Believe & Speak

I keep a record of the Bible verses I’ve read each week since beginning this podcast back in January 2020. Sometimes I’ll think of a verse that is so familiar to me that I’m certain I’ve already featured it on this podcast, but I’ll look it up to be certain. I did that today, and much to my surprise, I discovered I have not shared the verses from Jeremiah 29 that I’ll be reading in this episode. I can quote Jeremiah 29:11 from memory. Perhaps you know the verse by heart, too.

The context surrounding Jeremiah 29:11 gives me even more hope for the future than the stand-alone memory verse. That’s because this Old Testament prophecy happened exactly the way the God of Israel said it would, which proves that even when the future doesn’t look promising or hopeful, we can still declare with confidence: God has good plans for my future.

Our current circumstances don’t determine our future. God does, and this scripture assures us His plans are for good and not for disaster.

I don’t understand what God is allowing right now. I believe His plans are good, but we keep hearing bad reports—from record highs for the price of essentials like food and gas, to record lows for the level of confidence in our leaders. Polls show that many people think their children will not be better off, but instead will have less than their parents. I see that already with my married children, who can’t afford to buy a home like my husband and I did when we got married.

But Jeremiah testifies to the validity of God’s promises. According to Jeremiah 29:11 God knows the plans He has for us. They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give us a future and a hope. Like I said before, our current circumstances don’t determine our future. God does. This means that when the future looks bleak, that’s not the end of the story. I’m thankful that God not only promises to give us hope for tomorrow, but also hope for today.

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: Jeremiah 29:8-14

I spoke at an event last Monday, and the theme was “April showers bring May flowers.” That familiar phrase influenced my choice of what Bible verses to read today, and those verses inspired our declaration, which is like a blast of sunshine after a storm.

The thing about nature’s seasons is that they come and go within a limited amount of time that can be measured. The rainy season comes, and while it’s true that some years the clouds linger longer than usual, eventually the sun does come out and the trees and flowers bud with new life and vibrant colors. Ground Hog Day serves as a reminder that no matter how fierce of a winter we may have endured, spring is coming and summer will follow.

Seasons of life are not the same as nature’s seasons. When you stop and think about the seasons of your life, I’ll bet you’d agree with me that they cannot be measured in weeks like winter, spring, summer and fall. Not only can certain seasons of life last for years and years, sometimes life snatches us from a warm spring day and drops us deep into the chill of winter—a winter with no Ground Hog Day to mark on the calendar like a bright spot.

Psalm 126 makes the pilgrimage through the seasons of life brighter because God promises a harvest of joy. The Israelites spent 70 years in exile. But God spoke through His prophets and gave them hope for their future. While I’ve never been in exile, I can identify the happy sound of Psalm 126:1-2.

“When the Lord brought back his exiles to Jerusalem it was like a dream! We were filled with laughter, and we sang for joy.” (NLT)

I love the happy endings in stories like Job, who came out of a devastating season of life with even greater blessings. And Ruth, who--after being widowed and leaving her homeland—met and married her Boaz. My own story also testifies to the faithfulness of God to bring me out of difficult seasons. I’m so thankful that God’s grace has sustained me through long periods of unwelcome weather.

You and I may plant in tears, but we will indeed reap a harvest of joy because our God is faithful, loving and kind. If you’re in a tough season right now, I encourage you to read the Psalms. They are filled with reminders of God’s goodness and compassion. You may not be able to count off six more weeks until your winter is over, but you will be held securely in the loving arms of your Heavenly Father, who has promised you a harvest of joy.

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 126

Our Bibles are so rich and full of promises. I have no doubt that I could continue this podcast for years and never run out of pearls of truth that you and I can declare with hopeful expectation. Today’s promise can be found in two Old Testament books, and I’m incredibly encouraged to know that the promises of God have stood the test of time.

Both Psalm 18 and 2 Samuel contain the words I’m about to read. Oh, how I love this beautiful description of our God and how he comes to our aid. In this episode, I’ll read 2 Samuel 22:29-37 (NIV), and share a declaration that arms us with hope.

I’ve been teaching women’s Bible study at my church on Wednesdays, and tonight I’m going to talk about how we can declare the truth found in these very Bible verses to come against this particular lie: I’ve been stuck in a rut for so long nothing will ever change. No! That’s a lie.

According to the scriptures I read in this episode, God provides a broad path for my feet so I don’t have to get stuck in a rut.

There are so many precious promises in the verses I just read that affirm today’s declaration. For example, 2 Samuel 22:30 says, “With your help I can advance against a troop; with my God I can scale a wall.” Verse 33 says, “It is God who arms me with strength and keeps my way secure.” And 2 Samuel 22:37, which inspired our declaration, says, “You provide a broad path for my feet, so that my ankles do not give way.”

