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

Struggling to maintain consistency in your faith walk? Feeling spiritually stagnant amid life's demands? The Gospel of Mark offers exactly what your soul craves—an action-packed, urgent invitation back to authentic discipleship.

Mark's gospel cuts through religious noise with refreshing directness. Written by John Mark, who likely traveled with Peter, this shortest gospel wastes no time with lengthy introductions. It plunges immediately into Jesus' ministry with a pace that perfectly matches our hurried lives. When Jesus calls his first disciples by the Galilean shore, they drop their nets "immediately"—a word appearing repeatedly throughout Mark, emphasizing that following Jesus demands urgency, not someday intentions.

What "nets" are you clinging to? Perhaps it's the net of control—wanting to manage every detail rather than surrendering to God's direction. Maybe it's comfort—hesitating to step into the unknown despite Christ's call. Or approval—fearing others' opinions more than embracing your true identity in Christ. The disciples' immediate response challenges us to examine what prevents our wholehearted commitment.

Mark's gospel speaks powerfully to those feeling spiritually isolated. When Jesus' own family thinks he's "out of his mind," he redefines family as "whoever does God's will." This offers profound comfort if you're navigating faith alone—perhaps with an unbelieving spouse or resistant children. You're never truly spiritually isolated; in Christ, you belong to a family transcending biological connections. Even in your spiritual journey's most challenging moments, remember the father who honestly cried, "I believe; help my unbelief!" This prayer perfectly captures the tension many experience—faith mixed with doubt, certainty with questions.

Ready to rekindle your spiritual walk with fresh urgency? Join me for a personalized Aroma of Christ coaching hour at paulabehrens.com/coaching. Together, we'll develop practical strategies to make your devotional life consistent, meaningful, and transformative again.

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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 stood in your kitchen surrounded by chaos, feeling that quiet pang of guilt because your Bible has been sitting unopened for days? The tension between longing for spiritual depth and managing life's demands is real, and it's a struggle shared by countless women trying to balance faith, family, and everything in between.

Through personal stories and practical wisdom, we dive into transforming those fleeting moments into meaningful connections with God. Rather than requiring perfect conditions or lengthy sessions, true spiritual nourishment can happen in the small pockets of time already present in your day—those five minutes while coffee brews, during carpool duty, or even while folding laundry. The secret isn't finding more hours but maximizing the minutes you already have.

What sets this approach apart is its emphasis on grace over perfection. For women carrying emotional burdens or feeling spiritually isolated within their families, scripture-based affirmations paired with sensory elements like essential oils create a holistic practice addressing both spiritual and emotional needs. You'll discover how to build a sustainable routine that fits your unique life circumstances, helps manage stress, and brings God's peace into everyday moments. Remember that consistency doesn't mean flawlessness—it means returning again and again to the practice, knowing that small steps truly do add up to profound transformation. Ready to stop feeling guilty and start feeling connected? These practical strategies will help you create a devotional life that actually works.

Ready to personalize your spiritual journey? Book an Aroma of Christ coaching session at paulabehrens.com/coaching and receive a complimentary peace reset for a limited time. Share this episode with a friend who needs encouragement and leave a review to help others find this message of hope.

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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

Printable Bible Study >>> PaulaBehrens.com/members

Have you ever wondered what it truly means to follow Jesus as King—not just in words, but in every aspect of your life? The Gospel of Matthew holds powerful answers that can transform your everyday experience of faith.

Matthew's Gospel opens with a genealogy that might seem boring at first glance, but reveals God's incredible faithfulness across generations. Jesus' lineage connects Him directly to Abraham and King David, establishing His royal credentials while including women with complicated stories—Tamar, Rahab, Ruth, and Bathsheba. Their presence reminds us that God works through real people with messy lives, including yours and mine.

When we dive into Jesus' teachings, particularly the Sermon on the Mount, we discover a revolutionary kingdom ethic that turns worldly values upside down. The Beatitudes declare blessed those whom society often overlooks: the poor in spirit, the meek, those who mourn. Throughout Matthew's account, Jesus demonstrates His authority through compassionate miracles—calming storms, healing diseases, even raising the dead—while calling followers to a discipleship that goes beyond surface-level religion to profound heart transformation.

The gospel culminates in Jesus' ultimate demonstration of authority: His resurrection and the Great Commission. "He is not here, for He has risen," announces the angel, forever changing what's possible for humanity. This same Jesus—Emmanuel, God with us—promises to be present as we make disciples and live under His loving reign. Whether you're facing storms of uncertainty, seeking deeper connection with God, or simply wanting to understand Jesus better, this exploration of Matthew will inspire your soul and strengthen your walk with Christ. How might your life change if you truly embraced Jesus as your King today?

