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

Find the full episode here >>> PaulaBehrens.com/blog

Looking around at your church family and thinking "this is messy" might leave you feeling discouraged—but take heart. The believers in ancient Corinth faced remarkably similar challenges to those we encounter today, from church divisions to moral confusion to the struggle of living distinctively in a complex culture.

The Book of 1 Corinthians provides a roadmap for navigating these challenges with Christ at the center. Paul's letter addresses practical issues that resonate with modern believers: How do we maintain unity when opinions differ? How do we exercise our freedom without harming others? How do we stand firm in biblical truth while showing Christ's love? At every turn, Paul directs the Corinthians back to the cross, emphasizing that true wisdom is found not in human eloquence but in Christ crucified.

What makes this ancient letter so powerful is its gracious approach to growth. Paul begins by thanking God for the grace given to this imperfect community—celebrating their progress while addressing their problems. This reminds us that spiritual growth is a process. Whether you're struggling with consistency in your devotional life, wrestling with how to respond to cultural shifts, or seeking to bring Christ into your everyday decisions, Paul's wisdom offers both challenge and comfort. His words on Christian freedom, love as the greatest measure, and the hope of resurrection provide timeless guidance for living purposefully in Christ. Ready to reset your spiritual rhythm with peace and purpose? Book your Aroma of Christ coaching session today and discover practical ways to keep Christ at the center of your life.

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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

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The Store: PaulaBehrens.com/store

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Those midnight wake-up calls can leave your heart racing and mind swirling with questions. When you jolt awake at 3AM, how do you know if God is speaking to you, if the enemy is attacking, or if your mind is simply processing the day?

The predawn hours have a way of making the spiritual realm feel closer, more immediate. Throughout Scripture, God often chose these quiet moments to speak to His people through dreams and visions. Yet the enemy also exploits our vulnerability during these hours. The key isn't controlling when these moments come—it's learning to discern whose voice you're hearing.

God's communication always carries His peace, even when challenging or convicting. As 1 Corinthians 14:33 reminds us, "God is not the author of confusion, but of peace." When God speaks, there's a calm undercurrent, a clarity that cuts through the noise. The enemy, however, traffics in fear, accusation, and disorientation. His goal isn't necessarily to make you believe disturbing dreams but to make you doubt your ability to hear God clearly.

Many believers have noticed that the early morning hours—what the Bible calls "the fourth watch of the night" (3AM to 6AM)—often become moments of spiritual sensitivity. Perhaps these wake-ups aren't attacks but invitations to meet with Jesus when our hearts are finally quiet enough to listen. When you find yourself staring into the darkness, try turning that moment into worship. Whisper His name, read Scripture aloud, or simply invite His presence to fill the room.

Remember, you are not powerless in these moments. The Spirit of God dwells within you, and "greater is He who is in you than he who is in the world" (1 John 4:4). Both night and day belong to God, and so do you.

Are those 3AM wake-ups leaving you anxious instead of rested? Book an Aroma of Christ Coaching Hour plus Peace Reset with me, where we'll pray through what you're experiencing and design practices that transform those restless nights into purposeful time with God. Visit paulabehrens.com/coaching to begin your journey from midnight fear to divine peace.

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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

Find the full episode here >>> PaulaBehrens.com/blog

Wrestling with whether God can truly love you through your imperfections? The book of Romans offers profound answers that have transformed believers for centuries. This powerful New Testament letter isn't just theological doctrine—it's a lifeline for anyone caught between spiritual aspirations and human limitations.

Paul's masterpiece begins with a sobering reality check about our universal brokenness before revealing the revolutionary solution: justification by faith alone. Just as Abraham was credited as righteous simply for believing God's promises, we too are made right with God not through perfect performance but through trusting in Christ's completed work. This paradigm shift from religious striving to grace-filled surrender changes everything about how we approach our relationship with God.

What makes Romans especially relatable is Paul's raw honesty about his own spiritual struggles: "What I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do." Sound familiar? Yet this confession leads to the triumphant declaration that "there is now no condemnation for those in Christ Jesus" and the assurance that absolutely nothing can separate us from God's love. From this foundation of security, Paul shows us how to walk this journey as "living sacrifices"—transformed by renewed thinking and expressing Christ's character through genuine community.

If you're tired of exhausting yourself with spiritual perfectionism or feeling like you're never quite measuring up, this episode offers the freedom you've been searching for. Subscribe now, share with a friend who needs encouragement, and join me next week as we continue discovering how to live on purpose in Christ. Ready to experience a personal reset in your spiritual journey? Visit PaulaBehrens.com/coaching to book your Aroma of Christ Coaching Hour today.

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YOUR NEXT STEP:

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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

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Ever stood in the middle of your living room surrounded by scattered toys, with a tugging toddler at your leg, wondering if you're doing any of this right? Or perhaps you're a grandmother stepping back into the world of little ones, quietly questioning if you still remember what you're doing or if you're truly the influence they need?

