A Heart Refined
By Rachel Menard
God has given each of us talents and testimonies that are purposed to build one another for His glory. Each week, Rachel Menard will be sharing her own encouragements based on God’s movement and sanctification in her own life. Also, she will be interviewing women of faith, from all different walks of life, who choose to speak from the heart in order to encourage and sharpen other women as they walk through their own refining fire. Join with us as we learn and grow together holistically with our hearts set on the glory of our God.
A Heart RefinedJun 30, 2022
00:00
31:04
Is New Ageism Slipping Into The Church PART 1.
PART 1: In this episode I am interviewing my dear friend Kara Brooks. Kara was raised in church but was pulled into the practice of shamanism. This is the New Age practice of directing or shifting energies or spirits. After a long journey away from the Lord, He was faithful to bring Kara back into a committed, love relationship with Him. Now she is leading and encouraging others in Jesus name. The two of us are going to be discussing how new ageism has snuck into the church one little piece at a time. This conversation will be well worth your time!!
Jun 30, 202231:04
Week 2: Atomic Habits from a Biblical World View
I’ve already said that Self-helpism is a slippery slope for Christians. Sometimes we need help bringing order and good basic discipline to our lives, but if we begin to take advice from the secular perspective, we can move into self-sufficiency that is nothing short of prideful sin. The second law of Atomic Habits is in fact very interesting, and has many good points to recognize. Join me to take in a few points on what we should take and what we should run from.
May 13, 202220:19
Should We Be Reading Self-Help Books: Atomic Habits from a Biblical World View
Self-helpism is a slippery slope for Christians. Sometimes we need help bringing order and good basic discipline to our lives, but if we begin to take advice from the secular perspective, we can move into self-sufficiency that is nothing short of prideful sin. In this podcast, and a few that will come after, we are discussing what we should take and what we should run from.
May 08, 202217:45
The Mood of Satisfaction: Sarai and Hagar
Have you ever faced a difficult season and decided that surely God was not in this just because it was hard?! What if God has allowed something because his plan is greater than what you can see?! The greater question is, do you know Him to be enough to satisfy you?!
Scripture Reference: Genesis 16
Songs Mentioned:
“Satisfied” by Jordan Feliz
“The God Who Sees Me” by Nicole C Mullen
Scripture Reference: Genesis 16
Songs Mentioned:
“Satisfied” by Jordan Feliz
“The God Who Sees Me” by Nicole C Mullen
Jan 14, 202206:52
It’s ok God. I got this😆🤦🏻♀️
Have you hit a brick wall in your life, and can’t figure out why God has brought you there? It’s possible that you, like me, have moved over into a place where you have become self-sufficient, and God in his mercy has allowed that brick wall so that you will search for him. Reference: Gen 11, Psalm 107
Jan 11, 202206:58
The Evolution of My Word of the Year…
Christian women love the thought of having a “word of the year“, but sometimes we can let this word become our job and not the leading of the Holy Spirit. The Lord began speaking to my heart a few months ago about what he would have me do, and from there he gave me more than just one word, and I cannot wait to see what he does with this in the year to come. Join in to be encouraged and challenged as you hear what the Lord is laying on your heart! Here are the Songs mentioned in the podcast…
“Blessed Assurance” by Cece Winans
youtu.be/uMLOlYWM03g
“Behold Our God” by Sovereign Grace
youtu.be/Gqrli3Lkf58
“Be Enthroned” by Jeremy Riddle
youtu.be/xA4zOAtPeJ0
“Blessed Assurance” by Cece Winans
youtu.be/uMLOlYWM03g
“Behold Our God” by Sovereign Grace
youtu.be/Gqrli3Lkf58
“Be Enthroned” by Jeremy Riddle
youtu.be/xA4zOAtPeJ0
Dec 30, 202114:17
Episode 12: Finding the Goodness of God
“Dear faithful God, this fear lingers in my flesh, telling me I will never be good enough to serve you. I have to confess I believe my fears and failures have sent me outside of your purpose…” If you’ve never felt that way, that you are not good enough to be used by God, then please teach me! Praise God though that he gave us the story of two simple girls, Elizabeth and Mary, that would teach us how to work through our insecurities to serve Him in incomprehensible ways. Join in on Episode 12 — the final episode of the Finding the Goodness of God series — and know the true meaning of Luke 1:45, “Blessed is she who has believed that the Lord would fulfill what he has spoken to her”.
