The Finding Freedom Co. Podcast | Bible Study & Christian Living for Women

Bible Study Isn't Supposed to Leave Us the Same

What happens when we know what God's Word says but don't actually live in response to it?

We can read our Bibles, attend church, listen to sermons, and participate in Bible studies. But knowing Scripture and obeying Scripture aren't the same thing.

In Episode 173 of The Finding Freedom Co. Podcast, we're continuing our Foundations of a Faithful Life series by studying James 1:22–25 and exploring why biblical knowledge should lead to faithful obedience.

I'm also sharing part of my personal testimony and why Jesus' teaching about building our lives on the rock has remained so important to me throughout my walk with God.

Together, we'll look at what it means to hear God's Word and do what it says, why Scripture should lead us to examine our lives, and how obedience becomes an outward expression of the faith we profess.

IN THIS EPISODE:

• Why hearing God's Word and obeying it are two different things

• My personal testimony and what it means to build your life on a solid foundation

• What James's mirror illustration teaches us about examining our lives

• Why we need to study Scripture intentionally rather than simply checking a box

• Four principles of obedience: without delay, completely, even without all the answers, and joyfully

• Biblical examples of obedience and disobedience

• The relationship between faith, grace, obedience, and blessing

• How I use the Finding Freedom Planner to keep God's Word before me throughout the day

• An invitation to join our free Freedom 5 Challenge beginning November 1

SCRIPTURE MENTIONED:

• James 1:22–25

• Matthew 7:24–27

• 2 Timothy 3:16–17

• Luke 11:28

• Romans 2:13; 3:23

• Ephesians 2:8–9

• Psalm 1; Psalm 119:18

• John 8:32

• Deuteronomy 28

• Jonah

• 1 Samuel 15

• Genesis 6; 12

• Numbers 20

• Hebrews 11

• Matthew 4

• Ecclesiastes

RESOURCES MENTIONED:

James Bible Study Guide
A printable, verse-by-verse study guide to help you work through the book of James.

[INSERT JAMES STUDY GUIDE LINK]

• Bible Study Basics
  Learn a practical process for observing, interpreting, and applying Scripture.

• The Finding Freedom Planner
  A planner designed to keep your time in God's Word connected to your daily responsibilities, with space for Bible study, prayer, and planning.

Freedom 5 Challenge | November 1-December 31, 2026

Join us for 61 days of practicing five daily rhythms together:

1. Time in God's Word

2. Prayer

3. Gratitude

4. Movement

5. A daily house chore

The challenge is completely free and takes place inside the Finding Freedom Community.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/thefindingfreedomco

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES MENTIONED:

• My Heart Christ's Home

• Not Consumed Obedience Study

HAVE A QUESTION FOR THE PODCAST?

Have a question about Scripture, spiritual growth, faithful living, or something we've discussed on the podcast? Submit your question here for a future Q&A episode:

https://www.thefindingfreedomco.com/podcast

CONNECT WITH FINDING FREEDOM:

Website: https://www.thefindingfreedomco.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thefindingfreedomco/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheFindingFreedomCo

Finding Freedom Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/thefindingfreedomco

How can we know what faithfulness looks like if we don't first know the God we're trying to be faithful to?

We can build better routines, become more disciplined, organize our schedules, listen to Christian podcasts, read devotionals, and learn a lot of things about God. But none of those things can replace actually knowing Him.

In Episode 172 of The Finding Freedom Co. Podcast, we're continuing the Foundations of a Faithful Life series by looking at what has to be underneath everything else: knowing God.

Brooke shares how feeling unable to understand the Bible led her to rely on devotionals rather than learning to study Scripture for herself, and the realization that she didn't want to spend her entire Christian life depending on someone else to tell her what God's Word said.

Then we'll walk through 2 Timothy 3:14-17 and look at why God's Word is primary, how Scripture teaches, rebukes, corrects, and trains us, and why knowing what is true has to come before deciding how we should live.

IN THIS EPISODE

• Why faithful living has to begin with knowing God

• The difference between knowing things about God and knowing Him

• When Christian resources help us engage Scripture—and when they begin replacing it

• What Paul means when he says Scripture is “God-breathed”

• How Scripture teaches, rebukes, corrects, and trains us

• Why stewardship can become “self-improvement with Christian vocabulary” if it isn't rooted in truth

• What to do when you don't feel equipped to study the Bible

• Three simple questions to ask the next time you open Scripture

  
  

SCRIPTURE MENTIONED

• 2 Timothy 3:14–17
• John 17:3
• James 1:22–25

THREE QUESTIONS TO ASK WHEN YOU READ THE BIBLE

• What does this passage actually say?

• What does this reveal about God?

• How should I live because this is true?

RESOURCE MENTIONED

• Bible Study Basics: If you want to study the Bible for yourself but aren't sure what to do when you open it, Bible Study Basics will walk you step-by-step through a simple process for understanding Scripture.

https://www.thefindingfreedomco.com/shop/p/biblestudybasics

• Books of the Bible Guide: A simple overview of all 66 books, including authorship, purpose, audience, major themes, date and setting, and important features to look for as you read.

https://findingfreedomco.myflodesk.com/booksofthebibleguide

HAVE A QUESTION FOR THE PODCAST?

