I Am Not Enough: Encouraging Conversations for Women of Faith

In episode 11, Krysta and Traci discuss another listener question, “What are some biblical reasons to switch churches?”  Each of them shares personal experiences including the challenges that come with leaving a congregation they have been in fellowship with for many years.

The sisters explore biblical themes of keeping in step with the guidance of the Holy Spirit, examining the heart, the fruit of the Spirit, and discerning false teaching. Ultimately, Krysta reminds listeners to approach God with confidence and to search His Word. She encourages listeners that making the difficult decision to attend a new church is not the same as leaving the body of Christ. Traci ends with an example from the classic story Pilgrim’s Progress about avoiding false flattery in our Christian journey.

Key Topics Include:

• Being “wise as serpents and innocent as doves” as you discern sound teaching (Matthew 10:16).
• Looking for Spiritual fruit.
• Remaining aware of and avoiding selfish reasons for attending a church.
• The peace that comes from following God’s will.
• There is a difference between conviction and condemnation.

Scripture Verses Mentioned: In the New International Version

• “Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.” Hebrews 4:16
• “Behold, I am sending you out as sheep in the midst of wolves, so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves.” Matthew 10:16
• “Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves. By their fruit you will recognize them. Do people pick grapes from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? Likewise, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them.” Matthew 7:15-20
• “Those who flatter their neighbors are spreading nets for their feet.” Proverbs 29:5
• “Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.” Galatians 5:25
• “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.” Galatians 5:22, 23
• “Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”  Philippians 4: 5-7
• “Come to me all you who are weary and burdened and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11:28
• Read about the “yeast of the pharisees” in Matthew 16:5 – 12.

Other Resources Mentioned:

• “Beautiful Outlaw: Experiencing the Playful, Disruptive, Extravagant Personality of Jesus” by John Eldredge.  Find your copy at amazon.com.
• “Pilgrim’s Progress” by John Bunyon. Find an original or abridged version at amazon.com.

Traci and Krysta encourage listeners to read the full passages listed above, and to seek to know Him more through prayer and searching scripture. They would like to address more topics and questions and invite listeners to share feedback about this week’s topic, or to submit a topic, question, or prayer request by visiting the website iamnotenough.us.

In episode 10, Krysta and Traci continue their conversation about Jesus, expressing how they desire to know Him more and want everyone to know Him more. The sisters begin by asking listeners, “Whose yoke are you under?” as they discuss the meaning behind the words of Jesus recorded in Matthew 11:30, “For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” 

As the conversation unfolds, Krysta and Traci explore the contrast between Jesus’ teaching and the teaching of the pharisees, and the parallels that exist in present day between church culture and the personality of Jesus. Ultimately, the hosts encourage listeners to seek to know Jesus in His word, asking the Spirit for wisdom, and to approach the kingdom like infants – that is, in complete reliance on our Father.

Key Topics Include:

• The yoke represents the teaching of a Rabbi.
• Some yokes choke out the message of who Jesus really was, “violating the Spirit of the Law while pretending to follow the letter of the law” (John Eldredge, Beautiful Outlaw).
• It is important to understand the distinction between church (congregational) culture, or the personality of the person in charge, and the Way.
• Jesus is the head of the Church, our great high priest, and he can see right to the heart.
• If you do not know why Jesus is good news, how can you share him with others?
• On the cross, for the first time in His existence, Jesus became separated from God. He willingly subjected himself to all the pain, loneliness, and hunger of the human condition so that we could be saved.

Scripture Verses Mentioned: In the New International Version

• Hebrews 1:3 The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word. After he had provided purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven.
• John 10: 1-5  “Very truly I tell you Pharisees, anyone who does not enter the sheep pen by the gate, but climbs in by some other way, is a thief and a robber.  The one who enters by the gate is the shepherd of the sheep. The gatekeeper opens the gate for him, and the sheep listen to his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. When he has brought out all his own, he goes on ahead of them, and his sheep follow him because they know his voice. But they will never follow a stranger; in fact, they will run away from him because they do not recognize a stranger’s voice.”
• Psalm 48:14 For this God is our God for ever and ever; he will be our guide even to the end.
• Acts 7:56 “Look,” he said, “I see heaven open and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God.”
• Luke 18:15-17 People were also bringing babies to Jesus for him to place his hands on them. When the disciples saw this, they rebuked them. But Jesus called the children to him and said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.  Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.”

