Believe & Speak

Today’s episode centers on Hebrews 4:13-16, which contains a beautiful invitation to be completely transparent with God. I love how these verses point out the beauty of being totally laid bare before God. We not only have nothing to fear when we approach the throne of grace, but we can approach with bold confidence, knowing that we are welcome and dearly loved by God.

The New Living Translation says, “Everything is naked and exposed before his eyes, and he is the one to whom we are accountable.” That pretty much sums up the first part of our declaration: I have nothing to hide from God. No one can hide from God. He sees everything and holds us accountable for what he sees. But following close on the heels of that sobering truth is that our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ empathizes with our weaknesses. The New Living Translation puts Hebrews 4:15 this way, “This High Priest of ours understands our weaknesses, for he faced all of the same testings we do, yet he did not sin.”

Jesus understands our weaknesses. He is not unable to empathize with our weaknesses because He was tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin. You and I are more than welcome to approach God’s throne of grace, and when we do, we have the promise from Hebrews 4:16 that we will find grace and receive mercy to help us in our time of need.

Let’s be completely transparent with God. Let’s come before him in full agreement of what can’t be hidden from him anyway. Let’s ask him for the grace and mercy he so generously gives.

Learn more about God’s love for you on my website at shawnamariebryant.com.

This week's scripture: Hebrews 4:13-16

I don’t usually pull verses from Proverbs for this podcast, primarily because Proverbs contains principles rather than promises. Promises encourage us while principles direct us. Our declaration today leans toward instruction rather than inspiration.

The principles taught in Proverbs 3:3 help us know how to diligently guard our hearts. This valuable instruction is probably why I memorized these verses long ago and taught them to my children. When they were growing up, I would make a game out of writing Bible verses on the chalkboard in my kitchen. I substituted key words with pictures I drew, and my kids would try to solve the puzzle. Our game was a fun way for them to learn Bible verses.

I remember keeping Proverbs 3:3-4 on that chalkboard for a long time. My mind’s eye can still see how I wrote verse 3. In the phrase “Let love and faithfulness never leave you”, I drew a heart instead of writing the word “love” and I drew a cross instead of writing the word “faithfulness.” I also drew a falling leaf next to a little ewe lamb instead of writing the words “leave you.” For the phrase, “write them on the tablet of your heart” I drew a hand holding a pencil to replace the word “write” and I drew the stereotypical side-by-side stone tablets of the Ten Commandments to replace the word “tablet.” God wrote on those stone tablets but you and I write on the tablets of our hearts.

What is written on the tablet of your heart? Love and faithfulness? If so, then you will win a prize. I actually drew a blue ribbon to replace the word “win” in the phrase that says “Then you will win favor and a good name in the sight of God and man.”

Bind love and faithfulness around your neck and write them on the tablet of your heart, then you will win because no one’s words or actions will keep you down. Let’s decide right now to fill our hearts with love. Storing up faithfulness leaves no room for bitterness and lies.

Find free resources on my website to help you store up love and faithfulness. Visit shawnamariebryant.com.

This week's scripture: Proverbs 3:1-4

This episode is late for a couple of reasons. For one, the 4th of July made Tuesday feel like Monday. I completely forgot to write and record this week’s episode until my husband reminded me late Tuesday night that we hadn’t recorded it yet. He is my sound engineer and keeps me on track and on time. His reminder may have come late this time because his precious mother died last Sunday.

Jean Bryant was a pure-hearted saint who loved God and loved to talk about Jesus. Since hearing of her death, I keep repeating Psalm 116:15 over and over in my head, so I decided to pull verses from that psalm—Psalm 116—for this episode. Psalm 116 puts into words how my family is feeling right now about the amazing Jean Bryant, who lived 96 years as a faithful servant of the Lord. I pulled our declaration from Psalm 116:8.

I’m so thankful that we do not grieve like those without hope. We have bright hope for tomorrow and strength for today. Sorrow may last for a night, but joy comes in the morning.

