The Proverbs 31 Ministries Podcast

You can do all things for Jesus and in His name. But without closeness to the One who empowers you to do great things, are you missing out on truly knowing Him?If you're feeling worn down by the weight of your assignment, maybe it's because it was never meant to be something you carried in the first place. But how do you know? It comes through intimacy with our Savior. Join our friend Gloria Umanah on today's episode to hear a teaching rooted in the truth that apart from Jesus, we really can't do anything.Related Resources:We're celebrating six years of The Proverbs 31 Ministries Podcast! If you've been listening since Day 1 or just joined us, we're grateful you're here. Keep scrolling to listen to some of our favorite episodes over the last six years!Do you have a topic you'd like to learn more about or a guest speaker you'd like to hear on the show? Direct message Kaley Olson on Instagram at @kaleyolsn to share!If you haven't done so yet, please leave a rating and a written review on Apple Podcasts.Join Gloria's organization, Hope Booth, in their efforts to end the mental health crisis by clicking here.Click here to download a transcript of this episode.Six Favorite Episodes for Six Years of The Proverbs 31 Ministries Podcast:"There's Always a Meanwhile" with Lysa TerKeurst (our very first episode!)."How Should I Handle Disagreements as a Christian?" with Lysa TerKeurst and Dr. Joel Muddamalle."How To Pray Through the Armor of God" with Wendy Blight. "What Does God Want Me To Do Next?" with Shae Hill."3 Questions To Ask When Faith Feels Impossible" with Nicki Koziarz."Why Do Bad Things Happen to God's People?" with Dr. Joel Muddamalle.Proverbs 31 Ministries is a nonprofit organization, and this podcast is funded thanks to the generous support of our one-time and monthly donors. To learn more about how to partner with us, click here! We want to hear how this podcast has impacted you! Share your story with us here.

Transcribed - Published: 2 July 2024

As we're reading the Bible, we often come across miraculous stories and events: Jesus walking on water, Daniel surviving the lions' den, Moses seeing a burning bush, and so much more. But were these events one-time instances? Does God still perform miracles and supernatural acts like this today?Today's episode is part of an ongoing series titled "Ask a Theologian" — conversations with Proverbs 31 Ministries' Director of Theological Research, Dr. Joel Muddamalle, and Content Manager for Lysa TerKeurst, Shae Hill. In every episode, Joel and Shae will tackle everyday questions with theological insight and practical takeaways.Related Resources:Even when gratitude isn’t easily felt, it can still be found. That's why we created a FREE resource called "The 7-Day Reset: Cultivating a Habit of Gratitude Through Prayer." This resource will help you stop feeling alone in your struggles by creating intentional time to talk to God three times a day. Download for free today!We know faith requires trust, but sometimes don’t we just want proof? When we haven’t seen God move in our lives in a while, it’s tempting to wonder if He’s really there or whether He hears our prayers. If you’ve been in this place recently, our new study is just for you — Daniel: Finding Confidence That God’s Power Is at Work. Click here to order your digital study guide.Tune in every Tuesday to Joel's Instagram for “Theology Talk Tuesday,” where he'll answer your most asked questions about God, the Bible and more. Sign up on Joel’s website to receive free “bite-sized theology” through a monthly newsletter you can read in five minutes or less.Click here to download a transcript of this episode.Proverbs 31 Ministries is a nonprofit organization, and this podcast is funded thanks to the generous support of our one-time and monthly donors. To learn more about how to partner with us, click here!We want to hear how this podcast has impacted you! Share your story with us here.

Transcribed - Published: 18 June 2024

"One of the hardest parts of faith is learning to trust God with the pieces of life when there is no peace." — Lauren FortenberryWhen life's stresses and storms happen, it's easy to give up hope. In today's episode, Lauren Fortenberry shares about walking through her own storm a few years ago — losing her father to cancer. On the verge of giving up hope, Lauren challenged herself to go back to the basics of talking to God through prayer ... one day (and sometimes one sentence) at a time. If you find your life in pieces today, we hope this episode encourages you to hold on to the hope you can find through prayer and God's Word.Related Resources: Purchase a copy of Lauren's devotional, One Prayer Away: Healing Words to Speak Over Your Day. Find hope when you need it the most with this gorgeous 90-day devotional for women who need a reminder that God can bring you past your broken beginnings, through the messy middles and into a faith-filled future.Connect with Lauren on her website at laurenfortenberry.com, or find encouragement on her Instagram at @laurenfortenberrywrites.Calling all women Christian Communicators: Join us at She Speaks this summer in Charlotte, NC, from July 19-20! Whether you want to launch a podcast or grow your social media account, write a book or craft a message, lead a Bible study or connect with other women who are trying to be obedient to God too … You need to know how to take the next step. We’ve got the tools to help you actually do it.Click here to download a transcript of this episode.Proverbs 31 Ministries is a nonprofit organization, and this podcast is funded thanks to the generous support of our one-time and monthly donors. To learn more about how to partner with us, click here! We want to hear how this podcast has impacted you! Share your story with us here.

Transcribed - Published: 11 June 2024

There are inescapable aspects of life we all wrestle through: We have less control than we want, more anxiety than we're comfortable with, and just enough insecurity to continually remind us of our shortcomings. Is it possible to really experience peace when our circumstances aren't peaceful?In this Q&A conversation, Dr. Joel Muddamalle and Lysa TerKeurst discuss the power of humility and how it leads to the inner peace we're all really longing for. Related Resources:Circle 31 Book Club is not your average book club. The books we select will challenge you to think, ask hard questions and grow so you can move forward in the areas you feel stuck in. Join the Circle today for free, and get ready to read Dr. Joel Muddamalle's book The Hidden Peace starting July 1, 2024. Grab your copy of Dr. Joel Muddamalle's new book, The Hidden Peace: Finding True Security, Strength, and Confidence Through Humility, today! (And be sure to read it along with us in the Circle 31 Book Club starting July 1!)Stay connected with Lysa TerKeurst and Dr. Joel Muddamalle on Instagram.Click here to download a transcript of this episode. Proverbs 31 Ministries is a nonprofit organization, and this podcast is funded thanks to the generous support of our one-time and monthly donors. To learn more about how to partner with us, click here! We want to hear how this podcast has impacted you! Share your story with us here.

Transcribed - Published: 4 June 2024

There are inescapable aspects of life we all wrestle through: We have less control than we want, more anxiety than we're comfortable with, and just enough insecurity to continually remind us of our shortcomings. Is it possible to really experience peace when our circumstances aren't peaceful?In this Q&A conversation, Dr. Joel Muddamalle and Lysa TerKeurst discuss the power of humility and how it leads to the inner peace we're all really longing for. Related Resources:Circle 31 Book Club is not your average book club. The books we select will challenge you to think, ask hard questions and grow so you can move forward in the areas you feel stuck in. Join the Circle today for free, and get ready to read Dr. Joel Muddamalle's book The Hidden Peace starting July 1, 2024. Grab your copy of Dr. Joel Muddamalle's new book, The Hidden Peace: Finding True Security, Strength, and Confidence Through Humility, today! (And be sure to read it along with us in the Circle 31 Book Club starting July 1!)Stay connected with Lysa TerKeurst and Dr. Joel Muddamalle on Instagram.Click here to download a transcript of this episode. Proverbs 31 Ministries is a nonprofit organization, and this podcast is funded thanks to the generous support of our one-time and monthly donors. To learn more about how to partner with us, click here! We want to hear how this podcast has impacted you! Share your story with us here.

