He is the Creator, and He has a purpose for you, but how can you know what it is?

In this short podcast, I will share some insights I have been learning about seeking and finding God’s will. He isn’t hiding. He delights in revealing His will to you.

Look up!

Start with praise (Psalm 145). Next comes repentance, or turning back to God, and turning away from other things (Psalm 32). Finally, start listening with humility. As you gaze at the glory of God in Jesus Christ, you will be transformed (2 Corinthians 3:12-18).

God’s will is not always efficient or productive based on our definitions, but it is glorious in the end. Even if we have to endure suffering, God helps us to see it not as an interruption of His plans, but as an invitation to know Jesus better.

Check out Mike Pennington’s article about his experience of suffering.

Freedom is God’s will for His people. He is the God who brought His people out of the land of Egypt, the house of slavery. Now, as God’s children under the New Covenant inaugurated by Jesus, we can find freedom from the lies and enslavements that are burdening us. Don’t miss the 50 Days of Freedom Challenge, starting this week. Subscribe for free on Substack.

If you would like help in seeking God’s will for your life, I would love to walk alongside you with biblical counseling. We seek God together through prayer and the Word, with His Spirit to guide us. Reserve your spot on my website.

I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my eye upon you. Be not like a horse or a mule, without understanding, which must be curbed with bit and bridle, or it will not stay near you.

Psalm 32:8-9

Bill and I share a passion to see people find freedom from burdens and false assumptions through truth, light, and life in Christ. Trauma sneaks up on us, and overwhelms us by shattering our core beliefs of safety, predictability, and fairness. Our thoughts are then invaded by flashbacks, ruminations, and attention-grabbing warnings from our brain.

There is so much hope for Post-Traumatic Growth! It comes from deliberately rebuilding our thoughts to reflect God’s truth. The five areas we mentioned are:

* Appreciation of life—increased gratitude

* Improved relationships with others—increased compassion

* Seeing new possibilities—increased hope

* Personal strength—increased confidence

* Spiritual change—increased humility in our relationship with God

We read some of Luke 15, and highlighted the importance of receiving God’s compassion, and responding to His invitation of healing and restored relationships. You are always welcome in God’s safe healing space in His word. God will always get the last word. Hallelujah!

Dr. Jim Wilder is the author of Escaping Enemy Mode, where he describes relational mode as characterized by CAKE: curiosity, appreciation, kindness, and eye-contact.

Bill and I offer online biblical counseling through our websites.

Please comment below with your thoughts on post-traumatic growth. Which of the five ways of growth would you like the most: gratitude, compassion, hope, confidence, or humility? We would love to pray for you by name.

I am so thankful for my conversation with Reigns Of Victory (Phil Varnhagen) about his cancer journey, and my recent loss of my mom, after losing my dad suddenly in 2023.

We can trust in the LORD. Jesus is so close to the broken hearted, and we learn more about Him through our suffering.

Some highlights: “The disease was the cure.” Phil’s cancer gave him a new perspective on life, and cured his self-destruction—helping him focus on God.

What’s our treasure? What’s winning? If it’s Jesus, we find that suffering makes us draw closer to Jesus. We can continue to enjoy God’s presence, and we know all service to God is valuable. Only He is infinitely valuable. This is how we find freedom from living for human approval.

It’s not about how productive we can be, but how present we can be. Suffering shakes away so many things, leaving behind what is important: our firm foundation and our anchor in Jesus.

Phil wrote some words he associates with grief and loss: impactful, personal, painful, separation, uncertainty, discontent, and uneasy.

He wrote this about the gospel: truth, hope love, timeless, and foundational. I added the word redemption as well. See the sunny day of redemption that God will provide, and He will help you forget (or at least decrease the pain of) that suffering leading up to it. Our response then becomes worship instead of grumbling and complaining.

Let’s not run away from suffering people, but draw near to them and witness what God is doing in their lives. We can see our pain and suffering as so small in comparison to the greatness of knowing Jesus better. Let’s stay engaged so we can find Jesus in the suffering; stop trying to numb our pain with alcohol, substances, scrolling, or emotional withdrawal from others.

Phil’s morning prayer: “Lord thank you for preparing this day for me, and prepare me for this day.” So helpful for me as a person who has dread and groans every morning!

Death is final; God is reminding us of what’s at stake. “So teach us to number our days, so that we may get a heart of wisdom” (Psalm 90:12). Stay in community in your grief, because there is protection and healing in that. Remember that suffering is never punishment if we are in Christ; there is discipline, and there are hard times, but Jesus has drunk every drop of the cup of wrath for us on the cross (Romans 8:1).