Dec 22, 202119:43
Episode 11: Finding the Goodness of God
Episode 11 has been the most fun for me so far!!! There’s one particular character in Job that I absolutely love…Elihu. This guy showed up after all the other friends who were just running their mouth‘s about their confused theology. He tells Job that God is good no matter what happens. His plans are higher and better than ours, and that it is an essential part of his goodness to allow trial, trauma, and tragedy to break us and build us according to his pure and holy nature. Even more than that though, God shows up next, and brings life to Job by bringing his attention to the Sovereign perfection that he has lost sight of. Now, when we read Romans eight through the lens of Job 38, and also through the lens of they crucified and risen Savior, we see a God that is so good… The God outside of space and time, who stores hail and gave the seas their boundaries… The God who knew from the very beginning that we needed more than laws and sacrifices, but a savior and a counselor. We see a God who is completely trustworthy and who is all together lovely. Join in and listen, I know you will be blessed because of the power of God‘s word!!
Dec 16, 202119:17
Episode 10: Finding the Goodness of God
One of the most beautiful things about the Bible is that you can always find a story or scenario where God uses a life to help you understand more about Him…When it is about Him, we learn how to navigate through, with Him as our guide and our glorious goal.
Overall we have been finding the Goodness of God through Romans 8, but we are going to take a little detour into the book of Job. Join in on Episode 10 of Finding the Goodness of God, and listen as we learn together how to trust the sovereignty of God no matter what is surrounding us.
Overall we have been finding the Goodness of God through Romans 8, but we are going to take a little detour into the book of Job. Join in on Episode 10 of Finding the Goodness of God, and listen as we learn together how to trust the sovereignty of God no matter what is surrounding us.
Dec 14, 202119:15
Episode 9: Finding the Goodness of God
Friends, I totally intended on pre-recording this week, knowing that I would be recovering from surgery, but my body just did not have enough oxygen to do so; however, I am doing better… I have taken a deep breath both physically and spiritually. So, this week only has one episode, but it’s very much based on taking that breath that I’m talking about. I hope you are thoroughly blessed and fully oxygenated when you’re done listening!
Dec 06, 202122:20
Day 8: Finding the Goodness of God
Did you know that Romans 8 is a detailed focus on the Holy Spirit as one of the benefits of salvation in Jesus Christ? Think about that! We have help from the Spirit of the Triune God in order to make our hearts and lives submissive to him, one groan at a time. Join in on this episode — Day 8 — in a spirit of worship. It’s time to be set free in the goodness of God!!!
Nov 29, 202110:32
Day 7: Finding the Goodness of God
Are you looking for a deeper, more full relationship with Jesus and treasures in heaven that you cannot imagine, but you just can’t seem to get past a season of anxiety or depression, complaining and dissatisfaction, or even possibly lust or laziness? Is it possible that the God of all creation placed a groaning in your spirit for more of him, but the evil of this world has led your heart in the opposite direction. Join in on this episode… you may not have realized all along that your condition or circumstance is simply a misguided groaning.
Nov 29, 202109:29
Day 6: Finding the Goodness of God
Isn’t it interesting to think that the thought of heaven should be enough to bring us back to good, but since it is somehow not the case for our minds and bodies that are driven by selfish desire, God has been good enough to provide example and opportunity here on this earth. Romans 8 tells us of a groaning in all creation…what does that even mean? Does creation ache for relief just like I do?! Join in this episode to get a more clear view of what Paul was saying in the passage, and how it applies to you!
Nov 29, 202109:60
Day 5: Finding the Goodness of God
Welcome back to the Finding the Goodness of God series. I hope you had a blessed Thanksgiving Week!!! Today — DAY 5 — we are in Romans 2:4-11. This passage helps us have the recognition of the consistent and just nature of His goodness. We see that He is the definition of fair, yet we have a tendency to despise the riches of His perfection. Join in and listen! Let’s be blessed by His Word together!!
