The One Thing That's Needful

In today’s episode, Dr. Siohvaughn Funches continues the series, “Favor on the Way.” Dr. Funches invites you to see in this series that God favors you along the way to receive the manifestation of His promise to you. Dr. Funches recaps the message from last week about Ruth and Naomi and she will continue with that story this week. Dr. Funches invites you to listen to last week’s message if you have not heard it yet. We all face difficulties but for those who have entrusted Jesus with their lives, He promises to work everything together for our good. We all can relate to natural storms. During natural storms, visibility can be down. Spiritual storms are akin to that, in that regard. When people face spiritual storms or go through emotional challenges, these storms can cause visibility to be down.

Today’s message starts in 2 Kings about the help sent from God to Elisha. Elisha prayed that his servant’s eyes would be opened and the servant saw horses and chariots of fire all around them. Dr. Funches returns to the story of Ruth and Naomi and how Ruth was blessed to be able to see the favor of God, even going through the loss of her husband. Dr. Funches prays God to open your eyes to see His favor all through the journey. Ruth could have left her mother-in-law as Orpah did. God blesses her to provide for herself and Naomi. Dr. Funches compares Boaz as a picture of Jesus. Naomi is blessed with a grandson to nurse when Boaz marries Ruth. Through this lineage comes Jesus Christ.

Listen in to hear how God favors the New Covenant believer on the way to receive.

KEY BIBLE VERSES

[12:09] 2 Kings 6:15–17, NKJV 15 And when the servant of the man of God arose early and went out, there was an army, surrounding the city with horses and chariots. And his servant said to him, “Alas, my master! What shall we do?” 16 So he answered, “Do not fear, for those who are with us are more than those who are with them.” 17 And Elisha prayed, and said, “Lord, I pray, open his eyes that he may see.” Then the Lord opened the eyes of the young man, and he saw. And behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha.

[16:51] 2 Corinthians 9:10, NLT 10 For God is the one who provides seed for the farmer and then bread to eat. In the same way, he will provide and increase your resources and then produce a great harvest of generosity in you.

[20:57] Ruth 2, NKJV  (summarized)

[21:53] Ruth 2:11, NKJV 11 And Boaz answered and said to her, “It has been fully reported to me, all that you have done for your mother-in-law since the death of your husband, and how you have left your father and your mother and the land of your birth, and have come to a people whom you did not know before.”

[25:38] Ruth 2:12, NKJV 12 “The Lord repay your work, and a full reward be given you by the Lord God of Israel, under whose wings you have come for refuge.”

[25:44] Ruth 2:13, NKJV 13 Then she said, “Let me find favor in your sight, my lord; for you have comforted me, and have spoken kindly to your maidservant, though I am not like one of your maidservants.”

[27:09] Ruth 2:14, NKJV 14 Now Boaz said to her at mealtime, “Come here, and eat of the bread, and dip your piece of bread in the vinegar.” So she sat beside the reapers, and he passed parched grain to her; and she ate and was satisfied, and kept some back.

[30:11] Ruth 2:15, NKJV 15 And when she rose up to glean, Boaz commanded his young men, saying, “Let her glean even among the sheaves, and do not reproach her.”

[31:32] Deuteronomy 1:30 and 9:3, NKJV (summarized)

[32:05] Ruth 2:16, NKJV 16  “Also let grain from the bundles fall purposely for her; leave it that she may glean, and do not rebuke her.”

[34:40] Ruth 2:18–19, NKJV 18 Then she took it up and went into the city, and her mother-in-law saw what she had gleaned. So she brought out and gave to her what she had kept back after she had been satisfied. 19 And her mother-in-law said to her, “Where have you gleaned today? And where did you work? Blessed be the one who took notice of you.”

[37:42] Ruth 2:20, NKJV 20 Then Naomi said to her daughter-in-law, “Blessed be he of the Lord, who has not forsaken His kindness to the living and the dead!” And Naomi said to her, “This man is a relation of ours, one of our close relatives.”

[38:52] Ruth 2:21, NKJV 21 Ruth the Moabitess said, “He also said to me, ‘You shall stay close by my young men until they have finished all my harvest.’”

[39:19] Ruth 2:22–23, NKJV 22 And Naomi said to Ruth her daughter-in-law, “It is good, my daughter, that you go out with his young women, and that people do not meet you in any other field.” 23 So she stayed close by the young women of Boaz, to glean until the end of barley harvest and wheat harvest; and she dwelt with her mother-in-law.

[39:44] Ruth 3, 4, NKJV (full chapters summarized)

MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE

Please visit DrFunches.com for books, blogs, and more helpful resources from Dr. Funches and for ways to get involved with this ministry, A Woman’s Worth Foundation.

In today’s episode, Dr. Siohvaughn Funches begins a new series, “Favor on the Way.” Dr. Funches invites you to see in this series that God’s favor is not just with you when you receive the manifestation of His promise to you, but that you will experience His unspeakable joy on your way to receiving His promise.Today’s message will focus on the favor of God on the way to the promise. Whatever promise you are claiming in the word of God, God wants you to know and believe that He is not going to bless you; God is always, continually blessing you. Dr. Funches’s prayer is that you will be able to see the favor of God so you can enjoy it. The enemy tends to deceive you that God is too late in His promise. Dr. Funches shares the example of Jesus bringing Lazarus back to life after days in the tomb. Dr. Funches compares natural storms and the accompanying lowered visibility with spiritual storms that may obscure our vision. Dr. Funches uses the example of Jesus calming the wind and waves to help the listener behold and believe in Jesus. Dr. Funches explores the story of Ruth, in which God shows Naomi that He is for her, even on the way to receive her promise with her daughter-in-law, Ruth in Bethlehem.

