Encouraging Others in Loving Jesus Podcast

Episode 59: Be Very Careful What You Promise

In Podcast Episode 59 “Be Very Careful What You Promise” Kim discusses Jephthah’s rash vow to God and the disastrous consequences. Just as Jephthah did, we can be so influenced by the culture around us that we reflect more of the culture than Christ.
 
The primary scripture text for this episode is Judges 11:29-39, with the focal scripture 31.
 
30 And Jephthah made a vow to the Lord. He said, “If you give me victory over the Ammonites, 31 I will give to the Lord whatever comes out of my house to meet me when I return in triumph. I will sacrifice it as a burnt offering.”…34 When Jephthah returned home to Mizpah, his daughter came out to meet him, playing on a tambourine and dancing for joy. She was his one and only child; he had no other sons or daughters. 35 When he saw her, he tore his clothes in anguish. “Oh, my daughter!” he cried out. “You have completely destroyed me! You’ve brought disaster on me! For I have made a vow to the Lord, and I cannot take it back.”
36 And she said, “Father, if you have made a vow to the Lord, you must do to me what you have vowed, for the Lord has given you a great victory over your enemies, the Ammonites.…38b her father kept the vow he had made, and she died a virgin.
11 Then the Lord sent Gideon, Bedan, Jephthah, and Samuel to save you, and you lived in safety. (1 Samuel 12:11)
 
32 How much more do I need to say? It would take too long to recount the stories of the faith of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, David, Samuel, and all the prophets. (Hebrews 11:32)
 
Don’t make rash promises, and don’t be hasty in bringing matters before God. After all, God is in heaven, and you are here on earth. So let your words be few. (Ecclesiastes 5:2)
 
Resources:
 
Kaiser Jr., Walter C.; Garrett, Duane. NIV Archaeological Study Bible: An Illustrated Walk Through Biblical History and Culture (Kindle Locations 12992-12993). Zondervan. Kindle Edition.
Life Application Study Bible, New International Version Edition. Tyndale House Publishers and Zondervan. 2005.
"Encouraging Others in Loving Jesus" Facebook Group:
 
Our NEW Facebook Group is devoted to providing a place for us to encourage each other through all the seasons of life. Follow the provided link to request admittance into “Encouraging Others in Loving Jesus”—https://www.facebook.com/groups/encouragingothersinlovingjesus/ Feel free to invite others who will be good encouragers and/or need encouragement to follow Jesus.
Online Bible Study Courses:
 
Would you like to take a deeper dive into the book of Joshua and learn more about the Israelite story, join Kim as she teaches “Finding Courage for Life’s Battles: Life Lessons from the Book of Joshua.”
 
To take her FREE 3-Day Online Bible Study entitled “Let  God Transform U through His Word: Why Is Personal Bible Study So Important to Your Christian Life?”.
 
Check out Kim's website at https://gettinghealthyall4hisglory.com for blog posts and her PDF Printable collection.
 
Remember, “It’s Always a Trust & Obey Kinda Day!”
 
If you have questions or comments or would like to learn more about how to follow Jesus, please email Kim at gettinghealthyall4hisglory@gmail.com.
 
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
 
1-800-273-8255
 
https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/

Episode 58: God Can't Use Me Because...

In Podcast Episode 58 “God Can’t Use Me Because…,” Kim discusses the human temptation to believe the lie that God can’t use you because….(you fill in the blank). Yet, God can use ANYONE who is a WILLING instrument.
 
The primary scripture text for this episode is Judges 11:1-28, with the focal scripture 1.
 
Now Jephthah of Gilead was a great warrior. He was the son of Gilead, but his mother was a prostitute.
 
God can’t use me because:
I am the son/daughter of __________________;55 Then they scoffed, “He’s just the carpenter’s son, and we know Mary, his mother, and his brothers—James, Joseph, Simon, and Judas. (Matthew 13:55)
I am a man/woman;
I am just a child or a teenager;Don’t let anyone think less of you because you are young. Be an example to all believers in what you say, in the way you live, in your love, your faith, and your purity. (1 Timothy 4:12)
I only have a ___________ education;
I am just a (occupation);
I can’t ________________; (See Podcast Episode 44: “I Can Because of Whose I Am” and “Overcoming the ‘But God’ Excuses”)
I am toooo busy;
I don’t have any money;
I did _______________________;
TRUTH: I am unwilling to surrender to Him.
14 God replied to Moses, “I AM WHO I AM. Say this to the people of Israel: I AM has sent me to you.” 15 God also said to Moses, “Say this to the people of Israel: Yahweh, the God of your ancestors—the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob—has sent me to you.
 