Transcribed - Published: 4 June 2024

We have to make so many decisions every day, both big and small. But sometimes the influx of choices to be made can be so overwhelming that we feel paralyzed. Is this the right move? Did I really hear from God on this? What if I make the wrong choice? Today's episode is part of an ongoing series titled "Ask a Theologian" — conversations with Proverbs 31 Ministries' Director of Theological Research, Dr. Joel Muddamalle, and Content Manager for Lysa TerKeurst, Shae Hill. In every episode, Joel and Shae will tackle everyday questions with theological insight and practical takeaways.Related Resources:Release the tension of wondering, If God is near, why does He sometimes feel far away? and learn how to invite His presence into your everyday life with Lysa TerKeurst's FREE resource "The Prayer I Pray Every Morning." Download here.If God has felt silent as you’ve sought His wisdom and direction, we have good news: There is a way to hear His voice in His Word, giving the guidance you need. That’s why we made our next study, Proverbs: Everyday Guidance for Making Everyday Decisions, which starts May 27 in the free First 5 mobile app! Through the book of Proverbs, we get to see real-life examples of what it looks like to live in a way that honors Him. Click here to order your digital study guide.Tune in every Tuesday to Joel's Instagram for “Theology Talk Tuesday,” where he'll answer your most asked questions about God, the Bible and more. Sign up on Joel’s website to receive free “bite-sized theology” through a monthly newsletter you can read in five minutes or less.Click here to download a transcript of this episode. Proverbs 31 Ministries is a nonprofit organization, and this podcast is funded thanks to the generous support of our one-time and monthly donors. To learn more about how to partner with us, click here! We want to hear how this podcast has impacted you! Share your story with us here.

Transcribed - Published: 21 May 2024

How often do we almost take a step of faith ... only to stop short of what we're asked to do because we don't feel equipped?We don't feel like we've had enough time to prepare. We don't see how our gifts align with the assignment. Someone else is already doing it.In today's episode, author and podcaster Rachel G. Scott shows us how we should respond to God's unique calling for our lives in each season. You'll be challenged to identify why you've delayed your "yes" to God and inspired to seek out how God has already prepared you. Related Resources:Grab a copy of Rachel's book Taking the 5 Leaps: Experiencing God’s Faithfulness as You Respond to His Call.Our free guide called “Why Can’t I Get Over This: 5 Steps To Get Unstuck in the Areas You Can’t Seem To Make Progress In” will help you identify what’s currently not working and why, by answering intentional questions that will get you excited about the future again. When you give to Proverbs 31 Ministries, you make it possible for us to help you and women like you know the Truth of God's Word and live the Truth every day because we know it changes everything. Now through May 18, every donation will be matched, up to $75,000! Click here to download a transcript of this episode. Proverbs 31 Ministries is a nonprofit organization, and this podcast is funded thanks to the generous support of our one-time and monthly donors. To learn more about how to partner with us, click here! We want to hear how this podcast has impacted you! Share your story with us here.

Transcribed - Published: 14 May 2024

How can life be so full yet sometimes feel so empty at the same time? It could be we're missing out on where true fullness comes from.In this episode, join us for a conversation with singer-songwriter and author Ellie Holcomb as she walks us through Psalm 119. She shares her personal journey of memorizing Scripture and the transformative power it has had in her life and offers practical tips for you to do the same. While we may strive for a perfect life, true fullness comes from experiencing God's presence and knowing Him intimately.Related Resources:Purchase the newly expanded limited edition of Ellie's devotional, Fighting Words: 100 Days of Speaking Truth into the Darkness. This devotional features 10 bonus devotionals, a gorgeous and exclusive new cover, new interior flourishes, and an extra art piece inside.If you’ve been feeling short of words recently, "The Prayer I Pray Every Morning" is a free resource from Lysa TerKeurst that will help you break the silence. Join us for our next study, Proverbs: Everyday Guidance for Making Everyday Decisions, which starts May 27 in the free First 5 mobile app! Through the book of Proverbs, we get to see real-life examples of what it looks like to live in a way that honors God. Click here to order your study guide now.Click here to download a transcript of this episode. We want to hear how The Proverbs 31 Ministries Podcast has helped you! Will you consider leaving us a written review on Apple Podcasts?Proverbs 31 Ministries is a nonprofit organization, and this podcast is funded thanks to the generous support of our one-time and monthly donors. To learn more about how to partner with us, click here! We want to hear how this podcast has impacted you! Share your story with us here.

Transcribed - Published: 7 May 2024

Does life sometimes feel so ... ordinary?When our to-dos consume us and we find ourselves in a never-ending cycle of cleaning, caring for our people, and probably not taking enough care of ourselves, we wonder, Is there more? We look at women in the Bible like Mary, Ruth and Hagar, and it's easy to see the significance of their lives and feel like we're missing out. But in today's episode, Dr. Naomi Cramer Overton, CEO of Stonecroft Ministries and Managing Editor of the Every Woman's Bible, shares that these women probably felt a lot like we do today: insecure, isolated, doubtful and insignificant. You'll hear practical ways you can be reassured of your purpose by believing what God says and getting plugged in to community. Wherever you are today, live your "ordinary" for the people around you, all for the glory of God.Related Resources: Purchase your copy of the Every Woman’s Bible — with personal stories, insights and study notes written for women, by women.Access your free scripture downloads from the Every Woman’s Bible.We want you in our brand-new Circle 31 community! Join the FREE Circle 31 Book Club to read Untangle Your Emotions by Jennie Allen with us starting May 1.Click here to download a transcript of this episode. Proverbs 31 Ministries is a nonprofit organization, and this podcast is funded thanks to the generous support of our one-time and monthly donors. To learn more about how to partner with us, click here! We want to hear how this podcast has impacted you! Share your story with us here.

Transcribed - Published: 23 April 2024

What do you want to be known for? That question can feel daunting and overwhelming to think about, but as followers of Jesus, we have an opportunity to leave a legacy that impacts the next generation. But how? On this episode, our friend and author Bianca Juarez Olthoff teaches us how to live "poured out" for the sake of others. You'll learn how small steps of daily obedience really make all the difference. We promise you'll be encouraged and excited about making an eternal impact after listening to this teaching!Related Resources:Download our free resource: “How To Share Your Story.” Order Bianca's book Grit Don't Quit today!Join us in person or online July 19-20 for our annual She Speaks Conference!Click here to download a transcript of this episode.Proverbs 31 Ministries is a nonprofit organization, and this podcast is funded thanks to the generous support of our one-time and monthly donors. To learn more about how to partner with us, click here! We want to hear how this podcast has impacted you! Share your story with us here.

Transcribed - Published: 16 April 2024

"Feelings aren't meant to be fixed; they are meant to be felt." — Jennie AllenWe've got a special treat for you on this episode! Our friend and author Jennie Allen and Lysa TerKeurst sit down for a conversation about Jennie's new book, Untangle Your Emotions, and they get REAL about their own emotions! As they get honest about what they are currently learning, they also give us biblical and practical tools for naming our feelings and knowing what to do with them. Don't miss this episode; it's one you'll want to share with a friend and come back to often!Related Resources:Join our brand-new Circle 31 Book Club for free today, and start reading Untangle Your Emotions with us! This is not your average book club. The books we select will challenge you to think, ask hard questions and grow so you can move forward in the areas you feel stuck in. When you sign up, you'll get access to discussion groups led by Proverbs 31 staff, exclusive content from the authors, and so much more! Download our new free resource, "Why Can’t I Get Over This? 5 Steps To Get Unstuck in the Areas You Can’t Seem To Make Progress In."Click here to download a transcript of this episode.We want to hear how this podcast has impacted you! Share your story with us here.

