MSG of Hope: Recent Episodes
MSG of Hope
We want to be your non-judgmental online friend to help you get through your week with content shared on our podcast on subjects of the Holy Bible, life's experiences, and struggles. Our desire is for you to know you are not alone in your challenges because others have perhaps felt, done, or thought the same thing and offer you encouragement that may help you to move forward and past it with the content we share.
The book of Job teaches us that we can trust GOD, his purpose, wisdom, and goodness even while we may be going through great suffering or trials.
Our understanding of our circumstances is limited at times and we should not lean on our understanding but trust that GOD is working out all things for our ultimate good if we are among those who love him and have been called according to his purpose.
Good times and difficult times have the potential to work for our and others benefit and conform us all to a more perfect image of Christ.
Job invites the reader to further ponder some of life's most difficult questions.
Todays reading shows us that just because we don't yet understand the "WHY" something is happening doesn't mean there is not a purpose for it, and even if what we are enduring is intended for evil against us, GOD can still turn the results of it into something that is ultimately good for us or those we may be trying to help.
Scripture References
Job Chapters 38-42
Mark 11:24 "Therefore I say to you, all things for which you pray and ask, believe that you have received them, and they will be granted you."
Numbers 6:22-26 "Then the Lord spoke to Moses, saying, “Speak to Aaron and to his sons, saying, ‘Thus you shall bless the sons of Israel. You shall say to them: The Lord bless you, and keep you; The Lord make His face shine on you, And be gracious to you; The Lord lift up His countenance on you,
And give you peace."
My Reflection This Episode:
Our true worth is found in our relationship with GOD.
Job is showing our value in the LORDS eyes, is based on our faithfulness to Him, NOT on earthly recognition and NOT our status or position among mankind, and definitely not on how many words we use to pass judgement on ourselves or others.
Episode Take Away
The best way to handle life's circumstances regardless of my current situation is to focus on who the LORD is, what he has done, and that nothing is impossible for him to do for me or someone I may be trying to help at that very moment in time or into my/their future if I/they believe and continue to focus and rely on him in faith.
Reflection Questions
Have you, like Job or his friends, ever realized that you spoke without truly having the understanding you thought you had and it humbled you or made you ashamed? Did you repent and ask the LORDS forgiveness?
Why do you think the LORD forgave Job and restored to him all he had lost and more?
Why do you think the LORD spoke to Job, Eliphaz, Zophar, and Bildad but he does not address Elihu nor is Elihu mentioned any more in the book of Job?
Do you live with a victim mentality or do you cast your cares on the LORD and believe for him to work all things out for your good in his timing?
After listening to this series did you realize you may have pre-judged others at times or gave biblical advice before truly understanding what the LORD wanted you to do, say, or not say?
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The book of Job teaches us that we can trust GOD, his purpose, wisdom, and goodness even while we may be going through great suffering or trials.
Our understanding of our circumstances is limited at times and we should not lean on our understanding but trust that GOD is working out all things for our ultimate good if we are among those who love him and have been called according to his purpose.
Good times and difficult times have the potential to work for our benefit and conform us to a more perfect image of Christ.
Job invites the reader to further ponder some of life's most difficult questions.
Todays reading shows us that just because we don't yet understand the "WHY" something is happening doesn't mean there is not a purpose for it, and even if what we are enduring is intended for evil against us, GOD can still turn the results of it into something that is ultimately good for us.
Scripture References
Job Chapters 32-37
Proverbs 10:19-21 - "When there are many words, transgression is unavoidable, But he who restrains his lips is wise. The tongue of the righteous is as choice silver, The heart of the wicked is worth little. The lips of the righteous feed many, But fools die for lack of understanding."
Ecclesiastes 5:2 - "Do not be hasty in word or impulsive in thought to bring up a matter in the presence of God. For God is in heaven and you are on the earth; therefore let your words be few."
2 Timothy 2:16-17 - "But avoid worldly and empty chatter, for it will lead to further ungodliness, and their talk will spread like gangrene."
Matthew 5:37 - "But let your statement be, ‘Yes, yes’ or ‘No, no’; anything beyond these is of evil."
My Reflection This Episode:
Our true worth is found in our relationship with GOD.
Job is showing our value in GODs eyes is based on our faithfulness to Him, NOT on earthly recognition and NOT our status or position among mankind.
Episode Take Away
Elihu is defending Gods character and trying to restore a more right way of thinking to both Job and his friends.
Whether younger or older, age doesn't always equal wisdom.
Reflection Questions
Have you ever been overly zealous about a topic to the point of not using any restraint, but instead hastily uttering harsh words of judgement?
Did you later realize your many words had done more harm than good and wished you had exercised restraint over your words?
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The book of Job teaches us that we can trust GOD, his purpose, wisdom, and goodness even while we may be going through great suffering or trials.
Our understanding of our circumstances is limited at times and we should not lean on our understanding but trust that GOD is working out all things for our ultimate good if we are among those who love him and have been called according to his purpose.
Good times and difficult times have the potential to work for our benefit and conform us to a more perfect image of Christ.
Job invites the reader to further ponder some of life's most difficult questions.
