A Light On My Path Podcast: Recent Episodes
alightonmypath
I recently saw an ad on the marketplace where someone was selling two life-size knights' of armor. I thought to myself, "Who would pay that amount for an item that isn't needed in our lifetime?" However, there is a different kind of armor that is available and it's FREE -- the Armor of God. As we read today's Scripture in Ephesian 6 God tells us how to spiritually dress from head to toe every day so that we can win the war raging against us in the spiritual realms.
Imitate God? But how does one do that? God's Word gives us very specific instructions on how to be imitators of God -- WALK IN LOVE. Today, we are reading together in the book of Ephesians chapter 5.
We all do it! Hold on to a piece of clothing that has a few stains and perhaps a hole too. It's comfy, right. But guess what -- it doesn't look good. Today, we read in Ephesians 4 how this also applies to our walk with Jesus. Once we are forgiven, we live a new life in Christ because He removes the stains fills the holes, then clothes us fully in HIS righteousness. What part of your "old self-closet" do you need to discard today?
Today we read in Ephesians 3 where Paul shares his heart to the Gentiles and kneels in prayer before the Lord for spiritual power so that they may be FILLED with all the fullness of God. May it also be so in us today!
From death to life -- wait, is that backward? Nope -- as Christians, we are opposite from the world. We are not living to die, we are dead in our sin and because of Christ, we can live! Join me today as we read together God's Word in Ephesians 2. In verse 8 circle "this is not from yourselves" and sit in that for a while. We are saved ONLY because God provided for us what NO ONE else could -- His son, Jesus Christ. So then, rise up! Live your life every day in unity with Christ.
Journey with me to a book nestled in the New Testament - Ephesians. A time when Paul was in prison yet he wrote a letter of encouragement to the church of Ephesus. Today, we will begin reading all six chapters of the book of Ephesian starting with chapter one. Here we read about the Doctrine of the Gospel which is our foundational beliefs as Christian. Then we enter into a sacred section where Paul prays for spiritual insight. I love how he is so specific in his prayer. When is the last time you asked God to give you spiritual insight into your own life? Then we end the chapter reading with God's power in Christ. Did you know that the word Christian means little christ? As image-bearers of God, we should make it our daily goal to live a life that pleases HIM.
Friends, we are finishing up reading Psalm 119 during this weeks episode. The number 7 in the Bible means completion. I didn't plan for it to turn out this way but it just so happens to be episode 7 in season 2 that we wrap up reading through the longest chapter in the Bible. My hope and prayer is that your desire to delight in God's Word daily is growing day by day.
This week we pick back up reading together at Psalm 119 beginning with verse 73.
- Have you ever felt like God was your only friend?
- Do you remember the last time you asked Him for understanding?
- What about discernment?
- Do you believe with all of your heart, mind, and soul that God's Word is forever and firmly fixed in Heaven?
- Do you love His instruction?
- Do you hate every false way?
At the end of today's reading I encourage you to find a quiet place and ask yourself these hard questions. Then, ask God if you answered honestly.
Putting all of my hope in God's Word,
Heather
From a retro-style hotel room in downtown Durham, NC Glenn and I sit down together the day after celebrating our 23rd wedding anniversary to record an episode on LOVE. Join us as we go back to the beginning and share our own side of the dating season and answer the question, "why did you choose me as your lifemate?" Our "I-Dos" quickly ushered us into a season of trials and testing that eventually brought us to our knees in prayer and saved what we affectionately know as, "The Lamps." We've learned and are still learning (from both mistakes and wins) on the excellence of love. The reading of God's Word in this episode is found in 1 Corinthians 13.
