Unexpected with Hannah Love
By Hannah Love Mooney
Unexpected with Hannah LoveAug 01, 2022
Episode 88: Are You Ready To Fight For What God Promises (The Story of Gideon)
Taking it back to the old testament, lets grab our popcorn and settle in. I’ll drop a little background info to set the scene. After the great exodus from Egypt and all of the miracles throughout the life of Moses, there begins another era. This is the era of Joshua.
After Moses’ death, Joshua stepped in as the new leader. Not just a leader but a warrior-leader whose role was to press in and fight for the inheritance God promised His people. This inheritance was the promised land. But here’s the thing about God’s promises. They come with action. See, God promised to give them the land but that didn’t mean that their enemies were just going to pack up and hand it over to them. No. The blessing of a promise comes only through obedience. And obedience means action. They had to fight.
Gosh, there are so many lessons we could touch on in the story of Gideon. But one of my favorites is the fact that God calls him while he’s hiding from His enemies. Isn’t that so like God? To call us out of hiding. To see us in the dark. To call us into the light. To call us to fight.. To remind us of the promises and the inheritance. To remind us of our commissioning to obey so He can fulfill His word and bless His people?
The story is also a great reminder that God is patient with us.. There’s a wonderful quote by Tony Evans: “You can ask God a question, but you should not question Him.” Y’all… that can preach! See, God knows we are human. He knows our minds, our hearts, our thoughts.. He knows our weaknesses. I also believe it is part of His nature to want to establish that personal relationship and build on trust. As a father to a child. I can personally share that when God has asked me to do something and I’m hesitant to receive it… I’ll start asking Him to confirm it’s Him. And time and time again…He does! In ways only I would notice or ways that would only be important or meaningful to ME, He does it. God knows how to talk to His kids!
But, there’s a next step. It’s that obedience bit. Gideon asked God not once but TWICE to confirm what He as asking him to do… and He did it. So, Gideon’s response then HAD to be to obey. Once again… He had obeyed God in destroying the idols of his father’s house. Now, God was asking him to take a bigger step.
There’s a line I read while researching on this topic that says it like this, “He will not rebuke us for having questions, but when He answered our prayers, we must demonstrate faith to believe what He says.” See, God is always faithful on His end. It is up to us to have eyes to see and ears to hear and hearts that recognize Him. Then.. it is up to us to follow through. To obey.
Today, I want to leave you with this reminder. God calls and uses and equips who He will. When there is humility, sacrifice, and obedience. Victory lies behind every ‘yes’ in obedience to God’s calling. We may not see it in the physical, but God has already gone before us today and for the remainder of our days. He knows. And He’s calling. May we all have the courage to answer with a yes. With clean hands, pure hearts, and a desire to be used for His glory!
Episode 87: How Does God Show Us The Desires Of Our Heart?
So years ago I started praying this prayer, God, I want your will for my life. I just want, I want what you want. Whatever that is. I didn't know, the desire of my own heart. I didn’t know my dreams. I didn't know what was deep-seated in me. I'd had hints and clues through the years, but no sure direction. And I knew that the Bible made these promises and I know that the bible referred to the desires of our hearts and that God would meet those. And, I used to struggle because I thought to myself, what even are the desires in my own heart? I don't even know if that is. But in Psalms 37, this is the encouragement given.
I knew that was a promise. I KNEW that it was in the Bible, but I didn't know what the desires of my heart were until God revealed them to me. And the way that He reveals the desires of your own heart is to pray that prayer, God, Your will for my life. It says here, it says, Fix your heart on the promises of God and you will be secure. Make God the utmost delight and pleasure of your life. See guys, when your eyes, when your gaze is fixed up, when asking for God to guide and direct and lead your steps, there is no failing.
There is security there. He created you. He formed you before the creations of the world.
Even before we were born, God planned in advance our destiny and the good works we would do to fulfill it. So we, are preordained for a plan that God wrote. Before we we're born He knew us. He formed us He shaped us He chose the family we would be born into. He chose the time and country we were born in. He knew it all, and he had a plan. So when you submit and surrender, you ask God to lead and direct you, to guide your steps, to align your heart’s will with his own.
When your heart longs for the will of God be done, it will be so. And let me tell you the neat thing about asking God to align your heart with his own will. See when you do that he will answer prayers for you that you've prayed.
In the past he doesn't forget anything that we've asked and even if we didn't have the words, even we didn' t know what we were asking for, he knows the heart motive behind it. He knows that thing that we have longed for even, if can't put it into words for ourselves.
Episode 86 : Conquering The Fear Of Man: KNOWING That You’re Called- A Conversation With Jessi Green
Jessi Green is a passionate revivalist and preaches the Gospel with power, shaking religious systems, casting out demons, and equipping the Saints to be full of fire and making disciples of Jesus. Alongside her husband Parker Green, they lead Saturate Global, a grassroots revival movement baptizing thousands and awakening the nations to the resurrection power in Jesus! She believes that everyone is qualified to share the Good News and challenges status quo Christianity in her most recent book "Wildfires".
Episode 85: Dating, Singleness and Red Flags, OH MY! - A Conversation with Alex Rasmussen
I was chatting with my friend Alex the other day and felt like we had to continue this conversation on the podcast to share with you guys! If you are single, newly dating or seeing some "flags" (red or green) - you're going to want to tune into this one!
Episode 84: Who Will We See When Jesus Returns
I feel like culture today fixates on the highest of highs and the lowest of lows. Its the thing that makes a headline a headline. Something tragic. Or something feel-good. Rarely, are we given the whole of it. It’s polarizing, really, when you don’t see the whole picture. It’s a trap that grabs attention and brands our thoughts with a narrative; good or bad.
I would even hazard to say it’s not much different from the versions of Jesus the world proclaims. Over the last few months I keep considering the picture of the Lion and the Lamb. Scripture is full of references to both. Jesus, of course, is both. His nature is complex, intricate, and deeper than human minds can comprehend.
This is what got me thinking about the days of Jesus. Despite being depicted in countless movies and cartoons and shows.. we forget: He was an actual person in history with real stories and encounters. These are canonized forever in what we now call the Bible.
But here’s the thing; the Jesus that people knew and experienced in Bible times is different than how we perceive Him today. And to be fair, those people really only had half of the story. The Jesus we so often hear about today is the gentle lamb. He is mercy and peace and grace and love. All of this is true… But this is NOT what the people of Jesus’ time were expecting. It’s actually fascinating to me because the people of Jesus’ time were actually expecting Him to come as a conqueror. A reigning king. A roaring Lion.
At the time, there was only (what we know as) the Old Testament. In fact, the life and death of Jesus ushers in what we now call the New Testament! It was even prophesied in Jeremiah 31:31 .And this prophecy was fulfilled with the death and resurrection of Jesus. The New Testament makes it clear in Matthew 26:28.
When you think of it in this way, about how the culture of that day was familiar with the prophecies it makes sense. It makes sense that they missed it. They were expecting the Lion of the tribe of Judah. Genesis 49:10 prophecied. Right from the start, we get a picture of The Messiah who comes to reign! Later on we see in 2 Samuel 7:12-13.
I feel like today’s culture has it totally flip flopped. Today’s culture (and I hate to say it but sometimes even the Church) prefers to talk about the Lamb version of Christ. It’s true. It’s part of his character and nature. But guys, there’s a whole other piece. It’s the part the Jews were looking for thousands of years ago. And indeed, when Jesus returns, it will be as the Lion of the tribe of Judah. He will come with eyes of fire and feet of bronze. He will come with a double edge sword meant to CORRECT us as well as bless us.
The fact is, Jesus the Messiah will return for His bride. He will return to cleanse the earth and make it new. He will return to reign. He won’t be returning to affirm how we feel about truth and morality. Those things have already been defined. He will be returning to establish His kingdom in the manner God always intended. It will be restored, redeemed, and made perfect.
Jesus is coming back as the Lion. He already came as the Lamb. His life and death met every promise and will meet the ones left unfulfilled upon His return.
Don’t make the mistake of thinking He loves us and tolerates all that we feel like doing. Sin separates us from God. And Jesus will return to destroy that which separates us from our Father. Don’t live in fear of this but instead, understand we serve a God who loves us enough to correct and rebuke. One who loves us enough to convict and purify the things in us that keep us from deeper intimacy. Let’s not be like the people of Biblical times who Missed it. Let’s see God for who He is in the whole picture. Lion and Lamb. Sacrifice and Savior. Servant King who laid it down for us to return again, and restore what Satan stole. Rejoice as we continue ahead, knowing the battle is won, and we have only to be ready for His return..
Episode 83 : Is Christian Yoga An Oxymoron?
Over the last year or so, I have noticed more and more the ease with which we roll into cultural “norms”. With that in mind, there are a few topics I thought it could be interesting to dip into. After all, as Christians, we should be be looking at culture with a Biblical world view. That’s not to say we should be judgy. I simply assert that we SHOULD be applying Biblical principles and a Biblical mindset to the culture we are so deeply entrenched in.
So. Here we are opening up this conversation with a bang. I’m back with my incredible friend and sister-in-law to discuss…. Yoga.
After pulling out some research and sharing some amazing testimonies, we are excited to share what we found about the origins of yoga. Our goal today is to shed light and provide some context around our own convictions! We hope to share a Biblical perspective for what is easily considered a cultural norm.
Join us today as we dive in to yoga and even a few other bonus topics (free of charge, ha)!
Episode 82 : Expectations Vs Standards - Let's Talk Relationships
There are a million things I would go back and tell my younger self. But here is one I wish I had an understanding of WAY sooner than I did. Standards and expectations are two very different things. Expectations in a relationship may mean compromise, in order to grow together as a couple. Standards, on the other hand, are fundamental and unchanging. Your standards are your core beliefs. They align with who you are, (and hopefully who God says you are). They align with what you want for your life, and what you are unwilling to settle for. Never adjust your standards because a man is unable or unwilling to meet them. Expectations are negotiable. Standards aren’t. Once you are able to make the distinction between the two, then you will be setting yourself up for a happier and healthier life.
As I got to thinking about this encouragement, I decided to take it a step further and delve into the Biblical principle behind it. After all, God gave us standards for a reason. And THEN I got to thinking about how people in the Bible were also full of expectations! It’s the whole reason I even have this podcast… God loves to work outside of our expectations. Working in the unexpected. Working according to HIS standards, not our expectations of Him or how we think He should operate.
Standard: An approved model.
- serving as a basis of weight, measure, value, comparison, or judgment.
- of recognized excellence or established authority:
Expectation: The act of anticipating something
I’m afraid however, that culture today has pushed this idea of holding high expectations rather than high standards. The wording is close but its a few degrees off and I personally feel like can be slippery slope to use the two terms interchangably.. see, I believe expectations really boil down to putting self desires over a true standard. Of course, we don’t want to view it that way, but at the root of it… thats pretty much it.
Here’s the truth: God’s word IS the standard by which we ought to live! Maybe that sounds presumptuous but let me explain why this is the only infallible practice. This quote sums it up beautifully: “the standard of right and wrong can only come from one who is perfect — our creator, the almighty God” (bible tools.org) SO if our personal standards are aligned with God, with who He is, what He says about us, what He wants for His children, there can be no error in holding on to them. They are perfect.
I also think it’s no coincidence that John chapter 1 begins the story of creation with this: In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. See, this was Jesus. He was the Word made flesh. He is the manifested Word of God in human form! He was the ultimate standard.
I’m not saying its wrong to have your own opinions or desires. Not at all! God created us with imaginations, creativity, ideas, and most importantly, free-will. It is what we choose to align our will with, however that matters.
Expectations are something people have. We set them, we create them… and we get mad if others don’t meet that personal idea.
Ask yourself if you were to write out what your standards are in a relationship, if those are the things that are core to your beliefs and what God says about you? Then ask yourself what your expectations are. I’m not saying its wrong to have them. Of course we do! We are human! But what my hope is today, is that you’ll stop long enough to hold firmly to the standard God gives us as a guide to live by. That standard will protect you from mess and mistakes. Not all of them… but certainly ones God specifically identifies in His word. Expectations are negotiable and can allow space for compromise. After all, healthy relationships must do so to grow together! However, if you’ve looked made your list of STANDARD core values and someone is unable or unwilling to meet them… it may be time to reevaluate that relationship.
Episode 81: When Passion Strikes - A Conversation with John R Miles
John R. Miles brings to the table a distinguished 30-year career that spans across military leadership, entrepreneurship, global business and technology operations, life coaching, and strategic innovation. His leadership foundation was laid at the United States Naval Academy, marked by distinction as a Division 1 athlete, class secretary, and brigade honor staff member during a significant chapter of the academy’s history.
His approach embodies the rigor of his naval training, enriched with a deep understanding of business dynamics and personal growth, guiding both individuals and corporations towards unparalleled success.