Todays reading shows us how valuable our integrity and character are to GOD. (The qualities we possess and project even when no one is looking)
Scripture References
Job Chapters 28-31
Proverbs 1:7 - "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction."
James 1:5 - "If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask GOD, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you." (If you believe and don't doubt. See James 1:6-8)*
Matthew 10:16 - "I am sending you out like sheep among wolves. Therefore be as shrewd as snakes and innocent as doves."
My Reflection This Episode:
Our true worth is found in our relationship with GOD.
Job is showing our value in GODs eyes is based on our faithfulness to Him, NOT on earthly recognition and NOT our status or position among mankind.
Episode Take Away
Whether we are being elevated or going through a period of humility, the approval and love of GOD should always be our focus and top priority!
Reflection Question
Do I seek the wisdom and will of GOD in order to perceive the true nature of different life situations (for myself or others) before I make decisions or take any actions?
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The book of Job teaches us that we can trust GOD, his purpose, wisdom, and goodness even while we may be going through great suffering or trials.
Our understanding of our circumstances is limited at times and we should not lean on our understanding but trust that GOD is working out all things for our ultimate good if we are among those who love him and have been called according to his purpose.
Good times or difficult times have the potential to work for our benefit and conform us to a more perfect image of Christ.
Job invites the reader to further ponder some of life's most difficult questions.
Scripture References
Job Chapters 23-27
Isaiah 48:10- "See, I have refined you, though not as silver; I have tested you in the furnace of affliction."
Reflections in this episode:
Do you ever ask GOD "Why is this happening to me?"
Do you tell GOD how big your storm is or do you tell your storm how big your GOD is?
Encouragement:
1 Peter 5:7-10
"Cast all your anxiety on himbecause he cares for you. Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings. And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast. To him be the power for ever and ever. Amen."
Song links mentioned in this episode:
The Anchor Holds by Lawrence Chewing:
https://youtu.be/BxnQzwrF4OU?si=QWfnLTRbouTBQ6RB
The Anchor Holds by Ray Boltz:
https://youtu.be/MSAc5Z2lprk?si=ePOURAWLEK1YaV8s
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The book of Job teaches us that we can trust GOD, his purpose, wisdom, and goodness even while we may be going through great suffering or trials.
Our understanding of our circumstances is limited at times and we should not lean on our understanding but trust that GOD is working out all things for our ultimate good if we are among those who love him and have been called according to his purpose.
Good times or difficult times have the potential to work for our benefit and conform us to a more perfect image of Christ.
Job invites the reader to further ponder some of life's most difficult questions.
Scripture References
Job Chapters 21-22
Acts 17:28
Philippians 4:4-7
Revelation 21:1-8
John 3:18 (I apologize I mistakenly said Jeremiah 3:18 in the podcast)
Ephesians 2:19
Galatians 6:4-5
Reflection questions in this episode:
"Do I want to focus on desiring things in this life or do I want to focus on being a fellow citizen with the Saints and being a member of the household of GOD forever?"
Encouragement:
"Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. Whoever sows to please their flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; whoever sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life. Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers." Galatians 6:7-10
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The book of Job teaches us that we can trust GOD, his purpose, wisdom, and goodness even while we may be going through great suffering or trials.
Our understanding of our circumstances is limited at times and we should not lean on our understanding but trust that GOD is working out all things for our ultimate good if we are among those who love him and have been called according to his purpose.
Good times or difficult times have the potential to work for our benefit and conform us to a more perfect image of Christ.
Job invites the reader to further ponder some of life's most difficult questions.
Scripture References
Job Chapters 18-20
1 John 1:9
Hebrews 12:1-14
Romans 8:28
Reflection questions in this episode:
Do I seek God for my answers or other people?
Do I seek Gods guidance before giving advice to others and ask him to help me to know when to be silent or to speak?
Am I quick to judge or accuse others?
Encouragement:
“Oh, that my words were recorded, that they were written on a scroll,that they were inscribed with an iron tool on lead, or engraved in rock forever!
I know that my redeemer lives, and that in the end he will stand on the earth. And after my skin has been destroyed, yet in my flesh I will see God; I myself will see him with my own eyes—I, and not another. How my heart yearns within me!" Job 19:23-27
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The book of Job teaches us that we can trust GOD, his purpose, wisdom, and goodness even while we may be going through great suffering or trials.
Our understanding of our circumstances is limited at times and we should not lean on our understanding but trust that GOD is working out all things for our ultimate good if we are among those who love him and have been called according to his purpose.
Good times or difficult times have the potential to work for our benefit and conform us to a more perfect image of Christ.
Job invites the reader to further ponder some of life's most difficult questions.
Scripture References
Job Chapters 14-17
Ecclesiastes 3:11
Reflection questions in this episode:
If a man dies will he live again or does death terminate all forms of his existence?
Encouragement:
The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. The righteous person may have many troubles, but the LORD delivers him from them all; Psalms 34:18-19
Suggestion of listening:
Podcast episode #43 "Will I go to Heaven when I die?" for further insight into todays podcast.
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The book of Job teaches us that we can trust GOD, his purpose, wisdom, and goodness even while we may be going through great suffering or trials.
