Welcome to the My Sister and Me Ministries Podcast, where we encourage one another in the Hope we have in Jesus.

We began a new series last week called “Cleaning House.”

Through this series, we are looking much deeper than household chores, errands, or keeping a nice yard. As Christ followers, the most important tidy up starts inside of us. What does our spiritual house need? What steps are we taking to have organized, healthy minds, bodies, souls, attitudes, or finances?

Today, we’re talking about implementing systems and processes to help us work on the big projects—whether that be in our homes or in our hearts—one bite at a time.

The big picture of ALL the things is too much for us to successfully apply our attention and effort. Defeat really does lurk at the door of our multiple unrealistic and self-inflicted expectations.

When we minimize the focus and identify the smallest of tasks, we realize little intermediate successes. Then, those minor accomplishments fuel our engagement and commitment to the goal and when stacked one upon another, they eventually propel us into mastery!

The important thing is that we START, and then focus on one thing at a time!

As we commit ourselves to the process—whether in our physical homes or our spiritual houses—we will succeed in the goal, whatever that may be for each of us individually. And as we faithfully accomplish the little things, more will be given or added to us.

Bonus: We don’t have to do all of this in our own strength! We would surely fail on our own. But we can look to and rely upon God. It is His strength, His plan, and His purpose in us!

Let’s trust Him in the process as we press on, one step at a time. Let’s keeping our eyes on Jesus, believing He has made the way for us as we tackle the to-do list one bite at a time.

Scripture References: Philippians 1:6, 3:12; Ecclesiastes 8:6; 1 Peter 2:1-5; 2 Corinthians 3:18; Luke 16:10; 2 Peter 1:3

Find more My Sister and Me Ministries content here:YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOBHT_IPY1e7r4e7hSugWvgWebsite: https://www.mysisterandme.orgInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/mysisterandme/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mysisterandmeministries

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Welcome to the My Sister and Me Ministries podcast! We love spending time with you as we encourage one another in the hope we have in Jesus. Today, we begin a new series called “Cleaning House.”

Our homes require a lot of work! We do the chores so that we have not just a clean space but also a calmer, more comfortable place to live.

Do you have a favorite or least favorite chore?

If your “to-do” or “hope to do list” is a mile long and you are placing unrealistic expectations for yourself to complete everything in a day, maybe it’s time to do a little tidy up on the way you approach your full plate.

We all have areas in our homes and lives that stay cleaner than others. Although it is fulfilling to have a tidy house and a completed to-do list—these aren’t all we desire.

As Christ followers, the most important clean up starts inside of us—in our hearts. God transforms us from the inside out.

We can consume ourselves with getting all the things done and forget to feed our souls, allowing God space to help us, lead us, and really refresh us. Why do we choose the harder way?

It’s easy to talk about our physical homes and all the ways we can make is better, more inviting, or comfortable. But if we are connected to Jesus and following Him, we also have a spiritual house.

Our bodies are the dwelling place of His Holy Spirit. Do we spend time tending to the needs we have for Jesus? Our renewal, restoration, and refreshment only come as we spend time with Him.

Join us as we walk through this series and explore the steps we can take to have organized, healthy minds, bodies, souls, attitudes, and finances, while we seek and serve Christ.

This series is not to overwhelm you with MORE to do, but is actually the opposite. God knows our deepest desires, and He wants our desires to align with His.

Together, let’s discover ways to be strengthened so that everyday chores, commitments, and schedules will be easier, smoother, and with more peace. Let’s create a space for Jesus in our lives!

Scriptures: Psalm 51:2, 10; Psalm 37:4; Hebrews 12:1-3; Isaiah 1:18; Galatians 5:22-23

Find more My Sister and Me Ministries content here:YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOBHT_IPY1e7r4e7hSugWvgWebsite: https://www.mysisterandme.orgInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/mysisterandme/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mysisterandmeministries

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This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit mysisterandmeministries.substack.com

Welcome to the My Sister and Me Ministries Podcast! Today is our last episode of our series called “Games People Play.”

