Living On Purpose In Christ | Bible Study, Biblical Encouragement, Feeling and Feelings, Aroma Freedom (AFT), Essential Oils, Devotions

Get the full episode here: 3 Simple Steps to Unshakable Confidence

Welcome to the first episode of "Living On Purpose In Christ." Whether you're looking to strengthen your relationship with God or find more purpose and peace in your daily walk, you've come to the right place. Together, we'll explore how to live intentionally for Christ and harness the sacred in everyday moments.

Get the Full Episode Here: 3 Simple Steps to an Unshakable Confidence

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*Accept Jesus into your heart*

Also available: 

Aroma of Christ Coaching Hour: PaulaBehrens.com/coaching1

The Story of Oils in Scripture | Class: PaulaBehrens.com/oils-in-scripture

Healing Oils of the Bible | Course: PaulaBehrens.com/healing-oils 

Weekly Biblical Encouragement Tips: PaulaBehrens.com/insider-list

Free Revelation (Part 1) printable study: PaulaBehrens.com/free-revelation-1

Bold Faith Bundle for new Christians | Printables: PaulaBehrens.com/bold-faith

In the Word — 24 free messages:  PaulaBehrens.com/in-the-word

Free 15-Minute Discovery Consult: PaulaBehrens.com/#discoverycall

Faith Membership Club | Through-the-Bible: PaulaBehrens.com/bible

The Store: PaulaBehrens.com/store

Have you ever felt stuck in a spiritual desert, complaining about your circumstances while missing the daily miracles right before you? Through the ancient story of the bronze serpent in Numbers 21, we discover powerful wisdom for our modern wilderness journeys.

When the Israelites complained about God's provision of manna in the desert, poisonous snakes appeared among them. Rather than simply removing the threat, God's solution was unexpected and profound: Moses crafted a bronze serpent on a pole, and anyone who looked up at it in faith was healed. This peculiar remedy foreshadowed Christ himself, who would later say that just as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of Man be lifted up for our salvation.

The message resonates deeply with our own spiritual struggles. Like the Israelites, we often focus on what we lack rather than embracing God's provision. The story challenges us to recognize the "snakes" poisoning our attitudes and to look up in faith toward Christ for healing. As one 92-year-old blind man wisely declared, "Happiness is something you decide on ahead of time."

Whether you're navigating relationship challenges, health concerns, or spiritual doubts, this message offers a timeless prescription: look up and live. Download our free Covenant Family Bundle at bit.ly/faithfulfamily and join us next week as we continue discovering how to live on purpose in Christ.

Send us Fan Mail

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YOUR NEXT STEP:

*Accept Jesus into your heart*

Also available: 

Aroma of Christ Coaching Hour: PaulaBehrens.com/coaching1

The Story of Oils in Scripture | Class: PaulaBehrens.com/oils-in-scripture

Healing Oils of the Bible | Course: PaulaBehrens.com/healing-oils 

Weekly Biblical Encouragement Tips: PaulaBehrens.com/insider-list

Free Revelation (Part 1) printable study: PaulaBehrens.com/free-revelation-1

Bold Faith Bundle for new Christians | Printables: PaulaBehrens.com/bold-faith

In the Word — 24 free messages:  PaulaBehrens.com/in-the-word

Free 15-Minute Discovery Consult: PaulaBehrens.com/#discoverycall

Faith Membership Club | Through-the-Bible: PaulaBehrens.com/bible

The Store: PaulaBehrens.com/store

This episode delves into the heartfelt reflections of the Apostle Paul, offering a deeper understanding of anxiety and faith through his letter to the Corinthians. As we unpack Paul's struggles in Troas, we resonate with his sense of longing and comfort found in Christ. He reminds us that, despite life's challenges, our relationship with God shapes our experiences and like the secret of the "Christian Rose," it enables us to spread a divine fragrance.

