Praising God for His Goodness and His Greatness: Devotional Bible Study of Psalm 135 Praising God has more to do with who He is than what He may be doing in our lives. We know God’s character and nature does not change, so we can also praise Him for who He will be in the future. Today we see that example in Psalm 135. Thoughts to Journal: When was the last time you simply praised God for who He is? For His goodness and greatness, not in response to a current situation? While it is important to p...
May 11, 2023•24 min•Ep. 292
Encouraging Our Spiritual Leaders: Devotional Bible Study of Psalm 133 and Psalm 134 Today we again combine two shorter Psalms that both talk about the ways we can encourage our spiritual leaders. We also discuss unity and how important that is for the body of Christ. I pray this episode blesses you. Thoughts to Journal: When was the last time you spoke a word of encouragement or appreciation to someone that is a spiritual leader in your life? What can you do this week to reach out to that perso...
May 10, 2023•24 min•Ep. 291
God’s Covenant Promise That Points to Jesus: Devotional Bible Study of Psalm 131 and 132 Today we combine two Psalms that reveal some key characteristics about God’s nature. As we study today, I pray these thoughts sink down from your head and into your heart. Thoughts to Journal: Nurturing, compassionate, faithful, present. How does the content in today’s psalm minister to your heart? When we remember that the Lord is on the throne, we realize that there is nothing we have to face in this world...
May 09, 2023•25 min•Ep. 290
Waiting for Restoration After We Have Fallen Into Sin: Devotional Bible Study of Psalm 130 As believers, we all have times in our lives when we have to deal with the consequences and chaos of sin. While we know that God can restore us, the period of waiting for that to happen can be difficult to endure. Today we talk about the peace that can happen while we are working through the restoration process. I pray this episode blesses you. Thoughts to Journal: Have there been times in your life when y...
May 08, 2023•21 min•Ep. 289
Finding Hope and Joy with Special Guest Raquelle Stevens For Friends and Family Friday, I invited my friend Raquelle Stevens on to talk about finding hope and joy. In a post-pandemic world, and the hustle culture we find ourselves in, sometimes finding joy in the day-to-day can be difficult. Together we talk through some of the issues that are common for women, and how having a “Sunshine Mindset” makes all the difference. THE SUNSHINE MIND: 100 Days to Finding the Hope and Joy You Want by Tanya ...
May 05, 2023•43 min•Ep. 288
Balancing the Emotions We Feel After Something Hard: Devotional Bible Study of Psalm 129 In today’s episode, we take a look at the variety of emotions Israel had after experiencing community trauma. Their humanity is not that different than ours, and I am thankful we have this example in Scripture. I pray that as we look at this Psalm today, it helps you understand that God longs for you to bring things to Him, even the things that are hard. Thoughts to Journal: Are there hard emotions that you ...
May 04, 2023•23 min•Ep. 287
Is the Prosperity Gospel a Biblical Principle? What the Bible Actually Teaches: Devotional Bible Study of Psalm 128 Many of us are familiar with the term “prosperity gospel,” but what does Scripture actually say? Today we unpack a portion of Scripture that is sometimes used to perpetuate some false teaching. I pray this conversation blesses you. Thoughts to Journal: Have you had some inaccurate thoughts when it comes to prosperity within the Christian life? How does today’s teaching change your ...
May 03, 2023•23 min•Ep. 286
Unless the Lord Builds the House- Recognizing God’s Hand of Blessing in Our Lives: Devotional Bible Study of Psalm 127 In today’s hustle culture, it can be easy to lose sight of God’s blessings in our lives and take the credit for those blessings ourselves. Today’s psalm serves as a powerful reminder that any good thing in our life is a gift from God. I pray this episode blesses you. Thoughts to Journal: Have you been guilty of taking the credit for the good things in your life that are actually...
May 02, 2023•27 min•Ep. 285
Restoration Is A Process: Devotional Bible Study of Psalm 125 and 126 Today we focus on both Psalm 125 and 126 together because they give us a powerful picture of the restorative work that God can do after a difficult season. While we won’t be fully restored until we get to heaven, there can be such joy in knowing that God can work in the places of our lives that the enemy tried to steal. I pray this episode blesses you! Thoughts to Journal: Are there any areas of your life that are needing rest...
May 01, 2023•30 min•Ep. 284
What the Life of Moses Teaches Us About Going Through the Transitions in Life with Special Guest Nicki Koziarz Life is about transitions, it’s part of the human experience. How do we embrace those moments instead of longing for the next stage? Today I invited my friend Nicki Koziarz on the show to talk about those transitions and her new book, Your New Now. Nicki walks us through the life of Moses, as an example to us when we are living in a place of transition. I pray this episode blesses you! ...