I’m so thankful that whether we’re corralled into a rut by an opposing force, we fall into a rut by accident, or we’ve plodded along in the same old routine for so long that we’ve created our own rut, 2 Samuel 22:29 says, “You, Lord, are my lamp; the Lord turns my darkness into light.”

God has promised to show us the way to escape the rut, to strengthen us to climb out of the rut, and to cause us to stand on the heights with feet like the feet of a deer. Don’t believe the lie that you’re stuck and nothing will ever change. As for God, his way is perfect. My friend, follow him closely. Make his saving help your shield, and his help will make you great.

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: 2 Samuel 22:29-37

Today’s declaration is appropriate for the first episode of Believe & Speak since Easter, and it comes from two different scriptures. One contains a promise Jesus gave to Martha after her brother died, and the other contains a reminder Paul gave the Corinthians after his encounter with the resurrected Jesus changed the course of his life.

I love how Martha said in John 11:22, “But even now I know that God will give you whatever you ask.”

Even now—now, after her brother had been dead four days. Even in those trying circumstances, Martha knew that God would give Jesus whatever he asked for.

A few chapters later, in John 15:16, Jesus told his disciples they could have the same expectation. He said, “I appointed you to go and produce lasting fruit, so that the Father will give you whatever you ask for, using my name.”

Jesus promised abundant life as well as eternal life. We can ask God to resurrect our dead hopes, dead relationships, dead dreams and more, even now. Especially now! Because we know that God raised Jesus from the dead.

I’m reminded of a song on my Easter Worship 2022 playlist with these lyrics. “The resurrected King is resurrecting me.”

I’m so thankful that we not only have the hope of eternal life, but also of an abundant life. May the resurrected King fill your life to overflowing as you trust him and believe that—even now, in the midst of whatever challenges you face—God will give you whatever you ask for in Jesus’s name.

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: 1 Corinthians 15:1-4 and John 11:17-27

The things of God sound foolish to the natural man because these things are spiritually discerned. I am so grateful for the assurance that God’s Spirit alive in me helps me understand spiritual things. Since we have the mind of Christ, we can evaluate all things, reject lies, and receive truth. Paul’s letter to the church at Corinth explains this, and I know you’ll be encouraged by its promise for those of us who know, love and serve Jesus.

I like how the NKJV puts 1 Corinthians 2:14. “He who is spiritual judges all things, yet he himself is rightly judged by no one.”

I used to tell my children that there’s a difference between being judgmental and being discerning. We must evaluate all things and discern right from wrong. We don’t cast judgment on people—that’s God’s job. But we do make judgment calls based on insight we receive from the Spirit of God.

I’m not only encouraged to know that I can understand and discern spiritual truth, but I’m also relieved to know that it’s not up to me to make sure other people understand the things of God. Only God can help people understand the things of God. I can share the gospel and pray with people. I can teach the Word of God and live it out by my own example. But only those of us who have received God’s Spirit can know the wonderful things God has freely given us. What’s more, we understand that only God can judge us rightly. Some may think I come across as a fool because of what I believe and say about the Spirit of God or the things of God. I can know deep in my spirit that because I have received God’s Spirit (not the world’s spirit), I can understand what the Spirit means. I can discern right from wrong and good from evil.

God is not the author of confusion but of peace. He is not a God of disorder. When the world looks crazy to me and I look foolish to the world, I take comfort knowing that I have the mind of Christ and can understand the Spirit of God.

Have you visited my website lately? The “Podcast” tab in the main navigation bar now not only takes you to this podcast, where you can see all the images that I create each week with the declarations on them, but it also provides a link to my new video podcast called, “Find Joy.” The first 10 episodes walk you through my book, Longing to Belong. I’ve already posted five episodes, so we are halfway through, but you can join in at the beginning at any time. Learn more on my website at shawnamariebryant.com.

This week's scripture: 1 Corinthians 2:11-16

I wish more people knew God not only as the God of justice, but also as the God of mercy and grace. You and I received the indescribable gift of grace from God through Jesus Christ. Grace is getting what we don’t deserve. Mercy—on the other hand—is not getting what we do deserve. Psalm 103:10 says that God “does not treat us as our sins deserve or repay us according to our iniquities.” Psalm 103 isn’t the only place in the Bible that makes note of God’s mercy.

All you have to do is search the Bible for the words “mercy”, “mercies” and “merciful” to see that God is well known for this much-appreciated attribute.

