This One Thing Podcast

Welcome to a new episode of "This One Thing" as Crystal Wright and Melina Puente share the inspiration penned by David in Psalm 62. His quiet expectation of God and an invitation to experience Him as our refuge is highlighted in verse 8, “O my people, trust in him at all times. Pour out your heart to him, for God is our refuge.” We know we are called to trust God, and life circumstances create so many opportunities to experience Him as our refuge. Dive into God’s Word with us to delight in the comfort of resting in our True Refuge as we let God's spirit release us from any false refuge that cannot meet our deepest needs.https://www.fetterfree.org/podcast

Enjoy our Unfettered Favorite Replay this week.Welcome to another week of "This One Thing" where Kerri Kenyon Dern and Crystal Wright head back into the book of Mark to examine a faith encounter Jesus had with a desperate and rejected woman. Having experienced great sorrow and loss in every area of her life, she finds herself faced with a decision to either continue to hide in her pain or risk her very life in the hope of being healed. As Mark recounts the miracle Jesus performs on her behalf, he describes this woman's faith to reach for Him. In Mark 5:27 he writes, "When she heard about Jesus, she came up behind Him in the crowd and touched His cloak".Who or what are you placing your hope in today? Do you need a fresh encounter with the God who sees you and desires to free you from the pain and rejection you have experienced? Have you heard about Jesus but are unsure if He is powerful enough to heal the devastation in your life? Do you want to strengthen your trust in God's plans in your life, but find that you barely have the strength to reach out to Him in faith? Jesus understands the weariness you feel, and His encounter with this woman in Mark 5 is an intentional demonstration of His love for those who otherwise have no hope. We pray that through this story you are reminded of Jesus' power to not only heal you of your suffering; but also restore you to a place of honor as His dearly loved child!https://www.fetterfree.org/podcast

Happy Easter! In this week’s episode, Kerri Kenyon Dern and Crystal Wright celebrate the gift of the resurrection by meditating on Peter’s exhortation to the early church to remember that they have been given mercy, new life, and a living hope. In 1 Peter 1:3, he writes, “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy, he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.”The resurrection of Jesus Christ is the cornerstone of hope for all believers because it demonstrates that He not only took on sin and the death we were all destined for but also overcame it! Peter understood that Christ’s victory made it possible for all who put their faith in him, to experience a new birth into a hope more powerful than anything they might face in this world. Join Kerri and Crystal as they discuss the necessity of not simply acknowledging that the resurrection occurred but also allowing its power to be applied to every life circumstance. We pray that as you reflect on Easter, you will take time to ask yourself these questions: How is the resurrection of Jesus transforming your life? How can you rely more on the living hope you’ve been given instead of looking at your circumstances? What old things in you must be put to death as you experience the new birth of Salvation? God’s heart is for the beauty and power of the resurrection to meet your every need as you keep your eyes on Him...He is your living hope!https://www.fetterfree.org/podcast

This week on “This One Thing” Kerri Kenyon Dern recounts a personal health crisis she recently endured and how God sustained her with His peace and comfort as reflected in Psalm 138:7, “Though I am surrounded by troubles, you will protect me from the anger of my enemies. You reach out your hand, and the power of your right-hand saves me.”May you be strengthened and encouraged in your own suffering as you hear Kerri's testimony. Our prayer is that you will intentionally worship and praise God in the middle of your pain instead of focusing on it or seeking to "figure out" the challenging circumstances you are experiencing. May your focus on God’s promises shatter the “how” and the “why” questions that tempt you to keep focused on yourself. Every promise He has made to you is backed by the honor of His name, His is your protection and the only one who saves and delivers you!https://www.fetterfree.org/podcast

Welcome to another episode of "This One Thing". This week Crystal Wright and Melina Puente discuss the wordplay Paul uses between wisdom and foolishness with regard to the message of the Cross and the power of the gospel in the lives of those who receive it.   In 1 Corinthians 1:18, he writes, “The message of the cross is foolish to those who are headed for destruction! But we who are being saved know it is the very power of God.”Paul understood that mankind’s propensity to seek wisdom in their own understanding was true foolishness, leaving them without hope for redemption.  Instead, the very thing considered foolish by the world, the extraordinary message of Christ crucified and resurrected, awakened the power and wisdom of God in those who believed!  Have you been awakened to the message of the cross or are you still looking for your own answers to life’s purpose and problems?  Do you look for opportunities to give the Gospel away? Do you find yourself with daily opportunities to live the message of the cross through humility, love, forgiveness, and compassion?  Does the message of the cross continue to radically change your life? We pray that as you are bombarded each day with the world's philosophies and wisdom you will hold fast to the message of the cross that alone has the power to save and offer lasting peace. https://www.fetterfree.org/podcast

