Everyday Faith for Her: Bible Study and Real Life Christianity for Women

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What from your past are you still carrying—and could its weight be keeping you from freely running toward the life God has for you?

Paul tells us in Philippians 3 to forget what is behind, strain toward what is ahead, and press on toward the goal. But forgetting the past doesn’t mean pretending painful experiences never happened or dismissing the lessons they taught us. Instead, there may be wounds to heal, experiences to process, and unnecessary weight to release so 

In this episode, Betsy explores what Paul’s race metaphor can teach us about healing, spiritual maturity, resilience, and pursuing Jesus with patient endurance.

In this episode, you’ll discover:

• How to recognize past hurts, failures, and even accomplishments that may be weighing down your spiritual journey.
• What “forgetting what is behind” can look like when healing requires acknowledging and processing the past rather than simply ignoring it.
• How to press on with discipline, resilience, and hope toward the freedom, purpose, and abundant life Jesus offers.

Play this episode and discover how releasing the weight of what’s behind you can help you run with greater freedom and passion toward the life God is calling you to live.

New episodes every Tuesday morning.

To connect with Betsy for speaking, resources, or curriculum head to
https://betsymarvin.com/contact-me/

For access to past podcasts and transcripts, head to
https://betsymarvin.com/podcasts/

A Christian podcast centered on Jesus, the Bible, and God explores faith through the Old Testament and New Testament, sharing Bible stories and Bible explained insights to help women of faith and Jesus followers grow in faith, strengthen their relationship with God, and know God more deeply through Bible study, women Bible study, and practical Christianity, all while encouraging spiritual growth, understanding identity in Christ, and learning to understand Bible teachings to become closer to God.

Thought to share? Send me a text...

What if the accomplishments you’re working so hard to achieve can never give you the lasting joy your heart is searching for?

We live in a culture that teaches us to measure our worth by accomplishments, credentials, titles, and how far we’ve climbed. It can be easy to carry that same mindset into our relationship with God, believing our efforts somehow make us more worthy of His love. But in Philippians 3, Paul offers a radically different perspective: everything he once considered impressive became insignificant compared with the joy of truly knowing Jesus.

In this episode, Betsy explores what it means to stop looking to achievement for fulfillment and instead discover the freedom, confidence, and joy that come from drawing closer to Christ.

In this episode, you’ll discover:

• Why Paul considered his impressive accomplishments worthless compared with knowing Jesus—and what that means for the things you’re pursuing today.
• How shifting your confidence from your own performance to Christ’s righteousness can bring greater freedom and joy to your relationship with God.
• Why lasting joy is connected to knowing Jesus more deeply and trusting that God remains in control of every detail of your life.

Play this episode and discover how drawing closer to Jesus can help you stop measuring your joy by what you accomplish and begin experiencing the confidence, freedom, and lasting joy found in knowing Him.

New episodes every Tuesday morning.

To connect with Betsy for speaking, resources, or curriculum head to
https://betsymarvin.com/contact-me/

For access to past podcasts and transcripts, head to
https://betsymarvin.com/podcasts/

A Christian podcast centered on Jesus, the Bible, and God explores faith through the Old Testament and New Testament, sharing Bible stories and Bible explained insights to help women of faith and Jesus followers grow in faith, strengthen their relationship with God, and know God more deeply through Bible study, women Bible study, and practical Christianity, all while encouraging spiritual growth, understanding identity in Christ, and learning to understand Bible teachings to become closer to God.

Thought to share? Send me a text...

Have you ever believed you were too old, too young, too inexperienced—or simply not enough—to do what God might be calling you to do?

Limiting beliefs can quietly shape how you see yourself and what you believe is possible. Looking at Paul’s relationship with Timothy in Philippians 2, Betsy explores the power of mentorship, encouragement, and allowing God’s truth to challenge the lies you’ve accepted about yourself.

In this episode, you’ll discover:

• How to recognize limiting beliefs that may be keeping you from stepping into your God-given purpose.
• Why receiving encouragement instead of immediately deflecting it can change the way you see yourself and your gifts.
• How mentorship can help you uncover blind spots, embrace wisdom, and encourage others who are coming behind you.

