Faith Over Fear

Loneliness is not the act of being alone but feeling unknown. Many of us feel and fear being alone. But Scripture promises that if we’ve trusted in Christ for salvation, we have been eternally reconciled, brought close, to God. He encamps around us, goes before us, stands behind us and makes His home within us. In this episode, Jennifer Slattery, Tara Rye, and Shellie Arnold discuss the soul-reaching comfort that comes when we recognize that we will never have to face our hurts and fears alone. Find Tara at: https://www.audioscripture.org/https://www.cultivatinghearts.org/https://www.facebook.com/tara.ryeFind Jennifer Slattery at:https://www.jenniferslatterylivesoutloud.comhttps://www.facebook.com/JenSlattehttps://www.instagram.com/slatteryjennifer/Twitter: @jenslatteryFind Wholly Loved, at:https://www.WhollyLoved.comGroup Discussion Questions:1. What resonated with you most in today’s episode, and why?2. Do you fear being alone? 3. If so, when does that fear most often arise?4. How do you feel knowing God collects all your tears in a bottle (Ps. 56:8)?5. What are some truths regarding the character of God that can comfort you when you feel alone?6. Why must we filter our emotions through the truth of Scripture?7. Scripture demonstrates God created you and I with a core need for relationship. What does that say regarding His desire to fill that need for us?8. Sometimes our fear and pain can blind us to God’s hand and all the ways He is caring for us. What are some ways God might be trying to help you feel seen and heard?9. What are some ways you can remind yourself of God’s presence the next time you fear being alone or feel you are alone?10. How can God’s presence comfort your fears?Episode Image Credit: Getty/Cosmaa Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

When life hits hard and we experience deep loss, we may be tempted to suppress or misdirect our emotions. When we do that, we can easily end up stuck. We might even lash out and run from the One who wants to hold it through us. In discussing her “Job-like” experiences, Jodie Bailey shares how God helped her process some heavy grief. Resource:Cry of the Soul by Dr. Dan Allender and Tremper LongmanFind Jodie Bailey at:https://www.jodiebailey.com/https://www.facebook.com/writerjodiebaileyhttps://www.instagram.com/authorjodiebailey/Find Jennifer Slattery at:https://www.jenniferslatterylivesoutloud.comhttps://www.facebook.com/JenSlattehttps://www.instagram.com/slatteryjennifer/Twitter: @jenslatteryFind Wholly Loved, at:https://www.WhollyLoved.comGroup Discussion Questions:1. Do intense emotions, in yourself or expressed by others, make you uncomfortable, and if so, why?2. What might it mean to grieve with Jesus?3. When have you endured what felt like a “Job-like” experience?4. During your time of grief, how did you respond?5. Why do you think people are often afraid of anger?6. When is our anger misplaced?7. When is anger placed accurately?8. In what ways or times might God share our anger?9. In what ways does anger draw out our deepest doubts?10. Why is it important to process our hurts and pain?Episode Image Credit: Getty/Malte Mueller Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