Journey with me in today's episode as we read together Psalm 119: 33-72. Together, we will learn how Ezra's spiritual diary was penned so that we could know how to use God's Word as the Sword of the Spirit in our own lives. Teach us, Lord to:
- Read God's Word like Jeremiah & Ezra
- Study God's Word like Daniel
- Memorize God's Word like Hannah & Mary
- Meditate of God's Word like Joshua
- Use God's Word like Jesus, David, Paul, and Ezra
Reference for Sword of the Spirit - Ephesians 6
Join me on today's podcast with my kind-hearted husband, Glenn. Together we share our growing love of learning God's word and the crucial importance of knowing the true message about Himself and His salvation plan through his Son, Jesus. Have you ever thought about memorizing Scripture but have never actually taken it seriously? Or perhaps you can recite a one-liner verse such as, "For I know the plans God has for me. Plans to prosper me and not to harm me. Jeremiah 29:11" But what if I told you that without the entire chapter one misses the actual context of the Scripture. The Bible is God's Word, written by man, inspired by the Holy Spirit about God's redemptive plan for his people through his Son, Christ Jesus. Yet, we are living in a time where many have made the Word of God more about them than HIM. I did! That was until a few years ago when my husband challenged me to dig in deeper. Study, research, and learn the Bible in the whole Bible narrative. That challenge changed everything about the way I read God's word today. Recently I decided to memorize not a verse but an entire chapter for the very first time. At the age of 50 I thought I was too old for sure! I mean truly, some days I'm trying to remember a friend's name I've known for years. Or better yet, I forget why I walked into the room. I forget appointments, birthdays, and items at the grocery store if left to my own brain. Thank goodness for technology, calendars, and electronic to-do list!! Remembering has never come easy for me. However, as of last night, I recited by memory an entire chapter of Psalms in less than one week. Thanks be to God I will forever have His word written in my heart. I said it aloud so many times throughout this past week that my husband has it almost memorized too! Can I encourage you to do the same? Choose an entire chapter in the Bible, write it down, and every single day meditate on one verse. Say it over and over again all day and night until you have it memorized. Then the next day add a new verse. Then on day three add the third verse and so on until you have the entire chapter memorized. I can promise you that nothing is quite as wonderful as having God's Word written on your heart forever! Memorize Chapter Psalm 1 - 4.25.21 Today's Reading Psalm 119: 1-32
On last week's podcast, I shared with the listeners my experience regarding the Scripture found in Romans 12:2 and how God used the same verse 25 years ago and then again recently to teach me two very different things. The first time I read the Scripture I was walking out of a debacle life and back through the church doors. It was the first part of the verse that was profound to me -- "Do not be conformed to this world." When I felt tempted to go back to my former ways, I clung to this verse. It worked! But it wasn't until recently when God brought me back to the same verse but it was the second part of the Scripture that made me pay attention -- "...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."
So how do we as Christians RENEW OUR MIND? On today's podcast, I not only share with you how God tells us to do this but I also have a challenge for each listener. I do hope you will accept the challenge! I believe it will not only renew minds but soften hearts, and change lives. God's word is alive and living!
Scripture Reference:
Romans 12:2
2 Timothy 3:15&16
Today's Scripture Reading: Psalm 1
It is with a childlike excitement that I share with you my decision to step back into the chapter reading of God's Word each Tuesday. Towards the end of Season 1, I learned about other platforms offering Bible readings but in a more professional setting. At that time I decided in my mind and heart to lay the podcast aside. Six months went by and nothing from the Lord affirmed me to move forward so I came to the resolve that Season 1 was just that -- a one and done. Then a few weeks ago a surprise call came from a close friend letting me know how much she missed listening to the podcast each week. At that time I honestly believed I wasn't going to do this again. Little did I know then that that phone call was the first of several Godwink's to get my attention. Sprinkled throughout the weeks that followed I received an unexpected call from a church member inquiring about it, then a lunch with a new friend who encouraged me to continue on. Finally, the last wink happened yesterday at church from the pulpit when one of our retiring staff said to the congregation she had served for 30 years -- do WHATEVER God has called you to do and don't ever quit. So there I was sitting in the pew whispering once again to God, "Yes, Lord. Yes." And with that yes, here I am today kicking off Season 2 podcast, "A Light To My Path." My hope and prayer are for each of you to fall in love with the Word of God as much as He is in love with us!
