A Mess, Nonetheless: Recent Episodes
A Mess, Nonetheless
We are two sisters who are in the throws of life. We love Jesus, but we struggle to keep up with it all. If you’re looking for laughter, encouragement, camaraderie and to feel like you’re not alone in your messiness, you’ve come to the right place!
Miss and Rach wrap up season 3 with a recap of all God has walked them through this year and how they have brought their listeners along. They share their plans for season 4 and invite you to share the podcast with your friends and family.
Are you an all-or-nothing person? Do you become easily obsessed? Or maybe you are someone who does not know how to take care of your body. In this episode, Miss and Rach cover it all! They share their own experiences and how God has brought them to a place of healing and freedom regarding mindset and exercise.
In this episode, Melissa and Rachel discuss when we hear from God and how to proceed with wisdom, caution, and discernment. They also address the dangers of allowing pride to come into the equation. Maybe you have wondered how to hear from God or what to do when you believe you have; you won’t want to miss their conversation about this topic!
Do you want to live by the Word of God, but you don’t always understand what is considered Biblical? Sometimes, the Bible appears to contradict itself, and it’s challenging to know where to land. And where does prayer and faith come into play? Join Miss and Rach as they discuss ways they’ve learned to challenge themselves in understanding what is considered Biblical and how God has shaped their thought process.
Show notes:
Danger of taking verses out of context. Look for patterns throughout Scripture, and according to God’s character.
Start reading the Bible. (listen/read on youversion Bible app)
Ask ourselves: is this Biblical, is that how Jesus operated?
Jesus called out hypocrisy. He called out those who loved their roles and ministries more than God. I wonder how many of our churches he would call out if he came back. How many of our political leaders, or pastors. How many of us want to believe we follow Jesus, but we serve our man made rules over Him, we take Scriptures out of concept and don’t ask, “could I be understanding this incorrectly?”
Do you have people to show up for you, or do you wish you did? If you have ever wondered how to become someone who shows up for others, or experience that in your own life, Miss and Rach give practical and Biblical ways to press into this concept. They discuss the business of life and how God can overcome our schedules when our heart desires to love and serve others. Tune in for more!
Have you ever felt awkward or unsure how to talk to people about your relationship with Jesus? You know the great commission says to go into the nations and make disciples. Still, you're stuck on your lack of qualifications or worried about ending up in a debate? Miss and Rachel discuss how to overcome that and some simple ways to share our love for Jesus with those around us.
Show notes:
Start with your story
Evangelizing is “One better telling another beggar where to get bread.” DT Niles
Mark 3 Jesus told his brand new disciples to preach the good news. Which says it’s something we can do without having formal schooling.
“Then he appointed twelve of them and called them his apostles. They were to accompany him, and he would send them out to preach, giving them authority to cast out demons.”
Mark 3:14-15 NLT
What are my qualifications?
At the end of the day I’m qualified BC I am a wretch who needs a Savior. That’s all we need. Paul didn’t even walk with Jesus personally! He started at least 14 churches (each church was a city!) wrote 13 or 14 of the 27 NT Books.
1 Peter 3:15 But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect,
Eph 2:10 For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.
Challenge: Ask God to ease your mind and speak through you when you’re supposed to be sharing your love for Jesus.
Miss and Rachel discuss what it looks like to live in our flesh, by the Spirit, and what to do when our sin nature flares up. They describe what that looks and feels like in their lives and throw out ways God has helped them navigate toward living by the Spirit more. With all things pointing to Scripture, they challenge their listeners to never stay in our flesh when God calls us out of it.
Show notes
-
- We need to recognize it and call it out - Roman’s 7:5 When we were controlled by our old nature, sinful desires were at work within us, and the law aroused these evil desires that produced a harvest of sinful deeds, resulting in death. - Galatians 5:17 The sinful nature wants to do evil, which is just the opposite of what the Spirit wants. And the Spirit gives us desires that are the opposite of what the sinful nature desires. These two forces are constantly fighting each other, so you are not free to carry out your good intentions. - Galatians 5:24 Those who belong to Christ Jesus have nailed the passions and desires of their sinful nature to his cross and crucified them there. - Colossians 3:1-3 Since you have been raised to new life with Christ, set your sights on the realities of heaven, where Christ sits in the place of honor at God’s right hand. 2 Think about the things of heaven, not the things of earth. 3 For you died to this life, and your real life is hidden with Christ in God - Galatians 5:16 So I say, let the Holy Spirit guide your lives. Then you won’t be doing what your sinful nature craves.
- Romans 8:2-8 And because you belong to him, the power of the life-giving Spirit has freed you from the power of sin that leads to death. 3 The law of Moses was unable to save us because of the weakness of our sinful nature. So God did what the law could not do. He sent his own Son in a body like the bodies we sinners have. And in that body God declared an end to sin’s control over us by giving his Son as a sacrifice for our sins. 4 He did this so that the just requirement of the law would be fully satisfied for us, who no longer follow our sinful nature but instead follow the Spirit.
-
-
- 5 Those who are dominated by the sinful nature think about sinful things, but those who are controlled by the Holy Spirit think about things that please the Spirit. 6 So letting your sinful nature control your mind leads to death. But letting the Spirit control your mind leads to life and peace. 7 For the sinful nature is always hostile to God. It never did obey God’s laws, and it never will. 8 That’s why those who are still under the control of their sinful nature can never please God. - 1 John 1:9 But if we confess our sins to him, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all wickedness.
-
- We need to turn away from it (repent)
- Matthew 3:2 Repent of your sins and turn to God,
- Romans 2:4 Don’t you see how wonderfully kind, tolerant, and patient God is with you? Does this mean nothing to you? Can’t you see that his kindness is intended to turn you from your sin?
- Acts 3:19 Repent therefore, and turn back, that your sins may be blotted out
- 2 Peter 3:9 - The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance.
Miss and Rachel continue their conversation walking through tips for healthy relationships. Through the lens of parenting we can see many areas that could be applied to every relationship we have in life! You won’t want to miss the rest of the points they cover in this important topic!
All relationships come with challenges; parenting is no exception! Miss and Rachel discuss creating healthy patterns for our relationships, framed through the parenting lens. No matter your relationships, we believe there is something for everyone in this episode!
Most of us deal with painful relationships throughout our lives. Rachel and Barb talk through difficult relationships they've had over the decades and how beautifully God has transformed them by asking to be refined and stretched. We think everyone will want to listen to this conversation, and we pray it’s encouraging and inspiring to you all.
Rachel shares her hopes and goals for 2025; she has been recognizing what needs to be left in the past and not brought into one more year. She talks about what is dead and has been buried in the spiritual realm and challenges listeners to consider what keeps getting dug up, which has already been buried and should stay in the past. "The old has passed away, the new has come."
Show notes:
2 Corinthians 5:17 says, "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new".
Eph 1:3-5 Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ. 4 For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love 5 he[b] predestined us for adoption to sonship[c] through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will—
Romans 8:17 says, "Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory"
Col 1:13-14 For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.
Colossians 2:9-10 For in Christ lives all the fullness of God in a human body. So you also are complete through your union with Christ, who is the head over every ruler and authority.
Miss shares her experience with joining a new church and doing scary things in order to find a true community. Rachel shares her experience on staff at her church in the role of connections and how important it is to connect with others in our faith communities. Join them to be challenged this week!
Are you good at giving compliments? What about receiving them? Miss and Rach discuss the importance of encouraging and lifting others up and how it can change so much in our friendships and community.
This week, Miss and Rach had their fantastic dad, Curt, on the podcast. He brought them through his fifty-year learning journey to understand the importance of reading the gospels. He shared about his discipleship experience and how simple it can be to bring others along with us in the process of immersing ourselves in the gospel. You will want to catch this episode. His experience and process have been life-changing for so many people, Miss and Rachel included! Learn more from Curt on https://practicaltheologytoday.com/.
Jesus teaches us how to pray in the sermon on the mount (Matthew 5-7). He said, “Hallowed be thy name.” Do we ever stop to ask what that actually means? Miss and Rach walk through this one verse and dive into what living a life that reveres God as Holy means and what it can change.
Miss and Rachel cover hot topics! They discuss the dangers of turning non-Christians away when we approach hot issues in a black-and-white way. They share their own experience with wounding people and no longer being able to be good news due to publicly taking stances on social media. Before posting on social media, they encourage listeners to ask, “Am I going to draw others closer to Jesus, or further, in how I am portraying myself?” They also suggest considering taking hot-topic conversations off of social media altogether and approaching them in a one-on-one manner. In this season of political hostility, we highly encourage you to tune in.
Show Notes:
- Am I drawing people toward Jesus or away in my response?
- We should be loving others as image-bearers even when we disagree.
- We should aim to listen with an open mindset to learn, not to change the other person’s mind.
- If we cannot do that, we shouldn’t be entering the conversation
- Ask ourselves, who is our audience? If it’s non-Christians:
- 1 Cor 5:12 What business is it of mine to judge those outside the church? Are you not to judge those inside? 13 God will judge those outside.
- Matthew 22: 35 One of them, an expert in the law, tested him with this question:36 “Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?” 37 Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’[a] 38 This is the first and greatest commandment. 39 And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’[b] 40 All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.”
Carey Nieuwhof* Before you judge a non-Christian for behaving like a non-Christian, think about this: 1. They act more consistently with their value system than you do. It’s difficult for a non-Christian to be a hypocrite because they tend to live out what they believe. Chances are they’re better at living out their values than you or I. Jesus never blamed pagans for acting like pagans. But he did call out religious people for acting like self-righteous hypocrites. * Some of the most judgmental Christians have zero non-Christian friends. Is that a surprise, really? * Judgment is a terrible evangelism strategy * People don’t line up to be judged. Think about you respond to people you don’t know judging what you believe and how you live. I’d be willing to bet you’re not receptive to that kind of critical feedback. And why would you be? If you want to keep being ineffective at reaching unchurched people, keep judging them.
Challenge: Do you want to be good news to be people? Is the way you interact with others about hot topics showing the good news to people?
