Peace in His Presence: Hope for the Anxious Heart

Show Notes:

In this episode: - Middle-of-the-night worries and uncertainty in life's transitions - Michelle shares her journey through Troy's health challenges - Reading from "Promised Hope" about finding refuge in God's promises - Introduction to Christian Life Coaching and its transformative impact - Special invitation for a complimentary 30-minute discovery call (Feb 20-28)

Key Points: - Dealing with aging parents, adult children, and health challenges - Learning to find peace in God's promises during uncertain times - How thoughts create feelings and actions - Overview of the Unshakeable Hope group coaching program

Resources Mentioned: - Book: "Promised Hope: Finding Peace in God's Faithfulness" - Scripture: Psalm 62:5-8 - Website: michellediercks.com/contact

Special Offer: Schedule your free 30-minute discovery call (Feb 20-28) to: - Learn more about the Unshakeable Hope group coaching program - Experience a mini coaching session - Ask questions about Christian Life Coaching

Connect with Michelle: [Website and social media links]

Would you like me to add or adjust anything in these show notes?

Are you struggling with the darkness and heaviness of winter? Does your mind feel as gray as the winter sky? In this special bonus episode, Michelle shares powerful insights about transforming our thoughts and finding joy even in challenging seasons. Learn how our thoughts create our feelings and discover practical tools for finding peace in God's presence.

Key Topics Covered: - How our thoughts create our feelings and influence our actions - Finding joy in winter through perspective shifts - Dealing with anxious thoughts and worry - The power of changing our thought patterns - Resting in God's promises during difficult seasons - Practical examples of thought transformation - The importance of treating adult children as heroes in their own stories

Featured Stories: - Michelle's personal journey with Troy's health challenges - The impact of changing thoughts on family relationships - Learning to trust God's timing and provision

Key Takeaways: 1. Our thoughts are responsible for how we feel 2. We can choose to reframe our perspective on challenging situations 3. When we change our thoughts, our feelings and actions naturally follow 4. God's presence provides peace even in uncertain circumstances 5. Treating others as the heroes of their own stories transforms relationships

Special Announcement: Starting March 2 - "Unshakeable Hope" Small Group Coaching Program - Learn to rest in God's unshakeable hope, joy, and peace - Combines teachings from "Promised Hope" with Christian life coaching tools - Special beta program pricing: $300 (Regular value: $1000+) - Weekly teachings, group coaching calls, and private Facebook community

➡️Learn More Here✝️

Free Resources through Michelle's Coaching Newsletter

➡️Sign up Here✝️ - Special PDF Journal with Bible reading plan - Prayer prompts - Guided meditation recording

Action Steps: 1. Listen to the entire episode for full context and stories 2. Sign up for the newsletter to receive your free journal 3. Learn more about the Unshakeable Hope program launching February 17th 4. Share this episode with someone who might need encouragement during this season

Episode Overview: Guest host Sharla Fritz interviews Michelle about Chapter 4 of her new book "Promised Hope," exploring the concept of God as our rock in times of uncertainty.

Notable Quotes: - "Even though my world felt shaken, I knew God could see beyond the uncertainty of this moment. God held everything together." - "Jesus as our rock will never be taken away. It cannot be destroyed." - "If he's helped me in those ways in the past, won't he continue to do that in the future? And the answer is yes."

Key Discussion Points: - Michelle's personal experience with her husband's hospitalization led to deeper reflection on God as our rock - The contrast between temporary foundations (money, health, relationships) vs. God as our unshakable foundation - The concept of "Selah moments" - sacred pauses to ground ourselves in God's presence - Story of Michelle's childhood experience with "fool's gold" and learning valuable lessons about true treasure

Scripture Focus: - Psalm 62:5-8 - "He only is my rock and my salvation..." - Psalm 18:1-2 - David's personal declarations of God as his rock, fortress, and deliverer

Practical Application - The Five R's of Reflection: 1. Rejoice - Practice gratitude and praise 2. Release - Let go of things we're holding too tightly 3. Reframe - Look at situations through the lens of God's character 4. Remember - Recall God's past faithfulness 5. Rest - Find peace in God's promises and presence

