The Proverbs 31 Ministries Podcast

The older we get, the easier it is to recognize that life is a combination of suffering and joy. While we look forward to the joyful times, our suffering has the potential to draw us closer to the Lord … if we choose to steward that season well.   So, how do we do that?  Today on the Proverbs 31 Ministries Podcast, First 5 writer Lyli Dunbar draws from her own life experiences and the book of Daniel to show us four ways to steward our season of suffering well. And guess what? They all start with the letter “P” to make note-taking easy.   With this episode, you will…Learn the importance of establishing a routine of getting into God’s Word daily in order to build a strong foundation to stand on when your world gets shaky.Discover scriptures in the Psalms you can run to that will help you practice trading the tendency to panic with the power of prayer.Understand how worshipping during hard times helps you trust that God is working even when you can’t see it.Related Resources:Establish a consistent, weekday quiet time with our First 5 mobile app. It’s free (yes, free!) — all you need to do is go to your app store on your mobile device to download the app and join us in our current study. Take your daily study of God’s Word a little deeper with our First 5 Study Guides. These guides are meant to be a companion to a study you can find within our First 5 mobile app, or stand-alone as an individual study. Each Study Guide includes helpful study tools such as maps, historical context and an overview of the book(s) you’re studying. Find out more about our Study Guides here!Click here to download the transcript for this episode.

Have you ever opened your Bible to the books of 1 & 2 Kings and wondered how you could possibly have anything in common with a bunch of men who ruled hundreds of years ago? For starters, they were real kings with crowns that fought in battles and ruled nations, and we’re just normal people trying to get through the day. No wonder we have a hard time applying their stories and struggles to what we’re facing today.  But you know what? We don’t want those thoughts to stop you from diving into the Old Testament because we believe that all of God’s Word is living, active and applicable to what we face today. The books of 1 & 2 Kings are exciting and give us an account of how much God wants us to trust in Him —not in ourselves or others. Lysa TerKeurst recently released a brand-new Bible study based on 1 & 2 Kings called Trustworthy: Overcoming Our Greatest Struggles to Trust God. In this week’s episode of the Proverbs 31 Ministries Podcast, you’ll get an inside peek into a conversation we had with Lysa during our Trustworthy Online Bible Study.   With this episode, you will…Gain a basic understanding of the lives of Jeroboam and Rehoboam in 1 & 2 Kings, and learn about their trust issues within the context of their own stories.Recognize that even though you’re not a king, you’re responsible for stewarding your influence  — whether that be social media, work, parenting or friends — we have the opportunity to point them all back to God. Find relief from trying to do things in your own way or your own timing by taking small steps to trust God more today.Related resources:Want to learn more about Lysa’s latest study, Trustworthy, and unpack your trust issues within a biblical community? Proverbs 31 Ministries’ Online Bible Studies is the place for you! Click here to learn more about Online Bible Studies and check out our current study.Be equipped to lead your own study of Trustworthy with the leader kit! When you purchase the leader kit, you’ll get access to the Trustworthy study guide and a DVD with all 6 interactive teaching sessions filmed on location in Israel. The only thing you’ll need is a group of girlfriends and designated time to dig deep and learn together.Click here to download the transcript for this episode.

When you think about what affects your own happiness, you might think about how your mood changes after you’ve spent too much time on social media or when someone says something rude to you.  Did you know that if you’re holding on to unforgiveness, it might be affecting you more than you realize?  Today on The Proverbs 31 Ministries Podcast, we’re joined by Max Lucado, a bestselling author of multiple books and pastor of Oak Hills Church in San Antonio, Texas. Through a lot of research, Max found that 1 in 3 Americans admits they’re unhappy which inspired him to write How Happiness Happens, where he tackles this issue from a biblical perspective. Today, he’s giving us a sneak peek into this really powerful message.   When you listen to today’s episode, you will…Discover the secret to being happy is to release forgiveness you’ve been holding back. Learn how Jesus modeled what it looks like to be unoffendable by extending grace before your offender needs it.Understand that forgiveness does not mean you’re endorsing or forgetting what happened to you; it means clearing your heart of offenses daily as you go before the Lord.Related Resources:Dive deeper into Max’s book, How Happiness Happens: Finding Lasting Joy in a World of Comparison, Disappointment and Unmet Expectations. Purchase your copy today anywhere books are sold! Did you know you can participate in our past Online Bible Studies with Max? That’s right! Anxious for Nothing and Because of Bethlehem are available for you to do on your own. Click here to find out how to participate!Download the transcript of the podcast here.