Listen in to hear how God favors the New Covenant believer on the way to receive His promise.

KEY BIBLE VERSES

[6:13] John 11:1–3, NKJV 1 Now a certain man was sick, Lazarus of Bethany, the town of Mary and her sister Martha. 2 It was that Mary who anointed the Lord with fragrant oil and wiped His feet with her hair, whose brother Lazarus was sick. 3 Therefore the sisters sent to Him, saying, “Lord, behold, he whom You love is sick.”

[7:38] Matthew 19:26, NKJV, 26 But Jesus looked at them and said to them, “With men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”

[11:46] John 16:33, NKJV 33 These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.”

[17:16] Mark 4:37–39, NKJV 37 And a great windstorm arose, and the waves beat into the boat, so that it was already filling. 38 But He was in the stern, asleep on a pillow. And they awoke Him and said to Him, “Teacher, do You not care that we are perishing?”

39 Then He arose and rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, “Peace, be still!” And the wind ceased and there was a great calm.

[26:47] Ruth, NKJV (full book summarized)

[32:24] Ruth 1:16–17, NKJV 16 But Ruth said: “Entreat me not to leave you, Or to turn back from following after you; For wherever you go, I will go; And wherever you lodge, I will lodge; Your people shall be my people, And your God, my God. 17 Where you die, I will die, And there will I be buried. The Lord do so to me, and more also, If anything but death parts you and me.”

[40:16] Ruth 2:12, NKJV, 12 “The Lord repay your work, and a full reward be given you by the Lord God of Israel, under whose wings you have come for refuge.”

MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE

You Gotta Let God Finish, by Siohvaughn L. Funches

Please visit DrFunches.com for books, blogs, and more helpful resources from Dr. Funches and for ways to get involved with this ministry, A Woman’s Worth Foundation.

In today’s episode, Dr. Siohvaughn Funches concludes the series, “From Barren to Bearing” (as in bearing much fruit). Dr. Funches recaps last week’s message and strongly recommends that you take the time to listen to the last four weeks’ messages to understand this week’s message better.Dr. Funches recaps the messages from previous weeks. Dr. Funches reviews John 15 showing that it is God’s will that we bear much fruit that remains. Dr. Funches reviews the accounts of Abraham and Sarah, Elizabeth and Zacharias, Mary, the mother of Jesus, and Elkanah and Hannah,  each bearing much fruit against their circumstances, through God’s blessings.

Today’s message will focus on fruit remaining. It is the perfect will of God that we bear fruit in every area. Dr. Funches goes into this week’s message with an exploration of the blessings of God to the notable woman of Shunem by the Prophet Elisha, and some of the ways in which God fulfills every promise to you.

Listen in to hear how God has prepared all things to take the New Covenant believer from barren to bearing fruit.

KEY BIBLE VERSES

[3:44] John 15, NKJV (Entire chapter)

[6:21] Genesis 17–21, NKJV (Entire chapters)

[12:13] Luke 1:5–17, 57, 58 NKJV 5 There was in the days of Herod, the king of Judea, a certain priest named Zacharias, of the division of Abijah. His wife was of the daughters of Aaron, and her name was Elizabeth. 6 And they were both righteous before God, walking in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blameless. 7 But they had no child, because Elizabeth was barren, and they were both well advanced in years. 8 So it was, that while he was serving as priest before God in the order of his division, 9 according to the custom of the priesthood, his lot fell to burn incense when he went into the temple of the Lord. 10 And the whole multitude of the people was praying outside at the hour of incense. 11 Then an angel of the Lord appeared to him, standing on the right side of the altar of incense. 12 And when Zacharias saw him, he was troubled, and fear fell upon him. 13 But the angel said to him, “Do not be afraid, Zacharias, for your prayer is heard; and your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you shall call his name John. 14 And you will have joy and gladness, and many will rejoice at his birth. 15 For he will be great in the sight of the Lord, and shall drink neither wine nor strong drink. He will also be filled with the Holy Spirit, even from his mother’s womb. 16 And he will turn many of the children of Israel to the Lord their God. 17 He will also go before Him in the spirit and power of Elijah, ‘to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children,’ and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just, to make ready a people prepared for the Lord.” 57 Now Elizabeth’s full time came for her to be delivered, and she brought forth a son. 58 When her neighbors and relatives heard how the Lord had shown great mercy to her, they rejoiced with her.

[12:26] Luke 1:26–38, NKJV 26 Now in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent by God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth, 27 to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. 28 And having come in, the angel said to her, “Rejoice, highly favored one, the Lord is with you; blessed are you among women!” 29 But when she saw him, she was troubled at his saying, and considered what manner of greeting this was. 30 Then the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. 31 And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bring forth a Son, and shall call His name Jesus. 32 He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Highest; and the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David. 33 And He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of His kingdom there will be no end.” 34 Then Mary said to the angel, “How can this be, since I do not know a man?” 35 And the angel answered and said to her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Highest will overshadow you; therefore, also, that Holy One who is to be born will be called the Son of God. 36 Now indeed, Elizabeth your relative has also conceived a son in her old age; and this is now the sixth month for her who was called barren. 37 For with God nothing will be impossible.” 38 Then Mary said, “Behold the maidservant of the Lord! Let it be to me according to your word.” And the angel departed from her.

