My Sister and Me Ministries Podcast

Welcome to the My Sister and Me Ministries Podcast! We are jumping into a brand-new series today! Summer is here, school is out, and vacations are planned! Meanwhile, we’ll spend some time together reminiscing about the games many of us played as children. Whether at summer camp, on the playground, or in our own backyards, we all have learned more than just how to play a game.Through our time together in this series, we will discover biblical truths hidden within the games we’ve played. Are you intrigued? We hope so! Grab your notebook, pen, and highlighter, and let’s dig in!You may have heard it said, “Life is like a game.” And there are similarities between games and life. Games have rules, as life does. Just like in a strategy game, the choices we make and the direction we go may bring us joy (win) or bring us disappointment (loss).Some games require competition; others may require cooperation. Real life is similar in that individuals often compete for opportunities, but they also cooperate with others to achieve shared goals.Friends, do you see life as a win-or-lose situation? Do you roll the dice with your decision making? Flip a coin for answers? Wherever you land on this, be encouraged. Choosing to live your life with Jesus is the best move ever!As we look to scripture, God created us in His image and designed us to be in a relationship with Him and with each other. Just like participating in a family game, our relationship with God can be intense, overflowing with joy, full of struggles, and comprise a lot of waiting.Living life is not a game, though it can feel like one. The pressures, the highs and lows, reaching the finish line—these are actual obstacles, and it can be daunting. But you have Christ. Even when you land on a spot that says “lose a turn” or “go back three spaces, God is with you and will help you. Victory is established in Christ. Today, we encourage you to stay in the race!Scripture References: Psalm 100:1-2; Philippians 3:14; Hebrews 12:1-2; 1 Corinthians 15:57; Joshua 1:9; John 10:10; Genesis 1:26Find more My Sister and Me Ministries content here:YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOBHT_IPY1e7r4e7hSugWvgWebsite: https://www.mysisterandme.orgInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/mysisterandme/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mysisterandmeministries#mysisterandme #mysisterandmeministries #holdfasttohope This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit mysisterandmeministries.substack.com

Welcome to the My Sister and Me Ministries Podcast! As we wrap up our “Back to the Basics” series today, let’s look at self-control.This is not a very popular topic. It’s challenging to look in the mirror and identify areas of weakness, mistakes made, and indulgences entertained. Self-control requires introspection, confession, discipline, change, and obedience. Self-control is a fruit of the Spirit, as we learn from Galatians 5:22-23.All of us wrestle with self-control, whether it be in our diets, time management, spending habits, emotional tendencies, addictions, or some other personal impulse. In God’s great wisdom and mercy, He has provided the same remedy for all of our out-of-control inclinations: Jesus.The truth is, Jesus has brought salvation for all! He has shown us how to resist ungodliness and fleshly desires. When Satan tempted Him, Jesus directed His thoughts to scripture, and He spoke those words to answer the voice of temptation.His GRACE trains us to surrender our worldly and fleshly passions and to live holy and self-controlled lives right here—right now—in this moment — and in every moment of our lives.It comes down to our willingness to surrender. To our choice in every situation and circumstance. Jesus has made the way for us to overcome every temptation. He provides a way of escape, and He has prescribed supplements to help us in our weaknesses.In this episode, we challenge you to commit to renew your minds with the truths of His word, to be transformed into more of His likeness, and to use methods to bolster your faith.Our prayer is that we never tire of going “Back to the Basics” of our faith in Him: Hope, Joy, Peace, Faith, Prayer, Mercy, Humility, Gratitude, and Self-Control. Scripture References: Proverbs 25:28; Matthew 4:1-11; Romans 12:1-2; 1 Corinthians 10:13; Galatians 5:22-23; 2 Peter 1:5-7; Titus 2:11-12Find more My Sister and Me Ministries content here: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOBHT_IPY1e7r4e7hSugWvg Website: https://www.mysisterandme.org Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mysisterandme/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mysisterandmeministries#mysisterandme #mysisterandmeministries #holdfasttohope This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit mysisterandmeministries.substack.com