Transcribed - Published: 2 April 2024

It's easy to follow God when it feels good or it's easy for us.But what about when it gets harder? When we get nervous or resistant to it? How do we stay faithful in what God has called us to do? On this episode, we are joined by missionary and podcaster Rachael Groll as she walks us through a teaching on the two parts of obedience. You'll have a better understanding of how taking steps of faith works and be able to better discern when it's time to make a move even when it's uncomfortable. We're saving this one to refer back to often. So hit play, and join this conversation. Related Resources:We’re so excited to partner with Compassion International and to invite you into the partnership as well by sponsoring a child. This organization is changing the lives of children, families and communities around the world. When you sponsor a child, you are providing access to education, medical resources, food, clean water, and most importantly, the love of Jesus.Download our free resource "A Guide to Stepping Out in Faith" by Lysa TerKeurst as you prepare to take your next step of obedience. Click here to download a transcript of this episode.Proverbs 31 Ministries is a nonprofit organization, and this podcast is funded thanks to the generous support of our one-time and monthly donors. To learn more about how to partner with us, click here! We want to hear how this podcast has impacted you! Share your story with us here.

Transcribed - Published: 27 March 2024

Do you ever find yourself stuck in the same patterns, especially when you begin to make healthy progress? We do too. Join our podcast host, Kaley Olson, and Proverbs 31 Ministries staff members Melissa Taylor and Kendra LeGrand for an honest conversation about how being stuck can actually be a gift of self-awareness from the Holy Spirit ... We just have to lean in. Related Resources:Join our brand-new Circle 31 Book Club for free today! This is not your average book club. The books we select will challenge you to think, ask hard questions and grow so you can move forward in the areas you feel stuck in. When you sign up, you'll get access to discussion groups led by Proverbs 31 staff, exclusive content from the authors, and so much more! Download our new free resource, "Why Can’t I Get Over This? 5 Steps To Get Unstuck in Areas You Can’t Seem To Make Progress In."We'd like to thank Compassion International for partnering with us again to make this episode possible. Compassion brings real solutions to the poverty that so many children in today’s world are facing … all in Jesus' name and through the generosity of sponsors. Take your next step, and sponsor a child today here!Click here to download a transcript of this episode.Proverbs 31 Ministries is a nonprofit organization, and this podcast is funded thanks to the generous support of our one-time and monthly donors. To learn more about how to partner with us, click here! We want to hear how this podcast has impacted you! Share your story with us here.

Transcribed - Published: 19 March 2024

There's a lot of pressure as women to do it all and to do it all well.On the outside, we like to have it all together. But what does life look like when no one is watching? Does it look like our life is falling apart? How are we supposed to live in a way that honors God but at the same time rest? On this episode, you'll get to learn from our friend and Proverbs 31 staff member Taylor Stuart as she shares her own struggles of feeling like she was not doing enough. Through the book of James, she discovered there's a big difference between participating in a relationship with God and putting on a performance for Him and others. Grab something to take notes ... You'll want them for this one! Related Resources:Download your free sample pages of our next First 5 study guide, Am I Doing This Right? How To Live Out Your Faith Through the Wisdom Found in James!Connect with Taylor on Instagram. We'd like to thank Compassion International for partnering with us again to make this episode possible. Compassion brings real solutions to the poverty that so many children in today’s world are facing … all in Jesus' name and through the generosity of sponsors. Take your next step, and sponsor a child today here!Click here to download a transcript of this episode.Proverbs 31 Ministries is a nonprofit organization, and this podcast is funded thanks to the generous support of our one-time and monthly donors. To learn more about how to partner with us, click here! We want to hear how this podcast has impacted you! Share your story with us here.

Transcribed - Published: 12 March 2024

No one is perfect ... Yet so many of us try to be! But God has better for us than the exhausted pace we’ve been running at, and it begins with bowing low in humility. Today's episode is part of an ongoing series titled "Ask a Theologian" — conversations with Proverbs 31 Ministries' Director of Theological Research, Dr. Joel Muddamalle, and Content Manager for Lysa TerKeurst, Shae Hill. In every episode, Joel and Shae will tackle everyday questions with theological insight and practical takeaways.Related Resources:Download the free assessment titled, "What's It Like To Do Life With Me?" by Lysa TerKeurst here. With Bible teaching and a Q&A you complete alongside a trusted friend, this resource will help you grow in self-awareness and strengthen your relationships. Download here!Living in the peace we want doesn’t come from the absence of pain and chaos but by knowing Jesus is with us in those things. If you’re longing for this kind of soul-settled assurance, preorder Dr. Joel Muddamalle's new book, The Hidden Peace: Finding True Security, Strength, and Confidence Through Humility, and get the first three chapters right away.Tune in every Tuesday to Joel's Instagram for “Theology Talk Tuesday,” where he'll answer your most asked questions about God, the Bible and more. Sign up on Joel’s website to receive free “bite-sized theology” through a monthly newsletter you can read in five minutes or less.Click here to download a transcript of this episode.Proverbs 31 Ministries is a nonprofit organization, and this podcast is funded thanks to the generous support of our one-time and monthly donors. To learn more about how to partner with us, click here! We want to hear how this podcast has impacted you! Share your story with us here.

Transcribed - Published: 20 February 2024

I just can't keep doing this!If you have ever found yourself feeling this way, we've been there. That's why we have our friend Jennifer Dukes Lee on this episode talk about how crucial it is to be honest with God during difficult seasons of life. Through her own experiences of relying on God through challenging times, Jennifer emphasizes the need for both vulnerability and community. Learn about the power of lament and how it can help us communicate with God in a more authentic way, and consider this your permission not to have it all together.Related Resources:Download a sample of our First 5 study guide, Can I Be Honest? How To Process and Express Your Emotions in a Biblical Way. You'll get an introduction to the study, Old Testament Bible timelines, “Lament” definition, plus … the first three days of the study!Get Jennifer’s book Stuff I’d Only Tell God: A Guided Journal of Courageous Honesty, Obsessive Truth-Telling, and Beautifully Ruthless Self-Discovery. With this book, you’ll find the space, the courage and the help you need to unearth the real you — the you that is sometimes buried deep beneath a layer of self-protection.For regular monthly updates and a word from Kaley (your host), sign up for the Podcast Insider newsletter!Get our newest study guide, Can I Be Honest? How To Process and Express Your Emotions in a Biblical Way. Click here to download a transcript of this episode.Proverbs 31 Ministries is a nonprofit organization, and this podcast is funded thanks to the generous support of our one-time and monthly donors. To learn more about how to partner with us, click here! We want to hear how this podcast has impacted you! Share your story with us here.

Transcribed - Published: 6 February 2024

Have you ever had a "lightbulb moment" as you read your Bible ... only to later doubt if you were reading that section of Scripture with the right context in mind? If you have a desire to read and apply God's Word to your life with confidence, you've come to the right place!Today's episode is part of an ongoing series titled "Ask a Theologian" — conversations with Proverbs 31 Ministries' Director of Theological Research, Dr. Joel Muddamalle, and Content Manager for Lysa TerKeurst, Shae Hill. In every episode, Joel and Shae will tackle everyday questions with theological insight and practical takeaways.Related Resources:What if this is the year you become a better student of God's Word? That’s why we’re so excited to invite you to join our first study of 2024 … Keep Holding On: 30 Promises From God You Can Cling to Right Now. Join us for six weeks as we look at God's faithfulness across hundreds of years, in different places and with different people so we can deepen our understanding of His character. Click here to get your study guide! While you wait for your study guide to arrive, download the free First 5 mobile app and create an account today; we'll give you the first five days of Keep Holding On for FREE! Click here to get started.The Bible isn’t trying to be confusing, and God isn’t trying to trick you. All of the promises He made, He fulfills. That's why we created a FREE resource called "How Do I Know Which of God's Promises Are for Me?" Download your copy today so you can know the specific promises from God's Word to cling to when you feel doubtful, discouraged or disappointed.Tune in every Tuesday to Joel's Instagram for “Theology Talk Tuesday,” where he'll answer your most asked questions about God, the Bible and more. You can also sign up on Joel’s website to receive free “bite-sized theology” through a monthly newsletter you can read in five minutes or less.Click here to download a transcript of this episode.Proverbs 31 Ministries is a nonprofit organization, and this podcast is funded thanks to the generous support of our one-time and monthly donors. To learn more about how to partner with us, click here! We want to hear how this podcast has impacted you! Share your story with us here.

