Do you have peace with God? In this episode, Bethany explores the concept of peace which is the focus of week two in the Advent season. She emphasizes that Jesus came to be the Prince of Peace (Isa. 9:6) AND the bringer of a sword. (Matt. 10:34) He is both/and in our lives as He gives peace internally and eternally, even when peace isn't always our external reality.

The discussion highlights the importance of pursuing peace actively, ultimately leading to a meaningful relationship with God. At the end of your life, it won’t matter if you did all kinds of amazing things. What will matter is this: Did you have peace with God?

Takeaways

Scripture references in this episode: 

Psalm 29:11 

Substack: https://pioneerassembly.substack.com/

In this episode, Bethany Barr Phillips introduces the Advent season, emphasizing its significance as a time of anticipation and reflection. She explores the traditional practices associated with Advent, and delves into the theme of week one which focuses on hope.

Encouraging listeners to choose hope even in difficult circumstances, Bethany highlights that hope does not disappoint as explained in Romans 5 by Paul. We may not like our circumstances, but we can trust that hope will drive us to another day, because hope is for the future to come. We don't hope for the sake of it. We hope because our souls believe in the One who has come. 

Takeaways: 

In this episode, Bethany explores the profound act that thankfulness has on one’s life. It’s not merely a response, it’s a choice that can lead to growth and sanctification in the life of a pioneer. By preparing your heart with thankfulness, you’ll be prepapred for the hard times and how to handle them. This is one that hits home as it lands on the life assessment of if you aren’t thankful, are you really that close to God?

Takeaways

One of the greatest detriments to our faith is our lack of focus, and where your focus lies will determine where your life is headed. In this episode, Bethany emphasizes the critical role of focus in one's faith journey. Misdirection, searching for the wrong thing, and distraction can lead pioneers away from their path, and she offers practical advice on how to maintain a clear focus on what's ahead. With personal moments and Scripture, let this episode remind you to regularly check your focus and make adjustments to align not a single path, but your life with God's way.

• Don’t buy into the lie that what you see in front of you is greater that what you receive from God.

God will allow you to see when your focus is set on Him.

Transitions can be daunting yet necessary for growth. In this episode, Bethany and Andy discuss transitions in life, emphasizing the importance of faith, resilience, and personal growth. The conversation highlights the challenges faced during transitions in life and jobs, such as fear and comparison, while also identifying allies and enemies of transition. They share personal experiences and insights on how to navigate these changes with trust in God, ultimately encouraging listeners to embrace the unknown and find peace in uncertainty.

Takeaways

• “Beward of harking back to what you once were when God wants you to be something you have never been.” - Oswald Chambers

If faith is hard, this is for you.  In this episode Bethany explores the concept of pioneering your faith drawing inspiration from the life of Adoniram Judson, a missionary to Burma and the first foreign missionary from the United States. She emphasizes the importance of perseverance, embracing suffering, and living out your faith in everyday life. The discussion highlights that true pioneering often occurs in our own communities and that success is not solely defined by visible achievements. Instead, it is about obedience to God's calling and the willingness to share the gospel, regardless of the challenges faced. If faith is hard, you aren't alone... Onward Still. 

Takeaways:

• Pioneering is about commitment to a life trajectory.

• The Bible says "Do not be afraid" 365 times.

Day 4 discusses the pervasive issue of insecurity, emphasizing that it stems from finding our identity in anything other than God. Bethany highlights how insecurity can manifest in various forms and how it can control our actions and thoughts. The short time encourages listeners to build their confidence in Christ rather than in themselves, promoting the idea that true freedom comes from faith in God. Bethany calls on listeners to confront insecurities and embrace identity in Christ.

Takeaways

• Finding identity in anything but God leads to insecurity.

If you want to heal from the wounds of rejection, this episode is for you. In in, Bethany explores the pervasive fear of rejection, drawing on the biblical story of Bartimaeus to illustrate how individuals can confront and overcome this fear. Society or mistakes don't dictate you or your purpose. Reject rejection by faith and trust that God will help you overcome.   

Takeaways

Field Notes vol. 2, Day 2 focuses on the fear of doubt. Bethany shares personal experiences growing up in an environment where doubt was stigmatized, and she discusses the disciple Thomas to relate to those who grapple with belief. Bethany reminds us that one can only overcome doubt through faith and a relationship with God. Takeaways: - Doubt is a common struggle for many Christians. - Doubt can disguise itself as fear, leading to paralysis of faith. - Social media and self-help undermine faith and underline doubt. - Doubts will divide you from God's truth.

Takeaways

• Doubt is a common struggle for many Christians.