[15:22] 1 Samuel 1:1–20, 2:21 NKJV 1 There was a certain man from Ramathaim, a Zuphite from the hill country of Ephraim, whose name was Elkanah son of Jeroham, the son of Elihu, the son of Tohu, the son of Zuph, an Ephraimite. 2 He had two wives; one was called Hannah and the other Peninnah. Peninnah had children, but Hannah had none. 3 Year after year this man went up from his town to worship and sacrifice to the Lord Almighty at Shiloh, where Hophni and Phinehas, the two sons of Eli, were priests of the Lord. 4 Whenever the day came for Elkanah to sacrifice, he would give portions of the meat to his wife Peninnah and to all her sons and daughters. 5 But to Hannah he gave a double portion because he loved her, and the Lord had closed her womb. 6 Because the Lord had closed Hannah’s womb, her rival kept provoking her in order to irritate her. 7 This went on year after year. Whenever Hannah went up to the house of the Lord, her rival provoked her till she wept and would not eat. 8 Her husband Elkanah would say to her, “Hannah, why are you weeping? Why don’t you eat? Why are you downhearted? Don’t I mean more to you than ten sons?” 9 Once when they had finished eating and drinking in Shiloh, Hannah stood up. Now Eli the priest was sitting on his chair by the doorpost of the Lord’s house. 10 In her deep anguish Hannah prayed to the Lord, weeping bitterly. 11 And she made a vow, saying, “Lord Almighty, if you will only look on your servant’s misery and remember me, and not forget your servant but give her a son, then I will give him to the Lord for all the days of his life, and no razor will ever be used on his head.” 12 As she kept on praying to the Lord, Eli observed her mouth. 13 Hannah was praying in her heart, and her lips were moving but her voice was not heard. Eli thought she was drunk 14 and said to her, “How long are you going to stay drunk? Put away your wine.” 15 “Not so, my lord,” Hannah replied, “I am a woman who is deeply troubled. I have not been drinking wine or beer; I was pouring out my soul to the Lord. 16 Do not take your servant for a wicked woman; I have been praying here out of my great anguish and grief.” 17 Eli answered, “Go in peace, and may the God of Israel grant you what you have asked of him.” 18 She said, “May your servant find favor in your eyes.” Then she went her way and ate something, and her face was no longer downcast. 19 Early the next morning they arose and worshiped before the Lord and then went back to their home at Ramah. Elkanah made love to his wife Hannah, and the Lord remembered her. 20 So in the course of time Hannah became pregnant and gave birth to a son. She named him Samuel, saying, “Because I asked the Lord for him.” 1 Samuel 2:21, NKJV 21 And the Lord was gracious to Hannah; she gave birth to three sons and two daughters. Meanwhile, the boy Samuel grew up in the presence of the Lord.

[18:33] Psalm 127:3–5, NKJV 3 Children are a heritage from the Lord, offspring a reward from him. 4 Like arrows in the hands of a warrior are children born in one’s youth. 5 Blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them. They will not be put to shame when they contend with their opponents in court.

[20:27] 2 Kings 4:8–37, NKJV 8 Now it happened one day that Elisha went to Shunem, where there was a notable woman, and she persuaded him to eat some food. So it was, as often as he passed by, he would turn in there to eat some food. 9 And she said to her husband, “Look now, I know that this is a holy man of God, who passes by us regularly. 10 Please, let us make a small upper room on the wall; and let us put a bed for him there, and a table and a chair and a lampstand; so it will be, whenever he comes to us, he can turn in there.” 11 And it happened one day that he came there, and he turned in to the upper room and lay down there. 12 Then he said to Gehazi his servant, “Call this Shunammite woman.” When he had called her, she stood before him. 13 And he said to him, “Say now to her, ‘Look, you have been concerned for us with all this care. What can I do for you? Do you want me to speak on your behalf to the king or to the commander of the army?’” She answered, “I dwell among my own people.” 14 So he said, “What then is to be done for her?” And Gehazi answered, “Actually, she has no son, and her husband is old.” 15 So he said, “Call her.” When he had called her, she stood in the doorway. 16 Then he said, “About this time next year you shall embrace a son.” And she said, “No, my lord. Man of God, do not lie to your maidservant!” 17 But the woman conceived, and bore a son when the appointed time had come, of which Elisha had told her. 18 And the child grew. Now it happened one day that he went out to his father, to the reapers. 19 And he said to his father, “My head, my head!” So he said to a servant, “Carry him to his mother.” 20 When he had taken him and brought him to his mother, he sat on her knees till noon, and then died. 21 And she went up and laid him on the bed of the man of God, shut the door upon him, and went out. 22 Then she called to her husband, and said, “Please send me one of the young men and one of the donkeys, that I may run to the man of God and come back.” 23 So he said, “Why are you going to him today? It is neither the New Moon nor the Sabbath.” And she said, “It is well.” 24 Then she saddled a donkey, and said to her servant, “Drive, and go forward; do not slacken the pace for me unless I tell you.” 25 And so she departed, and went to the man of God at Mount Carmel. So it was, when the man of God saw her afar off, that he said to his servant Gehazi, “Look, the Shunammite woman! 26 Please run now to meet her, and say to her, ‘Is it well with you? Is it well with your husband? Is it well with the child?’” And she answered, “It is well.” 27 Now when she came to the man of God at the hill, she caught him by the feet, but Gehazi came near to push her away. But the man of God said, “Let her alone; for her soul is in deep distress, and the Lord has hidden it from me, and has not told me.” 28 So she said, “Did I ask a son of my lord? Did I not say, ‘Do not deceive me’?” 29 Then he said to Gehazi, “Get yourself ready, and take my staff in your hand, and be on your way. If you meet anyone, do not greet him; and if anyone greets you, do not answer him; but lay my staff on the face of the child.” 30 And the mother of the child said, “As the Lord lives, and as your soul lives, I will not leave you.” So he arose and followed her. 31 Now Gehazi went on ahead of them, and laid the staff on the face of the child; but there was neither voice nor hearing. Therefore he went back to meet him, and told him, saying, “The child has not awakened.” 32 When Elisha came into the house, there was the child, lying dead on his bed. 33 He went in therefore, shut the door behind the two of them, and prayed to the Lord. 34 And he went up and lay on the child, and put his mouth on his mouth, his eyes on his eyes, and his hands on his hands; and he stretched himself out on the child, and the flesh of the child became warm. 35 He returned and walked back and forth in the house, and again went up and stretched himself out on him; then the child sneezed seven times, and the child opened his eyes. 36 And he called Gehazi and said, “Call this Shunammite woman.” So he called her. And when she came in to him, he said, “Pick up your son.” 37 So she went in, fell at his feet, and bowed to the ground; then she picked up her son and went out.