Miss, Rach and their mom, Barb, discuss how the Bible displayed Jesus’ great value and love for women. Not all women feel valued in this world, in their lives, or at their jobs. The three women spend the episode overviewing the many instances where Jesus was counter-cultural in how He viewed women. We think whether you struggle with feeling valued or not, this episode will be an encouragement to all!
Show Notes:
- Woman at the well (revealed he was the messiah (first time) and didn’t avoid her when the disciples questioned him)
- Woman caught in adultery
- He was the only one who could have cast the first stone (let he without sin cast the first stone)
- John 8 3 The teachers of the law and the Pharisees brought in a woman caught in adultery. They made her stand before the group 4 and said to Jesus, “Teacher, this woman was caught in the act of adultery. 5 In the Law Moses commanded us to stone such women. Now what do you say?” 6 They were using this question as a trap, in order to have a basis for accusing him. But Jesus bent down and started to write on the ground with his finger.7 When they kept on questioning him, he straightened up and said to them, “Let any one of you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her.”8 Again he stooped down and wrote on the ground. 9 At this, those who heard began to go away one at a time, the older ones first, until only Jesus was left, with the woman still standing there. 10 Jesus straightened up and asked her, “Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?” 11 “No one, sir,” she said. “Then neither do I condemn you,” Jesus declared. “Go now and leave your life of sin.”
- The women were the first to give the news to preach the news of resurrection
- Matthew 28:6He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay. 7 Then go quickly and tell his disciples: ‘He has risen from the dead and is going ahead of you into Galilee.There you will see him.’ Now I have told you.” 8 So the women hurried away from the tomb, afraid yet filled with joy, and ran to tell his disciples. 9 Suddenly Jesus met them. “Greetings,” he said. They came to him, clasped his feet and worshiped him. 10 Then Jesus said to them, “Do not be afraid. Go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee; there they will see me.”
- Mary and Martha “a woman’s place wasn’t in the kitchen
- 38 As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. 39 She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what he said. 40 But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!” 41 “Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, 42 but few things are needed—or indeed only one.[a] Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.”
- The woman who kissed his feet with tears
- Luke 7 36 When one of the Pharisees invited Jesus to have dinner with him, he went to the Pharisee’s house and reclined at the table. 37 A woman in that town who lived a sinful life learned that Jesus was eating at the Pharisee’s house, so she came there with an alabaster jar of perfume. 38 As she stood behind him at his feet weeping, she began to wet his feet with her tears. Then she wiped them with her hair, kissed them and poured perfume on them.39 When the Pharisee who had invited him saw this, he said to himself, “If this man were a prophet, he would know who is touching him and what kind of woman she is—that she is a sinner.”40 Jesus answered him, “Simon, I have something to tell you.” “Tell me, teacher,” he said. 41 “Two people owed money to a certain moneylender. One owed him five hundred denarii,[a] and the other fifty. 42 Neither of them had the money to pay him back, so he forgave the debts of both. Now which of them will love him more?” 43 Simon replied, “I suppose the one who had the bigger debt forgiven.” “You have judged correctly,” Jesus said.
Challenge: Read a gospel and ask God to show you where you identify with the Pharisees.
Welcome back to Season 3 of A Mess, Nonetheless. Miss and Rach talk about their summer. They talk about the hard things they've been walking through, the good things God is doing in their lives, their faith goals, and what's new for this year's podcast!
Challenge: Consider where you're at; ask yourself and God what your faith goals are for this next year.
Miss and Rachel discuss the last season of podcasting and what they learned this year through the processing of creating episodes with you guys in mind. They will be back sometime in the next school year because they take off for the summer. See you then!
Are we slow to speak and quick to listen? Melissa and Rachel cannot say that's something that has come naturally to them! In fact, Rachel is still pretty much straight up bad at it! Melissa shares how God taught her to do just this thing, especially in conflict, and in the end it saved her marriage! We truly cannot know what God can do in the "space" unless we allow there to be "space". Tune in to this episode to hear what the Bible says on the topic and how you can be challenged today to grow in this area (with Rachel!).
Show Notes:
- James 1:19 Be quick to listen, slow to speak.
- Proverbs 29:20 Do you see people who speak too quickly? There is more hope for a foolish person than them.
- Ecclesiastes 3:7 (paraphrase) There is a time to keep silent and a time to speak. But when? How? To discern the difference between knowing when to speak or be silent, we need to humbly seek the Lord through prayer, immerse ourselves in scripture and ask for his wisdom and discernment.
Challenge: Take inventory of yourself in conflict, are you quick to listen and slow to speak? How might your conflicts change if you applied the verse from Ecclesiastes 3:7?
When other people don't see us for who we are, or misunderstand our character, it hurts. It's painful and yet sometimes we aren't meant to defend ourselves. Sometimes we have to surrender the situation to God and trust Him to resolve it when and how He sees fit. Miss and Rachel share about their experiences with the difficult subject and share an abundance of scripture to discuss what the Bible says on the topic.
Show Notes:
-
It sucks. It’s one of the worst feelings ever, IMO
-
Psalm 56:8 (GNTD) You know how troubled I am; you have kept a record of my tears. Aren't they listed in your book?
-
Jesus was almost constantly misunderstood, even by his best friends and family!
-
Mark 3:21 When his family heard about this (people crowding around him and the insanity of his growing ministry), they went to take charge of him, for they said, “He is out of his mind.”
-
We don’t have to defend ourselves
-
Psalm 62:5-7, David said this: “I depend on God alone; I put my hope in him. He alone protects and saves me; he is my defender, and I shall never be defeated. My salvation and honor depend on God; he is my strong protector; he is my shelter”
- Psalm 121 “I lift up my eyes to the hills. From where does my help come? My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth.”
- Romans 12:19 Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.”
- 1 Peter 3:9 Do not repay evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary, bless, for to this you were called, that you may obtain a blessing.
-
Proverbs 24:29 Do not say, “I will do to him as he has done to me; I will pay the man back for what he has done.”
-
Stand confident in who we are in Christ
-
In Psalm 139:23-24 (NLT) we see David praying, “Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. Point out anything in me that offends you.”
- Jeremiah 12:3 (NLT) “But as for me, Lord, you know my heart. You see me and test my thoughts…”
- Psalm 139:1 “O Lord, you have examined my heart and know everything about me.” God knows us. He created us.
- Trust that God will reveal the truth, and time will tell the story.
- Luke 2:2-3 Everything that is hidden will be shown, and everything that is secret will be made known. What you have said in the dark will be heard in the light, and what you have whispered in an inner room will be shouted from the housetops.
- Trust that God will reveal the truth, and time will tell the story.
Challenge: Take the baby steps, keep looking at Jesus. Ask God to quiet the mind when we are consumed with the hard parts. Put on worship music and take back control of what the enemy wants us to do, being consumed with the circumstances.
In this episode Miss and Rach talk about the difference between Biblical convictions and personal convictions, and what happens when we put our personal convictions on others—legalism! They share examples from their own lives and talk through what the Bible says about it.
Show notes:
- There are things the Bible lays out and we should attempt, as best we can, to interpret, apply and adhere to them (murder, adultery, lying, etc)
- There are things the Bible is not clear about and each person should rely on the Holy Spirit to direct, discern and convict. (Alcohol, tv, how we spend our money, etc)
- Then there is legalism, and that’s trying to impose a personal conviction on someone else, as if they are conditions for salvation, or meant to be universal standards for holiness.
- That gets real ugly real fast:
- Self righteousness (I am better than you, or holier than you, feeling morally superior)
- Pride (a feeling of deep pleasure or satisfaction derived from one's own achievements
- The Bible calls us to live with grace and humility, the opposite of those two things:
- Forgive others and bear with one another (Colossians 3:13), treat others as we want to be treated (Matthew 7:12) Love others (Romans 13:8, Matthew 5:44) this all points to grace.
- John 13:34 “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.
- Humility - Phil 2:3 Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves,
- “Those who major in legalistic religion often fail the final exam. If you miss love, you flunk the course. Compassion is a vitaL sign of spirituality. Disregarding others reveals ungodliness, regardless of how much Holy talk or Christian speak you use. (1 john 4:20)”
- What do we do when we feel legalism creeping in?
- Confess, surrender, repent.
- Judging isn’t our job
- But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not look at his appearance or his stature because I have rejected him. Humans do not see what the Lord sees, for humans see what is visible, but the Lord sees the heart.” -1 Samuel 16:7
- What do we do when we feel legalism being put onto us?
- Pray and ask for clarity, is it a conviction we’ve missed? If not, surrender and forgive
- That gets real ugly real fast:
Challenge: Evaluate your mindset, do you find yourself putting your personal convictions on others? How will you plan to change that moving forward?
Do you ever find yourself responding to someone or a scenario based on how you feel, rather than on reality? Emotions are not bad, or unbiblical, but responding out of our feelings can get us into a lot of trouble. Join Miss and Rach as they talk about their own issues in the area and the tools they've implemented to hold them accountable.
Show Notes:
- There is nothing inherently wrong with feelings:
- Romans 12:15 Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep.
- Jesus displayed His emotions. He was overwhelmed (Matthew 26:37-38) He cried at the tomb of Lazarus. (John 11:35) There are several places where Jesus rejoiced.
- Psalm 2:4 says, “God sits in the heavens and laughs.”
- Feelings are not the same as truth
- It’s dangerous territory when our feelings begin to replace reality, or be mistaken for truth.
- We HAVE to be willing to challenge our feelings (and allow others to) when they begin to take priority over truth and reality.
- We cannot always trust our feelings
- Proverbs 3:5, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding.”
- Emotions would come under the heading, “your own understanding.” We should not allow our emotions to control our lives or our relationships with others.
- We are not to suppress our emotions but we must not trust them or allow them to control us.
- Colossians 3:2 Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.
- Phil 4:5a Let your reasonableness be known to everyone.
- Proverbs 3:5, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding.”
Challenge: Evaluate yourself next time your feelings get big. Do you let yourself respond out of your feelings or do you wait for truth and clarity to come?