Transcribed - Published: 16 January 2024

We all have to come to a point in life when we have to ask: What do we really believe about God?When we are met with unmet expectations, it can be easy to start questioning what we think about God's character. On this episode of the podcast, author Alexandra Hoover teaches how to surrender control and look to the promises we find in the Bible so we can develop the kind of faith that does not waver when life feels uncertain. Friend, you don't have to rely on performative or formulaic ways to follow God; you can find hope and rest in knowing it's not all up to you.Related Resources: Download "How Do I Know Which of God's Promises Are for Me?" for free here. Order your copy of Alexandra’s Bible study Without Wavering today! If you’ve been in a season of doubt or if things have felt uncertain, unpredictable and unreliable, our new study is for you ... Keep Holding On: 30 Promises From God You Can Cling to Right Now. This 30-day journey will be a lifeline that will show you what is always certain, sure and true with God. Each week, we'll give you a promise to pray through and a promise to cling to, plus other features to help you apply what you are learning. Click here to get your study guide! Click here to download a transcript of this episode. Proverbs 31 Ministries is a nonprofit organization, and this podcast is funded thanks to the generous support of our one-time and monthly donors. To learn more about how to partner with us, click here! We want to hear how this podcast has impacted you! Share your story with us here.

Transcribed - Published: 2 January 2024

You're not alone in feeling alone. The truth is, we were designed to connect with others — and God — through intimacy, not just proximity. But can someone please explain that to the average, everyday person?Today's episode is part of an ongoing series titled "Ask a Theologian" — conversations with Proverbs 31 Ministries' Director of Theological Research, Dr. Joel Muddamalle, and Content Manager for Lysa TerKeurst, Shae Hill. In every episode, Joel and Shae will tackle everyday questions with theological insight and practical takeaways.Related Resources: When you feel crippled by fear and anxiety … When you feel hurt by the very people you thought you could count on … It’s tempting to wonder, Jesus, are You here? Do You care? But, friend, Jesus is never absent throughout Scripture, and He’s certainly not absent in our lives either. Lysa TerKeurst and Dr. Joel Muddamalle want to help you discover this truth with their newest Bible study, 30 Days with Jesus: Experiencing His Presence Throughout the Old and New Testaments. Order your copy today! When you download the free First 5 mobile app and create an account today, we'll give you the first five days of our brand-new study guide, Keep Holding On:30 Promises From God You Can Cling to Right Now, for FREE! Click here to get started. Tune in every Tuesday to Joel's Instagram for “Theology Talk Tuesday,” where he'll answer your most asked questions about God, the Bible and more. You can also sign up on Joel’s website to receive free “bite-sized theology” through a monthly newsletter you can read in five minutes or less. Click here to download a transcript of this episode. Proverbs 31 Ministries is a nonprofit organization, and this podcast is funded thanks to the generous support of our one-time and monthly donors. To learn more about how to partner with us, click here! We want to hear how this podcast has impacted you! Share your story with us here.

Transcribed - Published: 19 December 2023

Meet our new friend Kiwi (Kiwiani)!On today's episode, Kiwi shares her journey — from growing up in poverty in the Philippines to becoming a successful physical therapist in Dallas, Texas. Through her life and family, she teaches us the importance of seeking God, having faith and obeying His guidance. This story is a testament to the power of hope, faith, and the support of organizations like Compassion International. We can't wait for you to listen.Related Resources: Maybe you’ve heard about the promises of God, but have you ever wondered what they actually are? With so many uncertainties in life, there are still some things you can be sure of. Get our new study guide, Keep Holding On: 30 Promises From God You Can Cling to Right Now. We’re so excited to partner with Compassion International and to invite you into the partnership as well. This organization is changing the lives of children, families and communities around the world. When you sponsor a child, you are providing access to education, medical resources, food, clean water and most importantly, the love of Jesus. Take your next step, and sponsor a child today here! Click here to download a transcript of this episode. Proverbs 31 Ministries is a nonprofit organization, and this podcast is funded thanks to the generous support of our one-time and monthly donors. To learn more about how to partner with us, click here! We want to hear how this podcast has impacted you! Share your story with us here.

Transcribed - Published: 12 December 2023

If your year has been anything but "merry and bright," it's hard to put on a smile when everyone is celebrating the holidays. Welcome to this episode of "Ask a Theologian" — a new category of conversations with Proverbs 31 Ministries' Director of Theological Research, Dr. Joel Muddamalle, and Content Manager for Lysa TerKeurst, Shae Hill. In every episode, Joel and Shae will tackle everyday questions with theological insight and practical takeaways.Related Resources: Experience Advent in a way that provides simplicity and space for you to personally focus on the hope this season brings, using the Pointing to the Promise digital study guide! Get your copy for only $8 today. Tune in every Tuesday to Joel's Instagram for “Theology Talk Tuesday,” where he'll answer your most asked questions about God, the Bible and more. You can also sign up on Joel’s website to receive free “bite-sized theology” through a monthly newsletter you can read in five minutes or less. Click here to download a transcript of this episode. Proverbs 31 Ministries is a nonprofit organization, and this podcast is funded thanks to the generous support of our one-time and monthly donors. To learn more about how to partner with us, click here! We want to hear how this podcast has impacted you! Share your story with us here.

Transcribed - Published: 21 November 2023

If your year has been anything but "merry and bright," it's hard to put on a smile when everyone is celebrating the holidays. Welcome to this episode of "Ask a Theologian" — a new series of conversations with Proverbs 31 Ministries' Director of Theological Research, Dr. Joel Muddamalle, and Content Manager for Lysa TerKeurst, Shae Hill. In every episode, Joel and Shae will tackle everyday questions with theological insight and practical takeaways.Related Resources: Experience Advent in a way that provides simplicity and space for you to personally focus on the hope this season brings, using the Pointing to the Promise digital study guide! Get your copy for only $8 today. Tune in every Tuesday to Joel's Instagram for “Theology Talk Tuesday,” where he'll answer your most asked questions about God, the Bible and more. You can also sign up on Joel’s website to receive free “bite-sized theology” through a monthly newsletter you can read in five minutes or less. Click here to download a transcript of this episode. Proverbs 31 Ministries is a nonprofit organization, and this podcast is funded thanks to the generous support of our one-time and monthly donors. To learn more about how to partner with us, click here! We want to hear how this podcast has impacted you! Share your story with us here.

Transcribed - Published: 21 November 2023

There are a lot of conversations about how to have healthy relationships. There are also a lot about how to navigate when a romantic relationship ends. But no one talks about what it looks like when a friendship ends.Our friend and author Elizabeth Laing Thompson knows what it's like to experience the heartbreak of losing friends you used to be so close to. Learn biblical ways to handle those relationship fallouts without personally falling apart. While not all relationships can be mended, we do have a friend in Jesus, who always stays close and has personally felt the sting of betrayal, hurt and rejection. Related Resources: For more on this topic, order Elizabeth's new book, When a Friendship Falls Apart: Finding God’s Path for Healing, Forgiveness and (Maybe) Help Letting Go. Join our next First 5 study, Good News: How the Four Gospels Point Us to One Person We Can Trust; order your study guide today! Stay connected to Elizabeth on Instagram, @elizabethlaingthompson, and her website, lizzylife.com. Click here to download a transcript of this episode. Proverbs 31 Ministries is a nonprofit organization, and this podcast is funded thanks to the generous support of our one-time and monthly donors. To learn more about how to partner with us, click here! We want to hear how this podcast has impacted you! Share your story with us here.