We have an embarrassment of riches when we have Jesus. For a better perspective on your suffering, read a book written by persecuted and suffering Christians. One glimpse of the glory of God will make all of this temporary suffering worthwhile. Our story matters, and all our suffering has purpose.

Courtney Doctor’s study, called From Garden to Glory, reveals that we have to know God’s story so that we can know our role in it—our part He gave us as “improvisational actors”!

2 Corinthians 4:16–18

[16] So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. [17] For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, [18] as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal. (ESV)

Phil read from my most recent post, Untethered or Anchored.

Please comment below with your thoughts on navigating grief and loss.

Subscribe to the Drink from the River of Delight podcast on Apple, Spotify, or YouTube. If you like and review the podcast, you allow other people to find us as well.

Thank you to everyone who tuned into my live video! Eric Mattie

Psalm 119:28–32

[28] My soul melts away for sorrow;

strengthen me according to your word!

[29] Put false ways far from me

and graciously teach me your law!

[30] I have chosen the way of faithfulness;

I set your rules before me.

[31] I cling to your testimonies, O LORD;

let me not be put to shame!

[32] I will run in the way of your commandments

when you enlarge my heart! (ESV)

It’s a pleasure to be back home! Here’s my summary of my trip and some lessons God is teaching me.

Don’t avoid risk and unfamiliar circumstances when it’s God’s idea. He will show up in mighty ways.

Participate in God’s mighty kingdom work: you are not just a spectator.

Make disappointment a part of your sanctification, not your rebellion.

Let kindness be your goal, and you will be bulletproof and see your relationships transform.

God is cheering for you! Let your interactions be determined by compassion, not suspicion and negativity.

Intercede for those around you and God will be glorified. Learn to groan to God instead of grumbling.

Isaiah 12, Ezekiel 9, Psalm 27.

Jesus is winning and winning is Jesus.

Please leave a comment: what is God teaching you? Where are you feeling led to step out in faith?

Thanks for reading Drink from the River of Delight! This post is public so feel free to share it.

“Prayer is the slender nerve that moves the muscle of omnipotence.” Charles H. Spurgeon

When you spend time in prayer, God speaks, God reveals His nearness, and God’s Word comes alive.

How can we rely on God? He will provide, He will heal (in this life or the next), and He will answer (yes, no, or wait). 2 Timothy 1:3-7 encourages us to fan into flames the gift of God, and we see that it’s in community that we find the answers to those prayers.

Sheyvah Rex is currently reading Brother Lawrence, The Practice of the Presence of God. Please check out her podcast and publication, The Perfect King’s Imperfect Princess.

Is God moving you towards deeper relationships? Discipleship is just the process of growing more like Jesus with other believers through prayer, Bible study, and accountability. Ask Him to lead you and He will bless your desire with great fruitfulness. Grab a friend and work through my 9 week online Bible study, Ride the Wave to Joy. Check out my website for free resources, and connect with me in a one hour session where we seek God together through the Bible and prayer.

Where is gratitude to be found?

Join Amanda Conroy and I for a gospel-focused conversation. Your faith will be strengthened, and you will see that we heal in community with other believers.

We both love to hear from you, so feel free to reach out to us through Substack or our websites: https://www.janetabadir.com, or

https://www.amandaconroycounseling.com

and my mentor and Christian counselor, Bill Faris, MPC.

Thank you Kevin E Beasley, Megan Against Injustice, RN, Reigns Of Victory, and many others for tuning into my live video with Amanda Conroy! Join us for the next live video in the app, tentatively Sunday, April 19th at 8 pm EST.

I reference Through The Word, a great Bible app with chapter-by-chapter teaching.

We read 2 Timothy 1:3-7, and Romans 8:5-8. Praying we can Drink from the River of Delight this week!

We discussed how to look back on the unexpected twists and turns of life and see Jesus’ mighty hand at work. Jesus is leaving clues all around of His love and care for us. Let the Holy Spirit remind us again today of Jesus’ beauty and power and grace, and may our hearts be moved and melted by His love for us.

Hallelujah! What a Savior!

Deborah and I met through Deidre Braley at her Office Hours with an Editor for paid subscribers (highly recommend!).

Male-female advice: Alison Armstrong.

Psalm 45: Shane and Shane Song.

Purchase Deborah’s book, Unexpected Blessings, now available on Amazon and join her reading club on Substack.

Check out my new online Bible study, Ride the Wave to Joy.

If you would like to walk together on your journey towards love, beauty, and joy in the Lord, book a call with me, or invite me to your next speaking event.