[34:36] Psalm 121:4, NKJV 4 Behold, He who keeps Israel Shall neither slumber nor sleep.

[36:29] 2 Timothy 2:13, NKJV 13 If we are faithless, He remains faithful; He cannot deny Himself.

MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE

You Gotta Let God Finish, by Siohvaughn L. Funches

Please visit DrFunches.com for books, blogs, and more helpful resources from Dr. Funches and for ways to get involved with this ministry, A Woman’s Worth Foundation.

In today’s episode, Dr. Siohvaughn Funches continues the series, “From Barren to Bearing” (as in bearing much fruit). Dr. Funches recaps last week’s message and invites you to take the time to listen to the last three weeks’ messages to understand this week’s message better.Dr. Funches recaps the message from last week. It is the perfect will of God that we bear fruit that lasts in every area of our lives. Dr. Funches reviews the account of the leper who asked Jesus if he will cleanse him. God is willing to take you from barren to bearing much fruit that remains in every area of your life.

Dr. Funches goes into this week’s message with an exploration of the blessings of God to Hannah and Elkanah, reading excerpts from the passage with her commentary. Hannah was a woman of faith who believed God. Hannah dedicated her son, Samuel, to the Lord and he became a great prophet whose word did not fail. Hannah conceived three more sons and two daughters as Samuel grew up in the presence of the Lord.

Listen in to hear how God has prepared all things to take the New Covenant believer from barren to bearing fruit.

KEY BIBLE VERSES

[3:21] 3 John 1:2, NKJV 2 Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers.

[10:49] 1 Samuel 1:1–20, NKJV 1 There was a certain man from Ramathaim, a Zuphite from the hill country of Ephraim, whose name was Elkanah son of Jeroham, the son of Elihu, the son of Tohu, the son of Zuph, an Ephraimite. 2 He had two wives; one was called Hannah and the other Peninnah. Peninnah had children, but Hannah had none. 3 Year after year this man went up from his town to worship and sacrifice to the Lord Almighty at Shiloh, where Hophni and Phinehas, the two sons of Eli, were priests of the Lord. 4 Whenever the day came for Elkanah to sacrifice, he would give portions of the meat to his wife Peninnah and to all her sons and daughters. 5 But to Hannah he gave a double portion because he loved her, and the Lord had closed her womb. 6 Because the Lord had closed Hannah’s womb, her rival kept provoking her in order to irritate her. 7 This went on year after year. Whenever Hannah went up to the house of the Lord, her rival provoked her till she wept and would not eat. 8 Her husband Elkanah would say to her, “Hannah, why are you weeping? Why don’t you eat? Why are you downhearted? Don’t I mean more to you than ten sons?” 9 Once when they had finished eating and drinking in Shiloh, Hannah stood up. Now Eli the priest was sitting on his chair by the doorpost of the Lord’s house. 10 In her deep anguish Hannah prayed to the Lord, weeping bitterly. 11 And she made a vow, saying, “Lord Almighty, if you will only look on your servant’s misery and remember me, and not forget your servant but give her a son, then I will give him to the Lord for all the days of his life, and no razor will ever be used on his head.” 12 As she kept on praying to the Lord, Eli observed her mouth. 13 Hannah was praying in her heart, and her lips were moving but her voice was not heard. Eli thought she was drunk 14 and said to her, “How long are you going to stay drunk? Put away your wine.” 15 “Not so, my lord,” Hannah replied, “I am a woman who is deeply troubled. I have not been drinking wine or beer; I was pouring out my soul to the Lord. 16 Do not take your servant for a wicked woman; I have been praying here out of my great anguish and grief.” 17 Eli answered, “Go in peace, and may the God of Israel grant you what you have asked of him.” 18 She said, “May your servant find favor in your eyes.” Then she went her way and ate something, and her face was no longer downcast. 19 Early the next morning they arose and worshiped before the Lord and then went back to their home at Ramah. Elkanah made love to his wife Hannah, and the Lord remembered her. 20 So in the course of time Hannah became pregnant and gave birth to a son. She named him Samuel, saying, “Because I asked the Lord for him.”

[33:12] 1 Samuel 2:21, NKJV 21 And the Lord was gracious to Hannah; she gave birth to three sons and two daughters. Meanwhile, the boy Samuel grew up in the presence of the Lord.

[35:00] Psalm 127:3–5, NKJV 3 Children are a heritage from the Lord, offspring a reward from him. 4 Like arrows in the hands of a warrior are children born in one’s youth. 5 Blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them. They will not be put to shame when they contend with their opponents in court.

MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE

Please visit DrFunches.com for books, blogs, and more helpful resources from Dr. Funches and for ways to get involved with this ministry, A Woman’s Worth Foundation.

In today’s episode, Dr. Siohvaughn Funches continues the series, “From Barren to Bearing” (as in bearing much fruit). Dr. Funches picks up from last week’s message and invites you to take the time to listen to last week’s message to understand this week’s message better. Dr. Funches recaps the message from last week, talking about Elizabeth and seeing the heart and hand of God in her life. God is not a respecter of persons. He will bless us as He blessed Elizabeth and Zacharias.  Dr. Funches returns to the account of Elizabeth and Zacharias from last week’s message. Barrenness is not just the inability to conceive a child physically. God is calling us to give birth to spiritual things.

Dr. Funches goes into this week’s message with further exploration of the blessings of God to Elizabeth and Zacharias, and how Mary, the mother of Jesus, was blessed by God’s grace and by hearing from the angel how Elizabeth had been blessed to be in the sixth month of carrying a child, whom we now know was John, the Baptist. God doesn’t need our help to bless us or to turn us from barrenness to bearing. Dr. Funches looks forward to continuing this series with you next week.

Listen in to hear how God has prepared all things to take the New Covenant believer from barren to bearing fruit.

KEY BIBLE VERSES

[7:09] Luke 1:36, 37, NKJV 36 “Now indeed, Elizabeth your relative has also conceived a son in her old age; and this is now the sixth month for her who was called barren. 37 For with God nothing will be impossible.”

[9:43] Psalm 127:1, NKJV 1 Unless the Lord builds the house, They labor in vain who build it; Unless the Lord guards the city, The watchman stays awake in vain.

[12:40] Proverbs 25:2, NKJV 2 It is the glory of God to conceal a matter, But the glory of kings is to search out a matter.

[17:50] 2 Corinthians 12:9, NKJV 9 And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

[28:43] Isaiah 54:9, NKJV 9 “For this is like the waters of Noah to Me; For as I have sworn That the waters of Noah would no longer cover the earth, So have I sworn That I would not be angry with you, nor rebuke you.”

[30:02] Isaiah 52:12, NKJV 12 For you shall not go out with haste, Nor go by flight; For the Lord will go before you, And the God of Israel will be your rear guard.

[30:21] John 19:30, NKJV 30 So when Jesus had received the sour wine, He said, “It is finished!” And bowing His head, He gave up His spirit.

[35:37] Luke 1:26–38, NKJV 26 Now in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent by God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth, 27 to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. 28 And having come in, the angel said to her, “Rejoice, highly favored one, the Lord is with you; blessed are you among women!” 29 But when she saw him, she was troubled at his saying, and considered what manner of greeting this was. 30 Then the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. 31 And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bring forth a Son, and shall call His name Jesus. 32 He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Highest; and the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David. 33 And He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of His kingdom there will be no end.” 34 Then Mary said to the angel, “How can this be, since I do not know a man?” 35 And the angel answered and said to her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Highest will overshadow you; therefore, also, that Holy One who is to be born will be called the Son of God. 36 Now indeed, Elizabeth your relative has also conceived a son in her old age; and this is now the sixth month for her who was called barren. 37 For with God nothing will be impossible.” 38 Then Mary said, “Behold the maidservant of the Lord! Let it be to me according to your word.” And the angel departed from her.

MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE

Please visit DrFunches.com for books, blogs, and more helpful resources from Dr. Funches and for ways to get involved with this ministry, A Woman’s Worth Foundation.

In today’s episode, Dr. Siohvaughn Funches continues the series, “From Barren to Bearing” (as in bearing much fruit). Dr. Funches picks up from last week’s message and invites you to take the time to listen to last week’s message to understand this week’s message better. Dr. Funches recaps the message from last week. The word of God tells us that where we are barren, it is God’s will that we bear fruit. Dr. Funches reminds us that we learn first naturally and then spiritually, using the example of being born naturally first and being born again as we give our lives to Jesus Christ. Barrenness is not limited to the physical womb of a woman. We ‘give birth’ to things all the time. Dr. Funches invites you to read her book, especially the section on waiting-room wisdom. Sometimes a wait turns into a weight. Dr. Funches shows in 3 John 1:2 that we are to prosper in all things — in health and spirit. In John 15 we learn that it is God’s will that we bear much fruit and that this fruit remains when you ask God in the name of Jesus Christ.

Dr. Funches goes into this week’s message with the story of Zacharias and Elizabeth being blessed to bear much fruit through a son, John, the Baptist. Dr. Funches affirms that we can only achieve things with God and that pride is a tool of the enemy. Dr. Funches teaches about waiting on God and remembering that God is faithful in His promises.

Dr. Funches finishes this episode by connecting the wait for destiny with the weight of destiny.

Listen in to hear how God will take you who believe Jesus from barren to bearing fruit.

KEY BIBLE VERSES

[15:10] 3 John 1:2, NKJV 2 Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers.

[17:19] John 15:16, NKJV 16 You did not choose Me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit, and that your fruit should remain, that whatever you ask the Father in My name He may give you.

