For Zion’s Sake Podcast

In this episode of For Zion's Sake, hosts Shelley and June Volk continue their study into the closing verses of Ephesians Chapter 3. Discussing the Apostle Paul’s imprisonment in Rome alongside the immeasurable spiritual riches available to believers, this episode highlights how God works in us through the Holy Spirit to accomplish far beyond what we can ask or think.

Key Takeaways

• Super-Abundant Power: Examining the Greek terminology used by Paul, the discussion highlights how God is able to do super-abundantly above all we ask or think through His power at work within us.

• Yielding to God's Will: Believers are encouraged to daily yield their own will to the Lord, trusting the resurrected, overcoming life of Christ to work in them both to will and to do for His good pleasure.

• The Source of Spiritual Strength: True Christian living cannot be achieved on human ability alone; it requires the active, empowering presence of the Holy Spirit transforming our inner man.

Scripture References & Passages

• Isaiah 62:1: "For Zion's sake I will not keep silent..." — the guiding heartbeat of the broadcast.

• Ephesians 3:14–21: Paul's prayer for believers to be strengthened with power through the Spirit, rooted in love, and filled up to all the fullness of God, concluding with the doxology in verses 20–21.

• Philippians 2:12–13: Working out our salvation with fear and trembling, knowing it is God who works in us to will and to do for His good pleasure.

• 2 Corinthians 3:5: Recognizing that our sufficiency does not come from ourselves, but entirely from God.

• Acts 1:8: Receiving power when the Holy Spirit comes upon us to be witnesses.

Program Information & Links

• Sponsor: The Psalm 127 Fund

• Contact & Website: shellyandjunevolk.com | P.O. Box 244, Kannapolis, NC 28082

Support the show: https://shellyandjunevolk.com/product/partner-with-us-psalm-127-fund/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Podcast Description & Show Notes

Title: For Zion's Sake: The Riches of God's Fullness in Ephesians (Episode PGM055)

Description: In this episode of For Zion's Sake, hosts Shelley and June Volk explore the rich theological truths found in the third chapter of Ephesians. Recorded while the Apostle Paul was a prisoner in Rome, this episode encourages believers to move past spiritual lack and experience the surpassing love of Christ and the complete fullness of God.

Key Takeaways

• Rooted in Love: Believers are called to be strengthened by the Holy Spirit in the inner man, allowing Christ to dwell in their hearts through faith and being firmly rooted and grounded in love.

• Experiencing the Surpassing Love of Christ: Beyond head knowledge, God invites believers to practically experience a love that surpasses understanding, leading to being filled with all the fullness of God.

• Exceedingly Abundantly: Grounded in Paul’s glorious doxology, God is able to do exceedingly, abundantly beyond all we ask or think through His power working within us.

Scripture References & Passages

• Isaiah 62:1: "For Zion's sake I will not keep silent..." — the foundational verse for the program's burden.

• Ephesians Chapter 3: Paul's prayer for the believers to be strengthened, grounded in love, and filled with God's fullness.

• Ephesians 3:19–21: Knowing the love of Christ which surpasses knowledge and the doxology of God's immeasurable power.

• Philippians 4:19: God supplying all our needs according to His riches in glory.

• 1 Corinthians 2:9: Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, the things God has prepared for those who love Him.

Program Information & Links

• Sponsor: The Psalm 127 Fund

• Contact & Website: shellyandjunevolk.com | P.O. Box 244, Kannapolis, NC 28082

Support the show: https://shellyandjunevolk.com/product/partner-with-us-psalm-127-fund/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of For Zion's Sake, hosts Shelley and June Volk explore the rich theological truths found in the third chapter of Ephesians. Recorded while the Apostle Paul was a prisoner in Rome, this episode encourages believers to move past spiritual lack and experience the surpassing love of Christ and the complete fullness of God.

Key Takeaways

• Rooted in Love: Believers are called to be strengthened by the Holy Spirit in the inner man, allowing Christ to dwell in their hearts through faith and being firmly rooted and grounded in love.

• Experiencing the Surpassing Love of Christ: Beyond head knowledge, God invites believers to practically experience a love that surpasses understanding, leading to being filled with all the fullness of God.

