Martha is so relatable! One minute she’s telling Jesus she knows he is the Christ, the Son of God. The next, she’s informing him that if they roll the stone away from Lazarus’ tomb, there’s going to be an odor.

Can you relate to the tension of believing in God and then questioning his wisdom when

he asks you to do something? I can!

Along with exploring this topic, we see that the linen strips of cloth which still bound Lazarus after being resurrected symbolizes we can experience God’s salvation and still need others to help free us from issues which prevent us from entering fully into life.

And while you’d think bringing someone back from the dead would only gain a response of “Hallelujah!” from the witnesses, it doesn’t. Some people come to belief; others run to tattle. Leaders who prioritize protecting their position will not only miss out on God’s goodness, but they’ll lead others astray as well.

Empower yourself and your family to engage fully in God’s grand story. Subscribe to Hi(Impact) at Stephanie Presents for insights, encouragement, and practical resources!

Check out speaking engagements for women's gatherings, parenting conferences, and Christian education events.

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#faith

#truth

#biblestudy

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#christianfamilies

#christianparenting

#christianwomen

#christianity

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#lifeskey3

John 11 is perhaps most famously known for containing the shortest verse in the Bible: “Jesus wept.” Yet why was he crying? Sure, Lazarus had died, but Jesus knew he was getting ready to bring him back from the dead.

Why waste time weeping?

Nine verses in this chapter reveal powerful truths such as the ones we unpack in this episode:

1. We are never rebuked for coming to Jesus with our “Why?” and disappointment.

2. Even though God knows our pain is momentary, He still chooses to be present with us in the moment. He doesn’t rush us out of it. He enters into it.

3. God’s work, even His great miracles, will soften some hearts and harden others.

Listen and discover this chapter is worth becoming one of the most well-known and not

because it contains the Bible’s shortest verse but some of its most comforting truths.

Empower yourself and your family to engage fully in God’s grand story. Subscribe to Hi(Impact) at Stephanie Presents for insights, encouragement, and practical resources!

Check out speaking engagements for women's gatherings, parenting conferences, and Christian education events.

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#faith

#truth

#biblestudy

#familydevotions

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#christianparenting

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#christianity

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#biblestudyforchildren

#lifeskey3

How would you like to be known by only one event in your life? Not me!

Unfortunately, that's often what happens to Martha of "Mary & Martha" Biblical fame. Mary gets applauded because she's prioritizing listening and Martha is chided because she's concentrating on serving. But what about the other Mary & Martha stories?

In John 11 we see a Martha worthy of our respect and emulation. The situation is dire: Lazarus, Martha & Mary's dear brother, has died. Both women are grieving -- and likely incredibly concerned about how this is going to upend their world. Why? You'll have to listen to find out!

In today's episode we unpack three key lessons from John 10:1-27.

1. Jesus' treatment of women was scandalous by cultural standards. We need to follow his lead, not only in how we regard women but people in all social categories.
2. We don't need to earn Jesus' compassion; neither do we need to fear his rebuke if fear invades our prayers.
3. Martha comes to Jesus with her pain; she doesn't allow her pain to turn her away from Christ.

Share this episode with others and leave a review!

Empower yourself and your family to engage fully in God's grand story! Become savvy at Life's Key 3 aims: Learn yourself, Love God, and Live connected. Subscribe to Hi(Impact) at Stephanie Presents for insights, encouragement, and practical resources!

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#grief

#pain

#suffering

#maryandmartha

Kenny Rogers' song, "The Gambler," included these lines:

"You gotta' know when to hold 'em; know when to fold 'em. Know when to walk away. Know when to run."

You may be wondering what that has to do with John 10, but hold on. It's relevant!

Jesus demonstrates the necessity of discernment in dealing with people. He shows sometimes you stay and respond to people's questions (and accusations). Sometimes you remove yourself entirely from a situation.