Send us Fan Mail

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YOUR NEXT STEP:

*Accept Jesus into your heart*

Also available: 

Aroma of Christ Coaching Hour: PaulaBehrens.com/coaching1

The Story of Oils in Scripture | Class: PaulaBehrens.com/oils-in-scripture

Healing Oils of the Bible | Course: PaulaBehrens.com/healing-oils 

Weekly Biblical Encouragement Tips: PaulaBehrens.com/insider-list

Free Revelation (Part 1) printable study: PaulaBehrens.com/free-revelation-1

Bold Faith Bundle for new Christians | Printables: PaulaBehrens.com/bold-faith

In the Word — 24 free messages:  PaulaBehrens.com/in-the-word

Free 15-Minute Discovery Consult: PaulaBehrens.com/#discoverycall

Faith Membership Club | Through-the-Bible: PaulaBehrens.com/bible

The Store: PaulaBehrens.com/store

Moses stood at a crossroads with the Israelites in the desert, wrestling with God's potential abandonment after their golden calf rebellion. What happened next reveals a profound truth about how we experience divine presence during our most uncertain moments.

This message explores a fascinating encounter where Moses, desperate for assurance, asks to see God's glory. Instead of revealing His face, God places Moses in a rock cleft, covers his eyes, and allows him only to see His "back" as He passes by. This metaphor beautifully captures how we often perceive God's presence in our lives—not through direct, face-to-face revelation, but through glimpses that provide just enough evidence to sustain our journey forward.

Like Moses, we face an unknown future. We can't return to our past, and life inevitably nudges us forward whether we feel ready or not. The comfort isn't that everything will proceed according to plan, but rather that God's presence will accompany us through whatever comes. I share the powerful story of an elderly gentleman who gave away his new shoes to a stranger in need, walking out onto cold pavement in old, cracked shoes with twine shoelaces—a living demonstration of how transformed lives reflect God's glory to others.

My transition from pulpit to podcast after retiring as a pastor parallels this message about finding new paths forward with God's presence. The question that remains for each listener is deeply personal: Does your life—your words, actions, and attitudes—reflect God's glory to those around you? Are you surrendered enough that others catch glimpses of divine presence through your everyday interactions? Take time today to reflect on how your life might better shine with that reflected glory.

Send us Fan Mail

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YOUR NEXT STEP:

*Accept Jesus into your heart*

Also available: 

Aroma of Christ Coaching Hour: PaulaBehrens.com/coaching1

The Story of Oils in Scripture | Class: PaulaBehrens.com/oils-in-scripture

Healing Oils of the Bible | Course: PaulaBehrens.com/healing-oils 

Weekly Biblical Encouragement Tips: PaulaBehrens.com/insider-list

Free Revelation (Part 1) printable study: PaulaBehrens.com/free-revelation-1

Bold Faith Bundle for new Christians | Printables: PaulaBehrens.com/bold-faith

In the Word — 24 free messages:  PaulaBehrens.com/in-the-word

Free 15-Minute Discovery Consult: PaulaBehrens.com/#discoverycall

Faith Membership Club | Through-the-Bible: PaulaBehrens.com/bible

The Store: PaulaBehrens.com/store

God's blueprint for abundant living includes intentional rest through the Sabbath commandment, which received more divine attention than any other commandment in the Decalogue.

• The Hebrew word "Shabbat" means to cease or rest, while "holy" means to set apart
• Sabbath was a reminder to Israelites that they belonged to God, not their former Egyptian taskmasters
• Modern research shows our bodies operate at an "oxygen deficit" without adequate rest periods
• Jesus taught that "the Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath"
• Like an out-of-tune violin, our lives need regular recalibration through intentional rest
• The 23rd Psalm beautifully illustrates the Sabbath concept: "He makes me lie down... He restores my soul"
• Our society has swung to the opposite extreme of Jesus' time - disregarding Sabbath entirely instead of over-regulating it

Grab our free Covenant Family Bundle for moms at bit.ly/faithfulfamily, including two devotional journals, a Train Up a Child guide, and a Bible study designed for women who wish to reflect Christ in their marriage.