Living life is not a game—but sometimes it can feel like one. Pressures, ups, downs, and very real obstacles wait for us around every turn. Lessons learned by games we’ve played can help us as we navigate our own spiritual lives.

Our “end game” or “game over” as a believer is to spend eternity with our Savior. In Ephesians 2:8-9, Paul reminds us that it is by faith that we are saved. And Romans 10:17 tells us that faith comes from hearing the word of Christ.

Jesus has provided us with new life in Him through faith. So it’s more like “game continued” instead of “game over!”

In this episode, instead of the rules of a game, we explore seven key objectives for what a LIFE of faith in Jesus looks like.

The ultimate objective is that we seek Him, follow Him, love Him, and stand firmly upon Him, for He is our Rock and our Redeemer.

Thank you for listening, for leaving a comment, and for encouraging us and others in this community. Above all, thanks for growing in faith with us! We invite you to join us next week as we jump into our new series: “Cleaning House!”

As always, hold fast to Hope!

Scripture References: Ephesians 2:8-9, 6:10-18, Romans 10:17; 2 John 1:6; Isaiah 40:29-31; James 1:5; 2 Corinthians 12:9; Colossians 3:16; Psalm 63:3-4

Find more My Sister and Me Ministries content here:YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOBHT_IPY1e7r4e7hSugWvgWebsite: https://www.mysisterandme.orgInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/mysisterandme/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mysisterandmeministries

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This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit mysisterandmeministries.substack.com

Welcome to the My Sister and Me Ministries Podcast!

Our series, called “Games People Play,” continues! Today, we’re talking about the game “Follow the Leader.” You may have already started singing that song from the “Peter Pan” movie:

We’re following the leader, the leader, the leader! We’re following the leader wherever he may go.

As a believer in Jesus, “Following the Leader” takes on a new meaning. No longer a fun childhood game or song. Instead, it becomes a mission in our lives.

Are we following Jesus? How do we follow Him? Are we going wherever He goes? Or are we headed somewhere He is not?

From the very beginning, God instructed people to follow Him. To do so meant to reverence Him, obey Him, serve Him, and cling to Him. The promise was that He would always be with them, leading them as they went.

As we turn to the New Testament, we see Jesus confirmed these truths as He led and taught His disciples. Mark 8:34 (NIV) says:

Then He called the crowd to Him along with His disciples and said: “Whoever wants to be My disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow Me.”

In the rules of the childhood game, the leader is out in front, and all eyes are on the leader. The players studiously watch the leader so they can go where the leader goes, do what the leader does, say what the leader says, and act as the leader acts.

Just like in the game, God is our leader, and He calls us to follow Him. Jesus came to reveal the heart of the Father—to be Emmanuel–God with us in the flesh. Jesus provides us with the perfect example of our Leader.

To follow the Lord, we must study Him, esteem Him above all others, learn His ways, and copy Him. And we do this by seeking Him in the Bible, setting our minds and our hearts upon Him and His truth, worshiping Him, praying to Him, denying our own will, and choosing to serve Him and others.

It is a high calling.

Jesus showed others grace, mercy, compassion, and forgiveness. We are to follow Him in these examples.

Jesus willingly humbled himself and served others. We, as His followers, are called to do the same.

Jesus loved others, and He instructed us to love God and love others. These are the two cardinal commandments our Leader has given us.

We cannot do all these things in our own strength or ability. Thank God, we have the deposit of His Holy Spirit in our hearts to help us, teach us, comfort us, and guide us.

Yet, we have a choice. Do we choose to surrender all and follow Him? Or are our eyes set upon something or someone else?

Friends, we encourage you—and ourselves — this week! May we keep our eyes on Jesus, the Author and Finisher of our faith. May we keep in step with His Spirit and watch intently for His next move as we follow Him so closely.