You know who you are, you struggle to say “no” and you just want people to always be happy! Unfortunately, being a people-pleaser can come at the expense of our own happiness, sanity and can lead to resentment and anxiousness. Miss and Rachel discuss what the Bible says on the subject and Melissa shares from the perspective of a former long-time people-pleaser. If you’re not a people-pleaser, they have some thoughts for you too! They challenge the non-people-pleasers to help their people-pleasing loved ones move out of it by releasing them of expectations and obligations on a consistent basis. Find us on your favorite podcast app + YouTube.
Show Notes:
1. It’s God we should worry about pleasing
Galatians 1:10 For am I now seeking the approval of man, or of God? Or am I trying to please man? If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant of Christ.
Proverbs 29:25 Fear of man will prove to be a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord is kept safe.
1 Thessalonians 2:4 We are not trying to please people but God, who tests our hearts.
Psalms 118:8 It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in humans.
- But is it wrong to care about what people think?
Galatians 6:5-6 Slaves, obey your earthly masters with respect and fear, and with sincerity of heart, just as you would obey Christ. 6 Obey them not only to win their favor when their eye is on you, but as slaves of Christ, doing the will of God from your heart.
Challenge: what is your motive for taking care of people? To make them feel better or fo you to feel ok?
In this episode Miss and Rach learn all about the Power of P.A.U.S.E. from their guest, Salina. It is a powerful and useful tool designed to help us when we feel bogged down, overdone or overwhelmed! Rachel has already begun using it and can confidently state that it lives up to its promise of helping us overcome our feelings of anxiousness and frustration. Catch us on all your favorite podcast apps + YouTube.
Show Notes:
Spinning Plates Podcast
@Mrs.Salina.Johnson
www.salinajohnsonspeaks.com
P - Pause and Pray - Invite him in and ask Him to calm you. “I am not the master of all this, I cannot control all things.” - Salina
A - Agency - Recognizing what we can and cannot control. What can we control? Our reactions, our responses, what we do next. What can we not? How other people perceive us, or respond to us.
U - Understand what’s next - When we start grasping for control, it’s prioritizing what truly needs to come next and what doesn’t. Do, drop, delegate.
S - Set expectations - With yourself and with others.
E - Energy - Having a better energy after this process. We should leave this “Pause” changed and better than we started. Redo it if we’re not better than when we started.
Challenge: Try a brain dump, get what’s in your head out onto paper. Head to her website to get a free tool for this.
Melissa and Rachel were asked to podcast a segment as part of a women's conference regarding when God doesn't feel safe. This episode is from that conference and we hope you'll find something beneficial in it.
Show Notes:
- When God doesn’t feel safe to us, often we stop going to him.
-
-
- Think of a friendship, or any other relationship. Pulling away is natural when someone doesn’t feel safe.
-
- When we stop going to God, He feels less safe.
-
-
- We start losing trusting in God when we start relying on ourselves to feel safe 2. When we stop going to God we step into the enemy’s playground
-
- God can handle us pressing in and asking him questions.
Genesis 18:23-33 - Abraham questioning God “Won’t you save any of these righteous people?
Habakkuk questioned God:
He complains to God about how evil the Israelites are. Then God replies he will use babylon to deal with them, and Habakkuk is even more mad that God would use even more evil to accomplish his plan.
Job questioned God for 37 chapters while God intentionally stood aside and let him. Sure he put him in his place when He stopped being silent, BUT he didn’t walk away from Job in the least. He blessed him in the end!
Melissa and Rachel walk through the different ways that Jesus modeled community and what we can learn from Him. Tune in this week to see how you can be challenged in your relationship with the community around you!
Show Notes:
-
Jesus was very often surrounded by people, he seemed to fully embrace his role within a body of people
-
Luke 14:25
- Now large crowds were going along with Him;
- Mark 5:24
- And He went off and a large crowd was following Him and pressing in on Him.
- Mark 10:1
- Getting up, He went from there to the region of Judea and beyond the Jordan; crowds gathered around Him again, (and, according to His custom, He once more began to teach them.)
- Matthew 4:25
- Large crowds followed Him from Galilee
- Matthew 20:29
- As they were leaving Jericho, a large crowd followed Him.
- Luke 5:1
- Now it happened that while the crowd was pressing around Him and listening to the Word of God
- Matthew 5:1
-
When Jesus saw the crowds, He went up on the mountain; and after He sat down, His disciples came to Him.
-
We also see a decent amount of Jesus escaping large crowds to be with his more intimate group of people. Because that’s also necessary when we live and operate within a community.
Matthew 15:39
- And sending away the crowds, Jesus got into the boat (with his disciples) and left.
Mark 6:45
- Immediately Jesus made His disciples get into the boat and go ahead of Him to the other side to Bethsaida, while He Himself was sending the crowd away
Matthew 8:18
-
Now when Jesus saw a crowd around Him, He gave orders to depart to the other side of the sea.
-
The final way we see Jesus model community is there were times Jesus simply needed to be alone with God
-
“They went to a place called Gethsemane, and Jesus said to his disciples, ‘Sit here while I pray.'” (Mark 14:32)
- “Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed.” (Mark 1:35)
- After healing many, and before feeding the 4000. “Jesus went on from there and walked beside the Sea of Galilee. And he went up on the mountain and sat down there.” (Matthew 15:29)
- After hearing that John the Baptist had been beheaded. “When Jesus heard, he withdrew by boat privately to a solitary place.” (Matthew 14:13)
Our community is better served when we each have time alone with God
Each of us needs 3 things:
- Time alone with God
- Time with an intimate circle for deeper growth
- Embrace new people to be part of bringing the Gospel to the world.
Miss and Rach talk with Katie Olson about what it's like to not only walk through infertility, but to be in your 30's and 40's without children when the majority of people around you have them. We hope and pray that all our listeners will listen to find some practical things we can do with and for our friends who can't have kids, or don't have kids, in order to make them feel loved and included.
Follow Katie on Instagram: @k.olenorbs
Miss and Rach dove into some really important points regarding seasons of silence from God. They have a few points left to cover in this episode including the intimacy and trust that can come from being allowed to be silent with one another in relationships. Tune in this week because part 1 was just getting us started, there is so much more to come!
Show notes:
Stanton Witherspoon
https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/5-practical-things-do-when-you-cant-hear-gods-voice-witherspoon#:~:text=God%27s%20silence%20isn%27t%20a,(Psalm%2022%3A2).
- Recognize That Silence Can Be Intimate
In love, silence can be a sign of intimacy.
Silence can also be a sign of God's trust.
For Job, God's silence was also a result of the depth of their relationship. When Satan approached God, He said, "Have you considered My servant Job?" (Job 1:8). In trust, God chose Job.
- Keep Talking To God
“This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us”. (1 John 5:14 NIV)
In Psalm 22:2 David said, "Oh my God, I cry by day, but You do not answer, and by night, but I find no rest".
God answers prayer. Never stop praying!
Challenge: Did anything stick out to you that needs to be implemented in your life on the regular, or simply during a season of silence from God? Write it down, make it somewhere to remember the next time you end up in a season of silence.
Rachel and Melissa discuss the seasons in our lives when God feels silent. We are actively showing up, but we can't feel His presence for weeks, months or years on end. They also talk about times when we're praying for specific guidance and we don't hear anything back. Walking through the story of Job and God's long silence in his life during an agonizing time, they dive into what we can learn from the story.
Show Notes:
Habakkuk 1:2 “How long, LORD, must I call for help, but you do not listen?”
Psalm 22:2 "Oh my God, I cry by day, but You do not answer, and by night, but I find no rest"
Stanton Witherspoon
https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/5-practical-things-do-when-you-cant-hear-gods-voice-witherspoon#:~:text=God%27s%20silence%20isn%27t%20a,(Psalm%2022%3A2).
What we can learn from Job through a period of God’s silence:
- Examine your life.
Is there anything in our life that might block us from hearing from God?
“Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.” Psalm 139:23,24
Do we have any unconfessed sin?
Psalm 66:18 says, "If I had not confessed the sin in my heart, my Lord would not have listened" (NLT).
Ask yourself: Do I have wrong motives? Is there anything (or anyone) that I love more than God?
- Accept God's Sovereignty
“I know that you can do all things; no purpose of yours can be thwarted”. Job 42:2 (NIV)
Recognize that God can be silent. There is no obligation for God to answer you, inform you or let you know anything.
Job 38:4-5 "Where were you when I laid the earth’s foundation? Tell me, if you understand. Who marked off its dimensions? Surely you know! Who stretched a measuring line across it?"
Job 38:12 “Have you ever given orders to the morning, or shown the dawn its place,
Job's wife suggests he curse God and die. Instead of following her advice, Job chooses to let God be God. "Shall we indeed accept good from God and not accept adversity?" he asked (Job 2:10).
- Listen To What God Is Saying
“Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says”. James 1:22 (NIV)
In fact, it is possible that you already have an answer from God.
Challenge: Don’t stop! Listen to the next one! Take note of these points for the next time you walk through a season where God is quiet.
Miss and Rachel had something planned at the start of this episode, but they decided that "bombs go first." Rachel was having a really tough morning and needed to dig into some tactics to fight the enemy. So they ended up spending the episode talking about that. They also discuss visualization and how it can be a powerful part of our prayer lives.
Rachel talks with Kristin Smith about grief and what it looks like to move forward after experiencing a devastating loss. Kristin shares the kinds of things that are helpful when walking alongside a friend who is grieving, and what kinds of things are NOT helpful. We think everyone can benefit from this episode and we are very grateful to Kristin for opening up and sharing her heart with us on this difficult topic.
Ministry Spotlight:
Startlightmin.org
@starlightministries
Very few people don't ever yell, and very few people aren't surrounded by people who make them feel crazy once in a while! Miss and Rach dive into what the Bible says about the subject and what we should do when we habitually (or even occasionally) yell at our loved ones.