Episode 80: A New Name & A New Assignment
I don’t know about you, but as a mom, I understand that names are SO important. It’s funny, too because when you start having babies and you work on your ‘names’ list, you will always eliminate the ones you personally know. Like if you went to school with someone with that name or even had a bad run-in with someone with that name. It’s off the table. There are other names you may like..but then you look up the meaning. (This is where I confess that I’m a huge advocate of knowing what a name means). Honestly, there have been some I’ve been sad about once I looked up the meaning..because the name was cute but the meaning was not so cute!
Remember how much I talk about the power of words? Life and death is in the tongue. The words we speak are either life giving or deadly. That same principle applies to a name. So, if for instance, you’re wanting to name your child something and the meaning is negative… I would avoid it. Think about it, you’re calling that child by name every day of their life. Essentially, prophesying over them. Hannah means ‘Grace’ and my husband’s name, Shay, means ‘a gift’ (usually offered in homage). All good things (thankfully)!
Anyway, you may be wondering why I’m rambling on about names. Well, I do have a point. It is actually a pretty common theme in the Bible for people to be ‘renamed’. This either happens after an encounter with the Lord.. or when they are put on assignment. So anytime someone is given a new name in the Bible, just know that it is indicative of a major life change.
Sometimes, it feels like thats even what it would take in our own lives. A major change. A fresh start. An encounter or an assignment. Today, I want to share the story of a man in the Bible who’s life was radically transformed. He was made new. Redeemed. Forgiven. Renamed. And set on assignment. This man’s name was Saul. I’ll begin reading in Acts 9: 1-22
Another translation says He will cast our sins into the sea of forgetfulness. Meaning, once we ask for forgiveness, God will throw away our sin and never remember them again. Don’t make the mistake of thinking God holds your past over your head. You are a new man. And you are called on assignment, friends.
Just remember Paul. He went from hunting down Christ followers and murdering them, to becoming one of them. And leading countless into God’s kingdom for the remainder of his new life.
And today, I just wanted to end with this last quote from someone unknown: “The apostle Paul entered heaven to the cheers of those he martyred because thats how the gospel works.” How powerful is that? THAT is the redemptive picture of the gospel. May this be a reminder to ask God for a new name. A new assignment. And chase it with the boldness of one who has a clean slate. For the kingdom. I love y’all.. I hope this has been the reminder you needed today and that your week is beautiful.
Episode 79: His Will > My Will
It’s safe to say we have all experienced the hills and valleys of life. Some hills are higher than others just like some valleys are deeper. One of those deep places, for me, was over ten years ago. I’ll set the scene a bit…
In January of 2013, I won the title of Miss Arkansa USA. While the accomplishment itself was a high point, it was mixed with a complicated backdrop. For months leading up to the competition, I had been trying to extricate myself from a years-long abusive relationship. Once I won the title, the grip there only got tighter. I worked hard to disentangle from it though, eventually able to give my full focus to my new job for the year.
So fast forward towards the end of my year as Miss Arkansas. I actually ended up dating a really fun, really good guy. After years in a controlling, toxic relationship, it was a BREATH of fresh air. I went from feeling like I lived under someones thumb to finally feeling like I was in a ‘normal’ happy relationship. Like the kind all my other girlfriends were in!
As you can imagine, I was heartbroken when he decided to break it off. Now, mind you, I was also really thankful for his honesty. Like I said, he was a good guy and he did the right thing. In fact, the whole time we were dating, my only prayer had been “I want YOUR WILL GOD, and not my own.” I seriously remember walking or working out daily with that one prayer on repeat as I power walked the trails or lifted at the gym. So, when he ended it, I knew it was right. As sad as I was. I also knew I had peace because I had been asking God’s will over my own. And so it had to be. To this day, I still think of this as one of my loneliest valleys. Single, alone, broken, and totally dependent on God. In fact,
I would walk and pray. I would pour over a handful of promises in psalms. At this point in my life, I read the Bible but I wasn’t in the Word every day except in hard moments. And that same prayer was still in the background on repeat…God, YOUR WILL. Not my own.
It was like I innately knew that the guidepost to my life had shifted because, for the first time ever… I surrendered fully my life to God’s plan for me. I knew He had one. I read the Bible and went to church. But it wasn’t until I had to come to the end of myself and trying my own way..that I finally surrendered it over. That prayer, “I want YOUR WILL, GOD. Not my own.” I meant it with all my heart. I began praying it after that horrible relationship. I began praying it because I knew I was the one who got myself into that mess and moving forward I genuinely wanted God to take the reins. I prayed it through the ‘happy relationship’ even knowing it could end in heartbreak. And it did. But I never let that prayer go. I STILL KNEW. I STILL BELIEVED God’s will for my life was better than one I could achieve on my own.
I feel like y’all probably know the rest of the story… the part where Shay and I meet. I was deeply settled into my single girl, me-and-jesus and nobody else season. I loved it. I didn’t want to leave the peace of living in His will.. But, as it turns out, Shay was part of that good and perfect plan. I’m so thankful I held onto that prayer. I’m so thankful I surrendered my own will for my life in my early 20’s. I’m so glad I didn’t fight it. Or harden my heart. Or search for my value in another relationship. I’m SO glad in those dark days, I surrendered it all to find freedom and worth and identity in just being God’s daughter.
God’s will was better than my own and His will is better than yours, too. God’s word is true. Once you surrender it all to Him, you’ll find peace. Peace beyond understanding. As Ephesians so beautifully says: “the resting place of his love will become the very source and root of your life.” And so it will. My story won’t be yours. But I promise, yours will have some mountains and valley’s too. And it will also hold opportunities for surrender.
Episode 78: Face It (Hedging Bets & Wrestling God)
Have you ever had something reallllly painful in your past you don’t like to think about? Or maybe its feelings of regret, shame, or guilt? Or maybe, its just a person or situation you’d like to forget about. But whatever it was, it was such a profound moment, you felt the only way to escape it was by running. Whether that be physically, like moving cities or states, OR simply by removing yourself from a certain place or group of people. You just… kind of ran away from it? I’ll be honest, I’ve done both. If there’s anything God has shown me in the last few years it’s that I’m really good at running and disassociating.
So today’s topic is one that will take us back to the beginning of the Bible. In an attempt to read the Bible in chronological order this year, I have found myself back in Genesis and I’ve come across a story that made me think of HOW applicable it is to each of us today. This is (part of) the story of Esau and Jacob.
Here are the takeaways I get from this story: As a broken people living in a broken world, we mess up. We make mistakes. Regardless of the size and scope of the pain, we all carry something. And many of us even run. But here’s the truth. God will call us back to the point of pain, fear, or shame to FACE IT. See, God loves us so much, that He will call you back to that very thing that almost broke you. He calls you back, not to hurt you, but to heal you. We must face it in order to walk fully into what God has for our future. It takes courage, discipline, and obedience. But do you know what the reward is? It is healing and freedom. We must face it to receive what is on the other side. The future God has for you. Your inheritance. Your peace. Your healing and your freedom.
Listen, I know I’m talking to someone today. I don’t know how long your journey has been. Maybe you’re even like Jacob, who ran for 20 years! I don’t know who or what you’re running from. But I do know that God is asking you to face it. He is waiting to take your hand and walk with you. Just like Jacob. And it doesn’t have to be a graceful thing. It just needs to be done.
See, just like us, Jacob was human. In his story, you can see how his reaction is all over the place. First, he panics! He panics at the thought of facing his brother. And then… he prays. He literally repeats back to God what He promised him. He acknowledges that God has sent him back. He even reminds God that He promised him a future! (This was the right thing to do)! WE should do the same! But then… what does he do? He takes it back into his own hands. He starts planning what HE can do. He hedges his bets by sending herd after herd of livestock as gifts. In hopes of softening his brother’s heart. As if he didn’t just take the matter to God!! But.. such is our nature. This is where the final showdown happens. Jacob wrestles with God. And in the wrestling, he held on. For a blessing. He held on because he knew God was in it and if God was in it, His word was in it, too. His word for a future. When the wrestling was over, Jacob was given a new name.
Makes me think about us. About how sometimes when we face a thing. When we waffle back and forth, hedge our bets, wrestle with God…and come out the other side.. we are new. We are changed. We may walk with a limp, but we will never forget the path that brought us back. Back into the fullness and freedom God called us to all along. If that is you today, sweet friend, I pray you’ll have the courage this year to face it. It’s okay to feel all the things. It’s okay to panic, to pray, to plan, to wrestle.. just as long as you face it. Remember, God wouldn’t call you to it, if He wouldn’t see you through it. Not just see you through it but see you healed and restored. Just as Jacob was returned to his home land and restored back to his promised inheritance. There’s an inheritance for you. Just on the other side.
Episode 77: Pray THIS Prayer To See How God Will Change Your Marriage: with Erica Bankston
I’ve been wanting to sit down and do an episode about marriage and the the family unit. As someone who has looked up to this marriage, I knew that Erica was the perfect person to share her experience and heart on this. We touch on so many different topics from praying over your marriage to how society tries to tear down the beautiful thing God created.
If you haven’t listened to our episode from last year together about parenting, it’s a must!
Listen Here
Conservative Parenting:
open.spotify.com/episode/3mKeoyE9K0hBPOM0U1gKmF?si=GN5liviRTMuipzwvLWXiIg
open.spotify.com/episode/5SRXsS6mbMDKBWVLiWXVIP?si=rDz2nTeSReu50pifYJVRIA
Episode 76: Why Do Bad Things Happen To Good People?
It’s a common sentiment and an often asked question. It is also the achilles heel of a lot of people who lost faith.
Here’s the short answer. Bad things happen to people, period. Good and bad people. Regardless of status, success, or background. Regardless of religion and despite it. Sickness doesn’t discriminate just like this sinful world doesn’t discriminate. The truth of the matter is, we live in a very broken world.
What once was a perfect garden, a veritable heaven on earth… was lost to humankind when Adam and Eve disobeyed God. Adam affectively handed over his rights to darkness. God gave him the opportunity to steward a perfect world. He was actually given dominion over the works of God’s hands. But, because of disobedience, there was a great fall. We call it the fall because man fell from this perfect world into a broken one. His dominion was handed over to the one who deceived him in the first place. Satan.
There are so many takeaways here but the thing I want to point to right now is this.. God gave Adam and Eve free will. He didn’t force them to do anything. He set them into a perfect place and gave them boundaries to either keep or break. See, God wants His children to come to Him because they CHOOSE to. Because they choose Him and Love Him and seek Him. It is not a forced relationship. He actually chose us before the foundations of the world. Now, it is for us to choose Him back. Every day. Over and over. By the choices we make. The world is going to hit us with brokenness. What we choose to do about it and how we choose to respond is what really matters.
Here’s the other hard to hear part. Lest we forget. The world is still very broken. Satan still roams about as a lion looking to devour whom he may. He will hit you when and where he can whenever he can. He wants to steal and kill and destroy any goodness God has promised for you. He wants to steal hope, kill dreams, and destroy futures.
I know this may not be the answer so many are looking for today… But, such is the truth. God has a plan for our lives. But we have the freedom to follow Him or not. Not only that, but the enemy is still prowling around, looking to attack. The good news today is that Jesus came to redeem us from satan’s dominion. He came to redeem humanity. To restore us back to the Father. So our spirits are now free from the sting of death. If we have accepted Jesus as our Messiah, His own spirit has replaced the old man. This means we have the same authority as Christ because of the price He paid. We have authority over the enemy. And one day… when He returns, He will also restore the earth. The broken place we live in now. The Bible tells us it will be made new. Until then, this is what we can do.
We can live our lives one step at a time being led by the Holy Spirit. The Bible tells us that the Holy Spirit leads us unto ALL Truth. And so… we should follow. Today, I hope you’ll remember this: God is the creator of all. And like a work of art must be imagined before it is created, God knew about you before He even began forming you in your mother’s womb. With careful consideration, He designed you. Not only your physical traits, but the unique touches of humor, creativity, sensitivity, intellect, and passions. He knew it all and He formed you. He also knew (and presently knows) the story arc of your life. In fact, He’s laid out a dotted line map, just for you. If only you have the courage to pursue Him and his leading. If only you are able to surrender the missed turns and wreckage of a sinful world. Theres a one of a kind story waiting to be revealed. A picture of a life well lived. Your map is a testament to the freedom of choosing God. I love y’all. I hope this has been an encouragement today that while storms still arise, we aren’t in them alone. And with every misstep, there is grace for hearts turned back to Him.
Episode 75: Offended, Bitter And Jaded : Where Do We Go From Here?