Tuesday's chapter reading is found in Romans 12 - A Living Sacrifice.
On today's podcast, we are celebrating many wonderful things! First, we celebrate all of the work, good and hard, that the Lord has done in our lives over these past ten years. We are also celebrating the end of Season 1 of the Light To My Path podcast. 43 episodes later and one thing remains true -- It has been a joy to read God's word to each of you these past few months. And lastly, we are celebrating G's birthday today. I asked him to pick out today's music for the background and in G fashion he picked something that might surprise you.
Join us as we laugh, share a story then a birthday kiss, and read together in the Word of God Psalms 139.
Today, I sit down with one of my long time sister friends, Tana, and we talk about the battles we have fought in our 25 years of doing life together. One thing we know today is that whatever battles are fought when God is in the midst of them, HE WINS!
Join us as we share a few of our personal battles then read Revelations 20 together.
Friends are a beautiful part of our everyday life. I sure do love my friends in the faith. However, I haven't always chosen wisely and for a long time in my life, I was hurt - rejected- betrayed - and even lied about - and at times I was the one who rejected - betrayed - and lied. We're not the only one who have felt such deep pain. God was all too familiar with the fair-weathered friendships of His own people, the Israelites. And let us not forget Jesus. Two of His closest friends betrayed and rejected Him - Judas and Peter. People fail us. Jesus though, He never will! Today, we read together in 1 Samuel 8 as we learn God's own people were demanding a King. They had forgotten their one TRUE KING and wandered away spiritually from confidence in Christ into the counterfeit confidence of someone else. Friend, what are you seeking in others today that Jesus lovingly wants to give to you for all eternity? He will forever be our GREATEST friend.
Today, September 11th marks the memorial of one of our country's greatest tragedies. While we will never forget the hurt and deep pain that was inflicted upon our people it is important that we forgive the ones who recklessly cause such damage and heartache. Forgiveness isn't just for the big disappointments in life, forgiveness is also for the smallest of transgressions. Did someone say something unkind to you? Have you judged someone recently? How about that time you mistreated a loved one? What about that time you picked up the phone to talk to someone else instead of talking to God about it? We live in a world filled with transgressions! Together we will learn how God restores joy into our souls when forgiveness is extended and/or received. Let's open our Bibles today as we read Psalms 32.
Today is Labor Day. A calendar holiday of rest gifted to those of us who labor hard throughout the year. But what is it exactly that we labor for these days? Join me today as I read from the book of Ecclesiastes 4. Together, we learn God's truth about the loneliness of wealth and how the chasing of the wind is both miserable and futile. But, laboring after the One true God, the Creator of everything including the wind, is work worthy of our labor.
Join me today as I share my sin and a part of my brokenness that continuously guides me into deeper healing that only Jesus can do. Together, we will read in Luke 7. Forgiveness is a gift far greater than anything we can receive. For it is Christ who came to earth, died on the Cross to forgive both you and me. Friend, who do you need to love like that today?
Life interrupted. It happens to all of us! One day we find ourselves living in rhythm with God's peace, love, and complete trust only to find ourselves catapulted the next day into anxiety, dislike, and fear. It is in the latter days than one's faith and belief in Christ is fully evident to those around us. It is here that we realize what we seek most is our heart's greatest desire. Do we seek to get back to peace, love, and trust? Or do we seek the only one, Jesus, who gifts us these things? Are we looking to be satisfied temporarily here on earth or sanctified for a life of eternity with Christ Jesus? What, friend, are you seeking most today?
Join me today as we read together in the book of Hebrews 11 -- Living By Faith.
