In this episode of "Rhythms That Restore," the host Cherisse Hixson welcomes Melissa Helton with "Women of The Way" Ministry to the show, who passionately helps women deepen their understanding of the Bible through teaching women how to dive into Gods word, how to sit with it and how to journal through it.
They discuss the importance of prioritizing time with God, practical tips for Bible study, and overcoming doubts. Melissa shares her personal story, including her struggles with infertility and loss, and emphasizes the transformative power of engaging with scripture.
The conversation highlights the significance of prayer, the armor of God, and the need for spiritual growth. Listeners are encouraged to connect with Melissa's resources and embrace their unique faith journeys.
Connect with Melissa Helton in these ways and order your Hebrews Study Journal for yourself or for you to study with friends below.
Website: [email protected] and Instagram: @womenoftheway
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**Introduction to the Podcast (00:00:01)** Cherisse Hixson welcomes listeners and expresses excitement for the episode.
**Connecting with Each Other (00:01:27)** Melissa emphasizes the importance of sharing our relationship with God, similar to sharing friendships.
**The Importance of God's Word (00:02:23)** Discussion on the significance of reading the Bible and how it strengthens faith.
**Ephesians 6: The Armor of God (00:03:16)** Cherisse shares a scripture about the armor of God and its relevance in daily life.
**Learning from Personal Experiences (00:05:58)** Melissa discusses overcoming fear of failure by focusing on God's abilities rather than her own.
**Melissa's Background (00:07:48)** Melissa shares her life story, family, and her passion for teaching women about God's word.
**Encouraging Women to Read the Bible (00:09:28)** Melissa highlights the need for women to learn how to read and understand the Bible for themselves.
**Using Resources for Understanding (00:11:14)** Discussion on the benefits of study Bibles and commentaries to aid understanding of scripture.
**Overcoming Doubts in Bible Reading (00:12:18)** Cherisse and Melissa address common doubts about reading the Bible and encourage seeking God's help.
**Spiritual Rhythms and Daily Disciplines (00:15:31)** Melissa emphasizes the importance of prioritizing time for God's word in daily life.
**The Importance of Seeking God Together (00:17:52)** Discusses the significance of couples seeking God together, even if their needs differ.
**Making Time for God's Word (00:18:47)** Emphasizes the necessity of prioritizing time for God's word in daily life.
**Setting the Tone at Home (00:18:56)** Highlights how personal time in God's word influences the atmosphere in the household.
**God's Power in Time Management (00:19:44)** Reflects on how dedicating time to God allows for accomplishing daily tasks.
**Submitting Thoughts to God (00:21:03)** Explores the process of submitting thoughts to God to overcome overthinking.
**The Revelation of Talking to God (00:22:28)** Shares a personal experience of learning to direct thoughts towards God instead of self.
**Taking Thoughts Captive (00:24:18)** Discusses the biblical concept of taking thoughts captive and its practical application.
**Recognizing Thoughts from God vs. the Enemy (00:25:36)** Offers insights on differentiating between divine thoughts and those stemming from self or the enemy.
**The Role of Accountability Partners (00:26:13)** Stresses the importance of having someone to help discern truth from negative thoughts.
**Using Scripture to Combat Negative Thoughts (00:28:09)** Encourages finding and posting Bible verses to combat struggles with negative thoughts.
**Prayer as a Continuous Conversation (00:31:47)** Describes the importance of maintaining an ongoing conversation with God throughout the day.
**Transforming Worries into Prayer (00:34:53)** Advises on converting anxious thoughts into prayers, becoming a warrior in faith.
**Understanding Labels and Strengths (00:35:47)** Discussion on reframing negative self-labels and using personal weaknesses as strengths in prayer.
**The Power of Prayer (00:36:51)** Encouragement to transform worries into prayer and support for others through intercession.
**Wilderness Seasons (00:38:21)** Exploration of personal wilderness experiences and the importance of relying on God during tough times.
**Loss and Isolation (00:39:30)** Melissa shares her grief journey after losing her brother and the subsequent isolation from friends.
**The Turning Point (00:40:54)** A significant moment in Melissa's marriage when they decided to focus on reading the Bible together.
**Power in God's Word (00:45:06)** Emphasis on the transformative strength found in engaging with scripture rather than relying solely on devotionals.
**The Importance of Submission (00:46:05)** Discussion on learning to allow one's husband to lead spiritually, despite personal struggles.
**Lessons from Wilderness (00:46:23)** Reflection on the painful yet purposeful nature of wilderness seasons and their role in spiritual growth.
**God's Pruning Process (00:47:08)** Understanding how God removes unfruitful aspects of life to facilitate spiritual maturity and growth.
**Steeping in God's Word (00:48:10)** The analogy of coffee steeping as a metaphor for deeply engaging with scripture over time.
**Learning Before Teaching (00:50:04)** Acknowledgment that true teaching comes from personal experiences and lessons learned through struggles.
**Headlight Analogy (00:52:39)** Using headlights as a metaphor for God’s guidance, showing only what’s needed for the current moment.
**Introduction to Resources (00:55:56)** Discussion on how to follow Melissa and access her resources on Instagram.
**Scripture Study Tools (00:56:21)** Overview of various resources like scripture study sheets and a Bible study journal for spiritual growth.
**Gratitude for the Guest (00:56:47)** Expressions of gratitude for Melissa's participation and insights shared during the episode.
**First Podcast Experience (00:57:07)** Melissa shares her excitement about being a guest on her first podcast.
**Closing Remarks (00:57:28)** Cherisse encourages listeners to connect on social media and leave reviews for the podcast.
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Connect with Melissa Helton in these ways and Purchase your Hebrews Study Journal for yourself or for you to study with friends.
Website: [email protected] and Instagram: @womenoftheway
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