 You’re happily scrolling through social media to see what’s going on for the day, and then all of a sudden, you come across a post that has hundreds of comments where people (maybe even some of your friends) are having a “not-so-gracious” discussion. Should you join the conversation or unfollow that person? Or maybe you’re about to head to a family dinner with people you love dearly, but there’s a sticky topic that’s bound to come up that makes you want to hide under the table. How do you approach that conversation while still honoring the relationships and loving those people? Whatever or wherever your sticky situation is — online, at the table or with a co-worker — we pray this episode gives you a biblical foundation to help you navigate difficult conversations as an image-bearer of Christ. In this episode, you will… Understand the value and freedom gained by starting your day with an attitude of forgiveness, before you’re ever offended. Be empowered to make a difference in your corner of the world by choosing to create an atmosphere of gentle responses wherever you go. Learn how getting involved on social media helps and hinders your relationships, and when to respond with grace or simply not react at all. Is The Proverbs 31 Ministries Podcast helping you with whatever season of life you’re walking through? We want to hear your story! When you leave a review on iTunes, it helps more people discover our podcast content. Related Resources:Do you know someone who’s difficult to love? The lady at church who's always gossiping. The lazy co-worker. That sibling who knows how to push your buttons. We have a free printable just for you! Click here to access “Hugging a Porcupine and Squeezing a Skunk: How to love the difficult people in your life” for FREE today!In her book, Unglued, Lysa TerKeurst said, “Am I trying to prove that I’m right, or improve this relationship?” She developed a free resource to help you called “3 Questions to Ask Before You Respond.” Access this downloadable guide for free today!Get a free chapter of Lysa TerKeurst’s book, Uninvited, along with an assessment titled, “What’s it like to do life with me?” Simply download the chapter and complete the self-assessment, then prayerfully ask a trusted friend to complete the friend assessment. Click here to get started! Click here to download the transcript for this episode.

What’s keeping you from really resting?Are you afraid of losing control or fear the job won’t get done without you? Or maybe you think you’re resting, but you fill your time with TV, reading or shopping and at the end of the day, you’re still tired? Take a second and think of your own reasons.  Whatever your answer, it’s easy to look at the word “rest” in our culture and think it’s never possible because we’re too busy, or that we don’t know how to truly unplug. In this week’s episode, Kristen White, Proverbs 31 staff member and wife of Pastor Kaleb White, will tackle the true reason why we should rest, and what God’s Word says about it.   In this episode, you will...Evaluate your priority of working versus resting by looking at the story of creation in Genesis and how it teaches us about how God prioritized rest.Understand the difference of working from rest instead of resting from work, and get a few ideas for how to creatively or mentally recharge when you need a break.Remember that the Sabbath isn’t a rule that keeps us from getting more work done, but a day set aside by God for us to rest and grow in our relationship with Him. Related Resources:Ready to start studying the Bible in a fresh way? Download our FREE First 5 mobile app and join us each weekday for a relevant, but challenging teaching on one chapter of the Bible at a time.Get biblical encouragement sent straight to your inbox every day AND stay up-to-date with all things happening at Proverbs 31 Ministries when you sign up for our free Encouragement for Today weekday devotions.Click here to download the transcript of this episode.

Depending on your church background, you might participate in Advent every year, or you might stay away from it because it seems like a mysterious, age-old tradition that’s reserved for only certain denominations. You might even associate Advent with a candy calendar you see displayed in stores close to the holiday season.  At Proverbs 31 Ministries, our goal is to help you know the Truth of God’s Word by shedding light on things that might be a little unclear … even things like the Advent season. While Advent is not a biblical command, it is an activity we can choose to participate in to turn our hearts from the hustle and bustle as we focus on biblical truths.   In this episode, you’ll hear from Proverbs 31 Ministries' director of theology, Joel Muddamalle. You will…Discover what Advent is, what it isn’t and how it can help align your heart with God’s Word as we celebrate Christmas and Jesus’ second coming.Stop rushing through the holiday season and refocus your mind on adoration for Jesus through patience, expectations for what He’s doing and contemplation on His goodness.Understand the importance of setting aside time to share with your family about who Jesus is and what He has done, and what He has promised to come back and do. No matter your views on Advent, we pray this episode will serve as a resource and a reason to slow down and focus on Jesus this season. Related Resources:If you’re reading this, maybe God has used Proverbs 31 Ministries to point you back to Him in your deepest moment of need. Will you consider giving back so we can continue giving you our resources and reach even more women who desperately need Him? Click here to make a donation today!Are you and your kids rushing through the holiday season? Slow down and make this season even sweeter with our hand-selected products, like the authentic olive wood nativity scene, The Sweetest Story Ever Told interactive cookie kit and more! A portion of every purchase you make from Proverbs 31 goes back to help us reach more women with God’s Word. Click here to see our entire Christmas collection!Click here to download the transcript of this episode.