This is my eternal name,     my name to remember for all generations. (Exodus 3:14)
Resources:
“Who I Am In Christ”
“9 Ways to Help Others During the Coronavirus Pandemic” by Alexis Perrotta
Matthew 25:31-46
 
Featured Video: “Just a Girl” by Brandon Heath
 
We can also stumble if we believe “God Can’t Use _________ Because…” Be careful of this trap also.
 
Our NEW Facebook Group is devoted to providing a place for us to encourage each other through all the seasons of life. Follow the provided link to request admittance into “Encouraging Others in Loving Jesus”—https://www.facebook.com/groups/encouragingothersinlovingjesus/ Feel free to invite others who will be good encouragers and/or need encouragement to follow Jesus.
 
Would you like to take a deeper dive into the book of Joshua and learn more about the Israelite story, join Kim as she teaches “Finding Courage for Life’s Battles: Life Lessons from the Book of Joshua.”
To take her FREE 3-Day Online Bible Study entitled “Let  God Transform U through His Word: Why Is Personal Bible Study So Important to Your Christian Life?”.
 
Check out Kim's website at https://gettinghealthyall4hisglory.com for blog posts and her PDF Printable collection.
 
Remember, “It’s Always a Trust & Obey Kinda Day!”
 
If you have questions or comments or would like to learn more about how to follow Jesus, please email Kim at gettinghealthyall4hisglory@gmail.com.
 
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
 
1-800-273-8255

Episode 57: A God Whose Heart Grieves

In Podcast Episode 57, “A God Whose Heart Grieves,” Kim discusses the tender heart of our God. This "man of sorrows, acquainted with deepest grief," "is close to brokenhearted" and "comforts us in all our troubles". 
 
The primary scripture text for this episode is Judges 10:1-18, with the focal scripture 16.
 
16 Then the Israelites put aside their foreign gods and served the Lord. And he was grieved by their misery.
 
GRIEF OF GOD OVER THE SIN AND REBELLION OF HIS PEOPLE ISRAEL
 
Oh, how often they rebelled against him in the wilderness
    and grieved his heart in that dry wasteland. (Psalm 78:40)
 
But they rebelled against him
    and grieved his Holy Spirit.
So he became their enemy
    and fought against them. (Isaiah 63:10)
 
GRIEF OF GOD OVER THE SIN OF THE HUMAN RACE
 
6 So the Lord was sorry he had ever made them and put them on the earth. It broke his heart. (Gen. 6:6)
 
GRIEF OF THE HOLY SPIRIT OVER THE ACTIONS OF BELIEVERS
 
30 And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.  (Ephesians 4:30 NIV)
 
GRIEF OF JESUS OVER THE DEATHS OF THOSE HE LOVED AND OTHERS WHO WERE HURTING
 
33 When Jesus saw her weeping and saw the other people wailing with her, a deep anger welled up within him, and he was deeply troubled. 34 “Where have you put him?” he asked them. They told him, “Lord, come and see.” 35 Then Jesus wept. (John 11:33-35)
 
13 As soon as Jesus heard the news, he left in a boat to a remote area to be alone…22 Immediately after this, Jesus insisted that his disciples get back into the boat and cross to the other side of the lake, while he sent the people home. 23 After sending them home, he went up into the hills by himself to pray. Night fell while he was there alone. (Matthew 14:13, 22-23)
 
GRIEF OF JESUS OVER CITY OF JERUSALEM
 
37 “O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the city that kills the prophets and stones God’s messengers! How often I have wanted to gather your children together as a hen protects her chicks beneath her wings, but you wouldn’t let me. 38 And now, look, your house is abandoned and desolate. 39 For I tell you this, you will never see me again until you say, ‘Blessings on the one who comes in the name of the Lord!’” (Matthew 23:37-39)
GRIEF OF JESUS IN THE GARDEN OF GETHSEMANE
 
 38 He told them, “My soul is crushed with grief to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch with me.” (Matthew 26:38)
 
