Holly: Take it to the cross; Katy Nicole https://music.apple.com/us/album/take-it-to-the-cross/1664261738?i=1664263345 Mallory: Rise Up; CAIN https://music.apple.com/us/album/rise-up-lazarus/1496687384?i=1496687385
LeahOh Leah, sister that was treated so poorly by so many. Leah who is described as less than beautiful. She is described by her lack of beauty and her seemingly inability to gain a husband of her own. She wasn't desired, wanted or loved; well by the men of this world anyway. God on the other hand, loved Leah, he saw more than her physical beauty. He saw a daughter, He saw the future, He saw the bloodline of His son! Talk about plans... Leah's story like so many, starts with heartache and disappointment but ends in beauty. She entered a marriage based not on love, but on deceit. Jacob the deceiver, got the ultimate Tri karoo!Many know the story but Leah was given to Jacob through means of her father tricking the groom. To make things worse, Jacob still wanted the original desire of his heart, Rachel. So, like many of that time, he entered into multiple marriages. I am sure Leah had hopes of one day stepping out the beautiful perfect shadow of Rachel. Have any of you experienced this? Sibling rivalry, Comparison and envy. It's so hard, it ruins and taints relationships and families. Leah lived with this all her life. Just wanted to be seen, to be wanted, to be loved. She hoped desperately with every child she bore, this would be the one that brings Jacobs affection. Sadly like many of us, she longed for love and acceptance from the wrong source, the wrong man. Only one man could give her what she so deeply needed, God!Join Holly and Mallory as they discuss Leah, her story, her journey and her ultimate deliverance into the most loving arms she could have ever found.Scripture References:Genesis 29:1-30, 24, 31:31-35, 35:16-20
This weeks Songs we Love:
Mallory: Look What You've Done by Tasha laytonhttps://music.apple.com/us/album/look-what-youve-done/1607213090?i=1607213226
Holly: Gratitude by Brandon Lake
https://music.apple.com/us/album/gratitude/1527501973?i=1527501982
Hagar
Bondage.... Her life was predetermined, slavery, no rights, injustice, never being seen for who she was. It was all right there in her name, in her identity from the beginning. Hagar was taken from her homeland of Egypt, by a couple. They probably looked different, spoke differently and worshipped different Gods. She was given to Sarai, you remember her. She and her husband Abram are the OGs of the Israelite nation! They were the couple of promise. God had made them a promise to use them to build His nation.
To do this God had to provide them with something so precious and valuable, it was man-made, but it was God given, children. Being fertile and able to bear children in that time period was everything! It gave women, identity, purpose and value. So, after years of the promise going unanswered, like us Sarai, takes matters into her own hands. Her impatience to wait on God leads to a nasty jealousy and baby momma drama! We told you the Bible wasn't boring. And this is only the first book! As the story unfolds and Sarai uses Hagar to fulfill what she thinks was God's plan, we see the beginnings of resentment, jealousy, hatred, a lack of empathy and understand for one another. Out of Hagars child we see a people born to be at odds with God's planned nation.
Hagar didn't ask to be a slave. Hagar didn't ask to go with this couple. Hagar didn't ask to bear a child. Hagar didn't believe in Yahweh. But God doesn't quit working when we mess up the plan, God alters it in a way that only He can.
So, to hear more about Hagar and her amazing strength and how her story is one we can ponder and learn from tune in....
This week's favorite worship tunes:
Better
https://music.apple.com/us/album/better-feat-brandon-lake-tianna/1569654190?i=1569654397
What if
https://music.apple.com/us/album/what-if/1478808753?i=1478808754
Bathsheba
A women labeled an adulteress, a womanizer by many but by God, a queen in the making. She was targeted. By today's standards she was a victim of sexual harassment and assault. David not being where he should be, at war with all the other men of the kingdom, was able to be a modern-day peeping tom. He saw something beautiful and forbidden and did whatever it took to make it his, even murder. Bathsheba was plucked from her home, forced to have relations with the king and then impregnated by him. Bathsheba... was forever changed by taking a "bath". Davids's deceit continues to deepen when sends her husband away to be killed making her free and no one the wiser of their adultery.
Lets face it, sin never stays hidden. Bathsheba was then forced into a marriage, one unsolicited and unwanted. Not even given time to mourn her husband's death she moves in and becomes queen. As a consequence to his sin, David and Bathsheba lose their first child. Thankfully, because of a close friend, Nathan, and his willingness to call David out, realization and repentance to God brings David back to God and His grace.
