The art of deception mostly lies in the fact that it is hidden. We don't always know if we are seeing clearly or if we have been enticed into a strategy to "dup" us. I've been there, and this episode is about where it all started (yep, Genesis 3 again) and how we can break off the charm (because it takes vulnerability and courage, but it can be done), and how the Good Shepherd comforts us and redeems us "in the presence of our enemies."

Scriptures addressed and mentioned for further reading:

James 1:14-15

Genesis 3

Hebrews 4:15-16

Psalm 23:5

Special and unending thanks to:

Tuxradio - production

Tina Marie Alverenga - logo

In this episode I share the analogy of noise cancelling ear phones and how we can sometimes limit wisdom and counsel when we only listen to what we want to hear and also might miss warnings that we need to hear to help us navigate life better!

I not only address the listener but also the speaker, because how we say things is just as important as what we need to say. Deception gains access when we allow our desires to lead us and we resist input from those that might be seeing what we can't or won't.

I also point out how we might distinguish the Voice of God from the twisted words of the enemy of our souls. I hope you'll listen to gain more understanding in how to open our ears to receive sound counsel and keep us in a position to resist deception.

Scriptures to read:

James 1:14-15

Proverbs 12:15

Unending gratitude to:

Tina Marie Alverenga - logo and graphics

Tuxradio - production

At one time or another, maybe even right now, you have had that sense no one sees you, the fear surfaces that you are alone, invisible. This episode explores that fear and exposes it as a lie through the stories of Hagar and Nathanial, and of course, my own.

Listen in and be encouraged to believe that you are not invisible.

Scriptures to read:

Genesis 16 & 20

John 1:45-51

Psalm 103:13-14

Special and unending thanks to:

Tuxradio - production

Tina Marie Alverenga - logo

I promise that we will get to the topic of not being invisible and the God who sees, but I felt it was important to revisit this topic again!

This episode we will engage an overview of our last episode on blame and pick back up where we left off, at the beginning of my healing not the end. We will also look at David and what it meant to be "a man after God's own heart" and the misunderstanding of The Garden, and how we interpret God's actions might be what keeps us from Him in our own failures and struggle. God created us for connection and always invites us to walk back in.

Scriptures we focus on:

Genesis 3 & 4

Psalm 34:23-24

Special mention and unending gratitude for:

Tuxradio (production)

Tina Marie Alverenga (graphics/logo)

It can be easy to blame yourself, someone else, or even God for how you got to where you are. The problem is that easy isn’t always best. When you shift into blame over responsibility, it can set you up for failure and impede the process of healing. Listen to learn more about the result of blame and how to shift out of it!

This episode centers in on the process of sifting, what is the purpose? Who decides the process? Who even gives permission? Where does our past pain resurface to complicate matters, and how does that understanding empower us? We will look at Peter and Jesus (Luke 22:31-32) and Job to unpack some truths that might have formerly been hidden.

Scriptures to explore:

Luke 22: 31-32, Job, Psalm 51:10-13, and John 12:24

Special thanks to:

Tina Marie Alvarenga - logo creation

Tuxradio - production/editing

This episode explores where the Sifted Wheat podcast got it's start, and why it feels important to release it.

Have you ever been through a hard time, a difficult season, that brought life to a grinding halt? If you've been on planet earth long, you surely have, or will, or know someone who is going through what I refer to, thanks to a conversation with Jesus and Peter, being "sifted as wheat." I know firsthand how difficult that can be, and in this episode I open the space as a counselor and as a genuinely concerned human being by sharing how this podcast came to be, where you can find support in your struggles, and how my journey strengthened me to help you through your heartache and questions.