GRIEF OF JESUS, THE SUFFERING SERVANT
 
3 He was despised and rejected—    a man of sorrows, acquainted with deepest grief. We turned our backs on him and looked the other way.     He was despised, and we did not care.
4 Yet it was our weaknesses he carried;     it was our sorrows that weighed him down.And we thought his troubles were a punishment from God,     a punishment for his own sins! (Isaiah 53:3-4)
 
“And now the last word is, he was “ACQUAINTED WITH GRIEF. With grief he had an intimate acquaintance. He did not know merely what it was in others, but it came home to himself. We have read of grief, we have sympathised with grief, we have sometimes felt grief: but the Lord felt it more intensely than other men in his innermost soul; he, beyond us all, was conversant with this black letter lore. He knew the secret of the heart which refuseth to be comforted. He had sat at grief ’s table, eaten of grief ’s black bread, and dipped his morsel in her vinegar. By the waters of Marah he dwelt, and knew right well the bitter well. He and grief were bosom friends.” (Charles Haddon Spurgeon) - Obtained online at https://www.spurgeon.org/resource-library/sermons/the-man-of-sorrows#flipbook/
 
The Lord is close to the brokenhearted;
    he rescues those whose spirits are crushed. (Psalm 34:18)
 
He heals the brokenhearted
    and bandages their wounds. (Psalm 147:3)
 
3 All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is our merciful Father and the source of all comfort. 4 He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us. (2 Corinthians 1:3-4)
 
Our NEW Facebook Group is devoted to providing a place for us to encourage each other through all the seasons of life. Follow the provided link to request admittance into “Encouraging Others in Loving Jesus”—https://www.facebook.com/groups/encouragingothersinlovingjesus/ Feel free to invite others who will be good encouragers and/or need encouragement to follow Jesus.
Would you like to take a deeper dive into the book of Joshua and learn more about the Israelite story, join Kim as she teaches “Finding Courage for Life’s Battles: Life Lessons from the Book of Joshua.”
 
To take her FREE 3-Day Online Bible Study entitled “Let  God Transform U through His Word: Why Is Personal Bible Study So Important to Your Christian Life?”.
 
Check out Kim's website at https://gettinghealthyall4hisglory.com for blog posts and her PDF Printable collection.
 
Remember, “It’s Always a Trust & Obey Kinda Day!”
 
If you have questions or comments or would like to learn more about how to follow Jesus, please email Kim at gettinghealthyall4hisglory@gmail.com.
 
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
 
1-800-273-8255
 
https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/

Episode 56: Why Does God Delay?

In Podcast Episode 56, “Why Does God Delay?,” Kim discusses this question we all have asked, especially during the most challenging seasons of life. Since this podcast is being recorded in the first month of COVID-19 in the States, many people are asking this question daily. From scripture, what are some of the reasons we see God will delay?
 
TO ALLOW CONSEQUENCES OF BAD DECISIONS
 
The primary scripture text for this episode is Judges 9:22-57, with the focal scriptures 22-23.
 
22 After Abimelech had ruled over Israel for three years, 23 God sent a spirit that stirred up trouble between Abimelech and the leading citizens of Shechem, and they revolted. 
 
One of the most challenging questions in this life will always be: “Why Does God Delay?” Each time I read our scriptures for this podcast, that is the question I always envision the Israelites asking.
 
The people of Shechem chose an evil leader just “because” he was their relative, and the Israelite nation reaped the poorly sown seeds. Three years under the tyrannical rule of Abimelech must have felt like 3 decades.
 
TO SHOW GOD’S GLORY AND TO POINT PEOPLE TO JESUS
 
We have probably asked the question a time or two or three hundred (probably in the last 3 weeks).
 
Even two of Jesus’ best friends had the same question.
 
John 11 is the story of Jesus raising Lazarus from the dead. Listen to the “Why Does God Delay?” tone in both Martha and Mary: 
21 Martha said to Jesus, “Lord, if only you had been here, my brother would not have died. 
32 When Mary arrived and saw Jesus, she fell at his feet and said, “Lord, if only you had been here, my brother would not have died.”
 