Scripture References: Psalm 25:4-5, 32:8, 119:133; Proverbs 16:9; Deuteronomy 13:4, 31:8; Mark 8:34; John 5:19, 12:26, 14, 15, 16; Hebrews 12:2; Galatians 5:25; Isaiah 30:21

Find more My Sister and Me Ministries content here:YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOBHT_IPY1e7r4e7hSugWvgWebsite: https://www.mysisterandme.orgInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/mysisterandme/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mysisterandmeministries

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This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit mysisterandmeministries.substack.com

Hey, Friends! Our series, called “Games People Play,” continues!

Today, we’re talking about the game Jenga. To set up this popular tabletop game, 54 wooden blocks are stacked three in a row to form a tower. Players take turns removing wooden blocks from the tower and balancing them on top until the structure collapses. If it collapses while you are removing a block, you lose.

Setting up the tower in the game of Jenga doesn’t take a lot of skill. However, deciding which block is ready to be removed from which row is a little trickier. The last person to remove and replace a block without knocking the structure down is the winner.

Building this tower of blocks, layer by layer, some going one way, some another, always trying to balance the structure, is like how we build our faith. We build and strengthen it layer by layer, block by block. We learn new things about God as we study His Word.

As we build our faith on the Word of God, we replace the thoughts, ideas, or half-truths we once believed with the absolute truths in scripture. Sometimes it feels like we take a step forward and two steps back. But, as we grow in faith, we will be standing on a firm foundation of Christ, who is our Cornerstone.

Three major truths about God we can stand on:

God is Holy

God Alone is Almighty

God is a Rock

God is an immovable, permanent source of safety, rescue, and strength. When we trust completely in God’s unchanging protection, we will not be knocked over or destroyed by life’s hard times.

Our daily connection to God is vital for us to remain on solid ground, to be firmly rooted in Christ, and to build our lives upon Him. We must connect with Him every day, just as Jesus remained connected to the Father.

In the game of Jenga, a block is removed from one row and is replaced in a new spot. As God’s children, we may also have “blocks” removed. He will prune sin, unfruitful areas, habits, even good works, or perhaps places we serve.

As God removes something, He allows fresh evidence of our faith to bloom in us. We will grow new strength, wisdom, and courage to share His truth. We gain fresh purpose, new abilities, stronger roots from the places that He has cut back. We will bloom beautifully for His glory.

Friends, we’re so grateful you’ve joined us this week. We pray you rejoice as you rest in Jesus, your strong tower. He is the Rock we build our lives upon!

Scripture References: Matthew 7:24, 1 Samuel 2:2; Psalm 62:2; John 14:15, 15:1-11; Proverbs 18:10

Find more My Sister and Me Ministries content here:YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOBHT_IPY1e7r4e7hSugWvgWebsite: https://www.mysisterandme.orgInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/mysisterandme/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mysisterandmeministries

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This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit mysisterandmeministries.substack.com

Welcome to the My Sister and Me Ministries Podcast! Our series, “Games People Play,” continues! Today, we’re talking about the game Go Fish. “Do you have any sevens?”

The goal of this game is to collect and lay down the most sets of four of the same-numbered cards. When a set of four is complete, it’s called a book. The person with the most books at the end of the game is the winner!

In life, God has created each of us uniquely, with gifts, purpose, and relationships. We work with the gifts He has given us, navigate the challenges we face, develop our faith and grow in God’s love as we expand our hand—increasing in knowing Him and trusting Him.

All of us “go fishing” throughout our journeys. In the game, as we build books, we look for the same card number as one that we are holding in our hand. In life, we look for things we have in common with others—similar interests, like-mindedness, same goals, kindred passions.

This common ground with others not only unifies us but also inspires us to keep going and propels us to learn more, do more, be more together. God created us for community—to work together and help each other. We need each other to perform the will, purpose, and plans of God.

ALL of humanity—believers and unbelievers—have some God-truths in common:

1. God created us all (Colossians 1:16)

2. God loves us all (Romans 5:8)

3. God knows us all (Psalm 139:1)

4. God desires that we all know Him and His saving grace (1 Timothy 2:3-4)

With this set of sameness, we can “build a book” with any other person on this earth. These four truths unite all of humanity. How can you build your book and His kingdom this week?