Press play to discover how to move beyond the beliefs that limit you and begin living more fully into who God created you to be.

New episodes every Tuesday morning.

To connect with Betsy for speaking, resources, or curriculum head to
https://betsymarvin.com/contact-me/

For access to past podcasts and transcripts, head to
https://betsymarvin.com/podcasts/

A Christian podcast centered on Jesus, the Bible, and God explores faith through the Old Testament and New Testament, sharing Bible stories and Bible explained insights to help women of faith and Jesus followers grow in faith, strengthen their relationship with God, and know God more deeply through Bible study, women Bible study, and practical Christianity, all while encouraging spiritual growth, understanding identity in Christ, and learning to understand Bible teachings to become closer to God.

Thought to share? Send me a text...

Are your complaints quietly shaping the way you see your life, the people around you, and even God?

In Philippians 2:12–18, Paul challenges followers of Jesus to live differently in a world filled with complaining and arguing—to shine like bright lights and offer others a glimpse of the living God. But when negativity is everywhere, from social media and the news to our families and churches, it can be surprisingly easy to join in.

In this episode, Betsy explores the difference between healthy venting and habitual complaining—and why gratitude can be a powerful antidote. Rather than allowing what's wrong to dominate our attention, we can develop habits that redirect our eyes toward God's goodness and cultivate joy that isn't dependent on our circumstances.

In this episode, you'll discover:

• How habitual complaining can influence your mindset, attitude, and ability to recognize God's goodness.
• Why practicing gratitude can shift your focus and help you become a shining light in a negative world.
• How a simple gratitude journal can train you to notice God's gifts, find hope in hard circumstances, and cultivate lasting joy.

Play this episode to discover how replacing complaints with gratitude can transform your perspective and help you shine the light of Christ in a world that desperately needs it.

Article quoted from Ann Voskamp:  https://annvoskamp.com/2022/11/when-its-kinda-hard-to-give-thanks/

New episodes every Tuesday morning.

To connect with Betsy for speaking, resources, or curriculum head to
https://betsymarvin.com/contact-me/

For access to past podcasts and transcripts, head to
https://betsymarvin.com/podcasts/

A Christian podcast centered on Jesus, the Bible, and God explores faith through the Old Testament and New Testament, sharing Bible stories and Bible explained insights to help women of faith and Jesus followers grow in faith, strengthen their relationship with God, and know God more deeply through Bible study, women Bible study, and practical Christianity, all while encouraging spiritual growth, understanding identity in Christ, and learning to understand Bible teachings to become closer to God.

Thought to share? Send me a text...

Are you living with the mind of Christ when loving others becomes difficult?

In a world that celebrates status, ambition, and putting yourself first, choosing humility and sacrificial love can feel radically countercultural. Yet in Philippians 2, Paul points us toward a completely different way to live—one modeled by Jesus Himself.

In this episode, Betsy explores Paul’s call for believers to pursue unity by agreeing wholeheartedly, loving one another, and becoming united in spirit. Through Paul’s rhetorical questions, the chiasm found in Philippians 2, and the beautiful early hymn describing Jesus’ humility, we discover what having the mind of Christ can look like in our everyday relationships.

In this episode, you’ll discover:

• How developing the mind of Christ can change the way you approach conflict, relationships, and unity with other believers.
• Why Jesus’ humility, servanthood, obedience, and sacrifice provide a practical pattern for loving others well.
• How choosing selfless love over selfish ambition can help you pursue deeper connection and unity in the body of Christ.

Press play to discover how Philippians 2 can help you cultivate the mind of Christ and choose humility, sacrificial love, and unity in your relationships.

New episodes every Tuesday morning.

To connect with Betsy for speaking, resources, or curriculum head to
https://betsymarvin.com/contact-me/

For access to past podcasts and transcripts, head to
https://betsymarvin.com/podcasts/

A Christian podcast centered on Jesus, the Bible, and God explores faith through the Old Testament and New Testament, sharing Bible stories and Bible explained insights to help women of faith and Jesus followers grow in faith, strengthen their relationship with God, and know God more deeply through Bible study, women Bible study, and practical Christianity, all while encouraging spiritual growth, understanding identity in Christ, and learning to understand Bible teachings to become closer to God.