40 Jesus responded, “Didn’t I tell you that you would see God’s glory if you believe?” 41 So they rolled the stone aside. Then Jesus looked up to heaven and said, “Father, thank you for hearing me. 42 You always hear me, but I said it out loud for the sake of all these people standing here, so that they will believe you sent me.” 43 Then Jesus shouted, “Lazarus, come out!” 44 And the dead man came out, his hands and feet bound in graveclothes, his face wrapped in a headcloth. Jesus told them, “Unwrap him and let him go!” 45 Many of the people who were with Mary believed in Jesus when they saw this happen. (John 11:40-45)
 
TO HUMBLE US, PROVE OUR CHARACTER, MEASURE OUR OBEDIENCE, TEACH US TO TRUST HIM ALONE
 
 2 Remember how the Lord your God led you through the wilderness for these forty years, humbling you and testing you to prove your character, and to find out whether or not you would obey his commands. 3 Yes, he humbled you by letting you go hungry and then feeding you with manna, a food previously unknown to you and your ancestors. He did it to teach you that people do not live by bread alone; rather, we live by every word that comes from the mouth of the Lord. 4 For all these forty years your clothes didn’t wear out, and your feet didn’t blister or swell. 5 Think about it: Just as a parent disciplines a child, the Lord your God disciplines you for your own good. (Deuteronomy 8:2-5)
 
BECAUSE HE IS MERCIFUL AND WANTS NO ONE TO PERISH BUT ALL TO REPENT AND SPEND ETERNITY WITH HIM IN HEAVEN
 
8 But you must not forget this one thing, dear friends: A day is like a thousand years to the Lord, and a thousand years is like a day. 9 The Lord isn’t really being slow about his promise, as some people think. No, he is being patient for your sake. He does not want anyone to be destroyed, but wants everyone to repent. 10 But the day of the Lord will come as unexpectedly as a thief. Then the heavens will pass away with a terrible noise, and the very elements themselves will disappear in fire, and the earth and everything on it will be found to deserve judgment. (2 Peter 3:8-10)
Our NEW Facebook Group is devoted to providing a place for us to encourage each other through all the seasons of life. Follow the provided link to request admittance into “Encouraging Others in Loving Jesus”—https://www.facebook.com/groups/encouragingothersinlovingjesus/ Feel free to invite others who will be good encouragers and/or need encouragement to follow Jesus.
 
Would you like to take a deeper dive into the book of Joshua and learn more about the Israelite story, join Kim as she teaches “Finding Courage for Life’s Battles: Life Lessons from the Book of Joshua.”
 
To take her FREE 3-Day Online Bible Study entitled “Let  God Transform U through His Word: Why Is Personal Bible Study So Important to Your Christian Life?”.
Check out Kim's website at https://gettinghealthyall4hisglory.com for blog posts and her PDF Printable collection.
 
Remember, “It’s Always a Trust & Obey Kinda Day!”
 
If you have questions or comments or would like to learn more about how to follow Jesus, please email Kim at gettinghealthyall4hisglory@gmail.com.
 
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
 
1-800-273-8255
 
https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/
 

Episode 55: A Courageous Voice in Trying Times

In Podcast Episode 55, “A Courageous Voice in Trying Times,” Kim discusses the opportunity each follower of Christ has to be a courageous voice in these trying times. At the time of the recording of this episode, the world is in the beginning stages of the fight against COVID-19. May all who have a relationship with the Lord commit to practicing the presence of God, receiving God’s message for this time and then courageously speak to others on His behalf.
The primary scripture text for this episode is Judges 9:7-21, 57b, with the focal scripture 7.
 
7 When Jotham heard about this, he climbed to the top of Mount Gerizim and shouted,
“Listen to me, citizens of Shechem!     Listen to me if you want God to listen to you!
 
Jotham had a target on his back, as the only son of Gideon Abimelech had not managed to kill. Yet, in the midst of imminent danger, Jotham went up on Mt. Gerizim, in earshot of the newly crowned King Abimelech of Shechem, and spoke boldly God’s truth.
 
Our BRAND NEW Facebook Group is devoted to providing a place for us to encourage each other through all the seasons of life. Follow the provided link to request admittance into “Encouraging Others in Loving Jesus”—https://www.facebook.com/groups/encouragingothersinlovingjesus/ Feel free to invite others who will be good encouragers and/or need encouragement to follow Jesus.
Would you like to take a deeper dive into the book of Joshua and learn more about the Israelite story, join Kim as she teaches “Finding Courage for Life’s Battles: Life Lessons from the Book of Joshua.”
 
To take her FREE 3-Day Online Bible Study entitled “Let  God Transform U through His Word: Why Is Personal Bible Study So Important to Your Christian Life?”.
 
Check out Kim's website at https://gettinghealthyall4hisglory.com for blog posts and her PDF Printable collection.
 
