Your Hope-Filled Perspective with Dr. Michelle Bengtson podcast

Episode Summary: We all experience a wide range of emotions. Emotions in and of themselves are not bad—they are God given. But some emotions can be a stumbling block to our relationships, prayer life and our walk with the Lord. In this episode, my guest, Linda Evans Shepherd, and I dive a bit deeper into our emotions to share how to use Scripture to pray through difficult emotions. Quotables from the episode: God created our emotions, and we can turn to him whenever we are struggling with both the word and with prayer. God cares about our emotions—He gave us the fruit of the spirit which includes love, joy, peace, etc. We have to yield our emotions to God and trust Him to see us through them. The Word of God is the solution to every problem. Praying Scriptures that deal with emotions transform those who pray them with the power of the Holy Spirit. We have to be willing to look for the blessing in the midst of every trial—there we will find the unexpected miracles. Scripture References: Psalm 145:18-19 GWT The Lord is near to everyone who prays to him, to every faithful person who prays to him. He fills the needs of those who fear him. Psalm 145:18–20 GWT He hears their cries for help and saves them. The Lord protects everyone who loves him. Psalm 16:8 NLT I know the Lord is always with me. I will not be shaken, for he is right beside me. Jeremiah 29:11 NIV “For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Job 13:15 NIV “Though he slay me, yet will I hope in him…” 1 Peter 5:7 GW Turn your anxiety over to God because he cares for you. Isaiah 41:10 NIV So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. Matthew 6:25-26 ESV Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you of more value than they? Proverbs 3:5-6 NLT Trust in the LORD with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take. Recommended Resources: Praying through Every Emotion: Experiencing God’s Peace No Matter What by Linda Evans Shepherd www.EmotionPrayers.com Praying God’s Promises: The Life-Changing Power of Praying the Scriptures by Linda Evans Shepherd Experiencing God’s Presence: Learning to Listen While You Pray by Linda Evans Shepherd When You Need to Move a Mountain: Keys to Praying with Power by Linda Evans Shepherd When You Need a Miracle: How to Ask God for the Impossible by Linda Evans Shepherd When You Don’t Know What to Pray by Linda Evans Shepherd Free Download: How To Fight Fearful/Anxious Thoughts and Win Breaking Anxiety’s Grip: How to Reclaim the Peace God Promises by Dr. Michelle Bengtson Breaking Anxiety’s Grip Free Study Guide Free 7-Day YouVersion Bible Reading Plan for Breaking Anxiety’s Grip Hope Prevails: Insights from a Doctor’s Personal Journey Through Depression by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the Christian Literary Award Reader’s Choice Award Hope Prevails Bible Study by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the Christian Literary Award Reader’s Choice Award Social Media Links for Host and Guest: To connect with Linda Evans Shepherd: Arise Esther / Leading Hearts / Arise Daily / AWSA / Facebook / Twitter / Pinterest For more hope, stay connected with Dr. Bengtson at: Order Book Breaking Anxiety’s Grip / Order Book Hope Prevails  /  Website  /  Blog  /  Facebook / Twitter (@DrMBengtson)  /  LinkedIn  /  Instagram / Pinterest / YouTube Guest: Linda Evans Shepherd is a speaker and bestselling author of over 36 books including Praying Through Your Every Emotion, Praying God’s Promises, and When You Need to Move a Mountain. She founded Right to the Heart Ministries, Arise Esther, the Advanced Writers and Speakers Association, Leading Hearts Magazine, and the Arise Daily devotional. Hosted By: Dr. Michelle Bengtson Audio Technical Support: Bryce Bengtson   Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Episode Summary: In this episode, I talk with Kim Clark about finding hope during difficult times. We discuss the nature of trials, the reason for trials, why God allows us to experience trials, and how to best handle them. Quotables from the episode: Christianity doesn’t ensure a cake-walk life—Jesus told us to expect to go through many trials and sorrows. But we don’t go through them alone. In the cellar of affliction, God keeps His choicest wine. In our trials, that’s when we grow closest to Christ. There are no shortcuts in God’s refinement process. We can come alongside others in their difficult time even when we can’t understand or relate to their particular trial. Be present. When others are going through the flames of affliction, we can throw living water on their fire. Instead of asking “why me?” we can ask “why not me?” and thank God that He trusts us with these trials, and that He never wastes our pain. God never promises an easy life, but He does promise to work all things together for good when we love Him and are following His will. In the midst of our trials, the most powerful prayer we can pray is to