Thought to share? Send me a text...

Have you ever faced a choice where following Jesus could cost you a relationship, an opportunity, acceptance—or something even greater?

In Philippians 1, Paul was facing a life-or-death situation while imprisoned under the reign of Nero. Yet instead of allowing fear to determine his choices, Paul saw his circumstances in a radically different way: whether he lived or died, choosing Christ meant he could not lose.

We may never stand before an emperor with our lives on the line, but we all encounter moments when our faith asks something difficult of us. Fear of rejection, the desire to please people, or uncertainty about the consequences can tempt us to compromise. Paul’s words challenge us to consider whether we truly believe choosing Jesus is the better answer—regardless of the outcome.

In this episode, you’ll discover:

• How the historical context surrounding Nero gives new meaning to Paul’s determination to remain bold and unashamed.
• Why Paul could view a seemingly impossible life-or-death situation as a win either way.
• How to face difficult choices with courage, resist being controlled by fear, and trust God with the outcome.

Press play to discover how Paul’s courageous faith can help you stand firm, choose Jesus when the cost feels high, and confidently leave your future in God’s hands.

New episodes every Tuesday morning.

To connect with Betsy for speaking, resources, or curriculum head to
https://betsymarvin.com/contact-me/

For access to past podcasts and transcripts, head to
https://betsymarvin.com/podcasts/

A Christian podcast centered on Jesus, the Bible, and God explores faith through the Old Testament and New Testament, sharing Bible stories and Bible explained insights to help women of faith and Jesus followers grow in faith, strengthen their relationship with God, and know God more deeply through Bible study, women Bible study, and practical Christianity, all while encouraging spiritual growth, understanding identity in Christ, and learning to understand Bible teachings to become closer to God.

Thought to share? Send me a text...

What does mature faith look like when your circumstances are anything but easy?

It’s easy to recognize God’s goodness when life is going according to plan—but what happens when the miracle you’ve been hoping for doesn’t come? In Philippians 1, Paul shows us a different kind of faith. Despite imprisonment, opposition, and even other believers acting out of selfish ambition, Paul could still see God at work and rejoice. His example invites us to examine our own spiritual maturity, recognize God’s presence in our stories, and discover a joy that isn’t dependent on everything going right.

In this episode, you’ll discover:

• How Paul’s response to hardship reveals what mature, Christ-centered faith can look like when circumstances don’t change.
• Why looking back at your own story can help you recognize where God has been at work—and give you a testimony that strengthens someone else’s faith.
• How to move beyond comparison, competition, and the failures of others so you can keep your attention on Jesus and experience deeper joy.

Play this episode and discover how Paul’s example can help you recognize God at work in your circumstances, grow toward spiritual maturity, and walk in a deeper joy rooted in Christ.

New episodes every Tuesday morning.

To connect with Betsy for speaking, resources, or curriculum head to
https://betsymarvin.com/contact-me/

For access to past podcasts and transcripts, head to
https://betsymarvin.com/podcasts/

A Christian podcast centered on Jesus, the Bible, and God explores faith through the Old Testament and New Testament, sharing Bible stories and Bible explained insights to help women of faith and Jesus followers grow in faith, strengthen their relationship with God, and know God more deeply through Bible study, women Bible study, and practical Christianity, all while encouraging spiritual growth, understanding identity in Christ, and learning to understand Bible teachings to become closer to God.

Thought to share? Send me a text...

What if the joy you’re searching for has less to do with changing your circumstances and more to do with trusting what God is doing within you?

When life feels hard, painful, or uncertain, it can be difficult to believe God is still working for good. In this opening episode of the Unveiling Joy series through Philippians, Betsy explores Paul’s remarkable words of gratitude and joy—written while he was imprisoned and chained to a guard. Philippians 1 reminds us that lasting joy isn’t dependent on comfort. It grows as we trust God’s character, His promises, and the transforming work He has begun within us.

In this episode, you’ll discover:

• How Paul could experience genuine joy even while facing imprisonment and uncertainty.
• What it means that God will finish the good work He has begun in you—and why that work may look different than you expect.
• How gratitude, spiritual growth, and focusing on what truly matters can help you hold on to the joy of Jesus when circumstances are difficult.