Show Notes:
1/18 When they “force” me to yell
-
- Is yelling at people we love ever ok? 1. Proverbs 15:1 A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. 2. Proverbs 29:11 A fool gives full vent to his spirit, but a wise man quietly holds it back. 3. Proverbs 12:18 There is one whose rash words are like sword thrusts, but the tongue of the wise brings healing. 4. 2 Tim 2:24 And the Lord's servant must not be quarrelsome but kind to everyone, able to teach, patiently enduring evil, 5. Proverbs 15:8 A hot-tempered man stirs up strife, but he who is slow to anger quiets contention.
- What should we do when we yell at our loved ones?
-
-
- Own it. ASAP. “An apology is the super glue of life. It can repair just about anything.” unknown 2. I shouldn’t have done that, it’s not fair to you, I was wrong and I’m sorry 3. Psalm 51:3 For I know my transgressions, and my sin is ever before me. 4. Saying, “I’m sorry” shows maturity. 1 Corinthians 13:11 When I was a child, I spoke like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I gave up childish ways. 5. Matthew 5:23-24 So, what if you are offering your gift at the altar and remember that someone has something against you? Leave your gift there and go make peace with that person. Then come and offer your gift.
- Make a plan to move forward. “Apologies aren’t meant to change the past, they are meant to change the future.” unknown
- How will we stop hurting our loved ones? We have to make a plan, share it with those we leave, even allowing them to tell us how it makes them feel.
- Proverbs 16:3 – Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established.
- Psalms 20:4 – May he grant you your heart's desire and fulfill all your plans!
-
- Pray, Pray, Pray!
- James 5:16b The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.
-
- Philippians 4:6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.
Challenge: Start apologizing right now!
If you’re married, you know it’s hard, but do you know it’s hard for others too? Miss and Rach talk about the hard times in marriage and the benefit of sharing it with others so we know we’re not alone in the journey.
Changing our perception in order to move forward.
We’ve all had to forgive others at different times, it’s a part of life. Have you ever noticed that sometimes even after forgiving someone it feels like the hurt feelings continue to resurface? Miss and Rach talk about how forgiveness is a two-step process; it takes intentionally changing our perception of the offender in order to start seeing them through a new lens and not a continual lens of the hurt. Tune in on all your favorite podcast apps + youtube!
Show notes:
***Disclaimer - this for the typical hurts in a typical relationship. We aren't talking about toxic, non-stop wounding relationships where distance and series boundaries need to be put into place.
- The Bible is clear that forgiveness is the only way through.
-
-
- Colossians 3:13 “Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.” 2. Luke 6:37 “Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven.” 3. Ephesians 4:32 Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. 4. Matthew 6:14-15 For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.
-
- What happens after forgiveness?
-
- If we don’t work on developing a new perspective toward the person who hurt us, we will fall back into old patterns and just need to keep working on forgiveness. This step helps relationships, but it helps us not give the enemy a foothold in our lives!
Challenge: Where have you worked on forgiveness, but not chosen to seek a new perspective that will bring fullness of healing and resolution.
We might not think we live with fear in relationships, but what about when we don't bring something up for fear of how another will react? Or we don't ask for help because we are afraid of how people will perceive us? These are small and sneaky ways that fear creeps into our relationships and can create a tiny wedge that grows into a very big one over time. Miss and Rachel discuss fear, what the Bible says about it and why this is such an important topic for all types of relationships.
Show Notes:
There is no faith where there is fear
- What’s the problem with fear?
- The Bible says to not fear 365 times.
- Isaiah 41:10 Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
- Psalm 34:4 I sought the Lord, and he answered me and delivered me from all my fears.
- 2 Timothy 1:7 For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.
- John 14:27 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.
Relationships cannot flourish under the suspicion of fear
- Share my example of intimidation and walking on eggshells in my own home.
- Liz told me to pray away the spirit of intimidation and pray in courage, connection and grace.
Assumptions will let fear thrive in relationships
- We have to be willing to share our concerns
- Telling Miss how some other faces make me feel
- Randy, even myself.
- Telling Miss how some other faces make me feel
- We have to be willing to step into the uncomfortable conversations
Fear pushes others away
Challenge: Where are you letting fear into your relationships and what action step can you take this week to start turning the tables?
Most women have a mother-in-law and most women will become one themselves. Let's be honest, the mother-in-law/daughter-in-law relationship comes with plenty of bumps along the road. It's quite unnatural! Melissa and Rachel discuss their experiences with having a mother-and-law and becoming one themselves. Tune in, we think everyone can benefit from this one!
Show notes:
- Love the person for where they are.
- They might not always be what we need/want
- John 15:12: My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you.
- Corinthians 16:14: Do everything in love.
- Release expectations.
- We can’t need something from them that isn’t spoken.
- Luke 6:31: Do to others as you would have them do to you.
- We cannot change them, we can only pray for them and ask God to help us love them.
Is it ok to be angry, if so, when and what does that look like? What does the Bible say about it and what can we learn from it? Miss and Rachel journey through the topic and dig into it. We hope you'll benefit from this episode!
Show Notes:
- Is anger ok?:
-
- We can know that anger in and of itself isn’t a sin because both God & Jesus display anger.
- A few examples of God’s wrath in the OT include the worldwide flood (Genesis 6-9), the destruction of Sodom (Genesis 19), the defeat of the Egyptians (Ex. 15:7),
- Righteous anger: John 2:13-17 13 When it was almost time for the Jewish Passover, Jesus went up to Jerusalem. 14 In the temple courts he found people selling cattle, sheep and doves, and others sitting at tables exchanging money. 15 So he made a whip out of cords, and drove all from the temple courts, both sheep and cattle; he scattered the coins of the money changers and overturned their tables. 16 To those who sold doves he said, “Get these out of here! Stop turning my Father’s house into a market!” 17 His disciples remembered that it is written: “Zeal for your house will consume me.”
- Regular anger - do not sin
- Ephesians 4:25-27 Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to your neighbor, for we are all members of one body. 26 “In your anger do not sin”: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, 27 and do not give the devil a foothold.
- James 1:19-20 My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, 20 because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires.
- Matthew 5:44 But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,
- How to respond to someone’s anger: Leave it to God, stay calm, sometimes withdraw.
- Ecclesiastes 10:4 If a ruler’s anger rises against you, do not leave your post; calmness can lay great offenses to rest.
- Psalm 34:14 Turn away from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it.
- Romans 12:19 Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave room for the wrath of God; for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.”
- Matthew 12:13-15 Then he said to the man, “Stretch out your hand.” So he stretched it out and it was completely restored, just as sound as the other. 14 But the Pharisees went out and plotted how they might kill Jesus.15 Aware of this, Jesus withdrew from that place. A large crowd followed him, and he healed all who were ill.
- Luke 4:4,28-30 “Truly I tell you,” he continued, “no prophet is accepted in his hometown…. 28 All the people in the synagogue were furious when they heard this. 29 They got up, drove him out of the town, and took him to the brow of the hill on which the town was built, in order to throw him off the cliff. 30 But he walked right through the crowd and went on his way.
- Matthew 5:44 But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,
Challenge: Where do you struggle the most with Anger? Which verse today stopped you in your tracks and you might need to spend some time meditating on?
As we head into the busy, holiday season, we decided to re-air this episode from last year. Even if you listened to it last year we think this episode is filled with important reminders for all of us during this time of the year!
Is it sometimes easy to dread spending time with people during the holidays, even if you also love them? Do you ever find yourself getting stressed over the idea of being with certain people, or maybe reliving past hurts and frustrations in your mind? Do you "just know" certain things are going to happen again? Melissa and Rachel have been there and are working on not staying there. They share the ways they've moved beyond their frustrations with other people and what the Bible says about it. Don't skip this episode before you spend time with people this holiday season, we are sure you'll get something out of it!
Phew, this is a tough topic, but we believe it's an incredibly important one in today's world. Rachel talks with Kristin Smith about their experiences walking through depression and suicide with loved ones. We hope you will take some time to listen. Whether this episode will help you in your own personal struggle, or in support of someone you love, we are hoping to help remove the stigma of mental health and suicide.
Ministry Spotlight:
Eminent eminentsnp.com
@eminentsnp
In part 1 of this topic, Miss and Rach talked about the power of our words and tone. In this episode—part 2—they discuss learning to control our tongue. Using Scripture to guide the conversation they stress the importance of learning to listen to the Holy Spirit regarding not only what things we should be saying, but also the things we should NOT be saying!
Ministry Spotlight:
Boughtbeautifully.org
@boughtbeautifully
Show Notes:
We have to learn to not only have self control, but also to rely on the HS for when we choose to speak or not to speak.
-
All thoughts are not meant to come out
-
Proverbs 13:3 Whoever guards his mouth preserves his life; he who opens wide his lips comes to ruin.
- Proverbs 21:23 Whoever keeps his mouth and his tongue keeps himself out of trouble.
-
James 1:19 Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger;
-
Our thoughts should be brought to the HS before spoken
-
Romans 8:26 Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words.
-
Colossians 4:6 Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person.
-
Often our thoughts are simply meant for US to examine
-
Taking your thoughts captive simply means gaining control over what you think about yourself and life.
- John 14:26 But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you.
- Psalm 119:105 Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.
Challenge: What pricked your spirit, what did you hear God saying to you? Bring that to Him and ask Him to work on you in.
This two-part series touches base on all sorts of areas involved in how we speak: to others, about others, our tone, how we speak in anger, and what the Bible has to say about all the speech-related-topics!
Rachel and Melissa share vulnerably about the areas they have struggled with their words, and even areas they currently struggle in these departments. You'll want to listen and find out what areas God might be calling you to dive into and work on this week!
Ministry Spotlight:
Littlesistersewing.com
@littlesistersewing
Show notes:
-
How we speak to people matters (in front of them and behind their backs)
-
Ephesians 4:29 “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.”
-
Psalm 19:14 Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer.
-
What we say in our anger is not excusable
-
It’s not like “free calories” at the fair
- James 1:26 If anyone thinks he is religious and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his heart, this person's religion is worthless.
- Prov 16:32 Whoever is slow to anger is better than the mighty, and he who rules his spirit more than he who takes a city.
- Matthew 12:37 For by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned.”
-
Matthew 12:36 I tell you, on the day of judgment people will give account for every careless word they speak
-
The tone of our voice matters as much as the words
-
A dog as an example
- Proverbs 15:1 A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.