Have a question about Scripture, spiritual growth, faithful living, or something we’ve discussed on the podcast? Submit your question here for a future Q&A episode:

https://www.thefindingfreedomco.com/podcast

CONNECT WITH FINDING FREEDOM

• Website: https://www.thefindingfreedomco.com/

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thefindingfreedomco/

• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheFindingFreedomCo

• Finding Freedom Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/thefindingfreedomco

How often have you told yourself, “Once things settle down, then I’ll…”?

I’ve caught myself saying some version of that over and over again through moves, transitions, changing routines, and uncertain seasons. But eventually I had to ask myself: What if I keep waiting for my life to settle down and miss the life God has actually given me to live right now?

In this episode of The Finding Freedom Co. Podcast, we’re talking about what it means to stop postponing faithfulness and begin intentionally stewarding the season, responsibilities, people, and opportunities God has entrusted to us today.

We’ll look at Ephesians 5:15-17 and consider what it means to walk wisely, make the most of the time we’ve been given, and live faithfully even when our circumstances aren't what we hoped they would be.

IN THIS EPISODE:

• Why we can unknowingly treat our present life like a waiting room
• What Ephesians 5 teaches us about living intentionally
• Why stewardship changes the questions we ask about our lives
• The difference between faithfulness and pretending difficult circumstances aren't difficult
• Three questions to help you identify your next faithful step

SCRIPTURE MENTIONED:

• Ephesians 5:1–17
• Psalm 90:12
• Colossians 3:23

RESOURCES MENTIONED:

• Finding Freedom Quarterly Planner: https://www.thefindingfreedomco.com/shop/p/quarterlyplanner

HAVE A QUESTION FOR THE PODCAST?

Have a question about Scripture, spiritual growth, faithful living, or something we’ve discussed on the podcast? Submit your question here for a future Q&A episode: https://www.thefindingfreedomco.com/podcast

CONNECT WITH FINDING FREEDOM:

• Website: https://www.thefindingfreedomco.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thefindingfreedomco/
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheFindingFreedomCo
• Finding Freedom Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/thefindingfreedomco
  

After 5 years and 170 episodes, I’m sharing something deeply personal in today’s episode: why I’m stepping into a sabbatical season.

This isn’t goodbye.

It’s not burnout.

And it’s not walking away from ministry.

It’s a Spirit-led pause.

In this episode, I’m reflecting on the last five years of podcasting, the faithfulness of God through every season, and why I believe He’s inviting me into a season of rest, recalibration, and renewal as our family prepares to move from Hawaii to Texas.

We talk about:• what this podcast has meant to me over the last 5 years• the refining season God has been walking me through• why obedience sometimes looks like slowing down instead of pushing harder• what this sabbatical season will look like• and what I believe God may be preparing for the future

If this podcast has ever encouraged you, challenged you, or helped you grow deeper in your faith, thank you for being here. Truly. Your support over the years has meant more than I can express.

And while the podcast is pausing for a season, this community isn’t disappearing. You can still stay connected through my email list, social media, and The Finding Freedom Co.

✨ Before I go: I also share details about the brand new FREE 5-Day Finding Freedom Challenge, a simple but powerful email series designed to help you grow spiritually and stay rooted in this season.

Thank you for 5 years.Thank you for 170 episodes.And thank you for being part of this journey.

I would love to stay connected in this season ↓

• Click Here to Join Our Email List⁠
• Instagram / TikTok / YouTube: @brookecollins09
• Faith resources + encouragement: @thefindingfreedomco
• Website: The Finding Freedom Co

As we close our verse-by-verse study through the book of James, we’re stepping back to see the full picture of what God has been forming in us.

James is not just a collection of teachings, it’s a roadmap for a living, active, and steady faith.

In this final episode, we revisit the major themes of the book and reflect on what it means to live a faith that is:

• steady in trials

• obedient to the Word

• transformed in relationships

• careful with words

• grounded in wisdom

• surrendered in planning

• patient in suffering

• and anchored in prayer

If you’ve walked through this series, this episode will help you connect everything together and see the deeper work God has been doing through it.

Loving the podcast?

Take a few minutes and let us know by leaving a rating or review so we can keep providing free content to help you.

Episode Resources: 

• Shop The Finding Freedom Co. Planners, Journals, and Bible Study Guides

• Join the Finding Freedom Co. Free Discipleship Community

• ⁠Other Free Resources⁠ 

Let's connect on social media: 

• ⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠

• ⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠

• ⁠⁠Finding Freedom Instagram⁠⁠

As James closes his letter, he doesn’t give a summary, he gives us a lifestyle.

In James 5:13–20, we see that prayer isn’t meant to be occasional or reactive… it’s meant to shape every part of our lives.

In this verse-by-verse teaching, we walk through what it looks like to:

• Turn to God in both suffering and joy

• Invite community into our weakness instead of isolating

• Understand what Scripture really says about healing and prayer

• Experience freedom through confession

• See how ordinary people can pray powerful prayers

• Restore those who are drifting with humility and love

This passage shows us that prayer is not just something we do, it’s how we live.