pray scripture back to God. Scripture References: John 16:33 NLT “I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.” Isaiah 43:1-3 ESV "Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you. For I am the LORD your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior." Joshua 1:9 ESV "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go." Deuteronomy 31:6 ESV "Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the LORD your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you." Romans 8:28 ESV And my all time favorite: “And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.” Recommended Resources: Deep Waters: Lift Your Gaze by Kim Clark Deep Waters: Lift Your Gaze 30-Day Devotional by Kim Clark A free 18 min. Deep Waters: Lift Your Gaze book study facilitator training video on Kim’s website A free 48 min. webinar on how to write, publish, and market your book Free Download: How To Fight Fearful/Anxious Thoughts and Win Breaking Anxiety’s Grip: How to Reclaim the Peace God Promises by Dr. Michelle Bengtson Breaking Anxiety’s Grip Free Study Guide Free 7-Day YouVersion Bible Reading Plan for Breaking Anxiety’s Grip Hope Prevails: Insights from a Doctor’s Personal Journey Through Depression by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the Christian Literary Award Reader’s Choice Award Hope Prevails Bible Study by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the Christian Literary Award Reader’s Choice Award Social Media Links for Host and Guest: To connect with Kim Clark: Website / Deep Waters Books / Lift Your Gaze / Facebook / Instagram For more hope, stay connected with Dr. Bengtson at: Order Book Breaking Anxiety’s Grip / Order Book Hope Prevails  /  Website  /  Blog  /  Facebook / Twitter (@DrMBengtson)  /  LinkedIn  /  Instagram / Pinterest / YouTube Guest: Kim enjoys witnessing the miraculous heart-healing done only by our Savior, Lord Jesus Christ, and rejoices as she inspires others to become better versions of themselves. She is a public speaker, bible lecturer, and recovering college marketing instructor. God has used Kim to administrate a child sponsorship organization, where she coordinated the care of close to 1,000 AIDS orphans in Africa. She is an avid runner and has completed two marathons—despite the angry protests from her knees. She and her family enjoy living in sunny Florida, serving in the local church, and playing pool frisbee with their overly active yellow lab, Mango. Hosted By: Dr. Michelle Bengtson Audio Technical Support: Bryce Bengtson Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Episode Summary: Karen DeArmond Gardner returns to discuss how God can meet you when healing after domestic abuse. She'll share what God did in and through and for her to focus on our good and faithful God. If you are involved in a domestic abuse situation, a difficult marriage, maybe some other kind of abuse, God is waiting for you to boldly approach His throne and He will give you mercy and grace. If you missed the last episode of YHFP where we talked with Karen about the hope we have for healing after domestic abuse, I highly encourage you to listen to that episode here: Hope for Healing from Domestic Abuse – Episode 119. Her story is compelling and important. Quotables from the episode: What I’ve learned to be true is that God loves me even more than He hates divorce. Another term for domestic abuse is intimate terrorism. God isn’t as concerned with our decorum as we are. He wants us to come as we are. So often the effects of abuse leave us viewing God like our abuser. That’s a lie from the enemy. Sometimes part of our healing is deconstructing or undoing what we previously thought we knew to be true. Domestic abuse is NOT suffering for Jesus. Scripture References: Hebrews 4:16 NLT “So, let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most.” Galatians 5:1 NLT “So Christ has truly set us free. Now make sure that you stay free, and don’t get tied up again in slavery to the law.” Ephesians 3:20 NLT “Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think.”   Recommended Resources: Hope for Healing from Domestic Abuse: Reaching for God’s Promise of Real Freedom by Karen DeArmond Gardner Hope for Healing from Domestic Abuse – Episode 119 Free Download: How To Fight Fearful/Anxious Thoughts and Win Breaking Anxiety’s Grip: How to Reclaim the Peace God Promises by Dr. Michelle Bengtson Breaking Anxiety’s Grip Free Study Guide Free 7-Day YouVersion Bible Reading Plan for Breaking Anxiety’s Grip Hope Prevails: Insights from a Doctor’s Personal Journey Through Depression by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the Christian Literary Award Reader’s Choice Award Hope Prevails Bible Study by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the Christian Literary Award Reader’s Choice Award Social Media Links for Host and Guest: To connect with Karen DeArmond Gardner: Website / Facebook / Instagram / Twitter For more hope, stay connected with Dr. Bengtson at: Order Book