Jesus will draw all people to Himself—for His purpose and for His glory. Let Him draw you!

Scripture References: John 12:32; Ephesians 2:10, 4:15; Hebrews 3:13, 10:24-25; 1 Peter 4:10-11; Colossians 1:16; Romans 5:8; Psalm 139; 1 Timothy 2:3-4; Mark 1:17; Matthew 28:19

Find more My Sister and Me Ministries content here:YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOBHT_IPY1e7r4e7hSugWvgWebsite: https://www.mysisterandme.orgInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/mysisterandme/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mysisterandmeministries

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This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit mysisterandmeministries.substack.com

Welcome to the My Sister and Me Ministries Podcast! We continue our series called “Games People Play.” Grab your notebook, pen, and highlighter and get ready to dig in with us today! Today we are going to lean on our muscles and talk about a competitive game called Tug of War.

Our faith life can feel just like a game of Tug of War. It is a perfect example of the struggle we fight every day as Christians between what our bodies or minds want and what we know God would want.

In the Bible, this battle is referred to as Flesh vs Spirit. In Galatians 5:17 (ESV), Paul writes this:

For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do.

Our flesh pulls the rope toward things that bring instant gratification, temporary happiness, or a sense of euphoria, regardless of the repercussions. Your flesh wants what it wants, when it wants it. Temptation to fall into destructive habits, wrong thinking, impulsive decision making, all come from a place of this pulling on us.

We have hope in this tug of war because of Jesus! Because of His finished work on the cross! There are two sides in this war. Our flesh may pull from one side of the rope, but on the other side of the rope is the Holy Spirit. He pulls us toward things that are lovely, holy, honorable, kind, and of good purpose—God’s perfect plan for us.

When we choose to listen, follow, and heed the voice of the Spirit, our lives look more like Jesus. May you know God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases Him. Listen for His voice and allow Him to fill you with everything you need to walk into this new day.

Scripture References: Philippians 2:13; Galatians 5:17, 22-24; Matthew 26:41; Romans 7:18, 8:1,8; 1 Corinthians 10:1; John 6:63; 1 John 4:13

Find more My Sister and Me Ministries content here:YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOBHT_IPY1e7r4e7hSugWvgWebsite: https://www.mysisterandme.orgInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/mysisterandme/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mysisterandmeministries

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This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit mysisterandmeministries.substack.com

Welcome to the My Sister and Me Ministries Podcast! We invite you to become a part of our community as we encourage one another in the hope we have in Jesus. Today, we continue our series called “Games People Play.”

In this episode, we discover eternal truths we can learn from the solo game of Solitaire. Even in games we play alone, strategy and skill exist, and lessons are learned. The hard truth about single-player games: winning or losing rests fully on the one and only person playing the game.

Just like in the game of solitaire, we each are responsible for our successes and failures. Even in our relationships with God and our journeys of faith—time, commitment, pursuit, study, and perseverance are required for each person to grow and mature. No one can do that work and make that investment for us.

The book of Proverbs shares wisdom and instruction about the responsibilities of individuals. And Paul, in his letters, paralleled this instruction to help the Church understand these truths.

Scripture teaches us that we all work out our own salvation. No one can choose Jesus for us. We each have the opportunity to believe and to receive salvation from the Lord. When we believe in our hearts and say with our mouths that Jesus is our Lord, then we can choose to actively live out and practice our faith.

Personal responsibility is not a fun topic to talk about. But if we want to grow in faith, we should reflect on our thoughts, words, choices, actions, pursuits, and commitment (or lack thereof).

Let’s up our game this week! Let’s grow in faith by committing to seek God first. God is with us, He is for us, and He is working in us and through us. Our prayer for you this week is that you be patient, observant, strategic, and committed in your choices and moves as you increase in your devotion to God and growth in His truth.

Scripture References: 1 Timothy 4:16; Proverbs 23:12, 19, 23; Galatians 5:5-6; Philippians 2:12-13; Romans 8:31, 14:12; John 14:26, 16:13; Luke 12:12; Deuteronomy 30:15-20; Matthew 28:20.