I’ve heard it said that people want justice for those who harm them and mercy when they do harm. I am deeply thankful that with God, mercy always triumphs over justice. While it’s true that God will not let the guilty go unpunished, it’s also true that all who believe in Jesus are covered by his redemptive blood. 1 Thessalonians 5:9 says that, “God did not appoint us to suffer wrath but to receive salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ.” The prophet, Habakkuk lived long before Jesus walked the earth and paid the debt owed for our sins. But even in Old Testament times—a period of history marked by the wrath of God—Habakkuk still knew God as a God of mercy. Those on this side of the cross have even more reasons to know of God’s love and compassion, his patience and kindness, his grace and mercy. Let’s affirm that we have heard of God’s fame, and stand in awe of his deeds.

Have you visited my website lately? The “Podcast” tab in the main navigation bar now not only takes you to this podcast, where you can see all the images that I create each week with the declarations on them, but it also provides a link to my new video podcast called, “Find Joy.” The first 10 episodes walk you through my book, Longing to Belong. I’ve already posted five episodes, so we are halfway through, but you can join in at the beginning at any time. Learn more on my website at shawnamariebryant.com.

This week's scripture: Habakkuk 3:2-6

I’ve been having trouble falling asleep for a while. I keep quoting the last verse in Psalm 4 over and over until I finally fall asleep. A couple days ago, I read all of Psalm 4 and wondered the circumstances that led David to write it. He wrote in the second verse, “How long will you people turn my glory into shame? How long will you love delusions and seek false gods?” As the king of Israel, I can see why those questions would keep him up at night. I have other questions disrupting my sleep, but I’m incredibly thankful to know that God is my source of peace and safety. Peace and safety from the Lord transcend lying down in the comfort of your own bed with your favorite pillow. With God as our king and the Lord as our shepherd have eternal security—no matter our circumstances.

My struggle to drift into slumber lately isn’t because I’m not snuggled into my comfy bed, it’s because I can’t help but think of—and pray for—those who aren’t. My mind is consumed by thoughts of millions of Ukrainian refuges who are doing their best to sleep in unfamiliar surroundings wondering if their homes will still be standing when they return—if they ever do return. I think of the Ukrainian women and children who held on to their husbands and fathers before they had to let go and leave them behind to face an advancing army. I think of those men, taking up arms to defend their homeland, and those who spend the night in makeshift bomb shelters while listening to explosions. But as all these thoughts disquiet me and interfere with my sleep more than a pot of coffee before bedtime, I remember the report of missionaries in the area that many are being saved—as in receiving the gift of salvation from God through his Son, Jesus Christ. The peace and safety that comes with knowing Jesus as our Lord and Savior transcend the peace and safety this world may give us. I thank God I’m not living in a war zone—or even a rough neighborhood. I also thank God for the peace and safety he has promised to his children who do live in those dangerous places. In John 16:33 Jesus said, ““I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

Yes and amen! Jesus has overcome the world. Hallelujah.

Have you visited my website lately? The “Podcast” tab in the main navigation bar now not only takes you to this podcast, where you can see all the images that I create each week with the declarations on them, but it also provides a link to my new video podcast called, “Find Joy.” The first 10 episodes walk you through my book, Longing to Belong. I’ve already posted five episodes, so we are halfway through, but you can join in at the beginning at any time. Learn more on my website at shawnamariebryant.com.

This week's scripture: Psalm 4:1, 8

I’ve been thinking a lot lately about the power of love. Part of me thinks it’s because my son is getting married in a couple weeks and another part of me thinks it’s because hate is advancing across the globe. I keep asking God to intervene, and he keeps reminding me of the power of love. So, I’ve been meditating on what many in the church call “the love chapter.” The beautiful description of love in 1 Corinthians 13 has been read at more weddings than I can count.

The love chapter accurately describes not merely how God loves but also who God is.

1 John 4:8 says that God is love. Love is not merely something God does. Love is a description of who God is. God is love. It's in his character to love. It's in his character be love. The first quality of love given in 1 Corinthians 13 is patience. Love is patient; therefore, God is patient.

Patience isn’t the only description given in 1 Corinthians 13 that describes God. He is also kind. He is never arrogant or rude. And thankfully he keeps no record of wrongs. All of the descriptions in 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 reveal the character of God because God is love.

God doesn’t have to work at being patient any more than I have to work at being 5’4”. I am 5’4”, 5’4” is what I am. I’m other things too, but I have to work at being some of those things…. Like patient. But God doesn’t have to work at being patient. Or kind. Or loving. God is love. He just is.