• Exceedingly Abundantly: Grounded in Paul’s glorious doxology, God is able to do exceedingly, abundantly beyond all we ask or think through His power working within us.

Scripture References & Passages

• Isaiah 62:1: "For Zion's sake I will not keep silent..." — the foundational verse for the program's burden.

• Ephesians Chapter 3: Paul's prayer for the believers to be strengthened, grounded in love, and filled with God's fullness.

• Ephesians 3:19–21: Knowing the love of Christ which surpasses knowledge and the doxology of God's immeasurable power.

• Philippians 4:19: God supplying all our needs according to His riches in glory.

• 1 Corinthians 2:9: Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, the things God has prepared for those who love Him.

Program Information & Links

• Sponsor: The Psalm 127 Fund

• Contact & Website: shellyandjunevolk.com | P.O. Box 244, Kannapolis, NC 28082

Support the show: https://shellyandjunevolk.com/product/partner-with-us-psalm-127-fund/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When facing insurmountable odds and overwhelming pressure, where do you turn first? In this episode of For Zion's Sake, hosts Shelley and June Volk conclude their broadcast series on maintaining "perfect peace" (Shalom, Shalom) by examining King Jehoshaphat's response to an incoming multi-nation invasion in 2 Chronicles 20.

Facing a massive coalition of armies, King Jehoshaphat and the nation of Judah chose not to panic, but to assemble in fasting, prayer, and worship. The episode demonstrates how setting your mind on God—praying "we do not know what to do, but our eyes are on You"—activates divine intervention, proving that spiritual posture and praise open the door for God to fight our battles.

Key Takeaways

• Turning to God First: Though King Jehoshaphat felt fear initially, he immediately directed his focus and the nation's heart toward God through fasting and prayer (2 Chronicles 20:3–4).

• Fixing Your Mind in Crisis: In times of helplessness, declaring "We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on You" shifts our posture from panic to absolute trust in God's power (2 Chronicles 20:12).

• The Battle Belongs to God: Jahaziel’s prophetic message reminds believers that "the battle is not yours, but God's," calling for quiet confidence rather than frantic fleshly striving (2 Chronicles 20:15–17).

• Praise Before the Deliverance: Judah appointed singers and worshippers to lead the front lines of the army. As they began to sing and praise God's everlasting mercy, God set ambushes against their enemies (2 Chronicles 20:21–22).

• Active Waiting vs. Passive Anxiety: Standing still is not passive worry; it is an intentional act of faith that anchors the soul in God’s peace while waiting for His direction.

Scripture Links

• Main Text: 2 Chronicles 20:1–22 (Jehoshaphat Defeats Moab and Ammon)

• Related Passages on Peace and Trust:

  • Isaiah 26:3–4 (Perfect Peace for the Mind Stayed on God)

  • Isaiah 43:2 (Passing Through Waters and Fire)

  • Deuteronomy 6:4 (The Shema)

Support the show: https://shellyandjunevolk.com/product/partner-with-us-psalm-127-fund/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How do we move forward when facing obstacles that seem naturally impossible to overcome? In this episode of For Zion's Sake, hosts Shelley and June Volk explore the theme of keeping your mind stayed on God through two pivotal biblical milestones: Israel's deliverance at the Red Sea (Exodus 14) and their miraculous crossing of the flood-stage Jordan River under Joshua's leadership (Joshua 3).

By contrasting human panic with divine command, the episode highlights the importance of taking step-by-step actions in faith—such as the priests stepping into the overflowing waters—and standing still to watch God intervene. Listeners are encouraged to trust in Yeshua (Sar Shalom, the Prince of Peace) to overcome internal soul battles and external life trials.

Key Takeaways

• Trusting God Over Man: Placing complete confidence in human leadership or personal efforts during a crisis leads to blame and anxiety, whereas trusting God yields perfect peace (Shalom, Shalom).

• The Miracle at the Jordan River: In Joshua 3, the priests were commanded to step into the Jordan while it was overflowing its banks during harvest. Their obedience caused the waters to stand in a heap, demonstrating that God makes a way through seemingly impossible barriers.

