Leaving the Shallows

Have you ever found yourself in an unthinkable situation? One that left you feeling like the rug was pulled out from underneath you? Join us for this week’s episode as we talk about Heather’s new book, Unthinkable-Taking the hand of Jesus through pain and suffering for a life of freedom and purpose. Heather shares a very personal story about a tragedy she walked through and how she took hold of Jesus’ hand in that moment. We talk about how we can suffer well in Jesus and identify in His sufferings. Let’s trade our hurts, disappointments and grief for a life of abundance with Jesus.

Get your copy of Heather’s new book on Amazon now:
https://a.co/d/7kdZJue

You can follow her on Instagram @truthfreedomministry and find her on www.truthfreedomministry.com

Have you been struggling to hear God clearly lately? Heather and Jackie discuss feeling disconnected from God and struggling to hear from Him. They explore the idea that God may be silent but never absent, and that this could be a season of preparation for something big. They also discuss the lack of discernment and confidence in hearing God's voice, and the frustration and weariness that can come with it. They encourage listeners to press into God's presence, trust in His goodness, and focus on Him rather than seeking answers. In this conversation, Jackie and Heather discuss the challenges of waiting for God's promises to come to pass and the spiritual warfare that often accompanies the waiting period. They emphasize the importance of continuing to spend time with God even when it feels difficult or dry, and they encourage listeners to remember God's character and faithfulness. They share personal experiences of breakthrough and the restoration of their discernment, highlighting the need to press in and hold on to God's promises. If you have been struggling lately, like us, this episode is for you!

In this episode, Jackie and Heather discuss the exclusivity of Jesus and the importance of worshiping God alone. They emphasize that Christianity is belief in God as three in one: God the Father, God the Son (Jesus Christ), and God the Holy Spirit. They explain that worshiping any other god or adding other beliefs to one's faith is not in line with scripture. They also explore the concept of God as a jealous God, highlighting that He wants our full adoration and worship-what belongs to Him. They caution against idolizing people, possessions, or other religions, as it can muddy the purity of our relationship with God. The conversation emphasizes the exclusivity of Jesus and the dangers of mixing other spiritual practices with Christianity. It highlights the importance of making Jesus the Lord of our lives and surrendering to Him completely. The speakers discuss the need for a heart transformation and the marks of a true Christ follower. They also emphasize that Jesus is enough and that we don't need to seek fulfillment in other religions or practices. The conversation encourages listeners to dig deep into the root of their desires for other spiritual practices and to find freedom and peace in Jesus alone. In this conversation, Heather and Jackie discuss the dangers of relying on self-help and other religions instead of surrendering to Jesus. They emphasize the importance of upholding the Word of God and not rewriting it to fit personal narratives. They also highlight the need to dive deep into Scripture and not stay in the shallow end.

In this episode, Heather and Jackie discuss the concept of why Jesus is the only way to God the Father. How do we know that Jesus was the promised Messiah? They talk about the simplicity of Jesus and how He is the door-the narrow path that leads to God. They also touch on the importance of faith and belief in Jesus, as well as the role of repentance in receiving the free gift of salvation. They emphasize that it is not our works that save us, but rather our faith in Jesus. They also mention the proof of Jesus as the promised Messiah, including the prophecies in the Old Testament and the fulfillment of those prophecies in Jesus. They highlight specific prophecies that were fulfilled by Jesus, such as being born in Bethlehem, being preceded by John the Baptist, entering Jerusalem riding a donkey, being betrayed by a friend, and dying by crucifixion. They emphasize that these prophecies, along with the eyewitness accounts and the testimony of the Holy Spirit, provide strong evidence that Jesus is the Son of God and the answer to our salvation. They also emphasize that salvation is only through Jesus and not by our own works or any other religion. We can’t wait for you to tune into our conversation!

Takeaways

Jesus is the only way to God and is the promised Messiah who came to save us from our sins.

Salvation is a free gift that we receive through faith and belief in Jesus, not through our works or anything we can do.

There is proof of Jesus as the promised Messiah in the prophecies of the Old Testament and their fulfillment in Jesus.

We may not always understand God's ways, but we can trust in His plan and His timing. 

Jesus fulfilled numerous prophecies, such as being born in Bethlehem and being betrayed by a friend. The details are very powerful.

The fulfillment of these prophecies, along with the eyewitness accounts and the testimony of the Holy Spirit, provide strong evidence for Jesus as the Son of God.