Apr 28, 2023•36 min•Ep. 283
Thanking God When He Fights Our Enemies On Our Behalf: Devotional Bible Study of Psalm 124 Sometimes we forget that the world we live in is not neutral, it’s evil. We are powerless to fight the enemy of our lives without God’s help. Today we see Psalm 124 as a model to pray and thank God for the way He intervenes in our lives. I pray this episode encourages you! Thoughts to Journal: React to the statement that the world we live in is not neutral, but evil. Is that hard for you to remember someti...
Apr 27, 2023•19 min•Ep. 282
Humble Surrender to God In the Same Way of Jesus: Devotional Bible Study of Psalm 123 Psalm 123 showcases a humble posture before God as the psalmist asks God to intervene and help. In the New Testament, we see Jesus display His humility as He serves people and serves God. Today’s devotional helps us recognize this aspect of humility as we surrender to God, even when we don’t understand. Thoughts to Journal: What are some ways you resist surrendering fully to God? How does the example of humilit...
Apr 26, 2023•22 min•Ep. 281
Praying Peace for Jerusalem and Our World Leaders: Devotional Bible Study of Psalm 122 We know that Jerusalem was the Holy place in the Old Testament where God revealed Himself to His people. However, Jesus talks about the body of Christ, believers, as the New Jerusalem. Because of the Holy Spirit, God’s presence is no longer bound to just one location. It’s important to remember that as we pray for our leaders in both Jerusalem and our own countries. Thoughts to Journal: Spend some time meditat...
Apr 25, 2023•22 min•Ep. 280
The God Who Watches Over You Day and Night: Devotional Bible Study of Psalm 121 In today’s psalm, we focus in on the way that God protects us as His people every moment of every day. There are things that He protects us from that we aren’t even aware of. As we look at this prayer of confidence from the psalms, I pray that it leaves you encouraged. Thoughts to Journal: How does it feel to know that God is actively protecting you, even while you sleep? Have you ever thought of that before? Does it...
Apr 24, 2023•24 min•Ep. 279
The Confidence We Gain When We Know God is Present: Devotional Bible Study of Psalm 120 Many of us have had moments where we are scared and facing something bigger than ourselves. The benefit of walking with God in those moments is that we gain a confidence in our relationship with Him which will help us get through the next time we are facing similar circumstances. In today’s episode, we see a model of prayer for when we are facing such circumstances. I pray this episode blesses you. Thoughts t...
Apr 21, 2023•28 min•Ep. 278
God’s Law Reveals His Character: Devotional Bible Study of Psalm 119 Today’s Psalm is the longest Psalm and the longest chapter in the Bible. We see how intentional the psalmist was to carefully plan out each stanza. It reveals to us the reason why we need Jesus. I pray this episode blesses you. Thoughts to Journal: As you think about how much the Psalmist valued the law in his life, think about the law in your own life. Have there been times that you have felt overwhelmed or intimidated by how ...
Apr 20, 2023•28 min•Ep. 277
God’s Love Endures Forever: Devotional Bible Study of Psalm 117 and Psalm 118 Today we are walking through both Psalm 117 and Psalm 118. Psalm 117 is the shortest chapter in the Bible, and it accompanies Psalm 118 so well. In Psalm 118, we see a foreshadowing of Jesus as the stone that was rejected becomes the capstone. Jesus quotes Psalm 118 in several places in the New Testament, so it’s important we learn what it says. I pray this episode blesses you. Thoughts to Journal: Think through the co...
Apr 19, 2023•30 min•Ep. 276
He Hears Us: Devotional Bible Study of Psalm 116 While we spend a lot of time learning how to hear God’s voice more clearly, it’s important to realize that He hears us, too. Today we look see how the psalmist responds when God hears his prayer as an example of how we are to respond- with praise. Thoughts to Journal: How does it impact your heart to recognize that God hears you? While we may not always get the answer we want, we can trust that God is faithful and hears our prayers. Spend some tim...
Apr 18, 2023•24 min•Ep. 275
He is Our Help and Shield: Devotional Bible Study of Psalm 115 When we see repetition in the Scriptures, it should cause us to take notice. Repetition means God wants us to pay attention. Today the phrase, “He is our help and shield,” is repeated for us in a way that calls us to praise Him in all things. I pray this episode is a blessing to you. Thoughts to Journal: Think through what it means for God to be your help and shield. How can you actively remember that in both good times and bad? What...
Apr 17, 2023•28 min•Ep. 274
The God Who Brings Water From the Rock: Devotional Bible Study of Psalm 114 Today we gather hope from looking at some of the ways God intervened on behalf of His people throughout Israel’s history. We can also have hope because of the way Jesus intervenes for us today. As we are reminded of the God who brings water from the rock, it’s my prayer that you are encouraged. Thoughts to Journal: Are there areas of your life that you are needing some water? Spend some time asking the Lord to bring “wat...