The Bible tells us that God’s mercies are new every morning. When I was raising my children, I often asked God to give me some of his new mercies. It’s hard to be patient when your child gets on your last nerve. I had to work at being patient, but God doesn’t. God doesn’t have a last nerve. God’s patience with you will never wear thin because God will never wear thin. God’s love for you will never waver because God will never waver. Every quality of love listed in 1 Corinthians 13 are as ever-present in God as God is ever-present. You and I don’t have to worry that God will give up on us because love never ends. In fact, those three words are the first three words in 1 Corinthians 13:8.

Love never ends

Have you visited my website lately? The “Podcast” tab in the main navigation bar now not only takes you to this podcast, where you can see all the images that I create each week with the declarations on them, but it also provides a link to my new video podcast called, “Find Joy.” The first 10 episodes walk you through my book, Longing to Belong. I’ve already posted five episodes, so we are halfway through, but you can join in at the beginning at any time. Learn more on my website at shawnamariebryant.com.

This week's scripture: 1 Corinthians 13:4-7

Today’s declaration includes an “I can” statement based on truth. Previously on this podcast, I’ve talked about the difference between “I can” statements, which demonstrate ability, and “I will” statements, which demonstrate intention.

God enables us to love, but we get to choose whether we actually will love others. We are created, called and commanded to love. We are also capable. God wants us to love not only each other (as in those we choose to hang around and be with, those who are easy to love), he also wants us to love everyone else. I looked up the original Greek word translated as “everyone else” in the NIV, and it means, “each, every, any, all, the whole, everyone, all things, everything.”

God never commands us to do anything without also empowering us to do it. Because God has poured out his love into us by the Holy Spirit, we absolutely can love each, every, any, all, etc., etc. As this world grows more and more divided, those of us who are filled with the Holy Spirit need to love others more than ever. Did you know that love is a verb? It’s not merely a feeling, it’s an action. We love because God first loved us, and God demonstrated his love for us in this, while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Love is demonstrated, not just experienced. Love calls us to action. And our declaration reminds us that we are fully equipped.

God will show you how to love each other and everyone else. It may look like sending a birthday card to that difficult person. It may look like sending a contribution to a charity. It may look like volunteering to serve in your local community or across the globe. Here’s the thing, since God pours his love into you and causes the overflow, he will direct you on how to love others with the same love he has poured into you.

Have you visited my website lately? The “Podcast” tab in the main navigation bar now not only takes you to this podcast, where you can see all the images that I create each week with the declarations on them, but it also provides a link to my new video podcast called, “Find Joy.” The first 10 episodes walk you through my book, Longing to Belong. I’ve already posted five episodes, so we are halfway through, but you can join in at the beginning at any time. Learn more on my website at shawnamariebryant.com.

This week's scripture: 1 Thessalonians 3:12-13

The Bible has a lot to say about wisdom and foolishness. God view of what is wise and what is foolish does not line up with the world’s view. Probably the most dramatic example of this truth is found in 1 Corinthians 1:18, which says, “For the word of the cross [the message of Jesus’s death and resurrection] is foolishness to those who are perishing, but it is the power of God to us who are being saved.” (CSB)

In other words, the power of God at work in me to bring me salvation, to transform my life, to fill me with the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit—which enables me to do even greater works than Jesus did—is utter foolishness to godless people who think they have all the answers.

God does not attribute wisdom to those who have amassed great wealth, academic achievements or worldly status and fame. God looks into our hearts.

Psalm 111:10 says, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; all who follow his instructions have good insight.” (CSB)

All who obey God have understanding. All of us with biblical values who follow Jesus, who love God with all our hearts, minds and strength, and who love our neighbors as ourselves, have greater wisdom than godless world leaders with their utopian agendas.

As followers of Jesus, you and I are not powerless people with insignificant ideals and values. We have a great deal of wisdom—the very wisdom the world needs. So don’t be afraid to take a firm stand for what you believe in. If God is calling you to step up or speak out, he will equip you for the task he has set before you. Even if you feel inadequate. Even if you feel outnumbered. Even if you feel foolish. God is looking at your heart, not your stature. Take courage knowing that God has chosen what is viewed as nothing to bring to nothing what is viewed as something.

It’s not too late to join the women’s Bible study series that started last Wednesday night at Peoples Church at 7 p.m. The material I’m teaching in that class will help you live out your calling. I’ve seen how this class, which walks through Psalm 139 verse by verse, can bring freedom and transformation. I would love for you to pick up a copy of my book, Longing to Belong, and be a part of this Bible study. I’m posting an “at-home” version of the teaching sessions on my YouTube channel, so if joining me live is not an option, I hope you’ll join me on the other side of your screen. I’ve been hearing from men who are taking the class online. I’ve already uploaded the first four sessions. Learn more on my website at shawnamariebryant.com.

This week's scripture: 1 Corinthians 1:26-29