Speaking of hope, have you watched any of the episodes from my video podcast? The first ten episodes of “Find Joy” walk you through my book, Longing to Belong. This journey through Psalm 139 will help you discover the joy of acceptance. I invite you to watch the entire series on my YouTube channel. Learn more on my website at shawnamariebryant.com.

This week's scripture: Psalm 116:1-9, 15-16

Malachi was an Old Testament prophet, and he recorded some strong words for those who speak harshly about God.

The voices defying God make a lot of noise, but the Lord isn’t bothered. In fact, Psalm 2 tells us that he laughs at their futile plans. The verses I read in today’s episode from Malachi 3 start out with the Lord calling them out. He knows what they’re saying. He also knows that believers are affected by what they’re saying. God knows that we speak with each other about what they’re saying and how they seem to be getting away with it. That’s why he assures us that he will indeed make all things right.

There will be a day when God acts in judgment, and on that day those who honor and obey him will be spared. The New King James Version puts Malachi 3:17 this way, “They shall be Mine,” says the Lord of hosts, “On the day that I make them My jewels. And I will spare them as a man spares his own son who serves him.”

God hears the words of those who say terrible things about him. He also hears—and listens intently—to those of us who honor of his name. May our words always bring honor to God and may our hearts always be filled with hope.

Speaking of hope, have you watched any of the episodes from my video podcast? The first ten episodes of “Find Joy” walk you through my book, Longing to Belong. This journey through Psalm 139 will help you discover the joy of acceptance. I invite you to watch the entire series on my YouTube channel. Learn more on my website at shawnamariebryant.com.

This week's scripture: Malachi 3:13-18

Two thoughts were jockeying in my head to become the focus of this week’s episode, and God surprised me by showing me verses from Isaiah that address both thoughts.

I’m in need of rest lately—and God is calling me to rest, so I thought about dedicating this episode of Believe & Speak to God’s command that we rest. But I’m also in desperate need of guidance. I’m in a season of transition and need direction from God, so I prayed for God to lead me to a passage of Scripture that addresses his ability to guide and also his command to rest.

One of the things I love about God is that he knows exactly which places bring us refreshing and which places hinder our ability to rest. He doesn’t give us a command and then set us up to fail. Even in seasons of transition we must remember to rest and trust that God will guide us to places of refreshing.

I want to invite those of you in the Fresno/Clovis area to a long-awaited book release party. My book, Longing to Belong, released during the lockdown, which kept people from assembling and kept bookstores from operating. I never got the chance to celebrate, but now I finally get to have my party! And I get to multiply the fun! Two of my friends recently launched their books, and so we’re throwing a Book Release Party x 3.

My friend Penny has written a memoir for a woman whose daughter battled Lyme disease. My friend Carrie has released a romance novel with delightful characters. My book is based on an in-depth study of Psalm 139. Mark your calendar for Friday, June 24 at 7 p.m. to gather in my lovely backyard with the authors of three very different books and our book-loving friends.

Send me an email at [email protected] to learn the location of the Book Release Party x3, and please spread the word!

This week's scripture: Isaiah 58:11-14

I hung my American flag on Memorial Day and plan to keep it waving through the 4th of July. I’m proud to be an American, and yet my citizenship is in heaven. One of the best things (and there are many wonderful things) about heaven is that we will all be united. No factions. No interest groups. No divisions. Every citizen of heaven stands united under the lordship of our Savior, Jesus Christ. I’ve not merely pledged my allegiance to the Most High God, I’ve completely surrendered my life to the King of kings, who has welcomed me into his kingdom and adopted me as one of his own.

I like to read the Bible in a variety of translations because I see new things in different versions. I’m more familiar with the way the NIV puts Philippians 3:14, which says, “I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.”

Pressing on in my pursuit of God’s heavenly call opens my eyes to truth. The cross of Christ has its enemies and its champions. Its enemies are focused on earthly things, but its champions press on toward the goal to win the prize only God offers. As citizens of heaven, we eagerly await our promised Savior, and we keep our minds set on things above. We align ourselves with the cross of Christ and trust he will lead us in victory. I am a citizen of heaven. Therefore, I’ve pledged allegiance to the Most High God, I’ve surrendered my life to the King of kings, and I’ve stood firm in the knowledge that the Sovereign God has welcomed me into his kingdom and adopted me as one of his own.