Welcome to another week of “This One Thing”. This week Crystal Wright reflects on a recurring theme she has observed over the last 20 years working with trauma survivors regarding the limits of human coping behaviors and the need for a Savior who is able to rescue, protect, and provide. Finding hope and answers in Ezekiel 34, she encourages listeners to exchange their best efforts to deal with life’s troubles in their own strength and instead receive the promised help, protection, healing, and provision God designs to give to each one of us. Are you ready to see God prepare a way for you? Are you worn out from the years spent trying to save and rescue yourself?  Are you curious to experience healing in all the places where you’ve tried to numb yourself from the pain?  God is inviting you to trust that He has the plan to rescue you and that He alone has everything you need for healing, rest, and belonging.  Join us as we choose to receive the provision, protection, comfort, and direction only Jesus can provide for us as our Good Shepherd when we are ready to be rescued. https://www.fetterfree.org/podcast

Welcome to another episode of "This One Thing." This week Kerri Kenyon Dern and Crystal Wright discuss Jesus' challenge in Matthew 9:13 which clearly defines and reiterates what matters most to the God we serve. “Then he added, “Now go and learn the meaning of this Scripture: ‘I want you to show mercy, not offer sacrifices.’ For I have come to call not those who think they are righteous, but those who know they are sinners.”Do you know the true meaning of mercy? Are you extending it to others or does your relationship with God reflect a heart that prioritizes performance instead? Our propensity to forget how much we need Jesus to live in the truth of this verse is highlighted when we ask ourselves, “What do I need Jesus for today?” Join Kerri and Crystal as they share the power found in our covenant relationship with God, reminding us that God wants our hearts more than our sacrifices. Any compassion, kindness, or love we demonstrate is mercy in motion, born out of the mercy we have first received from Him!https://www.fetterfree.org/podcast

Welcome to another week of "This One Thing" as Kerri Kenyon Dern and Crystal Wright dive into Isaiah 58 and discuss the heart of God and how we can be assured of His promises to guide and care for us as we stay in step with His purposes in this world.   To pursue who God really is and what He cares about allows us to bear witness to the promises found in verse 11, “The LORD will guide you continually, giving you water when you are dry and restoring your strength. You will be like a well-watered garden, like an ever-flowing spring.”What are your spiritual priorities heading into 2023? How do they line up with God’s heart? Do you struggle to accept that God’s priorities may differ from your understanding of what’s important? Speaking on behalf of God, Isaiah points out the reality of our failed attempts at thinking we know how to please and pursue God through our religious traditions and illuminates the power found in desiring His heart to love and serve others. Join us today as we share what God reveals as important to Him, and how our humble service towards those in need is connected to God’s assurance of care for us. https://www.fetterfree.org/podcast

Welcome back to "This One Thing" as we kick off our 3rd year! This week Kerri Keyon Dern and Melina Puente discuss the powerful truth Paul emphasizes to the believers in Ephesus. Together, they reflect on the heart of God’s incredible love and plan at work in Ephesians 1:11, “Furthermore, because we are united with Christ, we have received an inheritance from God, for he chose us in advance, and he makes everything work out according to his plan.”Do the difficulties and circumstances in your life ever tempt you to believe the lie that God is distant or unconcerned? Have you ever wondered why the good plans you made don't seem to be coming to fruition? We have the propensity to forget we are united with Christ Jesus, and that God chose us before the world began. There is hope and peace available to us when we want His plan for our lives more than we want our own way. Join us as we share the challenge of getting on board with God’s plan, understanding our vulnerability and humility through this process is for our growth and His Glory. Let’s trade our will for God's plan!https://www.fetterfree.org/podcast

Thank you for joining us as we celebrate "This One Thing" Podcast's 2nd anniversary! It is with great joy that we reflect on all God has done by replaying our very first episode. We are so grateful for all the feedback, blessings, and hope-filled stories so many of you have shared with us. We love digging into the Scriptures with you every week, sharing with you the power of God's Word! Next week we'll resume our regular podcast schedule with a brand-new episode from Kerri Kenyon Dern.***Join Kerri and guest Crystal Wright in this introductory episode as they unpack Psalm 27:4 which states, "THIS ONE THING I ask of the LORD—the thing I seek most—is to live in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, delighting in the LORD’s perfections and meditating in his Temple.” You'll be spiritually strengthened and encouraged by this discussion as we clarify why this verse serves as the foundation of this weekly podcast and how we can choose, like King David, to make our relationship with the Lord the ONE THING we seek, desire, and pursue above all else. Together, we'll choose to keep Him as our focus, allowing us to thrive in joy and victory, regardless of the challenges we face in this New Year!https://www.fetterfree.org/podcast