Jesus reigns, He is in control, He is sovereign, and He is acting as our Shepherd. Let’s be more concerned with the things of God than ourselves. We are praying for compassion, and God’s mighty work in our lives, our families, and our culture, which we will see as we repent and seek the Lord in humility. We read Acts 17:22-34, Psalm 23, Galatians 1:10, and Job 42:1-6. “The more you spend time with the Lord and His grace, the less time you want to be in the court, questioning Him and His ways, if things aren’t going the way you want.” “Faith and patience go hand in hand.” Great quotes from Amanda Conroy

Intercessors stand in the gap (Ezekiel 22:30-31), with certainty that God has forgiven abundantly, and we can repent freely of our own sin and the sin surrounding us. We are part of the Body of Christ; we don’t belong to ourselves anymore.

Thank you Kevin E Beasley, Megan Against Injustice, RN, Eric Mattie, Brian Dempsey, Cathy, and many others for tuning into my live video with Amanda Conroy! Join me for my next live video in the app, “Sunday Night Live” coming back on March 15th at 8 pm EST!

How can we engage with God, and grow in our faith and maturity?

What if the world is really broken around us, and we are broken too?

Today we will talk about wrestling with God, and how to grow in our faith when we are struggling. It’s an essential skill that bears good fruit in our lives when we allow God to be God, and we come in humility and obedience to His Word.

Isaiah 6 will demonstrate this skill in action: we see God’s holiness, we see our unholiness, and we cry out for cleansing, which God provides.

Take a look at my article this week for more from Genesis 32.

Looking for an online Bible study to help you experience God through His Word? Check out my newest course, Ride the Wave to Joy, now at the lowest price it will ever be ($27).

Amanda Conroy is a licensed mental health counselor in Florida and Colorado, and currently lives in Florida with her husband and two daughters. She has a lovely way of bringing our focus back onto things of eternal value. Her Bible is well-read, and her insights are relatable and relevant to our daily struggles.

Maturity is God’s plan for all of us. We can seek out that maturity in community, and by marveling at God’s wisdom. Today we read some of Proverbs 8 and asked God to bring us into delight and amazement that we are chosen, and beloved. Jesus is our wisdom.

Some authors Amanda mentioned: Karen Kingsbury (The Baxter Series), Francine Rivers, Nichole Deese, and Gabrielle Meyer with the Timeless Series.

We tackled the topic of weakness in the Christian community and how to be safe people for each other. Community builds around weakness (Joni Earekson Tada), so let’s humbly ask for help from the Lord, and from others.

I hope you enjoy our conversation! Tune in for “Sunday Night Live” on February 8th at 4 pm Alaska, 8 pm EST, here on Substack for more delightful and encouraging conversation with Amanda and me!

Do you feel the world is broken? (We do.) Do you feel the shadows deepen? (We do.)

But do you know that all the dark won’t stop the light from getting through? (We do.)

Do you wish that you could see it all made new? (We do.)

Andrew Peterson, “Is He Worthy?”

Here’s a glimpse into God’s perspective on our current events from Psalm 37.

What is He saying to you today?

How can we have more dialogues in the Church, and grow in our unity and purity?

How can we destroy the works of Satan, who tries to speak lies, distrust, and disagreement so that ultimately he can cause chaos and death?

Tune in and let’s discuss!

Today we start closing the gap between what Jesus looks like, and what we look like.

Grow in gratitude, humility, and love. Overcome shame and perfectionism.

Let’s start the journey together—pursuing the true abundant life in community that we see in Christ.

Shame Interrupted by Ed Welch is a great resource. We can get out of the cycle of guilt, shame, and separation from God and others by repentance and faith in Jesus.

For more on becoming a biblical counselor or coach, check out Light University.

If you are looking for a Christian Life Coach, I would love to walk with you on this journey of transformation and joy.

My new Online Bible course is live, nine weeks to Ride the Wave to Joy.

Did this episode speak in to your life? Please comment below!

Here’s a great skill that has transformed my Bible study: repentance. It is the key to unobstructed, unhindered, and clear communication and relationship with God.

I have a free download on my website on Psalm 51 and how to practice this skill. My online Bible course is now live on my website! It’s called Ride the Wave to Joy and has nine weeks of study material. Online group cohorts coming soon!

I pray for God’s blessing and joy on you this week as you seek to please Him.

For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart. And no creature is hidden from his sight, but all are naked and exposed to the eyes of him to whom we must give account.

-Hebrews 4:12-13

And now I am about to go the way of all the earth, and you know in your hearts and souls, all of you, that not one word has failed of all the good things that the LORD your God promised concerning you. All have come to pass for you; not one of them has failed.

-Joshua 23:14

Monday blues and anxiety can be crippling. Especially the first Monday of 2026.

Emotions are real. If we stuff them or deny them, we will pay the price later.

Psalm 27 expresses the emotions of fear, anxiety, abandonment, betrayal, and despair. In the end, we can take courage as we wait for the LORD.