Remember, “It’s Always a Trust & Obey Kinda Day!”
 
If you have questions or comments or would like to learn more about how to follow Jesus, please email Kim at gettinghealthyall4hisglory@gmail.com.
 
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
 
1-800-273-8255
 
https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/
 

Episode 54: The "Because" of a Bad Decision

In Podcast Episode 54, “The ‘Because’ of a Bad Decision,” Kim discusses some of the many “because” situations which can lead to bad decisions. She will encourage you to take time to step back and run all decisions through God’s filter of omniscience. May you begin to make all decisions “because” by divine guidance from the Lord.
 
The primary scripture text for this episode is Judges 9:1-6, with the focal scripture 3b.
 
1 One day Gideon’s son Abimelech went to Shechem to visit his uncles—his mother’s brothers. He said to them and to the rest of his mother’s family, 2 “Ask the leading citizens of Shechem whether they want to be ruled by all seventy of Gideon’s sons or by one man. And remember that I am your own flesh and blood!”
3 So Abimelech’s uncles gave his message to all the citizens of Shechem on his behalf. And after listening to this proposal, the people of Shechem decided in favor of Abimelech because he was their relative. 4 They gave him seventy silver coins from the temple of Baal-berith, which he used to hire some reckless troublemakers who agreed to follow him. 5 He went to his father’s home at Ophrah, and there, on one stone, they killed all seventy of his half brothers, the sons of Gideon. But the youngest brother, Jotham, escaped and hid.
 
6 Then all the leading citizens of Shechem and Beth-millo called a meeting under the oak beside the pillar at Shechem and made Abimelech their king. (Judges 9:1-6)
 
The people of Israel made a bad decision “because” Abimelech was their relative.
 
What might be a “Because” which would lead to a bad decision? (Go to our Encouraging Others in Loving Jesus Facebook Group and look for the "Because" graphic to share your "Because" answers.)
 
Tunnel vision;
Impatience;
Pride;
Feelings of unworthiness;
Exhaustion;
Human appetites (i.e., sex, food);
Under the influence of intoxicating substances or relationships;
Avoid consequences;
____________________.
17 The first to speak in court sounds right—
    until the cross-examination begins. (Proverbs 18:17)
 
5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart;
    do not depend on your own understanding.
6 Seek his will in all you do,
    and he will show you which path to take. (Proverbs 3:5-6)
 
5  If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking. (James 1:5)
 
1 We can make our own plans,     but the Lord gives the right answer.
2 People may be pure in their own eyes,     but the Lord examines their motives.
3 Commit your actions to the Lord,     and your plans will succeed. (Proverbs 16:1-3)
9 Remember the things I have done in the past.
    For I alone am God!
    I am God, and there is none like me.
10 Only I can tell you the future
    before it even happens.
Everything I plan will come to pass,
    for I do whatever I wish. (Isaiah 46:9-10)
 
13 Who is able to advise the Spirit of the Lord?
    Who knows enough to give him advice or teach him?
14 Has the Lord ever needed anyone’s advice?
    Does he need instruction about what is good?
Did someone teach him what is right
    or show him the path of justice? (Isaiah 40:13-14)
 
Our BRAND NEW Facebook Group is devoted to providing a place for us to encourage each other through all the seasons of life. Follow the provided link to request admittance into “Encouraging Others in Loving Jesus”—https://www.facebook.com/groups/encouragingothersinlovingjesus/ Feel free to invite others who will be good encouragers and/or need encouragement to follow Jesus.
 
Would you like to take a deeper dive into the book of Joshua and learn more about the Israelite story, join Kim as she teaches “Finding Courage for Life’s Battles: Life Lessons from the Book of Joshua.”
To take her FREE 3-Day Online Bible Study entitled “Let  God Transform U through His Word: Why Is Personal Bible Study So Important to Your Christian Life?”.
 
Check out Kim's website at https://gettinghealthyall4hisglory.com for blog posts and her PDF Printable collection.
 
Remember, “It’s Always a Trust & Obey Kinda Day!”
 
If you have questions or comments or would like to learn more about how to follow Jesus, please email Kim at gettinghealthyall4hisglory@gmail.com.
 
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
 
1-800-273-8255
 
https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/
 

Episode 53: As Seasons Change, Do Not Forget the Lord

Season 2 begins with Podcast Episode 53, “As Seasons Change, Do Not Forget the Lord.” Kim discusses the importance of being intentional about remembering God through all the seasons of life.
 
