Bountiful Living

"Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving." Colossians 3:23-24 NIVJoin the conversation with my friend Lori, a 15-year Homeschool Mama, who encourages women in the value of the sovereign and noble assignment from the Lord; the ministry of our home. Tips for successful ministry in our homes:Find time to be alone with the Lord. You may feel unseen, but He sees you and will minister to you. "Draw near to Him and He will draw near to you." James 4:8Find ministry partners. It is essential to find other women who get the value of what you are doing and will come alongside you.Remember this is Kingdom Work!"God will never call us to a ministry outside of our home at the expense of our home." LoriPray for your family. Release control to God."We often can go into a place of fear and anxiety with parenting when we don't feel like we have control, but God is always reminding me that I am a parent, but He is THE parent." LoriPrayer for our children from 2 Timothy 2:22-26: God, we ask that our children flee youthful lusts and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace. May they like King David, call on You from a pure heart and refuse foolish and ignorant speculations, knowing that they produce quarrels. Your Word says, "the Lord's bond-servant must not be quarrelsome, but be kind to all, able to teach, patient, when wronged, with gentleness correcting those who are in opposition." God lead us to repentance and help us to show our children the importance of repentance because it leads to the knowledge of the Truth. Bring our children to their senses! God, I ask that they escape the snare of the devil so that they are no longer captive by him to do his will. Lord let it be Your will that they follow all the days of their life. God, as is modeled in the Lord's Prayer, may  Your Kingdom Come, Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. In Jesus name, Amen.RESOURCES: "Find Your People" by Jennie AllenDiscover life in Christ at bountifulliving.netSharpen your faith on Instagram at @Bountiful_Living

"There is an appointed time for everything. And there is a time for every matter under heaven—" Ecclesiastes 3:1 (NASB)There are many seasons in our lives, but through it all, we can trust the God of the universe to equip us, strengthen us, and provide for us in every moment.   "For I know the plans that I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans for prosperity and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope." Jeremiah 29:11 (NASB)Be patient and faithful to your season, trust God with the process.Truth from God's Word:We need to operate in God's strength."We can do all things through Christ who gives us strength." Philippians 4:13 (NASB)Jesus will equip me for every good work according to His will, working in me that which is pleasing in His sight. To Him be the glory forever and ever." equip you in every good thing to do His will, working in us that which is pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be the glory forever and ever. Amen." Hebrews 13:21 (NASB)God will set me on the right path."The heart of a man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps." Proverbs 16:9 (NASB)Today was not the best day. I feel wronged, I am hurt, but I know that God is working all things together for my good. "God is working all things together for those who love God and are called according to His purpose." Romans 8:28 (NASB)I chose rest today instead of burnout, because Jesus says, "Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest." Matthew 11:28 (NASB)"The thief comes to steal kill and destroy, but Christ is come for us to have life." John 10:10"'I am the way', Jesus said.'To enter through me is to experience life, freedom, and satisfaction.A thief has only one thing in mind – he wants to steal, slaughter, and destroy.But I have come to give you everything in abundance, more than you expect –life in its fullness until you overflow!"John 10:9-10 (The Passion Translation)Your homework is to REST!EPISODES MENTIONED IN THIS PODCAST:What is my Purpose?You Are Not Alone: Christy AshDiscover life in Christ at bountifulliving.netSharpen your faith on Instagram at @Bountiful_Living

"For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, and love and sound mind." 2 Timothy 1:7 ESVFear is not from God. Whether you are tormented by nightmares, fearful of scary movies or fear failure, fear steals our peace and leads to anxiety and terror. For all who love the Lord and put their trust in Him we do not have to fear or be afraid. As it says in Josuha 1:6 "Have I not commanded you, 'Be strong and courageous! Do not tremble or be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go." Today we study Psalm 91, Ephesians 6, and Isaiah 54. They are full of God's promises for His people. Peace, not fear, is our heritage from the Lord!He is with us, He is our stronghold, our Maker, and His lovingkindness endures forever.Check out the podcast: Praying God's Word Psalm 91 and Ephesians 6Discover life in Christ at bountifulliving.netSharpen your faith on Instagram at @Bountiful_Living

Today, I have my first-ever interview with my good friend Christy. She is a young professional who wants to encourage women to know that we are not alone. On the podcast, we talk about the different seasons of life we go through as women, and how to stay closely connected to the Lord and surround ourselves with others who are like-minded in our Christian faith.You are not alone! "There are so many other people out there who are fighting for the FAITH, who are fighting for the TRUTH of God, who are fighting to share the GOSPEL in a way that is true and genuine." Christy “Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” 2 Timothy 2:15, NKJVDiscover life in Christ at bountifulliving.netSharpen your faith on Instagram at @Bountiful_Living