Breaking Anxiety’s Grip / Order Book Hope Prevails  /  Website  /  Blog  /  Facebook / Twitter (@DrMBengtson)  /  LinkedIn  /  Instagram / Pinterest / YouTube Guest: Karen DeArmond Gardner is a thirty-year survivor of domestic abuse and an advocate for women who’ve experienced abuse and divorce. She is a certified trauma advocate and facilitates Mending the Soul and inner healing through HeartSync. Karen blogs at AnotherOneFree.com. Karen and her second husband Tom are co-owners of a private security company and reside in Texas. Hosted By: Dr. Michelle Bengtson Audio Technical Support: Bryce Bengtson Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Episode Summary: Even if you've not been in the situation, you know others who have and need to know there is hope. In this episode, I talk with Karen DeArmond Gardner about hope for healing after domestic abuse. Many women don’t realize they are in an abusive situation because he doesn’t hit her. Only 14% of domestic violence is physical violence. When they get out of the marriage, they don’t know that healing is available. There is hope and healing. Quotables from the episode: So often, our ministry comes out of our deepest pain, Many women don’t realize they are in an abusive relationship. Coercive Control is when someone uses coercion through the threat of violence to control or manipulate someone. Only 14% of domestic violence is actually physical violence. There is often nothing a domestic abuse victim can do to change their abuser. Domestic abuse is NOT suffering for Jesus. Scripture References: Proverbs 6:16-19 NLT “There are six things the Lord hates—no, seven things he detests: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that kill the innocent, a heart that plots evil, feet that race to do wrong, a false witness who pours out lies, a person who sows discord in a family.” Psalm 107:1-2 NLT “Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good! His faithful love endures forever. Has the Lord redeemed you? Then speak out! Tell others he has redeemed you from your enemies.” Ephesians 5:2 NLT “Live a life filled with love, following the example of Christ. He loved us and offered himself as a sacrifice for us, a pleasing aroma to God.” Galatians 5:13 “For you have been called to live in freedom, my brothers and sisters. But don’t use your freedom to satisfy your sinful nature. Instead use your freedom to serve one another in love.” Galatians 5:19-23 “When you follow the desires of yur sinful nature, the results are very clear: sexual immorality, impurity, lustful pleasures, idolatry, sorcery, hostility, quarreling, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish ambition, dissension, division, envy, drunkenness, wild parties, and other sins like these. Let me tell you again, as I have before, that anyone living that sort of life will not inherit the Kingdom of God. But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things!” Recommended Resources: Hope for Healing from Domestic Abuse: Reaching for God’s Promise of Real Freedom by Karen DeArmond Gardner Free Download: How To Fight Fearful/Anxious Thoughts and Win Breaking Anxiety’s Grip: How to Reclaim the Peace God Promises by Dr. Michelle Bengtson Breaking Anxiety’s Grip Free Study Guide Free 7-Day YouVersion Bible Reading Plan for Breaking Anxiety’s Grip Hope Prevails: Insights from a Doctor’s Personal Journey Through Depression by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the Christian Literary Award Reader’s Choice Award Hope Prevails Bible Study by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the Christian Literary Award Reader’s Choice Award Social Media Links for Host and Guest: To connect with Karen DeArmond Gardner: Website / Facebook / Instagram / Twitter For more hope, stay connected with Dr. Bengtson at: Order Book Breaking Anxiety’s Grip / Order Book Hope Prevails  /  Website  /  Blog  /  Facebook / Twitter (@DrMBengtson)  /  LinkedIn  /  Instagram / Pinterest / YouTube Guest: Karen DeArmond Gardner is a thirty-year survivor of domestic abuse and an advocate for women who’ve experienced abuse and divorce. She is a certified trauma advocate and facilitates Mending the Soul and inner healing through HeartSync. Karen blogs at AnotherOneFree.com. Karen and her second husband Tom are co-owners of a private security company and reside in Texas. Hosted By: Dr. Michelle Bengtson Audio Technical Support: Bryce Bengtson Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Episode Summary: In this episode, my guest, Kerrie Oles and I talk about the hope we have for living the best version of your true self. Have you ever felt you were all alone in your struggle? Or that nobody else would understand or relate? Or experienced shame from something you’ve done or didn’t do? Then you’ve tuned in for the right episode. Quotables from the episode: Too often we are self-conscious but don’t want to be self-aware. We put on a persona like everything is fine because we fear we may not be accepted if