Book Details: - Title: "Promised Hope: Finding Peace in God's Faithfulness" - Structure: 8 weeks of study, with 5 daily readings per week - Suitable for: Individual devotion, small groups, Bible studies, book clubs - Available at: CPH.org/promisedhope and Amazon

Additional Resources: - Free first chapter available at CPH.org/promisedhope - Order on Amazon

Tired of feeling stuck in winter weariness? Join me for this transformative workshop where you'll discover:

✨ Why your thoughts might be keeping you trapped in weariness

✨ How to begin shifting from overwhelm to hope

✨ Simple tools to experience more joy in your daily life

✨ The peace that comes from resting in God's faithfulness

When: Monday, January 27th at 7:00 p.m. CST

Registration - Limited Spots Available!

Please sign up for the workshop below to be added to the email list to receive the information. Important: Please check your spam folder if you don't receive your confirmation email.

Click here ➡️ to sign up for the workshop!

Welcome friends! What an incredible week it's been with the launch of Promised Hope: Finding Peace in God's Faithfulness. Your responses through messages, texts, and calls have filled my heart with such gratitude.

In today's episode, I share something that has transformed my life in beautiful and unexpected ways. As my husband Troy noticed, becoming a certified Christian life coach has changed me deeply. When someone who knows your struggles most intimately notices this kind of transformation, it really means something.

This transformation has touched everything - my relationship with God, family dynamics, and how I view challenges and opportunities. Through this journey, I've discovered what it truly means to live as God's beloved daughter. I've learned to see life through the lens of abundance rather than lack.

I'm excited to announce a special program combining life-changing principles with the truths from Promised Hope. This isn't just another Bible study or self-improvement program - it's an eight-week journey to experiencing the abundant life Jesus promised.

This program is for you if you've ever:

• Found yourself stuck in patterns that rob you of joy and peace
• Struggled to fully embrace your identity as God's beloved child
• Carried the weight of unforgiveness or bitterness in relationships
• Felt overwhelmed by life's transitions
• Wondered if you're living the full, purposeful life God has for you

In our intimate group of 20-25 women, we'll:

• Learn how God's truth can transform our thought patterns
• Discover practical tools combining biblical truth with how God designed our brains
• Explore what it truly means to live as God's beloved daughters
• Find freedom from patterns that keep us stuck
• See life's challenges through the lens of God's faithfulness

• Weekly teaching videos
• Live group calls (with replays available)
• Private community space for support and encouragement
• A personal 45-minute coaching session with me

I'm creating a waiting list for our February 17th launch. Some spots have already been claimed through private conversations, but I'd love to have you join us.

To join the waitlist:

• Google Form Waitlist
• Send me an email expressing your interest at michellediercks.com/contact

This group coaching experience is for women only.

If you have any questions, please reach out. Thank you for letting me share my heart and excitement with you today!

In this special episode of the Promise to Hope series, host Michelle welcomes guest interviewer Faith Doerr to explore the powerful name of God, Yahweh Rapha - The Lord Our Healer.

• Introduction to Yahweh Rapha, meaning "The Lord is our healer"
• Context from Exodus 15, following the Israelites' crossing of the Red Sea
• The transformation of bitter waters at Marah into sweet water
• The significance of God's role as healer - physically, emotionally, and spiritually
• Discussion of Jesus healing the woman with a 12-year blood condition (Matthew 9:20-22)

• Exploration of Exodus 15 and the Israelites' journey from celebration to bitterness
• The meaning of "Mara" (bitter) in Hebrew and its significance
• Connection between physical healing and spiritual restoration
• God's promise to be the healer of His people

• Exodus 15 - The story of bitter waters made sweet and God revealing Himself as Yahweh Rapha
• Matthew 9:20-22 - The woman with the issue of blood being healed
• Matthew 11:28-30 - "Come to me all who labor and are heavily laden..."
• Psalm 34:18 - "The Lord is near to the brokenhearted..."
• John 16:33 - "Take heart, I have overcome the world"
• Psalm 91 - "He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High..."
• Psalm 27 (particularly the final verse) - "Wait for the Lord; be strong and let your heart take courage"

• Understanding God's role as healer in modern context
• Dealing with bitterness and waiting periods
• Finding hope in times of brokenness
• The importance of community and worship even in difficult seasons
• Using simple Scripture phrases for comfort during challenging times

• "God is the giver and we are the receivers."
• "Sometimes fixing isn't about doing away with the problems. Sometimes it's about receiving the gifts and being reminded of the peace and strength that God gives to us to face whatever comes next."