Find more My Sister and Me Ministries content here:YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOBHT_IPY1e7r4e7hSugWvgWebsite: https://www.mysisterandme.orgInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/mysisterandme/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mysisterandmeministries

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This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit mysisterandmeministries.substack.com

Hey, Friends! We continue our series called “Games People Play.” Today we are going to turn up the volume and talk about a common party game called Musical Chairs and the biblical truths we can learn from this game.

The players of Musical Chairs circle a row of chairs while music plays. When the music stops, everyone must scramble to sit in an empty chair. Because there is always one fewer chair than players, the person left standing is eliminated. Then, another chair is removed for the next round, and so on, until only one person is left sitting!

Tuning into the music is critical to winning or losing this game.

Music seeps into many parts of our lives. We all have favorite songs, artists, genres, and even places we most enjoy listening to music. The tunes we sing to ourselves, either of worship or the world, will affect how we see and experience Jesus in our own life. But not all songs point to God or glorify Him.

Many artists have written songs of praise and worship using passages of scripture out of books of the Bible. Singing, dancing, and playing instruments are beautiful expressions of worship to God. We can encourage one another through songs, hymns, and gratitude in joyful or challenging situations.

We build endurance, strengthen each other, gain courage, and glorify God every time we sing out to the Lord.

In our lives, there will be times we feel left out, overlooked, or pressured to change because of our faith in Christ. But if we are truly listening to the melody of God’s voice, we will always find His truth and righteousness.

Because of Jesus, we always have a seat. He has gone before us and prepared a place for us. And the beauty of His melody is that there will always be room for one more!

Scripture References: Psalm 96:1-3, 104:33; Colossians 3:16; Daniel 3

Find more My Sister and Me Ministries content here:YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOBHT_IPY1e7r4e7hSugWvgWebsite: https://www.mysisterandme.orgInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/mysisterandme/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mysisterandmeministries

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This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit mysisterandmeministries.substack.com

Welcome to the My Sister and Me Ministries Podcast! Today, we continue our series “Games People Play,” and we’re talking about the truths we glean from a game we all probably played at the grade school gym or playground—Dodgeball!

Remember that big, red rubber ball careening through the crowd? Maybe you grabbed human shields to protect yourself, or perhaps you were that shield! Regardless, if you played, you most likely have a lasting memory of being slammed by that ball.

Some events in life can hit us like that. Out of nowhere, an unexpected blow knocks the breath out of us, and we fall to our knees. Sometimes we can easily dodge the impact and steer completely clear of any fallout. Other times, we miraculously experience a near miss.

Life isn’t a game of dodgeball, but we can certainly learn some excellent lessons, in line with scripture, from that riveting contest.

We must be watchful, alert, and aware of all the surrounding activity. A real enemy watches and waits for us, looking for someone to destroy. Distraction leaves us wide open for harm. We must be on guard so that we recognize the enemy’s strategies.

Putting on the armor of God protects us from the schemes of the enemy. Each piece has a unique purpose and operation. Join us as we explore the Belt of Truth, the Breastplate of Righteousness, the Shoes of the Gospel of Peace, the Shield of Faith, the Helmet of Salvation, the Sword of the Spirit, and Prayer.

Once we’ve done all to survive the attacks—whether in a game of dodgeball or the events of life—knowing God is with us and for us is key. Our victory in any fight is only established through the finished work of Jesus on the cross.

Circumstances can throw some pretty tough blows. But we don’t have to fall prey to the attacks of the enemy. Our ability to dodge and survive is found in Christ.

Scripture References: Psalm 46:1, 91:1, 121:3, 138:7; 1 Peter 5:8; 1 Corinthians 16:13; Ephesians 6:10-18; John 10:28

Find more My Sister and Me Ministries content here:YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOBHT_IPY1e7r4e7hSugWvgWebsite: https://www.mysisterandme.orgInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/mysisterandme/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mysisterandmeministries

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This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit mysisterandmeministries.substack.com