Nov 29, 202109:56
Thanksgiving DAY Devotional:
How my Mama welcomed my filthy self to her table…
There are a lot of things to be grateful for, but I must say it is Jesus in my mama that I am most grateful for today. Join in for a quick story on how my mama was able to welcome my filthy self to her table. Her words and her actions were a direct reflection of God’s goodness through creation and so much more! Go back and review Psalm 19 in it’s entirety today. Also, take time to listen to the song “Come to the Table” by Journey Worship youtu.be/-ANJEaZg38E
Nov 25, 202108:53
Thanksgiving Week Devotional: Is Your Mouth a Mass Murderer
Thanksgiving Week Devotional:
Is your mouth a mass murderer?
David is super upset in Psalm 52, but do you know why? Take a few minutes to learn more about the context and personal application!
Scripture References:
Psalm 52
1 Samuel 21-22
Psalm 139
“Great I AM” by Shane and Shane
youtu.be/HTLgHw-1RQs
Is your mouth a mass murderer?
David is super upset in Psalm 52, but do you know why? Take a few minutes to learn more about the context and personal application!
Scripture References:
Psalm 52
1 Samuel 21-22
Psalm 139
“Great I AM” by Shane and Shane
youtu.be/HTLgHw-1RQs
Nov 23, 202110:02
Thanksgiving Week Detour: Create in me a clean heart
This Thanksgiving week, I am taking a quick detour to talk about how we submit our hearts and our mouth‘s to God as we encounter difficult personalities around us. This is a very big deal! Women, it’s time we take a new kind of control by setting the mood with reverence for The One who has set us free!! The scripture referenced in this podcast is Matthew 5:3-12 and Psalm 19:12-14. Also, I mentioned the song “Let the Words of My Mouth” by Fernando Ortega. Be blessed precious friends!
Nov 22, 202112:11
Day 4: Finding the Goodness of God
Have you ever just stopped and listened to Psalm 145?! Even if you have, let it happen again!! You can taste the goodness of God as you hear David give Him glory for a life blessed with forgiveness and strength.
Nov 19, 202110:30
Day 3: Finding the Goodness of God
Finally today we make it into Romans 8, and boy do we experience the amazing goodness of our faithful God! Make sure and join in as we talk about the difference between the law of man and the law of grace, and a salvation that — if truly had — cannot be lost because the blood of Jesus made us able to rest, and run freely, in the goodness of The Father!
Nov 17, 202110:12
Day 2: Finding the Goodness of God
In Day 2, we almost get all the way into Romans 8, but first we take a stop off in the end of Romans 7….“Why do I do what I don’t want to do, and don’t do what I want to do”… all of us know this conversation in our scattered hearts and minds. So, join in with me as we work through the confusion and bring God the glory!
Nov 16, 202110:23
Rest While You Run: Finding the Goodness of God in Romans 8
Starting with this episode, I am going to take us through the journey of my notes from the latest “Rest While You Run” retreat. Join with me, and feel free to comment on God‘s good word and the proof of his goodness throughout!!
Nov 15, 202110:01
Improve the fruit that comes from you by putting fruit in you…
Did you know that sometimes depression and anxiety can be a direct reflection of nutrient deficiencies and not necessarily a need for a medication. There are also times when our anxiety and depression are simply a need for remembering the fruit that came to us through Jesus. In this episode, I talk about my own struggle with my feelings, and a vow of integrity the Lord asked me to make no matter how I feel
Oct 22, 202108:53
The Armor of God is Not a Magic Potion Prayer
In this episode, I speak on the struggle with having a quiet time AND battling with hormones...UGHH!! You women know how hard this is, but do we know how to effectively put on the Armor of God in the midst? Is it a certain prayer we pray?! Is it a spirit that we can manufacture? OR is the equipment provided for us, through salvation in Jesus Christ, that we just have to be reminded of!! Tune in and hear what God showed my heart!!