The primary scripture text for this episode is Judges 8:28-35, with the focal scripture 8:34.
 
28 That is the story of how the people of Israel defeated Midian, which never recovered. Throughout the rest of Gideon’s lifetime—about forty years—there was peace in the land.
 
29 Then Gideon son of Joash returned home. 30 He had seventy sons born to him, for he had many wives. 31 He also had a concubine in Shechem, who gave birth to a son, whom he named Abimelech. 32 Gideon died when he was very old, and he was buried in the grave of his father, Joash, at Ophrah in the land of the clan of Abiezer.
33 As soon as Gideon died, the Israelites prostituted themselves by worshiping the images of Baal, making Baal-berith their god. 34 They forgot the Lord their God, who had rescued them from all their enemies surrounding them. 35 Nor did they show any loyalty to the family of Jerub-baal (that is, Gideon), despite all the good he had done for Israel.
Our BRAND NEW Facebook Group is devoted to providing a place for us to encourage each other through all the seasons of life. Follow the provided link to request admittance into “Encouraging Others in Loving Jesus”—https://www.facebook.com/groups/encouragingothersinlovingjesus/ Feel free to invite others who will be good encouragers and/or need encouragement to follow Jesus.
 
Prayer suggestions from the National Day of Prayer regarding the coronavirus—https://www.nationaldayofprayer.org/natl_prayer_response_coronavirus
 
Words to “Great Is Thy Faithfulness” can be obtained at https://www.hymnal.net/en/hymn/h/19
Would you like to take a deeper dive into the book of Joshua and learn more about the Israelite story, join Kim as she teaches “Finding Courage for Life’s Battles: Life Lessons from the Book of Joshua.”
 
To take her FREE 3-Day Online Bible Study entitled “Let  God Transform U through His Word: Why Is Personal Bible Study So Important to Your Christian Life?”.
 
Check out Kim's website at https://gettinghealthyall4hisglory.com for blog posts and her PDF Printable collection.
 
Remember, “It’s Always a Trust & Obey Kinda Day!”
 
If you have questions or comments or would like to learn more about how to follow Jesus, please email Kim at gettinghealthyall4hisglory@gmail.com.
 
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
 
1-800-273-8255
 
https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/
 
 

Episode 52: Falling into the "What Could It Hurt?" Trap

In Podcast Episode 52, “Falling into the ‘What Could It Hurt?’ Trap”, Kim discusses the dangers of the “What Could It Hurt?” mentality to you and others.
 
The primary scripture text for this episode is Judges 8:22-27, with the focal scriptures 8:24, 27.
 
“However, I do have one request—that each of you give me an earring from the plunder you collected from your fallen enemies.” (The enemies, being Ishmaelites, all wore gold earrings.)” (Judges 8:24 )
 
“Gideon made a sacred ephod from the gold and put it in Ophrah, his hometown. But soon all the Israelites prostituted themselves by worshiping it, and it became a trap for Gideon and his family.” (Judges 8:27)
Would you like to take a deeper dive into the book of Joshua and learn more about the Israelite story, join Kim as she teaches “Finding Courage for Life’s Battles: Life Lessons from the Book of Joshua.”
 
To take her FREE 3-Day Online Bible Study entitled “Let  God Transform U through His Word: Why Is Personal Bible Study So Important to Your Christian Life?”.
 
Check out Kim's website at https://gettinghealthyall4hisglory.com for blog posts and her PDF Printable collection.
 
Remember, “It’s Always a Trust & Obey Kinda Day!”
If you have questions or comments or would like to learn more about how to follow Jesus, please email Kim at gettinghealthyall4hisglory@gmail.com.
 
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
 
1-800-273-8255
 
https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/

Episode 51, “Praying for the Courage to Help the Helpless”

In Podcast Episode 51, “Praying for the Courage to Help the Helpless” Kim discusses the courage needed to help the helpless, especially when there is risk of personal danger.
 
The primary scripture text for this episode is Judges 8:4-21, with the primary scriptures 8:6, 8.
 