we’re not. If you have a pulse, you have a purpose. Emotional DNA is like a blueprint which leads us to a certain reaction and behavior. Inner healing is the freedom from the thoughts and behaviors that hold us back and do some heart work. Your DNA has Jesus Christ running through it. Tears are often a release of woundings and heartache. Let them flow so God can heal. Forgiveness is the key to unlock the healing in your heart. Jesus loves those who hurt us as much as He loves us. Scripture References: Luke 7:47-48 “I tell you, her sins—and they are many—have been forgiven, so she has shown me much love. But a person who is forgiven little shows only little love.” Then Jesus said to the woman, “Your sins are forgiven.” Isaiah 61:1-3 “The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is upon me, for the Lord has anointed me to bring good news to the poor. He has sent me to comfort the brokenhearted and to proclaim that captives will be released and prisoners will be freed.” He has sent me to tell those who mourn that the time of the Lord’s favor has come, and with it, the day of God’s anger against their enemies. To all who mourn in Israel, he will give a crown of beauty for ashes, a joyous blessing instead of mourning, festive praise instead of despair. In their righteousness, they will be like great oaks that the Lord has planted for his own glory.” Exodus 14:13-14 “But Moses told the people, ‘Don’t be afraid. Just stand still and watch the Lord rescue you today. The Egyptians you see today will never be seen again. The Lord himself will fight for you. Just stay calm.” Recommended Resources: Unlock Now: 6 Steps to Begin Inner Healing by Kerrie Oles For Real: Navigating Truths Through Trials by Kerrie Oles Revived from the Me I Used To Be by Kerrie Oles Free Download: How To Fight Fearful/Anxious Thoughts and Win Breaking Anxiety’s Grip: How to Reclaim the Peace God Promises by Dr. Michelle Bengtson Breaking Anxiety’s Grip Free Study Guide Free 7-Day YouVersion Bible Reading Plan for Breaking Anxiety’s Grip Hope Prevails: Insights from a Doctor’s Personal Journey Through Depression by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the Christian Literary Award Reader’s Choice Award Hope Prevails Bible Study by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the Christian Literary Award Reader’s Choice Award Social Media Links for Host and Guest: To connect with Kerrie Oles: Website / Instagram For more hope, stay connected with Dr. Bengtson at: Order Book Breaking Anxiety’s Grip / Order Book Hope Prevails  /  Website  /  Blog  /  Facebook / Twitter (@DrMBengtson)  /  LinkedIn  /  Instagram / Pinterest / YouTube Guest: Kerrie Oles, and husband Phillip have two boys, and have been in ministry for 17 years. She is a conference speaker, and brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to women’s platforms everywhere. Her humorous approach and in-depth biblical insight is healing hearts and transforming lives as she delivers messages of encouragement, freedom, and victory in Jesus Christ. Hosted By: Dr. Michelle Bengtson Audio Technical Support: Bryce Bengtson Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Episode Summary: In this episode, Nan Jones and I talk about how to maintain our hope when we feel abandoned by God. During those times when we feel alone, we so desperately need evidence of God’s abiding presence. So often when we are in the valley, going through difficult times, it’s easy to feel like God has abandoned us. That’s when we need to pray God will open our eyes so that we can see Him despite our circumstances. Quotables from the episode: Having a temper tantrum with God is demonstrating authentic faith and following the command to come boldly before His throne. We have a choice to step in, to lean in, and to focus on Him. We have to remember that our God is the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow. Seeking God and His presence is contingent on my attitude. God pursues us with His love in our desert places. Scripture References: Exodus 33:14 “And He said, ‘My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.’” Acts 17:27-28 “so that they should seek the Lord, in the hope that they might grope for Him and find Him, though He is not far from each one of us; for in Him we live and move and have our being …” John 15:4 (NKJV) “Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me.” Recommended Resources: The Broken Way by Ann Voskamp Free Download: How To Fight Fearful/Anxious Thoughts and Win Breaking Anxiety’s Grip: How to Reclaim the Peace God Promises by Dr. Michelle Bengtson Breaking Anxiety’s Grip Free Study Guide Free 7-Day YouVersion Bible Reading Plan for Breaking Anxiety’s Grip Hope Prevails: Insights from a Doctor’s Personal Journey Through Depression by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the Christian Literary Award Reader’s Choice Award Hope Prevails Bible Study by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the Christian Literary Award