A year or two back, we had this woman come up to the door of our house. She had a notepad, a three ring binder, and a pitch. She had obviously been walking door to door. The general idea was that a certain non-profit was supplying fresh local produce to the underserved communities in the area. The business plan made sense and I was also aware of the great needs of our town in that regard. The way the model worked was by buying produce in bulk. There were three levels of “giving” and the BIG observation for me was the notepad she had that was full of signatures from my neighbors (several of whose names I recognized). I visited with the woman, listening to her story and even got to share about my podcast. It was a lengthy exchange. I bought a package and shared some final words of encouragement before she left.
The following day, there was a post on a local neighborhood app that was alerting folks about this scam. My heart sank as I saw the name and a screenshot of the ‘company’s website’. I had been taken advantage of. My immediate response was embarrassment, but after I called and had the payment cancelled I remember talking to my husband and saying, with all my heart… You know? I would have given her the money. If I had known that she was struggling.. If she had been honest and genuine.. I would have given her that money. It made me sad. She had obviously been working with others who had dropped her and her companion on our street. The need was evident. And it just made me so so sad.
But what if… What if Jesus had hardened His heart? What if, after all the mocking, the ridicule, the rejection… what if after all that He endured, He turned and walked away. Because of a hard heart. You know He had every opportunity. (If you need a reminder, just go back and listen to episode number 26 on Rejection)!
You’ve got to step out of yourself and treat that person the way God himself would treat you. With kindness, compassion… and with grace. I’m not going to sugar coat it, its anything but natural. Truly, it is dying to yourself. Dying to the old man. You, as a Child of God and a co-heir with Jesus are made NEW. The price was paid for you. For your sin. For your shame, your mistakes, your failures and all of your iniquities. They were paid for with the blood of Jesus. You are redeemed and made a new man. That new man must then begin to respond according to the SPIRIT of God residing inside rather than responding with the mind or feelings of the old man. This is the act of sanctification. This is a part of the steady transformation to become more like Christ. To bring Heaven to Earth. To make Earth as it is in Heaven!
And I will end with this: because I think it’s a beautiful promise that God attaches, not only to wisdom, but also to acting according to His word: Proverbs 19:11 It means you, in your born again life, are able to display a bright and pure piece of God’s glory. He is made known in the situation… He is made known and that blesses whoever witnesses AND it blesses whoever acted in obedience to His word. Now that is a heck of a promise. Today, I just want to share this encouragement with each of you. Don’t allow the enemy to come in and make you bitter. Don’t allow the enemy to plant seeds of offense. Instead, live out the most shocking and unexpected truths. Love them. Pray for them. And watch, as God transforms your heart and your life because you chose to Honor HIM above your own feelings. When a hard heart is softened, God is able to come in and heal. And the fruit of that will reach far beyond you. I love y’all. I hope this message finds you right where you are today. God will be in it. He’ll work through you and change the lives of all who see..
Episode 74: Are You Your Issue?
Have you ever noticed that the first thing people ask at a social event is “So, where are you from?” Followed up with a “What do you do?”.
It’s interesting to me because even on social media pages, our Bio’s declare the same. Where we are from. What we do. A few words to sum up our whole existence. But what if… just what if those very descriptions are the ones we’ve been using to identify who we are? Titles. Jobs. Throw in a location for context. But what if we’ve had it all wrong. If that’s the first thing we are saying about ourselves, that must also mean its the FIRST thing we believe about who we are. It must mean that thats our identity! Right? Wrong.
The thing is, we are doing ourselves a disservice if that’s the thing we are choosing to stand on. Identity isn’t what you do or even who you are to anyone else. Actually. Our true identity is that which relates us to our creator. It’s foundational. It should be the thing we respond with as we know it deep down. If God Himself asked you who you are, what would you tell Him? Would you say something like, “Well, I’m Sharon and I’m project coordinator at so and so offices…” I mean, I’m laughing but I sure hope you’ve got more in you than that!
If we asked our own children…who are you to me? I would hope they’d respond with “I’m your child”. So? Shouldn’t that be our first response, too? God calls us His. And while we may call ourselves ‘God’s children’ Sunday at church, the majority of people aren’t out here living like it. MOST people live by their professional title for the rest of the week. Others of us may not even go by the title we give ourselves but the title given to us by the world. Known by your story. Known by your past. Known by your shame, sickness, sins, or even by your situation. Maybe whatever life you’ve lived has become the thing to defines you.
I believe this is the number one mistake believers make in understanding their identity. Instead of referring to what God’s word says about them, they’ve spent a lifetime listening to OTHERS about who they should or shouldn’t be. And at some point, most of us have come INTO agreement about whatever that is. Think about school? If you didn’t play sports, were you really an outcast? Or did you just start believing that about yourself because thats what the social scene dictated? Maybe God would have liked to remind you that you were actually built different. Built to be set apart. Built with different interests and giftings to reach a purpose God crafted specifically for YOU.
See, I’ve come to realize we can’t walk fully in our God given authority unless we recognize ourselves the way God recognizes us. Not by who WE say we are. Not by who the world says we are. But by who God says we are. We can walk fully in all He desires for us if we understand our identity. If we understand our relationship to the King. If your father is the king, what does that make you? An heir. It makes you an heir. You’re an heir to His kingdom. A daughter who is loved. AND a daughter who is called to a life of more.
Today, I want to read a story to you about a woman who perfectly fits the description of someone who went by her worldly identity. She is a woman in the Bible who is never mentioned by name. She isn’t even mentioned by a title she holds. Rather, she is identified by the issue she has. Mark 5:21-43 TPT
Today, I want to challenge you to ask yourself the question: What have I been standing on? What identity have I been living by? Is it an identity given by the world? Is it status based on things I own? Is it the circles I am a part of? Or is it even a condemning name given by circumstances of a broken world? Whatever it is. Whoever you think you are.. I want to remind you you’re none of those things. God calls you His Child first. Hold fast to that and be encouraged that life WILL look different when you understand your born identity. I love you, friends. And God loves you most of all… I’ll see you back here next week!
Episode 73: Life Balance: Faith, Family, and Career with Shay Mooney
Well guys, we’re back!! And by we I mean my best friend and husband, Shay Mooney! I had originally planned to record a few family conversations at the top of the new year (and we still will), but our family trip was postponed. Luckily, however, this left the perfect opportunity to sit down for another catch up with the person I do life with!
In this episode, we dive into some awesome ways to begin the new year (not only as a married couple but also as parents)! Trust me when I tell you this is a rich conversation you won’t want to miss.. We touch on how we balance family + career, takeaways from 2023, AND we discuss the busy year ahead.
If you want to be encouraged in your marriage, or simply need some perspective on how to balance a busy life in the new year, this episode is for you!
Episode 72 : A Dummies Guide To Setting Boundaries
As we begin our trek into the new year, I thought it could be helpful to do an episode on something that is REALLY hard for a lot of people: Boundaries. As a peace-loving 9 on the enneagram, this is actually one of the hardest things for me to practice. If I have any fellow peace-keepers or people-pleasers out there, you’ll understand. Boundaries are a type of discipline that can have the tendency to feel selfish if practiced for your own sake. If you’re like me, you may have NO problem pointing out the need for boundaries - for other people. But struggle for yourself. But. What if I told you God actually gave us something to live by? Because…He did.
Today, I wanted to look at the Bible as a guide to healthy boundaries and wise choices. After all, the Bible is the key to all of life’s principles. So, it stands to reason that God would have a few things to say about this.. Now, you may be thinking “I don’t remember a commandment about personal boundaries..” BUT I actually beg to differ. You know why? Because a boundary is just another name for a “Limit”, “Border”, or even a “Perimeter”. They are in place for a reason. They protect our own hearts, they protect the hearts of others, and ultimately, when adhered to, they SHOULD help create a healthy community for all. The ten commandments are actually the FIRST set of such boundaries. I would even consider them the pillars to live by. They are the main guideposts of life and even if they were the only laws or principles to live by, they would be enough. But God is so good and left THE most detailed help-guide (if we so choose to pursue it).
Seriously, Proverbs is chock FULL of the most practical life principles. Some are so simple. Some are deep. And some are really encouraging… and honestly, some are very convicting. It is a collection inspired by the Holy Spirit and written by the wisest man who ever lived (King Solomon). And while these chapters are generally full of LIFE PRINCIPLES to live by, for the sake of today’s episode, I also want you to consider them boundaries YOU can apply in your own life. Whether these be personal boundaries, relational boundaries, business boundaries, or even boundaries that create strength of character. Each and every line in the book of Proverbs is applicable to life today. That I can promise.
One of the things I love most about Proverbs (aside from its practical nature) is the fact that almost every boundary or principle listed is followed up with a promise to go with it. Promises for whichever decision you make. For the good or for the bad. From friendships to neighbors, to business, to marriage, to parenting, and even to legal practices. This book holds boundaries for all of life. A veritable Book For Dummies! I’m not offended. Just thankful God knew we would need a play book for life!
Listen, this may all sound dull to you today. But, as the days and weeks go on, my prayer for you is that you’ll remember today’s episode. Remember WHERE to go when searching for wisdom in life matters. Likely as not, a lot of answers can be found in these 31 chapters. It isn’t a hard read. It doesn’t even take that long. But, I want to encourage you with this. The next time you find yourself in a situation feeling like you don’t know what to do.. comb through the book of Proverbs. It could be an argument with a friend, a business decision, a question about marriage or parenting.. It could even be as simple as how to find true peace. I just bet God has a word in there for you. Be it encouraging or convicting. Chances are good that He left us with a principle or boundary to apply. Today’s episode hasn’t be a firey one by any means, but I do hope it will be the guide you need as you navigate the weeks ahead. May it lead you into wisdom. May you glean reassurance and encouragement from the pages in Proverbs. A Dummies Guide to Setting Boundaries.
Episode 71: It's 2024 - What REALLY Matters To You?
We are going into a new year here so lets fix that. I’ve been thinking about this a lot. I value my relationship with God. But. Is it evident in my life? It’s supposed to be the #1 thing above all else, right? But…am I hearing His voice? Do I feel close to Him? Because if not… it’s because I’m missing something on my end. God is always there. He has never left my side.. So, what can I do to go deeper. What can I do going into this year to hear His voice not just more clearly but more often. That’s my goal for the year; and hopefully, yours too!
1. Make time and space for God.
2. Worship music
3. Give thanks
4. Read the Word
5. Unplug
Today, I’m praying for each of you to figure out what really matters. Figure it out and then act like it. Make the exchange. Spend your time and energy in pursuit of Him. I’ll end with this sweet reminder. In church last week, our pastor said “Worship directs the adoration of our hearts, and what we love changes us.” So guys. Think about what you really love in this life. As the year begins, I challenge you to pursue THAT. Pursue Him. And watch as He changes not only your life but the lives of everyone around you.. Today, I’m praying for what really matters in your live. And the courage to chase it. I love y’all and I’ll see you next week! 🤍✨
Episode 70: The Christmas Story - Little Details & Great Reminders
I think its easy for us to recount the story of Jesus’ birth…kinda like we would any classic movie that the whole world knows about. But, in a way, I feel like so much of the awe and wonder is stripped away BECAUSE OF the familiarity we have with this story. If we take time to really stop and think about the details, it’s all pretty wild. CAN YOU IMAGINE?! Mary was likely a teenager. Engaged to Joseph. She had some serious explaining to do. Thank heavens God sent an angel to Joseph as well to confirm this miracle! Regardless… I think often of Mary’s situation. The fear of the unknown must have been staggering. Yet, this young woman said “yes”. In fact, she said more than just a simple yes. Let me read in Luke 1 vs 26-38 to give you the full picture. (This is the perfect place to pick up, too, since we just talked about John the Baptist and his mother, Elizabeth’s miraculous conception… Mary’s story picks up during the time of Elizabeth’s pregnancy! Remember, she’s Mary’s relative.) So here we go: And here’s the thing. Mary’s yes was just the beginning of the story. Luke 2:1-7 says: Now see? We don’t get all that in the typical Christmas story, do we? I truly believe if we took more time to examine the details, we’d be blown away at all of God’s handiwork. He is SO intentional. He’s so in the details. And I know I know… I didn’t touch on all the parts of the Christmas story today.. parts about King Herod and the Wise men. Parts about the star leading the way. Parts about gifts and dreams and prophecies.. But today, I wanted to take time to point to some of the smaller details. Today, I wanted to say that God see our heart posture. God blesses our obedience. Just like He knew Mary’s heart, He saw her obedience, and he blessed her because of it. He CHOSE HER FOR IT!! And here’s the other reminder: God reveals Himself in ways that are meaningful to US. Uniquely and specifically. Just like He did to the shepherds. Listen. God can reveal Himself to you. In dreams, visions, through other people… God works in unexpected ways. Heck, its the whole message behind this podcast! If he did it for those in the Bible, what makes you think He can’t do it for you, too? Maybe you won’t get an angelic appearance (and maybe you will…who am I to say you won’t?!) But you will always get an answer if you ask Holy Spirit to reveal Himself to you. You’ll always get an answer if you have eyes to see and ears to hear, and a heart that will recognize God’s voice. This whole story may feel a little muddled to you today, but I pray that you’ll walk away remembering that God is looking at your heart posture. God wants your obedience so he can BLESS YOUR LIFE, and God can and will reveal Himself to you in a way that is special to YOU… if you ask Him to. Today, I thank God for sending His precious son. I’m thankful for the courageous “yes” of a teenage girl. The obedient heart of her fiancé to act in good faith. And mostly, I’m thankful for the life Christ came and lived. All so he could die for the sin of the world. All so that we may have hope. And as the angels sang.. “Glory to God in the highest realms of heaven! For there is peace and a good hope given to the sons of men.” That hope is here now. That peace is available to all today. Let this year’s Christmas story be one of little details and great reminders to say Yes to God…and be listening for His voice. May your Christmas be full of peace and joy and hope… of the goodness ahead. I love y’all. Merry Christmas and I’ll catch you in the new year…
Episode 69: The Beauty In Balance & Purpose - A Conversation with Gabby Barrett
Episode 68: All The Things! Q&A with Hannah
Excited to be sitting down with Livy to do a little Q&A today! We covered a lot of different topics on this episode. We answered questions about studying scripture, raising kids, and being married into the entertainment industry. I love being able to be more candid with you guys, so thank you to anyone who submitted a question!