Reference: Ephesians 6:10-18 and Psalm 94:17-19
Oct 20, 202111:28
Popping the Super Christian Woman Bubble
In this episode, We discuss Isaiah 32 and the prophecy of a righteous King who was to come. There’s also a word for the overconfident woman in there that was good for those women then, but also speaks directly to us now!!! Here’s what’s so extra beautiful though…we know that when Jesus came, and then ascended to be with his father, he left the spirit with us. What a blessing to read Isaiah’s prophesy toward that relationship!!!
Sep 30, 202113:13
Why do I Savor Annoyance?!
I am DISTURBED at how easily I am controlled by my annoyances!!! I am straight up calling myself out for how easy it’s been in this tiny time with my precious husband to step back into the evil of emasculating him out of my desire to maintain order and control. It never starts out with the intention to tear him down, but “neatness and order” draped in Christian feminist entitlement is still cruel and ungodly!
Sep 20, 202119:04
Seek Ye First…Especially When it’s Bad
Sometimes days are just bad… so, do we wait until we “Feel“ better to testify to the goodness of our sovereign God?! NO!!! We have to learn how to talk about the full truth of our God who will always be enthroned with righteousness, no matter how bad it gets!! Join me today as my day has not been so great, but my God has!
Aug 31, 202112:43
Sometimes It's Good to Have a Gut...
In this episode, Rachel speaks on needing to have God in more than just your memory, but also in your gut! She elaborates on literally and figuratively “choking on your spit” and then forcing worship no matter how dumb you might look She examines the life of David in the midst of one his biggest mistakes and most joyous recoveries through Psalm 32 & 33.
Aug 15, 202115:52
WORSHIP!! Your Wilting Has a Purpose!!
It is beyond me how the God of all the universe is faithful enough to answer our little -- mostly selfish -- prayers. Yet, if we look at The God of the Bible, The God that Psalm 66 is glorifying, we see that His faithfulness to us is based on His sin hating, children loving, merciful, mighty, victorious heart. When we see Him like that...in His fullness...we are set free from ourselves, and completely rewarded in Him. We see the purpose in our wilted hearts, and immediately begin to bloom again!
Praise be to our God who keeps on saving me from me!!!!
May 25, 202114:16
James for You: Episode 38 (Chpt/Week 10)
The effectiveness of our prayers are based on the faithfulness of our God....What does that mean?! In this very last episode of our chew through the book of James, we discuss what fervent prayer means, and what God will do with for you, and the person you are praying for. Don’t miss this!! It’s good stuff!!
May 18, 202119:16
James for You: Episode 37 (Chpt/Week 10)
James 5 covers several things that bring up questions! Is the Church responsible for just knowing that I need to prayed over with oil? If someone prays over me with oil, does that automatically mean I should be healed? When it says I should be cheerful, does that mean as a Christian I should always be chipper?! In this last week of the breakdown on the book of James, we address these questions, learning more about the value and privilege of prayer!
May 18, 202116:13
James for You: Episode 36 (Chpt/Week 9)
When James says, “Do not swear...let your “yes” mean “yes”, and your “no” mean “no”, he is not just saying you can’t say the words “I swear”. He is encouraging the reader to have words filled with integrity and honor, and if our confidence is rooted in Jesus, we don’t have to bind ourselves to an oath. If we truly have Jesus as our Savior, then we become trustworthy based on His faithfulness.
May 10, 202110:26
James for You: Episode 35 (Chpt/Week 9)
In any scenario that God allows suffering, we have to have confidence in the Lord and His provisions. We must have the faith to press through our fears and reckless emotions so that He is known through our response. If our hearts are rooted in Jesus, and His eternal promise, patience will flow from us!
May 10, 202109:22
James for You: Episode 34 (Chpt/Week 9)
Patience is not just some magic wand that God waves over you, where you are all of the sudden unaffected by the circumstance surrounding you. Patience is learning how to weather the storm in expectation of what is to come....JESUS!!
May 10, 202110:33
James for You: Episode 33 (Chpt/Week 9)
Patience in suffering....don’t you think those words almost feel like an oxymoron?! One reason that we are struggling to find patience though is because we have americanized our definition of suffering with basic obsticles. If we really were to take time to understand whose shoulders we are standing on, we would see that the patience we’ve been called to is more than reachable! Join us this week, in a summary of James 5:7-12, to go deeper into the privilege of learning how to be patient in suffering.