Our understanding of our circumstances is limited at times and we should not lean on our understanding but trust that GOD is working out all things for our ultimate good if we are among those who love him and have been called according to his purpose.
Good times or difficult times have the potential to work for our benefit and conform us to a more perfect image of Christ.
Scripture References
Job Chapters 13
Proverbs 17:27-28
John 3:16-21
Ephesians 3:14-21
Genesis 16:13
Reflection questions in this episode:
Is GOD your Influencer?
Is GODS Spirit your guide?
Is GODS Word your teacher?
Encouragement:
The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. The righteous person may have many troubles, but the LORD delivers him from them all; Psalms 34:18-19
Send us a text
Support the show
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The book of Job teaches us that we can trust GOD, his purpose, wisdom, and goodness even while we may be going through great suffering or trials.
Our understanding of our circumstances is limited at times and we should not lean on our understanding but trust that GOD is working out all things for our ultimate good if we are among those who love him and have been called according to his purpose.
Good times or difficult times have the potential to work for our benefit and conform us to a more perfect image of Christ.
Scripture References
Job Chapters 10-12
Galatians 6:1-10
Closing Prayer is from: Numbers 6:24-26 KJV
Reflection question in this episode: Who is GOD to me?
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The book of Job teaches us that we can trust GOD, his purpose, wisdom, and goodness even while we may be going through great suffering or trials.
Our understanding of our circumstances is limited at times and we should not lean on our understanding but trust that GOD is working out all things for our ultimate good if we are among those who love him and have been called according to his purpose.
Good times or difficult times have the potential to work for our benefit and conform us to a more perfect image of Christ.
Scripture References
Job Chapters 6-9
1 John 2:1
Psalm 21:6
Prayer is from: Numbers 6:24-26 KJV
Dark Clouds-Episose #15 was mentioned in this episode.
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The book of Job teaches us that we can trust GOD, his purpose, wisdom, and goodness even while we may be going through great suffering or trials.
Our understanding of our circumstances is limited at times and we should not lean on our understanding but trust that GOD is working out all things for our ultimate good if we are among those who love him and have been called according to his purpose.
Good times or difficult times have the potential to work for our benefit and conform us to a more perfect image of Christ.
Scripture References
Job Chapters 3-5
John 3:16-18
Revelation 3:15-16
Send us a text
Support the show
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The book of Job teaches us that we can trust GOD, his purpose, wisdom, and goodness even while we may be going through great suffering or trials.
Our understanding of our circumstances is limited at times and we should not lean on our understanding but trust that GOD is working out all things for our ultimate good if we are among those who love him and have been called according to his purpose.
Good times or difficult times have the potential to work for our benefit and conform us to a more perfect image of Christ.
Scripture References
Job Chapters 1-2
1 Peter 5:8
Proverbs 3:5-6
Romans 8:28
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Today we are reading from Acts Chapter 10 and part of Chapter 11.
This reading is about Peters vision while in a trance like state where he saw something resembling a sheet being lowered from the sky with a variety of animals on it.
Previously, I had not understood the meaning of this vision for myself. I had been taught it meant that Yehovah GOD changed his previous dietary directives for mankind and we could now eat whatever meat we wanted.
After examining these scriptures for myself, I now understand and accept what I believe is the true interpretation because explanation comes from the author and recipient of this vision himself as he shares in these scriptures what was revealed to him personally through the Spirit and evidence of the events that transpired when he met with Cornelius.
The gift of the Holy Spirit has been poured out to also include the Gentiles!
Scripture References
Acts 10:1-48
Acts 11:1-18
Deuteronomy 14:3-20
Our podcast is also available on most podcast player apps.
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Today we are talking about taking our mask off.
I'm not referring to the mask we began wearing in 2020.
The mask I'm speaking of is the mask we have hid behind for years, the mask of pridefulness.
This mask is how we portray ourselves to others as the person we want them to "think" we are, not the person we truly are.
Scripture References
1 John 1:8
John 8:31-32
2 Chronicles 7:14
Romans 3:10
James 5:16
1 Corinthians 13
Ephesians 6
John 3:16-21
Matthew 16
Revelation 21
Our podcast is also available on most podcast player apps.
Support the show (https://paypal.me/SaundraGano?country.x=US&locale.x=en_US)
Today we are studying Genesis Chapter 6 and discussing what brought Yehovah (God) to the point of destroying everything and everyone on earth except for one family and two of each kind of animals.
Scripture References
Genesis 6:1-22
Romans 8:13-16
Philippians 2:12-15
1 John 3:1-2
Genesis 4:25-26
Jude 1:11-19
1 Peter 3:1-7
James 1:12-16
Galatians 6:1-10
Psalms 37:4-6
Jonah 2:1-10
Our podcast is also available on most podcast player apps.
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I am on a journey to find out for myself what GODS word says. Actually read it for myself, to study, and do my best to understand and to live according to what Yehovah instructs me through it. If others want to study along with me, thats great!