Listen to Episode 13 & 14 for the story all about how Shay and I met.
Episode 67: The Truth Of Being Set Apart (The Story of John the Baptist)
As we barrel head first into December and all that comes with it, I wanted to backtrack to the moments in the Bible leading up to Jesus’ appearance. I’m talking about John the Baptist. I posted a short clip a week or so back about how underrated the life of John is. I think its important to understand some background of this man and his role in preparing the way for Jesus’ entry into the world!
Let me begin by reading in Luke 1 about the miraculous conception of John. So, you see, John and Jesus’ births not only overlap but they are parallel in the fact that both are miraculous! Talk about unexpected!
From the very moments since birth, John was prophesied over and raised KNOWING it was he who would fulfill prophecy as the one to usher in the new Testament. This is significant for many reasons: One, John is the first prophetic voice to rise up in 400 years. His birth is not only the fullfillment of prophecy but it will also become the link between the old and new testament. See, up until this very moment, the people of Israel have been practicing under the old testament law given to Moses after the great exodus out of Egypt. Under this old covenant, the people must make sacrifices and perform rituals, using appointed priests to make atonements to God on their behalf.
First is this: John was set apart. He knew he was set apart since birth. He didn’t run or rebel from the idea of this; indeed, he set the course of his life on a path that HONORED this great commissioning. Guys. He literally chose to live in the wilderness. Many of the gospels document his life and share that not only did he choose to separate himself from the world but he also forsook comforts. Not only was John sure of who he was, not only did John know the role he was to play, but he was the forerunner to the salvation of the world. He laid his own comfort, he laid down opportunities for community and fellowship, and instead he boldly preached against the world. He called out religious hypocrites. And risked looking like an actual crazy person to prepare the way. It’s why he was born! He never wavered from his role.
And he could have. By the time Jesus enters the scene in his adult years, John had built up quite a name and following. He had his own disciples. As Jesus approaches while John is baptizing people in the Jordan River, John’s own disciples point and say who is that? John says, “ Behold, the Lamb of God!!” And his disciples left him to follow Jesus. Do you know what John didn’t do? He didn’t make it about himself. He didn’t ask his disciples to come back and follow him. Why? Because that’s not why he came. He knew his role. He knew his ministry. And his ministry wasn’t about himself, but rather, about pointing the world to the Messiah.
Oh, what a stunning picture of hope. Doesn’t God do fine work using the unexpected? He uses barren women to have prophet sons who live set apart. Wild (and some may even say a bit crazy). But the truth is, John wasn’t crazy. He was a man who knew his role and never strayed from it. He lead the way. He becomes a link in history to the most important moments since or ever again. He users in the hope of the world. As we enter into the holiday season, my prayer is that each of you will remember, too, that God loves to use the unexpected. And in fact, He has always called you. He chose you before the beginning of time to live where you live, in the family you’re in, in the city you reside, with the gifts and skills you have… to live with purpose. You know, deep down, He did. And maybe, just maybe, we’ll all be brave enough to live set apart like John to point the way to Jesus. Lord knows the world needs hope. And the truth is… we have it. In Jesus.
Thank you to our sponsor! NIV Journal the Word Bible published by Zondervan. Visit your local Christian bookstore or journaltheword.com to find a beautiful edition!
Episode 66: Are We Living In Biblical Times?
As surprising as this may sound to some people, the Bible is just as relevant today as it was thousands of years ago. In some cases, maybe even more so. You have to think - part of the Bible is prophecy, meaning things to come. So a lot of it is geared towards a future time.. but future for them is present-day for us!
Today, I want to share a story that jumped out at me this year while studying the Paul and reading of his journey to spread God’s word to all the nations. Truly after Jesus’ death, a majority of the new testament is the story of the birth of the Church. One day, I’d love to chronicle the life of Paul on his mission to share the Gospel, but until then, I will pull out a piece or two.
I know its a long way around saying it, but this whole scene sounds like a modern day moment to me! Listen to what these guys said: "You know that our prosperous livelihood is being threatened by this Paul, who is persuading crowds of people to turn away from our gods. We make a good living by doing what we do…Our businesses are in danger of being discredited”!
Sound familiar? I don’t know about you but this makes me think of a lot of things… the local authorities of the day sound a lot like politicians and the business men sound a lot like the money-men of..you guessed it…present day. I feel like it is becoming increasingly apparent today that the life and values of christianity is being viewed as a threat to those in power positions. I mean.. it may have been thousands of years ago, but the Bible is alive and well. The principles and lessons are timeless. Money is still king in the eyes of the world and idol worship is still alive, too. Though it comes packaged differently.. Today, these idols and (lower case) gods are sold as entertainment, celebrity status, and global ‘causes’. Where agendas are pushed at the expense of what is real and true and good. Global warming. Big pharma. Gender Ideology. Government controlled education… and the list goes on. Sounds to me like a lot of junk being pushed by the people profiting from whatever idol they are pedaling.
And here’s the deal. As powerful as these people are… politicians and big businesses alike — they are all threatened by the INTEGRITY of choices of those lives turning to Christ. You can see it all over cancel culture. Which voices get cancelled? The ones speaking God’s truth… not the ones standing saying “This is my truth”. Because truth isn’t subjective to one person or another. Truth is what God says it is. How many celebrities have been dragged through the mud for sticking to their convictions? How many Christian films and books and shows have been suppressed or deleted? Heck, the day I put up my YouTube channel, it got pulled down. I can only imagine why….
I promise I didn’t come to ruffle feathers today. But.. I did come to encourage. The Bible doesn’t just mention stories casually for no reason. The years have changed but satan’s tactics are still the same. May that be your motivation today. He’s still using his same old trick and yet, the ending will never change. Our God wins. So may we carry on fighting the good fight. Know that, just as in Pauls day, there will be those in power threatened by the very things you stand for. Let it be so. Because we know who’s we are and who we answer to at the end of the day. And it’s not those people. It’s our Father who formed us in his own image. Today, I pray each of you are emboldened to keep standing firm and sharing the good news, its the only news that brings hope and a future to a dark and hopeless world. I love y’all, and I’ll see you back again next week!
Thank you to our sponsor! NIV Journal the Word Bible published by Zondervan. Visit your local Christian bookstore or journaltheword.com to find a beautiful edition!
Episode 65: Fill The Soul & Trust God’s Nudges : A Conversation With Farrell Mason
Farrell Mason is a mother of six children, an ordained minister, a writer, and the host of Soulful 7 Conversations podcast.
Farrell holds a master of art and business from The University of Manchester, England, and a master of divinity with a concentration in theology and the arts from Vanderbilt University. She is a part-time ordained minister of pastoral care at Woodmont Christian Church in Nashville and her heart is forever committed to raising funds and awareness for kids with cancer in honor of her son. Farrell’s most recent work is called Soulful: a weekly devotional to nourish the mind, body, and spirit. I this book (and all of her writing) you will find a thread of hope, healing, and redemption!
We will be doing a giveaway of a copy of Farrell’s book SoulFull!
Episode 64: Surface Level
I saw a quote the other day that said, "Jesus died for you in public. Don't live for Him in private." And I'll tell you something... that's powerful.
Honestly doubt many people think to themselves "I live a private life for Christ." But do you know what it DOES make me think of? It makes me think of the surface level lives people lead. And the truth is, it's kind of the same thing. Surface level relationships, conversations, and even posts. Sure, they may actually be easier. They may feel safer. They certainly take less time. And they may even cause less stress...But I have to ask? Who is that benefiting?
Listen, I didn't come here today to make anyone feel guilty for not standing on the rooftops shouting about Jesus. I just came here to encourage you to take your moment. Take your moment when it presents itself. Be bold in the small things. Share your testimony with your uber driver. Ask how you can pray for the cashier checking you out. Look that homeless person in the eye when you hand them a water or a meal and tell them God sees them and you see them. Tell them they are loved. Just do the thing in front of you. Do it with intention. It's not so big or scary or intimidating. What could you possibly lose by doing any of these things?
Jesus being intentional about the needs in front of Him. The brokenness before Him. The people around Him. Can you imagine if Jesus chose to be surface level with people? Can you imagine if Jesus only posted what looked good to His followers? I mean I'm sure turning water into wine would have made for an amazing post. But what about the other stuff? The stuff less worthy of a photograph? The humble moments or the messy ones? What about the times Jesus loved enough to correct? What about the times He confronted the enemy? What about the times He upset the local authorities by following God's principles rather than mans? How affective could he have possible been by living surface level.
I know its a lot of what if's today... But just think:
What if Jesus had only thanked Martha for hosting rather than telling her that Mary was in the right for sitting at His feet?
What if Jesus waved to the fishermen while walking by but never told them to cast their nets on the other side?
What if Jesus only allowed people to serve Him rather than serving others?
What if Jesus passed up the sick to get to where He was going?
What if Jesus had only chatted with the woman at the well about the weather, instead of sharing the depth of who He was and the hope of eternal life?
Guys. He was the model for us. In all of it. Why shouldn't WE be sharing who WE are? Brothers and Sisters of Christ. Children of God. And the hope that Jesus brought to the world?
Shouldn't we be sharing about how we are who we are because of Who Jesus is and what
HE did for us. About how our lives are what they are now because of the hope He offers. That the love, joy, peace... its all fruit of our lives lived honoring Him.
I find it such a shame that surface level is SO often what we get today instead of time and intentionality. We live in an instant gratification world where we scroll (on average every 7 seconds per reel) going from one hit of endorphins to the next. Not only is it exhausting, but it's void of depth. Can I tell you a secret? You can't go deep if you don't take time. Roots aren't strong without it. Connection can't happen without it. Faith can't grow without it. Depth. You can't go deep if you don't take the time. Go deeper than surface level. With people. With the world.
Yes, it can be intimidating to live outwardly. It opens you up to rejection and hurt. But Jesus did it. And if He did it, shouldn't we? So, today, 'll end, again, with this reminder... "Jesus died for you in public. So don't live for Him in private."
Thank you to our sponsor! NIV Journal the Word Bible published by Zondervan. Visit your local Christian bookstore or journaltheword.com to find a beautiful edition!
Episode 63: Was Blind But Now...I See
When I was in the second grade, I went to the eye doctor. I remember him telling me I needed glasses. By my best guess I was around 7 or 8 years old. When my glasses arrived, I remember walking outside and looking down... Do you know the kind of sidewalk that’s really just made of like..brown pea-gravel stuck into concrete? Well. That’s what I saw. And it wasn’t just a brown blob. I could see the individual gravels and I just couldn’t believe it. Then I looked up. And I said, “Look mom! Look at the leaves!”. I guess I had never realized you could see individual leaves on a tree from afar. For me, they’d always been big green blobs. The funny part about all of this is that I really had no idea I was so blind!
I’ll have to get a confirmation on this but I’m pretty sure my mom teared up because she didn’t know my vision was so bad, either. I’m sure I never complained and, up to that point, I had nothing to complain about. After all, it was all I knew!
And that’s the thing about it isn’t it?... We only know what we know! Our only frame of reference for ANYTHING (especially in childhood) is experience. We can only understand the life we have known. It is only as we get older and begin growing that we learn to work from a place of empathy or understanding outside of ourselves.
I’m certain I could dig really deep and find a Biblical reference to parallel this story but to be honest with you there’s an obvious one that comes to mind... The story of Jesus healing the blind man.