Sometimes we better serve the work of God when we leave the places of power and prestige and go to the humbler places -- and people.

We also see:

1. The necessity of knowing the Scriptures from memory. The Holy Spirit can't bring back to our remembrance what we never knew to begin with. If the Very God of Very God relied on Scripture in dealing with thorny (toxic?) people, how much more do we?!
2. We're not obligated to answer any question put to us.
3. People of integrity welcome transparency. People with something to hide will have misaligned words and actions -- even if they're buried deep.
4. The origin of Hanukkah or "The Festival of Lights."

Empower yourself and your family to succeed at Life's Key 3 aims: Learn yourself, Love God, and Live connected. Subscribe to Hi(Impact) at Stephanie Presents for insights, encouragement, and practical resources!

Think deeply.

Live intentionally.

Engage fully in God's grand story.

#biblestudy

#familydevotions

#christianfaith

#christianfamilies

#christianparenting

#christianwomen

#familybiblestudy

#biblestudyforkids

#biblestudyforchildren

#bible

#faith

#stephaniesmithpresents

#lifeskey3

#hanukkah

Thieves and wolves are coming for you.

Maybe not the kind with masks and fangs, but those who are out to steal you (and your children's) innocence, virtue, reputation, and opportunities. How can you be on guard to recognize and defeat these foes?

In John 10, Jesus identifies himself as the Door to the sheepfold and the Good Shepherd. A door provides safety and filters who gets access to the sheep. A shepherd is invested in protecting and providing for the sheep -- even at risk to his own life.

Yet speaking these words of truth (again) brought divisiveness. Part of Jesus' response was check my words against my actions. One of the most important truths we need to apply in life is that actions always reveal the truth more than words alone. Right-living folks welcome examination between words and deeds as Jesus (again) demonstrates.

Discover three key truths in today's episode to help you achieve life's Key 3 aims: Learn yourself, Love God, and Live connected.

Visit the website and subscribe to Hi(Impact) at Stephanie Presents for insights, encouragement, and practical resources!

Think deeply.

Live intentionally.

Engage fully in God's grand story.

#biblestudy

#familydevotions

#christianfaith

#christianfamilies

#christianparenting

#christianwomen

#familybiblestudy

#biblestudyforkids

#biblestudyforchildren

#bible

#faith

#stephaniesmithpresents

#lifeskey3

What's the one item you possess no one can steal?

Your story.

Others may refute, ignore, or devalue it, but no one can steal your story.

In our concluding look at the blind man's healing in John 9, we see the power of sharing your story -- and the cost. Others can only hear your story through their filter, and if their filter is jealousy, hate, contempt, or fear, don't expect your story to matter. It may even get you cast out.

We also see in this episode:

• "Give glory to God" can be used to manipulate people rather than honor God;
• People will turn on you when you expose the contradiction of their own beliefs;
• A non-teachable spirit is a hallmark of controlling leaders;
• Jesus seeks out the cast out;
• Jealous people won't leave you alone.

Empower yourself and your family to succeed at Life's Key 3 aims: Learn yourself, Love God, and Live connected. Subscribe to Hi(Impact) at Stephanie Presents for insights, encouragement, and practical resources!

Think deeply.

Live intentionally.

Engage fully in God's grand story.

#biblestudy

#familydevotions

#christianfaith

#christianfamilies

#christianparenting

#christianwomen

#familybiblestudy

#biblestudyforkids

#biblestudyforchildren

#bible

#faith

#stephaniesmithpresents

#lifeskey3

You'd think everyone would have cheered. Hugged the man and given praise to God.

Nope. Nada. Didn't happen.

Healed after spending his life blind from birth, instead the man experiences division, interrogation, disbelief, and rejection. Even the man's family kinda' throws him under the bus.

The same happens today when people experience a significant transformation or receive a miracle from God.

We unpack this and more as we continue looking at John 9 and one of the Gospel's most dramatic, poignant, funny, sobering, and enlightening miracles.