On today's podcast, I invited a very special person in my life to pull up a kitchen bar stool and join me in reading the Word of God. My husband Glenn and I were about to begin the recording when a morning thunderstorm rolled into shore. With its powerful thunder sounds and lightning strikes, this storm could not be ignored. So it is when we are unexpectedly caught in a spiritual storm. Join us today as we open the sliding glass door, our hearts, and the Word of God in Psalms 119: 89-176 to talk about life storms and how God's Word will forever be a light on our path guiding us back to safe harbor.
Did you know that out of all the "Self-Help" books available in the world, there is only one true international bestseller that will transform your life? This book has nothing to do with self and everything to do with Jesus. Sanctification is for our good and God's glory! This comes from delighting in God's Word. Let me invite you to follow along in your own Bible as I read God's word from Psalms 119. Today, we will read the first have of this lengthy chapter then continue reading the rest of Psalm 119 during the next episode. Come, let's delight in God's Word together!
*CBS Material, NIV Bible, Spotify Music -Christian Instrumental
For when you were slaves of sin, you were free in regard to righteousness. Therefore what benefit were you then deriving from the things of which you are now ashamed? For the outcome of those things is death. But now having been freed from sin and enslaved to God, you derive your benefit, resulting in sanctification, and the outcome, eternal life. Romans 6:20-22
What is sin? Today, I touch on a few points regarding sin and how we either live our lives as slaves to it or slaves to God. Read along with me today in Romans 6 and lean into what God has for all of us when we choose to live our lives fully in Christ.
Can you recall the last time you did something you really enjoy? As we grow older the responsibilities of the world set in and if we do not enjoy the Creator in the days of our youth then our days of enjoying Him are few. Join me today as we open The Word of God and read from the book of Ecclesiastes, Chapter 12.
"The Holy Spirit illuminates the minds of people, makes us yearn for God, and that spiritual truth and makes it understandable to us." Billy Graham
The Holy Spirit is a beautiful and powerful part of who God is. We need Him in our life as a conduit to become who God created us to be, and through His power, we have aid in all situations. Without Him, we are powerless.
Join me today as I read in God's Holy Word the Book of Acts, chapter 1.
When is the last time you found yourself being tempted by something so strong? Did you know that both non-believer and believer alike are tempted? It's Satan's tool to keep God's people from His truth and goodness. However, we as believers in Christ have something non-believers aren't capable of having - we have the Holy Spirit dwelling within us to help us recognize sin and flee from it. Join me in today's episode as we read in Ephesians 6 how to suit up, stand strong, and fight in our faith for the goodness of God to prevail when faced with temptations.
Chasing after the wrong things change a person. So do chasing after the right things! Our identity should be in Christ alone and not anything or anyone else. In today's episode, a dear friend pops in and joins us on the recording. Join us as open the Word of God and read Matthew 6.
Book reference: Lisa Whittle - I WANT GOD.
What is a life of peace in Christ? One that gives us rest? It is a liberated life walking in obedience according to the Lord. In Ephesians 2:8 the Bible tells us "For you are saved by grace through faith, and this is not from yourselves; it is God's gift -- not from works so that no one can boast." Today may I invite you to open your Bible and read along with me in Psalms 116.
What is the value of anything if the Lord is not with us? God's people realize the presence of God, having His fellowship and company, was infinitely more important than anything else. Join me in today's Bible reading found in the book of Exodus chapter 33. May God's word be a light unto your path today.
- This is not a professional podcast - I record from wherever my feet are planted. Today, I am in the camper on the Stuckey Farm. Therefore, somewhere around the 6-minute mark the A/C turns on. It creates a bit of background noise but not to worry, it only lasts a few minutes.
One by one, the small green sign with a number on it was the only indication we were heading in the right direction. I knew our final destination so each mile marker let me know that we were getting closer. During this trip, there wasn't much sightseeing - just tall trees on both sides of the road. It was here when I began to think about all of the mile markers for this pilgrim's journey. Much like the mile markers in our personal life, God tells us about Biblical markers in His Holy Word. Join me in this episode as I read Joshua 4 and share one of history's most significant markers - the twelve stones.