I share what I believe to be truths with you from studying I have previously done however, be aware as I continue to study throughout my life, it's possible my understanding of any scripture may change over time because GOD's word is living and powerful. That is why it's as relevant today as it was a thousand years ago and reveals more and more to us as we continue to study it.
We should always be learning, growing, and repositioning ourselves in order to better align our lives and our thinking with that of our Father.
I have no desire to teach you a "religion". How we each choose to respond to what we study is up to us individually.
My goal is to get myself ready for the reality that we all must face one day and that is death and ultimately answering Yehovah for how we lived our life.
The beautiful thing, but also a big responsibility that he gifted to us, is the power to choose. It's our very own. It's called free will. The free will to chose to trust, love and hang out with and learn from him, or to simply disregard and ignore him.
I hope you join me on this journey!
If you haven't listened to Genesis 1 (Episode 46), Genesis 2 (Episode 47), Genesis 3 (Episode 48), or Genesis 4 (Episode 49) I suggest you listen to those first then continue to this episode. I believe we need to start at the beginning and follow the Bible through to its completion to truly understand what is being said in context. We also must keep an open mind because when we do, we are going to learn many, many things we didn't know before.
In this episode we are reading Genesis, Chapter 5.
Scripture ReferencesGenesis 5:1-32
Ephesians 2:8
Genesis 1:26
Ephesians 2:10
2 Timothy 3:16-17
Genesis 2:17
Deuteronomy 8:11-20
1 John 2:3-6
Luke 10:27
Exodus 32
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I am on a journey to find out for myself what GODS word says. Actually read it for myself, to study, and do my best to understand and to live according to what Yehovah instructs me through it. If others want to study along with me, thats great!
I share what I believe to be truths with you from studying I have previously done however, be aware as I continue to study throughout my life, it's possible my understanding of any scripture may change over time because GOD's word is living and powerful. That is why it's as relevant today as it was a thousand years ago and reveals more and more to us as we continue to study it.
We should always be learning, growing, and repositioning ourselves in order to better align our lives and our thinking with that of our Father.
I have no desire to teach you a "religion". How we each choose to respond to what we study is up to us individually.
My goal is to get myself ready for the reality that we all must face one day and that is death and ultimately answering Yehovah for how we lived our life.
The beautiful thing, but also a big responsibility that he gifted to us, is the power to choose. It's our very own. It's called free will. The free will to chose to trust, love and hang out with and learn from him, or to simply disregard and ignore him.
I hope you join me on this journey!
If you haven't listened to Genesis 1 (Episode 46), Genesis 2 (Episode 47), or Genesis 3 (Episode 48) I suggest you listen to those first then continue to this episode. I believe we need to start at the beginning and follow the Bible through to its completion to truly understand what is being said in context. We also must keep an open mind because when we do, we are going to learn many, many things we didn't know before.
In this episode we are reading Genesis, Chapter 4.
Scripture References
Genesis 4
Hebrews 11:4
John 10:10
John 10:7-9
1 John 3:11-12
Romans 12:17-21
Romans 8:19
Isaiah 55:8-9
1 Corinthians 7
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I am on a journey to find out for myself what GODS word says. Actually read it for myself, to study, and do my best to understand and to live according to what Yehovah instructs me through it. If others want to study along with me, thats great!
I share what I believe to be truths with you from studying I have previously done however, be aware as I continue to study throughout my life, it's possible my understanding of any scripture may change over time because GOD's word is living and powerful. That is why it's as relevant today as it was a thousand years ago and reveals more and more to us as we continue to study it.
We should always be learning, growing, and repositioning ourselves in order to better align our lives and our thinking with that of our Father.
I have no desire to teach you a "religion". How we each choose to respond to what we study is up to us individually.
My goal is to get myself ready for the reality that we all must face one day and that is death and ultimately answering Yehovah for how we lived our life.
The beautiful thing, but also a big responsibility that he gifted to us, is the power to choose. It's our very own. It's called free will. The free will to chose to trust, love and hang out with and learn from him, or to simply disregard and ignore him.
I hope you join me on this journey!
If you haven't listened to Genesis 1 (Episode 46) or Genesis 2 (Episode 47), I suggest you listen to those first then continue to this episode. I believe we need to start at the beginning and follow the Bible through to its completion to truly understand what is being said in context. We also must keep an open mind because when we do, we are going to learn many, many things we didn't know before.
Scripture References
- Genesis 3:1-24
- Deuteronomy 4:2
- Genesis 4:1
- Genesis 4:17
- Genesis 4:25
- Romans 10:17
- 2 Corinthians 5:7
- Hebrews 8:12
- 1 Corinthians 10:11-13
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I am not a scholar, not a teacher, just someone who is studying The Holy Bible to know and better understand what it says because I realized I was believing a lot of things just because it was a tradition I had been taught, and honestly I had no idea "WHY"?!
I share what I believe to be truths with you from studying I have previously done however, be aware as I continue to study throughout my life, it's possible my understanding of any scripture may change over time because GOD's word is living and powerful. That is why it's as relevant today as it was a thousand years ago and reveals more and more to us as we continue to study it.
We should always be learning, growing, and repositioning ourselves in order to better align our lives and our thinking with that of our Father.