Send us Fan Mail

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YOUR NEXT STEP:

*Accept Jesus into your heart*

Also available: 

Aroma of Christ Coaching Hour: PaulaBehrens.com/coaching1

The Story of Oils in Scripture | Class: PaulaBehrens.com/oils-in-scripture

Healing Oils of the Bible | Course: PaulaBehrens.com/healing-oils 

Weekly Biblical Encouragement Tips: PaulaBehrens.com/insider-list

Free Revelation (Part 1) printable study: PaulaBehrens.com/free-revelation-1

Bold Faith Bundle for new Christians | Printables: PaulaBehrens.com/bold-faith

In the Word — 24 free messages:  PaulaBehrens.com/in-the-word

Free 15-Minute Discovery Consult: PaulaBehrens.com/#discoverycall

Faith Membership Club | Through-the-Bible: PaulaBehrens.com/bible

The Store: PaulaBehrens.com/store

Revelation is widely misunderstood as a cryptic prediction of catastrophe, but what if its true message is one of extraordinary hope? In this transformative episode, I share how my journey from pulpit to podcast during COVID-19 parallels the very promise contained in John's ancient vision—that endings often birth beautiful new beginnings.

Diving deep into Revelation 21, we explore the breathtaking vision of a "new heaven and new earth" where God will dwell directly with humanity. This isn't just apocalyptic imagery—it's the ultimate promise that death, mourning, and pain will cease as God makes "all things new." I unpack how Christianity fundamentally centers on divine presence and reconciliation, revealing glimpses of God's kingdom that are humanly "indescribable" yet gloriously real.

The practical implications transform our daily lives. While we exist in this "yet, but not yet" reality, we can invite Christ to dwell within us now, expressing our faith through how we live in our communities. This inward relationship flows outward in action, creating treasures that will endure in the promised New Jerusalem. Most powerfully, understanding Revelation's true message means we can face life's challenges without fear. As I explain, "We've read the last book and we know that goodness wins, truth wins, God wins."

Ready to deepen your spiritual practices and experience more of God's presence today? Grab my free Covenant Family Bundle at bit.ly/faithfulfamily—it includes devotional journals and Bible studies specifically designed for women seeking to reflect Christ in their relationships and daily lives.

Send us Fan Mail

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YOUR NEXT STEP:

*Accept Jesus into your heart*

Also available: 

Aroma of Christ Coaching Hour: PaulaBehrens.com/coaching1

The Story of Oils in Scripture | Class: PaulaBehrens.com/oils-in-scripture

Healing Oils of the Bible | Course: PaulaBehrens.com/healing-oils 

Weekly Biblical Encouragement Tips: PaulaBehrens.com/insider-list

Free Revelation (Part 1) printable study: PaulaBehrens.com/free-revelation-1

Bold Faith Bundle for new Christians | Printables: PaulaBehrens.com/bold-faith

In the Word — 24 free messages:  PaulaBehrens.com/in-the-word

Free 15-Minute Discovery Consult: PaulaBehrens.com/#discoverycall

Faith Membership Club | Through-the-Bible: PaulaBehrens.com/bible

The Store: PaulaBehrens.com/store

Preached live at Chappell Hill Methodist Church/ Chappell Hill, Texas (Feb, 2012)

Have you ever felt the distance between you and God growing wider despite your best efforts? King David's powerful journey from proud self-sufficiency to joyful surrender offers a roadmap for your own spiritual reconnection.

Through David's words in Psalm 30, we discover how easily we can drift from God's presence when we become comfortable in our accomplishments. "God, you hid your face and I was dismayed," David laments, capturing that hollow feeling of spiritual disconnection. But the story doesn't end there. When David finally stops bargaining and simply cries out "Be gracious to me, Oh Lord, help me," everything changes. His mourning transforms into dancing, his sackcloth into garments of joy.

This transformation mirrors what happens in our own lives when we surrender our self-sufficiency and embrace God's grace. Like the chaff finch that must return to the wild to remember its song, we need community to maintain our spiritual melody. When we understand the depth of God's love, it naturally inspires movement—a holy dancing that celebrates His goodness despite circumstances.

Ready to rediscover your spiritual rhythm? Try creating your own "closest to Christ" list—five moments when you felt God's presence most powerfully. These spiritual touchpoints can reignite joy even during difficult seasons. Whether you're feeling distant from God or dancing in His presence right now, remember that true spiritual health comes not just from physical exercise but from daily time invested in prayer and Scripture.