Do you ever find it hard to let God work on your behalf? Are you tempted to trust in your own strength rather than let God work things out for you?   As believers, we have the most incredible opportunity to put our full trust and confidence in our heavenly Father. But, so often, we get caught in the trap of thinking “Surely I’m not the right person to do this” or “There’s too much against me for this to actually work out.” Today on The Proverbs 31 Ministries Podcast, Lynn Cowell will help us understand what it means to develop unshakable confidence built on Christ.   With today’s episode, you will…Grow your confidence in God as you hear references to stories in Scripture that show how He moved through others who trusted Him to do the impossible.Identify and address the fears that keep you stuck, and learn what practical steps to take to walk in your calling with confidence.Renew your passion to do what only you’ve been called to do, knowing it’s more important to please God than others.Related Resources:Discover more about unshakable confidence with Lynn’s Bible study, Make Your Move. Purchase the Bible study and DVD set today from Proverbs 31 Ministries’ online store.Is there a tween in your life who needs a little encouragement as she makes the transition from being a little girl to becoming a teenager? Check out Lynn’s book, Brave Beauty: Finding the Fearless You, available on the Proverbs 31 Ministries’ online store.Plan your next church women’s event with the Proverbs 31 Ministries’ speaker team in mind! Click here to inquire about having speakers like Lynn Cowell, Chrystal Evans Hurst, Nicki Koziarz and more at your next event. Click here to download the transcript for this episode.

Why is it so enticing to choose lesser things over lasting things?   Do you ever pick up your phone or watch a mindless show without thinking anything of it, but end up wondering where the day went when you lay down at night? Sometimes even the things that are entertaining and good can leave us feeling empty, lesser and lacking. So, how do we set healthy boundaries and train our minds to choose what’s best over what seems right in the moment?  Today on The Proverbs 31 Ministries Podcast, we’re tackling distractions head-on with our friends Amanda Bacon and Anne-Renee Gumley of The Masterpiece Mom. Amanda and Anne-Renee will give a teaching based on their latest book, Shiny Things: Mothering on Purpose in a World of Distractions (and we promise it isn’t just for moms).   In this episode of the podcast, you will…Identify the areas where you’re most distracted by “shiny things” and create a priority list that you’re determined to live out, not just write out. Stop being distracted by comparing your life to someone else’s as you start focusing on the assignment that only you can do.Grow your desire to have a strong relationship with the Lord in order to develop the persistence you need to stick to your “lasting” list instead of the “lesser” things in life. Related Resources:Learn more about how to choose lasting things over lesser things with Amanda and Anne-Renee’s book, Shiny Things. Purchase yours today from Proverbs 31 Ministries! Fill your social media feed with encouragement and uplifting content by following Proverbs 31 Ministries on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and Pinterest.Help us get The Proverbs 31 Ministries Podcast to even more listeners by leaving a review on iTunes! Click here to download the transcript for this episode.

“Can God be good even when life is not?” It’s a question we’ve been wrestling through together as a ministry since Lysa TerKeurst released her book, It’s Not Supposed to Be This Way.  Today on The Proverbs 31 Ministries Podcast, we’re continuing the conversation on what to do when life doesn’t turn out the way you thought it would by giving you a sneak peek of the It’s Not Supposed to Be This Way Online Bible Study Teaching Series recorded earlier this year. You’ll hear a conversation between our Online Bible Studies team and Pastor Craig Groeschel from Life.Church. Pastor Craig has also been through his own season of hardship and wrote about it in his latest book, Hope in the Dark.  When you listen to this episode, you will...Find comfort in a season or moment of doubt by realizing that God won’t look down on you when you doubt, but will give you what you need to continue pressing on.Discover that breakthrough happens when you invite someone you trust into your struggle, even though opening up is often scary or hard.Stop comparing your dark moment or season to someone else’s, and gain compassion for others regardless of the level of their struggle.Related Resources:Purchase the It’s Not Supposed to Be This Way Teaching Series from Proverbs 31 Ministries Online Bible Studies to hear more in-depth teaching and biblical wisdom from Lysa TerKeurst, Annie F. Downs and Angie Smith, plus two bonus episodes!Learn how to believe God is good even when life is not when you read Craig Groeschel’s book, Hope in the Dark. Click here to shop!Not sure what episodes of The Proverbs 31 Ministries Podcast to listen to next? Click here to easily see episodes categorized by topics!  Click here to download the transcript for this episode.

It’s easy to look back and think of all the things you’d do differently in your teenage years, isn’t it? Maybe there are some small things you’d change … you wouldn’t have worn so much makeup or pushed yourself to do better in math. Or perhaps the people you thought were your best friends led you to make decisions that now you’d do much differently.   As an adult, hindsight is 20/20. But what if we made the choice today to look back at the decisions we made and believe that although we can’t change them, God can use them?  In today’s episode of the Proverbs 31 Ministries Podcast, author and speaker Chrystal Evans Hurst shares a message titled, “3 Things I’d Tell My Teenage Self.” In this episode, you will…Realize that you are loved as you are, and you don’t have to clean up your mistakes to receive God’s love. Find comfort in knowing the very struggle you face today is developing in you the strength you need for tomorrow’s battle.Stop believing the lie that at some point you will “arrive” and start believing that your journey will always be a process that requires time and trust. Related Resources:Purchase Chrystal’s book for teenage girls called, “Show Up For Your Life” from Proverbs 31 Ministries. Every purchase you make from our online bookstore helps us fund ministry resources, just like this podcast!Subscribe to our Encouragement for Today devotions and receive relevant, biblical inspiration in your inbox every weekday.Click here to download the transcript for this episode.