Its such a brief moment in the life of Jesus but we see so much in it..no pun intended! What’s interesting is the word used for eyes here is not the common word for it..instead, the greek word ‘omma’ can refer to both physical and spiritual sight. That’s what Jesus does for us. He covers us so that we may see...both physically AND spiritually. But we must allow Him to. The man in this story (with the help of friends to guide him) sought out Jesus. He asked for His touch. And he asked for healing. He had faith for it.
Friends, this is a lesson to us all. God wants to be sought after. God wants to touch us and heal us. But we must come to Him. We must ask. And...we MUST allow his Healing hand over our lives. Both physically and spiritually.
Sometimes God does His work little by little. Sometimes, His healing takes more than one pass through. What if that blind man had said, well... I can KIND of see a little now, and that is better than total blindness... He would have missed out on SO much more! Jesus came that we may have life and have it to the FULL! (John 10:10). Not so that we may live partially healed!
So here is my reminder today, sweet friends: seek Him. Ask. Allow His touch. And know that, like this blind man.. it may take more than one pass. Know that God works on His own timeline.
As we go into this season of thanksgiving I pray we all have this perspective. Clarity doesn’t always come at once. Answers don’t always come immediately. Healing can come little by little. Jesus can open your eyes how He wants to, in His time, and for His reasons. He knows what we couldn’t possibly know. He knows the exact healing process to take us through, painful as it may be. He knows the perspective shift we have to experience. And ultimately, He knows the restoration God has for us. Jesus touched that blind man’s eyes. And Jesus can touch your life, too, to bring healing... After all..that’s why He came.
Thank you to our sponsor! NIV Journal the Word Bible published by Zondervan. Visit your local Christian bookstore or journaltheword.com to find a beautiful edition!
Episode 62: The Life Of David - Redeemed
Over the years, I’ve come to realize any lesson we learn from parenting can be viewed through the lens of God. He is, after all, our Heavenly Father, and we are His children. So if we want the best for our children then how much MORE does God love US and want the best for US? The same principles apply. God wants us to come to Him with our mistakes. He wants all of our mess-ups and weaknesses. See, if we take it to Him first, there is redemption. Yes, there will be natural consequences. But when you take it to God first, you take AWAY the world’s ability to turn those moments into shame or guilt or threat of revealing ‘the truth’. You take away the world’s ability to keep feeding lies about who you think you are, now.. a failure. Unworthy. Those are lies. The truth of the world will always be ugly. But the truth, in God’s hands, will be beautiful in the light of redemption. God doesn't speak ill of His children. God already knows the truth. And He has already done the work to free us from it. The truth will set you free. This is where redemption is born. Born from the Grace of God to forgive. His son, Jesus, paid the price to redeeming our stories and ultimately, our lives.
Redemption was what God had for David’s life as well. In the wake of serious sin, he was forgiven. Though there was still a price to be paid. In the last episode we mentioned the curse that “the sword would never depart from David’s house”…And, God said, ”Out of your own household I am going to brink calamity on you”. The many chapters that follow depict a series of events that unfold in the house of David. His sons turn against him and against each other. There is scheming and corruption. David flees his own son Absalom. There is bloodshed and grief. Eventually, however, David returns to Jerusalem after running from the chaos of his household. This is where we pick up: 1 Kings 1.
Not only does God go on to allow David’s son, Solomon to establish and rule a strong kingdom, but He also allows him to be the the one who built God’s temple. Furthermore, it is through Solomon that Jesus comes. The very same Jesus who will return again to establish His kingdom here on earth forever! WHAT a legacy. Isn’t that something? That God can take a man who came from such humble beginnings, who strayed into sin and committed murder and adultery… That God could choose such a man and make him part of the lineage of Jesus? That is such a picture of redemption. Reclaimed, rescued, saved or delivered. Those are all words for one who is redeemed. And that’s exactly what David was. Not only David, but truly, all of mankind. It is through Jesus that we are ALL offered salvation.
David’s life went from being anointed and being prepared, to running and then being appointed! He then fell from grace and ultimately he was redeemed. It’s a story arc that can look a lot like our own lives. In great detail, David’s life is documented. We can learn so much from it. We can see why heart posture is important. But most amazingly, we can see what redemption is offered by our good good Father.
He has that for anyone who asks for it. Today, I pray you’ll be encouraged by the life of David. By the highs and lows. By the twists and turns and the unexpected. Today, I pray you’ll remember God sees your heart. He knows the road you’re on. He offers redemption for the falls, and He offers blessing for the moments you say “yes” to Him.
Thank you to our sponsor! NIV Journal the Word Bible published by Zondervan. Visit your local Christian bookstore or journaltheword.com to find a beautiful edition!
Episode 61: Interview with Jenny Marrs
I’ve been so excited for this upcoming episode with my friend Jenny Marrs! I remember when Shay and I first saw their show Fixer to Fabulous on HGTV during the pandemic and quickly found out they are also from our home state of Arkansas! Jenny is a wife and mama who loves all things creative. She is a talented designer and writer! A passionate advocate for community transformation, family preservation, and orphan care around the globe. Their passion for furthering locally active, globally-focused causes led to Dave and Jenny’s founding of The Berry Farm. At its simplest, the u-pick farm and its event barn allows local families to enjoy the experience of filling their own buckets with fresh, local berries and holding events in the gorgeous newly-renovated event venue. But the real mission of The Berry Farm is a domino effect rippling from Northwest Arkansas to Zimbabwe, where profits support vocational training, farming skills and food for orphaned children. We talk all things life. How Fixer to Fabulous came to be, and so many exciting things in the works… Thank you to our sponsor! NIV Journal the Word Bible published by Zondervan. Visit your local Christian bookstore or journaltheword.com to find a beautiful edition!
Episode 60: The Life Of David - Fall From Grace
Have you ever been in a season of life where things seem to be going really well. So well that maybe, ever so subtly, you start to drift? You left the world of contentment and drifted dangerously into a state of…complacency. Maybe you’re leaning less on God because life seems to be pretty GOOD. There are no outstanding needs. No major stressors. No pressing concerns… In theory, that sounds great! But the reality is, if we aren’t careful, this can cause us to lose intimacy with God.
I hate to say it but people have a tendency to stop communicating with God when they feel secure in their circumstances. This has to grieve His heart. After all, a relationship shouldn’t be centered on circumstances..but rather, centered on the heart.. centered on love for one another. BUT since the fall of Adam…human nature tends to be self serving. The moment you take your eyes off of God and start living for self OR just living in complacency… that’s where the enemy slips his foot in the open door of your heart. THIS is what happened to David. This was the moment he fell into complacency and eventually..he fell from grace.
Not only did David relegate his duties, but he became very comfortable. So comfortable, in fact, that he had time for mid-afternoon naps, and inappropriate observations. Had he been out to war like he was supposed to be, he never would have noticed the beautiful Bathsheba. See? Complacency is a slippery slope. The following series of events lead David to have innocent blood on his hands. His decisions were self-serving rather than God led. Had his heart been on the Lord, the story wouldn’t have lead to such a fall. There are a few things I want to point out in today’s story. It was a lot to read so I’ll only grab a few for consideration:
One: David’s heart posture changed. He became complacent, losing intimacy with God which ultimately resulted in a path of sin and pain.
Two: David had someone in his life, (Nathan), who loved him enough and feared God enough to POINT OUT his own unjust behavior. This is a great reminder to us all to keep friends around us who love us, fear the Lord, and are willing to hold us accountable for poor choices.
Three: David Confesses that he sinned against God and God’s word. This is not to be overlooked. Redemption cannot come without confession and repentance.
And Four: God forgives David. But there is still a price to be paid for sin. Always. Sin can only lead to death. The difference here is that God will turn our mistakes into something Good. But he ONLY does this after repentance, a heart turned back to Him. Remember Romans 8:28 “We know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to His purpose for them.”
David was a good man. He was a man after God’s own heart. He was obedient to God and gave Him the glory. But even good men fall. Even good people make bad decisions. Not a single one of us are exempt. But here’s the good news. David repented for what he had done. He took ownership and asked God for forgiveness. He still paid a high price. God said his household would rebel against him.. and indeed.. in the chapters ahead, it does. But, David’s heart came back to God. He received forgiveness. At the end of the day, there’s nothing we can do that God won’t forgive. (Apart from blasphemy). David literally committed adultery and murder. God still forgave him. That’s not to say there wasn’t a price to pay, for that is a principle of sin. However, when handed back to God, there will also be redemption. And that, my friends, is where we will pick up next week on our last episode. As you go out this week, I pray you’ll remember this. God offers grace no matter what offense. No matter what YOUR fall from grace looked like or looks like now. You have only to repent.. invite Him back into it. Let Him turn it for the good. He wants that for you, and for us all.. I love y’all and I’ll catch you next week!
Reference : 2 Samuel 11 and 12
Episode 59: The Life Of David - Appointed
Well, if you’ve made it this far, congratulations. We are halfway through the Life of David. Roughly fifteen years after David first came onto the scene in the Bible (remember, he was anointed as a teenager), he finally entered the into the season of appointing. But lets not forget all the in-between! Notice: this was years and years in the making. Notice there were years of being hidden… there were years of preparation…and of course, there were years of running. That is most often the case for each of us as well. There is a call on our lives and an anointing from a young age, but it takes years, maybe even decades, to finally see it. Call me an optimist, but I find hope in that. Just knowing that the trials are preparation. Knowing the time was never wasted, but in fact, that time was honing your skills and developing your strengths. This is where we find David.
If you’ll remember where we left of, King Saul was dead. And there was, unsurprisingly a bit of conflict after his death. After all, he had an entire line of sons to secede him. (And they didn’t go without a fight). During this time, 7 years to be exact, David ruled over the kingdom of Judah (which was the southern half of the nation) while Saul’s house wrestled internally for kingship of the northern kingdom. Eventually Ish-Bosheth, one of Saul’s sons, was murdered. This is when David finally became king over all of Israel. (David didn’t murder him, by the way.. he was murdered from members of his own corrupt raiding bands). Anyway..This event launched David into his place as King over the entire nation…finally uniting the the two kingdoms after years of civil war.
This is a key takeaway about David. He saw God in it. This is what made him so special, he always turned his eyes back to God. He SAW God do what He said He would do in his life. He made him King. He blessed David. But David also saw WHY God did it. For the sake of his people Israel. It wasn’t for David’s vanity. It wasn’t because of his accomplishments or qualifications. It was because of his heart posture.
God chose the youngest son of farmer. He was little more than a teenager in the tiny town of Bethlehem. BUT. This boy had a heart for God. It was why he was chosen. And it was also that heart that made him continually act in obedience. He honored God in all that he did. Remaining in this heart posture, David knew God didn’t do this just to elevate a young man from shepherd to king. God did this for the sake of his people, Israel.
And there’s my favorite takeaway today. God chooses the unexpected. Because He see’s the heart and knows the motive. God calls, anoints, prepares, and appoints those who will honor His will. Because ultimately, God’s will is for the good of ALL of His children. And He can use US to accomplish whatever that is. If we are obedient. If we remain in Him. I find it remarkable that after all those years, David amassed fame, victories, and power… and instead of being filled with self-pride or ego, he sees God in it. And he sees the bigger picture for it. Not just for him. But for Israel. What a testimony to that heart of his.
Every night I pray over our own boys that they have hearts like Davids’. Hearts after God’s own… That is my prayer for each of you today. That you’ll have hearts like David. That despite the waiting and the preparation, the running and the fighting…you’ll see God in it. Not only will you see Him in it, but you’ll see WHY God did it. He did it so you can rule and reign and change the lives of others for God’s glory.
I love y’all. Catch us back next week to hear all about the next season in David’s Live… it’s not pretty, but most of us have had our own season of it. A fall from grace. And ultimately, his life ends in redemption. It’s going to be good!
Thank you to our sponsor! NIV Journal the Word Bible published by Zondervan. Visit your local Christian bookstore or journaltheword.com to find a beautiful edition!
Episode 58: The Life Of David - On the Run
Today, we are going to step over into the next season of David’s life I like to call: On The Run. I felt like it was appropriate. From experience, I can say there is usually a time we all feel like we are on the run from something. It might even be God you’re running from! Like the call on your life is so overwhelming you just... run away. Out of fear. Out of intimidation. And frankly, out of feeling like you aren’t qualified for any of it. Others of you may be pursing God’s calling on your life but you feel the enemy coming against you. Maybe today, you’re even on the run from all of the attacks the enemy has brought against you and your family and your future. Maybe you're just plain tired. Relentless warfare is a tactic from the enemy. He loves to pursue us. Why? Because if he is successful, we will be too tired to pursue our God-given purpose.