Play this episode to discover how Philippians 1 can help you trust God’s ongoing work in your life and experience a joy that your circumstances don’t get to control.

New episodes every Tuesday morning.

To connect with Betsy for speaking, resources, or curriculum head to
https://betsymarvin.com/contact-me/

For access to past podcasts and transcripts, head to
https://betsymarvin.com/podcasts/

A Christian podcast centered on Jesus, the Bible, and God explores faith through the Old Testament and New Testament, sharing Bible stories and Bible explained insights to help women of faith and Jesus followers grow in faith, strengthen their relationship with God, and know God more deeply through Bible study, women Bible study, and practical Christianity, all while encouraging spiritual growth, understanding identity in Christ, and learning to understand Bible teachings to become closer to God.

Thought to share? Send me a text...

Are you exhausted from trying to hold everything together but afraid that if you stop controlling, fixing, or carrying it all, everything might fall apart?

You may know you’re supposed to trust God, yet actually releasing control can feel incredibly difficult—especially when you’re carrying old hurts, other people’s expectations, unforgiveness, fear, or situations you desperately want to fix. Jesus doesn’t ask you to carry all of that weight. He invites you to surrender it, trust Him with what happens next, and discover the freedom and rest that come when you stop trying to manage everything yourself.

In this episode, you’ll discover:

• How fear, control, people-pleasing, limiting beliefs, past hurts, and unforgiveness can quietly become heavy layers that keep you from experiencing the freedom Jesus offers.
• Why surrender isn’t giving up but actively trusting God with the people, pain, circumstances, and outcomes you cannot control.
• How ordinary, daily surrender can help you release what’s weighing you down and experience greater freedom, rest, joy, and peace as you allow Jesus to lead.

Press play for a few moments in God’s Word that will help you loosen your grip on what you were never meant to carry and find greater freedom, rest, and peace as you trust Jesus to lead.

New episodes every Tuesday morning.

To connect with Betsy for speaking, resources, or curriculum head to
https://betsymarvin.com/contact-me/

For access to past podcasts and transcripts, head to
https://betsymarvin.com/podcasts/

A Christian podcast centered on Jesus, the Bible, and God explores faith through the Old Testament and New Testament, sharing Bible stories and Bible explained insights to help women of faith and Jesus followers grow in faith, strengthen their relationship with God, and know God more deeply through Bible study, women Bible study, and practical Christianity, all while encouraging spiritual growth, understanding identity in Christ, and learning to understand Bible teachings to become closer to God.

Thought to share? Send me a text...

Do you ever worry that you’re missing God’s calling—or wonder if there’s something more you’re supposed to be doing with your life?

Trying to figure out God’s purpose can leave you questioning every decision: Am I in the right place? Am I using my gifts? What if I choose the wrong path? What if I miss what God has for me? But your calling may not be one mysterious, life-changing assignment you have to discover. God can work through your gifts, relationships, work, motherhood, experiences, and even the season you’re in right now as you stay connected to Him and learn to recognize His leading.

In this episode, you’ll discover:

• Why your first and most important calling isn’t something you accomplish for God, but a relationship with the God who already calls you His own.
• How your gifts, passions, experiences, relationships, and current season can reveal meaningful ways God may be inviting you to participate in His work.
• How prayer, Scripture, serving, wise counsel, and staying connected to Jesus can replace the fear of “missing your calling” with greater clarity and confidence about your next step.

Press play for a few moments in God’s Word that will help you release the pressure to figure out your entire purpose and trust God to lead you into the calling He has for you—one faithful step at a time.

New episodes every Tuesday morning.

To connect with Betsy for speaking, resources, or curriculum head to
https://betsymarvin.com/contact-me/

For access to past podcasts and transcripts, head to
https://betsymarvin.com/podcasts/

A Christian podcast centered on Jesus, the Bible, and God explores faith through the Old Testament and New Testament, sharing Bible stories and Bible explained insights to help women of faith and Jesus followers grow in faith, strengthen their relationship with God, and know God more deeply through Bible study, women Bible study, and practical Christianity, all while encouraging spiritual growth, understanding identity in Christ, and learning to understand Bible teachings to become closer to God.