Live Only True Stories

Why did God place such a premium on feasts, festivals, and commemorations? By the time Jesus lived on earth, the Jewish calendar didn't have more than three months lapse before there was another sacred event to participate in. Why?

Remembering yesterdays makes a difference in how we live today -- or at least it should. God knew his people needed to remember his faithfulness, provision, love, and care. Not just in some vague, generic way, but in recalling and recounting specific times in the nation's history when God showed himself to be for them. When he revealed he was the one and only true God, more powerful and more loving than all the other false "gods" people had constructed.

In today's episode on the first part of John chapter 7, we dive into:

• how the Feast of Booths (or Tabernacles) is relevant to us today;
• why family (and others close to you) may be the last to believe in you;
• the importance of keeping your eyes open for divine timing.

If you haven't already, sign up for the Hi(Impact) weekly newsletter at Stephanie Presents

Remember, you have an impact that is immeasurable, eternal, and irreplaceable. Therefore, think deeply, live intentionally, and engage fully in God's grand story.

#biblestudy

#familydevotions

#christianfaith

#christianfamilies

#christianparenting

#christianwomen

#familybiblestudy

#biblestudyforkids

#biblestudyforchildren

#bible

#faith

#stephaniesmithpresents

#lifeskey3

#jewishfestivals

#remembrance

Jesus could make some weird statements. Especially if taken at face value. Start talking about "eating my flesh" and "drinking my blood," and that can raise some eyebrows.

So why did Jesus make these statements?

To separate the "deep thinkers" from the "surface thinkers."

Those who came to Jesus to learn from him were required to think deeply while those who were after what he could do for them were content to remain surface thinkers.

His example shows us about our own approach to him and how we can be discerning about the people in our lives.

Today's episode shares seven key insights about our relationship with God and others.

1. Solitude is necessary to sustain a life of ministry.
2. Storms often follow miracles.
3. God will let us battle through hard times before he shows up in a visible way.
4. Wanting God's provision is not the same thing as wanting God.
5. Whining is usually evidence somebody doesn't want to take responsibility for themselves.
6. Truth-telling will always cost you.
7. Spend enough time with Jesus, do the hard work of examining his words and actions, confront your own heart, and you can move from seeing to believing to knowing.

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

No stories. Just straight talk, repeatedly emphasizing a couple of key points. It's rare that Jesus spoke for long in this style. So when he did, it's worth paying extra attention.

In the last almost 30 verses in the Gospel of John, chapter 5, Jesus emphasizes these crucial truths:

• He has come from God, the Father.
• Everything he does is in unity with God.
• There will be a resurrection of the dead with only one of two possible destinations – a resurrection of life or resurrection of judgment.

He also points out that those who didn't believe what he said about himself didn't believe because they were seeking others' approval and recognition instead of God's. Ouch.

After this discourse, Jesus goes to a different area where a crowd of 5,000 people show up -- having failed to bring a meal with them. What's up with that poor preparation?

Rather than chiding them for their lack of foresight, Jesus performs an amazing miracle. But this is about a lot more than meeting an immediate physical need -- although that's important. In this we can also see:

1. God can feed a lot of people with our small offering. But to do this we have to be willing to let go of what we have and be left empty handed -- temporarily.

2. We have to watch God break apart what we think is going to fill us.

3. We need to value the fragments left over. Goes doesn't want anything wasted -- and this goes for far more than food!

Grow your faith roots deeper in today's episode!

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!

Remember, my friend, you have an impact that is immeasurable, eternal, and irreplaceable.

#biblestudy

#familydevotions

#christianfaith

#christianfamilies

#christianparenting

#christianwomen

#familybiblestudy

#biblestudyforkids

#biblestudyforchildren

#bible

#faith

#stephaniesmithpresents

#lifeskey3

Ever wondered if a weak, one-liner, prayer irritates God?

Wonder if you'll ever be free from the pain of remembering past mistakes?

In Part 2, Ruth Hovsepian shares how weak prayers formed the ladder to escape the muck of addiction; setting her on solid, sober ground.

Your spirit will soar as you're encouraged to know:

• God despises no one's prayer, no matter how small or frail

• Nothing can ever separate you or anyone else from the love of God

• While there is breath, there is hope

Ruth is a speaker, author, and podcaster who shares her addiction and sobriety journey to help others facing addictions or strongholds.