This is where David finds himself. Running. Not from God but from the enemy. Let me reason some scripture here to set the scene... 1 Samuel 18:1-30
Okay, so, here’s my ‘cliff’s notes’ version of David's story. David was likely around 15 years old or so when God sent Samuel to anoint him as the future king... It was a few years later, in his late teens, that David killed Goliath and entered into the service of King Saul. So, this put David around 20 years old. At this point, he had entered into the kings household, and served for some years. Again, this is all time of preparation for what comes next for young David. During this time, he plays the lyre for Saul, and when he comes of age, begins leading men in his army. He eventually became a successful warrior and even married one of Saul's daughters. This is where things get hairy.
King Saul couldn't control his jealousy any longer. Overtaken by an evil spirit, Saul attacked David while he was serving the king! David fleas... This marked the beginning of a new season. A season of running. For the remainder of 1 Samuel (at least 12 more chapters), David ran for his life. I encourage you to read these chapters for yourself, because they are seriously full of action and intrigue.. We won't have time today, though. Rather, I will share this. When David fled, he hid and gathered a group of followers. These were battle tough men who rallied behind him and fought for him. For years, David and his men were in constant motion, hiding from Saul's army, running all over the country, hiding in towns and caves and anywhere they could to keep moving. During this time (and on two separate occasions), David was within striking distance of Saul and spared his life. Remember, David had a heart after God's own.. He dared not take the life of a man God had once anointed. Simultaneously during this time David and his men were also out fighting (and destroying) enemy forces. Not only was David fighting other battles while he ran from King Saul, but King Saul was also at war with surrounding countries. Honestly...there's about 10 chapters of just running and fighting and more fighting! There was a fight everywhere you looked. So when David wasn't busy running for his life from Saul, he was busy fighting for his life against other enemies.. As weary as he must have been though, his reputation was growing... as well as the support of the people.
After years of this nonstop warring and pursuit, King Saul is eventually wounded in battle against the Philistines. Rather than be overtaken by the enemy, he falls on his own sword, taking his life. At long last.. Saul was dead. The running was over. And a new season...was about to begin.
Thank you to our sponsor! NIV Journal the Word Bible published by Zondervan. Visit your local Christian bookstore or journaltheword.com to find a beautiful edition!
Episode 57: Interview with Carly Brannon - Founder of Carly Jean Los Angeles
In today’s episode, I’m so happy to be sitting down with the founder of Carly Jean Los Angeles, Carly Brannon! A wife, a momma of 4, and an entrepreneur, Carly shares how CJLA came to be and how it has empowered women to feel like themselves again with their own personal style. Carly walks us through how God has shown up in the unexpected throughout her life from closing her brick and mortar for 6 full years to raising her littles! We talk about the seasons of life and the importance of what you are making a priority in your life. To know more about Carly and CJLA visit www.carlyjeanlosangeles.com
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Episode 56: The Life Of David - The Early Years
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Welcome back, guys! I’m pretty excited to pick up where we left off last week on the Life of David. (Go back and give last week’s episode a listen, if you missed it!) I gave a little introduction of all the good stuff this series covers and we jumped in to the first season of David’s life on record: Anointing.
It’s the perfect place to begin. It represents a pivotal moment that changes the trajectory of David’s life... and, don’t we all have that? At least one big, life-changing thing that lays the groundwork for our whole future?? And this may not be surprising to anyone at this point but.. it’s usually the unexpected! When God anoints you and calls you to something greater than yourself...buckle up. It means you’re in for a wild, sometimes difficult, but always beautiful ride. Last week we learned that anointing always comes with an assignment. So this next season of David’s life that I’m calling “The Early Years” represents the next leg of preparation for his journey. And, whether we see it or not, our own early years are almost certainly going to be the preparation we need to take us into the next place. Full of trials and oftentimes, a waiting period, the early years are foundational to God’s leading you into your assignment.
There’s a lot to cover today so let’s jump in and learn a little more about David’s early years. Beginning in 1 Samuel 16:14-23 (After David was anointed by Samuel and King Saul lost God’s anointing).
Anointing is attached to assignment.
Anointing is followed by preparation.
And Anointing draws attention.
The Early Years Prepare your character.
And the Early Years prepare your gifts..
Anointing is followed by preparation. Early Years of preparation bring out your giftings. These years put you through trials. These years increase your faith. And, if done well, this time deepens your intimacy with God. Think about some of David's trials: out in those fields, David fought bears and lions. But he wasn't alone in those trials..he defeated them with God's anointed strength. This built not only his trust in the Lord but also grew his faith. His character was changing. His strength was growing. His
faith was building. AND...in the midst of it all... He was out there worshiping. Playing instruments and writing songs of praise. His giftings were being honed. The very giftings that brought him before the king. And here's the cherry on top: He was known by others as a man who knew God.. literally the men in court recommending him to Saul said "the Lord is with him." Gosh. What if that's how people described you? A genuine heart for God and life lived for Him will speak for itself. What a testimony!
We can all learn a little something from David's life... These early years were the ones that prepared him. Just as early years prepare us.. David didn't know what the future would hold for him. He was just a boy when he was anointed and told He would be king. That's all he knew. He didn't know when or how it would happen... He simply had to rely on the Lord's strength and timing to see it unfold. And maybe that's how you feel today. Like God put something in your heart and you know you're anointed for it. Maybe you don't know how it will happen or when but your spirit feels that pull. Let this be your encouragement today. That anointing will be followed with preparation. Don't fight it. Let God refine you in it. Let Him lead you through it.. because that preparation may bring you before kings (metaphorically of course). That anointing and preparation may put you in rooms with people you could have never imagined. Lean into it and listen for His voice..
Episode 55: The Life Of David - Anointed
Over these next few weeks, I'm excited to finally be diving into scripture about the life of David. We will be breaking down his story into a six part series! In this series, we will look at the ups and downs of the life of a man who had a heart for God. Like us, he was flawed and made many mistakes..but ultimately, he is redeemed through it all.. Be sure to follow along and see just how his journey unfolds. In preparing for this podcast I actually put a poll out a while back and was happily surprised to see that so many of you requested hearing more Biblical stories! It’s true though, stories always seem to resonate more deeply than other lessons or teachings. Stories are how we relate. Not just to one another but also to history. It’s part of the reason I love the Bible so much! Anyway, as I began combing through looking for some bite-sized stories, I realized I have definitely skipped over some big ones. One in particular I have wanted to share about is the Life of David. Trouble is… David’s life (and the study of it) could take up an entire year all on its own! So, what I thought I would do over the next few weeks is go over his life: in pieces. David’s life was an eventful one to say the least. It doesn’t just take up a few chapters in the Bible but several BOOKS of the Bible. He is even credited with writing part (if not most) of the book of Psalms. As I set out to start sorting the events into categories, I saw something. What I saw was a man’s life that, truly, embodied many seasons. And, like us, his life reflected some of the same themes WE experience throughout our own lives. There are lessons to be found in each of them. So, in the weeks ahead, we will be looking at the Life Of David by season. There are seasons of - Anointing There are seasons of - Early Years (Of Preparation) There are seasons of - Running Seasons of - Appointing Seasons of - A Falling From Grace And finally, there are seasons of - Redemption…. My prayer is that this series is a mix of stories and messages tailored to your heart. David’s life… like many of our own, is filled with highs and lows. It is unpredictable and unexpected. And mostly, it is the story of a man who has a heart for God and who teaches us what that relationship can look like. Through the good and the bad. In the falling and in the redemption. David is part of the lineage of Jesus. His life and his choices changed the course of the world. His story reveals God’s heart for men and give us hope that no matter what season we are in, God is there. Our lives are full of purpose. And our God is purposeful with us. I love you guys and I pray this series blesses you.. Next week’s episode we will pick up on David’s early years! We would LOVE to hear from you as we go too, so don’t be afraid to drop us a message or comment on any of our socials! Follow Hannah: @hannah.billingsley Follow Unexpected: @unexpected.hannahlove Produced by That Sounds Fun Network Thank you to our sponsor the NIV Journal the Word Bible published by Zondervan. Visit your local Christian bookstore or journaltheword.com to find a beautiful edition!
Episode 54: What Authority Do YOU Have As A Child Of God?
Over the last few years, I have been deep diving and trying to get a better understanding of what my authority is as a child of God. And I feel like that's something that's not often preached about. It may be mentioned or talked about that we have that authority. And in fact, last week's episode, I talk about confronting the enemy, which is vital. I think that that is something critical that we need to remember that we can do and that we have the authority to do it. However, I got to thinking, how do you do that if you don't fully have an understanding of what authority is and why we have it legally in the Bible?
Today, I wanted to take you through a resource that I have found lately that is really short, pretty clear and to the point. And most importantly, it is backed up by scripture, just about everything. Actually, everything in this book. It's called The Believers' Authority. It is an older book. It was written by Kenneth E. Hagen, and it is all scripturally backed up. I might not read every scripture and go through all of that today. I will make references, and I am going to be reading portions out of this book because even in the week that I've had it, I have had more takeaways than I have in the last three years of really trying to understand what authority I have in God's Kingdom and why I have that authority and how to wield it. I think it's important that we understand that as children of God. And when we do have an understanding, then we are more equipped to use it. And that is my job. That is my hope for you today that you will listen and that you will feel better equipped to confront the enemy and to take hold of your authority and understand just exactly what that is.
Today, I’ll answer these questions:
What is authority?
Why do we have authority?
What is the Source of our authority?
How do we exercise it?
We are the body. Christ is the head. Jesus ascended into heaven. And when He ascended into heaven, He handed over, He delegated that authority to us, and we are co-heirs with Him as one. He's the head and we're the body and we all function together. Okay, so what is the source of our authority? Again, I'm going to quote Kennedy Hagen in his book, The source of our authority is found in this resurrection and exalting of Christ by God. You will never understand the authority of the believer only with intellect. You must get a spiritual revelation of it. You must believe it by faith.
Jesus already did his job! He came. He lived life as a man. He died for OUR SINS. And He ascended to the right hand of the Father in heaven. He won’t be coming back until God’s timing to return and make the enemy His footstool.“You’re not demanding of God when you demand your rights; you’re demanding of the devil!!!”
Your life will change if you start operating in the authority that you have. Remember if you have resources available at your disposal, and you just never use them because you don’t know they're there. It’s not going to do you any good. You have all that you need because God has done everything for us. He won the battle, He sent His son. The victory is ours and now it is our job to step up and do our part in taking partnership with Jesus and taking authority over the enemy in any and every area of our life.
Scripture Referenced:
Ephesians 1:18-23
Ephesians 2:4-6
Acts 3:6
Hebrews 1:13
Buy The Believer’s Authority by Kenneth E Hagin - HERE
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Episode 53: All My Single Ladies! - Life, Love And Lessons with Georgia Brown
I'm so excited to finally be sitting down with my dear friend, Sweet Georgia Brown! To know her is to love her! She talented author, singer/songwriter, podcaster, worship leader, and faithful servant who is passionate about prayer. Born and raised in Arkansas, Georgia now calls Music City her home. She is a lover of Jesus and people! In today’s episode, we dive into her story and how God has shown up in her life in the unexpected.
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Thank you to our sponsor the NIV Journal the Word Bible published by Zondervan. Visit your local Christian bookstore or journaltheword.com to find a beautiful edition!
Episode 52: Confront The Enemy
I hope that you are enjoying this amazing weather we've been having.I feel like it's kind of a tease because we're still in the early days of August. But nonetheless, my heart is now on football and hot chocolate and all things fall related. I don't know if you guys love football, but we do. I love a good weekend game. It got me thinking about watching games where one of the teams is absolutely dominating. Have you ever seen one of those? You probably have! Where the other team is just holding the line, like they're not even thinking about scoring a point because they're so worried about not letting them score anymore on them. Like it's bad, kind of a bloodbath.
But how often is that situation like us as Christians? Like how often do we feel like we are being dominated by the enemy? The enemy is coming after your kids. The enemy coming after your marriage, your business, your relationships, your peace. Man, I know I have been there. Then I was reading in the Word this week and something jumped out at me... Whoa. Okay, that little piece in the middle there got me.It says, as you confront the slanderer. So in other words, God didn't just give us the armor of God to keep us from being beaten down. He gave it to us to confront the enemy, to come at Him, to come for Him. Because we are living in the days of warfare, spiritual warfare. It's all around us. And I feel like so often we are so worn down by it that we just feel like we're doing our best to pray about it and to just survive. It like you're putting on your armor and you're surviving the beat down, but that is not what God wants for us. And in fact, that is not what God calls us to.
Guys, the enemy has strategies against you. Plans on plans on plans, coming for you and your kids and your business and your mental health and your peace.The enemy wants to kill and steal and destroy everything good that God wants and promises for you. It is our job and well within our rights as children of God to take hold of our authority and say no and push back and decree and declare. There's another line that I've heard somewhere along the way, and it goes a little something like, you will never win a battle you don't fight. I mean, it makes sense. And did you know even that when God called the children of Israel out of Egypt and they wandered in the desert for 40 years in the wilderness? Did you know that he called them to their inheritance? That he had promises for them. But he didn't promise that those things would come easy. In fact, they had little faith and an entire generation died off because they lived in fear. And they did not reach out and take hold of the promises. They did not reach out and take hold of their inheritance. That was promised to them. And when they did, it was a new generation. It was the generation behind them. And they finally crossed over the Jordan. And what did they do? They fought. They fought. And God promised that the land would be theirs. It was theirs for the taking. But how do you take something if you don't fight for it? What a good message in that.