Other Resources Mentioned:

• “Beautiful Outlaw: Experiencing the Playful, Disruptive, Extravagant Personality of Jesus” by John Eldredge.  Find your copy at amazon.com.
• “Jesus & Women, In the First Century and Now” by Kristi McLelland. Find your copy at lifeway.com.

Traci and Krysta encourage listeners to read the full passages listed above, and to seek to know Him more through prayer and searching scripture. To share feedback about this week’s topic, or to submit a topic, question, or prayer request, you may visit the website iamnotenough.us.

In episode 9, Krysta and Traci discuss being imitators of Jesus in our daily life and how we interact with others. The sisters examine our reactions to others that offend us, including the use of social media, and encourages listeners to “practicing peculiarity” by shifting our reactions to love others as Christ has loved us. Listeners are challenged to notice how others live out their faith and to encourage them about it, and to look for opportunities to be Christ to others.

Key Topics Include:

• Considering how we respond when others offend us, including in our social media posts.

• Repaying evil for evil means we are imitating evil.

• Seeking to know more about Jesus and how he lived a human life among us.

• How Jesus lived humbly and loved others with gentleness, meekness, and sacrifice.

• Examples from God’s Word of how we should live as Christ’s ambassadors.

• Being imitators of Christ is an act of worship (see Romans 12).

• Seeing beyond the external and acknowledging Christ in others.

Scripture Verses Mentioned: From the New International Version

· 2 Peter 1:3 His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness.

· Philippians 2: 8 And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death – even death on a cross!

· Romans 12:17 Do no repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone.

· 3 John 1:10 Dear friend, do not imitate what is evil but what is good. Anyone who does what is good is from God. Anyone who does what is evil has not seen God.

· Ephesians 4: 1-3 As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.

Traci and Krysta encourage listeners to read more of the full passages mentioned listed above, and to seek to know Him more through prayer and searching scripture. To share feedback about this week’s topic, or to submit a topic, prayer request, or other ideas, you may visit the website iamnotenough.us.

In episode 8, our hosts, Krysta and Traci tackle another listener question, “How to discern/be patient with God’s timing?” The sisters share scriptures that encourage us to be thankful as we wait with hopeful expectation for God to answer our prayers. Each share examples from their own lives and discuss the growth and maturing that happens as we journey through patient endurance. Listeners are reminded to pray God’s Word when they aren’t sure how or what to pray in challenging seasons.

Key Topics Include:

• Staying active in faith while we wait on the Lord.

• His grace is sufficient in our weakest moments.

• We can find encouragement from God through His Word.

• It is okay to pour out our hearts to him and to mourn during the waiting period.

• We should ask the Lord for good things. He loves to bless his children.

Verses Mentioned:

· Colossians 1:9-11 “...We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives, so that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience.” (NIV)

· Colossians 4:2 “Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.” (NIV)

· Psalm 62: 5 “For God alone, O my soul, wait in silence, for my hope is from him.” (ESV)

· 2 Corinthians 12:9 “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” (ESV)

· Matthew 7:9 – 11 “Which of you, if your son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him?” (NIV)

· Suggestions for prayer time included Isaiah 35 and 40; Psalm 27 and 42

To share feedback about this week’s topic, or to submit a topic, prayer request, or other ideas, you may visit the website iamnotenough.us.

In episode 7, our hosts tackle a listener question, “How can I feel as beautiful as God sees me?” as they continue their conversation about faith. Traci and Krysta ask listeners to consider how they define beauty and challenges us to consider what God’s word has to say about true beauty, which comes from the heart.

Key Topics Include:

· A look at how God defines beauty as seen in scripture.

· Proverbs 31, a standard we often look to, does not connect outward appearance to the inherent worth of a woman.

· Could how we view others impact how we view ourselves?

· What is in our heart is what comes out of our mouth.

· Social media often bombards us about our physical appearance, but this is a worldly concept, not a Godly one.

· Being intentional about encouraging others regarding the good we see in them.