Transcribed - Published: 14 November 2023

Do you ever find yourself short of words when your friend is navigating a difficult season? You want to be there for her, be a good listener, encourage and pray for her, but how can you know with confidence what she actually needs right now?During this conversation, Lysa TerKeurst and two of her friends Candace Salamone and Melanie Chitwood discuss the dynamics of walking with a friend through hard times. They also cover helpful and unhelpful things to say and questions to ask.We will all be more equipped to be a better friend after listening to this episode!Related Resources: The pain you're experiencing deserves a safe place to be processed. That's why Lysa TerKeurst created this FREE resource: "The 5 Healing Perspectives You Need for Your Hurt or Heartbreak." When you download today, Lysa will help you unpack the five crucial perspective shifts that will empower you to start changing the way you see the most difficult parts of your situation. We'd like to thank Compassion International for sponsoring this episode. Compassion brings real solutions to the poverty that so many children in today’s world are facing … all in Jesus' name and through the generosity of sponsors. Take your next step, and sponsor a child today here! Find real-life encouragement by connecting with Lysa TerKeurst here on Instagram. Click here to download a transcript of this episode. Proverbs 31 Ministries is a nonprofit organization, and this podcast is funded thanks to the generous support of our one-time and monthly donors. To learn more about how to partner with us, click here! We want to hear how this podcast has impacted you! Share your story with us here.

Transcribed - Published: 7 November 2023

Do you ever find yourself short of words when your friend is navigating a difficult season? You want to be there for her, be a good listener, encourage and pray for her, but how can you know with confidence what she actually needs right now?During this conversation, Lysa TerKeurst and two of her friends Candace Salamone and Melanie Chitwood discuss the dynamics of walking with a friend through hard times. They also cover helpful and unhelpful things to say and questions to ask.We will all be more equipped to be a better friend after listening to this episode!Related Resources: The pain you're experiencing deserves a safe place to be processed. That's why Lysa TerKeurst created this FREE resource: "The 5 Healing Perspectives You Need for Your Hurt or Heartbreak." When you download today, Lysa will help you unpack the five crucial perspective shifts that will empower you to start changing the way you see the most difficult parts of your situation. We'd like to thank Compassion International for sponsoring this episode. Compassion brings real solutions to the poverty that so many children in today’s world are facing … all in Jesus' name and through the generosity of sponsors. Take your next step, and sponsor a child today here! Find real-life encouragement by connecting with Lysa TerKeurst here on Instagram. Connect with Melanie Chitwood on Instagram, @melanieschitwood, and her website, melanieschitwood.com. Connect with Candace Salamone on Instagram, @candacesalamone, and her website, https://candacesalamone.com/. Click here to download a transcript of this episode. Proverbs 31 Ministries is a nonprofit organization, and this podcast is funded thanks to the generous support of our one-time and monthly donors. To learn more about how to partner with us, click here! We want to hear how this podcast has impacted you! Share your story with us here.

Transcribed - Published: 7 November 2023

Grief can spark the question: God, when will You see me?Our new friend and author Carole Holiday understands the heartbreaking loss that can make you think, I don't know who I am anymore. Through her divorce, job loss and heart surgery, she has learned that deep grief carves space for a deeper ability to love. Sometimes it's not always the big griefs that threaten to take us out; it's the little ones that we push aside and can go unnoticed that make us not OK. But she shows us how God can bring good back to life through faith, food and fellowship. We think you're going to love this episode! Related Resources: Order your copy of Carole’s book, I Don’t Know Who I Am Anymore: Restoring Your Identity Shattered by Grief and Loss. If you need a little self-assessment, download our free resource: “'Am I Okay?' A 10-Question Self-Guided Check-In.” Connect with Carole on her website: https://www.caroleholiday.com/. Follow Carole on Instagram: @caroleholiday. Pursue your writing dreams, like Carole did, by joining COMPEL Writers Training! Click here to download a transcript of this episode. Proverbs 31 Ministries is a nonprofit organization, and this podcast is funded thanks to the generous support of our one-time and monthly donors. To learn more about how to partner with us, click here! We want to hear how this podcast has impacted you! Share your story with us here.

Transcribed - Published: 17 October 2023

Sometimes it feels safer to follow Jesus on our own.But some of Jesus' last words, recorded in John 17, encourage us to be one as the body of Christ. So what does it look like to make the intentional choice to belong to a community when it feels risky? Our friend and author Katy McCown sits down on this episode to encourage us to with Truth from God's Word on what it means to invest in one another. Katy shows us the power of pressing into the body of Christ instead of pulling away from it — especially when life falls apart. This is a great episode to share with a friend and discuss!Related Resources: Order a copy of Katy’s new Bible study, She Belongs: Finding Your Place in the Body of Christ, today! Download this free resource, "Does God Care?: 10 Promises From God To Remember When You Feel Forgotten," and know that you are completely seen and loved even when you feel most overlooked, and cling to specific truths you can memorize and write out today. If God said it, He meant it. The story of Jesus proves our God is faithful. Spend six weeks looking at how every promise God has made to you today is fulfilled in the life of Jesus; join our next Online Bible Study … Pointing to the Promise: An Advent Study, starting November 6. Click here to sign up now! Click here to download a transcript of this episode. Proverbs 31 Ministries is a nonprofit organization, and this podcast is funded thanks to the generous support of our one-time and monthly donors. To learn more about how to partner with us, click here! We want to hear how this podcast has impacted you! Share your story with us here.

Transcribed - Published: 10 October 2023

Sometimes courage can feel unattainable. But God's Word shows us that it's actually possible to find hope and encouragement in the midst of fear. On this episode, author, speaker, TV and ministry leader Ann White teaches us the seven steps to COURAGE. Grab a pen because you're not going to miss these steps — you'll learn the impact of God's Word and how to apply it so you can live more courageously when facing fear.Related Resources: Order a copy of the Courage for Life Study Bible today! Connect with Ann on Instagram @godgivescourage. We created a free resource for you to download, “3 Bible Study Basics You Must Know.” Click here to download a transcript of this episode. Proverbs 31 Ministries is a nonprofit organization, and this podcast is funded thanks to the generous support of our one-time and monthly donors. To learn more about how to partner with us, click here! We want to hear how this podcast has impacted you! Share your story with us here.

Transcribed - Published: 3 October 2023

If life has suddenly stopped going the way you planned, this episode is for you.Author Sarah Frazer knows all to well what it's like to look around at your circumstances and wonder how you got there. When her story unexpectedly shifted, she wondered what it looked like to move forward and found herself asking God to show her His goodness. From there, she began to study Moses in the Bible and discovered how God uses the darkest circumstances to proclaim His sovereign goodness. It's possible to grow through whatever detour, setback, heartache or disappointment life has thrown at you. Listen to this episode to learn more!Related Resources: Order a copy of Sarah's book I Didn't Sign Up for This: How to Rest in God's Goodness When Your Story Shifts. Download our new, free resource: "God Will Get You Through This: 5 Devotions for When You Feel Overwhelmed." Connect with Sarah on Instagram @SarahEFrazer or on her website at SarahEFrazer.com. Click here to download a transcript of this episode. We want to hear how this podcast has impacted you! Share your story with us here.

Transcribed - Published: 26 September 2023

One of the biggest misconceptions we can have about faith is believing that if we do this, God will do that.But our friend, author and pastor Max Lucado is here to help us see the ways we may have adopted a transactional theology with God. He will show us how to live when we are in the gap between what we want out of life and what we get in life. God has not left us here. Understanding how big God is helps us better know and trust His character. When we view Him rightly, we can truly experience the beauty and riches of being in a relationship with our Father.Related Resources: Make sure to order a copy of Max's new book, God Never Gives Up on You: What Jacob's Story Teaches Us About Grace, Mercy, and God's Relentless Love. Download our free resource with devotions from Lysa TerKeurst, “Chosen, Called & Confident: 5 Days of Believing God Can Use You.” To the woman constantly pouring out, we created a day where all you have to do is show up and be filled. Join us for Reset: A Saturday To Tend to Your Soul at First Baptist Church in Charlotte, NC, on October 7, 2023. Click here to download a transcript of this episode. We want to hear how this podcast has impacted you! Share your story with us here.