Welcome back to another episode of "This One Thing." This week Melina Puente and Crystal Wright discuss the challenges of remembering that our life circumstances must not dictate our life purpose as believers to constantly pursue God's glory. Paul and Silas demonstrated what this truth means from a prison cell in Acts 16:25, “Around midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God and the other prisoners were listening.”Let's be honest, how many times do we find ourselves singing when life circumstances feel entirely out of control? Do you try to find a solution in your own strength? As believers and followers of Jesus Christ, our lives might feel like a mystery sometimes. But even in the mysteries surrounding our lives there is one purpose; to bring God glory. Our lives are a witness to the power, love, and grace available to us 24/7 through the Holy Spirit. Join us today as we remember that we have a God who wants to rescue us and who is strengthening our faith as we surrender to Him through our prayers and songs.https://www.fetterfree.org/podcast

Happy New Year and thank you for listening to a new episode of “This One Thing” with Crystal Wright and Melina Puente who share the hope and urgency in Jesus’ words to put their faith in Him.  John 12:35 says, “Jesus replied, “My light will shine for you just a little longer. Walk in the light while you can, so the darkness will not overtake you. Those who walk in the darkness cannot see where they are going.”Do you feel the weight of the Gospel in your daily walk?  Do you boldly encourage others or feel the urgency to share the powerful truth of the Gospel?  Do you speak the Gospel over yourself daily to pursue a pure heart? Out of His great love for us, God has always made it clear that an essential choice between life and death lies before each one of us. Choosing life is to receive the love and forgiveness of God, and live a new life of obedience in response to His salvation.  Jesus presented this same choice in the last week of His earthly life, and that same invitation is given to us today; salvation from darkness by responding to Him in faith and obedience. We pray that as you enter into 2023 you will experience freedom from the darkness as you choose to walk in the light.https://www.fetterfree.org/podcast

Thank you for joining us for “This One Thing”. This week Kerri Kenyon Dern and Crystal Wright help prepare our hearts for advent by focusing on the life-giving light found solely in Jesus Christ. In this gospel account of Christ, the apostle John masterfully lays out a rich theology connecting Jesus directly to the eternal “Logos” who is the source of life; the only one who brings light into spiritual darkness. John 1:5 states, “The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.”Despite the reality of darkness being present in our world, we have been given the assurance of spiritual life and victory through the light of Jesus. We are protected from death and darkness in His presence because He IS life and light. As you celebrate the arrival of God's promised Son this advent season, we pray that you daily experience the Light that overcomes the darkness. Put your complete trust in Jesus and be renewed through His Word. He is the light of your life!https://www.fetterfree.org/podcast

Welcome to episode 63 of “This One Thing” with Melina Puente and Crystal Wright. This week Melina and Crystal discuss the importance of remembering God's faithful response to the humble prayers of His people desperate for His help. Like us today, the Israelites wavered between times of trusting obedience in the LORD and arrogant self-will which resulted in their demise. On the heels of a great victory over the Philistines, Samuel captures the importance of remembering God's faithfulness in 1 Samuel 7:12, “Then Samuel took a stone and set it up between Mizpah and Shen. He named it Ebenezer, saying, “Thus far the Lord has helped us.”Are you struggling today to remember all the times the LORD has delivered you from your troubles? Are you in a place of rebellion, unsure if God is willing to hear your prayers? Are you desperate for assurance that God is indeed concerned for your well-being? Take heart. God is faithful and eager to show you His love and protection as you choose humble obedience. It is never too late to surrender and call out to Him. We pray that as you witness God's faithfulness in your life you will create “Ebenezer Reminders” of His love, forgiveness, and redemption that always point your heart back to Him. https://www.fetterfree.org/podcast

Welcome to "This One Thing" with Kerri Kenyon-Dern and Melina Puente as they share the power found in the vow David penned in Psalm 7 verse 17, “ I will thank the LORD for His righteousness and sing praise to the name of the LORD Most High.”What unleashes your gratitude? Do you find yourself worshipping God consistently or situationally? Do you praise Him for who He is or for what He has done for you? Are you thankful for all God has allowed in your life, even the difficulties? Does your attitude reflect His sovereignty or your desire to have your own way? Join us as we discover the power of surrendering to His will, timing, and pathway. May we, with the Psalmist, consistently praise Him with a vow of victory...regardless of our circumstances or the challenges we face!https://www.fetterfree.org/podcast