I want to invite those of you in the Fresno/Clovis area to a long-awaited book release party. My book, Longing to Belong, released during the lockdown, which kept people from assembling and kept bookstores from operating. I never got the chance to celebrate, but now I finally get to have my party! And I get to multiply the fun! Two of my friends recently launched their books, and so we’re throwing a Book Release Party x 3.

My friend Penny has written a memoir for a woman whose daughter battled Lyme disease. My friend Carrie has released a romance novel with delightful characters. My book is based on an in-depth study of Psalm 139. Mark your calendar for Friday, June 24 at 7 p.m. to gather in my lovely backyard with the authors of three very different books and our book-loving friends.

Send me an email at [email protected] to learn the location of the Book Release Party x3, and please spread the word!

This week's scripture: Philippians 3:14-21

Did you know that God gives us a reason to sing with joy all day, every day, no matter what transpires? Declaring that truth helps redirect my focus toward what is good—namely our Heavenly Father—and away from what is bad—like those situations that scream, “Look at me instead.” No thank you. I will intentionally look to God and stand on the promises in His Word.

I started this podcast because I believe the verse in Proverbs that says the tongue has the power of life and death. I’ve seen words wound deeply and I’ve seen words heal and restore. I’m determined to follow Paul’s example in 2 Corinthians 4:13, which says, “It is written: ‘I believed; therefore I have spoken.’ Since we have that same spirit of faith, we also believe and therefore speak.”

I have the faith to declare “I have a reason to sing with joy” even when circumstances strangle my singing voice. I believe that when my enemies intend to harm me, God intends it for good. I believe that I can walk through the valley of the shadow of death and fear no evil. I believe that God works all things together for good. I sincerely believe that nothing is impossible for God, so if my situation seems impossible, I can expect God to show up in all His glory.

I love how verse 5 of Psalm 145 says, “I will meditate on your majestic, glorious splendor and your wonderful miracles.” When fear or negativity try to steal my focus and rob me of joy, I cannot surrender hope. I must intentionally meditate on God’s majesty and tell the next generation about God’s miracles.

You may know that I send out regular emails with my blog posts called “Mid-Week Miracle” that testify to God’s miracle-working power demonstrated in my everyday life. I love testifying about God’s mighty acts and proclaiming His awesome power. Partly because my stories build my own faith. I’m reminded of the raw prayer in Psalm 42—a prayer I often pray into desperate times. Psalm 42:3-4 says, “My tears have been my food day and night, while people say to me all day long, ‘Where is your God?’ These things I remember as I pour out my soul: how I used to go to the house of God under the protection of the Mighty One with shouts of joy and praise among the festive throng.”

Recalling the times I’ve had an obvious reason to sing with joy helps me sing when the reasons aren’t so obvious. No matter what happens to us or what people say all day long, we can choose to speak life and remember that God is always worthy of our praise.

To subscribe to my newsletter and read Mid-Week Miracle, visit shawnamariebryant.com

This week's scripture: Psalm 145:1-7

Today’s declaration reminds me of the old standard by George Gershwin, “Someone to Watch Over Me.” I used to sing that song six nights a week when I sang professionally many years ago. That old love song wasn’t about our relationship with God, but the line about the “little lamb” lost in the wood makes me think of the Good Shepherd who leaves the 99 in search of the one. I am incredibly thankful for the promise of God’s watchful presence.

As the lyrics to the old standard go, “There’s a somebody I’m longing to see,” but I don’t have to hope that He’ll turn out to be the Someone I already know Him to be.

God has revealed His character and His promises over and over in Scripture. Even though I read only verses 13-22 in this episode of Believe & Speak, I read the entire Psalm to myself before recording this episode. The first three verses confirmed that Psalm 33 truly is a love song to God. And this “old standard” was written long before big band music made its debut on the American stage.