I have no desire to teach you a "religion". How we each choose to respond to what we study is up to us individually.
My goal is to get myself ready for the reality that we all must face one day and that is death and ultimately answering Yehovah for how I lived my life.
I hope you join me on this journey!
If you haven't listened to Genesis 1 (Episode 46) I suggest you listen to that first then continue to this episode.
References King James Bible (Genesis 2)
- Mark. 2:27
- Exodus 20:8-11
- Deuteronomy 5:12-15
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I am not a scholar, not a teacher, just someone who is studying The Holy Bible to know and better understand what it says because I realized I was believing a lot of things just because it was a tradition I had been taught, and honestly I had no idea "WHY"!
I share what I believe to be truths with you from studying I have previously done however, be aware as I continue to study throughout my life, it's possible my understanding of any scripture may change over time because GOD's word is living and powerful. That is why it's as relevant today as it was a thousand years ago and reveals more and more to us as we continue to study it.
We should always be learning, growing, and repositioning ourselves in order to better align our lives and our thinking with that of our Father.
I have no desire to teach you a "religion". How we each choose to respond to what we study is up to us individually.
My goal is to get myself ready for the reality that we all must face one day and that is death and ultimately answering Yehovah for how I lived my life.
I hope you join me on this journey!
References King James Bible (Genesis 1-2:3)
- Matthew 7:13-14, 21-23, 24-27
- Exodus. 20:8-11
- Matthew 5:17-20
- Exodus 31:14-16
- Isaiah 56:2-7
- Leviticus 23
- https://www.nehemiaswall.com/torah-pearls-prophet-pearls
- Time Is The Ally of Deceit Book by Richard Rives
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I share some of my thoughts I had while reading some Bible scriptures and how they helped me to re-focus on what was most important to me.
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I am used to getting what I want when I want it.
I have lived life assuming everything I need or want will be available to me on a whim. That, every day I'm given life will be the same as the day before it.
However, we all NOW know how quickly and unexpectedly our complete world can change.
For goodness sake the thing I thought the least about in my wants and needs prior to this time, was toilet paper!, but now it too, has become a precious and rarely found commodity!
Another is time with family and friends. This is something I kept meaning to do more of, but spent way to much time pursuing other things, thinking I would visit soon, after I got all the other things I wanted or needed to get done, then I would take time to visit.
It's interesting to me that right now, as we can't get with others because of quarantine that we suddenly feel such a desire to.
Could it be that we only focus on the things we can't have like spoiled brats?
Listen along as I explain some things weighing on my heart.
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Surely others must ask themselves this question and like me, desperately seek to have some assurance on the most important part of life which is our death, because life is short but eternity is forever!
I was raised attending and being actively involved in church my whole life. I feel I have tried to be a good person each day of my life by treating others the way I would want to be treated, by helping others when I have the resources available, attending church, and just generally trying to be a good person.
But I am currently struggling with the thought of whether I will go to heaven or not? I think I will, but I'm not sure and I wonder how some people are so adamant about knowing they are going to heaven while I still feel unsure?
It could be because I'm getting older and know that naturally my time on earth is growing shorter or that I don’t want the life given to me to be one where I just existed. I want to know that I accomplished something that made this world a better place for my family, my friends, or those who will live after me. I so desire to know that my GOD (Yehovah) is proud of me for who I was and what I did for him with this precious life he has gifted me with.
I am seeking reassurance to give myself peace of mind and/or to find out what I possibly need to change in my life to be assured that I will live eternally with my GOD. If you have had the same questions I invite you to join along with me as I search for the answer to the most important questions anyone could ever ask themselves in my opinion. So, let's dive in.
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Because I love to eat (and you can tell that if you looked at me) I want to talk to you about food. So if you will allow me, I will start at the beginning.
I'm not sure exactly how I came to think like I do now about food and food insecurities. In my adult life and spending a few years as a single mother of three we definitely had times that there was little food to choose from and no money to obtain any.
I thank GOD for other people who had somehow understood that we might need items and at times shared things with us saying they had more than they could use, because their generosity sustained us.
But, even while having a good understanding of what its like to be without food, I still somehow just relied on getting food at the store when we had the money to do so. Somehow I never thought to put some things away for those times when money was low or there was none at all.
Let's talk about that today.
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Today I want to talk about grace.
I found some vitally important scriptures (in my opinion) that we should all take time to think about and use them to apply in our lives so that when we stand before our GOD (Yehovah is his actual name) to answer for how we lived our lives, we won't be condemned to the eternal fires of hell.
So let's do this.
Do you hold any grudge against yourself or someone else?
Merriam Webster Definition:
Grudge: to give, do, or allow (something) in a reluctant or unwilling way: to dislike or feel angry toward (someone) for something.
I tend to internalize and beat myself up for things I've done that are wrong or mistakes I have made, or in areas where I failed at something. I was trying really hard to do well, but sometimes I carry the guilt, shame, and disappointment around with me like a school girl with a loaded down backpack.
Have you ever done this? Listen in...
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Today I want to talk about something that has happened to me many times and maybe it has to you as well.
