Tend Your Soul Podcast

As we wrap up James 1, James gives us a challenging picture of what it looks like to hear God’s Word without actually putting it into practice. He compares it to looking into a mirror and then walking away and forgetting what we saw.

But God’s Word isn't meant to simply give us information. It is meant to transform the way we live.

In this episode, we examine James 1:23-27 and consider what it means to be a doer of the Word. James gives us a practical picture of faith in action: loving and serving people who have nothing to offer us in return.

As followers of Jesus, we have received incredible grace. Because we have been so deeply loved by God, we are called to go and love like we are loved.

In this episode, we talk about:

•  The difference between hearing God's Word and doing what it says 
•  What it means to live as people who have received God's grace 
•  Practical ways you can be a doer of the Word this week 

James 1:23-27

“But be doers of the word, and not hearers only…” — James 1:22

What is one thing God is asking me to do because of what I have heard in His Word?

If this journey through James has been meaningful to you, don't stop here!

James: Wisdom for a Vibrant Faith, the newest TEND Your Soul Bible study from Our Daily Bread Publishers, is a five-week study designed to help you slow down, get into God's Word for yourself, and put biblical wisdom into practice in your everyday life.

Learn more about tending your soul at MarielDavenport.com

Worn out from dry seasons and not sure where to start with God? Tending Your Soul helps you slow down, open your Bible, and grow deeper in faith—little by little.

Hosted by Mariel Davenport, each episode guides you in simple, Scripture-centered rhythms so you can confidently meet with God.

🌱 Join the community: marieldavenport.com/community

Explore: godhearsher.com/shop/
Learn more: marieldavenport.com

Want to practice this rhythm in community?
Join Tending Together: marieldavenport.com/community

Do you ever find yourself wishing you had paused before speaking? Or struggling to respond with patience instead of frustration?

In today's episode, we're continuing our journey through James 1 by exploring one of the Bible's most practical passages:

"Let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger..." (James 1:19)

James reminds us that spiritual maturity isn't measured by how much Scripture we know—but by how deeply God's Word transforms the way we live. As we receive God's Word with humility and walk in obedience, the Holy Spirit changes us from the inside out.

Join me as we discover how becoming a doer of God's Word shapes our conversations, our relationships, and our everyday lives.

In This Episode

•  What it means to be quick to hear and slow to speak 
•  The difference between hearing Scripture and living it 
•  One simple practice to help you walk in obedience this week 

Key Scripture

•  James 1:19–22 

God's Word isn't meant to simply inform us—it is meant to transform us.

Mentioned in this Episode

👉 James: Wisdom for a Vibrant Faith 

👉 Download the FREE TEND Your Soul Starter Kit 

👉 Join the Tending Together Community 

👉 Visit MarielDavenport.com for Bible studies, resources, and encouragement. 

If today's episode encouraged you, would you take a moment to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with a friend? Your support helps more women discover the hope and wisdom found in God's Word.

Worn out from dry seasons and not sure where to start with God? Tending Your Soul helps you slow down, open your Bible, and grow deeper in faith—little by little.

Hosted by Mariel Davenport, each episode guides you in simple, Scripture-centered rhythms so you can confidently meet with God.

🌱 Join the community: marieldavenport.com/community

Explore: godhearsher.com/shop/
Learn more: marieldavenport.com

Want to practice this rhythm in community?
Join Tending Together: marieldavenport.com/community

Today's passage in James reminds us that temptation doesn't begin with God—it begins within our own hearts. But that's not where the story ends.

James redirects our eyes from our wandering desires to the unchanging goodness of God. While temptation pulls us toward deception, our heavenly Father is the source of every good and perfect gift. In this episode, we'll discover how gratitude, confession, and fixing our eyes on God's character can help us walk in wisdom and freedom.

If you've been striving, relying on yourself, or feeling discouraged by recurring struggles, this conversation will gently point you back to the Father of lights, whose goodness never changes.

In This Episode

•  The danger of self-reliance and spiritual deception 
•  How gratitude helps reorient our hearts toward God 
•  Practical ways to bring temptation into the light 

Scripture

•  James 1:14–18 
•  Proverbs 2:6 

Mentioned in This Episode

• James: Wisdom for a Vibrant Faith Bible Study 
• Tending Together Community
•  Download the FREE TEND Your Soul Starter Guide

Worn out from dry seasons and not sure where to start with God? Tending Your Soul helps you slow down, open your Bible, and grow deeper in faith—little by little.