Transcribed - Published: 19 September 2023

It can feel frustrating when you've tried really hard to follow God and it's not working anymore. In fact, it hurts.But God isn't trying to hurt us; He's trying to help us. Often these frustrations happen because we've unknowingly adopted unhealthy thought patterns and ways of living. Like Jacob wrestled with God in the Bible, we, too, have to wrestle with the lies and false beliefs that have taken root in our lives in order to experience healing and freedom. On this episode, author and Proverbs 31 Ministries staff member Ashley Morgan Jackson shares her story of wrestling with God. She helps us identify the lies we are believing and shows us how to turn to God when nothing else we've tried is working. You won't want to miss this episode!Related Resources: Order a copy of Ashley’s new book, Tired of Trying: How to Hold On to God When You’re Frustrated, Fed Up, and Feeling Forgotten. Download Ashley’s free resource: “Disappointed with God” reflection guide. We created COMPEL Writers Training just for YOU! Stay accountable to practice your writing skills, and know you are not alone through our online community. Click here to join! Check out the other shows on the Proverbs 31 Ministries Podcast Network: Therapy & Theology with Lysa TerKeurst and the Encouragement for Today Podcast. To the woman constantly pouring out, we created a day where all you have to do is show up and be filled. Join us for Reset: A Saturday To Tend to Your Soul at First Baptist Church in Charlotte, NC, on October 7, 2023. Click here to download a transcript of this episode.

Transcribed - Published: 5 September 2023

It's hard to pause and pray when we feel unsettled or anxious.The Bible is clear that prayer is the remedy for a lot of the anxiousness we feel. (Just look at Philippians 4.) But what does that look like daily, especially when we are so overwhelmed that we don't know what to do? On today's episode, our friend and author Wendy Blight shares her story of struggling with anxiety and the unlikely tools she found in Scripture that helped her overcome it. She gets practical on what happens when we remain still and shows us what to do when we pause and slow down. It's in those moments, we will find God's nearness that leads to the peace we are really longing for.This episode is Part 4 of a four-part series; make sure you go back and listen to the other episodes!Related Resources: Escape the feeling of "never knowing what to say" with our free e-book, For the Girl Who Needs Hope: 50 Biblical Prayers for the Hard Moments. We can't choose when anxious thoughts come our way, but we can choose how we fight back. Learn how to in our next Online Bible Study, Rest for Your Soul: Simple Practices When You're Worn Out and Weary, with Wendy Blight, starting September 5. Click here to download a transcript of this episode. We want to hear how this podcast has impacted you! Share your story with us here.

Transcribed - Published: 22 August 2023

When God doesn’t answer our prayers, it's easy to feel grief.If you have been walking with Him for a long time, it's tempting to want to numb out or give up. But what happens when neither of those options works?If you are exhausted repeating the same prayers and getting less hopeful, or wrestling knowing God can change your circumstances and being heartbroken that He isn't, this episode is for you. Our friend Shae Hill talks about how we can find a gift in prayer, even while we are feeling frustrated and forgotten. Be encouraged that it is possible to hold disappointment and a desire to pray at the same time.This episode is Part 3 of a four-part series; make sure you subscribe so you don't miss what's next!Related Resources: Escape the feeling of "never knowing what to say" with our free e-book, For the Girl Who Needs Hope: 50 Biblical Prayers for the Hard Moments. We can't choose when anxious thoughts come our way, but we can choose how we fight back. Learn how to in our next Online Bible Study, Rest for Your Soul: Simple Practices When You're Worn Out and Weary, with Wendy Blight, starting September 5. Click here to download a transcript of this episode. We want to hear how this podcast has impacted you! Share your story with us here.

Transcribed - Published: 15 August 2023

We can pray about anything and everything as often as possible.If God's Word tells us we can ask Him for anything, how do we cultivate lives where we pray bold prayers? What does that look like? And how do we do this? On this episode, Ashley Morgan Jackson sits down with Meghan Ryan and Shae Hill for a conversation on why we can approach God with our needs and how to keep our faith when we get weary waiting for His reply. Make sure you find something to take notes with because this one has lots of practical ideas you won't want to forget!This episode is Part 2 of a four-part series; make sure you subscribe so you don't miss what's next!Related Resources: If you long for deeper connection to God but aren't sure where to start, our new study guide is for you ... Praying Through the Psalms: 30 Days To Uncomplicate How You Talk to God, starting August 7 in the free First 5 mobile app! Escape the feeling of "never knowing what to say" with our free e-book, For the Girl Who Needs Hope: 50 Biblical Prayers for the Hard Moments. We can't choose when anxious thoughts come our way, but we can choose how we fight back. Learn how to in our next Online Bible Study, Rest for Your Soul: Simple Practices When You're Worn Out and Weary, with Wendy Blight, starting September 5. To the woman constantly pouring out, we planned a day where all you have to do is show up and be filled. Join us for Reset: A Saturday To Tend to Your Soul at First Baptist Church in Charlotte, NC, on October 7, 2023. Click here to download a transcript of this episode. We want to hear how this podcast has impacted you! Share your story with us here.

Transcribed - Published: 8 August 2023

We can pray about anything and everything as often as possible.If God's Word tells us we can ask Him for anything, how do we cultivate lives where we pray bold prayers? What does that look like? And how do we do this? On this episode, Ashley Morgan Jackson sits down with Meghan Ryan and Shae Hill for a conversation on why we can approach God with our needs and how to keep our faith when we get weary waiting for His reply. Make sure you find something to take notes with because this one has lots of practical ideas you won't want to forget!This episode is Part 2 of a four-part series; make sure you subscribe so you don't miss what's next!Related Resources: If you long for deeper connection to God but aren't sure where to start, our new study guide is for you ... Praying Through the Psalms: 30 Days To Uncomplicate How You Talk to God, starting August 7 in the free First 5 mobile app! Escape the feeling of "never knowing what to say" with our free e-book, For the Girl Who Needs Hope: 50 Biblical Prayers for the Hard Moments. We can't choose when anxious thoughts come our way, but we can choose how we fight back. Learn how to in our next Online Bible Study, Rest for Your Soul: Simple Practices When You're Worn Out and Weary, with Wendy Blight, starting September 5. To the woman constantly pouring out, we planned a day where all you have to do is show up and be filled. Join us for Reset: A Saturday To Tend to Your Soul at First Baptist Church in Charlotte, NC, on October 7, 2023. Click here to download a transcript of this episode. We want to hear how this podcast has impacted you! Share your story with us here.

Transcribed - Published: 8 August 2023

The Bible has a lot to say about prayer.But what does "prayer" really mean? And what does it look like in our everyday lives? On this episode, our host Kaley Olson sits down with Shae Hill, Ashley Morgan Jackson and Meghan Ryan for a conversation about what it looks like to talk to God. We'll open our Bibles, trade some embarrassing stories, and take an honest look at what it means to communicate our desires, fears, worries and praises to our Creator. It's possible that prayer might not be quite as complicated as we make it.This episode is Part 1 of a four-part series; make sure you subscribe so you don't miss what's next!Related Resources: If you long for deeper connection to God but aren't sure where to start, our new study guide is for you ... Praying Through the Psalms: 30 Days To Uncomplicate How You Talk to God, starting August 7 in the free First 5 mobile app! Escape the feeling of "never knowing what to say" with our free e-book, For the Girl Who Needs Hope: 50 Biblical Prayers for the Hard Moments. We can't choose when anxious thoughts come our way, but we can choose how we fight back. Learn how to in our next Online Bible Study, Rest for Your Soul: Simple Practices When You're Worn Out and Weary, with Wendy Blight, starting September 5. To the woman constantly pouring out, we planned a day where all you have to do is show up and be filled. Join us for Reset: A Saturday To Tend to Your Soul at First Baptist Church in Charlotte, NC, on October 7, 2023. Click here to download a transcript of this episode. Proverbs 31 Ministries is a nonprofit organization, and this podcast is funded thanks to the generous support of our one-time and monthly donors. To learn more about how to partner with us, click here! We want to hear how this podcast has impacted you! Share your story with us here.