· Asking God to help us see others as He sees them and focusing more on God than ourselves.

Krysta announces that new episodes will begin to air every 2 weeks to allow space to create the best content for listeners amidst other responsibilities. In the meantime, listeners are invited to meditate on what the word says about this week’s topic, and to submit a topic, prayer request, or other ideas on the website iamnotenough.us.

Verses Mentioned:

· Psalm 139:14 I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. (NIV)

· Matthew 15:18 But the things that come out of a person’s mouth come from the heart (NIV).

· James 2:1 My brothers, show no partiality as you hold the faith in our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory (ESV).

· Proverbs 31:10 A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies (NIV).

· Proverbs 31:30 Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised (NIV).

· 1 Peter 3:3-4 Do not let your adorning be external—the braiding of hair and the putting on of gold jewelry, or the clothing you wear— 4 but let your adorning be the hidden person of the heart with the imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which in God's sight is very precious (ESV).

· Ecclesiastes 3:11He has made everything beautiful in its time (ESV).

· Proverbs 11:22 Like a gold ring in a pig's snout is a beautiful woman without discretion (ESV).

This week Krysta and Traci explore faith as it is defined in Hebrews 11 in a tangible way. They share examples of action verbs described throughout the chapter in the stories of the forefathers. Faith often involves taking steps forward and trusting God will direct you along the way. 

Our hosts remind us to keep our eyes fixed of our savior, Jesus Christ, who is the author and finisher of our faith, as we consider life’s adventures. Our faith will be tested along the way to give us wisdom and the ability to endure. Lastly, Krysta challenges listeners to consider if they are praying with expectation of what God will do, and Traci shares a word of encouragement from Hebrews 12. 

Topics covered in this episode:

• Faith involves action, but God gives the growth. 

• Faith becomes our way of sensing the unseen, or Spiritual, and trusting the promises of God that are not yet realized.

• Faith goes deeper than believing that there is a God and involves understanding who God is and that God rewards those who seek Him. 

• Faith is not self-seeking but involves seeking God’s will and knowing that His will is always greater than our plans.  

• We can have joy in life’s trials knowing that there is an eternal reward that is greater than our problems in this world. 

• We can expect God to answer our prayers. 

Scripture verses mentioned in Episode 6:

1 Corinthians 3:6 “I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase.” (KJV)

Hebrews 11:1 “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” (KJV) 

Hebrews 11: 6 “But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.” (KJV)

Hebrews 11:8 “By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to a place that he was to receive as an inheritance. And he went out, not knowing where he was going.” (ESV)

Proverbs 3: 5, 6 “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.” (ESV) Hebrews 12:1-3 “Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured from sinners such hostility against himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted.

James 1:2-4 "Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sister, whenever you face trails of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything." (NIV)

We’d love to hear from you. Submit a prayer request, episode topic, or response at iamnotenough.us and share this episode with one woman you know could benefit from weekly reflections on our walk with Christ.

Show Notes: Episode 4 What Does the Word Tell Us About God? Part 2

In part 2 of Episode 4, Traci and Krysta share how focusing only on what the Word says about ourselves can leave us vulnerable to self-made religion and the enemy’s attacks. A simple, yet profound shift in how one seeks God in His Word brings light to the darkest hours. Krysta shares a personal story of how God brought her out of a dark season into the light and encourages sisters everywhere to understand that God can and will overcome any darkness they might encounter. Lastly, our hosts encourage listeners to share their burdens with trusted others who will pray for and encourage them through tough times. Topics covered in this episode:

• Why it is important to cultivate relationships with other Godly women and to seek the support and prayers of those we trust.
• Thought-provoking questions about the patterns of our daily life and study of God’s Word.
• The challenges and pitfalls of looking only to what the Bible says about “me.”
• Lessons learned from dark seasons and the hope God provides through prayer, scripture, and community.
• How asking “What Does the Word Tell Me about God?” is the key to sound interpretation, application, and hope.

We’d love to hear from you. Submit a prayer request, episode topic, or response at iamnotenough.us and share this episode with one woman you know could benefit from weekly reflections on our walk with Christ.