David and Bathsheba are then blessed with the wisest king in history as a son, Solomon. We never get to hear much from Bathsheba, never get her side of the story or the emotions and pains she went through, but her story does have a beautiful ending. She was queen, and the mother of wisdom.
Scripture: 2 Samuel 11, 12 , Psalm 51, 1 Kings 1-3:15
Rahab Most of us know her, some may not recall her right off. But when we hear her name and hear her story, your first opinion of her is probably marked by her vocation... That label seems to mark so many of us. She isn't remembered for being a mother, a daughter, a nurturer, a provider but for the way she resorted to providing for her family. Rahab was a prostitute... yes we are going to talk today about a prostitute and the mighty way God worked and used her in the history of not only Israel but Jesus himself.
This story comes out of the book of Joshua.
Join us as we discuss Rahab, her past and her methods of help that led to the capture of Jericho and the success of Joshua's first battle as leader.
She chooses faith before she really even knew who God was.
She is now labeled by grace instead of sin.
She is now remembered for being in the lineage of Jesus Christ and not the line of shame she had in her past.
Rahab is another amazing example of our God taking the least and turning it into something for His glory!
We hope that through our discussion you remember:
"Our worth is not determined by how others see us or how we view ourselves but how God sees us!" (The Daily Grace Co. Take Heart )
Scriptures Referenced: Joshua 1:11, 2 and 6
We apologize but in an effort to walk out what we talk, we had to love a neighbor in need this week. We were not able to give the time to our episode. We hope you understand. Please come back next week for the scheduled new series: The unlikely women we can learn from. If you would like details on how to record messages and scripture for you children please email us at smalltownbigkingdom@gmail.com we would love to help you start this project for your children and maybe even grandchildren to have.
Living out our faith by loving others... Are you living out your faith? Are you loving your neighbor? In order to love our neighbor, we have to know who they are. Join Holly and Mallory as they discuss walking out love and putting the command to love others to action. Our neighbors aren't just our friends, our closest people, the ones we see consistently, those we have things in common with. Our neighbors are those we cross paths with, those we see and don't know... To love God is to follow His command to love our neighbor. Love is a characteristic of God and one that can be contagious. We read and look at the story of the good Samaritan The Samaritan was the only one that passed by and saw a person, not a race or ethnicity but a person in need. He didn't see their sin or mistakes, their characteristics but saw him as a person in need. Showing love through kindness and compassion to others. Compassion: seeing a need, being moved someone's need and then acting to help the need. * We must move toward people and not away Jesus never calls us to do something He has not already done. He has and will always be our example. * Love is the mark of a mature believer Scripture References: Ephesians 2:8Mark 12:31 Luke 10:25-36 Because He lives https://music.apple.com/us/album/because-he-lives/1584821819?i=1584822089 Freedom https://music.apple.com/us/album/freedom-feat-kim-walker-smith-live/1411431021?i=1411431202
We spend years as parents teaching our kids life skills, cleaning, cooking and how to take care of themselves. We enroll them in a multitude of activities to make them well rounded individuals. We spend time and resources to make them the best athlete, musician, student, artist and more... The list goes on and on of our duties and responsibilities but what preparations are we giving them to be followers of Christ. Prepping isn't just for dooms day... prepping our kids for eternity should be for the best day, the day we begin eternity. Join Holly and Mallory as they discuss parenthood and role of preparing our kids to develop habits of prioritizing their relationship with Christ and ensuring their home for eternity.Today we will give you 5 tips that you can begin to apply in your home, your routine and in the lives of your family. Christian worship music, play it all throughout your home and day Keep yourself in check... the way you respond and lead by example Model a relationship with Christ and your spouse for kids.... show them what it looks like to dig deep and build a foundation with Christ Prepare your heart and head for the day: devotions, quiet time, prayer. Do all these before your kids rise and then have intentional times with your children involved. * Prayer: it's our lifeline and our children need to know when and how to do it as well as the importance of it. Scriptures:Ephesians 6:4Proverbs 22:6James 1:19Deuteronomy 6:4-9Resources:The Bible app: your app store or www.bible.com/app Devotionals: All are available on Amazon Jesus Calling: 365 Devotions for Kids - several options The Circle Maker Devotions for kids Oh Baby! Devotions for New Parents You Can Rest: 100 Devotions to Calm Your Heart and Mind 100 Days to Brave for Kids: Devotions Indescribable: 100 Devotions for Kids Grace for the Moment: 365 DevotionsTravel-Size Cards – Crew + Co (crewandco.com)Thank you so much for joining us to discuss the ongoing challenge of being a parent and hopefully one or all of these tips will help you change your routine and homes in a small way to make a big difference in the life of your child... Until next time.