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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 feel like you're drowning in family schedules while faith gets squeezed into whatever tiny cracks remain? You're not alone. This spiritual tug-of-war affects countless families who genuinely want God at the center but struggle against the relentless current of activities, commitments, and responsibilities.

The problem isn't that we don't value faith—it's that we haven't found practical ways to integrate it naturally into our daily rhythms. When devotions are repeatedly postponed, conversations revolve exclusively around logistics, and Sunday worship becomes optional due to exhaustion, we're witnessing faith shifting from the driver's seat to the passenger seat of family life.

Deuteronomy reminds us that spiritual formation happens not just in designated "God time" but in natural conversations throughout our day—at meals, during drives, at bedtime, and every moment between. This approach transforms spirituality from another obligation into the very oxygen of family life. Parents and grandparents alike hold tremendous influence, even when time together is limited. Those bedtime prayers, conversations about God's creation, shared worship experiences, and simple faith discussions plant seeds that continue growing long after the moment passes.

Rebalancing doesn't mean adding more to already overflowing schedules. It means infusing meaning into what you're already doing—anchoring mornings with a single verse, transforming car rides into opportunities for spiritual conversation, making bedtime a sacred space, and creating small "Sabbath moments" that reset hearts and minds. These simple shifts don't burden—they breathe life into the family rhythm.

Ready to make faith the anchor rather than the afterthought in your family? Book an Aroma of Christ Coaching Hour at paulabehrens.com/coaching and discover how to weave God's presence into the fabric of your unique family life.

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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

What happens when your deepest faith collides with the world's expectations? When choosing Jesus means standing alone? This raw, heartfelt exploration takes us beyond superficial spirituality into the sacred space where suffering becomes purpose.

We often misunderstand Christian suffering, assuming it's about illness or general hardship. But Scripture reveals something different—a unique kind of suffering that comes directly from our faithfulness to Christ. For many women, this looks like family relationships strained by different values, social exclusion for refusing to compromise convictions, or the quiet loneliness of standing firm when everyone else bends.

This suffering isn't random or meaningless. It often emerges from spiritual warfare when your growing faith threatens darkness. The enemy doesn't attack what poses no threat. Your deepening prayers, Scripture study, and faithful witness make you a target because they make a difference. Yet this resistance also serves as God's refining process—burning away pride and self-sufficiency while strengthening authentic faith. Most beautifully, your personal pain becomes the very vessel through which you can minister to others, offering comfort from the same well you've drawn from.

The most profound gift in suffering for Christ is the sacred intimacy it creates with Him. When you walk the path of rejection and misunderstanding for His sake, you experience His heart in ways comfort could never reveal. This suffering doesn't separate you from Jesus—it draws you closer to His side.

Ready to find purpose in your pain? Book an Aroma of Christ coaching hour at paulabehrens.com/coaching where we'll create personalized spiritual rhythms that deepen your connection with God even through difficult seasons. Together, let's discover how standing firm today leads to glory tomorrow.

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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 feel like your emotions are running wild while your spiritual life suffers? You're not alone. That swirling internal chaos—when you can't focus during prayer, when you say things you regret, when past hurts and future fears collide—isn't a sign of spiritual failure. It's simply evidence that you're human.

The good news? Emotional chaos doesn't disqualify you from God's love or purpose. We can find lots of emotionally complex individuals in the Bible who walked closely with God: Elijah begging to die beneath a solitary tree, Hannah weeping bitterly in the temple, Peter overwhelmed by guilt after denying Jesus. Their stories remind us that emotions themselves aren't the problem—it's what we do with them that matters.

God designed your emotions as messengers, not masters. When overwhelm, anxiety, or anger arise, they're signaling something important about your needs, fears, beliefs, or boundaries. Learning to listen to these signals rather than being controlled by them is the heart of emotional balance. This podcast explores five powerful biblical strategies to restore this balance.

Additionally, whether you're struggling with establishing a meaningful devotional routine or battling the constant noise of negative thoughts, the Aroma of Christ Coaching Hour offers personalized support to help you move from chaos to peace. Through scripture meditation, essential oil anointing, and practical spiritual rhythms tailored to your unique life, you'll discover how to bring your full emotional experience before God—just as Jesus did in Gethsemane—and find the peace that surpasses understanding. Ready to stop just surviving and start thriving in your faith? Visit paulabehrens.com/coaching and take the first step toward emotional balance and spiritual renewal today.

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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

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

Ever felt the ache of walking your faith journey alone while married? That spiritual disconnect can leave you wondering how to stay close to God when your spouse doesn't share your beliefs. Today's episode tackles this profound challenge with both compassion and practical wisdom.

Drawing from the biblical story of David and Bathsheba, we explore how even the most faithful among us experience brokenness. This powerful narrative reminds us that God doesn't ask for perfect performance but rather seeks a heart that is honest, broken, and surrendered. If you've spent years trying to bridge the spiritual gap in your marriage or carry the weight of both souls, there's liberating truth waiting for you here.