Have you ever eagerly set out to meet a friend and you genuinely want to find out what's going on with them since you saw them last because you have missed their company, but you also have a desire to have that rendered back to you and them show a genuine interest in you and what you have been up to and get their input or advice in your life because you respect their opinion?
However, when you leave them, instead, you feel empty and disappointed because all they did was talk about themselves and not ask you anything about you or what you had been up to?
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Today I want to talk about how important it is to choose the right friends. The people we choose to hang out with.
In times past I have spent way too much time caring what other people thought of me and have been guilty of choosing friends by the way they made me feel or because I thought they were cool or they were popular and I had a lot of friends.
I sought attention and self-worth from what others thought of me so much so, that at times I did or said things I wouldn't normally do or say because that's how the people I was trying to impress talked or acted.
Have you ever done that?
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I woke up very early this Saturday morning. I felt as though I needed to spend time alone with GOD, like he wanted to tell me something or for me to do something. It started yesterday morning actually.
I had prayed that GOD would use me that day to do something meaningful for him. I started the day strong working on a variety of things I had on my to do list for this podcast outreach. But last night as I was about to fall asleep I realized I had gotten majorly distracted and felt disappointed and that I had not accomplished very much of what I had intended to do, that as the day progressed I had completely forgotten to seek GOD and wait for his response.
You know, we can spend our entire lifetime repeating the pattern of good intentions and plans being diverted due to our distractions and getting sidetracked by things that don't make any difference. I have done this over and over in my life.
Let's talk about this more.
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Have you ever done things for the church or for other people to impress them, so they would see you as a “good person”?
I want to talk about something critically important to everyone on the face of the earth (in my opinion) and I will explain as I share.
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Today I want to share a story from my childhood that I remembered today.
It is about a time when I chose to let jealousy consume me and in turn it caused me to respond in negative ways as I allowed my emotions to rationalize and dictate to me that she deserved being beat up.
It's a story I am not proud of, but one that needs to be told.
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Do you ever feel like you are a fly on the wall? Like your observing what's going on in a room but you don't really belong there?
So many times I feel like I don't understand anything or any body in this world today. I feel like I am an alien here on this earth, that I don't really fit in, and at times can feel utterly alone in a room full of people even while engaging in activities and laughter.
Let's consider some scriptures to help us to possibly understand why we may feel that way.
As you listen, I ask you to keep an open mind and take time to truly consider the celebration of the holiday named Christmas.
Let me explain by starting with my story...
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This is episode 4 of 4 episodes in which we will be reading through the book of Revelation.
The book of Revelation starts by promising great blessings to the person who reads the words of this message from GOD (Yehovah) and also to those who hear this message and DO what is written in it, and warns us there is not much time left!
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This is episode 3 of 4 episodes in which we will be reading through the book of Revelation.
The book of Revelation starts by promising great blessings to the person who reads the words of this message from GOD (Yehovah) and also to those who hear this message and DO what is written in it, and warns us there is not much time left!
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This is episode 2 of 4 episodes in which we will be reading through the book of Revelation.
The book of Revelation starts by promising great blessings to the person who reads the words of this message from GOD (Yehovah) and also to those who hear this message and DO what is written in it, and warns us there is not much time left!
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This is episode 1 of 4 episodes in which we will be reading through the book of Revelation.
The book of Revelation starts by promising great blessings to the person who reads the words of this message from GOD (Yehovah) and also to those who hear this message and DO what is written in it, and warns us there is not much time left!
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Do you remember the children's rhyme from when you were a kid "Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me”?
My mom had shared it with me when I was young and I remember that it was my bullet proof vest if you will.
I would recite it to myself at times when I felt someone was being less than nice with their use of words.
This rhyme helped to influence me to ignore the taunts from others, to remain calm and rise above it by continuing my day as if it never happened. Trying my best to feel accomplished because I had overlooked it, as I struggled to mentally rise above the hurtful things said or done against me.
When I became a mother myself, I shared the rhyme with my children in hopes it would serve them in their times of need to overcome the fiery darts of their opposition.
In this episode we are going to take a look at what GOD (Yehovah) says about our words and the importance of them because whether spoken or written they are how we communicate with one another.
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I'm sure you have noticed we have quickly become a society of offended people. Every day as you listen to the news you hear hate crimes, of this group or that group of people being offended or feeling left out, of grudges being held, and offense of peoples words.
Today, I am not going to share any of my own commentary, but simply read the word of GOD (Yehovah) for his word is alive and working. It is sharper than the sharpest sword and cuts all the way into us.
It cuts deep to the place where the soul and the spirit are joined. GODS word cuts to the center of our joints and our bones. It judges the thoughts and feelings in our hearts.
Nothing in all the world can be hidden from GOD. He can clearly see all things. Everything is open before him and the day will come when we must explain the way we have lived to him alone.
Let's listen to what He has to say!
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How do we overcome the feeling that our prayers are not being answered?
Sometimes we loose hope that the darkness in our lives will ever get any better because we don't yet see any change to our situations.
I'm speaking this into my own life and it's darkness as I'm feeling overwhelmed today and I too am searching for answers to my prayers.