May 10, 202110:14
James for You: Episode 32 (Chpt/Week 8)
Throughout the course of the book of James, he has been very straightforward in his language, because he is wanting the Church to hear the need to be passionate about living a life completely sold out to God. Here at the beginning of chapter 5 though, he gets downright forceful as he directs his words to the non believing rich. Christians are not off scott free on this one though...James is also showing us where we need to check our hearts in relation to our money!!!
Apr 29, 202112:35
James for You: Episode 31 (Chpt/Week 8)
As we discussed in James 3, the rudder of a ship is tiny, but it controls the whole thing. We also understand that a tiny tongue can control the whole body, but do we understand that the heart is what controls the tongue?! Well, in that same tone, we must understand that our heart is what controls our use of the time, talent, and treasure that God has entrusted to us; therefore, we must do everything we can to bring the heart into submission to the fullness of our loving God!
Apr 29, 202110:55
James for You: Episode 30 (Chpt/Week 8)
Have you ever thought of your schedule as an “arrogant scheme” or “boasting in evil”? ME NEITHER!! But in James 4:13-17, he shows us how it could fall into that category, and what we should do about it!
Apr 29, 202110:37
James for You: Episode 29 (Chpt/Week 8)
If I had to give this week’s episodes a title it would be, “Busyness can be another form of spiritual laziness: The misuse of our TIME, TALENT, AND TREASURE”. The point is, we are so human, and get caught up in our passion for the moment; however, the truth is that we have one purpose, and that is to honor God with EVERYTHING, because EVERYTHING comes from Him!!! Today we discuss the things that we may not be saying out loud, but our actions are screaming!!
Apr 29, 202110:25
James for You: Episode 28 (Chpt/Week 7)
What does "living in the THEREFORE" mean?! In three little verses, James shows us what that means. He teaches us how to move from ourselves in order that we might be exalted by The Great I AM!! I just cannot imagine anything better! Join us for this weeks wrap up on Chapter 7 of the book "James for You" by Sam Allberry.
Apr 26, 202111:17
James for You: Episode 26 (Chpt/Week 7)
In the CSB version of James 4:11 it says, "Don't criticize one another, brothers and sisters". It can be our tendency to skip over the word "criticize", because we give ourselves full right to criticism and cynicism. In our definition, it's simple "observation", but if we were to run our thoughts and conversations about others through the Biblical Washer, we will see that it shines up to be self-righteous judgement and gossip the majority of the time. James helps us have perspective on ourselves, with the hopes we will learn how to live in quiet spirited observation, and selfless prayer!!!
Apr 26, 202110:48
James for You: Episode 27 (Chpt/Week 7)
"YOU ADULTEROUS PEOPLE!"
In James 4:4, he is not just calling us adulterous to insult us. He is calling us out to get our attention with THE TRUTH!! The whole point is to remind us that disobedience, or rebellion, towards God is more than just little "white" sin. It is you being a hostile enemy of God's. James is not beating around the bush, because we need this kind of straight forward language to understand, and accept, that pride and prayerlessness CANNOT separate us from God's love, but it WILL separate us from God's protection and blessings.
In James 4:4, he is not just calling us adulterous to insult us. He is calling us out to get our attention with THE TRUTH!! The whole point is to remind us that disobedience, or rebellion, towards God is more than just little "white" sin. It is you being a hostile enemy of God's. James is not beating around the bush, because we need this kind of straight forward language to understand, and accept, that pride and prayerlessness CANNOT separate us from God's love, but it WILL separate us from God's protection and blessings.
Apr 26, 202111:39
James for You: Episode 25 (Chpt/Week 7)
Have we come to a place of actually weeping over our sin?! In James 4:1-12, James is gracious enough to break down some of the most basic places were we are not broken enough over our prideful sin. We are quick to lay blame on the other party, but what if we've been called higher. Jesus gave us the example of how to live in humble forgiveness...even when others are not asking to be forgiven.
Apr 26, 202111:35
James for You: Episode 24 (Chpt/Week 6)
Do you want to have a tongue of fire?! A mouth that when used properly, effectively, will help bring light to a fallen world?!