So let’s pray for patience, and the ability to wait f…

I want to share my goals and hopes for 2026 with you. Let’s grow together by reading Psalms 111-112.

For more information on Dr. Jim Wilder, see his website; you can also find his book, Escaping Enemy Mode.

Looking for a new online Bible study with video teaching? Come Ride the Wave to Joy! This is a brand-new 9 week online course that will transform your Bible study, making it a sacred time of connection to God.

Biblical counseling helps all people, but especially those who are low on hope. It can help identify the things in your life you wish would change, but you just can’t figure out how to change.

The Bible is our source of wisdom. It shows us what to do to feel more connected to God and other people.

Join me for a brief discussion of the benefits of biblical counseling. We will see that Romans 5:1-5 offers us a picture of that hope that we need. Transformation happens when we walk with God and other people in loving relationships.

Pick up a copy of Paul Tripp’s Instruments in the Redeemer’s Hands for a great start on your own journey of being a biblical counselor for yourself and others.

Would you like to book your first session with me? You can find my calendar here.

This week was the one-year anniversary of the publication of Drink from the River of Delight: Welcome to God’s Healing Space in His Word. Celebrate by giving a copy to someone you love!

See Psalm 141:3, Proverbs 8, Proverbs 10:11, Proverbs 11:12-13.

As we behold Jesus, we will speak with wisdom, and our words will be more like His words! I am cheering for you, and praying for God’s glory to be revealed in your words.

“Therefore we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God. For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God” (2 Corinthians 5:20-21).

#50daysofbeholdingJesus

Today’s podcast is for you! Tammy Kennington interviewed me for her podcast, From Hardship to Hope. She interviewed me about my life, my book, and the hope I have in Jesus. We talked about seasons of waiting, uncertainty, and despair, but how God has put us in these places for good reasons. “For such a time as this,” God chose to put us here to bring His light into the dark places we live.

Many thanks to Tammy Kennington for a Holy-Spirit-filled interview.

We refer to the story of Esther in the Bible, as well as Psalm 34, 36, and 2 Corinthians 2:14-17.

This podcast with Eric Mattie and Chris Russo was filled with Holy Spirit wisdom and encouragement for weary souls. We’ve had different journeys, but our stories of faith will inspire you to dig deeper in your walk with God, to see more fruit in your life.

No matter what stage of life you are in, I know God will speak to you through this episode. We don’t have to rush through our lives, but savor these moments with the Lord, where His presence is our most precious thought. Jesus knows what waiting feels like, as He is waiting for His Bride, and for His kingdom to be fully revealed.

We reference Proverbs 3:5-6, Romans 8:28, Joshua 5:13-15,1 Corinthians 13:12, and Psalm 46:10. Psalm 40:1-8 sums up the discussion well: we can wait patiently for the LORD and He will set our feet on a Rock. He delights in our surrender, obedience, and faith, especially in our wilderness season.

I had the pleasure of welcoming Asheritah Ciuciu, author of the book, Delighting in Jesus.

Robbers of delight include burdens, brokenness, and burnout. We mistake busy activities for discipleship, but Jesus is inviting us to sit with Him and savor His grace, love, and compassion without rushing. May we be so in tune with Jesus that we follow His pace, His methods, and His priorities (Matthew 11:28-30). He is the Vine (John 15:1-5), and He will prune us, sometimes moving us to different ministries and opportunities. Busyness can lead to burnout. He might want us to step down and let someone else receive the blessing of doing His work. Discipline is good for us, and it has nothing to do with punishment. The discipline of Hebrews 12:5-11 comes out of the love and delight of God for us.

The themes of Hebrews 12 were woven into our conversation: from delight to discipline, knowing that He delights in His children, and gives us Himself. We can receive with thanksgiving. He deserves our exclusive worship, loyalty, and love.

Receive those glimmers of joy, those little gifts from God, and God’s delight in His children. The blood of Jesus speaks a better word than the blood of Abel. Let’s put ourselves under Jesus’ yoke, and follow Him so closely each day.

Share your experience with Jesus with someone! What is He saying to you?

Today’s podcast is essential if you consider yourself a follower of Jesus Christ. Leaders and non-leaders in the church need to know how to live in the Body of Christ.

Find true wisdom from Bill Faris MPC who has decades of experience in leadership in the church, and has a shepherd’s heart for others.

We talk about benefits of community, how to foster community, the role of leaders and non-leaders, navigating hurt with correct expectations, and feeling safe in community.

We mentioned Corrie Ten Boom, and her story, The Hiding Place, and the book, You’re Not Crazy, by Ray Ortlund Jr., and Sam Allberry about gospel culture. We referred to a TED talk by Johann Hari, called “Everything You Think You Know About Addiction Is Wrong,” emphasizing that connection to a community is essential for overcoming addiction.