Did you discover your spiritual gifts? If not, listen to the previous podcast "What is My Purpose?" Today we expand on knowing the gifts, talents, and skillset the Lord has entrusted us and discuss how Jesus tells us to use them in Matthew 25 "The Parable of the Talents".When we ask Jesus to be Lord of our lives, that is not the end, that is the first step in becoming His disciple.  We begin living a changed, new, transformed life surrendered to his Lordship. Jesus taught this parable of talents to His disciples about a week before He went to the cross to help them to understand the Kingdom of Heaven and their job until the Master, Jesus returns.Two of the servants were faithful, diligent, and good stewards of what the Lord had given them. They took what God gave them and multiplied it. The third servant buried his talent in the ground. This servant was unfaithful to the Lord and wasted opportunity and the resources he was given. If you have buried your talent, dig it up!God is a God of second chances, mercy, and love. Repent and return to your God.2 Peter 3:9-18 "The Lord is not slow about His promise, as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not willing for any to perish, but for all to come to repentance.But the day of the Lord will come like a thief, in which the heavens will pass away with a roar and the elements will be destroyed with intense heat, and the earth and its works will be discovered.Since all these things are to be destroyed in this way, what sort of people ought you to be in holy conduct and godliness, looking for and hastening the coming of the day of God, because of which the heavens will be destroyed by burning, and the elements will melt with intense heat! But according to His promise, we are looking for new heavens and a new earth, in which righteousness dwells.Therefore, beloved, since you look for these things, be diligent to be found spotless and blameless by Him, at peace, 15 and regard the patience of our Lord as salvation; just as also our beloved brother Paul, according to the wisdom given him, wrote to you, 16 as also in all his letters, speaking in them of these things, in which there are some things that are hard to understand, which the untaught and unstable distort, as they do also the rest of the Scriptures, to their own destruction. You therefore, beloved, knowing this beforehand, be on your guard so that you are not carried away by the error of unscrupulous people and lose your own firm commitment,  but grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory, both now and to the day of eternity. Amen."Discover life in Christ at bountifulliving.netSharpen your faith on Instagram at @Bountiful_Living

Do you ever wonder, why am I here? What is my purpose for living?God has gifted you with a unique, one-of-a-kind calling. He has equipped you with talents and spiritual gifts to bring heaven to this earth and glory to His name. In this episode, we discuss the difference between a calling and a career:"A calling is what you're made to do, A career is what you're paid to do."Spiritual Gifts Test:1. Find a test online.2. Ask your church if they have an available test. (better resource)3. Pray and ask God to reveal your spiritual gifts.If you aren't sure how to know you're hearing from God and not some other voice, check out Episode 27: "How to Hear From God" Discover life in Christ at bountifulliving.netSharpen your faith on Instagram at @Bountiful_Living

As we celebrate the one year mark of the Bountiful Living podcast, Katie shares how she is learning to abide in Christ. Life in Christ is one that transforms us, steadies us and gives us joy and peace in the midst of suffering and an overstuffed calendar.We discuss:Proper PrioritiesSetting Healthy Boundaries Pleasing God, not ManRESOURCES:John 15 "Abiding in Christ""Boundaries: When to say yes, When to say no" by Dr. Henry Cloud & Dr. John Townsend"Best Yes" by Lysa TerKeurst"To Hell with the Hustle" by Jefferson BethkeDiscover life in Christ at bountifulliving.netSharpen your faith on Instagram at @Bountiful_Living

Life doesn't always turn out like we expect or plan. How do we navigate these roadblocks? Today we continue our study of the Book of Ezra we will identify some of the tactics the enemy can use against us to frustrate us and attempt to halt the work God is doing in our lives. We find our victory in Christ: "We are hard pressed on all sides, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed. We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body...Therefore we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, yet our inner self is being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory that is far beyond comparison. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal." 2 Corinthians 4:8-10, 16-18In this episode, we study Ezra 4-6: The enemy wants to extinguish God's work in our lives.Ask God for discernment, there are wolves in sheep's clothing.The enemy will frustrate your plans, but in Christ, we have victory!Do not lose heart!EZRA SERIES:What is Revival?Revival is in YouNavigating RoadblocksDiscover life in Christ at bountifulliving.netSharpen your faith on Instagram at @Bountiful_Living