[18:48] Luke 1:5–17, NKJV 5 There was in the days of Herod, the king of Judea, a certain priest named Zacharias, of the division of Abijah. His wife was of the daughters of Aaron, and her name was Elizabeth. 6 And they were both righteous before God, walking in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blameless. 7 But they had no child, because Elizabeth was barren, and they were both well advanced in years. 8 So it was, that while he was serving as priest before God in the order of his division, 9 according to the custom of the priesthood, his lot fell to burn incense when he went into the temple of the Lord. 10 And the whole multitude of the people was praying outside at the hour of incense. 11 Then an angel of the Lord appeared to him, standing on the right side of the altar of incense. 12 And when Zacharias saw him, he was troubled, and fear fell upon him. 13 But the angel said to him, “Do not be afraid, Zacharias, for your prayer is heard; and your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you shall call his name John. 14 And you will have joy and gladness, and many will rejoice at his birth. 15 For he will be great in the sight of the Lord, and shall drink neither wine nor strong drink. He will also be filled with the Holy Spirit, even from his mother’s womb. 16 And he will turn many of the children of Israel to the Lord their God. 17 He will also go before Him in the spirit and power of Elijah, ‘to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children,’ and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just, to make ready a people prepared for the Lord.”

[21:28] Luke 1:57, 58, NKJV 57 Now Elizabeth’s full time came for her to be delivered, and she brought forth a son. 58 When her neighbors and relatives heard how the Lord had shown great mercy to her, they rejoiced with her.

MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE

You Gotta Let God Finish, by Siohvaughn L. Funches

Please visit DrFunches.com for books, blogs, and more helpful resources from Dr. Funches and for ways to get involved with this ministry, A Woman’s Worth Foundat

In today’s episode, Dr. Siohvaughn Funches begins the series, "From Barren To Bearing.” Dr. Funches notes that this message has an underlying tone of provision, as she explored in the previous three messages, teaching of Jehovah Jireh, Provider.Dr. Funches delves into scripture verses declaring God’s will for us to prosper in all things. She compares barrenness of the womb to barrenness in other areas of life, even in spiritual things, and that God wills that we be not barren but produce lasting fruit, using the name of Jesus. Dr. Funches notes that as giving birth is painful, so is producing fruit spiritually. This is when people want to give up but it’s a sign that you are at the threshold and the door has just been swung open.

Dr. Funches finishes this episode by examining in Genesis how God took Abraham and Sarah from barrenness to bearing much fruit.

Listen in to hear how God will take New Covenant believers who believe Jesus, from barrenness to bearing fruit.

KEY BIBLE VERSES

[5:33] 3 John 1:2, NKJV 2 Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers.

[12:17] 1 Corinthians 10:13, NKJV 13 No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it.

[12:30] 3 John 1:2, NKJV 2 (repeated)

[13:30] John 15:16, NLT 16 You didn’t choose me. I chose you. I appointed you to go and produce lasting fruit, so that the Father will give you whatever you ask for, using my name.

[21:06] Luke 1:36–37, NKJV 36 Now indeed, Elizabeth your relative has also conceived a son in her old age; and this is now the sixth month for her who was called barren. 37 For with God nothing will be impossible.

[29:01] Genesis 17:1-6, NKJV 1 When Abram was ninety-nine years old, the Lord appeared to Abram and said to him, “I am Almighty God; walk before Me and be blameless. 2 And I will make My covenant between Me and you, and will multiply you exceedingly.” 3 Then Abram fell on his face, and God talked with him, saying: 4 “As for Me, behold, My covenant is with you, and you shall be a father of many nations. 5 No longer shall your name be called Abram, but your name shall be Abraham; for I have made you a father of many nations. 6 I will make you exceedingly fruitful; and I will make nations of you, and kings shall come from you.

[31:07] Genesis 17:8, NKJV 8 Also I give to you and your descendants after you the land in which you are a stranger, all the land of Canaan, as an everlasting possession; and I will be their God.

[31:21] Genesis 17:15–19, NKJV 15 Then God said to Abraham, “As for Sarai your wife, you shall not call her name Sarai, but Sarah shall be her name. 16 And I will bless her and also give you a son by her; then I will bless her, and she shall be a mother of nations; kings of peoples shall be from her.” 17 Then Abraham fell on his face and laughed, and said in his heart, “Shall a child be born to a man who is one hundred years old? And shall Sarah, who is ninety years old, bear a child?” 18 And Abraham said to God, “Oh, that Ishmael might live before You!” 19 Then God said: “No, Sarah your wife shall bear you a son, and you shall call his name Isaac; I will establish My covenant with him for an everlasting covenant, and with his descendants after him.

[34:39] Genesis 18:10–14, NKJV 10 And He said, “I will certainly return to you according to the time of life, and behold, Sarah your wife shall have a son.” (Sarah was listening in the tent door which was behind him.) 11 Now Abraham and Sarah were old, well advanced in age; and Sarah had passed the age of childbearing. 12 Therefore Sarah laughed within herself, saying, “After I have grown old, shall I have pleasure, my lord being old also?” 13 And the Lord said to Abraham, “Why did Sarah laugh, saying, ‘Shall I surely bear a child, since I am old?’ 14 Is anything too hard for the Lord? At the appointed time I will return to you, according to the time of life, and Sarah shall have a son.”

[36:28] Genesis 21:1–3, NKJV 1 And the Lord visited Sarah as He had said, and the Lord did for Sarah as He had spoken. 2 For Sarah conceived and bore Abraham a son in his old age, at the set time of which God had spoken to him. 3 And Abraham called the name of his son who was born to him — whom Sarah bore to him — Isaac.

MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE

Please visit DrFunches.com for books, blogs, and more helpful resources from Dr. Funches and for ways to get involved with this ministry, A Woman’s Worth Foundation.