I hope you enjoy this conversation as much as I did. Let’s join in prayer for the purity and unity of the Church, the Body of Christ. He walks among His people, and we can see our new identity as being His people, and call them “my people.”

Psalm 133 is so good about peaceful life in community, descending in humility, and enjoying the honor and glory of Jesus together. What a blessing to be a part of the Body of Christ! Don’t skip church, and don’t close off your heart to others. We can fight sin together. Please share this with others—it’s also available on Apple, Spotify, and YouTube. Comment below on what you love about the Body of Christ!

Today, I want to remind us to speak to ourselves and others with warmth, welcome, gentleness, and respect. Harshness is not a fruit of the Spirit.

Let’s continue to behold Jesus together, remembering John 1:14-18. We have received grace upon grace, and He is full of grace and truth. Let steadfast love and faithfulness abound, as we are transformed into His image, from one degree of glory to the next.

If you haven’t subscribed to the 50 day challenge of beholding Jesus, it’s not too late!

Janet S Abadir

Here’s a replay of my first podcast with Bill Faris MPC from a few months ago (unedited), now in its entirety for the first time.

There is so much wisdom and godliness in this conversation. It’s worth a re-listen, and worth sharing with someone struggling with unforgiveness, relationship difficulties, or boundary issues. May you grow in your humility and faith and delight.

Have you been choosing a quick-fix for your problems? Do your relationships need some help?

Here’s some help fighting unforgiveness, pride, and foolish unbelief.

Let’s ask God to help us believe His Word. The Holy Spirit can make it real to our hearts. Receive the forgiveness offered to you by the blood of Jesus. Receive the humility of Jesus. Receive meekness so you can believe these truths from the Bible.

Click here for another podcast episode on forgiveness.

In conclusion, the doctrine that God is incomparable is useful to God’s people by way of comfort. When we take the incomparable God as our God, we are incomparably blessed. People are as happy and miserable as the god whom they serve, for nothing can provide more happiness than it has in itself. Those who serve the flesh as their god are miserable (Romans 16:18; Philippians 3:18) because their god is vile, weak, deceitful, and transitory (Psalm 49:20, 73:25; Isaiah 31:3; Jeremiah 17:9). Similarly, those who prize the world as their god are miserable because their god is vain, troublesome, uncertain, and fleeting (Ecclesiastes 1:2-3, 5:10; 1 Corinthians 7:29-31; I Timothy 6:9-10). But those who have an interest in this great God are happy: “Happy is that people whose God is the LORD” (Psalm 144:15).

George Swinnock (1627-1673) The Blessed and Boundless God

To him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by his blood and made us a kingdom, priests to his God and Father, to him be glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.

Revelation 1:5-6

God is Trinity—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—and so God is relational. He created us to enjoy relationship with Him. The meaning of life therefore must be deep relationships.

First, we need to have deep relationship with God. Only then will we have healthy relationships with others.

Jesus Christ came into the world to save sinful people. Peace with God only comes through the blood of Jesus shed on the cross.

Are you struggling with unforgiveness? This video exercise will help, and you can use it as often as you need.

Tune in for more next week on belonging to God, and being “His people.”

2 Corinthians 5:17–21

[17] Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come. [18] All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation; [19] that is, in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation. [20] Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God. [21] For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God. (ESV)

Remember the grace of Jesus Christ.

Let’s read 2 Timothy 2:8-10 today, keeping in mind that we will endure difficulties and we will see the glory of God, which will make it all worthwhile. Our enemies are the world, the flesh, and the devil, not the person arguing with us.

Remember Jesus Christ, risen from the dead, the offspring of David, as preached in my gospel, 9 for which I am suffering, bound with chains as a criminal. But the word of God is not bound! 10 Therefore I endure everything for the sake of the elect, that they also may obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory.

-2 Timothy 2:8-10, ESV

Are you actively seeking contentment and fighting discontentment?

We will discuss what hinders contentment, what discontentment can do to you, and how to have the power of God in your life for contentment.

We discussed Philippians 4:11-13, Psalm 73, and Psalm 84.

Here’s the 6 reasons that contentment is power.

* God is providing, so nothing can harm me permanently. Psalm 91.

* Contentment is attractive to others. Ask God for humility, contentment, and the fear of the LORD.

* No comparison ever again. Christ is your righteousness. No more envy, covetousness, or discontent- Psalm 73.

* Unshakable life—you have your greatest treasure, and nothing can take it away. Hebrews 12:28-29.

* No more of man’s oppression, because God has redeemed you out of that. Jump off the hamster wheel of achieving status. You are free to receive what God generously provides because you are bought by the blood of Jesus. Psalms 111-112.