So today, I just wanted to leave you with this encouragement. If you are feeling pummeled and you feel like just putting on the armor of God and just praying isn't enough, maybe it's not. Maybe you needed this reminder today to encourage you to declare over your home, declare over your children, decree the promises of God. Speak it over them. Speak it over your kids lives, over your marriage, consecrate your home to God. Consecrate your words and your actions and your life and your ministry. Consecrate it all to him. He will cover and keep and protect you. And as you do so, and you hold on to those promises and you speak those promises over your kids.That is how you come into agreement with God and what his word says. And remember, God wants us to confront the enemy..not just survive him and his attacks
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Episode 51: Are You In A Season…? Or A Cycle
As the summer weeks have warmed up it seems like our schedules have, too. In the midst of it, I’ve tried to get back into a rhythm. On one particular day, I walked and prayed. I had started listening to a podcast but stopped midway through because I felt the need to pray. Not just praying but praying in the Spirit. I probably walked for 30 minutes praying before I got a sweet surprise. My sister-in-law called. Now, if I’m being honest, I can’t be the only millennial out there who has an aversion to phone calls. But. I do LOVE a good convo with Erica. So I was pumped.
After a little catchup, she asked me how she could be praying for me. I feel like my list was a mile long…but I kept tacking onto it because I knew she *really* would pray for all the things. And at the very last, I asked her to be praying over the podcast. This is when things got especially good. Erica said, “You know? Sometimes God gives us revelation on things that can feel big to us but not always to other people… you know what I mean? So maybe this isn’t a big thing to anyone but me, but I’m going to share it.” She began explaining. Days before, she said she had been having a ‘lazy day’ scrolling through her phone. Mostly on tiktok. Eventually, she set the phone aside to pray. As she took a breath she felt her mind saying “This is just a season…”. And in that moment, she felt God say to her… “Is this a season? Or is this a cycle?” She went on to explain how seasons are Biblical. But when you look up cycle’s, oftentimes there’s a choice involved. Like a continually repeated behavior.
Today, my question to all of you listening is this: Are YOU in a season right now? OR are you in a cycle….
Seasons are a natural progression over time. Cycles…on the other hand, can be irregular and lend themselves more to a cause and effect type occurrence rather than a natural event. I mean, this is my own translation but it feels a lot like this: Seasons are God made. Cycles are man-made.
Are your choices drawing you closer to God… or are they distracting you from Him in an endless loop. I want to encourage you today to reflect. Invite God into those places you find yourself in… Ask Him to show you any cycles that need breaking and ask Him to encompass you in any season you’re in. And.. He will.
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Episode 50: Mom Guilt (And Feelings of Failure)
School is about to start back and I feel like the family schedule has gone from zero to a hundred in the last couple of weeks. The speed at which things are unfolding has me overwhelmed. And I can feel the pressure of the mom-guilt wrapping around me like a weighted blanket. I hate it. But I know I’m not the only one who feels this sometimes. There’s something about motherhood (or maybe just adulthood in general) that triggers us to feel responsible for the wellbeing of everyone all the time. It’s heightened when you have small children, too, because you literally are. Responsible. For their little lives and their wellbeing.
This is just an example, (But lets be honest, its the reason I sat down to even contemplate mom-guilt today, too). We have had everything from concussions to nightmares to meltdowns and illness, birthday parties, school functions, and a myriad of small mishaps…this week alone. Mix in a 6 month old, traveling husband, and a house full of high energy boys…y’all, I’m tired. And all I can do is dwell on the ways I’ve failed my family this week.
Have you ever felt this way? Exhausted. Full schedules. Loud houses. A million obligations and NO time or patience or energy to do any single ONE thing well. Like…not just a physical tired. It’s something deeper. This tired is more like a weariness of heart. And have you ever noticed that its usually when you feel this weariness that you feel MOST like a failure.. to your spouse. To your kids. To your friends and people who depend on you?
I’m imagining a few head nod’s from y’all as you review some of your own chaos haha. And I didn’t come here today to vent about my life and my moments of overwhelm… I really just came to acknowledge its something we all experience. AND I came to offer a little bit of encouragement in it.
As I sat in my overwhelm this morning, I started thinking about people in the Bible (namely women) who must have felt like failures at times. Do you know the first story that came to mind? Mary. The mother of Jesus.
Today, we read a story out of Luke and come away with a few takeaways having to do with guilt and failure…
The first: Nobody is exempt from mom-guilt and feelings of overwhelm. Frankly, I’m just glad mine aren’t documented in the Bible for all of time. But… I am, as always, thankful that God made sure to include these human moments to remind us of just that. We are only human. We will fail. We will mess up. We will make mistakes. And.. we will become weary. BUT. The Bible is also full of reminders that God’s power is made perfect in our weaknesses. His grace is sufficient for us. Not in our own strength, but in His. He is there to pick us right back up when we fall. Holy Spirit is there to lead us into all truth. We are never alone.
The other observation I made is this: Moment’s of failure are opportunities for growth. Moment’s of weakness provide the beautiful gift of reflection and self-evaluation…
Today, I pray you’ll remember each of these things and be encouraged. God KNEW we would fail. He knew we would fail In moments of parenthood, in marriage, in friendships, in business and in relationships. But He also offered the solution when He sent His son into the world. His son, Jesus…who was by all accounts lost for a few days from his own mother… God didn’t let that little story be written into the Bible for no reason. There’s always a reason. A reminder. That God loved us so much, he made sure to include even the smallest dimensions of human life (like mom-guilt and feelings of failure) so that we may know we aren’t the only ones. We aren’t alone. And… most importantly, we are granted grace from it because of His love and the sacrifice of His precious son. I love y’all and I pray this reminder finds you when you need it…
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Episode 49: Holy Spirit Highlights + Bonus Q&A
*Holy Spirit (again a part of the Trinity) was there in the beginning and participated in creation… He was present throughout the Old Testament Genesis 1:2 “The earth was without form, and void; and darkness was on the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters.” Job 26:13 “By His Spirit He adorned the heavens; His hand pierced the fleeing serpent.” Isaiah 32:15 “Until the Spirit is poured upon us from on high, and the wilderness becomes a fruitful field, and the fruitful field is counted as a forest.” Even though Holy Spirit was there in the old testament… He was made available to everyone after the new Covenant was made by the blood of Jesus. (In the New Testament) We hear mention of this in Matthew 3:11 from John the Baptizer… Matthew 3:11 John says “I baptize with water those who repent of their sins and turn to God. But someone is coming soon who is greater than I am —so much greater that I’m not worthy even to be his slave and carry his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire.” -NLT Matthew 3: 13-17 then says “Then Jesus went from Galilee to the Jordan River to be baptized by John. But John tried to talk him out of it. “I am the one who needs to be baptized by you,” he said, “so why are you coming to me?” But Jesus said, “It should be done, for we must carry out all that God requires.” So John agreed to baptize him. After his baptism, as Jesus came up out of the water, the heavens were opened and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and settling on him. And a voice from heaven said, “This is my dearly loved Son, who brings me great joy.” *After Holy Spirit descends on Jesus at His baptism and then leads Him into the wilderness (Matthew 4:1) - The Lesson - Sometimes you must let Holy Spirit lead you into trials before God takes you further into your purpose. *Holy Spirit empowers us to speak boldly, giving us words, wisdom, and discernment. Examples… Romans 8:26-27 “And the Holy Spirit helps us in our weakness. For example, we don’t know what God wants us to pray for. But the Holy Spirit prays for us with groaning that cannot be expressed in words. And the Father who knows all hearts knows what the Spirit is saying, for the Spirit pleads for us believers in harmony with God’s own will. And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for Him.” *Holy Spirit speaks to us in dreams and visions and whispers. (Some call it conscience) I mentioned Acts in last week’s episode but it was the major marker of the New Testament to the New Covenant; So I wanted to end on the Holy Spirit here today: Acts 2:17 says “In the Last Days,” Gods says, “I will pour out my Spirit on every kind of people: Your sons will prophesy, also your daughters; Your young men will see visions, your old men dream dreams. When the time comes, I’ll pour out my Spirit on those who serve me, men and women both, and they’ll prophesy.” I believe we are in those, days, sweet friends. And I wanted to encourage you in that! How exciting that God promises this outpouring. The dreams and visions. Prophesying. I love reading about it and living it. I’ve been so excited to share this subject And I hope in the episodes to come, we can dive deeper in.. --- Would you take a minute to fill out this podcast listener survey so I can learn more about you?! The survey asks who you are, why you love the show, what you want to hear more of, and more. Your feedback is so helpful as I continue to create this show. Thanks so much!
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Episode 48: Holy Spirit (And How It Changes Your Life!)
A couple of years ago, a new part of my began. I got baptized in the Holy Spirit. And…it changed everything. I guess I’ll backtrack and tell you a little about how I got there. After all, If you had told me that phrase a few years back, I’d have had NO idea what it even meant! So I’ll do my best to take you back and share… I grew up in a predominantly Baptist church. I’m sure there’s a wide range denominational backgrounds listening today…and maybe some who have no background at all in anything having to do with a church. I guess I never realized just how many differences there were in the denominations. I only knew what I knew… Just as I’m sure most people only know one way as they grow up in the same church home their whole lives. Now, what I’m NOT here to do today is tell you about those differences. After all, I have no official qualifications or degrees in theology. But what I do have is a story of my own. And as I continue on my walk with the Good Lord, I’m understanding more and more that everyone will have their own unique relationship and experiences with God. Today, I’ll share a little about mine. This episode will also be touching on scripture that talks about the Holy Spirit. How Jesus sent Him. And how He empowers us. Fun Holy Spirit References: •Acts 1 (full chapter) •Acts 2 (full chapter) •Romans 8:2-6 •1 Corinthians 6:19 •John 3:6-8 •John 14:15-17 •Galatians 5:22-23 After this episode, I would love to hear questions and feedback on what YOU would like to hear more about! hmooneyassistant@gmail.com
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Episode 47: New Beginnings: A Conversation With Shay Mooney & His Health Journey
We are BACK with a second episode with my favorite person. He’s the love of my life, my husband, and the father to our sweet babies. I like to call this episode “A New Thing” because God has done a new thing for us. Not only in shay’s person life and health journey but in our marriage as well. In today’s episode, we go deeper into the things God has been working out (physically and spiritually) in us. I’m thankful to be able to share such vulnerable pieces of our lives with y’all today. And equally thankful to be married to a man willing to share even if it touches just one life. If you haven’t caught the first episode, definitely go check it out!
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Episode 46: Story Time...
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Episode 45: Do It Afraid
Have you ever been presented an opportunity that feels big and amazing but also…kinda terrifying? I’m talkin…something that would be amazing to do (in theory), would be so far out of your comfort zone that you literally can’t even imagine it for yourself? Because that’s exactly where I find myself right now.
As I pre-record this episode for Monday, I am simultaneously getting ready to go do something that is pretty intimidating to me. I’ve been asked to be the speaker at a conference. It is an honor, to be sure. But it is also something that opens me up to potential failure. Because the truth is, in my own strength, whatever I have to say won’t be enough. Whatever I say… it will have to be God-given and delivered by the Holy Spirit. And with that in mind.. I agreed. This podcast was quite the leap of faith for me to begin with, but I’ll be honest in sharing: I hadn’t thought of it leading to other…more public…opportunities. At least with the podcast, nobody can see me and I can read what I have studied and prepared with the security of knowing I can edit or correct as needed. Speaking live? And in front of hundreds of people? It’s a whole other thing.
It all kind of reminded me of the story of Gideon.
Now, this was also a time when the tribes of Israel were supposed to be taking the inheritance God had given them. The land was there, and God had promised it to them, but they still had to go to battle to take the land. The Israelites were terrified though. Judges 6:8 sets up the scene… “The lord sent a prophet to them. He said to them, “This is what the Lord God of Israel says: ‘I brought you out of Egypt from the power of Egypt and the power of all who oppressed you. I drove them out before you and gave you their land. I said to you: I am the Lord your God. Do not fear the gods of the Amorites whose land you live in. But you did not obey me.’”