In this episode, Jackie and Heather tackle “but why” is there sin? We explore the topic of sin, its definition, origin, and significance in relation to the need for a savior. We discuss the impact of sin on human behavior and the importance of understanding sin in the context of a relationship with God. It explores the biblical perspective on sin, the law, and the separation from God. Our conversation also touches on the consequences of sin and the need for a savior to bridge the gap between humanity and God. We delve into the foundational truths of Christianity, exploring the origin of sin and its connection to pride. We discuss the nature of sin, the role of faith, and the concept of being born again. The focus is on the heart as the starting point of sin, the need for Jesus, the transformation of our spirit and the role of Jesus as our intercessor. This episode also touches on the burden of works versus faith and the need for a savior.

Takeaways

Understanding sin is crucial in recognizing the need for a savior and the significance of Jesus in addressing the impact of sin on humanity.

Sin is defined as lawlessness and missing the mark of God's ways and will.

The impact of sin is the separation between humanity and God, creating a gap that cannot be bridged by human efforts

The Old Testament law served as a guide and containment for God's people, setting them apart and demonstrating the need for a savior.

The consequences of sin are the loss of closeness to God and the need for a solution to bridge the gap and restore the relationship. 

Sin has its roots in pride and originated from the fallen angel Lucifer, leading to the temptation of Adam and Eve.

The heart is the starting point of sin, and sin is not just about actions but also about thoughts and intentions.

The pursuit of God and the role of Jesus as the intercessor are central to the Christian faith.

Understanding and appreciating the basic truths of Christianity is crucial for a deeper relationship with God.

In this episode, Jackie and Heather discuss the importance of understanding the foundational questions we have about God and our place in His creation. Who is God and how do we know that the God that Christian’s follow is the true God? Join us as we explore these questions. We emphasize the need to go beyond surface-level knowledge and dig deeper into these questions to build a strong foundation of faith. We discuss the importance of going back to the beginning of scripture to understand who God is and where we fit into His plan. The conversation highlights the names and characteristics of God as revealed in the Bible. We also discuss the characteristics of God and why He created us. We mention that knowing Jesus is to know God. We are created in his image and are his handiwork, designed to do good works. Our purpose is to know God and make him known. We are crowned with glory and honor and are the crown of creation. God wants to be in relationship with us and takes pleasure in being with us. He created us for his pleasure and wants us to know Him individually. We are part of His family and have a purpose in his plan.

Takeaways

Understanding the foundational questions about God and our place in His creation is crucial for building a strong foundation of faith.

We should not take for granted the knowledge we have about God and our beliefs, but instead, dig deeper and seek to understand the why behind them.

As believers, we need to be able to explain our beliefs to others and answer their questions about God and Christianity. 

God's existence and self-revelation can be understood through scripture.

God has many names and characteristics that reveal His nature and character. 

We should not let our earthly experiences define our perception of God.

We can seek God through Scripture and ask Him to reveal Himself to us.

God wants to be in relationship with us and takes pleasure in being with us.

We are part of God's family and have a purpose in his plan.

In this conversation, Heather and Jackie discuss their new series called, “But Why?”, where they will explore controversial topics and dive into why we believe what we believe as Christ followers and provide explanations based on scripture. This week they dive into why the Scriptures are the word of God. How do we know when there are so many religions in the world? They emphasize the significance of having a solid foundation in scripture to answer questions and guide our lives. They highlight the historical accuracy, prophecies, and consistency of the Bible, as well as the supernatural aspect and inspiration behind it. They also discuss the power of testimony and eyewitness accounts as proof to the accuracy of the scriptures. In this conversation, Jackie and Heather discuss the importance of studying scripture and seeking the truth for ourselves. They emphasize the need to understand the why behind our beliefs and to rely on the Holy Spirit to guide us. They also encourage listeners to ask questions and dive deep into scripture to find answers. They remind listeners to interpret scripture correctly and to examine it daily to ensure alignment with God's truth.

Takeaways

It's important to question and understand why we believe what we believe

The 'But Why?' series will explore controversial topics and provide explanations based on scripture Understanding and articulating your beliefs is important in defending them.

Faith plays a significant role in believing in Christianity and God.

Having a solid foundation in scripture is crucial for answering questions and guiding one's life.

The Bible has historical accuracy and consistency, and its supernatural protection and inspiration make it unique.

Eye witness accounts and testimony are powerful and help us stand in faith.

The scriptures are transformative and provide guidance for living a righteous life. 

Studying scripture and seeking the truth for ourselves is essential for a strong foundation in our faith.

Understanding the why behind our beliefs is important and can help us live out our faith more confidently.

Asking questions and diving deep into scripture can lead to a deeper understanding of God's truth.

Interpreting scripture correctly requires humility, prayer, and reliance on the Holy Spirit.

Examining scripture daily helps us stay aligned with God's truth and avoid being deceived by false teachings.