Transcribed - Published: 1 August 2023

The Bible has a lot to say about prayer.But what does "prayer" really mean? And what does it look like in our everyday lives? On this episode, our host Kaley Olson sits down with Shae Hill, Ashley Morgan Jackson and Meghan Ryan for a conversation about what it looks like to talk to God. We'll open our Bibles, trade some embarrassing stories, and take an honest look at what it means to communicate our desires, fears, worries and praises to our Creator. It's possible that prayer might not be quite as complicated as we make it.This episode is Part 1 of a four-part series; make sure you subscribe so you don't miss what's next!Related Resources: If you long for deeper connection to God but aren't sure where to start, our new study guide is for you ... Praying Through the Psalms: 30 Days To Uncomplicate How You Talk to God, starting August 7 in the free First 5 mobile app! Escape the feeling of "never knowing what to say" with our free e-book, For the Girl Who Needs Hope: 50 Biblical Prayers for the Hard Moments. We can't choose when anxious thoughts come our way, but we can choose how we fight back. Learn how to in our next Online Bible Study, Rest for Your Soul: Simple Practices When You're Worn Out and Weary, with Wendy Blight, starting September 5. To the woman constantly pouring out, we planned a day where all you have to do is show up and be filled. Join us for Reset: A Saturday To Tend to Your Soul at First Baptist Church in Charlotte, NC, on October 7, 2023. Click here to download a transcript of this episode. Proverbs 31 Ministries is a nonprofit organization, and this podcast is funded thanks to the generous support of our one-time and monthly donors. To learn more about how to partner with us, click here! We want to hear how this podcast has impacted you! Share your story with us here.

Transcribed - Published: 1 August 2023

We live in a world full of anxiety, and often it can feel overwhelming to try to navigate it.On today's episode, our friend and author Rebekah Lyons gives us practical and scriptural ways to walk through a difficult season of feeling overwhelmed with the chaos of life. She will teach us physical steps and rhythms to try when our minds are running out of control and point us back to God's Word for what is true and lasting. Grab a pen and paper because you'll want to take notes on this one! Related Resources: Order a copy of Rebekah’s book Building a Resilient Life: How Adversity Awakens Strength, Hope, and Meaning. We would love to hear from you! Leave us a review, and let us know how this show has impacted you. As promised, Rebekah shared her Paleo Banana Bread recipe with us! Join our next Online Bible Study, Your New Now: 30 Days To Make Sense of Where You Are and Where You're Going with Nicki Koziarz July 17-August 15, 2023. Click here to download a transcript of this episode. Proverbs 31 Ministries is a nonprofit organization, and this podcast is funded thanks to the generous support of our one-time and monthly donors. To learn more about how to partner with us, click here! We want to hear how this podcast has impacted you! Share your story with us here.

Transcribed - Published: 18 July 2023

It's OK to want to be seen.Like someone notices you. Like someone cares. Actually, this desire is not just a good thing, it's a God-given longing. Our new friend, author and COMPEL Writers Training member Whitney Akin teaches us how the human need for attention and approval is God’s intentional design and encourages us to live seen by the God who loves us. She will show us a lifestyle of living seen — characterized by confidence, meekness, obedience and a gospel perspective. Don't miss this episode, friends, and be sure to share it with a friend!Related Resources: Pursue your writing dreams, like Whitney did, by joining COMPEL Writers Training! Order a copy of Whitney’s book Overlooked: Finding Your Worth When You Feel All Alone today! Download our free resource, “Overwhelmed, Overlooked and Over It: Five Devotions for the Girl Who Feels Tempted To Quit.” Click here to download a transcript of this episode. We want to hear how this podcast has impacted you! Share your story with us here.

Transcribed - Published: 13 July 2023

Have you ever found yourself asking these questions: What do I have to do in order for God to give me what I want? Why do bad things happen to good people? Did I do something to deserve this?Those questions you’ve been wrestling with come from a belief system theologians call “retribution theology.” That’s a big term, but understanding this belief system can clear up a lot of confusion and pain that you may have been carrying in your relationship with God and your understanding of how He works. In this episode, you'll learn how to identify how this displays itself in your life and how to see God rightly. All of this will show you how to let go of the need for control or to earn His love and favor.Related Resources: Ready to process all of Joel's teaching points? We've got you! Download our brand-new free resource called "Consider This: Why Do Bad Things Happen to God’s People?" to unpack how this belief system may be impacting your relationship with the Lord. We hope these verses to study and reflection questions help you cling to Truth and redirect your thoughts when you find yourself wrestling with why bad things can sometimes happen to God’s people. Click here to download for free now. Order your study guide on the book of Job, When the Hurt Feels Hopeless: How God Meets Us in Our Pain Even When We Don’t Know the Answers. Have you enjoyed this episode? We'd love to hear from you! Leave us a review, and share what God has taught you. Click here to download a transcript of this episode. We want to hear how this podcast has impacted you! Share your story with us here.

Transcribed - Published: 11 July 2023

It's easy to get skeptical when our life doesn't look the way we expected it to.Especially in seasons of transition, when what used to be is gone and you're not where you want to be yet, you can start to question what God is doing. Nicki Koziarz is no stranger to the podcast, but for those who don't know her, she is an author, a podcaster, a Bible teacher, and a dear friend to us at Proverbs 31 Ministries. Through the life of Moses, Nicki will teach us how to navigate the moments in life when we feel stuck in the "in between."Related Resources: Make sure to order a copy of Nicki’s book Your New Now today. Join Circle 31: a community of monthly donors doing ministry together. Take Nicki's quiz "What season of transition are you in?" Join our next Online Bible Study, Your New Now: 30 Days To Make Sense of Where You Are and Where You're Going with Nicki Koziarz July 17-August 15, 2023. Click here to download a transcript of this episode. We want to hear how this podcast has impacted you! Share your story with us here.

Transcribed - Published: 3 July 2023

One in four women experience some kind of hurt from their fathers.If you have been hurt, neglected, rejected or abandoned by your father, it may feel like every aspect of life is affected by that broken trust. On this episode, we welcome back our friend and author Kia Stephens as she teaches us about how to overcome our father wounds through the story of Leah in the Bible. While no dad is perfect, we do have a perfect Father in God, and He can heal every hurt we've experienced. It's possible to overcome insecurity, low self-esteem and perfectionism that comes from our past. And you can connect with God as your loving heavenly Father today.Related Resources: Order Kia’s book, Overcoming Father Wounds: Exchanging Your Pain for God's Perfect Love. If you need encouragement in the middle of what you are facing, download our free resource: “3 Truths You Need To Process Your Pain.” She Speaks 2023 is coming! You need to know how to take the next step; we've got the tools to help you actually do it. Join us online July 13-14! Click here to download a transcript of this episode.