Ruth went through an acrimonious separation and divorce with three small children; the youngest only five months old. She raised them on her own, struggling to put food on the table, went back to school, got a job in IT, and made her way to the top, only to lose her job and, along with it, her identity. During those 15 dark years, she lived a double life, one as a successful businesswoman and mum and the second as a "party girl.” Looking back at the party years sends shivers down her spine; she lived a dangerous and life-threatening lifestyle.

Ruth is now eight years sober. With sobriety came a new beginning and renewal in her walk with God. She published her first book, 100 Days of Prayer: A Journey Into Deeper Intimacy With GOD, in 2022. Recently released is a new book, The Ultimate Conversation: Is That You, GOD? She shares her life story to help others write their own stories.

Ruth hosts a podcast, "Out of the Darkness," showcasing transformational stories of recovery and healing from traumas and addictions.

Connect with Ruth Hovsepian:

✔Podcast - https://apple.co/3ZdI6eU

✔Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/ruthhovsepian/

✔Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/ModernDayRuthRedeemed/

✔Website - https://www.ruthhovsepian.com/

✔Speaking - https://www.ruthhovsepian.com/speaking

✔Books - https://www.ruthhovsepian.com/booksruthhovsepian

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

Remember, my friend, you have an impact that is immeasurable, eternal, and irreplaceable.

#ruthhovsepian

#setfree

#helpforaddicts

#biblestudy

#familydevotions

#christianfaith

#christianfamilies

#christianparenting

#christianwomen

#familybiblestudy

#biblestudyforkids

#biblestudyforchildren

#bible

#faith

#stephaniesmithpresents

#lifeskey3

How have people treated you when you've walked through dark times? Have you experienced more throwing of stones or offers of support?

What about when others face difficulties, whether of their own making, someone else's, or a combination? What's your response?

In Part 1 of my interview with Ruth Hovsepian, you'll be

• challenged to examine your attitudes towards others who are hurting
• encouraged to choose forgiveness when others fail you
• inspired to know there is no stronghold God cannot break down

Ruth is a speaker, author, and podcaster who shares her addiction and sobriety journey to help others facing addictions or strongholds.

Ruth went through an acrimonious separation and divorce with three small children; the youngest only five months old. She raised them on her own, struggling to put food on the table, went back to school, got a job in IT, and made her way to the top, only to lose her job and, along with it, her identity. During those 15 dark years, she lived a double life, one as a successful businesswoman and mum and the second as a "party girl.” Looking back at the party years sends shivers down her spine; she lived a dangerous and life-threatening lifestyle.

Ruth is now eight years sober. With sobriety came a new beginning and renewal in her walk with God. She published her first book, 100 Days of Prayer: A Journey Into Deeper Intimacy With GOD, in 2022. Recently released is a new book, The Ultimate Conversation: Is That You, GOD? She shares her life story to help others write their own stories.

Ruth hosts a podcast, "Out of the Darkness," showcasing transformational stories of recovery and healing from traumas and addictions.

Connect with Ruth Hovsepian:

✔Podcast - https://apple.co/3ZdI6eU

✔Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/ruthhovsepian/

✔Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/ModernDayRuthRedeemed/

✔Website - https://www.ruthhovsepian.com/

✔Speaking - https://www.ruthhovsepian.com/speaking

✔Books - https://www.ruthhovsepian.com/booksruthhovsepian

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

Remember, my friend, you have an impact that is immeasurable, eternal, and irreplaceable.

#ruthhovsepian

#helpforaddicts

#setfree

#biblestudy

#familydevotions

#christianfaith

#christianfamilies

#christianparenting

#christianwomen

#familybiblestudy

#biblestudyforkids

#biblestudyforchildren

#bible

#faith

#stephaniesmithpresents

#lifeskey3

Ever notice how the Bible doesn't record a single sermon Jesus ever gave focusing on the pagan theology of the Romans? But he railed a lot against the bad theology of the Jewish leaders. Why?

Is it possible that twisted and distorted truth does more harm to people than outright lies?

The Word of God is "sharp and powerful," whether it's wielded by someone with good intent or someone with selfish motivation.

In today's episode we dive into Sabbath, rest, and the cost of bad theology.

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

Remember, my friend, you have an impact that is immeasurable, eternal, and irreplaceable.

#biblestudy

#familydevotions

#christianfaith

#christianfamilies

#christianparenting

#christianwomen

#familybiblestudy

#biblestudyforkids

#biblestudyforchildren

#bible

#faith

#stephaniesmithpresents

#lifeskey3

Why did Jesus ask the man who had been an invalid for 38 years, "Do you want to be well?" I mean, isn't the answer obvious?