Challenge: Pay attention to what pricked your heart when listening. What made you defensive? Zero in on that and bring it to God.
Regardless of where you think you land with food issues we truly believe you will resonate with something in this episode. Miss and Rach talk with Heather Creekmore from Compared to Who? all about our relationship with food, its effect on the way we view our bodies and how we can take a more Biblical perspective with health and fueling our bodies.
You won't want to miss this episode. It falls right in line with our body image episodes and we think it's something that's prevalent with so many women!
Ministry Spotlight:
Heather Creekmore - @comparedtowho
Melissa and Rachel know better than anyone the pros and cons of living a disciplined life. They've been on both sides of the fence, and for different reasons! They discuss what the Bible says regarding the subject and talk about why it's such an important and impactful matter for us to consider. Tune in to see where you might have some growth to do. This was a convicting topic for them, even while recording!
Show Notes:
-
Does it really matter?
- Proverbs 25:28 A man without self-control is like a city broken into and left without walls.
- 2 Timothy 1:7 For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.
- Galatians 5:22-23 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.
-
Being out of control in an area of our life usually results in sin
-
Love of money, body, self, food, alcohol, lust, gossip, etc
- 1 Corinthians 9:27 But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified.
- 2 Peter 1:5-7 For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue, and virtue with knowledge, and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with steadfastness, and steadfastness with godliness,
-
The opposite of self-discipline is a self-indulgent lifestyle that produces “the works of the flesh”. Any lack of self-control will inevitably result in sinful deeds.
- Gal 5:19-21 The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; 20 idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions 21 and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.
- 1 Corinthians 10:23 Amplified Bible All things are lawful [that is, morally legitimate, permissible], but not all things are beneficial or advantageous. All things are lawful, but not all things are constructive [to character] and edifying [to spiritual life].
- Ignorance or self-justification isn’t an excuse
- Gal 5:19-21 The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; 20 idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions 21 and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.
-
Examples: Adam and Eve in the Garden, Speeding ticket when you don’t know the limit, Eating a gallon of ice cream because someone said it was “fat free”
- Hebrews 12:11 ESV For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.
Challenge: Identify an area in your life that makes the biggest impact and needs to be addressed (don’t start everywhere!) Ask God what you can implement to help there be success in this area.
There’s almost nothing more prevalent than women comparing their bodies to someone else’s. And yet, doesn’t it almost seem that almost no women are happy with their bodies? Melissa and Rachel have been many different sizes, many different weights, and comparing bodies happened in all the different seasons. They discuss the dangers of living in a constant state of comparison with our appearance and they share how God has begun freeing them from this phenomenon. As always, they share Scripture that has helped shape their thought process throughout the years in this area.
Show Notes:
-
Everything we do is meant to glorify God
-
1 Corinthians 6:19-20 Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body.
Romans 12:2 but be transformed by the renewal of your mind. - Often our minds are the problem, not our bodies. -
Our body is the least interesting about us
-
Prov 31:30 Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.
-
We cannot take our bodies with us
-
1 Timothy 4:8 For while bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come.
-
Are we asking what God's will is for our bodies?
-
Romans 12:2 Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.
Challenge: Take a day or two, being very mindful of how often your mind goes to comparing your body to others.
Isn’t it easy to wonder what life would be like in someone else’s financial shoes? Melissa and Rachel share their experiences with comparison in finances, and how they’ve NEVER been happier for stumbling into that territory. They discuss the Bible, and how we can all be challenged to examine our lives in this area.
Show Notes:
-
Other people aren’t always happy with their finances, no matter what it looks like:
-
Ecclesiastes 5:10 “Whoever loves money never has enough; whoever loves wealth is never satisfied with their income. This too is meaningless.”
-
God decides who gets what:
-
(Deuteronomy 8:18) “But remember the LORD your God, for it is he who gives you the ability to produce wealth,
-
Desiring wealth above all (greed) brings problems down on us all:
-
(Proverbs 15:27) “Whoever is greedy for unjust gain troubles his own household, but he who hates bribes will live.”
Challenge: Find "your thing" we talked about this episode, evaluate and work on areas you find yourself comparing.
If you're a parent, you won't want to miss this episode! Rachel and Miss know firsthand how quickly we can start comparing our kids to other people's kids, or even some of our kids to our other kids! Comparison in our parenting will only harm our kids and our faith in how big our God is. They have 3 points and a challenge to help you examine where you need to grow in this area.
Show Notes:
-
We have zero idea of how God plans to use our kids, regardless of their current condition. Examples: Gideon and Moses
-
Our job is to seek Jesus. First. Period.
-
Matthew 6:33 What you should want most is God’s kingdom and doing what he wants you to do. Then he will give you all these other things you need.
-
Stay in your lane
-
Hebrews 12:1 We have all these great people around us as examples. Their lives tell us what faith means. So we, too, should run the race that is before us and never quit. We should remove from our lives anything that would slow us down and the sin that so often makes us fall.
Challenge: Find your thing that you need to work on this week, and apply it.
If you’re in a relationship of any kind, you won’t want to miss this episode. Without even trying, it’s easy to compare our significant others to people who might do things better than them. Melissa and Rachel talk about their own experience with comparison in their marriages. They share what God has taught them, about the harm it can bring, and how the Bible has changed their mind on the subject.
Show Notes:
-
Our marriage is supposed to be a reflection of the God, first and foremost. We are made in God's image to represent HIM.
-
Genesis 1:26a “Then God said, ‘Let us make man in our image, after our likeness.’”
- The word Selem means Image.
- Old Testament scholars acknowledge that the Hebrew word for "image" in Genesis 1 (selem) often refers to an idol or physical image.
-
And that’s why idolatry was forbidden in the second commandment. Because men and women were the only authorized representatives and resemblances of God on planet earth.
-
Comparison in marriage de-validates the sanctity (holiness) of our marriage. Our marriage is meant to be sacred:
-
Ephesians 5:25-29: Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her, that he might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word, so that he might present the church to himself in splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, that she might be holy and without blemish.
-
Comparison in our marriage does not honor our marriage or spouse.
-
Romans 12:10 Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. ESV says “Outdo one another in showing honor.”
Challenge: Find your thing that you need to take from this episode and work on this week
Comparison — we all do it from time to time. Some of us don't even realize how much it's part of our thought process and just how much we are losing by letting it be part of us. Miss and Rachel talk about why it is so dangerous to compare, what the Bible says about it, and how we can challenge ourselves in this area.
Show Notes:
Hebrews 12:1 “Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us rid ourselves of every burden and sin that clings to us and persevere in running the race that lies before us while keeping our eyes fixed on Jesus”
John 21: 15-22 When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?”
“Yes, Lord,” he said, “you know that I love you.”
Jesus said, “Feed my lambs.”
16 Again Jesus said, “Simon son of John, do you love me?”
He answered, “Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.”
Jesus said, “Take care of my sheep.”
17 The third time he said to him, “Simon son of John, do you love me?”
Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time, “Do you love me?”He said, “Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you.”
Jesus said, “Feed my sheep. 18 Very truly I tell you, when you were younger you dressed yourself and went where you wanted; but when you are old you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will dress you and lead you where you do not want to go.” 19 Jesus said this to indicate the kind of deathby which Peter would glorify God. Then he said to him, “Follow me!”
20 Peter turned and saw that the disciple whom Jesus loved was following them. (This was the one who had leaned back against Jesus at the supper and had said, “Lord, who is going to betray you?”) 21 When Peter saw him, he asked, “Lord, what about him?”
22 Jesus answered, “If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you? You must follow me.”
Galatians 6:4-5 Each one should test their own actions. Then they can take pride in themselves alone, without comparing themselves to someone else, for each one should carry their own load.
Challenge: Start thinking through and acknowledging where you have comparison issues in your life that need to be dealt with.
Hard, annoying and inconvenient things happen in life: there's no way around it. Miss and Rach talk about what a game changer gratitude is during such times.
They share how it has changed their perspective during rough times when they've found positive things to focus on even when things don’t go as planned.
Show Notes:
Proverbs 17:22 says, “A joyful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.”
2 Corinthians 4:18 So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.
Challenge: Spend the next week really paying attention to your days, asking yourself the question, “How much time do I spend thinking/worrying about things vs praying to God and going to the source?”
Miss and Rach have had such a great year podcasting with you all in mind! They wrap up the season, in this episode, by sharing what they've learned throughout the year and the exciting things they will be bringing to you next season! Thanks so much for journeying with them, "see" you in the fall!
Show Notes:
What do you want to hear or see next year?
- Community group is coming
- “See you in an hour” is coming
- Speaking/retreats
- Shout outs to ministries
- Rachelscloset.com
- @rachelsclosetisanti
Challenge: Enjoy your summer, focus on your people, focus on jesus. Let him use whatever is current in your life to transform you.
Isn't it so hard to be in relationships sometimes, or with people who seem to always be on the opposing side of what we're saying? In this episode Miss and Rach talk about parenting and other relationships. They share how Grace can and SHOULD be brought into every situation, with basically the promise that it will always be worth it!! They also talk about the gift that validating is to relationships - both in person, online and across the board!
Show Notes:
PROVERBS 22:6Start children off in the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it. (NIV)
HEBREWS 4:12For the word of God is alive and active. Sharp as a double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. (NIV)
JOSHUA 1:8Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful. (NIV)
COLOSSIANS 3:21Fathers, do not embitter your children, or they will become discouraged. (NIV)
EPHESIANS 6:4: Fathers, do not exasperate your children but bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord. (NIV)
Definition of exasperate: Irritate and frustrated someone intensely
TITUS 2:2-7-8In everything, set them an example by doing what is good. In your teaching show integrity, seriousness, and soundness of speech that cannot be condemned, so that those who oppose you may be ashamed because they have nothing bad to say about us. (NIV)
Challenge: Practice validating, in both the easy ways and the challenging ways. Be intentional about keeping conflict at bay when you can, by validating.