God's Word speaks directly to these uncertainties with powerful promises for both mothers and grandmothers. Through five key scriptures, we discover that God never asks us to parent from our own strength or meet impossible standards of perfection. Instead, He offers His presence, wisdom, and gentle guidance for this sacred journey.

Whether you're in the trenches of daily motherhood or providing the irreplaceable influence of a grandmother, these truths anchor us when uncertainty rises. God chose you specifically for the children in your life, and His Word lights your path. You don't walk this journey alone—you're living on purpose in Christ as a beloved daughter of God who happens to be a mother or grandmother too. Join us for this heart-to-heart encouragement that meets you exactly where you are.

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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

Find the full episode here >>> PaulaBehrens.com/blog

What happens when ordinary people are filled with extraordinary power? The book of Acts gives us the answer. This vibrant narrative takes us from a small upper room in Jerusalem to the far reaches of the Roman Empire, showing how the Holy Spirit transformed a handful of fearful disciples into unstoppable witnesses for Jesus Christ.

Acts begins with Jesus' promise of power through the Holy Spirit and maps out a mission that will spread from Jerusalem to "the ends of the earth." We witness the dramatic birth of the Church at Pentecost when the Spirit descends like fire, empowering believers to speak in languages they never learned and Peter to preach with such boldness that 3,000 people are baptized in a single day. This new community devotes itself to teaching, fellowship, breaking bread, and prayer—creating a radical alternative to the surrounding culture through their unity and generosity.

As opposition rises, so does the church's resolve. We follow the gospel's expansion through persecution, watching as Stephen's martyrdom scatters believers who plant the message wherever they go. The transformation of Saul from violent persecutor to passionate apostle Paul demonstrates that no one is beyond the reach of God's grace. Through Peter's vision and encounter with Cornelius, we see God demolishing barriers between Jews and Gentiles, declaring that the gospel is for everyone regardless of ethnicity or background. Throughout Paul's journeys, imprisonments, and trials, one truth remains constant: what appears to be defeat becomes the very means of advancing Christ's kingdom.

The story of Acts doesn't end with Paul in Rome—it continues through every generation of believers, including our own. The same Spirit that empowered those first Christians empowers us today. If you're feeling weary or disconnected from God's purpose, consider booking an Aroma of Christ Coaching Hour Plus Peace Reset at PaulaBerens.com/coaching to create space for the Holy Spirit to renew your heart and vision. Because the unstoppable story of Acts is still being written—through you.

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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

Find the full episode here >>> PaulaBehrens.com/blog

Ever glanced at your dusty Bible with a pang of guilt while racing through another hectic day? You're not alone. Drawing from my seminary years spent navigating dark country roads at 5 AM (dodging feral hogs, no less!), I share how God transformed my understanding of devotional time forever.

The perfect Bible study scenario—comfy chair, steaming tea, hour of solitude—remains an unattainable myth for most of us. But what if I told you that God's Word thrives in the messy, ordinary corners of your day? During my grueling twice-weekly commutes from Kosse to Dallas, Texas, I discovered sacred spaces in unexpected places: gas station parking lots where I'd read a Psalm while eating a breakfast biscuit, long stretches of highway where audio Scripture filled my car, and exhausted moments when a single memorized verse carried me through.

Your spiritual life doesn't require Pinterest-perfect settings to flourish. Remember the woman who touched Jesus' garment? She didn't schedule a lengthy appointment—she reached out in a moment and was transformed. God meets us in these brief, authentic encounters, turning ordinary moments into holy ground. Whether it's five minutes in the school drop-off line, a lunch break at your desk, or those quiet moments before the household wakes, He's there, ready to speak through His Word.

Ready to discover how God can meet you in your unique life circumstances? The Aroma of Christ Coaching Hour helps you create a devotional routine that works with your reality, not against it. Stop waiting for the perfect moment to connect with God—He's already waiting for you in the beautiful mess of your everyday life. Book your session today at PaulaBehrens.com/coaching and receive a bonus Aroma RESET to help you release what's been holding you back.

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YOUR NEXT STEP:

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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

Find the full episode here >>> PaulaBehrens.com/blog

The first words of John's Gospel launch us into eternity - "In the beginning was the Word" - before bringing us face-to-face with the astonishing reality that this eternal Word "became flesh and made his dwelling among us." Unlike the synoptic Gospels that rush through parables and miracles, John slows everything down, inviting us to linger in sacred moments and see Jesus through fresh eyes.

Written by "the disciple whom Jesus loved," this Gospel pulses with intimacy and wonder. From the wedding at Cana where ordinary water becomes extraordinary wine, to the garden where the risen Lord speaks Mary's name with such tenderness that her grief transforms to joy - John reveals a Jesus who knows us personally and loves us completely.

Throughout this bird's-eye journey, we explore the four beautiful sections of John's Gospel: the majestic Prologue introducing Jesus as the eternal Word; the Book of Signs showcasing seven miraculous works that reveal His identity; the Book of Glory focusing on His passion and Resurrection; and the poignant Epilogue where Jesus cooks breakfast on the shore and restores Peter after his denials. We ponder His seven powerful "I am" declarations - bread of life, light of the world, good shepherd, resurrection and life, way, truth, life, and true vine - each addressing our deepest human needs.