Where are you in your walk with the Lord?1. at the epic newness of salvation2. captivity/going my own way/drifting3. needing to rebuild4. mature believer5. on fireIf your connection with God is severed, you can rebuild.We cover a lot of ground in this episode. Here are some of the scriptures we discussed for your reference:Old Covenant? New Covenant? What is the difference?Romans 12:1-2 "I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect."Hebrews 8:1-7 "Now the point in what we are saying is this: we have such a high priest [Jesus], one who is seated at the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in heaven, a minister in the holy places, in the true tent that the Lord set up, not man.  For every high priest is appointed to offer gifts and sacrifices; thus it is necessary for this priest also to have something to offer. Now if he were on earth, he would not be a priest at all, since there are priests who offer gifts according to the law. They serve a copy and shadow of the heavenly things. For when Moses was about to erect the tent, he was instructed by God, saying, 'See that you make everything according to the pattern that was shown you on the mountain.'  But as it is, Christ has obtained a ministry that is as much more excellent than the old as the covenant He mediates is better, since it is enacted on better promises.  For if that first covenant had been faultless, there would have been no occasion to look for a second.2 Chronicles 6 & 7 Solomon's dedication for the Temple2 Chronicles 7:14-16 "If my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land. Now my eyes will be open and my ears attentive to the prayer that is made in this place. For now I have chosen and consecrated this house that my name may be there forever. My eyes and my heart will be there for all time." - GodEZRA SERIES:What is Revival?Revival is in YouNavigating RoadblocksDiscover life in Christ at bountifulliving.netSharpen your faith on Instagram at @Bountiful_Living

What does the Bible say about revival?The only verse that states the word revival verbatim is found in Ezra 9:8 and this specific verbiage is found only in the New King James translation, where it says, “And now for a little while grace has been shown from the LORD our God, to leave us a remnant to escape, and to give us a peg in His holy place, that our God may enlighten our eyes and give us a measure of revival in our bondage.”This week's podcast, we will explore what the Bible has to say about revival through the eyes of Ezra, a scribe in the days of Israel's return to the promised land to rebuild. In Ezra 1-3 we learn that:REVIVAL BEGINS WITH REPENTANCE AND HUMILITYREVIVAL IS A STIRRING IN THE HEARTREVIVAL RESULTS IN UNITYREVIVAL IS A FRAGRANT OFFERING TO GODREVIVAL KEEPS THE FIRE BURNING EZRA SERIES: What is Revival?Revival is in YouNavigating RoadblocksDiscover life in Christ at bountifulliving.netSharpen your faith on Instagram at @Bountiful_Living

How do we hear from God?We must first posture ourselves to hear what the Lord speaks. We must come to a place of willingness to seek God and hear what He speaks through prayer and reading His Word.1 Peter 3:12 (ESV) “For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and His ears are open to their prayer.”Jeremiah 33:3 (ESV) “Call to me and I will answer you, and will tell you great and hidden things that you have not known.”Here is the good news, God hears us when we pray and when we cry out to Him in desperation.  He is faithful, but are we faithful? Are we faithful to spend time in His word? Are we faithful to wait when it feels like we will never see an end to our suffering?Posturing is not enough, we must also spend time in His presence. Through prayer and the reading of His Word, we discover His will, His character, His plan, and His call for our lives.Another way God speaks to us is through His Son, Jesus who shows us how to live.Time and time again, He tells us, He has come to do the will of His father. John 5:30 (CSB) Jesus says, “I can do nothing on my own. I judge only as I hear, and my judgment is just, because I do not seek to do my own will, but the will of Him who sent me.”In conclusion, I share my personal testimony and advice on how to hear from the Lord.Discover life in Christ at bountifulliving.netSharpen your faith on Instagram at @Bountiful_Living

There are days and seasons when life feels like it has hit a dead end.What if I told you in this very moment God has a plan for your life and is working things out for your good? As followers of Christ, "We have become his poetry,  a re-created people that will fulfill the destiny he has given each of us, for we are joined to Jesus, the Anointed One. Even before we were born, God planned in advance our destiny and the good works  we would do to fulfill it!" Ephesians 2:10 The Passion TranslationThis episode is dedicated to my Mom: Happy Birthday! Thank you for the investment you made in my life, for teaching me to pray and setting the example of reading your Bible, and being passionate about God's Word. I love you!Discover life in Christ at bountifulliving.netSharpen your faith on Instagram at @Bountiful_Living

Have you sought the Lord this year for your vision, your word, and your resolutions? If we go with God in 2023, we will not fail or falter, He is a firm foundation. We do this through: 1. Reading your Bible 2. Pray 3. Rest in Him.You've got this because God has got you!Discover life in Christ at bountifulliving.netSharpen your faith on Instagram at @Bountiful_Living