Verses 13, 14, and 15 of Psalm 33 say that God looks down, sees, watches and considers. In other words, He doesn’t just glance your way now and then. He keeps watch. Constant, vigilant watch.

There’s no better help and shield than God. No better set of eyes than God. No better someone to watch over me…  and you.

It’s no wonder countless love songs have been written about the love of God. Maybe you can think of a worship song even now that acknowledges what we’ve been declaring this episode.

The first ten episodes of my video podcast, “Find Joy” walk you through my book, Longing to Belong, and the entire series is now available for viewing. Learn more on my website at shawnamariebryant.com.

This week's scripture: Psalm 33:13-22

If you’ve ever been criticized for waiting on God’s timing rather than forging ahead with what may seem like the best laid plans, then today’s declaration is for you.

Why would waiting on God be shameful? Well…  when God’s direction runs contrary to common sense, when obeying God looks like passing up an opportunity, when yielding to God’s schedule looks like procrastination, people may judge our inaction. Being still can look more like sitting around than like following God.

I’m a doer. I prefer the straightest, fastest route between point A and point B. God on the other hand, seems to like the slow, scenic route. God’s timeframe is based on an eternal perspective. We tend to compile our to-do lists based on pragmatic deadlines. David’s prayer in Psalm 25 can help us adjust our schedules to align with God’s will.

David asks for three things in Psalm 25:4-5.

Show me your ways.

Teach me your paths.

Lead me in your truth.

This list of requests may sound like the prayer of someone ready to move, but if that were true, David wouldn’t end his prayer with these words, “On You I wait all the day.”

I almost always want to move and rarely want to wait, but I’m working on being a doer when it comes to doing the will of Go—especially when His will is to wait. Being still doesn’t look very productive to me. Stillness may appear less honorable than jumping in and taking action, and I think that’s why Psalm 25:2 says, “O my God, I trust in you; let me not be ashamed; Let not my enemies triumph over me.”

Waiting on God doesn’t mean we surrender ground or fall behind. It means we stand firm and trust God for a come-from-behind victory. When God calls on you to wait, others may question, mock or condemn your hesitation, but you have no reason to be ashamed. Your patient obedience in the waiting means that you will be perfectly positioned when God says it’s time to move.

The first ten episodes of my video podcast, “Find Joy” walk you through my book, Longing to Belong, and the entire series is now available for viewing. Learn more on my website at shawnamariebryant.com.

This week's scripture: Psalm 25:1-5

Whenever I think of God’s unchanging nature, my go-to verse is Hebrews 13:8, which says, “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.”

Malachi 3:6 says, “I the Lord do not change.”

When it comes to the steadfast, unchanging nature of our God, I don’t think of the verse I’ll be reading today. Instead, I usually focus on the good and perfect gifts that come from God. In fact, the reason I decided on sharing this verse with you today is because I wanted to declare that every good and perfect gift comes from above. But God redirected my focus.

I love how God can show us new things from the familiar, and today’s declaration focuses on a different promise within a verse I know quite well. I’m glad God highlighted for me the relationship between His unchanging nature and His generosity. I don’t know how I missed it before, but every good and perfect gift comes down from the Father of lights no matter what. I don’t mean to assign human attributes to God. He is NOT human! He doesn’t have mood swings.

The fact that God isn’t shifty means that He doesn’t use His gifts to manipulate. His gifts flow from heaven to us with steadfast certainty no matter what we think, say or do.

God gives grace when we don’t earn it.

He gives mercy when we don’t deserve it.

He gives blessing upon blessing not because of what we’ve done, but because of who he is.

My original plan for today’s podcast was so that you and I would declare that every good and perfect gift comes from above. I love how God shows us things we weren’t even looking for, and I’m thankful that He redirected my focus today so that He could help me see that His generosity is not connected to my circumstances.

I’m thankful for God’s good gifts, but especially I’m thankful that He doesn’t shift like the shadows.

The first ten episodes of my video podcast, “Find Joy” walk you through my book, Longing to Belong, and the entire series is now available for viewing. Learn more on my website at shawnamariebryant.com.

This week's scripture: James 1:17