In this episode, Zach Silver shares his journey from growing up in a Christian household to embracing his faith at 16. He explores the impact of his parents' conversion and emphasizes the importance of personal connection with God and community support. Facing challenges such as his sister's abuse and subsequent depression, Zach found himself living a lifestyle that went against his faith and how he was raised. By God’s grace however, he shares how God answered his prayer and brought people into his life to bring him back to God. He shares how he found solace in a new church community, highlighting the transformative power of faith. Zach's story is one of a prodigal son finding his way back to his Father. 

Takeaways

The power of personal encounters with God can transform lives and families.

A strong foundation of faith and truth can shape a person's worldview.

Community plays a vital role in supporting and nurturing one's faith journey.

Studying the Bible can have a profound impact on one's faith journey.

Trauma and church hurt can deeply affect individuals and families.

God can bring restoration and redemption even in the midst of pain and brokenness.

Obedience to the prompting of the Holy Spirit can lead to life-changing encounters with God.

Remembering God's goodness and faithfulness is an important spiritual practice.

Being in a community that is fully dependent on God can have a profound impact on one's faith and calling.

Stepping out in obedience to God's invitations can lead to life-changing encounters and transformation.

Trusting God's timing and being faithful in the ordinary is crucial for maturity in Christ.

In this conversation, Susan LaBelle, a certified health and wellness coach, discusses her journey of breaking free from extreme dieting and finding a healthy relationship with food and her body. She emphasizes the importance of bringing the spiritual aspect into the health and fitness journey and seeking God's guidance in taking care of our bodies. Susan encourages listeners to ask themselves if the food they consume blesses their bodies and to appreciate the gift of food that God has given us. She also highlights the significance of addressing shame and secrecy around food and seeking support and accountability in the process. The conversation explores the connection between food and spirituality, emphasizing the importance of mindfulness and inviting God into the process of eating. It discusses the need for consistency and habit change over time, with Jesus as the ultimate agent of transformation. The conversation also touches on the role of emotions, trauma, and inner healing in relation to food. It highlights the significance of listening to our bodies' natural instincts and addressing the root causes of our relationship with food. The conversation concludes with the idea that health is a lifelong journey and that food should not be a master over us. We can’t wait for you to join in on our conversation! 

Takeaways:

Bringing spirituality into the health and fitness journey is key to reaching our goals

Food is a gift from God and is meant to be enjoyed and appreciated

Shame thrives in secrecy, so it's important to bring our struggles with food into the light

Seeking support and accountability can help break free from extreme dieting and develop a healthy relationship with food

Taking care of our bodies is important because they are the temple of the Holy Spirit

Bringing mindfulness and inviting God into the process of eating can bless our bodies and bring revelation.

Consistency, habit change, and behavior change over time are key to transformation, with Jesus as the ultimate agent of change.

Addressing the root causes of our relationship with food, such as emotions and trauma, is essential for lasting healing.

Health is a lifelong journey, and food should not be a master over us. 

Addressing the root causes of unhealthy eating habits is essential for finding freedom and peace with food.

Inviting the Holy Spirit into our health and wellness journey can provide guidance and support.

Loving and caring for ourselves in every stage of our health journey is important.

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In this conversation, Gabriel and Camila Pinto share their journey of healing and restoration in their relationship as well as individually. They discuss the importance of transparency, vulnerability, and seeking God's guidance in their process. Gabriel, a purpose-focused life coach, talks about his own healing process and how Camilla played a crucial role in his transformation. They discuss the power of community, the importance of self-love, and the need for accountability in relationships. They also highlight the concept of relationship fasting and how it can strengthen a couple's bond. They also emphasize the need for setting boundaries and closing doors to past relationships and temptations. Their story highlights the power of obedience to the Holy Spirit and the importance of doing the inner work before entering into a relationship. Overall, their story emphasizes the significance of healing past traumas and embracing vulnerability in order to experience true love and growth. Their story serves as a powerful testimony of God's faithfulness and the transformative power of love and forgiveness.

Takeaways

Healing past traumas is essential for personal growth and healthy relationships.

Having a supportive community and accountability partners can aid in the healing process.

Self-love is a crucial aspect of personal development and building strong relationships.

Relationship fasting, taking time apart to focus on personal growth and God, can strengthen a couple's bond.

Embracing vulnerability and open communication is key to experiencing true love and growth in a relationship. 

Setting boundaries and closing doors to past relationships and temptations is crucial for a healthy and thriving relationship.

Obedience to the Holy Spirit and doing the inner work are essential before entering into a relationship.

Mature love requires intentional growth and a willingness to learn and change. 

Transparency and vulnerability are essential in building a healthy and thriving relationship.

Seeking God's guidance and relying on His strength is crucial in the process of healing and restoration.

Individual growth and self-reflection are necessary for personal development and for the success of a relationship.

Love and forgiveness have the power to transform and restore broken relationships.