This Gospel speaks directly to our modern spiritual hunger. Are you feeling empty? Jesus is the bread of life. Lost? He's the good shepherd. Stumbling in darkness? He's the light of the world. The invitation of John's Gospel isn't just to learn about Jesus but to experience Him - to believe and receive the abundant life He offers. As John himself writes, "These are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name." Dive deep into this transformative Gospel and discover how Jesus is calling your name today.

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YOUR NEXT STEP:

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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

Find the full episode here >>> PaulaBehrens.com/blog

Have you ever wondered if your small actions truly matter in God's grand design? Those moments when you offer a kind word, send an encouraging text, or simply pause to truly see someone—these aren't just nice gestures. They're powerful beacons of light in a darkened world.

When Jesus told his followers they were "the light of the world," he wasn't addressing spiritual superstars. He spoke to ordinary people with messy lives and real struggles. That's good news for us today. You don't need to wait until your spiritual life feels perfect before making an impact. Your light—His light through you—shines right where you are, even amid busy schedules and imperfect prayers.

Being a light isn't about how eloquently you can speak about faith or how many Bible studies you lead. It's about presence—creating space where others encounter God's love through your genuine care. Sometimes the most profound ministry happens in seemingly small moments: listening without rushing to give advice, offering a prayer with a coworker, or holding a baby so a new mom can get a much needed nap. These actions may feel insignificant, but they're exactly how God's light pierces through darkness. As Galatians 6:9 reminds us, "Let us not grow weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up." Your consistent faithfulness, even when it feels unseen, is sowing seeds that will one day bloom into a harvest of faith in your family and beyond. Ready to shine brighter? Visit paulabehrens.com/coaching to discover how the Aroma of Christ Coaching Hour can help you connect more deeply with God and carry His peace forward as a steady beacon of faith.

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YOUR NEXT STEP:

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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

Find the full episode here >>> PaulaBehrens.com/blog

Ever felt like your faith is stuck on autopilot? You love Jesus and sincerely want to grow closer, but somehow the days blur by in a whirlwind of responsibilities, distractions, and sheer exhaustion. You're not alone in wondering if you're truly growing or just coasting through your spiritual journey.

The Gospel of Luke offers a refreshing perspective for those of us caught in this tension. It portrays Jesus as the Savior who sees, values, and meets us exactly where we are—whether that's folding laundry, working long hours, or juggling family responsibilities. Luke's narrative centers on voices that society often overlooks: Mary, a young girl from an insignificant town; shepherds on the social margins; women at the tomb when no one believed them. Their stories reveal a profound truth: God chooses ordinary people for extraordinary purposes.

What makes Luke's Gospel particularly meaningful for busy women today is its emphasis on Jesus' prayer life. Prayer wasn't a formal obligation Jesus checked off his to-do list—it was his lifeline to the Father. This invites us to reimagine our own connection with God. Prayer doesn't require an Instagram-worthy quiet time setup; it can flow naturally during carpool lines, over kitchen sinks, or in sleepless nights. It's about presence, not perfection. And when life feels overwhelming, Luke reminds us that the same Spirit who raised Jesus from the dead dwells within us, providing strength when ours runs out.

Whether you're feeling spiritually dry, emotionally exhausted, or simply longing for more authentic connection with God, this episode unpacks how Luke's portrait of Jesus speaks directly to your reality. Discover how his parables stretch our understanding of grace, how his journey to the cross teaches us about surrender, and how his resurrection promises his continuing presence in our everyday lives. Ready to move beyond spiritual autopilot? Join us as we explore how the compassionate Savior in Luke's Gospel meets you right where you are today.

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YOUR NEXT STEP:

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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

Find the full episode here >>> PaulaBehrens.com/blog

Have you ever felt like emotional trauma has stolen your sense of self, leaving you questioning your worth and purpose? Whether from betrayal, loss, or the cumulative weight of everyday stresses, these wounds can silently erode your confidence and disrupt your spiritual walk.

The journey to healing doesn't mean erasing your story. Rather, it's about reclaiming the confidence God designed for you through small, manageable steps of faith. When trauma whispers lies of inadequacy, God's truth speaks louder—reminding us that we are fearfully and wonderfully made, even in our brokenness. As Isaiah 41:10 promises, "Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."

Practical healing begins with simple routines that honor both your spiritual needs and emotional well-being. Start with five-minute devotionals paired with Scripture-based affirmations to counter negative thoughts. Set biblical boundaries that preserve your peace while maintaining your witness. Create space for healing by joining supportive communities where you can process your journey alongside others who understand. Remember that God meets you in your weakness, working through your healing process to equip you for every season—not after you're "fixed," but right in the midst of your healing journey.

Ready to break free from emotional trauma and step into the confidence God designed for you? Book your personalized Aroma of Christ Coaching Hour + Peace RESET at paulabehrens.com/coaching to discover a Christ-centered approach to healing that combines biblical wisdom with practical self-care. Your journey to confidence and healing begins here.

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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