Prayer is the open communication, the requirement of intimacy...
When we are covering our lives with prayer and constant communication with Christ it creates a hedge around us and helps us to fight Satan. God enters into our sorrow, happiness, joy and anxiety with us, we are not alone, pray is the door that we open to invite Him to be intimately involved.
Don't feel ashamed to come before the Lord with our cares and burdens, He waits and wants them.
Often, we want to use pray as a tool or a method of changing our circumstances, however the deeper purpose of prayer is God using it to change us.
Today, we will discuss a few questions related to our prayer life:
When do you pray?
If you evaluated your prayer habits, what would they look like?
What would your faith look like if you refused to pray?
We hope today's discussion is productive and displays how prayer builds our trust in God and in turn builds our faith.
Scripture References:
1 Timothy 2: 8-10
John 15:5
1 Thessalonians 5:17
James 5:16
Ephesians 3:17-19
And if you are like Mallory and Holly and your prayer life still needs to be stronger, don't give up or get discouraged. Prayer is a journey, a constant and continual lifeline we need... keep working and striving to grow and go deeper with Him.
We all face the traps of comparing ourselves to each other. From a very early age, we look at others and want their gifts, talents, looks, etc...If we don't make ourselves aware of these issues, we will find ourselves lost and not recognize the person we see because we are turning into someone else. Comparison seems to be an autopilot response to life these days. Social media has increased this tremendously, with access to peering into the fake, picture perfect lives people attempt to portray. The trapsPerformance: comparing our accomplishments and successes to others. God doesn't rank us in His love for us or our imperfectness. Pride: comparing who we are to who we perceive others to be. God wants us to rest in His recognition and acceptance of who we are and who he made us to be. Insecurity: comparing our weakness to other's strengths. We long for other's strengths and are not able to see the need to be grateful for the ones God gave us. God wants us to see ourselves the way He sees us. Envy: envious thoughts are ugly and can tant and spoil our soul. We want what others have; possessions, talents, gifts, relationships, the list is endless. God wants us to focus and be grateful for what we do have and not what we don't. When compare we stay focused on others and not self and we miss the abundant joyful life God has for us. We waste the gifts of purpose and time when we try to be like others. Our God created each one of us on purpose, for a purpose. He knows who we are and why He created us. His purpose for our life is the "what" we should be asking. Hopefully claiming that along with the knowledge what He has or will provide everything we need to live that out. Scripture References from today: Romans 9:20Colossians 1:16Romans 9:21-22Ephesians 2:10Jeremiah 29:112 Corinthians 10:5https://seekjesus.co/
Fog, we have all been in the middle of it, consumed by it and unable to do anything about it. Fog is a low-lying cloud; it moves in unexpectedly and unannounced. Fog affects our vision, makes it difficult to distinguish between light and darkness. The Mandelbaum effect is when our vision can only fixate on what is three feet in front of us, what is close to us. Shame is that fog. Shame moves in and consumes our thoughts and spirit. Just like the low-lying cloud of fog, shame moves in often times unannounced and clouds our vision of ourselves and God. Shame smudges the lines of clarity till all we can see, and feel is a thick layer of gloom. We feel lost, unseen and consumed by the inability to see the light.
God is that light!
Gpd doesn't work in shame, He works in grace!
Episode Scripture: Romans 10:11 " As scripture says, anyone who believes in him will never be put to shame."
1 John 1:9 "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness."
Psalm 34:4-5 "I sought the Lord, and he answered me and delivered me from all my fears. Those who look to him are radiant, and their faces shall never be ashamed."
Romans 8:1 "There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus."
Hebrews 12:2 "Looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God."
Psalm 119:105 "Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path."
Psalm 103:8-12 "The Lord is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love. He will not always accuse, nor will he harbor his anger forever; he does not treat us as our sins deserve or repay us according to our iniquities. For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his love for those who fear him; as far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us."