Welcome to the My Sister and Me Ministries Podcast!We continue our series called “Back to the Basics” where we are looking at distinct elements of faith and how we can grow in understanding and draw closer to God as we learn more about His character. Today, we are talking about Gratitude.You may have heard popular sayings like, “Have an attitude of gratitude!” “Always be thankful!” And many others. While the dictionary confirms that gratitude is the quality or feeling of being thankful—today we are going to go deeper on this topic.The Bible is full of expressions of gratitude and instructions to be thankful. Gratitude is a foundational principle of our faith. Depending on the translation, the concept of gratitude is found 100-200 times in scripture. As we dig into those verses, we find it is God’s will for us to give thanks in all things, through Christ Jesus.King David set a prime example for us throughout the Psalms. He was a man after God’s own heart, and he also was a man of war. Throughout his life, he embraced an attitude of thankfulness, which kept him focused on what God was doing or wanted to accomplish through him.So many times we focus on the problems, the places of lack, the surrounding stresses, the hurts we are experiencing. If we can shift our focus to be centered upon God’s goodness and mercy, we receive relief. That gratitude causes hope, strength, and joy to increase within us.When we allow God to renew our minds as we read the Bible and engage in gratitude, it not only transforms our minds and spirits, it also causes positive results in our physical bodies. Keeping our thoughts upon things that are positive, true, and praiseworthy helps us in multiple ways!In this episode, we identify some of those benefits gratefulness produces in our lives and point to several scriptures that help strengthen us in a lifestyle of gratitude.God is with you! We pray you look to Him in every situation and that you anchor yourself in His goodness as you build your faith through gratitude.Scripture References: Psalm 9:1, 28:6-7, 30:4-5, 100:4, 136:1, 138:1; Philippians 4:6; 1 Thessalonians 5:18Find more My Sister and Me Ministries content here: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOBHT_IPY1e7r4e7hSugWvg Website: https://www.mysisterandme.org Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mysisterandme/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mysisterandmeministries#mysisterandmeministries #mysisterandme #holdfasttohope #hope #gratitude This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit mysisterandmeministries.substack.com

Welcome to the My Sister and Me Podcast! We continue our series, “Back to the Basics.” Today, we’re talking about humility.Humility is a basic element of our faith in God that values the lives of others and exercises surrender to self.The dictionary tells us humility means to have a modest or low view of oneself; to be diffident, unassertive, and ranked low. These definitions produce a sense of lowliness, unworthiness, and insignificance.However, genuine humility is actually being secure in your own worth so that you can serve others by choice, sacrificially. Humility does not mean you are a doormat to the whims of others, for their benefit and your abuse.Jesus provided beautiful examples of humility. He humbled Himself for the benefit of each of us. He didn’t HAVE to, but He CHOSE to.Humility is a choice. As we study the life of Jesus, we see He humbled Himself by surrendering His will to fulfill the will of God. The image of humility Jesus portrayed reflects dying to self and living for God.Selfishness, conceit, pride, seeking your own interests above the needs of others—these things oppose humility. Being self-centered is self-seeking and selfish. Looking to the needs and interests of others is serving others in humility.“You do you!” is a common phrase rooted in individuality, self-protection, and motivation. A Yes-Girl gets lost in constantly denying self.We all fall on the spectrum of a yes-girl to a do-you-girl from day to day. The issue isn’t which girl we may identify with, but the motive of our hearts in each moment.Are we humbling ourselves before God while serving others? Are we surrendering to God’s will? Are we considering Him with every thought, choice, word, and action? Are we esteeming others before ourselves, exalting God with every single motive?Whether we identify as a yes-girl or a do-you-girl—in any moment or situation — our obedience to God should be our focus. The slogan should be “I’m a God-Girl!”Scripture References: 2 Chronicles 7:14; Psalm 25:9, 69:32; Proverbs 11:2,15:33, 18:12, 29:23; Matthew 11:29, 18:4, 23:12; Luke 14:7-11; Romans 13:14; Galatians 3:27, 5:16-26, 6:7; Philippians 2:3-9; James 1:21, 4:10; 1 Peter 5:5-7Find more My Sister and Me Ministries content here: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOBHT_IPY1e7r4e7hSugWvg Website: https://www.mysisterandme.org Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mysisterandme/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mysisterandmeministries#mysisterandmeministries #mysisterandme #holdfasttohope #hope This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit mysisterandmeministries.substack.com

Do you consider yourself a merciful person? Maybe you’re a person who has required a lot of mercy.We are grateful to receive mercy when it’s given. Unfortunately, it’s not always so easy to provide mercy to others. Especially to those who have hurt us, offended us, or wronged us.Jesus tells us in Matthew 5:7 that God blesses those who are merciful. He further assures us that as we are merciful toward others, we will receive mercy.Mercy is compassionate kindness shown toward an offender, and it is a basic component of our faith journey. Today, let’s explore mercy together as we continue our series, “Back to the Basics.”We don’t deserve mercy, and we cannot earn it. Mercy is a gift from God. He withholds the judgement or punishment we deserve and instead grants us forgiveness.Showing mercy often starts with the act of forgiveness.Do you forgive others easily? Are you proficient in the “Forgive and Forget” mantra?Jesus taught we are to forgive our offenders seventy times seven times and that we must forgive others so that we would be forgiven. Jesus Himself asked God to forgive those who sinned against Him in ignorance—for they knew not what they were doing.Scripture also teaches us that God will remember our sins no more—that it is as far as the East is from the West.Friends, we too must forgive others. We can do this through the help of His Holy Spirit. It is only through perfect love—only by righteous mercy.Scripture References: Matthew 5:7; Luke 6:27-31; Psalm 51, 103:12; Hebrews 8:12Find more My Sister and Me Ministries content here: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOBHT_IPY1e7r4e7hSugWvg Website: https://www.mysisterandme.org Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mysisterandme/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mysisterandmeministries#mysisterandmeministries #mysisterandme #holdfasttohope #hope This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit mysisterandmeministries.substack.com