Empower yourself and your family to succeed at Life's Key 3 aims: Learn yourself, Love God, and Live connected. Subscribe to Hi(Impact) at Stephanie Presents for insights, encouragement, and practical resources!

Think deeply.

Live intentionally.

Engage fully in God's grand story.

#biblestudy

#familydevotions

#christianfaith

#christianfamilies

#christianparenting

#christianwomen

#familybiblestudy

#biblestudyforkids

#biblestudyforchildren

#bible

#faith

#stephaniesmithpresents

#lifeskey3

Jesus had no formula for healing. He spoke. He touched people. He prayed over them. He mixed dirt with his spit and spread it on their eyes.

Wait, what?!

What would you be willing to endure to receive healing? To gain clarity? A new perspective? How about mud in your eyes?

We dive into the story of the man blind from birth who received his sight through two choices: a) the humility to get spit & dirt spread over his eyes; b) the willingness to follow Jesus' instructions when there was no promise of reward attached.

From John chapter 9 we also unpack the faulty and dangerous beliefs linking disabilities to divine retribution.

Empower yourself and your family to succeed at Life's Key 3 aims: Learn yourself, Love God, and Live connected. Subscribe to Hi(Impact) at Stephanie Presents for insights, encouragement, and practical resources!

Think deeply.

Live intentionally.

Engage fully in God's grand story.

#biblestudy

#familydevotions

#christianfaith

#christianfamilies

#christianparenting

#christianwomen

#familybiblestudy

#biblestudyforkids

#biblestudyforchildren

#bible

#faith

#stephaniesmithpresents

#lifeskey3

Ever deal with narcissistic, arrogant, immature, or controlling people? If you asked others, would (could?) they be honest enough to say if that's how they experienced you?

Jesus dealt with these individuals, and through his exchanges with them, we can see their traits and tactics.

Finishing our look at the 7th chapter of John's gospel, we'll unpack:

• how leaders use fear to control others when they operate from fear;
• The misuse of education;
• The danger in being lazy about examining one's beliefs;
• three marks of a "toxic" person.

We'll also see how curiosity that's a part of humility is a powerful antidote to narcissistic thinking.

Empower yourself and your family to succeed at Life's Key 3 aims: Learn yourself, Love God, and Live connected. Subscribe to Hi(Impact) at Stephanie Presents for insights, encouragement, and practical resources!

Think deeply.

Live intentionally.

Engage fully in God's grand story.

#biblestudy

#familydevotions

#christianfaith

#christianfamilies

#christianparenting

#christianwomen

#familybiblestudy

#biblestudyforkids

#biblestudyforchildren

#bible

#faith

#stephaniesmithpresents

#lifeskey3

#toxicpeople

#narcissism

Have you ever heard the statement, "God doesn't call the qualified; he qualifies the called?" I have -- many times and for many years.

I think it's dangerous.

One inaccurate interpretation of Scripture can keep people from believing in Jesus. Yet we're still held responsible for whether we recognize Truth or not!

Today we continue with our study of John 7, specifically looking at four key topics:

1. The connection between calling and qualifications.
2. Our responsibility to discern truth.
3. The divisive nature of truth.
4. Good intentions don't make up for bad theology.

Dive in as we unpack more verses from John's insight-rich gospel.

Be empowered to succeed at Life's Key 3 aims: Learn yourself, Love God, and Live connected. Subscribe to Hi(Impact) at Stephanie Presents for insights, encouragement, and practical resources to help you:

Think deeply,

Live intentionally, and

Engage fully in God's grand story.

Why? Because you have an impact that is immeasurable, eternal, and irreplaceable.

#biblestudy

#familydevotions

#christianfaith

#christianfamilies

#christianparenting

#christianwomen

#familybiblestudy

#biblestudyforkids

#biblestudyforchildren

#bible

#faith

#stephaniesmithpresents

#lifeskey3