• Standing Still in Faith: Repeated across both Exodus 14:13 and Joshua 3:8, the instruction to "stand still" calls believers to cease fleshly striving and wait for God's clear direction before advancing.

• Overcoming Internal and External Enemies: Just as God dispossessed ancient hostile nations, trusting Him allows believers to be set free from personal soul battles, fear, and life's pressing circumstances.

• A Witness to the Nations: God uses moments of divine deliverance and faithful endurance to reveal His living power and presence to the surrounding world.

Scripture Links

• Main Texts:

  • Exodus 14:11–14 (Deliverance at the Red Sea)

  • Joshua 3:1–17 (Israel Crossing the Jordan River)

• Related Passages on Peace and Trust:

  • Isaiah 26:3–4 (Perfect Peace for the Steadfast Mind)

  • Isaiah 43:2 (Passing Through the Waters)

Support the show: https://shellyandjunevolk.com/product/partner-with-us-psalm-127-fund/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How do we move forward when facing obstacles that seem naturally impossible to overcome? In this episode of For Zion's Sake, hosts Shelley and June Volk explore the theme of keeping your mind stayed on God through two pivotal biblical milestones: Israel's deliverance at the Red Sea (Exodus 14) and their miraculous crossing of the flood-stage Jordan River under Joshua's leadership (Joshua 3).

By contrasting human panic with divine command, the episode highlights the importance of taking step-by-step actions in faith—such as the priests stepping into the overflowing waters—and standing still to watch God intervene. Listeners are encouraged to trust in Yeshua (Sar Shalom, the Prince of Peace) to overcome internal soul battles and external life trials.

Key Takeaways

• Trusting God Over Man: Placing complete confidence in human leadership or personal efforts during a crisis leads to blame and anxiety, whereas trusting God yields perfect peace (Shalom, Shalom).

• The Miracle at the Jordan River: In Joshua 3, the priests were commanded to step into the Jordan while it was overflowing its banks during harvest. Their obedience caused the waters to stand in a heap, demonstrating that God makes a way through seemingly impossible barriers.

• Standing Still in Faith: Repeated across both Exodus 14:13 and Joshua 3:8, the instruction to "stand still" calls believers to cease fleshly striving and wait for God's clear direction before advancing.

• Overcoming Internal and External Enemies: Just as God dispossessed ancient hostile nations, trusting Him allows believers to be set free from personal soul battles, fear, and life's pressing circumstances.

• A Witness to the Nations: God uses moments of divine deliverance and faithful endurance to reveal His living power and presence to the surrounding world.

Scripture Links

• Main Texts:

  • Exodus 14:11–14 (Deliverance at the Red Sea)

  • Joshua 3:1–17 (Israel Crossing the Jordan River)

• Related Passages on Peace and Trust:

  • Isaiah 26:3–4 (Perfect Peace for the Steadfast Mind)

  • Isaiah 43:2 (Passing Through the Waters)

Support the show: https://shellyandjunevolk.com/product/partner-with-us-psalm-127-fund/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For Zion's SakeEpisode: Keeping Your Mind Stayed on God at the Red Sea

When facing seemingly insurmountable obstacles, how do we prevent fear and the flesh from overriding our trust in God? In this episode of For Zion's Sake, hosts Shelley and June Volk continue their series on maintaining "perfect peace" (Shalom, Shalom) by examining the dramatic account of Israel at the Red Sea in Exodus 14.

Trapped between Pharaoh's approaching army, steep mountains, and the sea, the Israelites quickly shifted from bold faith to intense fear. The episode explores how focusing on outward circumstances causes fleshly panic, while keeping our minds stayed on God's Word reveals His sovereign purpose and delivers us through the storm.

Key Takeaways

• The Remedy for Crisis Panic: Isaiah 26:3–4 promises Shalom, Shalom (perfect peace) when our minds remain firmly fixed on the Lord as our everlasting rock, rather than on intimidating circumstances.

• The Trap of Fleshly Fear: When faced with severe pressure, human instinct and the flesh default to fear, complaint, and nostalgia for past bondage—just as Israel wished to return to Egypt (Exodus 14:11–12).