Reader’s Choice Award Social Media Links for Host and Guest: To connect with Nan Jones: Website / Facebook profile / Facebook page / Facebook The Alabaster Girls / Twitter For more hope, stay connected with Dr. Bengtson at: Order Book Breaking Anxiety’s Grip / Order Book Hope Prevails  /  Website  /  Blog  /  Facebook / Twitter (@DrMBengtson)  /  LinkedIn  /  Instagram / Pinterest / YouTube Guest: God has called Nan Jones to help others find Him in their darkest hour. Through the written word and the spoken voice of her heart, she shares with you how to see beyond the veil to recognize God's abiding presence—through good and bad, joy and sorrow, peace and anguish. Nan's book, The Perils of a Pastor's Wife, was a 2016 Selah finalist and Badge of Honor winner. Her award-winning blog, Beyond the Veil, is touching Christians internationally who feel abandoned or forgotten by God, but want to learn to recognize His presence. Nan delights in ministering as speaker and teacher wherever women are gathered. She travels from the mountains of western North Carolina. Hosted By: Dr. Michelle Bengtson Audio Technical Support: Bryce Bengtson Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Episode Summary: As a board certified clinical neuropsychologist, I can say with a fair degree of confidence that probably everyone can relate to experiencing shame and disappointment. We’ve all had high hopes and expectations that didn’t turn out the way we wanted, and we’ve all experienced shame over what we’ve done or said, or failed to do, or because we haven’t met our own or others’ expectations for us. In this episode, we are talking with guest counselor and coach Tina Yeager about hope for overcoming discouragement or shame. Quotables from the episode: It is the enemy of our soul who seeks to get us to isolate ourselves when we are not meant to be isolated. I thought that if I starved myself, I would become acceptable to those around me. My self-esteem improved when I really came to realize that it was God who made me loveable, and He made me worthy. God created each of us to fulfill a specific purpose. God’s standard for success is our obedience, while it’s the world who says that to be successful we have to look or behave in a certain way or accomplish certain things. Self-esteem and shame often result from our negative self-talk, especially when we exaggerate our failures by saying “I always…” or “I never…” Self-esteem and shame often result from the fear of “not being enough.” But God says He has made us enough. Knowing something is a lie really comes back to knowing what the truth is. Comparison often breeds shame, discouragement, and low self-esteem and is rooted in comparing our worst day to someone else’s best day. Scripture References: Ephesians 2:10 NIV: “For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” Philippians 1:6 NIV: “He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion.” 1 Thessalonians 2:13-14: NIV “From the beginning God chose you to be saved. . . that you might share in the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.” 1 Corinthians 12:27 NIV: “You are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it.” Matthew 22:37-39 NIV: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’” Recommended Resources: Beautiful Warrior: Finding Victory over the Lies Formed Against You by Tina Yeager Hope for Body Image: How to Stop Comparing Yourself to Others Finding Freedom from Comparing Yourself to Others Free Download: How To Fight Fearful/Anxious Thoughts and Win Breaking Anxiety’s Grip: How to Reclaim the Peace God Promises by Dr. Michelle Bengtson Breaking Anxiety’s Grip Free Study Guide Free 7-Day YouVersion Bible Reading Plan for Breaking Anxiety’s Grip Hope Prevails: Insights from a Doctor’s Personal Journey Through Depression by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the Christian Literary Award Reader’s Choice Award Hope Prevails Bible Study by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the Christian Literary Award Reader’s Choice Award Social Media Links for Host and Guest: To connect with Tina Yeager: Website / Facebook / Twitter / Instagram / LinkedIn / Pinterest For more hope, stay connected with Dr. Bengtson at: Order Book Breaking Anxiety’s Grip / Order Book Hope Prevails  /  Website  /  Blog  /  Facebook / Twitter (@DrMBengtson)  /  LinkedIn  /  Instagram / Pinterest / YouTube Guest: Award-winning author, speaker, licensed counselor, and life coach, Tina hosts the Flourish-Meant podcast and publishes Inkspirations Online, a devotional for writers. Yeager also serves on the Christian Authors Network board, as a mentor with Word Weavers International, and as an active member of AWSA. Come visit her for a virtual cup of java online at tinayeager.com. Beautiful Warrior: Finding Victory over the Lies Formed Against You helps women identify and fulfill their potential as they discover Christ-centered significance. Hosted By: Dr. Michelle Bengtson Audio Technical Support: Bryce Bengtson   Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Episode Summary: In this episode, we talk about how to train your brain to trust God. Our guest, Kris Reece, is an expert in this area and will be sharing practical tips with us for learning how to renew our minds, take our thoughts captive and train our brain. Quotables from the episode: God is the one who does the transforming BY the renewing of our mind. Renewing our mind begins with addressing thoughts that are not life-giving. To take our thoughts captive we have to interrogate them to determine where they are coming from. Our thoughts come from one of three places: God (who prompts and convicts), Satan (who pressures and condemns), or us (often from our past experiences) If a thought does not come from God, I don’t want that thought. It helps me to know what the Bible says, and then to put it into my own words so I can apply it to that situation and remember it later. God never gives us more hard work—the enemy does that. God reveals the areas that need renewal, by our reactions to situations. Oversized reactions indicate our internal thought processes. Our reaction is our responsibility. Scripture References: Romans 12:2 “Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.” Ephesians 4:23 “Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes.” 2 Corinthians 10:5 “We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.” Recommended Resources: Battlefield of the Mind by Joyce Meyer Who Switched Off My Brain by Caroline Leaf Build a Beautiful Life Out of Broken Pieces by Kris Reece Make it Matter—A Roadmap to Living a Life of Purpose by Kris Reece A Free 5 Day Created With Purpose Devotional A Free Guide “Uncover Your God Given Purpose” Free Download: How To Fight Fearful/Anxious Thoughts and Win Breaking Anxiety’s Grip: How to Reclaim the Peace God Promises by Dr. Michelle Bengtson Breaking Anxiety’s Grip Free Study Guide Free 7-Day YouVersion Bible Reading Plan for Breaking Anxiety’s Grip Hope Prevails: Insights from a Doctor’s Personal Journey Through Depression by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the Christian Literary Award Reader’s Choice Award Hope Prevails Bible Study by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the Christian Literary Award Reader’s Choice Award Social Media Links for Host and Guest: To connect with Dr. Kris Reece: Website / Facebook / Instagram / Pinterest For more hope, stay connected with Dr. Bengtson at: Order Book Breaking Anxiety’s Grip / Order Book Hope Prevails  /  Website  /  Blog  /  Facebook / Twitter (@DrMBengtson)  /  LinkedIn  /  Instagram / Pinterest / YouTube Guest: Kris Reece holds a Ph.D in Christian Counseling and a Masters Degree in Theology. As a Counselor, Coach, Author and practical Bible Teacher, her passion is to help others defeat life’s devils, grow in their faith, and become everything they were created to be. Hosted By: Dr. Michelle Bengtson Audio Technical Support: Bryce Bengtson Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Episode Summary: So many women struggle to call God Father because they have never known a Father that was good. Today’s guest, Tanya Glanzman, struggled in that respect as well until God revealed His vast love for her, and now she knows that she is her Heavenly Father’s daughter. In today’s episode, we talk about what it truly means to embrace our identity as a child of God. Quotables from the episode: When life isn’t stable, God is faithful and unchanging in His love, mercy, and grace. We can always run boldly to His throne of grace. God is sure, steadfast, and unchanging. It is critical to embrace God’s truth and filter every situation through that. Understanding love is the catalyst to trust we are saved and forgiven and chosen to be used by God. Forgiveness is releasing a person from the debt they owe. There’s nothing God calls us to do that isn’t for our good. Precious Daughter, look to your Abba Father for your value and worth - dig into the truth of His Word to discover Who He says you are in and through Christ and who He longs to be for you because of His love for you. Allow the truth of God’s Word to be the filter through which every thought you think flows. When your thoughts do not align with the truth of what God’s Word says, begin to reject the lies that have been offered to you through others and instead replace those lies with the truth that will set you free. Scripture References: Psalm 27:10 NKJV When my father and my mother forsake me, Then the LORD will take care of me  Hebrews 13:8  Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever. Romans 2:11 KJV For there is no respect of persons with God.  Psalm 147:3 NKJV He heals the brokenhearted And binds up their wounds.  