If faith is real, it won’t just be seen in what we do… it will be revealed in who we turn to.

✨ In every season. ✨ In every need. ✨ In every moment.

We are invited to turn to God.

Loving the podcast?

Take a few minutes and let us know by leaving a rating or review so we can keep providing free content to help you.

Episode Resources: 

• Shop The Finding Freedom Co. Planners, Journals, and Bible Study Guides

• Join the Finding Freedom Co. Free Discipleship Community

• ⁠Other Free Resources⁠ 

Let's connect on social media: 

• ⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠

• ⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠

• ⁠⁠Finding Freedom Instagram⁠⁠

What do you do when life feels unfair… and God feels silent?

In this episode, we walk verse-by-verse through James 5:7–12 and uncover what it truly looks like to wait well. James doesn’t just tell us to be patient, he shows us how to live with steady faith in seasons of suffering, delay, and uncertainty.

You’ll learn:

• What biblical patience actually means

• Why waiting seasons are spiritually significant

• How to stay grounded when nothing seems to be changing

• The connection between suffering and relationships

• How Job’s story points to God’s compassion

• Why your words matter in the waiting

If you’re in a season of waiting, this passage will meet you right where you are and remind you that God is not absent—He is working.

Loving the podcast?

Take a few minutes and let us know by leaving a rating or review so we can keep providing free content to help you.

Episode Resources: 

• Shop The Finding Freedom Co. Planners, Journals, and Bible Study Guides

• Join the Finding Freedom Co. Free Discipleship Community

• ⁠Other Free Resources⁠ 

Let's connect on social media: 

• ⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠

• ⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠

• ⁠⁠Finding Freedom Instagram⁠⁠
  

Last week, we talked about the danger of living like we’re in control, making plans without acknowledging God. This week, James takes it a step further.

In James 5:1–6, we’re confronted with a sobering truth: it’s not just our plans that can reflect pride… it’s our possessions too.

This passage isn’t about condemning wealth, it’s about exposing hearts that trust in it, cling to it, or use it unjustly. Through strong and vivid language, James reminds us that everything we have is temporary, and we will one day give an account for how we stewarded it and treated others because of it.

In this episode, we walk verse by verse through this warning and ask the honest question: What am I doing with what God has given me?

If you’ve ever struggled with comparison, control, or finding security in what you have, this conversation will challenge and encourage you to live with eternity in view.

PS: Loving the podcast?

Take a few minutes and let us know by leaving a rating or review so we can keep providing free content to help you.

Episode Resources: 

• Shop The Finding Freedom Co. Planners, Journals, and Bible Study Guides

• Join the Finding Freedom Co. Free Discipleship Community

• ⁠Other Free Resources⁠ 

Let's connect on social media: 

• ⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠

• ⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠

• ⁠⁠Finding Freedom Instagram⁠⁠

If you’re a planner, a goal-setter, or someone who loves mapping out the future… this passage might challenge you, in the best way.

In this episode, we’re walking through James 4:13–17 and talking about what it really means to make plans with God instead of assuming we’re in control.

Because the issue isn’t planning… it’s presumption.

We’ll break down:

• What “boasting about tomorrow” actually means

• Why our lives are described as a mist

• The difference between godly planning and worldly striving

• What it looks like to say “If the Lord wills” in your everyday life

• The often-overlooked sin of not doing what God calls you to do

This is a convicting and freeing reminder that: You don’t need to have your whole life figured out… you just need to be obedient today.

PS: Loving the podcast?

Take a few minutes and let us know by leaving a rating or review so we can keep providing free content to help you.

Episode Resources: 

• Shop The Finding Freedom Co. Planners, Journals, and Bible Study Guides

• Join the Finding Freedom Co. Free Discipleship Community

• ⁠Other Free Resources⁠ 

Let's connect on social media: 

• ⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠

• ⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠

• ⁠⁠Finding Freedom Instagram⁠⁠

If you’ve ever found yourself frustrated with others, caught in comparison, or stuck in conflict, this teaching will challenge everything you think the problem is.

In this episode, we walk verse-by-verse through James 4:1–12 and uncover the real root of division, discontentment, and spiritual dryness. Spoiler: it’s not “them”… it’s what’s happening within us.

We’ll talk about:

• The hidden desires fueling conflict

• Why some prayers go unanswered

• The danger of friendship with the world

• What it actually means to submit to God

• How to resist the enemy and walk in victory

• The connection between humility, repentance, and restoration

This is a call to stop managing outward behavior and start surrendering the heart.

If you’re ready to trade striving, comparison, and inner chaos for true freedom in Christ, this episode is for you.

✨ LINKS

👉 Download the James Verse by Verse Study Companion:

👉 Shop The Finding Freedom Co. Bible Study Tools

👉 Join hundreds of other women inside The Finding Freedom Co. Free Community

👉Free Bible Study, Home, & Time Management Resources

👉Follow Brooke on Instagram

👉Follow The Finding Freedom Co. on Instagram