• Book: "Promise to Hope: Finding Peace in God's Faithfulness" by Michelle Diercks
• Available on Amazon
• Free first chapter available at CPH.org/promisedhope

Join authors Michelle Diercks and Pastor Andrew Jones for a special Advent series that weaves together themes from their upcoming books from Concordia Publishing House. Michelle explores how God's promises bring peace in all circumstances in "Promised Hope: Finding Peace in God's Faithfulness" (releasing January 7, 2025). Pastor Andy's book "10 Lies Satan Loves to Tell" (releasing January 14, 2025) unmasks the deceptions that often shake our trust in God's faithfulness. To celebrate their book launches, these two authors have created "Advent Reflections," a thoughtful series examining how Satan's lies try to distract us from hope. At the same time, God's promises remain unshakeable - just as they did for Mary and Elizabeth. Through these conversations, Michelle and Andy demonstrate how the truths of God's Word strengthen, our hearts, reminding us that God still makes the impossible possible.

Key Topics Discussed:

• Elizabeth's story of waiting and faithfulness
• The significance of Elizabeth's meeting with Mary
• Parallels between Elizabeth's story and Hannah's story from the Old Testament
• Personal reflections on infertility and faith
• The importance of found family and deeper church relationships
• The concept of God as "Lord of Hosts"

Scripture References:

Story of Elizabeth (Luke 1)

Hannah's story (1 Samuel)

Featured Books:

• "Ten Lies Satan Loves to Tell" by Pastor Andrew R. Jones
• "Promised Hope: Finding Peace in God's Faithfulness" by Michelle Diercks
• Both available through Amazon and Concordia Publishing House (CPH), with free first chapters available on their website
• Read the First Chapter of Ten Lifes Satan Loves to Tell
• Read the First Chapter of Promised Hope

Join authors Michelle Diercks and Pastor Andrew Jones for a special Advent series that weaves together themes from their upcoming books from Concordia Publishing House. Michelle explores how God's promises bring peace in all circumstances in "Promised Hope: Finding Peace in God's Faithfulness" (releasing January 7, 2025). Pastor Andy's book "10 Lies Satan Loves to Tell" (releasing January 14, 2025) unmasks the deceptions that often shake our trust in God's faithfulness. To celebrate their book launches, these two authors have created "Advent Reflections," a thoughtful series examining how Satan's lies try to distract us from hope. At the same time, God's promises remain unshakeable - just as they did for Mary and Elizabeth. Through these conversations, Michelle and Andy demonstrate how the truths of God's Word strengthen, our hearts, reminding us that God still makes the impossible possible.

Key Topics Discussed:

• Mary's encounter with Gabriel and her faith response
• The 400-year period of silence between the Old and New Testaments
• How Satan's lies of "you cannot trust God" and "you must save yourself" affect us
• Finding peace during difficult family gatherings, especially during holiday seasons
• The importance of remembering God's presence (Emmanuel) during Advent

Featured Books:

• "Ten Lies Satan Loves to Tell" by Pastor Andrew R. Jones
• "Promised Hope: Finding Peace in God's Faithfulness" by Michelle Diercks
• Both available through Amazon and Concordia Publishing House (CPH), with free first chapters available on their website
• Read First Chapter of Ten Lifes Satan Loves to Tell
• Read First Chapter of Promised Hope

Scripture Reference:

• Luke Chapter 1 - Mary's Story

Resources Mentioned:

• CPH website for previewing both books' first chapters
• Both books available through Concordia Publish

In this powerful episode of Peace in His Presence, guest host Deb Burma interviews Michelle Diericks about her upcoming book "Promised Hope" (releasing January 7th). They dive deep into one of the most significant names of God - Yahweh - and explore its profound meaning through the story of Moses and the plagues of Egypt.