Transcribed - Published: 13 June 2023

It's time to let go of your past and move into your future.If you feel stuck in some area of your life or wish something were different, it may be because you keep looking back. On today's episode, our friend and bestselling author Christine Caine shows us how this way of living is hindering us from getting to where we want to go and what we need to do to keep moving forward into God's promises and purpose for our lives. Grab your Bible because you're going to want to follow along her teaching and take notes!Related Resources: Get a copy of Christine's book, Don't Look Back: Getting Unstuck and Moving Forward with Passion and Purpose. Subscribe to our Podcast Insider newsletter for behind-the-scenes details on what's happening on the Proverbs 31 Ministries Podcast Network, reflection questions for episodes, and more! Download our free resource, “Now What? A Biblical Guide To Process and Apply What You Are Learning." Click here to download a transcript of this episode.

Transcribed - Published: 6 June 2023

If you long to change but feel like it's just not possible, this is for you.We all have habits that aren't super beneficial, but how do we form new ones when every time we try we seem to fail? On this episode, Lysa TerKeurst sits down with our friend and pastor Craig Groeschel and asks him all the questions about how to live the way you want to. Learn how to make changes when you feel stuck and prioritize when you've got a lot on your plate through simple adjustments that won't leave you feeling overwhelmed and defeated. Change is possible because of the gospel, so grab a pen and paper and join us!Related Resources: Order a copy of Craig's book The Power to Change: Mastering the Habits That Matter Most. Download our free resource "31 Days To Form a New Habit," and learn how to be faithful with what God has already given you so you can see His plan and purpose prevail in your life. Will you make a donation to Proverbs 31 Ministries today so we can continue to help you and other women just like you know and live the Truth of God's Word? Click here to learn more. Click here to download a transcript of this episode. And ... Exciting news: The Proverbs 31 Ministries Podcast was nominated for a 2023 KLove Fan Award for Podcast Impact of the Year! Click here to cast your vote. Voting ends on May 26th. We want to get to know you! Will you tell us a little bit about yourself by filling out this survey?

Transcribed - Published: 23 May 2023

Stepping out in faith is not always easy.But when we do, we get to join in God's mission for the world. For Foster Care Awareness Month, we invited our friend Jamie Finn to share how God changed her heart and opened her up to foster care. There are so many ways we can rally around the biblical mandate to take care of the vulnerable who are in need, and we want to invite you to consider what God may be calling you to personally. Let Jamie's story inspire you to say "yes" to the thing God has put on your heart today.Related Resources: - Learn more about how you get involved by visiting the Foster the Family website.- Maybe you can’t quite put into words what step of faith God wants you to take right now. Download our free resource, "A Guide to Stepping Out in Faith." - Will you make a donation to Proverbs 31 Ministries today so we can continue to help you and other women just like you know and live the Truth of God's Word? Click here to learn more. - Click here to download a transcript of this episode. We want to get to know you! Will you tell us a little bit about yourself by filling out this survey?

Transcribed - Published: 16 May 2023

As moms, we bear a lot of weight. There are so many different voices telling us what to do and how to parent, and it's easy to get caught up in comparing ourselves to every other mom around us. Our desire to get it right is a good thing. Bad moms don't worry about whether or not they are bad moms. Good moms do that. But we don't have to constantly beat ourselves up when we feel like we fall short. Our friend, author and Licensed Counselor Rachael Elmore joins us on this episode to remind us of what is true for us as moms: Even in our mistakes, God is in control. Related Resources: Order Rachael’s book, A Mom Is Born: Biblical Wisdom and Practical Advice for Taking Care of Yourself and Your New Baby. Learn the practical side of motherhood by building your postpartum wellness plan. Download Chapter 3 of A Mom Is Born today for free, and see why “every new mom needs this.” Download our free resource, “What Nobody Talks About: When the Journey of Motherhood Involves Disappointment, Suffering & Loss.” Will you make a donation to Proverbs 31 Ministries today so we can continue to help you and other women just like you know and live the Truth of God's Word? Click here to learn more. Click here to download a transcript for this episode. We want to get to know you! Will you tell us a little bit about yourself by filling out this survey?

Transcribed - Published: 9 May 2023

Maybe you've heard of the Enneagram but aren't sure what it's all about. Is it even OK for Christians to use it? Is it something that can be used for spiritual growth, not just personal growth? Perhaps you know your Enneagram type but have no idea how to apply what you've learned as a way to enhance your spiritual life. Our new friend, author and Enneagram coach Meredith Boggs guides you through a biblical road map to using the Enneagram to revitalize your faith and guide you back home to God.This episode covers Types 5-9; make sure you tune in to Part 1 for Types 1-4!Related Resources: Have you listened to the new Encouragement for Today Podcast? Listen now to start your day with a biblical perspective you can carry with you no matter what lies ahead. Get Meredith’s new book, The Journey Home: A Biblical Guide to Using the Enneagram to Deepen Your Faith and Relationships. Connect with Meredith on Instagram at @meredithwboggs and on her website at meredithwboggs.com. Click here to download a transcript for this episode. We want to get to know you! Will you tell us a little bit about yourself by filling out this survey?

Transcribed - Published: 19 April 2023

Maybe you've heard of the Enneagram but aren't sure what it's all about. Is it even OK for Christians to use it? Is it something that can be used for spiritual growth, not just personal growth? Perhaps you know your Enneagram type but have no idea how to apply what you've learned as a way to enhance your spiritual life. Our new friend, author and Enneagram coach Meredith Boggs guides you through a biblical road map to using the Enneagram to revitalize your faith and guide you back home to God.This episode covers Types 1-4; make sure you tune in to Part 2 for Types 5-9!Related Resources: Have you listened to the new Encouragement for Today Podcast? Listen now to start your day with a biblical perspective you can carry with you no matter what lies ahead. Get Meredith’s new book, The Journey Home: A Biblical Guide to Using the Enneagram to Deepen Your Faith and Relationships. Connect with Meredith on Instagram at @meredithwboggs and on her website at meredithwboggs.com. Click here to download a transcript for this episode. We want to get to know you! Will you tell us a little bit about yourself by filling out this survey?

Transcribed - Published: 18 April 2023

Sometimes self-care can feel selfish.But when we neglect our own well-being, we can quickly get burnt out. God wants us to take care of ourselves, and it doesn't look like the world makes wellness out to be. Our new friend and author Bonnie Gray walks us through four practical ways to care for our souls the way God intended. When you feel overwhelmed by the pressures of life, it's possible to pause, restore calm and choose joy. This episode will help you learn new ways to break free from worry and anxiety.Related Resources: Order Bonnie’s new book, Breathe: 21 Days to Stress Less and Transform Chaos to Calm, and get access to her wellness Bible study. Take the Soul-Care Quiz, and learn what type of care you need to flourish in your life with God’s peace and joy. Download our free five-day devotional, Overlooked, Overwhelmed and Over It: Five Devotions for the Girl Who Feels Tempted To Quit. She Speaks 2023 is coming! You need to know how to take the next step; we've got the tools to help you actually do it. Join us in Charlotte, NC, or online from July 13-14! Click here to download a transcript of this episode.

Transcribed - Published: 4 April 2023

"Let's Talk About Church" With Dr. Joel MuddamalleRegardless of your church background, there are a lot of questions around the topic of church.What defines a church? Who gathers these people? Why do they meet, and what keeps them together? And what are they supposed to do when they gather? On this episode, our friend Dr. Joel Muddamalle, Director of Theological Research at Proverbs 31 Ministries, answers our questions about finding a church and staying at a church. Learn about God's intention and purpose for His Church in a world full of different opinions and priorities.Related Resources: -Reflect on what Scripture says about the message you heard, and see what challenges, convicts or encourages you, with our free resource "Now What? A Guide To Process and Apply Biblical Messages." -Give your teens a stronger foundation to embrace a biblical worldview and learn to navigate complex topics at Summit Ministries’ Student Conference! -Click here to download a transcript of this episode.

Transcribed - Published: 28 March 2023