We all know the feeling, someone says something and the next thing we know we have a ball in the pit of our stomach - our feelings have been hurt! Miss and Rach discuss why it's important to pay attention to these feelings, what we need to do about them and how we can focus on our faith during these times.
Challenge: Ask yourself & God 1. Is that even true? 2. What is the person’s intent/character? 3. Does any of “this” even change my worth?
Who hasn't compared their current body to a former body? We've all been there. Rachel and Miss talk about how it isn't honoring God, or to our bodies, when we always long for something we used to have. They talk about the Bible and how they've grown in this area, and where they still struggle. They share the freedom they have had and how you too can make huge strides! We think you'll be challenged and encouraged after this episode!
Show Notes:
Ephesians 4:30
And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.
Phil 4:8
Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.
Jeremiah 33:33 ‘Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.’
Challenge: Ask God where you aren’t honoring the body you have been given, where you aren’t being Holy in your mindset toward your body, and where you need to repent of sin.
Do you find yourself feeling sorry for yourselves fairly regularly? Does it feel like a go-to when things are hard? Melissa shares quite freely how she has struggled in this area and the ways that it wreaked havoc on both herself and her relationships! Perhaps you're more like Rachel, and this isn't really your struggle, but you have kids or a loved one who feel bad for themselves often. Tune in to find out more about this issue, what Melissa has learned from the Bible and ways you can be challenged today!
Show Notes:
James 1:2-4
Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.
Romans 5:3-5
Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.
Challenge: You need to move out of feeling sorry for yourself, it will hurt your entire life.
We aren’t a parenting podcast, but we think all of our listeners can resonate with this episode, parent or not. If you don’t have kids, these principles can apply to all difficult relationships. Sometimes people around us are just hard, and even rude. How do we love them, what’s our role and what example has Jesus left us for these types of situations? Listen in, we hope you’ll learn something valuable.
Show Notes:
Challenge: Love your kids/people where they’re at, don’t expect them to be perfect, know it’s not about you, and don’t take their rough times personally.
Have you ever considered that you have toxic thoughts that are steering your life in a direction that isn't healthy to you or pleasing to the Lord? In this episode Miss & Rach talk with Hannah Baldwin (livingfromtheoverflow.com) about the impact our negative thoughtlives can have on our daily lives. They each share where toxic thoughts have led them and how they gained freedom in this area. We think whether you’ve considered this an issue in your life or not, you're going to learn something that will cause you to dig in deeper.
Show Notes:
2 Cor 2:5 Take our thoughts captive, make them obedient to Christ.
Eph 4:22-24 You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds;and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.
Romans 12:1-2 “Therefore I urge you, brothers, on account of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God, which is your spiritual service of worship. Do not be conformedto thisworld,butbe transformedby therenewingof yourmind.Thenyouwill be able to test and approvewhat isthegood,pleasing,andperfectwillof God.“
Matthew 12:34 “....For out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks.”
Whatever you focus on only grows.
I get to decide what I focus on.
Am I magnifying God’s goodness, or am I magnifying my problems?
Today is a great day! It is the day the Lord has made! I rejoice and am thankful for it! (Psalm 118:24)
- Why is it a problem to have negative thoughts leading our mindset?
- We are told in scripture that we have the mind of Christ. But no where in scripture does it tell us that Christ acted out of negative thinking patterns. His thinking was perfect and in line with the Father’s will. When we operate out of negative thinking patterns, we are not operating out of the mind of Christ that we have been given. So to entertain negative thoughts, to complain, to assume the worst, to think life isn’t fair or to think we have it worse than anyone else just simply isn’t God’s best for us. Yet so many of us walk around with thoughts like that taking up a bulk of our inner and outer narrative.
- What are the ramifications of not taking our thoughts captive?
- Here’s the cool thing about the brain - it is always listening and acting accordingly. So if we are taking our thoughts captive, that is, if we are recognizing the thoughts that are out of line with God’s will for us, and we repent of them, and make them obedient by thinking on the things of Christ, we are teaching our brain to align with the mind of Christ. But when we don’t, just like any sin that goes unchecked, it can snowball into an unrecognizable mess. A very tangible example of that is my own story - I had absolutely no idea that my thoughts could effect everything from my perspective in life to my mental health and even down to my physical health. share about victory with food restrictions and mental health - even in my grieving journey.
-
What are some things we can practically apply to start changing our mindset today?
- Philippians 4:4-9 is one of my absolute favorite passages when it comes to mindset. Paul talks all about what can happen when we align our thoughts with the things of Christ - we can become people who are content and walk in peace.
“Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.”
Challenge: Am I magnifying God’s goodness in my life, or am I magnifying my problems?
Take time today to evaluate your thoughts. Set a 2 minute timer and just let whatever thoughts you think come and go. Don’t overthink it. Once these 2 minutes have passed, set another 2 minute timer and write down everything you can remember about what you thought about in the initial 2 minutes. Evaluate which ones are in line with truth, and which ones are not. Pick even just one thought that you want to take captive today to make it obedient to Christ - that is to work with the Holy Spirit to capture this thought every time you recognize it and repent of whatever you need to repent of and then recite whatever is true in its place and walk freely in the forgiveness that has been extended to you.
Do you struggle to say no? When you do have to say no, do you feel you need to give a bunch of reasons for why you do? What about if you don’t have a “real reason” for saying no, you just know you need the margin in your life, do you feel guilty? If you struggle with any of these things, you won’t want to skip this episode. Miss and Rach talk about the ways saying no is Biblical and why God might even ask us to do so at times. We hope you’ll walk away with some freedom in this area that you didn’t have before.
Show Notes:
- Jesus Says “No” to the Enemy
- Jesus said “No” to turning stones into bread to feed His hunger.
- He said “No” to putting God to the test.
- He said “No” to gaining the world He so loved the easy way.
- Jesus said “No” to Man’s Agenda and Timetable
- John 6:14-15 After the people saw the sign Jesus performed, they began to say, “Surely this is the Prophet who is to come into the world.” Jesus, knowing that they intended to come and make him king by force, withdrew again to a mountain by himself.
- Jesus “No” to Pleasing the Crowd. In Matthew 12:38~39 and 16: 1~4 Jesus said “No” to giving a miraculous sign to the disbelieving leaders.
- Jesus said “No” to Pleasing His family. Jesus was not willing to stop His mission to please His family. Mark 3:21 indicates His family came to take charge of Him as they thought He was mad. When they arrived He didn’t respond to their plans for Him. He said “Whoever does God’s will is my brother, sister and mother”. It’s hard to say “No” to those who love us and think they know what’s best for us. We have to step out in faith and be obedient to God’s call on our lives.
- Jesus did not involve himself in all business:
- John 12:13-14 Someone in the crowd said to him, “Teacher, tell my brother to divide the inheritance with me.” Jesus replied, “Man, who appointed me a judge or an arbiter between you?”
- Jesus said “no” to his own desires when it came to the cross. He chose us and God’s ultimate plans over his.
Challenge: Examine your schedule, are there things you said “yes” to that you probably shouldn’t have? What kinds of things do you feel are hard to say “no” to? Where does your deep rooted belief about saying “no” come from?
We said we are on spring break, and we are, but wanted to pop in and say "hi", sharing a little bit about our time with our brothers!
Being overstimulated is a way of life: noise, kids, announcements, text messages, phone calls, etc. Sometimes it feels impossible to escape it. But there are ways to advocate for your mental health when you feel yourself reaching max capacity. Rachel and Melissa share the ways they struggle with overstimulation, some key phrases that have helped them, and how the Bible has challenged them to reframe their thinking.
Show Notes:
How to deal with overstimulation:
- Boundaries boundaries boundaries.
- Recognizing what you need.
- Communicating expectations.
Phrases to use:
- Can you ask me again at ____time?
- Now’s not a great time, can I make a note to get back to you?
- Sorry, it’s not you, it’s me.
6 Reasons Jesus Chose Solitude Over People1. To prepare for a major task Luke 4:1-2, 14-15. After Jesus was baptized He spent 40 days praying in the wilderness. After this He was tempted by Satan and then began His public ministry. 2. To recharge after hard work Mark 6:30-32. Jesus sent the 12 disciples out to do ministry. When they returned He encouraged them to separate from the people who were following them to rest. 3. To work through grief Matthew 14:1-13. After Jesus learned that his cousin John the Baptist had been beheaded, He went away by Himself. Yes, even the Son of God grieves. 4. Before making an important decision Luke 6:12-13. Early in His ministry Jesus spent the whole night alone in prayer. The next day He chose his 12 disciples. 5. In a time of distress Luke 22:39-44. Hours before Jesus was arrested He went to the Mt. of Olives and went a short distance away from His disciples to pray. He was in great emotional agony knowing what he was about to face. 6. To focus on prayer Luke 5:16. Many times in Jesus’ ministry He spent time alone in prayer.
Challenge: Spend some time thinking about what puts you over the edge and advocating for yourself.
If part four left you feeling a little heavy, you aren’t alone. Miss and Rach felt that way too. They decided to leave you today with a five minute encouragement about why dealing with conflict is so important, and how much joy can be on the other side!
One of the hardest parts in conflict is when you’ve done everything you can and yet, things just don't feel resolved. How do we move forward when nothing feels “wrapped up”? How do we act fine when nothing feels fine? And what happens when relationships come to an end? Miss and Rach journey through their own experiences with this and give three points to remind us how to rely on God through such difficult circumstances.
Show Notes:
Remember who you serve:
James 4:7
Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.
Deuteronomy 6:5
You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might.
Remember a kingdom perspective:
2 Corinthians 5:17
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.
Galatians 4:7 So you are no longer a slave, but a son, and if a son, then an heir through God.
Philippians 3:20 But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ,
Romans 8:1-2 There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. For the law of the Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death.
Remember who is our comforter:
James 4:8a
Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you.
Matthew 11:28
“Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.”
Challenge: Remember who you serve, keep a kingdom perspective and remember who your comforter is. Also, sometimes all we can do is act like everything is fine if someone is not willing to move forward with you.