Resources and verses mentioned in Episode 4, parts 1 and 2:

• Jesus & Women, In the First Century and Now” By Kristi McLelland. Find your copy at lifeway.com.
• Isaiah 53:4 Surely, he has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows (ESV).
• John 3:16 “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life” (NIV).
• John 3:21 “But whoever lives by the truth comes into the light, so that it may be seen plainly that what they have done has been done in the sight of God” (NIV).
• John 10: 14 and 27 “I am the Good Shepherd. I know my own and my own know me…I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand” (ESV).
• Matthew 11:28 “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest” (NIV).
• Matthew 5: 6 “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled” (NIV).

Show Notes: Episode 4 What Does the Word Tell Us About God? Part 1

In part 1 of Episode 4, Krysta and Traci explore questions about daily patterns and human tendencies, and how seeking the support of other trusted “warriors” is important. They discuss how seeking God in His Word becomes transformative not only to the daily patterns of life, but also to the focus of their attention. Listeners are challenged to examine “How is your study life?” and when reading the Bible, “What are you looking for when you study?”

Topics covered in this episode:

• Why it is important to cultivate relationships with other Godly women and to seek the support and prayers of those we trust.
• Thought-provoking questions about the patterns of our daily life and study of God’s Word.
• The challenges and pitfalls of looking only to what the Bible says about “me.”

We’d love to hear from you. Submit a prayer request, episode topic, or response at iamnotenough.us and share this episode with one woman you know could benefit from weekly reflections on our walk with Christ.

Show Notes: Episode 4 What Does the Word Tell Us About God? Part 1

In part 1 of Episode 4, Krysta and Traci explore questions about daily patterns and human tendencies, and how seeking the support of other trusted “warriors” is important. They discuss how seeking God in His Word becomes transformative not only to the daily patterns of life, but also to the focus of their attention. Listeners are challenged to examine “How is your study life?” and when reading the Bible, “What are you looking for when you study?”

Topics covered in this episode:

• Why it is important to cultivate relationships with other Godly women and to seek the support and prayers of those we trust.
• Thought-provoking questions about the patterns of our daily life and study of God’s Word.
• The challenges and pitfalls of looking only to what the Bible says about “me.”

We’d love to hear from you. Submit a prayer request, episode topic, or response at iamnotenough.us and share this episode with one woman you know could benefit from weekly reflections on our walk with Christ.

This week Krysta and Traci dive into the importance of humility in our conversations and relationship with God, as they study the Book of Colossians.

Our hosts remind us of all the glorious acts Christ has performed out of love for us. They emphasize the incredible gift He has given all of us by dying for our sins – even the people He knew would disagree with Him, not believe in Him, or do wrong by Him. When we take time to reflect on just how amazing that is, we feel the weight of His sacrifices and it is almost impossible to come to Him with anything except humility. 

When we remember God’s incredible blessings, we remember that we are not enough without Him.

Topics covered in this episode:

• What it means to be humble and why it’s so important when reading scripture and cultivating a relationship with God

• The difference between confidence and arrogance when it comes to approaching conversation with Christ

• Choosing God even (and especially) when you are scared (and not just on Sundays)

• The power of raising your hands or getting on your knees during prayer

• The inherent connection present in the worldwide community of God-loving women

• How to restore your excitement for Christ in times of trouble

We’d love to hear from you. Submit a prayer or episode topic request at iamnotenough.us and share this episode with one woman you know could benefit from weekly reflections of Christ. 

Verses Mentioned (ESV):

• Colossians 2:6 - Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him…

• Colossians 2:16 - 19 - Therefore let no one pass judgment on you in questions of food and drink, or with regard to a festival or a new moon or a Sabbath. These are a shadow of the things to come, but the substance belongs to Christ. Let no one disqualify you, insisting on asceticism and worship of angels, going on in detail about visions, [a] puffed up without reason by his sensuous mind, and not holding fast to the Head, from whom the whole body, nourished and knit together through its joints and ligaments, grows with a growth that is from God.

• James 4:6 - God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.

• We encourage you to read all of Colossians chapter 2.

For a full list of resources, go to iamnotenough.us

Special thanks to Elizabeth Wallrauch for designing our cover art and our Producer, Andrea Entz.