The other day my husband, Glenn, and I were enjoying a slow morning at home. Both spending some time in study, I remember looking up noticing he had that look I recognize only once in a blue moon. I was right! He wanted to share something with me. "Heather, listen to this." As his Bible flipped open in the palm of his hands he read Job 2:10 -- "Throughout all this, Job did not sin in what he said." His eyes shifted up from the pages back to me, "Babe - Did you hear that? He didn't sin in what he said!" I switched my position from one side of my hip to the other wondering to myself what I might be missing. He quickly jumps back into the conversation, "He didn't need to say anything. God knew his heart." From outward appearances and interactions, Job looked righteous to those who knew him. He never sinned in what he said to others. But what lies beneath all of our silence is a place only God knows - our heart.
In today's episode, we will hear the Word of God from the book of Job in chapter 38. It is here Job is at the end of himself. It is here God speaks to Job for the first time. It is here Job openly confessed his foolish words and ways. It is here everything Job longed for - an impartial advocate, a loyal friend, and a kinsman redeemer-were fulfilled in Christ.
Reference BLB: God still speaks to us at various times and in various ways. Sometimes He speaks loudest in the eye of a storm. He speaks to us today through His Son, His Spirit, and His Word. We may not see His form or hear audible words, but He still speaks. Jesus still speaks comfort to storm-riders in John 20:29, "Blessed are those who have not seen and yet believe." He speaks today through Isaiah's word, "For My thoughts are not your thoughts, Nor are your ways My ways," says the LORD. "For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways, And My thoughts than your thoughts" (Isaiah 55:8). Our part is not to question or reason why, but to trust and obey God's Word, especially when we sit in the dust and ashes of our lives. A day is soon approaching when God will come in golden splendor to judge the wicked and reward the righteous. Then we shall see our Kinsman Redeemer and rejoice forevermore!
A couple of weeks ago, Glenn watched a new documentary on Netflix titled, "American Gospel." The short film continued to speak to his heart long after the credits rolled. This past week, he asked me to sit with him and together we watch this powerful and convicting film about the Gospel of Jesus Christ. My friend, any version of the Bible that is different than the one written by God, isn't the Gospel. There is only one true Gospel. Ephesians 2:8 In today's episode I read in the Gospel of Mark Chapter 4. Jesus is teaching parables to a crowd gathered by the seashore. At the end of a long day, he departs the shore to sail on the sea. Here is where a beautiful journey of discovery begins with the men in His presence. May today's reading of God's Word be the one true light on your path.
This past week Glenn and I sat down for our morning Bible reading together. In today's episode, I share with you our conversation about doors. May today's reading in Revelation 4 offer you hope to know that the greatest door we as Christians will ever walkthrough is still ahead of us -- Heaven's Door.
This morning, I awoke to a sweet message of "Remember When" from a long time friend. Today's Bible reading in Titus 2 reminds us of the importance of sound teaching and living a full life in Christ. Full meaning friendship/Lordship/relationship. I have learned through my own trials and errors that it is only in the daily practice of staying close to Jesus that the light of God illuminates our lives. So much so that we become worthy to reflect the light of God into the lives of those around us. This light of Christ is the one true light that always guides lost and wandering souls, like mine and yours, back to the humility of the Cross. May today's reading of God's Word be a light to your path.
On this July 4th day, I am reminded of all the battles that have taken place since the beginning of time. Some battles lost, others won. But there is one battle with a great protector and we as Christians have the assurance knowing "God Wins!" Join me today in the Word of God as we read Psalms 121. May it shine the light of Christ on your path today.
In today's episode, I encourage every believer in Christ to walk faithfully in obedience towards a life of freedom and everlasting. Join me as we read the Word of God in Romans 8 and may the Word of God be a light to your path today.
In this episode I share some exciting news happening in our family at the same time I am recording today's Bible reading. I also share my heart story and the importance of confession. Join me as we read together David's prayer for restoration is Psalm 51. He cried out to the Lord when the prophet Nathan came to him after he had gone to Bathsheba.