Grab our free covenant family bundle designed especially for moms at bit.ly/faithfulfamily and join us next week as we continue exploring how to live on purpose in Christ. Don't forget to subscribe, share with a friend, and leave a review if this message spoke to your heart!

Send us Fan Mail

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YOUR NEXT STEP:

*Accept Jesus into your heart*

Also available: 

Aroma of Christ Coaching Hour: PaulaBehrens.com/coaching1

The Story of Oils in Scripture | Class: PaulaBehrens.com/oils-in-scripture

Healing Oils of the Bible | Course: PaulaBehrens.com/healing-oils 

Weekly Biblical Encouragement Tips: PaulaBehrens.com/insider-list

Free Revelation (Part 1) printable study: PaulaBehrens.com/free-revelation-1

Bold Faith Bundle for new Christians | Printables: PaulaBehrens.com/bold-faith

In the Word — 24 free messages:  PaulaBehrens.com/in-the-word

Free 15-Minute Discovery Consult: PaulaBehrens.com/#discoverycall

Faith Membership Club | Through-the-Bible: PaulaBehrens.com/bible

The Store: PaulaBehrens.com/store

Get the full episode here: Quenching the Soul

Water from a rock—it seems impossible until you're desperate enough to believe. This soul-stirring episode takes us on a journey through the parched wilderness with Moses and the Israelites, revealing profound truths about our own spiritual thirsts that often go unquenched.

Beginning with an engaging story about a failing drugstore in South Dakota revitalized by simply offering free ice water to weary travelers, Paula draws us into a deeper consideration of what we truly thirst for. Are we merely seeking physical sustenance, or are we longing for something more profound—true friendship, purpose, meaning, or perhaps a connection with the divine?

Through a careful examination of how God provided water from a rock for the complaining Israelites, Paula unpacks the beautiful intertwining of God's practical and spiritual provision. Rather than seeing these as separate categories, she reveals how God's care extends to both our tangible needs and our deepest soul-longings. "Don't let God be too small in your estimation," she cautions, reminding us that the waters God offers can quench every type of thirst we dare to have.

This message speaks directly to those feeling caught between redemption and final salvation—those wandering in personal deserts of doubt, fear, or spiritual dryness. When all you see is rock, God invites you to look deeper and discover the living water that can flow even from the most unlikely sources. Whether you're struggling with consistency in spiritual practices or seeking to deepen your faith journey, this episode offers refreshment for your parched soul and practical wisdom for trusting God in every season.

Subscribe now to continue discovering how to live on purpose in Christ, and don't forget to download your free Covenant Family Bundle designed specifically to help you balance home life with your spiritual journey.

Send us Fan Mail

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YOUR NEXT STEP:

*Accept Jesus into your heart*

Also available: 

Aroma of Christ Coaching Hour: PaulaBehrens.com/coaching1

The Story of Oils in Scripture | Class: PaulaBehrens.com/oils-in-scripture

Healing Oils of the Bible | Course: PaulaBehrens.com/healing-oils 

Weekly Biblical Encouragement Tips: PaulaBehrens.com/insider-list

Free Revelation (Part 1) printable study: PaulaBehrens.com/free-revelation-1

Bold Faith Bundle for new Christians | Printables: PaulaBehrens.com/bold-faith

In the Word — 24 free messages:  PaulaBehrens.com/in-the-word

Free 15-Minute Discovery Consult: PaulaBehrens.com/#discoverycall

Faith Membership Club | Through-the-Bible: PaulaBehrens.com/bible

The Store: PaulaBehrens.com/store

Get the full episode here: Living a Life of Divine Grace and Boundless Love

At the heart of this episode lies the Apostle Paul's profound message from 2 Corinthians 6 about embracing both sorrow and rejoicing with open hearts. This paradoxical wisdom isn't contradictory but reveals the beautiful complexity of authentic faith. Through a delightful story about cows unexpectedly joining an Easter sunrise service, Paula illustrates how God's joy often arrives in surprising packages, especially when our hearts remain receptive to His presence.