So together, let's get some help and hope for our day as we look at what GOD (Yehovah) has to say about these things because he has always been the one to help me to cope and to overcome the darkness and gives me the strength I need to make it through all of my days! (That I allow Him to, that is)
So let's look to Him today, in our darkest of hours, because the naked truth of it is-where else can we go?
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I stumbled upon an old facebook post I had posted back in Aug. 2013. It was about all the good things GOD (Yehovah) has already planned for us, but for some reason we aren't seeing them materialize in our lives and we get disappointed.
We let negative thinking go on in our heads and before we know it (we find, our actions) follow that negative thinking and we end up we digging ourselves into an even deeper mess leading to even more discouragement, more frustration, and never finding our treasures in life because we're buried under bad thinking and bad choices and the end results of this - I'll call our garbage. We do this don't we?
So, let's go clean up and reclaim some stuff!
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As I was watching my husband get ready for work this morning by putting on his steel toed boots, I was thinking about what a good, hard working man he is and I snapped a picture real fast. (Of course he asked me what in the world I was doing taking a picture of his feet). LOL
At the moment I was just thinking about it being Monday and I hated he'd be gone all day. I also got to thinking about how at times I am consumed with me. My wants, my needs and don't consider how hard he works to give me those things.
Do you ever find your focus is on yourself or that your consumed with the world around you alone without really looking at the others around you?
As I thought more about his boots and his feet that stand at his job working so hard for us each day, it caused me to check out how many times feet were mentioned in the Bible. Did you know according to the Blue Letter Bible the word feet occurs 256 times in 239 verses of the KJV?
So I just had to check out a few scriptures to discover what GOD (Yehovah) shows us about our feet and share it with you today.
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Why is it we tend to think we are doing a good job of being secretive and hiding things that no one knows about and we hope they never discover?
I'm not referring to bad people, but ALL people!
Yes, even those in churches across the country are full of liars and cheats, people secretly having affairs,and doing business deals that aren't on the up and up, and any other sin you can image.
We are living a lie to our own selves and are in a life of denial if we think there isn't someone who knows EVERY THING we do or did anyway.
In this episode we discuss who that is and how to be true to ourselves as we emerge from darkness into freedom.
So lets get to it!
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Today I want to share with you about my weekend and how very blessed I feel (in hindsight that is) to have had learning and growing pains along with my own prodigal son.
I hope by sharing this you, it will help you to see light at the end of the dark tunnel you may currently be in with your own child, friend, or significant other and you will see how GOD (Yehovah) alone can mend your brokenness and give you, and them hope for a bright future.
Our GOD is a GOD of restoration and will give new life as a new creation in Him when we rely on, trust Him, and stand on His word.
Are you letting your own thoughts about yourself, your own self- set limitations because of the way you think, make the decisions for you on whether or not you are capable or good enough to do something?
Today we have a special guest, my son Matt and he is going to share with you on this subject.
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Today let's talk about where you find true love in this messed up world. Because once you think you found them and you're in the heights of your romance and steamy love for each other, it seems this person is perfect for you and you feel life is going to be amazing and everything is going to be ok. You're no longer alone and your feelings of needing someone are finally met.
Problem is, after some time, the warm fuzzies dissipate as you settle into your relationship and walls start coming down and you begin to see underneath that facade - things aren't as magical as they once were.
Speaking as someone who has been there and done that, bear with me a few minutes and try to truly see "Under The Covers" with me.
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Today I share about my son who had been in prison for several years and how as parents we need to keep hanging on and not give up on our families as they struggle to overcome addictions and poor choices!
I hope this gives other mothers and fathers hope and encouragement as they go through similar situations.
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Today we are going to find an anchor to hold us down when the storms of life try to sweep us off course or capsize our vessel.
So lets get started!
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We critique our pastors harshly for not wearing a suit or for not looking the part, or our friend for having different religious beliefs than ours, or who dies their hair purple when we wear ours brown, etc.
Because we know we judge some things harshly it puts a lot of pressure on ourselves actually, because we realize others may be thinking the same kinds of things about us and our choices.
Today we discuss how we may be bullying our own selves or others and find out how to be on the look out against it and become ruthless through scripture to guard our hearts and our minds.
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We encounter uncomfortable life situations or circumstances and so many times we hunker down and let our enemy the devil keep pelting hail on us, keep beating us up with fear, guilt, regret, hopelessness, helplessness. We feel we either deserve it because of something we've done or someone else brought this fear and storm upon us and we don't know what to do to make the darkness, the storm go away and leave us alone!
In todays episode you will be encouraged to hold on in times of darkness, despair, and helplessness as we look at the bigger picture down the road, and our sunny days ahead on the horizon.
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Do you ever get fed up with people or things going on in your life to the point you just feel like giving up? Throwing in the towel?
To get in the car, fill it with gas, and just drive until you run out, or your as far away from home as possible?
I know I sure do.
And today were going to find out how to be ready when life throws us a curve ball.
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Today I thought I’d share some of our personal story and about how we got to where we are now in our beliefs and our decision to do a podcast.
2014 was a rough year.