Today Holly and Mallory conclude their sit down with Hillary Heitzman. If you missed part 1, please go back and catch up… she has such a powerful story and you don’t want to miss any detail. She will share her testimony of faith and the ways God continues to work in her life and use her in the lives of those around her. We will laugh, we will cry and we will discuss the deep love and intimacy we are all becoming so much more in need of with Christ. So join us for what we feel may be the best episode yet! Scripture referenced in today’s episode: Act 22:3-21, Romans 12:2
Today Holly and Mallory get the great honor of sitting down with a dear friend and sister in the faith, Hillary Heitzman. She will share her testimony of faith and the ways God continues to work in her life and use her in the lives of those around her. We will laugh, we will cry and we will discuss the deep love and intimacy we are all becoming so much more in need of with Christ. So join us for what we feel may be the best episode yet! Scripture referenced in today’s episode: Act 22:3-21, Romans 12:2
Join Mallory and Holly this week as they ease into the new year and challenge you to get uncomfortable for CHRIST. This episode is a next step from what we talked about proclaiming this new year to become. We hope you feel challenged by the Holy Spirit to join us in prayer and ask God to help us go all in and send us on the path that Christ has chosen for us no matter the circumstances. Scripture: 1 Peter 4:12 2 Samuel 22:21-25 2 Corinthians 4:18
As a new year begins we all start to think and discuss all the possibilities this year will hold. For many of us we normally start the year out with resolutions, hopes of making a change in our lives. Sadly it seems with each passing day the commitment and the desire for change slowly fades. Our resolutions usually revolve around worldly changes, but this year, this year we are claiming it to be the year of spiritual changes. This is the year of the 5s’s… no not those kinds of S words. This is the year we are looking to God and letting Him move. Salvation Surrender Submission Sanctification And Service. We are praying for more souls to find Christ and salvation. We are praying that this year bring surrender and the repentance that’s needed in that process. We are desiring more submission to His plans for our lives, for His will to be done. Following all of these S’s we are open and inviting sanctification, a growing and developing of ourselves to be more and more like Jesus. And hopefully as all these others unfold and increase we are claiming to see more service. Serving Christ by serving others. Using our God given gifts and talents to display love and share Christ with those around us. Scripture: John 3:16, Luke 19:10, Matthew 4:17, Acts 2:38, Proverbs 1:9, Deuteronomy 30:10, 1 Peter 2:15, John 17:15-18, Roman’s 8:29, Proverbs 3:27, Matthew 20:26-28, Galatians 5:13-14. We ask that you please join us in prayer as well as naming and claiming 2023 to be the year of S words.
Well it’s here… it’s Christmas, the time we celebrate, not Santa or gifts or trees but Christ and His birth. On today’s episode Mallory and Holly will read and discuss the Christmas story. Let’s face it, if you really look at the story it’s full of drama! The Bible is not boring. From the prophet Isaiah prophesying the coming of the King in the form of a baby, to the angel meeting with both Mary and Joseph to explain what was going to happen. The Christmas story is full of wander and majesty to say the least. We pray that as you listen you will receive joy for the greatest gift ever given. We leave you this year with the best story we could ever have the honor of discussing. We hope and pray that this year as we are fortunate that Christmas has fallen on Sunday, we will let Jesus be the reason churches are FULL and not let Santa be the reason they are empty. Joy to the world! Scripture from todays episode: Isaiah 9:1-7, Luke 1:26-38, Matthew 1:18-25, Luke 2:1-20 As we end our episode we want to leave you with one of our favorite Christmas songs, one that puts words and melody to the joy that Jesus brings. Joy to the World by Phil Wickham apple: https://music.apple.com/us/album/joy-to-the-world-joyful-joyful/1480403807?i=1480403809 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/track/5wDPco8kl6sRponff5L9Th?si=Z0F7HukdQ4Cax2C1VS16-Q
The stresses of a worldly Christmas can be exhausting. All the to do lists accompanied with life’s problems can leave us feeling overwhelmed and at times tearfully frustrated. Thankfully our God sent His son Jesus to Earth to conquer it and bring us both joy for tears and hope for our future. We hope your holiday season no matter how overwhelming or imperfect it may be, brings your attention to Christ and the glory of His coming. If your going through moments of tears, have faith that they are sewing seeds of joy…. Scripture references: John 16:33, 1 Peter 5:8 and Psalms 126:5. Merry Christmas as we move one week closer to the birthday celebration of our King.