God created us to be in relationship with Him. When we deprive ourselves of time with Him, we deplete our souls of the fuel we need to live and overcome all we face each day. We can busy ourselves through days, weeks, and months, and never truly communicate with Jesus. Wait! What? How can that be true?Let’s grow this faith of ours on purpose. Let’s communicate with Him—in prayer. Today, we jump back into our series “Back to the Basics,” and we’re talking about prayer. Prayer is our direct line to God. He meets us right where we are, and He hears our every cry.Scripture tells us in 1 Thessalonians 5:16-19 to:"Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. Do not quench the Spirit."God Himself lets us know exactly how to commune with Him. Rejoice. Pray. Give thanks. REPEAT!Jesus instructs us how to pray in His Sermon on the Mount, commonly referred to as “The Lord’s Prayer.” In this prayer, we communicate reverence, worship, surrender, repentance, and love. We also ask for provision, guidance, and protection in this model prayer.Do you schedule prayer in your calendar, or are you more likely to engage in spontaneous prayer? Do you have a designated space for prayer—maybe in your home, at your workplace, or in your car? Are you committed to growing in intimacy with your Creator?Friends, nothing is wasted when we seek our Savior. Let’s grow in intimacy with Him together by making prayer a priority.Scripture References: 1 Thessalonians 5:16-19; Genesis 2:18; Matthew 6:9-13; Luke 11:1-4; Ephesians 6:10-18; Psalm 145:18; 1 Chornicles 16:11Find more My Sister and Me Ministries content here: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOBHT_IPY1e7r4e7hSugWvg Website: https://www.mysisterandme.org Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mysisterandme/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mysisterandmeministries#mysisterandmeministries #mysisterandme #holdfasttohope #hope This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit mysisterandmeministries.substack.com

What is faith? And how do we know if we have it?Today, we continue our series “Back to the Basics,” and today, we’re talking about faith—a foundational building block as we study and grow closer to God.How do we know Jesus is real? And if He is, how do we know He died and rose from the dead? We weren’t there. Have you ever asked these questions? Maybe someone has asked you.Our everyday decisions depend on or rely upon what we believe to be true, acceptable, and trustworthy. The food we eat, the water we drink, the medications we ingest, and the people with whom we have relationships are all filtered through this lens. Belief. Trust. Faith.God calls us to faith in the same way. We can’t see Him, but we can still be confident in His existence and in His truth. God sends His Holy Spirit to guide us and help us in every aspect of our faith walk.Hebrews 11:6 (HCSB) says: “It is impossible to please God without faith. Anyone who wants to come to Him must believe that God exists and that He rewards those who sincerely seek Him.”Our prayer for you this week is that you believe God exists and that you also believe God rewards you as you seek Him. As you do this, may you grow in faith and be pleasing to God. Amen.Scripture References: Hebrews 11; James 2:19; John 14:6-7Find more My Sister and Me Ministries content here: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOBHT_IPY1e7r4e7hSugWvg Website: https://www.mysisterandme.org Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mysisterandme/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mysisterandmeministries#mysisterandmeministries #mysisterandme #holdfasttohope #hope This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit mysisterandmeministries.substack.com