The message unpacks Paul's powerful paradox of being "sorrowful yet always rejoicing," demonstrating how this tension creates space for genuine spiritual growth. Rather than providing only theological concepts, Paula offers ten practical ways to maintain an open heart: prayer, compassion, Scripture immersion, community service, unconditional love, gratitude, humility, fellowship, reflection on Christ's sacrifice, and faith-based action. These tangible practices help transform abstract spiritual ideals into daily habits that nurture both personal faith and community connections. If you're seeking to deepen your spiritual journey while balancing life's complexities, download the free Covenant Family Bundle at bit.ly/faithfulfamily and join us next week as we continue discovering how to live purposefully in Christ.

Send us Fan Mail

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YOUR NEXT STEP:

*Accept Jesus into your heart*

Also available: 

Aroma of Christ Coaching Hour: PaulaBehrens.com/coaching1

The Story of Oils in Scripture | Class: PaulaBehrens.com/oils-in-scripture

Healing Oils of the Bible | Course: PaulaBehrens.com/healing-oils 

Weekly Biblical Encouragement Tips: PaulaBehrens.com/insider-list

Free Revelation (Part 1) printable study: PaulaBehrens.com/free-revelation-1

Bold Faith Bundle for new Christians | Printables: PaulaBehrens.com/bold-faith

In the Word — 24 free messages:  PaulaBehrens.com/in-the-word

Free 15-Minute Discovery Consult: PaulaBehrens.com/#discoverycall

Faith Membership Club | Through-the-Bible: PaulaBehrens.com/bible

The Store: PaulaBehrens.com/store

Get the full episode here: Moving Beyond the "Back to Egypt" Mentality 

The road to freedom is rarely straight, and the journey from captivity to liberation involves more than just physical movement. Drawing from a powerful sermon that shaped my own transition from traditional pulpit ministry to podcasting during the pandemic, this episode explores how the Israelites' wilderness experience mirrors our spiritual journeys today.

When Moses led God's people out of Egyptian slavery, they quickly forgot the miracle of their deliverance and began grumbling about their circumstances. Within weeks, they were longing for the "pots of meat" they enjoyed in captivity, proving that physical freedom doesn't automatically create spiritual or mental freedom. God responded not with punishment but with grace, providing mysterious manna—literally "what is it?"—to sustain them daily. Yet what could have been a short journey to the Promised Land became a 40-year wandering because of their inability to trust God's plan.

Like the Israelites, we face similar crossroads in our spiritual lives. Will we remain in familiar patterns of thinking even when they no longer serve us? Or will we embrace God's invitation to transformation? As Robert Frost wrote, "Two roads diverged in a wood, and I—I took the one less traveled by, and that has made all the difference." The journey truly becomes what we make it through our choices, attitudes, and willingness to trust God's guidance. Whether you're navigating major life transitions or simply seeking to deepen your daily spiritual practices, this message offers timeless wisdom for finding your way through life's wilderness seasons with purpose and faith.

Ready to strengthen your spiritual journey with practical resources? Grab my special covenant family bundle designed especially for moms who want to reflect Christ in their homes at bit.ly/faithfulfamily today!

Send us Fan Mail

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YOUR NEXT STEP:

*Accept Jesus into your heart*

Also available: 

Aroma of Christ Coaching Hour: PaulaBehrens.com/coaching1

The Story of Oils in Scripture | Class: PaulaBehrens.com/oils-in-scripture

Healing Oils of the Bible | Course: PaulaBehrens.com/healing-oils 

Weekly Biblical Encouragement Tips: PaulaBehrens.com/insider-list

Free Revelation (Part 1) printable study: PaulaBehrens.com/free-revelation-1

Bold Faith Bundle for new Christians | Printables: PaulaBehrens.com/bold-faith

In the Word — 24 free messages:  PaulaBehrens.com/in-the-word

Free 15-Minute Discovery Consult: PaulaBehrens.com/#discoverycall

Faith Membership Club | Through-the-Bible: PaulaBehrens.com/bible

The Store: PaulaBehrens.com/store