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Remembering My Mom on Mothers Day
In The Ten Commandment series we talked about honoring your father and mother and as mothers day approaches I just wanted to give a BIG SHOUT OUT to My mom.
She was the one that held our family together and reminded me, or should I say coaxed me, into doing things that where family related.
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You ever had a person who called themselves your friend and in the good times you believed that to be true as well, but in the times when you really needed someone to call a friend you found that you were all alone and that person was not there for you at all, or they may have been there had they know you were struggling but you hesitated about contacting them out of fear of what they’d think of you?
I have realized that I am guilty of calling myself friends with people that I'm actually just casual acquaintances with. And realize I may use the term "friend" too loosely.
I suppose it depends on your own definition of "friend" in order to evaluate whether someone truly is or not. Let's try to figure this one out...
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This is Part 3 and the Final Episode of this series.
If you haven’t listened to Parts 1 or 2 of this series you may want to go listen to those first and then come back and listen to this one.
The commandments are found in the Bible of course, in Exodus Chapter 20.
We read all 10 of them in Episode 1, discussed the first 4 in detail in Episode 2, and today discuss the last 6 commandments and talk a little more about what I understand they are telling us on how to love and treat others.
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This is Part 2 of a three part series.
If you haven’t listened to Part 1 you may want to go listen to Part 1 first and then come back to this one.
The Ten Commandments are found in the Bible in Exodus Chapter 20 which we read all Ten Commandments in Part 1 and now we are going to go over the first 4 of them today and talk a little more about what they are telling us and I will complete this 3 episode series with the remaining six commandments in which He instructs us on how to love and treat others.
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Have you ever played with bubbles? When you were a kid did your parents buy you those little plastic bottles of party bubbles to play with?
Man, I loved those things - still do.
The bubbles are so delicate and move so freely in the air, and when the sun bounces off them they were irridescent and you could see all kinds of beautiful colors in them as they spun and floated around you and it tickled me when one would brush against me and pop and I'd giggle with delight but I'd also hurry to blow more before they all popped. I wanted to keep those bubbles spinning in the air so I could watch them.
I was reminded of those amazing bubbles of delight this past weekend. Listen as I explain...
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This is Episode #1 of a three (3) episode series.
The Ten Commandments are Found in the Holy Bible in the book of Exodus Chapter 20 which we read all Ten Commandments in Part 1 and in the following two episodes we will talk a little more about what they are telling us.
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To be the mother of an addict is not a rare thing anymore but rather quite common. It's sad that we often turn a blind eye to things until the mess get's so BIG you can't ignore or cover it up any more. Our world as a whole does this. We avoid things being “too real” for us to handle.
During the years we were initially forced to face the fact we had a member addicted to pills I felt very isolated. I didn't hear any of my friends discussing having this problem and as mentioned in my podcast titled “Got chains” I felt like I had a dark cloud surrounding me every day and thought we were the only ones that were being affected by addiction.
And I certainly didn't want to risk myself as the parent or my child being judged by others. As a mom you do all you can to protect your kids. I mean what kind of mother would I be to go around putting down my child by talking about bad things they were doing with other people? No, as a mother, my instinct was to protect my children from others and to guard them against people judging them, and If your a mother listening to this, you know what I'm talking about.
We are the glue that holds things together, guides, directs, nurtures and usually exude a very similar type of love that our brother Jesus (Yeshua) did-you know loving the unlovable and the sinner and our hope is that our children are liked and accepted by others and that as they go beyond the teenage years and approach adulthood we don't want their adolescent behaviors to follow them into adulthood. Because you know as well as I do, that people don't usually notice the good in you but they amplify and discuss at length with everyone they know any little dirty little piece of gossip they can find on you, especially in a small town.
Let's talk about this.
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The one and only sign of Jesus's authenticity is that we will rise from the dead on the third day.
For as Jonas was three days and three nights in the whale's belly; so shall the Son of man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth.
WAIT?? ... How do you get three (3) days and three (3) nights from Good Friday to Easter Sunday morning???
We MUST have our days mixed up. Let's see if we can (from the scriptures) figure this out.
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You ever wish you were powerful?
I know I have dreamed of what it would be like to be rich and famous and to have others work for me and me tell them what to do.
I'm not sure why, but somehow I bought into the idea that my life would be great if I was powerful.
I think maybe TV had painted me a picture of what a powerful and successful life is supposed to look like. I had the impression powerful people don’t have any problems and nobody would dare step on them or their ego.
Even though I don’t have that kind of power I know I still do everything I can to brace myself against life’s struggles. I protect myself as much as possible, and head out into the world every day with all the power I can muster. Trying to believe in myself and trying to convince myself I am self-sufficient and self-made and that I am in control of things.
But, deep inside I know this isn’t true. Instead, it's a lie I tell myself to make it through the day. I like to think I'm in control of things and my instinct is to deny the idea that actually I’m quite power-less!
Listen in as I explain.
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In the church we attended growing up I was taught that the Old Testament (Torah) of the Holy Bible and the laws of GOD (Yeshua) didn't apply to us any more because after Jesus (Yeshua) came and died on the cross for our sins it negated those laws and that we are now under grace.
Lets look at what the Holy Bible says.