What if we told you there was a cure? A remedy to save you from running in circles, striving to be more, or even chasing what you think is missing from your life? Would you be interested?When we feel overwhelmed or scattered and are searching for answers to why, we often focus on what we believe is “missing” from our lives. When we do this, nothing seems to satisfy us, and we keep running on empty until we have nothing left to give.This week, we continue our series “Back to the Basics,” and today, we’re talking about peace.Living in a state of rest and calmness isn’t far from our fingertips, yet we reach for temporary solutions or quick fixes. Many times, this complicates our lives even more.We need more than a better habit, an attitude change, or a fresh perspective. We need real, lasting, genuine peace. And here’s the plot twist: Peace is not a thing you find—He is a person you cling to.Jesus is our Prince of Peace. The key to peace is to keep our minds set upon Him. Nothing in this world is better than Jesus.Everyone will encounter troubles, hardships, and doubts. And—we have the truth of the Word to cling to. 2 Thessalonians says, “Now may the Lord of peace Himself continually grant you peace in every circumstance.”This is our prayer for you this week. May you experience perfect peace in every circumstance as you hold fast to your hope in Jesus.Scripture References: John 14:27, 16:31-33; Isaiah 9:6, 26:3; 1 Corinthians 14:33; Philippians 4:4-7; 2 Thessalonians 3:16Find more My Sister and Me Ministries content here: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOBHT_IPY1e7r4e7hSugWvg Website: https://www.mysisterandme.org Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mysisterandme/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mysisterandmeministries#mysisterandmeministires #mysisterandme #holdfasttohope #hope This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit mysisterandmeministries.substack.com

“Choose Joy!” You’ve seen it on coffee mugs, t-shirts, and bumper stickers. But how do we really find steadfast joy, especially when facing struggles and pain in our lives? And, is there a difference between joy and happiness?Both are a choice. Happiness can be circumstantial, whereas joy is a characteristic of our spirits. As we transition our focus from what the world offers to what God provides, we learn how to root ourselves in true joy, no matter the storms we face.In this episode of our “Back to the Basics” series, we remember the importance of joy. Salvation through Jesus is the foundation of steadfast and sustaining joy. When we spend time with Him and are secure in Him, nothing can steal our joy. In His presence is fullness of joy!We aren’t always going to feel happy, but in Jesus, joy is always ours. He fills us with joy! Happiness is me-centered. Joy is Christ-centered.Spend time in His Word, in His presence, and in prayer and worship to Him. Practice joy! Complete joy is only found in Jesus. See the joy set before you, no matter the trials you face.Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. (Romans 15:11 NKJV)Scripture References: 1 Peter 1:6-7; Psalm 16:11; James 1:2-4; John 15:11, 16:22; Hebrews 12:1-2; Romans 15:13Find more My Sister and Me Ministries content here: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOBHT_IPY1e7r4e7hSugWvg Website: https://www.mysisterandme.org Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mysisterandme/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mysisterandmeministries#mysisterandmeministires #mysisterandme #holdfasttohope #hope This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit mysisterandmeministries.substack.com

What is Hope? We use the word loosely for many of life’s circumstances. But hope is not a mere wish or “finger-crossing” optimism. It’s a confident, joyful, and certain expectation of our good future based on God’s faithfulness.Hope is rooted in the resurrection of Jesus Christ and the assurance that God will fulfill His promises, acting as an anchor for our soul. In this episode, we identify real-life situations that challenge our hope, and we discover how we can hold on to hope despite these situations.Persistent life struggles, fear and uncertainty, disappointment and regret, emotional and psychological pain, and information overload are a few areas we target in today’s conversation as we dig into scripture to find genuine answers to help us boldly stand in hope.No matter the unknowns before us and the pressures of the season, we can confidently cling to the hope we have in God. We can silence the noise, guard our hearts, and feed our faith.Grab your notebook and pen and join us for today’s conversation!Scripture References: Psalm 18:32-33, 62:5-6; Hebrews 10:19-23, 13:8; Jeremiah 17:7-8; 2 Corinthians 1:20; James 1:17; Malachi 3:6; Lamentations 3:22-24Find more My Sister and Me Ministries content here: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOBHT_IPY1e7r4e7hSugWvg Website: https://www.mysisterandme.org Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mysisterandme/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mysisterandmeministries#mysisterandmeministries #mysisterandme #holdfasttohope #hope This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit mysisterandmeministries.substack.com

Welcome to the My Sister and Me Ministries Podcast, Episode 1! We're so glad YOU are HERE! Life is full of celebrations and struggles. God did not create us to endure it all alone. He made us in His image and for relationships with Him and with others.Whether you are struggling in relationships, finances, health, feelings of unworthiness, unrealistic expectations, or something else, be assured that God is faithful to help you through it all. He is with you and for you always, right in the middle of the chaos.Are you hopeful or hopeless today? Together, let's anchor our hope in Jesus and be encouraged to stay the course. Thanks for being a part of this community! We can't wait to grow in faith with you as we point to Jesus. Hold Fast to Hope!Scripture References: Hebrews 6:19; Psalm 118:24; Ephesians 2:10; Psalm 139; Genesis 1:27; Hebrews 13:5Find more My Sister and Me Ministries content here: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOBHT_IPY1e7r4e7hSugWvg Website: https://www.mysisterandme.org Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mysisterandme/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mysisterandmeministries#mysisterandme #mysisterandmeministries #holdfasttohope This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit mysisterandmeministries.substack.com