Sometimes we don’t see conflict coming, and it sort of feels like a dump truck unloaded on us. That’s frustrating, challenging and sometimes downright hurtful. Miss and Rach share how they deal with those situations and how they lean on the Bible for support. They hope you’ll be better equipped after this episode for the next time you don't see conflict coming.
Show Notes:
Verses:
John 8: 31a-32 If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.
Phil 4:4b Let your reasonableness be known to everyone.
Hebrews 12:14-15 Make every effort to live in peace with everyone and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord. See to it that no one falls short of the grace of God and that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble and defile many.
James 5:16 Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.
Matthew 5:9 Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God. Vs 11. Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me.
Challenge: Meditate on the verse: Phil 4:4b Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. Lean heavily on this verse during your next conflict.
Are you someone who always seems to be in conflict with others, or perhaps conflict is all around you but it never seems to be resolved? You might be what they call the “fire starter”. It’s time to pay attention to how this role hurts our loved ones and what we can do to change in this area. Or perhaps you’re in a relationship with a firestarter and you need some advice. Listen in, we think everyone can learn something today.
Show Notes
Verses:
Ephesians 4:26 “In your anger do not sin.” Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry.
James 1:19 My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry,
Prov 15:18 A hot-tempered person stirs up conflict, but the one who is patient calms a quarrel.
Matthew 5:9 Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God. Vs 11. Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me.
Challenge: If you are realizing you’re a fires tarter, and that bothers you, get on your knees right now and start talking to Jesus about it.
If you’re in a relationship with a fire starter, consider having a conversation with them where you put up some major boundaries.
Whether you think you have conflict in your life or not, you do! Miss & Rach walk through what it looks like to ignore conflict and how it affects those around us. Relying heavily on Scripture, they show us what healthy conflict can look like and how it can bless our relationships and lives.
Show Notes
Theme Passage - we are called to be peacemakers:
Romans 12:9-21 (Paraphrase) How to love in action: Love should be sincere, we should hate what is evil, clinging to what is good. We should devote ourselves to loving one another, and honoring each other above ourselves. We should always seek joy, hope, patience and be faithful in prayer. We should practice hospitality. We are to live in harmony with one another, not being proud, not being conceited. It’s not our job to seek revenge, we should do what is right in the eyes of everyone. As much as it depends on us, we should live in peace with others. We are to leave vengeance and judgment in God’s hands. We are not to be overcome by evil, but to overcome evil with good.
Verses:
Matthew 18:15-16 If your brother or sister sins, go and point out their fault, just between the two of you. If they listen to you, you have won them over. But if they will not listen, take one or two others along, so that ‘every matter may be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.’
Matthew 5:23-24 Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother or sister has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to them; then come and offer your gift.
1 Cor 1:10 I appeal to you, brothers and sisters, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another in what you say and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly united in mind and thought.
1 Cor 13:4 Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.
Colossians 3:2 Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.Philippians 2:5 In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus.Philippians 4:8 Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.Prov 17:22 A joyful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.
Romans 12:16 Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited.
Challenge: Evaluate yourself, be honest. Do you deal with conflict?
Does it ever feel like life is too serious and it’s hard to just let loose and experience joy? Miss, Rach, and their special guest - THEIR MOM - share about how they’ve taken themselves too seriously in the past, how the Bible guided them to a different place and how they “balance” it now.
Show notes:
Verses:Galatians 5:22-23 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.John 10:10 The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.
Psalm 4:7 You have put more joy in my heart than they have when their grain and wine abound.John 15:11 These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full.1 Chronicles 16:27 Splendor and majesty are before him; strength and joy are in his place.Roman 14:17 For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking but of righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.Challenge: Maybe take a personality test and start digging into what makes you, you. Also, what’s taking your energy, robbing you of joy, and entangling you?
Ever wish you knew more backstory about these two sisters? More about the people they married, what they’ve done in their careers and who their 13 kids are? We hear so often that people feel like they're sitting with friends having a chat during our episodes. So in this episode they’re sharing more about their personal lives to help you know them a little better.
Are you someone who is open to learning new things, seeing other people's way of thinking, or grabbing onto something in an area God is convicting you? Or do you prickle when someone tries to teach you something new? This episode is for you no matter where you land. Miss and Rach have been on all sides of the topic and they share how they want to follow God's Word on the issue.
Proverbs is all about receiving instructions and the wisdom in listening.
Jesus was the walking example of receiving instructions. He was constantly seeking God for counsel, he was constantly asking God for direction and reminding himself that he wasn’t the only one in charge, so to speak.
Proverbs 12:1 Whoever loves discipline loves to learn; whoever hates to be corrected is stupid.
Proverbs 13:18 If you refuse to learn from your mistakes, you will be poor, and no one will respect you. If you listen when you are criticized, you will be honored.
2 Timothy 3:16 All Scripture is given by God. And all Scripture is useful for teaching and for showing people what is wrong in their lives. It is useful for correcting faults and teaching the right way to live.
Hebrews 12:6 “For the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and chastises every son whom he receives.” Chastise - Scold, rebuke, reprimand.
Challenge: Pay attention to your first reactions, do they indicate a teachable spirit? If not, ask God to help you become more teachable.
Being understood matters to the majority of people. But is it a Biblical concept, and is there room to grow in the subject? Miss and Rachel talk about their need to be understood in life and how they hope to grow in the area.
You cannot hope to be understood until you are willing to do the same for others.
The Bible says, “A person who answers without listening is foolish and disgraceful” Prov 18:13
It takes humility to be willing to understand others. I think when we’re willing to try and understand others, they soften and are more willing to try and understand us.
Romans 8:18 For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us.
Romans 12:1 I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship.
Affirmations: God knows you completely.
Jeremiah 12:3 But You, O Lord, know me; you have seen me, and You have tested my heart toward You. (NKJV)
Challenge: Ask God what are my motives behind needing to be understood and how can I put God first in this area?
Doesn't it always feel like there are more things to get done in life than there are hours in the day and it's hard to keep moving forward? Or maybe you have plenty of time, you just can't seem to manage it well because you don't want to do any of the things on your list? Miss and Rach discuss their own struggles with motivation and where they've landed on the subject in their own lives, and how they got there.
Show notes:
Verses:
Psalm 128:2 "You will eat the fruit of your labor; blessings and prosperity will be yours."
Although you may feel weary from hard work, you will reap the fruits of your labor eventually.
Romans 12:11-12 "Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer."
Colossians 3:23-24 "Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving."
Acts 20:35 "In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: 'It is more blessed to give than to receive.'"
Work hard so that you may use your skills and talents to benefit others.
Challenge: Pick one thing that can lead to “success” in your day.
Whether you're someone who always wants to be right, or you're in a relationship with a person who does, you might want to listen. Rachel shares vulnerably her long-lasting struggle with this issue and Melissa reveals how challenging it was to be in a relationship with her as a result. They talk about tools to pick up and verses to cling to, no matter which side of the issue you land on.
Show Notes:
Verses:
Romans 12:2 Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.
Galatians 6:9 And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.
Prov 16:9 The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps.
Prov 3:5-6 Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.
1 Chronicles 16:11 Seek the Lord and his strength; seek his presence continually!
Challenge: Be willing to admit you need to be right all the time, and share it with someone you trust.
Are you someone who struggles with the idea of missing out? With wanting to be included in everything and feeling bad when you aren't? You are not alone! Miss and Rachel have been there, and at times still are. They talk about their experiences, how they've battled it in their minds and how we can use the Bible as our greatest tool against it.
Show Notes:
Vereses:
Psalm 27:10 - Even if my father and mother abandon me, the LORD will hold me close.
Phil 4:8 Brothers and sisters, continue to think about what is good and worthy of praise. Think about what is true and honorable and right and pure and beautiful and respected.
The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. Deut 31:8
Affirmations:
I say (or have said) I am unlovable, but God says I am forever loved.
“And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love. No power in the sky above or in the earth below—indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 8:38-39).
I have been rejected, but God says I am His!
“Do not fear. I have redeemed you. I have summoned you. You are mine” (Isaiah 43:1).
I say I am alone, but God says He is always with me.
“…Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go” (Joshua 1:9)
Challenge: When you have feelings of fomo, loneliness, or rejection, ask yourself, “What am I believing, and what does God say about me?”
Who doesn't struggle with their body from time to time? Very few women haven't had to wrestle with it in one season or another. For many of us, it’s a constant thorn in our side. Miss and Rach chat with good friend, CJ Bartels as they talk about how God has been bringing them freedom in this area. They hope you're encouraged and begin seeing your body in a whole new light!
Show Notes:
Affirmations:
Affirmation: I set my mind and heart on things above and not on earthly things - and not on myself or my physical body. Colossians 3:1
Affirmation: God doesn’t look at my outward appearance. So neither will I. He looks at my heart. So, then, will I. 1 Samuel 16:7
Verses:
1 Corinthians 6:19-20 Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies.
Ephesians 2:10 For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.
Genesis 1:26-27 Then God said, “Let us make man in our image, after our likeness."
1 Samuel 16:7 For the Lord sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart.
Ephesians 1:17-19 ERV I pray that God will open your minds to see his truth. Then you will know the hope that he has chosen us to have. You will know that the blessings God has promised his holy people are rich and glorious. And you will know that God’s power is very great for us who believe. It is the same as the mighty power.
Challenge: We challenge you to start being nice to yourself every day. Start saying positive thoughts in place of negative thoughts. - Melissa
Find yourself a “Melissa”. Somebody you can be honest with. - Cj
Doesn't rest sometimes feel like an elusive idea? Something that's always out of our grasp, or if we do grasp it, it's fleeting? Melissa and Rachel talk about what they've learned regarding rest, what the Bible says about it, and how to build it into a busy and full life.
Show Notes:
Verses
Matthew 11:28-30 Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.
Exodus 33:14 And he said, “My presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.”Mark 6:31And he said to them, “Come away by yourselves to a desolate place and rest a while.” For many were coming and going, and they had no leisure even to eat.Psalm 4:8 In peace I will both lie down and sleep; for you alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety.Challenge Make a plan for the next week to rest, whatever kind of rest you think you would need.