Not necessarily.

Pain can have a payoff. This must be understood in the correct context and never applied with a judgmental, condemning attitude. It's an insight to be used primarily in self-assessment ("Learn yourself") and not diagnosing others (except in rare circumstances and with the greatest of compassion and wisdom).

Sometimes Jesus asked or said strange things in situations involving healing.

We cover two of these in today's episode. An invalid of 38 years and an official's son.

Both pack powerful lessons for us!

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

Remember, my friend, you have an impact that is immeasurable, eternal, and irreplaceable.

#biblestudy

#familydevotions

#christianfaith

#christianfamilies

#christianparenting

#christianwomen

#familybiblestudy

#biblestudyforkids

#biblestudyforchildren

#bible

#faith

#stephaniesmithpresents

#lifeskey3

Their meeting was unexpected -- at least for her.

She came thirsty. For water, she thought. But his words stirred a deeper thirst she'd been trying to satiate in other ways.

She left transformed. Not by the "magic water" she'd asked for; but by miraculous words.

The story of the "woman at the well" is a familiar one to many Christians. Yet the story is always worth reviewing because it's packed with insights on what changes us -- and what transforms others.

We'll see:

• How people with a strong and clear sense of their identity can converse with others who are in direct opposition to them.
• How to handle theological distractions
• How kindness heals
• How sharing the "good news" might require leaving something behind

Visit the website and be sure to subscribe to Hi(Lights) for more teaching, encouragement, and practical resources to empower you with Life's Key 3 aims as an individual or a parent.

Sign up at https://www.stephaniepresents.com/

Remember, my friend, you have an impact that is immeasurable, eternal, and irreplaceable.

#biblestudy

#familydevotions

#christianfaith

#christianfamilies

#christianparenting

#christianwomen

#familybiblestudy

#biblestudyforkids

#biblestudyforchildren

#bible

#faith

#stephaniesmithpresents

Get followers!

Grow your contacts!

Gather a tribe!

It's what every person with something to market hears. People pray for a video to go "viral" and pay for courses "guaranteeing" to build a successful email list.

I don't think John the Baptist would have been much impressed. I can't see him selling a course on how to get someone else to increase their following while decreasing your own.

But that's what he did.

This wasn't hiding from fame or retreating into obscurity to "prove" his humility. It was a recognition there comes a time to point your followers towards someone else.

We'll discuss that today along with

• looking at the difference between inviting our children to love God and inoculating them through simply imparting a knowledge of Him;
• diving into what characterizes true belief.

Visit the website and be sure to subscribe to Hi(Lights) for more teaching, encouragement, and practical resources to help you as an individual or a parent.

Sign up at https://www.stephaniepresents.com/

Remember, my friend, you have an impact that is immeasurable, eternal, and irreplaceable.

#biblestudy

#familydevotions

#christianfaith

#christianfamilies

#christianparenting

#christianwomen

#familybiblestudy

#biblestudyforkids

#biblestudyforchildren

#bible

#faith

#stephaniesmithpresents

John 3:16.

It's been inked on parchment with fancy swirls. It's been printed on $4.99 t-shirts. It's engraved on silver mugs and carved in rosewood. It's been whispered in prisons and shouted from pulpits.

The gospel -- "Good News" -- in one sentence, spoken by Jesus.

And on what occasion?

The Sermon on the Mount? Nope.

Feeding of the Five Thousand? Nada.

Upper Room with the Disciples? Try again.

To one man, not a believer but a doubter, at night.

Astounding!

World-transforming words aren't just proclaimed from stages or shared on viral videos. You never know what conversation you will have that will be impacting lives generations from now.

What else can we learn from this exchange?

The Gospel is always about the one. The individual. The person.

You can turn this podcast into a complete Bible study for yourself or your family! Subscribe to Hi(Lights) and receive three days of reasonable reading assignments between episodes with insights, discussion questions, and references to children's Bibles you can read to little ones and older children can read for themselves.

Sign up at Stephanie Presents.

Remember, my friend, you have an impact that is immeasurable, eternal, and irreplaceable.

#biblestudy

#familydevotions

#christianfaith

#christianfamilies

#christianparenting

#christianwomen

#familybiblestudy

#biblestudyforkids

#biblestudyforchildren

#bible

#faith

#stephaniesmithpresents

#john316