Hosted by Mariel Davenport, each episode guides you in simple, Scripture-centered rhythms so you can confidently meet with God.

🌱 Join the community: marieldavenport.com/community

Explore: godhearsher.com/shop/
Learn more: marieldavenport.com

Want to practice this rhythm in community?
Join Tending Together: marieldavenport.com/community

Episode 112: Staying Faithful When Life Feels Hard

In this episode, we continue tending through James 1, exploring James 1:9–13 and what it means to remain steadfast when life feels difficult. Discover how God uses trials to draw us closer to Himself, why true reward is found in Him rather than worldly pursuits, and how His power enables us to persevere through every challenge.

In This Episode:

•  The contrast between worldly pursuits and eternal rewards 
•  The biblical meaning of steadfastness and perseverance 
•  How to lean on God's strength in everyday and life-changing trials 

Resources Mentioned:

•  Join the Tending Together Community
•  Order James: Wisdom for a Vibrant Faith
•  Download the free guide 5 Ways to Fall in Love with God's Word Again

Scripture:

•  James 1:9–13 
•  Hebrews 11:6 

Connect with Mariel:
Visit Mariel Davenport's Website for Bible studies, resources, and encouragement to help you keep tending your soul.

Worn out from dry seasons and not sure where to start with God? Tending Your Soul helps you slow down, open your Bible, and grow deeper in faith—little by little.

Hosted by Mariel Davenport, each episode guides you in simple, Scripture-centered rhythms so you can confidently meet with God.

🌱 Join the community: marieldavenport.com/community

Explore: godhearsher.com/shop/
Learn more: marieldavenport.com

Want to practice this rhythm in community?
Join Tending Together: marieldavenport.com/community

Episode 111: What to Do When You Don’t Know What to Do

In this episode, we walk through James 1 using the TEND Method, focusing on James 1:5–8 and God's invitation to ask Him for wisdom. Discover the difference between knowledge and wisdom, why faith matters when we seek God's direction, and how to find stability when life feels uncertain.

In This Episode: 

•  Why believers still need God's wisdom every day 
•  The difference between worldly wisdom and godly wisdom 
•  A practical invitation to bring your questions and concerns to God in prayer 

Resources Mentioned:

•  Join the Tending Together Community
•  Order James: Wisdom for a Vibrant Faith 
•  Download the free guide 5 Ways to Fall in Love with God's Word Again

Scripture:

•  James 1:5–8 
•  Hebrews 11:6 
•  Hebrews 12:2 

Connect with Mariel:
Visit Mariel Davenport's Website for resources, Bible studies, and encouragement to help you keep tending your soul.

Worn out from dry seasons and not sure where to start with God? Tending Your Soul helps you slow down, open your Bible, and grow deeper in faith—little by little.

Hosted by Mariel Davenport, each episode guides you in simple, Scripture-centered rhythms so you can confidently meet with God.

🌱 Join the community: marieldavenport.com/community

Explore: godhearsher.com/shop/
Learn more: marieldavenport.com

Want to practice this rhythm in community?
Join Tending Together: marieldavenport.com/community

What comes to mind when you think of a mature Christian woman?

In this episode, we begin our journey through the book of James by examining James 1:1-4 using the TEND Bible Study Method. 

We'll discover how God uses trials to produce steadfastness, deepen our faith, and grow us into spiritually mature followers of Christ.

If you're walking through a difficult season, this episode offers biblical encouragement and hope that God is at work even in the midst of your trials.

• James 1:1-4
• Matthew 13:55-56
• John 7:5
• Galatians 1:19
• 1 Peter 5:7

Study James With Me

My newest Bible study, James: Wisdom for a Vibrant Faith, releases August 18th through Our Daily Bread Publishing!

This five-week TEND Bible study will help you slow down, engage deeply with Scripture, and discover practical wisdom for everyday life through the book of James.

Preorder your copy wherever books are sold.

Want to study James alongside other women who are learning to cultivate intimacy with God through His Word?

Join us inside Tending Together, my online Bible study community, where we'll begin our study of James: Wisdom for a Vibrant Faith on August 25th.