Thank you for joining us for "This One Thing". This week Melina Puente and Crystal Wright discuss the journey toward contentment and gratitude that each follower of Jesus makes as they learn to identify with the life of Christ in all circumstances.  Paul articulates his own personal journey in the letter he writes from prison to his friends in the Philippian church who are also experiencing persecution as he writes these words in Philippians 4:12, "I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want."What is this secret to being content no matter our life circumstances? Melina and Crystal discuss that at the heart of this mystery is a focus on entering into the life and story of Jesus himself.  Christ himself gave up heaven, lived alongside humanity, humbled himself, suffered, died, and was resurrected to glory. All those who put their trust in Him are now invited into seeing their own lives as a lived expression of the Jesus story, and the immeasurable contentment and gratitude formed through being a part of the life and love given through Christ. We pray that as you continue to face life's circumstances, both the blessings and the hardships, what is formed in you is increased faith in God's love and provision for you, and the treasure of being content in Christ.https://www.fetterfree.org/podcast

Welcome to another episode of "This One Thing." This week Kerri Kenyon Dern and Crystal Wright reflect on the importance of having a faith that is firmly rooted in gratitude and thanksgiving. Despite beatings, imprisonment, and threats against their very lives, Paul encouraged one of the very first Christian churches to never stop choosing to be thankful.  In 1 Thessalonians 5:18 he writes these words that still challenge followers of Jesus today, "Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you who belong to Christ Jesus."How do we choose gratitude when we are faced with situations that are disappointing, painful, or uncertain? Is it even possible to be genuinely thankful and still live in the reality that life often brings us challenges we'd rather avoid? Kerri and Crystal wrestle through these questions and the convicting truth that sincere gratitude is always rooted in something deeper than life's circumstances. Just as the persecuted believers two thousand years ago demonstrated, gratitude is not only possible, it is the primary weapon we have to battle against those things that seek to destroy our faith. Gratefulness is the outpouring of a heart overwhelmed by Christ's sacrificial love, and the expression of a faith that believes God can be trusted to fulfill his promises and purposes in our lives. As you head into the month of "Thanksgiving" we pray that your faith is strengthened as you trust God's will for you and choose gratitude in every circumstance!https://www.fetterfree.org/podcast

Welcome to "This One Thing" with Kerri Kenyon-Dern and Melina Puente as they conclude their time unpacking the everlasting Words found in Psalm 119 verse 160, “The very essence of your words is truth; all your just regulations will stand forever.”Does your life reflect the hope found in the Gospel of Jesus Christ? Are the Scriptures daily fuel for your soul? Is the Truth of God’s word the foundation of your life? Join us and be encouraged as together we claim the hope found only in His eternal Words that “stand forever”. No matter where the Lord has planted you, choose to build your life on God's Word, the only foundation that is forever faithful!https://www.fetterfree.org/podcast

This week on “This One Thing” Kerri Kenyon Dern and Melina Puente continue in Psalm 119. Together, they discuss the beautiful promise of illumination through Scripture in verse 105, “Your word is a lamp to guide my feet and a light for my path.”The Word of God is a flood light to show us how to live and is the only remedy for our spiritual blindness. The power in God's lamp cuts through all deception, shame, and fear with Truth that gives us hope and helps us humbly stay on the path He has illuminated for us. Have you asked the Lord what His path for you looks like?  What do you allow to influence your path? Is it His Truth alone? Join us and choose to surrender the light and lamp of God’s Word, walking in obedience, one step at a time on the path He illuminates for you ahead!https://www.fetterfree.org/podcast

This week on “This One Thing” Kerri Kenyon Dern and Melina Puente continue to meditate on the rich truths found in Psalm 119. Together they discuss how God’s Word and our suffering partner together to bring about good in our lives. Psalm 119:17 states, “My suffering was good for me, for it taught me to pay attention to your decrees.”Are you experiencing suffering, pain, or affliction? Is there an area in your life where you're tempted to believe God is absent or unresponsive? Are you distracted and focused more on your circumstances than on God's love for you? You have been given the invitation to surrender your suffering, submitting it all to the Father through the power and authority of His Word. According to the Psalmist, your temporary afflictions are tools in God's hands to draw you closer to His heart and deeper into relationship with Him. He is pursuing you, even in your pain, your suffering is sacred to Him!https://www.fetterfree.org/podcast