• God’s Purpose in Trials: As shown in Exodus 14:4, God allows challenging scenarios so that His power and glory may be demonstrated to both His people and their enemies.

• Stand Still and See Salvation: Moses' command to "Do not fear. Stand still and see the salvation of the Lord" (Exodus 14:13–14) serves as a timeless call to rely on God's intervention rather than human striving.

• Sustaining Faith Today: Even in turbulent modern times, trusting in Yeshua (Sar Shalom, Prince of Peace) ensures that God will guide and protect His people through every Red Sea moment.

Scripture Links

• Main Text: Exodus 14:1–14 (Israel at the Red Sea)

• Related Passages on Trust & Peace:

  • Isaiah 26:3–4 (Perfect Peace for the Mind Stayed on God)

  • Isaiah 43:2 (Passing Through Waters and Fire)

  • Romans 8:6 (To Be Spiritually Minded Is Life and Peace)

Support the show: https://shellyandjunevolk.com/product/partner-with-us-psalm-127-fund/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When life presents seemingly impossible challenges, how do we maintain our trust in God rather than reacting out of human instinct? In this episode of For Zion's Sake, hosts Shelley and June Volk explore what it means to experience God's promise of "perfect peace" (Shalom, Shalom) during trials.

By contrasting the natural tendency to react in the flesh with the biblical call to walk in the Spirit, the message examines foundational passages from Isaiah, Romans, and Jeremiah. Listeners are encouraged to anchor their minds on God's Word, trust in His constant presence, and embrace the new covenant transforming power of the Holy Spirit.

Key Takeaways

• The Promise of Perfect Peace: Isaiah 26:3–4 promises Shalom, Shalom (perfect peace) to those whose minds are steadfast and stayed on the Lord, trusting in Him as an everlasting rock.

• God’s Presence in Trials: Isaiah 43:2–3 illustrates that while difficult circumstances (waters and fires) may not always be removed, God’s presence transforms us through the trial.

• Flesh vs. Spirit: Romans 8:5–8 highlights the sharp contrast between setting the mind on the flesh (which leads to turmoil and death) versus setting the mind on the Spirit (which produces life and peace).

• The New Covenant Work: As foretold in Jeremiah 31:31–33, true spiritual transformation occurs when God writes His law directly upon the heart through the Holy Spirit.

• Inner Peace as a Guide: Walking in the Spirit yields the abiding peace of Yeshua (Sar Shalom, the Prince of Peace), providing discernment and stability in every situation.

Scripture Links

• Main Text: Isaiah 26:3–4 (Perfect Peace for the Steadfast Mind)

• Related Passages on Trust & Walking in the Spirit:

  • Isaiah 43:2–3 (Through the Waters and Fire)

  • Romans 8:5–8 (Life and Peace in the Spirit)

  • Jeremiah 31:31–33 (The Promise of the New Covenant)

  • Psalm 51:6 (Desiring Truth in the Innermost Being)

Support the show: https://shellyandjunevolk.com/product/partner-with-us-psalm-127-fund/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Title: The Rock of Salvation: Finding Refuge, Joy, and Total Reliance in God

Description:

In the final installment of this week's series on For Zion's Sake, hosts Shelly and June Volk conclude their teaching on keeping your mind stayed on the Lord. Addressing the dangers of self-reliance and placing trust in human strength, they explore what scripture reveals about God's faithfulness during trials, suffering, and persecution. Learn how wholehearted trust in Messiah brings profound joy, spiritual security, and the enduring protection of God's chesed (unfailing love), concluding with a prayer for the salvation of Israel and the recitation of the Shema.

Key Takeaways

• Human Strength vs. Divine Trust: Trusting in human wisdom or mortal strength leads to spiritual barrenness, whereas placing complete trust in God yields deep stability, hope, and fruitful living even in seasons of drought (Jeremiah 17:5–8).

• Finding Refuge in Trials: Severe afflictions—even moments where life feels despaired of—are allowed so that believers lean not on themselves, but on the God who raises the dead (2 Corinthians 1:8–9).