* I have everything I need, more than I could dream of, and I boast in Christ. God is my treasure and I am His treasured possession. Psalm 84.

Please share what resonated with you today! What helps you to be content?

Share this episode with a friend and pray for each other to be content this week.

God gives us the solution: intercessory prayer. Lift up your voice in prayer. This is our new role—we are a kingdom of priests to our God.

Today we use Daniel 9 as our model for intercessory prayer, lifting up our churches, our leaders, and our country.

Also, if you would like a free copy of my book, Drink from the River of Delight, pick up a copy on Kindle before September 4.

On this must-listen-to episode, Robert Cale and I unpack the essentials for loving the Bible. If you’ve ever found dust on your Bible, this episode is for you.

When you open your Bible, keep these things in mind.

* Necessary for Life- the Word of God is my food, water, air. I need every word that comes from God’s mouth. 2 Timothy 3:16.

* Meekness, Humility, Surrender. Receive with meekness, like soft soil, to accept this word so that it can grow and bring life. You’ll understand more if you come ready to obey.

* God-Centered, God-Focused, and God-Powered. The Bible is not about you, but about God. Ask Him to help you understand and apply the Word.

* Find out more about who God is when you read the Bible. Let God be God. He is revealing Himself through His Word.

* Repentance: we can always repent over something when we read the Bible. Repent of self-sufficiency, pride, self-righteousness, or unbelief. Repent of idolatry or wanting something else more than God.

* Worship: there is always something to worship God for in every verse.

* Tell Others! You’re a hungry beggar who has found good bread. Tell other hungry beggars around you so they can eat too.

Spend the week reading and studying Psalm 119, the love song to the Word of God. See Jesus as your substitute, your righteousness, and your ability to claim every promise as true for you, even though you are a sinner by nature, saved by grace.

My lemons to lemonade quote came from Steve Cuss: Turn anger into a pause, turn disappointment into prayer, turn frustration into worship, and turn restlessness into Scripture.

For further reading: Henri Nouwen, Here and Now: Living in the Spirit. Adam McHugh, The Listening Life, Paul Tripp, New Morning Mercies, Nancy Guthrie, Discovering Jesus in the Old Testament.

Mighty Oaks is a foundation helping Veterans and First Responders and their spouses find healing and help in Jesus. Bible apps include: Through The Word, Bible.com.

This podcast came out of a mistake I made last week.

Whether we are avoiding mistakes, or we just made a mistake, or it’s been a while since our last mistake, we can adopt the following attitudes:

* Focus on enjoying God. He is perfect, sovereign, and all-powerful.

* Let humility grow by receiving grace.

* Show grace to yourself and others.

Conceit and pride are deadly—much more deadly than our mistakes.

Reread 2 Corinthians 12:7-10, and thank God for every opportunity for humility. We can always receive grace, infinite grace, buckets of grace dumped on our heads. God’s power is made perfect in weakness, so we can boast in the LORD, and experience His power every day.

Praying for a great week, and opportunities for God’s strength to shine through in our weakness.

For more on accepting God’s perfect plan, even if it’s not what I pictured as ideal, check out my recent article.

We met on Substack through our friend, Paul Christopher, and the Salt and Light community. Cathy’s article about Jesus writing His story through us is worth your time.

Being together in the family of God, we have so much in common, and can encourage each other through the Word, and what God is teaching us through the Holy Spirit.

I know our deep and vulnerable conversation will bless you as you hear how God still speaks, still leads, and still does miracles today. We belong to Him, and He will lead us as our Good Shepherd. Cathy talks about some of the hardest times of her life when she had to listen to God, times like grief in the loss of her father, or her own cancer journey, or when she was rebelling.

Thank you Cathy Ben-Ameh for your joy in the LORD, as you radiate His glory in the darkness, may God’s pleasure and delight fill your heart and mind.

God will give us the power to love one another, and to put on the righteousness of Christ every day. Her articles on rewriting tough memories and spiritual warfare are also inspiring.

I am very moved by Cathy’s review of my book, Drink from the River of Delight. If you’re struggling with perfectionism, or wishing for the ideal, my article will help you embrace God’s perfect plan for your life instead.

We celebrate that day with you, and we encourage you to say the next yes, which is discipleship and disciple-making, following the Great Commission of Matthew 28:18-20. It’s as simple as telling stories, and asking questions, listening with the love of Jesus for others.

Kevin E Beasley has been gifted with a heart for disciple-making. He shares how he became a disciple and why it’s vital for every follower of Jesus.