The name Yahweh appears over 6,000 times in the Old Testament, typically shown as "LORD" in small capitals. Through the dramatic encounter at the burning bush, God reveals Himself to Moses as "I AM WHO I AM" - or more accurately, "I am what you will discover me to be." This sets the stage for an incredible demonstration of God's power and presence.

In the book Michelle covers all the plagues, but in this episode she highlights three of them.

1. The Nile turning to blood - striking at Egypt's lifeline
2. The plague of frogs - challenging their fertility goddess
3. The plague of darkness - confronting their supreme sun god, Ra

Each plague systematically demonstrated Yahweh's superiority over Egypt's false gods.

Why This Matters Today

Michelle shares a powerful insight about God's presence in our struggles: "He walks with us through the fire, carries us if need be." Just as God was present with the Israelites in their suffering, He remains present with us in our challenges today.

"The bush remained unconsumed by the flames because the Israelites would not be consumed by their horrific suffering in Egypt."

This message resonates deeply for anyone facing their own "Egypt moments" - situations we didn't choose but must navigate with faith.

The episode concludes with a beautiful reading of Psalm 121, emphasizing God's constant presence and protection. Whether facing personal trials or watching global suffering unfold, remember that Yahweh is not distant - He is right there in the midst of it all.

Want to explore God's names more deeply? Michelle's new book, Promised Hope, will be released on January 7th, complementing her previous work, Promised Rest. Both books explore the profound meanings of God's names throughout Scripture.

Click here to see Michelle's book on Amazon

In this heartwarming episode, Michelle is joined by her sons Jacob and Matthew, to discuss the first chapter of her upcoming book "Promised Hope: Finding Peace in God's Faithfulness" (releasing January 7th). Together, they unpack the powerful names Adonai and Kyrios, exploring how God's sovereignty brings comfort in life's unfixable moments.

Key Moments:

• Deep dive into Genesis 15 and Abraham's journey of faith
• Discussion of the 25-year waiting period in Abraham and Sarah's story
• Personal story about Michelle's first day of confirmation class
• Beautiful parallel between God's covenant with Abraham and His promises to us
• Special mother-sons moment discussing God's faithfulness through generations

Scripture Referenced:

• Genesis 15:1-6
• Ephesians 2:8-9
• Romans 4
• Hebrews 11

Quotes Worth Remembering: "God is the one who does all the verbs. He is the one that did this covenant." - Michelle

"Faith isn't something that comes from us. Perfect faith is imputed to us by God because Jesus had perfect faith." - Matthew

Connect with Michelle:

• Pre-order "Promised Hope: Finding Peace in God's Faithfulness" (releasing January 7th) Click here to order from Amazon

Jacob is a first-year seminary student at St. Louis, while Matthew is in his second year of the pre-seminary program at Concordia Wisconsin. Both are following their calling to become pastors.

📝 Special Note: This episode marks a unique moment in the Promised Hope Series as Michelle's sons help launch the podcast series about her new book.

Join Michelle as she sits down with Martha Van Buskirk, author of the newly book "Transcribed Ordinary Lives, Extraordinary Grace."

From her fascinating journey from Washington DC politics to becoming a pastor's wife, Martha shares how God taught her profound lessons about identity, purpose, and the extraordinary impact of ordinary moments.

• Martha's transition from a high-powered career in Washington DC to seminary life and ministry
• The challenge of finding identity beyond status and achievements
• How God uses our "ordinary" lives for extraordinary purposes
• The importance of seeing people with "gospel eyes"
• Finding purpose in life's transitions and challenges

"I am a child of God. That's my identity.'" - Martha Van Buskirk

"We don't have to be famous. We don't have to have millions of social media followers to do really important work and make a difference in God's economy." - Martha Van Buskirk

• How God uses our ordinary moments for His extraordinary purposes
• The importance of being "seen" and truly seeing others
• Practical ways to share kindness in everyday encounters
• Understanding our unique identity as God's children

"Ordinary Lives, Extraordinary Grace" releases November 7th. The book encourages readers to:

• Embrace their identity as God's children
• Find purpose in everyday moments
• See the extraordinary in ordinary acts of kindness
• Connect with others through simple acts of grace

Martha's Website

Ordinary Lives, Extraordinary Grace on Amazon