Apr 14, 2023•18 min•Ep. 273
The God of Hope Who Stays Involved With His Creation: Devotional Bible Study of Psalm 113 Throughout the scriptures, we see God’s heart as He leans down to care for us as His creation. Dealing with some of the most vulnerable people, His care for people is woven throughout both the Old and New Testaments. I pray this episode blesses you. Thoughts to Journal: How does God’s care and concern for His creation give you hope? If we are to take seriously what God models for us, what impact would that ...
Apr 13, 2023•20 min•Ep. 272
The Godly Male Counterpart to the Proverbs 31 Woman: Devotional Bible Study of Psalm 112 Many of us have heard of and studied the godly woman in Proverbs 31, but did you know there is a male counterpart to that passage? It’s found in Psalm 112. While many of the characteristics apply to both men and women, the ancients who heard this passage would have heard it as an example of what it meant to be a Godly man. Today’s episode is so interesting, I pray it blesses you. Thoughts to Journal: If you ...
Apr 12, 2023•21 min•Ep. 271
Praising God With All Our Hearts: Devotional Bible Study of Psalm 111 Sometimes when we see God as Creator, it humbles us to recognize that He chose us and loves us as His creation. In today’s psalm, we join the psalmist in praising God with our whole hearts. I pray this episode is a blessing to you. Thoughts to Journal: How does the meaning of the fear of God impact you? Is this a different understanding that you have had before? Thinking back over your life, what times have you been in awe of ...
Apr 11, 2023•22 min•Ep. 270
Knowing that We Have Won the War Doesn’t Mean We Don’t Still Have Battles to Fight: Reflections from Psalm 110 Today’s psalm is quoted by Jesus as He defends Himself to the Pharisees. In this powerful psalm, we see the prophetic nature of how the Messiah was revealed to be a victorious king, long before He was even born. I pray this episode blesses you. Thoughts to Journal: Do you take comfort in knowing that Jesus is forever on the throne? Are there circumstances in your life that you need to s...
Apr 10, 2023•23 min•Ep. 269
Hearing God’s Voice More Clearly, Even in the Silence: Words With God with Special Guest Addison Bevere For Good Friday, we have my friend Addison Bevere on the show to talk about a struggle we can all relate to. Separating the voice of the accuser from the voice of God, or even our own voice can sometimes be difficult. Addison shares from his new book, Words With God, about this very issue and offers some practical and heart felt insight on how to hear God’s voice more clearly. **Addison Bevere...
Apr 07, 2023•47 min•Ep. 268
Do You Take Your Angry Thoughts to God? How Psalm 109 Reminds Us That We Should Today we are looking at some hard emotions that happen to us when we are falsely accused. What do we do with the anger? How do we work through that? Tune in to see what Psalm 109 has to say about it. Thoughts to Journal: If you are honest, does it feel safe to take your angry thoughts and emotions to God? Why do you think that is? When you have faced these kinds of emotions in the past, was it your first instinct to ...
Apr 06, 2023•27 min•Ep. 267
Recognizing Our Emotions as We Allow God to Restore Us: How Psalm 108 Points Us to God It may be easy to praise God in our positive emotions. Yet how do we acknowledge God in the negative emotions? Should we? Today we look at Psalm 108 as a powerful example of how to seek God to restore us and the emotional process we need to go through as He does. I pray this episode blesses you. Thoughts to Journal: How does it feel to think about acknowledging God in all of your emotions? What feels hard to y...
Apr 05, 2023•23 min•Ep. 266
Four Reasons You May Be Experiencing Chaos in Your Life and What You Can Do About It: Reflections From Psalm 107 Regardless of the reasons we may find ourselves there, chaos can happen in our lives. If you find yourself there, today’s episode will encourage you. Together we look at four reasons you may be experiencing chaos in your life and what you can do about it. Thoughts to Journal: In times of chaos, what is your response? Have there been times you have been reluctant to call out to God? Wh...
Apr 04, 2023•28 min•Ep. 265
God’s Plan is Better Than Our Plan: How God Shows Us His Faithfulness in Psalm 106 So many of us tend to choose our own way in life instead of God’s way. While He may allow us to follow our own path, we have to realize there are consequences for the choices we make. Today we look at the example of Israel’s choices in Psalm 106, and how God remains faithful because of His great love. Thoughts to Journal: In what ways have you turned away from God’s plan for your life? Have there been things you k...
Apr 03, 2023•36 min•Ep. 264
Are you facing struggles right now in your life? Is it hard for you do what God is calling you to do because of what you’re facing in this tough season? Tune into this special episode preview of the show Inside Out, hosted by Courtnaye Richard, to receive practical encouragement! DISCOVER MORE EPISODES OF INSIDE OUT WITH COURTNAYE: 4 Ways to Grow in Christian Character: https://apple.co/3TNeXG6 How to Cultivate Your Current Friendships: https://apple.co/3lPnv2L 5 Ways to Fight Through Fear When ...
Apr 01, 2023•14 min