Tune in for practical tools to start your own discipleship and disciple-making journey. Jesus is the only Savior and Master and Lord who walks with you as your Friend. Following Him is the most adventurous, rewarding, and eternally significant life purpose. Learn more about doing that with other believers in a discipleship relationship. 1 Corinthians 13:4-8 is our model, and our realization that Jesus truly loves us, and we share His love with others, rejoicing in the truth together.

Please access Kevin E Beasley’s free resources on his website, follow him on Facebook, and listen to his podcast on YouTube.

Please like, share, comment. Drink from the River of Delight Podcast is available on Apple, Spotify, or YouTube. The book and study guide are available on Amazon or on Ingram Spark for bookstores.

Find out more on her website, Substack (with podcast), or free ebook.

Don’t hide from the light, but let Jesus bring healing and wholeness as only He can. If you don’t know where to start, ask for help. Read Psalm 91 right now and see Jesus protecting you from your ultimate enemy.

I pray for each of you to experience more freedom and joy in your walk with the Lord through the Drink from the River of Delight podcast (available on YouTube, Spotify, or Apple). Please comment below if this encouraged you. Feel free to share with someone who needs it. To God be the glory for the great things He has done!

Have you ever felt stuck? Are you staring down a deep, dark hole, that seems to be sucking you in? (Think Frodo in the swampy marshes!)

Today’s podcast will be life-changing and life-giving. You can’t dig your way out of the sinkhole. You can’t fill in the sinkhole. You can’t even resist the sinkhole.

But God can. And He will. Find out how!

Give Bill a look at his website, or email him at billfaris@billfaris.com for a copy of the book. It’s $10 plus shipping.

Please share this episode with anyone who is sinking down a deep hole. They will thank you for eternity!

My book, Drink from the River of Delight, is available on Amazon, along with a hard-cover study guide.

Feel free to check out my website, and send me an email anytime.

There is no place where God isn’t.

Join Robert Cale and I for our conversation about PTSD, Veterans, and God’s redemption of seemingly hopeless situations. He teaches the message of hope, that no one is broken beyond repair. Go to Jesus to get fixed—don’t try to fix yourself first. Shout out to the man who led him to Jesus, Jeremy Stalnecker.

Robert …

Do you believe that you need to show the world that you are competent?

Do you feel like you can’t keep up with the pace? Maybe you feel stuck or that you don’t have any choices. Are things “bad in your soul” right now?

Tune i…

Are you feeling stuck in a dark season?

How can we trust God more? Where does courage come from?

We will look at Jesus, who courageously went outside the camp to purchase our redemption and salvation (Hebrews 13:12-13).

Obedience can get easier every time we obey Him. Upward spirals are possible with God! Let’s shift our default mode to surrender, faith, and obedience, rather than questioning, grumbling, or rebelling.

Learn to “own it” so you will act on the truths of the Bible, not just know them. You can go from survival mode to crushing it with victory in Jesus.

When He takes away something from you, He will inevitably bring redemption in the end. He will give us “the full package” of what He earned for us on the cross.

Let’s shed performance-based worth, or preconceived ideas of our lives, and embrace our identity in Christ, His provision, and the infinite grace He gives us. Worship our God, the only One worthy of all our praise. His plan is fool-proof, we can shed our dread knowing that He will redeem everything in our lives. Behold the glory of God! (2 Corinthians 3:12-18)

We pray your heart is moved towards love for Christ this week. Look up!

Shannon Guerra shares how God was graciously guiding and orchestrating her family’s life in the midst of adoption and unknown outcomes.

Read more in her book, Risk the Ocean: An Adoptive Mom’s Memoir of Sinking and Sanctification.

We reference 2 Corinthians 1:3-4, Mark 5:35-43, and Psalm 119:71, “It is good for me that I was afflicted, that I might learn your statues.”

God is so tender and compassionate, lifting us up out of our suffering, just as He lifted the little girl from death to life in Mark 5. He told them to give her something to eat, and in the same way, we pray that you are fed today through the Word and our conversation. We pray for abundant life for you, which Jesus has already purchased with His precious blood.

Be sure to like, comment, and subscribe. Share this with someone you know who is in a difficult season. Tune in next Monday for the second half of our conversation.

Today we will unpack our greatest need and the answer we find in Isaiah 61.

When Jesus began His earthly ministry, He stood up in the synagogue in His home town and read the first few verses of Isaiah 61. Jesus knew His calling and mission, and His kingdom was entirely different from anything anyone had ever seen before. The response to His first sermon was an angry riot and His neighbors’ attempt to murder Him.

I started Isaiah 61 Publishing last year in faith that God was giving me these verses as my mission and vision. Find out more in today’s podcast. I pray you too will be inspired and transformed by God’s Word and His calling on your life.

Check out Isaiah 61 Publishing’s latest children’s book, Lina’s Light, available now on Amazon!