As a member, you'll receive:

• Access to all TEND Bible studies
• Weekly live Bible study gatherings
• Downloadable TEND journals and resources
• Spiritual practice retreats
• Encouragement and community with women seeking to grow in God's Word

Learn more and join us at marieldavenport.com/community

If this episode encouraged you, would you take a moment to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a friend? Your support helps more women learn to tend their souls through the life-giving truth of God's Word.

Until next time, keep tending your soul. 🌿

marieldavenport.com

Worn out from dry seasons and not sure where to start with God? Tending Your Soul helps you slow down, open your Bible, and grow deeper in faith—little by little.

Hosted by Mariel Davenport, each episode guides you in simple, Scripture-centered rhythms so you can confidently meet with God.

🌱 Join the community: marieldavenport.com/community

Explore: godhearsher.com/shop/
Learn more: marieldavenport.com

Want to practice this rhythm in community?
Join Tending Together: marieldavenport.com/community

Have you ever noticed how much easier it is to stay encouraged in your faith when you're surrounded by other believers?

In this episode of Tending Your Soul, we're continuing our conversation about falling back in love with God's Word and the God of the Word. After exploring practices like praying Scripture, engaging our senses, and creating rhythms of grace, we turn to another God-given means of spiritual growth: community. 

Looking at Exodus 17, we discover a powerful picture of how God often accomplishes His work through His people. When Israel faced attack from the Amalekites, victory came not through Moses alone but through the support of Aaron and Hur, who helped hold up his weary arms. Their story reminds us that we were never meant to follow God in isolation. 

Just as companion plants in a garden grow stronger together, believers flourish when they are rooted in biblical community—encouraging, praying for, and strengthening one another in Christ. 

In This Episode

•  Why spiritual growth was never meant to happen in isolation 
•  God's heart for relationship and fellowship  
•  Practical ways believers help one another bear spiritual fruit 
•  Why community is especially important in seasons of discouragement and weariness 

Key Scripture

•  Exodus 17:8–13 

"Victorious fruit-bearing in our relationship with God is often spurred on through community." 

Tending Together Community

If you're longing for a place to study Scripture, practice spiritual disciplines, pray with other women, and grow deeper in your walk with Christ, consider joining the Tending Together Community.

Use coupon code PODCAST5 to receive your first month for just $5. 

Connect with Mariel

Visit marieldavenport.com/community to learn more and join us as we continue tending our souls together. 

If this episode encouraged you, be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a friend who could use the reminder that they don't have to walk alone.

Worn out from dry seasons and not sure where to start with God? Tending Your Soul helps you slow down, open your Bible, and grow deeper in faith—little by little.

Hosted by Mariel Davenport, each episode guides you in simple, Scripture-centered rhythms so you can confidently meet with God.

🌱 Join the community: marieldavenport.com/community

Explore: godhearsher.com/shop/
Learn more: marieldavenport.com

Want to practice this rhythm in community?
Join Tending Together: marieldavenport.com/community

Do you ever feel like you're failing at spending time with God?

Maybe you've missed a few days in your Bible. Maybe your prayer life feels dry. Or perhaps you've convinced yourself that if you can't do it perfectly, it isn't worth doing at all.

But what if spiritual growth isn't about perfection? What if it's about consistently staying connected to Jesus?

In this episode of Tending Your Soul, we explore Jesus' invitation in John 15 to remain in Him and discover why lasting spiritual fruit grows through faithful consistency, not flawless performance. 

In this episode we'll:

 🌱 Learn why fruitfulness is the result of connection, not striving
 🌱 Let go of the pressure to perform in our spiritual lives
 🌱 Identify simple daily rhythms that help us remain close to Jesus

If you've been discouraged by your spiritual growth, struggling with an all-or-nothing mindset, or feeling like you're not doing enough, this episode offers a refreshing reminder that God isn't asking for perfection—He's inviting you to abide.

The real fruit of the Christian life doesn't come from trying harder. It comes from staying close to Jesus, one consistent step at a time.

Scripture Referenced

📖 John 15:4–5
 📖 Acts 3:19

For More on Tending Your Soul

Get the newest Bible study release from God Hears Her & Our Daily Bread Publishers, 1 Peter: Sustained by a Living Hope.

Want to practice this rhythm in community?