In today’s episode, Dr. Siohvaughn Funches finishes the series, “Provision in Peculiar Places.” Dr. Funches recaps the last two week’s messages. For the most part, the new born-again believer understands that God is our Provider. Some believers struggle with God’s unorthodox ways of providing. God provides in what we believe are unorthodox ways. The enemy may try to convince us that God isn’t providing or is oblivious to our needs. This is certainly untrue. God is unchanging and unfailing. If you haven't listened to the two previous episodes, Dr. Funches invites you to listen to them and hear the foundation in the word for today’s message.

Dr. Funches reviews the Lord’s provision for the people of Israel in Exodus 17 from last week’s message and discusses the rod of Moses. The rod that Moses had held up in Egypt to turn the river to blood, God told him to strike against a rock in Horeb to bring forth water from the rock. God provided water from the rock for the people in the desert.

Dr. Funches delves into the message this week with the visit of the angel Gabriel to Mary, the virgin, and also to Mary’s relative, Elizabeth, announcing Jesus Christ to Mary and John the Baptist to Elizabeth. Dr. Funches also explores how God provided for Elijah by ravens as he stayed by the Brook Cherith. When the brook dried up, the word of the Lord came to him to go to a widow in Zarephath who would provide for him.

Listen in to hear how God will provide in His peculiar way, for the New Covenant believers who believe Jesus.

KEY BIBLE VERSES

[6:16] Exodus 17:1–7, NKJV 1 Then all the congregation of the children of Israel set out on their journey from the Wilderness of Sin, according to the commandment of the Lord, and camped in Rephidim; but there was no water for the people to drink. 2 Therefore the people contended with Moses, and said, “Give us water, that we may drink.” So Moses said to them, “Why do you contend with me? Why do you tempt the Lord?” 3 And the people thirsted there for water, and the people complained against Moses, and said, “Why is it you have brought us up out of Egypt, to kill us and our children and our livestock with thirst?” 4 So Moses cried out to the Lord, saying, “What shall I do with this people? They are almost ready to stone me!” 5 And the Lord said to Moses, “Go on before the people, and take with you some of the elders of Israel. Also take in your hand your rod with which you struck the river, and go. 6 Behold, I will stand before you there on the rock in Horeb; and you shall strike the rock, and water will come out of it, that the people may drink.” And Moses did so in the sight of the elders of Israel. 7 So he called the name of the place Massah and Meribah, because of the contention of the children of Israel, and because they tempted the Lord, saying, “Is the Lord among us or not?”

[10:35] Psalm 23:4, NKJV 4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; For You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.

[16:33] Luke 1:26, NKJV 26 Now in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent by God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth, 27 to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. 28 And having come in, the angel said to her, “Rejoice, highly favored one, the Lord is with you; blessed are you among women!” 29 But when she saw him, she was troubled at his saying, and considered what manner of greeting this was. 30 Then the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. 31 And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bring forth a Son, and shall call His name Jesus. 32 He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Highest; and the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David. 33 And He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of His kingdom there will be no end.” 34 Then Mary said to the angel, “How can this be, since I do not know a man?” 35 And the angel answered and said to her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Highest will overshadow you; therefore, also, that Holy One who is to be born will be called the Son of God. 36 Now indeed, Elizabeth your relative has also conceived a son in her old age; and this is now the sixth month for her who was called barren. 37 For with God nothing will be impossible.” 38 Then Mary said, “Behold the maidservant of the Lord! Let it be to me according to your word.” And the angel departed from her.

[26:19] 1 Kings 17:1–7, NKJV 1 And Elijah the Tishbite, of the inhabitants of Gilead, said to Ahab, “As the Lord God of Israel lives, before whom I stand, there shall not be dew nor rain these years, except at my word.” 2 Then the word of the Lord came to him, saying, 3 “Get away from here and turn eastward, and hide by the Brook Cherith, which flows into the Jordan. 4 And it will be that you shall drink from the brook, and I have commanded the ravens to feed you there.” 5 So he went and did according to the word of the Lord, for he went and stayed by the Brook Cherith, which flows into the Jordan. 6 The ravens brought him bread and meat in the morning, and bread and meat in the evening; and he drank from the brook. 7 And it happened after a while that the brook dried up, because there had been no rain in the land.

[33:38] 1 Kings 17:8–15, NKJV 8 Then the word of the Lord came to him, saying, 9 “Arise, go to Zarephath, which belongs to Sidon, and dwell there. See, I have commanded a widow there to provide for you.” 10 So he arose and went to Zarephath. And when he came to the gate of the city, indeed a widow was there gathering sticks. And he called to her and said, “Please bring me a little water in a cup, that I may drink.” 11 And as she was going to get it, he called to her and said, “Please bring me a morsel of bread in your hand.” 12 So she said, “As the Lord your God lives, I do not have bread, only a handful of flour in a bin, and a little oil in a jar; and see, I am gathering a couple of sticks that I may go in and prepare it for myself and my son, that we may eat it, and die.” 13 And Elijah said to her, “Do not fear; go and do as you have said, but make me a small cake from it first, and bring it to me; and afterward make some for yourself and your son. 14 For thus says the Lord God of Israel: ‘The bin of flour shall not be used up, nor shall the jar of oil run dry, until the day the Lord sends rain on the earth.’” 15 So she went away and did according to the word of Elijah; and she and he and her household ate for many days. 16 The bin of flour was not used up, nor did the jar of oil run dry, according to the word of the Lord which He spoke by Elijah.

[35:28] Psalm 121:1–2, NKJV 1 I will lift up my eyes to the hills—From whence comes my help? 2 My help comes from the Lord, Who made heaven and earth.

MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE

Please visit DrFunches.com for books, blogs, and more helpful resources from Dr. Funches and for ways to get involved with this ministry, A Woman’s Worth Foundation.

In today’s episode, Dr. Siohvaughn Funches continues the series she began last week, “Provision in Peculiar Places.” Dr. Funches encourages you to listen to last week’s message if you haven’t had the opportunity or if you want to refresh your memory because it ties into and lays the foundation for this week’s message. The Word is eternal and everlasting because God is His Word. Dr. Funches recaps the message from last week. Most of us, as Christians, believe that God is our Provider, according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus. God is our provider in every way. Jesus is the Bread of Life, even Eternal Life. Without Him, we can do nothing. Our way of receiving from God is believing. The provision is not always the same. God may provide in different ways in different seasons. It keeps us humbly and wholly dependent on Him. We lift up our eyes to the Provider. If we keep our eyes on the Provider, they’re not on the provision. That’s important because sometimes, the provision will change or not come the way we wanted it to come. Provision always precedes the problem, as God goes before us and is our rearguard. He is the Alpha and Omega and the Author and Finisher of our faith.

Dr. Funches delves into this week’s message discussing a provision in a peculiar place from Matthew 17:24–27. We must not be deceived into thinking we provide our own blessings. However hard we work, Jesus is our provider. We need to keep our lives in the Hands of God and remember the opportunities He has given us and those He withholds for our good. God will resist the proud but He gives grace to the humble. Dr. Funches closes with a message from Exodus 17, reminding us that the enemy tries to get us to believe that God isn’t providing. The children of Israel had their eyes on the provision and not on the Provider.

Listen in to hear how God will provide in His peculiar way, for the New Covenant believers who believe Jesus. Dr. Funches will pick up this message, next week where she left off, today.

KEY BIBLE VERSES

[6:06] Philippians 4:19, NKJV 19 And my God shall supply all your needs according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.

[10:32] Psalm 121:1–2, NKJV 1 I will lift up my eyes to the hills—From whence comes my help? 2 My help comes from the Lord, Who made heaven and earth.

[17:26] Matthew 17:24–27, NKJV 24 When they had come to Capernaum, those who received the temple tax came to Peter and said, “Does your Teacher not pay the temple tax?” 25 He said, “Yes.” And when he had come into the house, Jesus anticipated him, saying, “What do you think, Simon? From whom do the kings of the earth take customs or taxes, from their sons or from strangers?” 26 Peter said to Him, “From strangers.” Jesus said to him, “Then the sons are free. 27 Nevertheless, lest we offend them, go to the sea, cast in a hook, and take the fish that comes up first. And when you have opened its mouth, you will find a piece of money; take that and give it to them for Me and you.”

[30:42] Exodus 17:1–7, NKJV 1 Then all the congregation of the children of Israel set out on their journey from the Wilderness of Sin, according to the commandment of the Lord, and camped in Rephidim; but there was no water for the people to drink. 2 Therefore the people contended with Moses, and said, “Give us water, that we may drink.” So Moses said to them, “Why do you contend with me? Why do you tempt the Lord?” 3 And the people thirsted there for water, and the people complained against Moses, and said, “Why is it you have brought us up out of Egypt, to kill us and our children and our livestock with thirst?” 4 So Moses cried out to the Lord, saying, “What shall I do with this people? They are almost ready to stone me!” 5 And the Lord said to Moses, “Go on before the people, and take with you some of the elders of Israel. Also take in your hand your rod with which you struck the river, and go. 6 Behold, I will stand before you there on the rock in Horeb; and you shall strike the rock, and water will come out of it, that the people may drink.” And Moses did so in the sight of the elders of Israel. 7 So he called the name of the place Massah and Meribah, because of the contention of the children of Israel, and because they tempted the Lord, saying, “Is the Lord among us or not?”

MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE

Please visit DrFunches.com for books, blogs, and more helpful resources from Dr. Funches and for ways to get involved with this ministry, A Woman’s Worth Foundation.

In today’s episode, Dr. Siohvaughn Funches begins the series, “God as Our Provider.” God has the role of Provider and we have the role of the one that is provided for. When we get out of that role, we are barren and produce no fruit. It is the will of God that He blesses us in such a way, in such a magnitude, that we are able to be a blessing to others. Today’s message is “Provision in Peculiar Places.”

Dr. Funches looks at an indisputable fact among Christians, regardless of the denomination: God is our Provider. It’s important that we know that. God calls us first to know and then to believe this fact. New Covenant believers receive from God by believing. The faith to believe comes by hearing, and obviously, hearing the word of Christ. God is our provider, no matter what we need. By Jesus’s stripes, we are completely healed. God wants to take us to a place where we fully trust in Him as our Provider. Sometimes God provides in an unorthodox way. God’s most important provision is Jesus, the Bread of Life, King of Kings, Savior of the world, and only begotten Son of the true and living God, who was born, surrounded by animals in a peculiar place and laid in a manger.

Listen in to hear how God will provide in season, in His peculiar way, for the New Covenant believers who believe Jesus.

KEY BIBLE VERSES

[7:03] Isaiah 53:3–5, NKJV (summarized)

[13:30] Psalm 121:1–2, NKJV 1 I will lift up my eyes to the hills—From whence comes my help? 2 My help comes from the Lord, Who made heaven and earth.

MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE

Please visit DrFunches.com for books, blogs, and more helpful resources from Dr. Funches and for ways to get involved with this ministry, A Woman’s Worth Foundation.