We dive deep into what forgiveness truly means in an unequally yoked relationship. It's not about sweeping issues under the rug or enabling destructive patterns. True forgiveness releases others to God while maintaining healthy boundaries that protect your emotional, spiritual, and physical wellbeing. You'll discover practical steps to live your faith authentically without becoming spiritually passive or resentful.

Whether you're currently navigating a spiritually mismatched marriage or healing from past disconnection, remember: you are not defined by your spouse's choices. God receives your devotion as a pure and fragrant offering. Through guided prayer and practical application, you'll find renewed hope for your unique journey. Ready to transform spiritual loneliness into deeper intimacy with Christ? Join me for a special Aroma of Christ coaching hour at paulabehrens.com/coaching and discover how to make your devotional life joyful and fulfilling.

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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

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

The weight of walking your spiritual journey alone while married can feel crushing. That tension between Sunday morning preparations—gathering kids, grabbing Bibles, rushing out the door—while your husband remains disinterested cuts deep into your heart. Those silent questions emerge: Why doesn't he care? Is something broken in our marriage? In me?

This episode speaks directly to women who love Jesus with their whole hearts but feel spiritually isolated within their marriage. We tackle fundamental truths that need to sink into your soul. Practical strategies fill this episode: developing personal sacred rhythms like early morning devotions, displaying scripture throughout your home, transforming routine activities into worship opportunities, and guiding your children in faith without disparaging their father. Most liberating is releasing the "savior complex"—understanding that while you can pray faithfully, only the Holy Spirit can change your husband's heart.

If you're navigating this challenging terrain, I'd love to support you through an Aroma of Christ coaching session. Together we'll establish spiritual practices that bring peace and clarity into your life, regardless of your spouse's faith involvement. Visit paulabehrens.com/coaching to reserve your spot and remember—your faithfulness matters, you're planting seeds that God is watering, and you're never truly alone on this journey.

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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

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

Temptation sneaks in at our most vulnerable moments—when we're tired, lonely, or pursuing spiritual growth. That pull toward compromise feels universal because it is. Every person faces it, including Jesus himself.

This episode unpacks what happens in our hearts when temptation arrives and offers practical, biblically-grounded strategies for every family member. By examining Jesus' wilderness experience in Matthew 4, we discover how Scripture becomes our strongest defense against the enemy's schemes. Rather than relying on willpower alone, we learn to treasure God's Word in our hearts as Psalm 119:11 describes.

The journey from temptation to sin follows a predictable pattern, like a snowball growing as it rolls downhill. James 1:14-15 reveals this progression, but also shows us intervention points where we can stop temptation before it takes root. Prayer prepares us for these battles before they begin. Community support provides accountability when we falter. And sometimes, wisdom means physically fleeing from situations that threaten our spiritual integrity, just as Joseph did when confronted by Potiphar's wife.

Throughout the episode, I share personal struggles from my seminary days and ministry experience, revealing how even spiritual leaders can face the disconnect between religious routine and genuine connection with God. These authentic moments highlight the grace-filled journey of developing spiritual disciplines that aren't about performance but presence with our Creator.

Ready to transform your spiritual life from dutiful obligation into joyful communion? Discover how essential oils can anchor your devotional practice, how Scripture memorization builds internal defenses, and how the fruit of the Spirit—especially self-control—becomes your supernatural response to temptation's pull. This isn't about perfection but progress in the power of Christ.

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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

Find the full episode here: PaulaBehrens.com/blog

The ground beneath our faith often shakes most violently when disaster strikes without warning. After the devastating Guadalupe River flood that swept through Texas on July 4th, many of us are left grappling with profound questions about God's presence in tragedy. As someone whose own grandchildren survived this catastrophe while others lost their lives, I understand firsthand the complex emotions that surge when natural disasters upend our sense of safety and order.

Where exactly is God when floodwaters rise? This episode tackles the age-old questions that emerge from suffering—questions that even Biblical figures like Job wrestled with. We examine Jesus's direct teachings about tragedy and whether disasters represent divine punishment (they don't). Rather than offering hollow platitudes, we explore the tangible ways God manifests during crisis: through the hands of rescuers, the voices of counselors calming terrified children, and the sacrificial love of those who risked everything to save others.

Drawing from scripture, personal experience, and pastoral wisdom, we discover how to hold grief in one hand and faith in the other. I share practical journal prompts to help process tragedy, Christian boundaries to protect your healing journey, and an invitation to find community where you can show up exactly as you are—questions, doubts, and all. Whether you're personally affected by recent disasters or simply seeking to understand God's presence in a broken world, this episode offers both comfort and clarity for the journey ahead. Ready to transform your relationship with grief without abandoning your faith? Join me as we navigate these waters together.

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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