Bill Faris, MPC, continues our discussion on forgiveness, reconciliation, and freedom in Christ. You won’t want to miss this episode.

I have experienced transformation in my life by exploring vows I made as a child which continue to affect my behavior today. Bill discusses vows and how to ensure that Jesus is your Savior, not the vow you made in the past.

Bill shares a very personal story of being deeply hurt and how the Holy Spirit helped him turn the situation into an opportunity to further God’s kingdom and defeat the devil’s schemes.

I have truly enjoyed this series, and I hope you will continue to refer back to these episodes when you need godly wisdom, compassion and inspiration.

Do you compare yourself to others or social media? Have you ever had self-destructive behavior or thoughts?

How can we flourish in this life?

If any of these questions hit you today, then you need to spend the next 30 minutes listening to this podcast with Bill Faris, MPC.

We all have people in our lives that we need to forgive. Here’s a video that can help you do that.

Tune in next week for the final installment of this conversation with Bill!

Today, I sit down with Bill Faris, MPC, who has 25 years of experience in Christian counseling. He has a shepherd’s heart, and he shows the love and care of Jesus to his clients.

Bill helps people flourish, and live in fruitfulness through faith in Jesus. Just as John 15 describes fruitful branches in connection with Jesus, the work of the Spirit, and the Father’s pruning, Bill facilitates personal growth by inspiring people’s courage to face fears and struggles. He celebrates their progress, and weeps with joy at the magnificent work of God.

The gospel of Jesus Christ relates to all the issues we face. Jesus cares about our heart. He wants us to speak to ourselves and others with His truth and love. Like broken pottery remade with gold in all the cracks (Kintsugi), Jesus’ work in our lives shows that He treasures us even in our brokenness, redeeming us into beautiful masterpieces of His grace. He will never throw us away, but will use His skill and glory to make us His treasure (2 Corinthians 4:7).

Want the courage to be humble? Want to be a good shepherd who loves the sheep rather than taking advantage of them? Learn to receive what you need from Jesus!

Stay tuned for the rest of our conversation in the next two weeks!

We need the gospel of Jesus Christ every day, especially as we attempt to live in community. Today we will look at the parable of the Good Samaritan from Luke 10, and answer the questions who are our neighbors, how can we live as good neighbors, and what’s in it for us? Tune in for God’s grace and welcome as He hosts us first, and adopts us into His family.

Further reading: Placed for a Purpose by Chris and Elizabeth McKinney.

The battle is for your allegiance, your worship, and your loyalty to Jesus. Today we discuss some strategies for this battle, and some things to remember. Transformation comes from God’s power in your life, not self-help. Let the Word of God deliver the victory and abundant hope you need today. The battle is won already, and we have victory in Christ because we are united to Him.

Today we will consider the only safe place in the universe—resting in our unchanging eternal God. How can we find rest in our modern world? What is keeping us from entering into God’s safe space of rest?

Have you allowed the Word of God to do some open heart surgery on you today? Listen in for the healing you need today!

Our lives become unshakable when we have our greatest treasure and nothing can take it away.

Today we will see that Jesus is the best treasure our hearts could ever long for, and we have Him forever. The most amazing thought is that we are His treasure. Let’s delight in Jesus together this week!

I’ll bet you didn’t say, “sin.” Today we will tackle how to fight sin with the gospel.

Sin and unbelief really are the biggest problems we face as Christians. Today’s episode will give you biblical ways to fight sin and to preach to your own heart. You can also help others in this battle, and Jesus, our High Priest, is also helping and cheering us on. Victory will be ours, as we are now in Christ, and He is our conquering King!

Psalm 84:11 “For the LORD God is a sun and shield; the LORD bestows favor and honor. No good thing does he withhold from those who walk uprightly.”

Here is the link to an exercise about forgiveness:

How can a group of sinners get along? How can we live out our faith in the midst of church hurt, disagreements, and conflict? Let’s unpack how the gospel changes everything, and gives us all the resources we need to have abundant life in community. We will look at Ephesians 4, and also discuss repentance, our words, and Christ our King, who is sovereign, humble, conquering, and patient. You won’t want to miss this episode!

If you haven’t picked up a copy of the book yet, here it is on Amazon. Hardcover study guide is also available for journaling.

The Bible teaches us to live for rewards. Today we discuss what that means and how we can find motivation to live for Jesus every day. Listen in and be surprised, amazed, and motivated to enjoy the rewards we have in Christ, as you Drink from the River of Delight!

Today we will discuss the offense of the gospel of Jesus Christ, and how we can move from offense to honor. Our passages are 1 Peter 1:22-2:8, and Psalm 34. Jesus is the stone of stumbling and the rock of offense, but with faith and obedience, we can find Him to be our safe refuge and our source of honor.