• The Pitfalls of Soulish Living: Relying on human feelings, intellect, or natural self-preservation (the soulish life) blinds us to spiritual reality; walking in the Spirit grounds us in eternal truth (Proverbs 28:26).

• Surrounded by Chesed: Putting complete faith in God invites His chesed—His lovingkindness, mercy, grace, and unfailing covenant love—to envelop and preserve the soul (Psalm 32:10, Psalm 86:1–5).

• Unshakable Protection and Joy: Trusting in the Lord grants internal joy, safety, and a foundation as steadfast and immovable as Mount Zion (Psalm 125:1, Proverbs 29:25).

Scripture References

• Isaiah 62:1 – "For Zion’s sake I will not hold My peace, and for Jerusalem’s sake I will not rest..."

• Isaiah 26:3–4 – "You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You..."

• Jeremiah 29:11 – "'For I know the thoughts that I think toward you,' says the Lord, 'thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.'"

• Psalm 118:8–9 – "It is better to trust in the Lord than to put confidence in man."

• 2 Corinthians 1:8–9 – "...that we should not trust in ourselves but in God who raises the dead..."

• Proverbs 28:26 – "He who trusts in his own heart is a fool, but whoever walks wisely will be delivered."

• Jeremiah 17:5–8 – "Cursed is the man who trusts in man... Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, and whose hope is the Lord."

• Psalm 37:39–40 – "But the salvation of the righteous is from the Lord; He is their strength in the time of trouble."

• Psalm 32:10 – "...he who trusts in the Lord, mercy shall surround him."

• Psalm 86:1–5 – "Preserve my life, for I am holy; You are my God; save Your servant who trusts in You!"

• Psalm 125:1 – "Those who trust in the Lord are like Mount Zion, which cannot be moved, but abides forever."

• Proverbs 29:25 – "The fear of man brings a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord shall be safe."

• Deuteronomy 6:4 – "Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one!"

Support the show: https://shellyandjunevolk.com/product/partner-with-us-psalm-127-fund/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of For Zion’s Sake, hosts Shelly and June Volk continue their teaching on cultivating a steadfast mindset focused on the Lord. Examining the contrast between human self-preservation and divine purpose, they discuss Peter’s rebuke in Matthew 16, the role of suffering in the Christian walk, and the necessity of daily mind renewal. Discover what it truly means to trust in God as your everlasting rock, allowing His peace to keep you immovable like Mount Zion regardless of surrounding hardship.

Key Takeaways

• The Mindset of Suffering: Suffering and trials are as much a part of following Messiah as prosperity; embracing God’s higher purpose requires enduring hardship for the joy set before us.

• Minding God vs. Savoring Man: Falling into fear or self-preservation shifts our focus to human interests, whereas setting our mind on God allows us to perceive eternal realities.

• The Neccessity of Mind Renewal: Natural human tendencies seek self-protection and temporal stability; keeping our minds stayed on God requires continual renewal through the Holy Spirit (Romans 12:1–2).

• An Unshakable Foundation: True trust (bitchachon) in the Lord provides an internal sanctuary of peace, keeping believers grounded like Mount Zion in times of global or personal turmoil.

• The Rewards of Trust: Wholehearted dependence on God unlocks divine guidance, peace, protection, and spiritual blessing across every season of life.

Scripture References

• Isaiah 62:1 – "For Zion’s sake I will not hold My peace, and for Jerusalem’s sake I will not rest..."

• Isaiah 26:3–4 – "You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You. Trust in the Lord forever, for in YAH, the Lord, is everlasting strength."

• Matthew 16:21–23 – "Get behind Me, Satan! You are an offense to Me, for you are not mindful of the things of God, but the things of men."

• Hebrews 12:1–2 – "...looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross..."

• Romans 12:1–2 – "...be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God."

• Psalm 40:4 – "Blessed is that man who makes the Lord his trust..."

• Psalm 34:8 – "Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the man who trusts in Him!"

• Proverbs 3:5–6 – "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths."

Support the show: https://shellyandjunevolk.com/product/partner-with-us-psalm-127-fund/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.