We all have parts of our past and perhaps even ourselves that we long to hide, but living in hiding only leads to shame and isolation. In this episode, Wholly Loved’s Jennifer Slattery and Tara Rye discuss how God responded to Eve in her moment of shame and what this reveals regarding the love and grace He longs for us to experience.Contact Jennifer through her website HERE to have her speak at your next women’s event.Contact Tara through her website HERE to book her for your next women’s event. Find Tara at: https//www.cultivatinghearts.org/https://www.facebook.com/tara.ryeFind Jennifer Slattery at:https//:jenniferslatterylivesoutloud.comhttps://www.facebook.com/JenSlattehttps://www.instagram.com/slatteryjennifer/Twitter: @jenslatteryFind Wholly Loved, at:https://www.WhollyLoved.comGroup Discussion Questions:1. What resonated with you most in today’s episode, and why?2. Is there a behavior, struggle, past sin, or experience you’re tempted to hide?3. When have you experienced rejection due to weakness, sin, or failure?4. Why do you think grace is such a hard concept for many people to grasp?5. How has that experience, or others, impacted your relationship with God or understanding of grace (if indeed it has)?6. How would you describe or explain God’s grace to someone unaccustomed to it?7. Why is it important to our healing and freedom to invite God to probe our hearts?8. Describe a time when you’ve sensed God’s grace. 9. What does grace reveal regarding the character of God?10. What is one way you can actively live in grace today?Episode Image Credit: Getty/Ponomariova_Maria Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Does the word reconciliation and all the thoughts and images associated with it, make your stomach knot? Are there certain names that immediately come to mind, maybe people who have been weighing heavily on your heart, leaving you with feelings of regret, maybe guilt, maybe even feelings of failure? What if obedience in this area can lead to increased freedom, deep healing, and a beautiful display of the gospel?In this episode, Jennifer Slattery addresses some of the fears that hinder our obedience in this area and shares truths that can help us move forward.When light comes, darkness must flee.Find Jennifer Slattery at:https://jenniferslatterylivesoutloud.com/https://www.facebook.com/JenSlatteFind Wholly Loved Ministries at:https://www.WhollyLoved.comGroup Discussion Questions:1. Did anything surprise you in this episode?2. Why or how is forgiveness separate from reconciliation?3. Why must we not tie our obedience to seek reconciliation to the other person’s response?4. When you consider initiating reconciliation, what fears arise?5. When are some times it might be unhealthy or unwise to reconcile?6. Why is reconciliation so important to Christ?7. How can following God’s guidance in regard to reconciliation help bring freedom?8. In what ways can our reconciliation attempts reveal the gospel?9. What does it mean to see ourselves in our “offender”?10. What is God calling you to do now or next?Episode Image Credit: Getty/Francesca Bellini Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Many people experience increased depression and anxiety during the holidays. This year, with all the changes we’ve endured and the uncertainty and difficulties that come with weathering a global pandemic, many are struggling to grab hold of any semblance of peace. With a look at that first Christmas when God pierced our dark and hurting world with light, Jennifer Slattery helps listeners honestly evaluate their emotions and find joy and peace in the middle of all they are and may encounter this Christmas. Find Jennifer Slattery at:http:jenniferslatterylivesoutloud.comhttps://www.facebook.com/JenSlattehttps://www.instagram.com/slatteryjennifer/Twitter: @jenslatteryFind Wholly Loved, at:https://www.WhollyLoved.comFamily Discussion Questions (Jennifer encourages listeners to engage their family in conversation regarding emotions and expectations this Christmas):1. What are some things you most enjoy about Christmas?2. What are some traditions you will miss this year?3. What are some things causing you increased anxiety this year?4. How can we empathize with one another’s fears and anxieties, even if they are different than ours?5. How can we empathize with one another’s grief?6. How does empathizing with one another help strengthen our bonds?7. What are some eternal gifts God has given you?8. This holiday season is one way you can deeply experience one of those eternal gifts God has provided?9. What is one way you can make this Christmas special?10. What is one person or situation God might be asking you to surrender to Him?Episode Image Credit: Getty/Irina Ostapenko Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Scripture makes it clear: we’re all in a spiritual battle, whether we recognize this or not. The question is, are we living as victims or victors? In this episode, hosts Tara Rye and Jennifer Slattery speak with Minister Mark Ashton from Christ Community Church in Omaha, Nebraska on how we, God’s children, can approach spiritual battles from a place of victory, knowing we have all we need in Christ to stand firm.Find Minister Mark Ashton:On the Christ Community Website: https://www.cccomaha.org/messagesOn YouTube Find all four Revelation guides here: https://www.cccomaha.org/digital-revelation-bookletFind Tara at: https//www.cultivatinghearts.org/https://www.facebook.com/tara.ryeFind Jennifer Slattery at:http:jenniferslatterylivesoutloud.comhttps://www.facebook.com/JenSlattehttps://www.instagram.com/slatteryjennifer/Twitter: @jenslatteryFind Wholly Loved, at:WhollyLoved.comGroup Discussion Questions:1. What resonated with you most in this episode and why?2. How readily do you recognize the spiritual battle behind challenges and conflict?3. Why is it important to understand the impact all three influences, our sinful behavioral patterns, the effects of living in a broken world, and the spiritual battle around us when responding to difficulties?4. What might it look like to live as a victim in this spiritual battle?5. What might it look like to engage the spiritual battle from a place of victory? 6. If you’ve trusted in Christ for salvation, how does the assurance of that salvation strengthen you spiritually?7. What might it look like to “put on” a shield of faith?8. What are some common ways you’ve found yourself under attack spiritually?9. What truths in Scripture can help you fight that recurring battle?10. What are some ways you are intentionally building your belt of truth (growing in truth)?Episode Image Credit: Getty/Malte_Mueller Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