We all desire the “perfect” Christmas, those magic filled, hallmark worthy holidays that culture tries to convince us the season is all about. Christ was the perfect gift, the light in the darkness this world needed. The perfect Christmas is focused on Him, the perfect Christmas is being thankful for Him, his birth and His willingness to come to Earth. We got just the right message as we were dealing with days of messy not perfect Christmas woes. A link to the devotional book we mentioned: Jesus Calling for Christmas, Padded Hardcover, with Full Scriptures https://a.co/d/0EPCL56 A few key scriptures that help us to look to His word for wisdom: Philippians 4:19, Psalms 116:17, 1 Thessalonians 5:18 Share your messy Christmas days with us, let’s break the cultural pressures to work toward the “perfect Christmas” tag us on instagram @smalltown.bigkingdom #smalltownbigkingdommess
Come and join Holly and Mallory this wonderful Thanksgiving week as they talk about trying to look at things with a different attitude and outlook. Dig deep with us on a few verses and things we are thankful for and also some struggles we are walking through. Bible references: 1 Thessalonians 5:18 Psalms 95:2 Psalms 118:24
Sound disclaimer: we are still working to fine tune our sound and recordings so please bear with us. Many faith hall of famers had to step out of their comfort zones… David to stand up to a giant, Moses to take on Pharaoh, Ester to stand up to the king, the disciples to leave vocations and family to follow Jesus. God has amazing plans for us, we have to be willing to say yes when those opportunities come our way… when is the last time He asked for your yes? Psalm 40:8, Jeremiah 29:11. We leave you with a challenge for the next few weeks, look for opportunities to say yes to God.
Today we are back to wrap up our discussion on submission. We are blessed with a special guest today, to answer questions and give us Biblical evidence of what submitting is and is not. Help us welcome our favorite Bible Study buddy, Pastor Billy Stephens of Ocilla Baptist Church. The three of us will discuss questions sent in from listeners and work our way through roles as husband and wives in both marriage and as the bride of Christ. Some scriptures mentioned into todays episode: John 13, John1:1,14, Galatians 3:28, Acts 5:27-29, 1 Peter 3:1, 1 John 4:18, Ephesians 5:22-25, 2 Corinthians 6:14, Be the woman and wife God called you to be! Remember, A godly wife is able to have influence over her husband. And remember most of all our love, devotion and submission should be to Christ above anyone else.
Join us to discuss the topic of submission. Mallory and Holly talk about submission and what it means to them and why sometimes it is so hard. Related verses: Ephesians 5:22-24, Romans 8:7 Thank you for joining us today. We hope you were blessed and enjoyed what you heard, if so please feel free to share it with others and leave a rating, it helps people find us. We pray that today you reject the feeling of being small but claim your role in His big kingdom.
Join us to discuss the topic of submission. Do you struggle or willfully submit? Lets talk marriage, Mallory and Holly describe their marriages as it relates to their journey with Christ and being a godly women and wife. Related verses: Ephesians 5:22-24, Colossians 3:18-19. Thank you for joining us today. We hope you were blessed and enjoyed what you heard, if so please feel free to share it with others and leave a rating, it helps people find us. We pray that today you reject the feeling of being small but claim your role in His big kingdom.
On today’s episode we will discuss the judgement and labels that we as Christians in todays society face. We will chat about several different things that we personally struggle with in this department such as being labeled a hypocrite or maybe characterized as thinking we are better than others. We all know that is not the case. So tune in with us as we discuss and open up about this topic and some tips that may help you. Scripture for todays discussion. John 1:16-17. Luke 22:24-30. 1 Corinthians 4:5. Romans 2:14-24. Thank you for joining us today. We hope you were blessed and enjoyed what you heard. Please feel free to share the episode with others. We pray that today you reject the feeling of being small and claim your role in His Big kingdom.
On todays episode we will discuss joy and what we are discovering joy really is. Mallory and I chat about several areas of our lives where we are finding sources of joy as well as leave you with scripture to reflect on while you begin to discover ways to find joy in your own life. Servanthood: Ecclesiastes 11:2 Loving Others: 1 Peter 3:8 John 15:11 Being Different: Galatians 5:25-26 Suffering: Proverbs 10:22 Thank you for joining us today. We hope you were blessed and enjoyed what you heard. Please feel free to share the episode with others. We pray that today you reject the feeling of being small and claim your role in His Big kingdom.
Join us and get acquainted with two small town friends walking together with Christ and finding new ways we can serve His big kingdom. John 1:46 "Can anything good come from Nazareth?".... Come and see
This is an intro teaser into what our podcast. Can anything good come from Nazareth? John 1:46. Ever feel small, unimportant or feel like you can’t be used to make an impact… well your in the right place. I’m Mallory and I’m Holly. Welcome to Small town BIG Kingdom. We believe even small people from small places can be used for His big kingdom. So come join two friends as we navigate how to be used in this world while trying to grow a deeper more intimate relationship with Christ and those around us. Through open and honest conversations about real life struggles we hope to dive deeper into His word and how we can apply it to the small places and spaces of our lives. So click subscribe and join us as we chat with Bibles open and coffee in hand. Show music credit- Jared Thompson: Ocilla Baptist Church