For the JOY of YOU, Christ endured the suffering of the cross!This week on the podcast we discuss the JOY of knowing Jesus as well as His JOY of knowing you. "We look away from the natural realm and we focus our attention and expectation onto Jesus who birthed faith within us and who leads us forward into faith's perfection. His example is this: Because His heart was focused on the JOY of knowing the YOU would be His, He endured the cross and conquered its humiliation, and now sits exalted at the right hand of the throne of God!" Hebrews 12:2, The Passion TranslationDiscover life in Christ at bountifulliving.netSharpen your faith on Instagram at @Bountiful_Living

"For a Child will be born to us, a Son will be given to us; and the government will rest on His shoulders; and His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace." Isaiah 9:6 NASBChrist is our peace.The Apostle Paul shows us how to receive the gift of peace Christ offers in Philippians chapter four. He writes to the church at Philippi from prison. If anyone had a reason to grumble, to complain it was Paul who was wrongfully imprisoned for preaching the good news. Paul encourages the church to have peace and joy no matter what the circumstance. Stand firm in the Lord, my beloved!Rejoice in the Lord always, again I say rejoice!Do not be anxious about anything, pray about everything with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to Godand the PEACE of God which transcends all understandingwill guard your heart and your mind in Christ Jesus.Finally, whatever is true, honorable, just, pure, lovely, commendable, if there is any excellence, anything worthy of praise...think about THESE things. What you have learned, received, and heard from Paul, practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.(Summary of Philippians 4:1-9)"We can choose to agree with God, or agree with our circumstances." 1. Spend time in His Word2. Spend time in Prayer3. Spend time in Praise"Tremble" by Mosaic "It is Well with my Soul"Discover life in Christ at bountifulliving.netSharpen your faith on Instagram at @Bountiful_Living

This is the final installment of our Advent series on faith.Join us as we read the Christmas Story in Luke chapter two. "And the angel said to them, 'Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people.  For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.  And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.' And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, 'Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom He is pleased!'” Luke 2:10-14, ESVDiscover life in Christ at bountifulliving.netSharpen your faith on Instagram at @Bountiful_Living

We continue in part 2 of Luke chapter 1 starting in verse 39 when Mary, the mother of Jesus visits her cousin Elisabeth. What faith these two ladies have!"And when Elisabeth heard the greeting of Mary, the baby leaped in her womb. And Elisabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit, and she exclaimed with a loud cry, 'Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb! And why is this granted to me that the mother of my Lord should come to me? For behold, when the sound of your greeting came to my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy. And blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfillment of what was spoken to her from the Lord.'" Luke 1:41-45, ESVDiscover life in Christ at bountifulliving.netSharpen your faith on Instagram at @Bountiful_Living

"Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen." Hebrews 11:1  My children join me this week as we compare the faith of Abraham, Zachariah and Mary, the mother of Jesus.  This is part 1 of our discussion on Luke chapter 1.Discover life in Christ at bountifulliving.netSharpen your faith on Instagram at @Bountiful_Living

This is part three of God is our Hope. Today we discuss, God is our hope for tomorrow.“Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on His law he meditates day and night.  He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. In all that he does he prospers.” Psalm 1:1-3, ESVI recently finished my study on the book of Revelation and since this episode is all about Christ coming as a babe in a manger and waiting for His return, let's dive in and see what the Bible says about our future hope. Don’t let the book of Revelation intimidate you, even if all you do is read it or hear it, God says we are blessed.Revelation 1:3 , ESV “Blessed is the one who reads aloud the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear, and who keep what is written in it, for the time is near.” This Christmas, remember what Jesus' birth means;HE IS OUR HOPE, our eternal hope! This little babe in the manger was destined for great and mighty things.  He was the fulfillment of countless prophecies. His life shows us how to live, shows us how to depend on and trust in our Father God, just as Christ, Himself did. His death restored us.  He took on our sin, our shame, for us to have life in His name. His resurrection means He’s alive, death, and suffering was not the end for Him and it is not the end for us who have fallen on our knees, repented of our sinful nature, and believe in Him, that He died on the cross for our sin and rose again on the third day and is seated at the right hand of the Father in heaven.Come quickly Lord Jesus,  The Spirit and the bride say, “COME” Discover life in Christ at bountifulliving.netSharpen your faith on Instagram at @Bountiful_Living

Because of Christ, our HOPE can never be taken away. Whether it was that recent medical diagnosis, an empty bank account, or yet one more betrayal. Whatever it is today that is making you feel hopeless, I want to tell you my friend you do not have to STAY in that place of hopelessness. Because of Christ, we have a Bountiful Life including HOPE. We know that “the thief comes to steal, to kill and to destroy, but Christ has come for us to have life, until it overflows.” John 10:10Discover life in Christ at bountifulliving.netSharpen your faith on Instagram at @Bountiful_Living