🌱 Join the community: marieldavenport.com/community

Explore: godhearsher.org/shop/

Learn more: marieldavenport.com

Worn out from dry seasons and not sure where to start with God? Tending Your Soul helps you slow down, open your Bible, and grow deeper in faith—little by little.

Hosted by Mariel Davenport, each episode guides you in simple, Scripture-centered rhythms so you can confidently meet with God.

🌱 Join the community: marieldavenport.com/community

Explore: godhearsher.com/shop/
Learn more: marieldavenport.com

Want to practice this rhythm in community?
Join Tending Together: marieldavenport.com/community

Have you ever wished prayer felt more natural?

Many of us long for a deeper prayer life, but we aren't always sure what to say—or even where to begin. The good news is that prayer doesn't have to be complicated. It begins with recognizing that God is already speaking to us through His Word and simply responding to Him.

In this episode of Tending Your Soul, we continue exploring practical ways to cultivate intimacy with God. Together, we'll discover how prayer can become a natural response to what God reveals as we open our Bibles and tend our souls in His presence. 

Together, we'll:

 🌱 Learn why prayer is a conversation rather than a performance
 🌱 Find encouragement for seasons when words are difficult to find
 🌱 Discover how praying Scripture can guide and deepen our prayers
 🌱 Walk through a simple prayer framework you can begin using today

If you've ever felt unsure how to pray, struggled to find the right words, or longed for a closer relationship with God, this episode will remind you that He is already speaking—and inviting you to respond.

Conversation develops relationship. God is speaking through His Word, friend, so let's respond back with prayer.

Scripture Referenced

📖 2 Timothy 3:16
 📖 Romans 8:26–27
 📖 1 John 1:9
 📖 Psalm 23

For More on Tending Your Soul

Get the newest Bible study release from God Hears Her & Our Daily Bread Publishers, 1 Peter: Sustained by a Living Hope.

Want to practice this rhythm in community?

🌱 Join the community: marieldavenport.com/community

Explore: godhearsher.org/shop/

Learn more: marieldavenport.com

Worn out from dry seasons and not sure where to start with God? Tending Your Soul helps you slow down, open your Bible, and grow deeper in faith—little by little.

Hosted by Mariel Davenport, each episode guides you in simple, Scripture-centered rhythms so you can confidently meet with God.

🌱 Join the community: marieldavenport.com/community

Explore: godhearsher.com/shop/
Learn more: marieldavenport.com

Want to practice this rhythm in community?
Join Tending Together: marieldavenport.com/community

Have you ever felt like you're doing all the right things for God but still feel distant from Him?

Sometimes we can faithfully serve, study, and work for Jesus while slowly losing the delight of simply being with Him. The church in Ephesus knew this struggle, and perhaps we do too.

In this episode of Tending Your Soul, we continue our conversation about rekindling our love for God and His Word during seasons of busyness, grief, distraction, or spiritual weariness. Together, we'll explore a simple but powerful way to return our hearts to Him: engaging our senses to become more aware of His presence. 

In this episode:

 🌱 Consider how serving God can sometimes overshadow loving God
 🌱 Discover how God uses our senses to awaken spiritual attentiveness
 🌱 Learn practical ways to reconnect with Him through creation, stillness, candles, music, and gratitude

If you've been feeling spiritually dry or disconnected, this episode offers a gentle invitation to slow down, notice God's presence, and rekindle your affection for the One who loves you completely.

Maybe returning to your first love doesn't begin with striving harder for God, but with slowing down enough to notice Him again.

Scripture Referenced

📖 Revelation 2:4
 📖 Ephesians 1:15
 📖 Psalm 19:1
 📖 Romans 1:19–20

For More on Tending Your Soul

Get the newest Bible study release from God Hears Her & Our Daily Bread Publishers, 1 Peter: Sustained by a Living Hope.

Want to practice this rhythm in community?

🌱 Join the community: marieldavenport.com/community

Explore: godhearsher.org/shop/

Learn more: marieldavenport.com

Worn out from dry seasons and not sure where to start with God? Tending Your Soul helps you slow down, open your Bible, and grow deeper in faith—little by little.

Hosted by Mariel Davenport, each episode guides you in simple, Scripture-centered rhythms so you can confidently meet with God.

🌱 Join the community: marieldavenport.com/community

Explore: godhearsher.com/shop/
Learn more: marieldavenport.com

Want to practice this rhythm in community?
Join Tending Together: marieldavenport.com/community