Recommended Resources: My Father’s Daughter: Embracing Your Identity as a Daughter of the King by Tanya Glanzman, LPC Our Identity in Christ is Certain Hope for Living in Our True Identity in Christ Who God Says You Are: 17 Scriptures About Our True Identity Remember Who You Are: 10 Scriptures to Remind You of Your True Identity Free Download: How To Fight Fearful/Anxious Thoughts and Win Breaking Anxiety’s Grip: How to Reclaim the Peace God Promises by Dr. Michelle Bengtson Breaking Anxiety’s Grip Free Study Guide Free 7-Day YouVersion Bible Reading Plan for Breaking Anxiety’s Grip Hope Prevails: Insights from a Doctor’s Personal Journey Through Depression by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the Christian Literary Award Reader’s Choice Award Hope Prevails Bible Study by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the Christian Literary Award Reader’s Choice Award Social Media Links for Host and Guest: Connect with Tanya Glanzman: Podcast / Website / Twitter / Instagram / Facebook For more hope, stay connected with Dr. Bengtson at: Order Book Breaking Anxiety’s Grip / Order Book HopePrevails /  Website  /  Blog  / Facebook / Facebook Twitter (@DrMBengtson)  /  LinkedIn /  Instagram  / Pinterest / YouTube Guest: A graduate from Liberty University, Tanya Glanzman, LPC is passionate about helping others live the life of freedom, joy and peace Christ died for them to have. She has experience offering individual, marital, family and group counseling. She works with a variety of populations and issues, specializing in women’s trauma recovery. As a survivor of traumatic childhood abuse, her heart is that every woman would know God as the Healer, Redeemer and Restorer He desires to be for them. She speaks and writes as My Father’s Daughter, offering hope and encouragement wrapped in grace filled truth, with the mission that every woman would know what it truly means to be a Daughter of the King. Her first book, My Father’s Daughter, Embracing your identity as a Daughter of The King, was released on July 30th. Hosted By: Dr. Michelle Bengtson Audio Technical Support: Bryce Bengtson Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Episode Summary: Have you ever experienced financial loss? Or have you ever wondered what you would do or how you would make it if you lost everything you had financially? Today, I talk with Shonda Whitworth who shares a very personal and real testimony of how God brought her through great financial hardship. She learned how to cope when facing bankruptcy and truly experienced what it means to say, “when all you have is God, you’ve got enough.” Quotables from the episode: With bankruptcy, the enemy heaps on shame and uncertainty. The Bible has a lot to say about our finances. When we need financial wisdom, we need to go to His word. When there is more month than money, we have to trust God to be our provider. Trials like bankruptcy and financial crises are a character refinement process. Bankruptcy is a real life example of what Christ has done for us: debt cancellation. Scripture References: 2 Corinthians 1:9 “But as a result, we stopped relying on ourselves and learned to rely only on God.” Romans 5:3-5 “We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation. And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love.” Recommended Resources: Appeal to the Courtroom of Heaven: Petitions for Prisoners and Prison Families by Shonda Whitworth Shadowboxing: The Dynamic 2-5-14 Strategy to Defeat the Darkness Within by Dr. Henry Malone A free downloadable PDF of 8 Prayers to Pray for Your Incarcerated Loved One is available at FortressofHopeMinistries.com Free Download: How To Fight Fearful/Anxious Thoughts and Win Breaking Anxiety’s Grip: How to Reclaim the Peace God Promises by Dr. Michelle Bengtson Breaking Anxiety’s Grip Free Study Guide Free 7-Day YouVersion Bible Reading Plan for Breaking Anxiety’s Grip Hope Prevails: Insights from a Doctor’s Personal Journey Through Depression by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the Christian Literary Award Reader’s Choice Award Hope Prevails Bible Study by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the Christian Literary Award Reader’s Choice Award Social Media Links for Host and Guest: Connect with Shonda Whitworth: Website / Facebook Shonda / Twitter / LinkedIn Shonda / Facebook Fortress / LinkedIn Fortress / Twitter Fortress For more hope, stay connected with Dr. Bengtson at: Order Book Breaking Anxiety’s Grip / Order Book HopePrevails /  Website  /  Blog  / Facebook / Facebook Twitter (@DrMBengtson)  /  LinkedIn /  Instagram  / Pinterest / YouTube Guest: Shonda Whitworth writes, teaches, and speaks at conferences and retreats to share the hope of healing and restoration we have in Jesus. After her son landed in state prison, she realized the hardships families of prisoners encounter. She and her husband, Eldon, founded Fortress of Hope Ministries, a nonprofit organization that offers hope to families affected by incarceration. Shonda transparently shares her testimony of living with a son in prison at ShondaWhitworth.com and FortressofHopeMinistries.com. Hosted By: Dr. Michelle Bengtson Audio Technical Support: Bryce Bengtson Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.