But the officials of Succoth replied, “Catch Zebah and Zalmunna first, and then we will feed your army.” (8:6)
 
From there Gideon went up to Peniel and again asked for food, but he got the same answer. (8:8)
31 “But when the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, then he will sit upon his glorious throne. 32 All the nations will be gathered in his presence, and he will separate the people as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. 33 He will place the sheep at his right hand and the goats at his left.
34 “Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the Kingdom prepared for you from the creation of the world. 35 For I was hungry, and you fed me. I was thirsty, and you gave me a drink. I was a stranger, and you invited me into your home. 36 I was naked, and you gave me clothing. I was sick, and you cared for me. I was in prison, and you visited me.’
 
37 “Then these righteous ones will reply, ‘Lord, when did we ever see you hungry and feed you? Or thirsty and give you something to drink? 38 Or a stranger and show you hospitality? Or naked and give you clothing? 39 When did we ever see you sick or in prison and visit you?’
40 “And the King will say, ‘I tell you the truth, when you did it to one of the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were doing it to me!’ (Matthew 25:31-40)
 
Some of “the least of these:”
Victims of domestic violence;
Those trapped in trafficking (i.e., sexual, labor);
Lives in danger (i.e., physical, financial, emotional, mental);
Homeless;
Imprisoned;
Different cultures and faiths;
Foster children and orphans;
Unborn;
Other: _______________________________________
 
“Lord, please give me the courage to help the helpless, no matter what might be the personal cost.”
Would you like to take a deeper dive into the book of Joshua and learn more about the Israelite story, join Kim as she teaches “Finding Courage for Life’s Battles: Life Lessons from the Book of Joshua.”
 
To take her FREE 3-Day Online Bible Study entitled “Let  God Transform U through His Word: Why Is Personal Bible Study So Important to Your Christian Life?”.
 
Check out Kim's website at https://gettinghealthyall4hisglory.com for blog posts and her PDF Printable collection.
 
Remember, “It’s Always a Trust & Obey Kinda Day!”
 
If you have questions or comments or would like to learn more about how to follow Jesus, please email Kim at gettinghealthyall4hisglory@gmail.com.
 
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
 
1-800-273-8255
 
https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/

Episode 50: The Art of Handling Complaints

In Podcast Episode 50, “The Art of Handling Complaints” Kim discusses the challenges we all have in handling complaints and tips on how to handle them effectively.
 
The primary scripture text for this episode is Judges 8:1-3.
 
1 Then the people of Ephraim asked Gideon, “Why have you treated us this way? Why didn’t you send for us when you first went out to fight the Midianites?” And they argued heatedly with Gideon.
 
2 But Gideon replied, “What have I accomplished compared to you? Aren’t even the leftover grapes of Ephraim’s harvest better than the entire crop of my little clan of Abiezer? 3 God gave you victory over Oreb and Zeeb, the commanders of the Midianite army. What have I accomplished compared to that?” When the men of Ephraim heard Gideon’s answer, their anger subsided.
 
You are the recipient of the complaint because you are:
Accused of doing or not doing something in a personal situation;
The recipient of a complaint regarding the actions of someone with whom you are very close;
In leadership and someone under you is accused of something;
The owner of a business which did not live up to someone’s expectations;
The customer service representative who handles complaints as part of your assignment;
Not related to the focus of the complaint, but are the one with the listening ear.
Other: _____________________.
Challenges to Handling Complaints:
Separating the points of the complaint from the complainer;
Filtering your own emotions, so that you can give a thought versus felt answer;
Responding instead of reacting.
Other: _____________________________.
 
Tips for Handling Complaints:
Truly listen, not only to the complaint spoken or written, but for the true reason behind the complaint.
Restate the complaint, in your own words, in order to clarify the details.
Attempt to determine what the complainer wants done in response to the complaint.
Always watch your tone. “A gentle answer deflects anger, but harsh words make tempers flare.” (Proverbs 15:1)
For a deeper dive into the book of Joshua, join Kim as she teaches “Finding Courage for Life’s Battles: Life Lessons from the Book of Joshua.”
 
To take her FREE 3-Day Online Bible Study entitled “Let  God Transform U through His Word: Why Is Personal Bible Study So Important to Your Christian Life?”.
 
Check out Kim's website at https://gettinghealthyall4hisglory.com for blog posts and her PDF Printable collection.
 
Remember, “It’s Always a Trust & Obey Kinda Day!”
 
If you have questions or comments or would like to learn more about how to follow Jesus, please email Kim at gettinghealthyall4hisglory@gmail.com.
 
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
 
1-800-273-8255
 
https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/