It can feel tempting to respond to challenges with increased energy. If only we try harder and work longer or faster, than we’d conquer our challenges and whatever is escalating our anxiety. But Scripture tells us peace comes through resting in the One who holds our world in His hands.In this episode, Jennifer Slattery, Tara Rye, and Tiffany Jones discuss the importance of taking time to simply sit in God’s presence. Learning to rest takes practice and intentionality but it may be one of the greatest ways we can actively fight our fears. Find Tara at: https//www.cultivatinghearts.org/https://www.facebook.com/tara.ryeFind Jennifer Slattery at:https://www.jenniferslatterylivesoutloud.comhttps://www.facebook.com/JenSlattehttps://www.instagram.com/slatteryjennifer/Twitter: @jenslatteryFind Wholly Loved, at:https://www.WhollyLoved.comGroup Discussion Questions:1. What resonated with you most in today’s episode and why?2. What tends to be your first response when you feel anxious or face a challenge?3. What typically makes it challenging to rest?4. What are some ways you keep your prayer life fresh?5. When you’re anxious, how often do you ask Jesus to show you what you need most in that moment? 6. What do you tend to think of when you think of a Sabbath?7. What are some ways you feed your soul?8. How does or has spending time in nature helped to bring you peace?9. How does or has spending time in nature helped you experience God?10. How might seeking help or guidance from a counselor help a person battle their fears?Episode Image Credit: Getty/Malte Mueller Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

We are all leaders in some capacity, and we are all called to leave a positive impact on our world. This call takes courage as we fully step into our roles, even when we feel ill-equipped and unprepared, knowing not only will God use us to actively flood our spheres with light and life but to grow and transform us as well. In this episode, Wholly Loved’s podcaster Tara Rye shares her insight and experience as former dean of women at Grace University, an executive coach with Cru, and founder of Cultivating Hearts Ministries.Recommended:• Leading with a Limp by Dan AllenderContact Jennifer through her website HERE to have her speak at your next women’s event.Contact Tara through her website HERE to book her for your next women’s event. Find Tara at: https//www.cultivatinghearts.org/https://www.facebook.com/tara.ryeFind Jennifer Slattery at:http:jenniferslatterylivesoutloud.comhttps://www.facebook.com/JenSlattehttps://www.instagram.com/slatteryjennifer/Twitter: @jenslatteryFind Wholly Loved, at:https://www.WhollyLoved.comGroup Discussion Questions:1. In what areas of your life has God called you to lead?2. What fears tend to hinder your full acceptance of that role?3. What expectations have you placed on yourself that aren’t from God?4. In what ways are you expecting to lead with perfection?5. How might cultivating a growth mindset (rather than desire for perfection) increase your courage and impact?6. How are you cultivating “come alongside” relationships—relationships with one or more individuals you can be completely transparent with?7. In what ways are you surrounding yourself with encouragers?8. How are you trusting God (rather than your efforts) with your call? Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

When our kids express doubts about their faith and Christianity, many of us begin to feel anxious. We worry their questions might result in complete disbelief and dangerous living. This in turn can trigger some of our fears and insecurities. What if we don’t have the answers they seek? What if they don’t find our answers sufficient? What if religion becomes a wedge that ultimately drives us and our kids apart? In this episode host Jennifer Slattery speaks with Tom Hinders, a college pastor at one of Omaha, Nebraska’s larger churches to share how we can love our kids well during a time that will likely feel uncomfortable for both them and us. Find Jennifer Slattery at:https://www.JenniferSlatteryLivesoutLoudhttps://www.facebook.com/JenSlattehttps://www.instagram.com/slatteryjennifer/Find her ministry, Wholly Loved, at:https://www.WhollyLoved.comFamily Discussion Questions:1. When your youth expresses doubts related to the faith, what fears does this most trigger in you?2. What does it mean to listen well?3. Why is it important that we learn to listen well when our children or youth express doubt?4. When has a failure to listen to well-created conversation barriers between you and your child or youth?5. What are some ways you can respond lovingly when your youth broaches a topic you don’t have answers for? 6. Why is it important we create a safe environment in which our kids can share how they feel and think honestly?7. Who is your child or student most likely to come to when they have concerns, deep questions, and life challenges?8. Why do you think it’s so common for people to place their faith in Jesus during or following a crisis? 9. Why is it important to be quick to apologize and repent when we, the adults, make a mistake or cause our child pain?Episode Image Credit: Getty/Ponomariova_Maria Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

While prayer may feel like a passive act, it’s actually one of our strongest weapons against anxiety and fear. Through prayer, we enlist the help of our Creator, connect with Christ on a deeper level, and actively experience His power and strength at work within us. In this episode, Jennifer explains the effectiveness of four key prayers and challenges listeners to a 30-day prayer challenge designed to strengthen their faith.Find Jennifer Slattery at:JenniferSlatteryLivesoutLoudhttps://www.facebook.com/JenSlattehttps://www.instagram.com/slatteryjennifer/Find her ministry, Wholly Loved, at:https://www.WhollyLoved.comPrayer focus:Week One: God’s gloryWeek Two: God’s loveWeek Three: The power of gratitudeWeek Four: Actively pray against fearImage Episode Credit: Getty/logolis Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.