I love this story. I always think of it when I hear stories of God using the most unexpected people. He said, “My clan is the weakest and I am the least in my family”. I mean, don’t we all feel that way sometimes? Like we are from the smallest place? Like we are the least qualified? And so, God loves to use us here. Because of it. God gets the glory when he uses the least of these. God gets the glory when it isn’t who or what people expect. I love, too, at the end how God tells him “if you are afraid to attack” go down and listen, and you will be encouraged. Just like I have been sitting in doubt and fear for days… I got up and went to this dinner. And I listened. And God gave me encouragement through a woman who was acting in her own obedience. I don’t know why, but He always always blows me away. His faithfulness is limitless.
Today, I pray this will be an encouragement to all who hear. If you have something come up that feels big an intimidating… especially if this is something you KNOW is a God-given opportunity? Say yes. Be obedient. Don’t doubt that God would choose you. Because He did. Don’t be scared that God has called you…because if He calls you, He’ll equip you. And remember that 2 Corinthians 12 reminds us, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” See, sweet friends, He only asks for your obedience. He will do the rest. I pray you’ll be encouraged and emboldened today as you remember if He does it for other’s, He’ll do it for you, too.
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Episode 44: The Golden Rule
Years ago, when I moved to Nashville, Shay and I bought our first house. It was in a sweet little subdivision. All of the houses were hugged pretty close together and our front yard was about the size of a postage stamp. But we were thrilled just to have some grass of our own. It was the kind of neighborhood that had little playgrounds sprinkled around every few streets and you’d see kids out playing all the time.
Despite the excitement of having a place all our own, we were still in the stages of figuring out marriage and a baby and a pretty tough schedule. I talk often about this season because it was basically every major life transition wrapped up in a few months time. I had quit my job and moved cities. We were newly married and this homeowner thing was brand new, too. Shay was on the road touring heavily. Which meant I was home alone with our newborn. No help. No sleep. No family around.. I was recovering from a c-section and was in a deep state of postpartum depression. I dropped weight I didn’t really have to lose. I had no appetite. And I hardly had energy to carry the baby in his carseat to even get him in the car. I only went out if we needed groceries, anyway. Otherwise, I hardly left our house. I would lay in floor next to our tiny little guy with the curtains closed and the lights off. The days seemed to roll into each other. Shay would come home on Sunday afternoons or evenings and leave again on Tuesday nights. Monday’s were pretty much the only full days Shay was home and he often spent them sleeping in to catch up on rest. Road life is a hard life for anyone.. And while he was in survival mode on the road, I was left struggling on the home-front feeling incredibly isolated and alone.
I’ve never forgotten how I felt in that season and how her words and actions impacted my heart. I know it sounds trivial..and in the grand scheme, it absolutely is. But…I’m a believer that there are lessons to be learned from all of life’s seasons. So today, I guess my encouragement isn’t anything too deep or profound. But simply a reminder. Matthew 7:12 “Do to others whatever you would like them to do to you..” Shay and I have recalled this story several times through the years and I always go back to the fact that she was likely facing battles we knew nothing about. But I didn’t want to repay the harsh words with words of my own. I also didn’t feel obligated to explain my depression or my sense of overwhelm and helplessness at the time. And truth be told, I’m not sure it would have mattered anyway. I remembered that quote about how everyone you meet has battles that you know nothing about. And so, today, I’ll leave you with that reminder too. It can be easy to get swept up in feelings and in self…but occasionally, if you look up, you’ll notice you aren’t alone. The world is a big broken place. Full of heartache, grief, loss, rejection, and pain. You just never know what season people are in. And you just never know how your words can either lift their hearts or deepen their hurt. Today, I pray you’ll give grace. Even if it isn’t what you feel like doing. Even if it isn’t deserved. There was man who gave His life to fill our gaps with grace. To cover our sins and to bring hope to this broken place we call home. So.. it’s the very least we can do. I love you, sweet friends. And I pray this reminder finds you right where you are…
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Episode 43: Choosing to See- with Mary Beth Chapman
Mary Beth Chapman is the Co-founder and Chairman of the Board of Show Hope, a nationally recognized nonprofit in adoption advocacy and orphan care that she and her husband, Steven Curtis Chapman, founded. She is a speaker and a “New York Times” best-selling author. .
In this conversation, Mary Beth shares pieces of her story and much of her heart. Tune in and be encouraged as truth shines through her words…
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Episode 42: Counterfeit Faith
Have you ever been to New York? I’ve only been three or four times. But one thing I’d always heard about was that NY was a place where you could knock-off bags on the street side! I’d never seen one, though, until a trip made around New Years one trip. I was pretty surprised, actually. Not just by the number of places up and down the street selling, but also surprised by the number of products available. And the craziest part of all to me was that they were selling these things in plain sight! Crowds gathered to look. I was no exception. I wanted to take a look at some of these treasures. There were bags and belts and duffels and totes. Mens and women’s. We walked around and observed. We never bought anything, but the draw of it had been exciting. Even I couldn’t deny that. But I still couldn’t help but wonder how in the world these illegal counterfeits could be on display for the whole world to see, though!
The memory of this came back to me this week as I kept feeling God speak to me about the counterfeit things in life. In my spirit, I heard, “If you don’t know what’s genuine, you’ll buy any knock-off.” That’s a true statement if I’ve ever heard one. And the sad truth of it is.. sometimes people know what’s genuine and STILL buy the knock-off!
And that is exactly what I felt like God was saying. If you aren’t familiar with God.. you’ll run to anything else or anyone else. Any idol. The Bible is full of these warnings and reminders. Many of the idols in Biblical times were carved from stone, shaved from wood, or molded from metal. Every culture introduced gods of their own for every little thing. Sounds silly to think of people offering up sacrifices and burning offerings to inanimate objects, doesn’t it? But then again… What those people were really doing was choosing to give their time, energy, and worship to something that wasn’t God. Once something replaces your dependency on God, that becomes an idol. And if we are being honest, that’s what most of culture looks like today isn’t it?
I love this quote from John Bevere: He says, “A believer is drawn into idolatry when he allows his heart to be stirred with discontentment and looks for satisfaction outside of obedience to God. This satisfaction could be a person, possession, or activity.”
So let this be our lesson to us today. The Price of obedience may be expensive. It may cost your time and your energy. It may even look like denying yourself every day..choosing God’s will over your own feelings. Dying to self. But it will always beat the cheap imitations of ‘happiness’ offered by the world. The convenience may be luring in the beginning, but the gratification will be short lived.. And last but not least, remember this: Compromise can cancel the promises God has for you. Not just the promises, but the purposes He has for you, too. And to be honest, guys? It’s just not worth it. A genuine relationship with God is irreplaceable. And if you really know Him… you won’t buy all the knock-offs. If you have have Him in your heart and have really tasted His goodness in your life… You won’t even be tempted to search anywhere else. Today, I pray you’ll look at you’ll invest in the real deal. I pray the counterfeits of this world show themselves lacking. I pray you’ll recognize them for what they are. A shiny imitation of what God really has for you. The truth is, God has peace, purpose, and fulfillment waiting on the other side of a life invested in knowing Him..
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A Story from Pastor Jeff Simmons
Holy Week
Jeff Simmons first felt a call to ministry at church camp in ninth grade, when he made a commitment to God to follow all his life. “I remember saying, ‘I’ll do whatever you call me to do. Whatever it is, I’m yours.’ Looking back, that was my call to ministry, that was complete surrender.” It’s this ability to surrender to God that has made him who he is today.
Jeff studied finance at Baylor University, and with multiple job offers in the business world, he made the decision to enter full-time ministry. His educational background gives him a unique sense for business and innovation. This, mixed with a passionate heart for missions and reaching God’s people abroad make Simmons the perfect fit for his role as Founder and Lead Pastor of Rolling Hills Community Church and also, his other full-time job as the President of Justice & Mercy International.
As a pastor, nonprofit director, father and husband, the “How do you do it?” question certainly applies to Jeff Simmons. In reply, he points to Ephesians 4: “He gave the apostles and teachers to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ. Our job isn’t to do everything. It is to prepare God’s people for works of service.” Considering the fruit of his labor, the growth of the church, and the work that JMI has accomplished, it’s clear Jeff is surrounded by amazing people, and he serves an awesome God!
Seeds of Faith
Seeds. The Bible says so much about them. About how we are, in many ways, like seeds ourselves. It also talks about how we sow seeds. About how they grow or don’t grow, multiply or wither. About seed, as in children and descendants. And maybe most often, seeds of faith. So, I thought that may be a great place to start today.
In the book of Mark, Jesus tells the parable of the farmer scattering seed. Afterward, when Jesus was alone with his disciples, they asked him what the parables meant. He says (Mark 4:14) - “The farmer plants seed by taking God’s word to others.” He goes on to explain fully…
“The seed that fell on the footpath represents those who hear the message, only to have Satan come at once and take it away. The seed on the rocky soil represents those who hear the message and immediately receive it with joy. But since they don’t have deep roots, they don’t last long. They fall away as soon as they have problems or are persecuted for believing God’s word. The seed that fell among the thorns represents others who hear God’s word, but all too quickly the message is crowded out by the worries of this life, the lure of wealth, and the desire for other things, so no fruit is produced. And the seed that fell on good soil represents those who hear and accept God’s word and produce a harvest of thirty, sixty, or even a hundred times as much as had been planted!””
(Mark 4:15-20 NLT)
And then… in John (12:24) Jesus says this: “Let me make this clear. A single grain of wheat will never be more than a single grain of wheat unless it drops into the ground and dies. Because then it sprouts and produces a great harvest of wheat—all because one grain died.”
Today, I wanted to share this verse and this reminder as we near Easter. Jesus was the ultimate seed. He himself said…“The farmer plants seed by taking God’s word to others.” And that is exactly what God did. God (the farmer) planted His seed, Jesus… ultimately bringing the word to others. And isn’t it extraordinary? Jesus IS the Word. John 1:1 tells us “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God and the Word was God.”
God planted His son, His seed… to reap a harvest. To redeem and save. He was buried and placed in a tomb. And then, He arose. He overcame death. And the fruit was and forever will be eternal life with Christ.
At the end of this series, my hope is that you’ll be challenged to reflect on just what kind of seed you are. What kind of seeds you sow. To whom you sow and where… Is your seed taking the Word to the world? May it be so in my own life.. God, I thank You for the gift of your son today. For the seed sown and the gift given. May our seed be good. And may it yield a harvest multiplied..
Tiny Seeds and Great Sequoias
Biologically, to be considered a seed, there must be an embryo (or life) inside. There’s no way of looking at a seed and knowing exactly what’s going to come out. It must first be buried. Many times, we may feel the same. Buried under life.. under wounds, brokenness, or fear. Isolated. Buried and in the dark. At some point the seed breaks open. Like our own hearts must crack open to allow God inside. Once He is invited into the broken place, new growth takes place. Like a sprout. Small at first. Maybe even still buried. Until the time is right. The Son/Sun will draw it out. Eventually… it will mature. It will produce. It will provide shelter or nutrition or beauty. And you really never know by the size of the seed, just what’s going to come out.
In studying up on seeds this week I went to go read up on great sequoia trees. Mostly, I was just curious to see what their seeds looked like. We’ve likely all seen photos of these ancient trees. Able to grow for thousands of years, hundreds of feet high and roughly 30 feet in diameter.. I wanted to see just how impressive they were in seed form. I was totally surprised by what I discovered. The seeds came from pinecone looking cases. The cones themselves were modest but the seeds inside were so small. They looked very much like a single rolled oat. Seriously… I’m blown away how God creation to speak to us.
How many of us have felt like we are too small or insignificant to make a difference? Like our contribution is so small it’s not even worth offering to the world? If we’re being honest, we’ve probably all felt that way or still feel that way. But. Don’t you know God can multiply anything we offer? No matter how small. Plant your seeds in faith and let Him do the rest. Let Him break you open and come into the areas of your life needing restoration. Let His Son, Jesus, call you up out of the place you felt buried. Watch, as your seed grows. Your testimony shared. Your obedience offered up. God continues to water and tend. And slowly…there’s growth. Not overnight, but steadily. Have you ever planted a young tree and a few years later actually notice it? Like it’s a full grown tree that came up while you were busy going about your work? That’s how our spiritual lives can look. Like a steady growth. One that will one day produce fruit.
And so goes it is with the Kingdom of God. A modest beginning. Buried under the world but surrendered to God. Coming forth as the Son calls. Growing in obedience. Small beginnings are God’s specialty. Remember…David was a Shepherd boy, Esther was an orphan, Nehemiah was a cup-bearer, Gideon was hiding in the wine press, Daniel was an exile, Paul was a Murderer, and Ruth was a foreigner and a widow.
Today, I’m praying for every person hearing this. Take your seed. As tiny as it may feel… Take it, and put it in the ground. Be intentional about planting. God will see to the growth. If only you respond in obedience. Heart surrendered. One day, by God’s grace, those tiny seeds have the potential to become great. Like the sequoias..whose heights are known around the world. Your life, too, can stand tall among the giants who live to serve His kingdom.