A fire coming from a different place has a different effect...When it comes from Jesus, people change, lives are made new, and you get a front row seat, all because God has given you everything you need to check that tongue, and make it obedient to Him!! Don't skip today's episode...it's good stuff straight from God's word!!!
A fire coming from a different place has a different effect...When it comes from Jesus, people change, lives are made new, and you get a front row seat, all because God has given you everything you need to check that tongue, and make it obedient to Him!! Don't skip today's episode...it's good stuff straight from God's word!!!
Apr 19, 202112:38
James for You: Episode 23 (Chpt/Week 6)
"I believe in Jesus, but I don't follow Him"
"The love of Jesus is not enough to change me"
"The joy of the Lord is NOT my strength"
As a Christian, you would NEVER actually say those exact words, but you might be insinuating them with everything else that you are saying. You also may be saying them with your body language!! It's important that we display Christ in every area of our life...that we help stir others affections for Christ. Today's episode may seem like a little bit of overspiritualizing, but don't take my word for it! Let God's word speak for itself!
"The love of Jesus is not enough to change me"
"The joy of the Lord is NOT my strength"
As a Christian, you would NEVER actually say those exact words, but you might be insinuating them with everything else that you are saying. You also may be saying them with your body language!! It's important that we display Christ in every area of our life...that we help stir others affections for Christ. Today's episode may seem like a little bit of overspiritualizing, but don't take my word for it! Let God's word speak for itself!
Apr 19, 202110:06
James for You: Episode 22 (Chpt/Week 6)
Have you ever thought that your words might not only be inappropriate, but demonic?!?! It's easy to give ourselves a pass on a cuss word here and there, but what about gossip? What about a moment of rage? What about a cuss word that interferes with a gospel conversation?! A mouth that is full of blessings and cursings represents and unstable heart...a heart that has not settled on God's glory is a secondary issue to their own feelings, or rights. Keep following along! James shows us at the end of this chapter where to find the example on how to make our tongues obedient!
Apr 19, 202111:03
James for You: Episode 21 (Chpt/Week 6)
Happy Monday!! This week's focus in "James for You" is on THE MOUTH!! LOL. This week will be a blessing and a conviction for many! It is so easy to mark ourselves as good, but then we let that vile ole' tongue wag. How do we even stop this?!?! It has to take something...SOMEONE...far more powerful, and loving, to train us out. So, join me today, here on "A Heart Refined" to learn how to shut your mouth without stapling it shut. LOL
Apr 19, 202110:49
James for You: Episode 20 (Chpt/Week 5)
One thing that is super cool about our God is that He knows what we need to get it!! At the end of Chapter 2, it seems as though the Holy Spirit impressed this very thing on James's heart, because He gives us examples of what FAITH BASED WORKS look like through the lives of Abraham and Rahab. You don't want to miss this episode! You will be blessed by this amazing picture of who God considers righteous, and calls His friend!
Apr 09, 202111:36
James for You: Episode 19 (Chpt/Week 5)
Today we take time to give a strong definition to what faith based works look like per the book of James. Starting in Chapter 1, and moving through Chapter 2, you will see that James shows us how to love God by presenting ourselves to Him in the surrender of all moral filth, and how to love others.
Apr 09, 202113:23
James for You: Episode 18 (Chpt/Week 5)
Do you believe in God?! CONGRATULATIONS!! So, do the demons!! Did you know that there are no atheists in the demonic realm?! So, if you are proud of your belief, but nothing in your life has changed to show it, you are running strong right along sides the demons!!! In this episode, we speak about James 2, and begin to define what believing in Jesus, AND FOLLOWING HIM, actually looks like!
Apr 09, 202112:52
James for You: Episode 17 (Chpt/Week 5)
Welcome back to Chapter/Week 5 of the review on the book James for you by Sam Allberry. This week we are covering scripture from James 2:14-26. Today's episode includes a quick review on last week, and a major dive into how we are called to live out our faith. It's gonna be a good week!! Make sure and catch Episodes 17-20 here on A Heart Refined. You can find them on Apple or Spotify podcasts, or you can follow the link below, and find them on "A Heart Refined on Patreon".
Apr 09, 202111:47