Have you ever felt the need to hide your imperfections, or mask the ways you don't get things right? Melissa and Rachel discuss the ways that they get things wrong, and it has blessed others when they've shared it. They also talk about how much it's encouraged them to see other people not be so perfect. They talk about what the Bible says on the topic and how we can learn from it.
Show Notes:
Verses: Phil 3:12-14 I don’t mean that I am exactly what God wants me to be. I have not yet reached that goal. But I continue trying to reach it and make it mine. That’s what Christ Jesus wants me to do. It is the reason he made me his. Brothers and sisters, I know that I still have a long way to go. But there is one thing I do: I forget what is in the past and try as hard as I can to reach the goal before me. I keep running hard toward the finish line to get the prize that is mine because God has called me through Christ Jesus to life up there in heaven.
Ecc 7:20 Surely there is no one on earth who always does good and never sins. But wisdom can make one person stronger than ten leaders in a city.
Galatians 6:2 Help each other with your troubles. When you do this, you are obeying the law of Christ.
Phil 2: 3-4 3 Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, 4 not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.
James 5:16 So always tell each other the wrong things you have done. Then pray for each other. Do this so that God can heal you. Anyone who lives the way God wants can pray, and great things will happen.
Affirmation: Pretend perfection puts up real walls.
Challenge: Ask yourself, what harm can come from sharing our shortcomings with others? And how might doing so actually encourage those around me?
Are you someone who struggles to say "no"? Or someone who regularly feels like they don't have a true say over their life because they're always at the mercy of other people’s wishes? Perhaps that isn't you, but you could use a refresh on why boundaries are Biblical and healthy. Either way, this episode is for you! Miss and Rach share their examples of healthy boundaries and draw comparisons to the life of Jesus to explain why it's so important to have healthy boundaries in life.
Show notes:
Examples of Jesus setting boundaries:
He separated himself regularly from people to be alone with God.
He would sometimes take just a small group with him to retreat.
Jesus was proactive in consistently investing in his time with God, which gave him energy and focus.
Jesus often didn’t do what people wanted him to do.
Food was often on his mind.
When he helped people, he expected them to do their part, he didn’t just give them what they wanted.
He took naps.
He didn’t give in to the manipulation of the religious leaders.
He called out inappropriate behavior.
Challenge: Spend time thinking about an area or two that you know overdose you regularly. How might some boundaries make it easier for you?
Does it grate against you a little bit — the idea of another person calling you out in an area you might need to grow? Do your defenses rise when it happens? This is definitely the episode for you. It never feels good to be challenged in an area we might be blind to in life, but there is a lot of growth and freedom to be had on the other side. We hope you’ll listen and find your own growth in this area.
Show notes:
Verses:
Galatians 1:6 Brothers and sisters, if someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit should restore that person gently. But watch yourselves, or you also may be tempted
Prov 27:17 Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another.
James 5:16 Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working.
James 5:19-20 My brothers, if anyone among you wanders from the truth and someone brings him back, let him know that whoever brings back a sinner from his wandering will save his soul from death and will cover a multitude of sins.
Challenge: 1. Find at least one person you feel safe with, give them permission to challenge you. 2. Ask yourself regularly, “Is it possible that I am wrong in this?”
Is it sometimes easy to dread spending time with people during the holidays, even if you also love them? Do you ever find yourself getting stressed over the idea of being with certain people, or maybe reliving past hurts and frustrations in your mind? Do you "just know" certain things are going to happen again? Melissa and Rachel have been there and are working on not staying there. They share the ways they've moved beyond their frustrations with other people and what the Bible says about it. Don't skip this episode before you spend time with people this holiday season, we are sure you'll get something out of it!
Show notes:
Vereses: 1 Peter 3:8 Finally, all of you, have unity of mind, sympathy, brotherly love, a tender heart, and a humble mind. Romans 14:19 So then let us pursue what makes for peace and for mutual upbuilding. Romans 12:16 Live in harmony with one another. Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly. Never be wise in your own sight. Colossians 3:14 And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. Luke 6:35 But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return…
Galatians 1:10 Now do you think I am trying to make people accept me? No, God is the one I am trying to please. Am I trying to please people? If I wanted to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ.
Quote: “Blessed is he who expects nothing, for he shall never be disappointed.” ― Alexander Pope
Challenge: What has caused you stress in the past during the holidays? What could you step away from this year? Also, how can you lay down expectations this holiday season, and step into expectancy?
What do we do when it feels like things never go our way, and we are constantly disappointed? Especially when it seems like everyone around you has the very thing you want. Rachel and Melissa talk about their experiences with disappointment and how "fake it till you make it" isn't a healthy life-long coping strategy. They share the ways they've turned to Jesus and had to fight their own stinky attitudes in seeking heart transformations.
Show notes:
Verses:
Ecclesiastes 3:1 “There is a right time for everything, and everything on earth will happen at the right time.”
Proverbs 3:5-6 “Trust the Lord completely, and don’t depend on your own knowledge. With every step you take, think about what he wants, and he will help you go the right way.”
Phillipians 2:5 “In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus.”
Romans 12:2b “Let God change you inside with a new way of thinking. Then you will be able to understand and accept what God wants for you. You will be able to know what is good and pleasing to him and what is perfect.”
Philippians 2:14“Do everything without complaining or arguing.”
1 Peter 1:8-9 “Gladness not be based on circumstances.”
James 1:2-3 “Consider it joy to face trials because we know testing our faith produces perseverance.”
Challenge:
When things don’t go our way, put blinders on and look to Jesus. Ask Him to remove anger and bitterness. Ask him how you need to be transformed.
Have you ever been having a great time and suddenly a friend gets weird, out of nowhere? Or worse, you do and you're not even sure why! Melissa and Rachel talk about their experiences with these "triggering" moments and how God has used them to challenge and shape their course moving forward. And where they've landed for the health of relationships and personal growth.
Show notes:
Verses:
Jeremiah 17:9 "The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it?"
Psalm 139: 4-7
"Lord, you know what I want to say, even before the words leave my mouth. You are all around me—in front of me and behind me. I feel your hand on my shoulder. I am amazed at what you know; It is too much for me to understand. Your Spirit is everywhere I go. I cannot escape your presence."
Psalm 139:23-24 "God, examine me and know my mind. Test me and know all my worries. Make sure that I am not going the wrong way. Lead me on the path that has always been right."
Romans 8:27 "And He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He intercedes for the saints according to the will of God."
1 Chronicles 28:9 “As for you, my son Solomon, know the God of your father, and serve Him with a whole heart and a willing mind; for the Lord searches all hearts, and understands every intent of the thoughts."
Affirmation:
I can ask the Holy Spirit to direct my thoughts and actions. I can ask Him to search my heart.
Challenge: When you feel yourself being weird, just call it like it is. Telling people what's going on can save a lot of heartache in relationships.
Do you ever struggle with judgmental thoughts toward others? Or perhaps you feel judged regularly in life? Join Miss and Rach as they share in a very raw manner the ways they have personally dealt with this topic, on both sides, and what they have learned along the way.
Show Notes:
Verses:
Matthew 7:1-3 1 “Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you. “Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye?"
Luke 6:37 “Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven."
John 8:7 “Let any one of you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her.”
Luke 6:31-32 "Do to others as you would have them do to you. If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? Even sinners love those who love them."
Affirmation: I have the choice to turn my judgments or assumptions into prayers for others.
Challenge: Every time we find ourselves being judged, assuming judgment, or judging others, we have the choice to turn our judgements or assumptions into prayers for others. Also pray about if you are supposed to have a follow up conversation.
Are you a woman who struggles to try and control everything? Does it ever seem like the more you try to run things, the more it seems to frustrate those around you? Rachel and Melissa talk about their own shortcomings in this area and the strain it has placed on their relationships. Tune in to hear how God is working on freeing them from trying to control everything around them.
James 4:10 "Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will exalt you."
2 Corinthians 5:17 "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come."
2 Timothy 1:7 "For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control."
Galatians 2:20 "I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me."
Affirmation:
The decisions I make today affect where I end up tomorrow.
What I think about right now will impact who I will become.
How I spend my time will determine the direction of my days.
Challenge: What am I really afraid of? Am I really trusting God if I feel the need to control everything?
Sometimes it feels like everyone else has their people, and you wonder, "Where are mine?" Or maybe you had them, and lost them. You find yourself feeling unlovable, or unvaluable. Melissa and Rachel talk about their own experiences with these painful seasons and how they turned to Jesus to meet them in those times. Complete with a challenge —no matter what season you're in with friends right now— we hope you'll leave encouraged and inspired.
Show Notes:
Verses:
Galatians 6:2 "Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ."
James 5:16 "Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective."
Proverbs 27:17 "As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another."
1 John 1:17 "But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin."
Psalm 147:3 "He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds."
2 Corinthians 4:17“For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory.” Psalm 16:11 “You will show me the path of life; in Your presence is fullness of joy; at Your right hand are pleasures forevermore.”
Matthew 6:33 “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.”
ERV What you should want most is God’s kingdom and doing what he wants you to do. Then he will give you all these other things you need.
Challenge: If you're in a season abundant with friends, pray about who should be pulled in, who could be blessed by the community you're in. If you're in a season of loneliness, ask God what you need to work on in the waiting: contentment, boldness, humility.
Who doesn't feel overwhelmed in life?! What do we do when we feel it constantly, and can we ever get away from those feelings? Join Miss and Rach as they process through their own raw feelings of failure due to overwhelm, and how they turn to Jesus in the process.
Verses:
When I toil with anxiety and overwhelm I am not toiling with God. God leads me in peace and God gives me rest and God doesn’t lead me to do things on my own. Based on Psalm 23
I am rooted in Christ and am securely grounded in His love. He DWELLS in me. Ephesians 3:17
God meets all my needs. Philippians 4:19
I am always on God’s mind. Psalm 139:2 "You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar."
I am never alone. God is always with me. He will never leave me nor forsake me. Deuteronomy 31:6
Challenge: stop and look at the situation logically. Does this need to be taking me down the way it is. And if it is as big as it feels, talk to someone, ask them to speak into your life in a Jesus-filled way, and help with perspective if needed.