Today's episode comes to you after a time of self-reflection and asking God to make me a faithful remnant among His people. Join me as we learn more about the Prophets of the Old Testament and read a chapter in the minor book of Zephaniah. May I be so bold to ask you, friend, will you be a faithful remnant of The Lord today, tomorrow, and all of the days of your life?
Thank you for journeying alongside me today as we read in God's Word and learn more about "The Day of the Lord" in 1 Thessalonians 5.
We have so much to be thankful for today. Like our close friendships, those whom we have journeyed with for a season and others we hold on tightly as we help walk each other home. The beautiful side of friendships is they teach us deeper more meaningful things about God, ourselves, and others. Today, we read The Word of God in Proverbs 30 learning from a Biblical friend of Jesus - Agur.
Where do we go from here? We, as Christians, we go straight to Jesus. Join me in the reading of Galatians 5 today.
During an unruly time of our great nation - people are rioting, looting, and taking things that were never intended for them. Today, we will learn this kind of behavior has been going on since the beginning of time. God sees everything! And He will have the final say on the final day. Join me today as we read The Word of God in 1 Kings 21
After Hurricane Florence, I didn't think we could possibly experience anything worse. I was wrong! Today, we are living in the land of the free yet our souls are shackled to differences, riots, looting, and injustice. Lord, breathe on us! Teach us how to love the way you created us to love. Join me today as I read God's Word in Philippians 2.
God of creation - there at the beginning of time. It wasn't perfect but it was VERY GOOD INDEED. Join me today as we read the Word of God in Genesis Chapter 1.
God is an incredible gift giver. He loves to pour out His wisdom on those who love and honor him. Today, we will learn how He could not find ONE woman in a thousand who had such. Join me in today's reading of Soloman in Ecclesiastes Chapter 7.
After being away for five months, I sat down with a few dear friends and shared coffee and Christ in conversation. One of the topics we discussed is how we must choose to live JOYfully in spite of life's circumstances. Join me in today's reading from Romans 12.
Today, as we open the Word of God in Deuteronomy 30, may we turn our full lives back to the one who gave it to us - Our Lord.
Thank goodness we no longer have to offer burnt offerings for our sins. Jesus came to take away the sins of this world. In today's episode I will share a sin situation that recently happened to me and how Jesus, space and grace change the outcome every time. Together, we will read Hebrews 10 - may God's word be a light on your path today.
The joys of life are all around us. What goodness of God's gifts do you notice? Today we will learn about the first church in Antioch as we read in God's Word from the book of Acts chapter 11.
Who is your closest and most faithful friend in ministry? Paul had such a friend and today we will learn more about her as we read Romans 16. May today's reading of God's Holy Word be a light to your path today.
I share about my seven year journey in Christian counseling and how God used this time of Heavenly & Holy Instruction to reconstruct my mind, my heart, and my soul. Join me in today's reading of Proverbs 29.
Due to COVID19 all of our art shows were shut down and once again we found ourselves in a storm. This time it would be a pandemic known around the world at COVID19. I never thought we would experience anything worse than Hurricane Florence. After being displaced from both our home and business for 7 months, I couldn't help but think nothing worse could possibly ever happen. Boy-oh-boy was I wrong! The ENTIRE world shut down. The only thing I knew to do to keep my sanity and my faith is to read the Bible and listen to worship music. It was April 14th, 2020 when I felt an inclination to read aloud the chapter I was reading that day. Not only read it aloud but record it too. Then send it out into the world. Share God's word with others who barely have time to get the laundry folded much less sit down and read the Word of God. So, I did just that. One turned into two then two a week until now... A Light On My Path Podcast. I must tell you -- this isn't formal. It's real. You will hear my dryer buzzer go off or maybe Bo Diddley growling at another dog in the back yard. But I wouldn't want it any other way. Come, sit with me awhile. Let me read God's word into your heart today.
Shining God's Light,
Heather