Beyond the Ash Heap: How Our Pain Can Become God's Platform
*Special Episode- Session #1 from a Women's retreat I recently taught.What happens when our world collapses around us? When suffering strikes without warning or explanation, our response reveals what truly lives in our hearts. Through the powerful contrasting stories of Job and Jonah, this episode explores the fundamental question: how can we glorify God through our pain?The glory of God—His honour, reverence, and splendor—isn't just some abstract concept. For believers, Scripture tells us we've become living temples containing God's glory at all times. Yet our actions and attitudes can either reveal or veil this divine presence. The crucial difference lies not in experiencing pain (both Job and Jonah suffered), but in how we process that pain—with God or apart from Him.Job lost everything—his children, wealth, health, and reputation—yet initially responded with astonishing faith: "The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord." Even when questioning God through his suffering, Job kept bringing his heartache directly to God. When God finally appeared, Job immediately repented and was restored to a place of honour as an intercessor. Contrast this with Jonah, who technically obeyed God's command to preach to Nineveh but remained bitter when God showed mercy to his enemies. Jonah missed participating in a beautiful revival because he couldn't surrender his anger and judgment.Where are you fixing your eyes when life falls apart? On yourself? On others? Or on Jesus? The answer determines not whether God will be glorified—He will be regardless—but whether you'll experience the profound joy of participating in His redemptive work. Today, make the choice to bring your wounds to the Healer rather than nursing them in isolation. Your pain might just become the very platform where God's glory shines brightest.Send me a text messageSupport the show
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52:40
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52:40
For His Eyes Only: Rediscovering Pure Motivation in Christian Service (Part 1 of 3)
The Life of Moses- Episode #32 (Part 1 of 3) 🩺 Have you ever questioned your purpose or wondered if you're spending your time on the right things? Once we start serving and working in our calling, how do we maintain the right heart and motivation?? Today's episode dives deep into the heart of service by examining the building of the Tabernacle in Exodus 35. When Moses invited the Israelites to donate materials for God's dwelling place, he revealed some solid principles that can transform how we approach service today. This episode challenges us to examine our motivations in all areas of service. Whether you're uncertain about your gifts or have been serving for years, this message will help you rediscover the purpose and purity in your service to God.Send me a text messageSupport the show
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32:31
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32:31
Beholding, we Become
The Life of Moses- Episode #31 🌟 Have you ever noticed how something truly changes when it's been in the presence of light? Growing up in the 80s and 90s, I was fascinated by those glow-in-the-dark stars that would shine brightly after being "supercharged" against a light bulb. This childhood memory perfectly captures what happens when we spend time in God's presence—we begin to radiate with His light, often without even realizing it.In this deeply reflective exploration of Exodus 34, we witness Moses descending from Mount Sinai after 40 days and nights in God's presence. His face literally emitted beams of light so bright that the Israelites were afraid to approach him—yet remarkably, Moses himself was completely unaware of his transformation. This powerful image reveals the authentic nature of spiritual growth: those most transformed by God are often the least conscious of their own glow because they remain utterly focused on Him rather than themselves.Moses' supernatural fast during these 40 days demonstrates how God's presence can sustain us beyond natural human limitations. When we silence the loudest voices in our lives—our physical cravings, our anxieties, our self-consciousness—we create space to hear God's voice and receive His transforming power. As 2 Corinthians 3:18 reminds us, "as we behold Him, we become like Him." True spiritual transformation isn't about self-improvement techniques or proving our spirituality to others; it's the natural result of extended, intimate communion with our Creator.If you're feeling insufficient today, remember that your sufficiency comes not from yourself but from God who makes you enough. Press into His presence, supercharge your spirit through His Word, and watch as His light begins to shine through you—perhaps in ways you don't even notice yourself. Subscribe to Whispers of Grace for more encouragement as we continue our journey through the life of Moses and discover transformative truths for our own spiritual walks.Send me a text messageSupport the show
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24:52
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24:52
The Presence - Part 2 of 2: God's Truest Heart
The Life of Moses- Episode #30 ♥️ What if the God of the Old Testament isn't who you think He is? Join me, Julie Colbeth, on "Whispers of Grace," as we dive into the profound connection between the God of the Hebrew Scriptures and the Jesus of the New Testament. We tackle the common struggle of reconciling the seemingly harsh God of old with the compassionate Savior of new. Using Dane Ortlund's insights from his transformative book, "Gentle and Lowly," we peel back the layers of misconception to uncover a God whose core is merciful and gracious, as revealed in Exodus 34.Together, we venture into the sacred encounter between God and Moses on Mount Sinai, examining the symbolic act of chiseling new stone tablets. This episode reveals the beauty and privilege of divine collaboration, showcasing how God invites us to partner with Him in His plans despite our imperfections. We'll reflect on the elements of the Ark of the Covenant, such as manna and Aaron's rod, to illustrate how God uses ordinary vessels to manifest His glory. By understanding Moses' experience, we learn how to prepare ourselves for our own divine encounters.Explore the depth of God's mercy, challenging the instinctual expectations of judgment with scriptures that spotlight God's steadfast love and eagerness to forgive. We confront the generational effects of sin, countered by God's unfailing love that transcends them. This episode invites you to remove the veil of fear and misunderstanding, embracing a God who longs for intimate connection with His children. As we journey through these reflections, we find a new understanding of God's character, discovering a heart that is slow to anger and abundant in compassion.Sources: “Gentle and Lowly: The Heart of Christ for Sinners and Sufferers” by Dane Ortlund Send me a text messageSupport the show
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31:42
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31:42
The Presence - Part 1 of 2: The Gift or The Giver?
The Life of Moses- Episode #29 🎁 What does it mean to truly encounter the presence of God? On this episode of "Whispers of Grace," we journey through the compelling narrative of Exodus 33, examining Moses' profound interactions with God. After the Israelites' devastating golden calf incident, Moses emerges as a beacon of divine pursuit, setting up his tent away from the camp to prioritize his relationship with God. His intentionality not only underscores the necessity of cultivating a direct and vibrant connection with the divine but also serves as a powerful model for leadership and spiritual intimacy that inspires future leaders like Joshua, who chose to dwell continually in God's presence.This episode invites you to reflect on the depth of your personal relationship with God, encouraging an introspective look at whether you seek the Giver more than His gifts. We delve into the transformative power of God's indwelling presence via the Holy Spirit, offering practical steps to nurture this intimacy. By drawing inspiration from Brother Lawrence's practice of God's presence, we explore ways to integrate a continual awareness of the divine into your daily life, amidst both blessings and distractions. Our conversation emphasizes the importance of active engagement with God through worship, nature, and the embrace of silence and stillness.In a world brimming with distractions, finding moments of silence and stillness becomes essential for deepening your spiritual awareness. Through personal anecdotes, such as moments of stillness found in unexpected places, we highlight the importance of creating mental space to connect more profoundly with God. Embracing this quietude allows for a richer experience of God's enduring presence and love, as reflected in the timeless verses of Psalm 90. Join us as we encourage a lifestyle that fosters spiritual intimacy, guiding you to experience the fruits of the spirit more fully and enriching your unique spiritual journey.Send me a text messageSupport the show
Walking with God is filled with mountaintops and valleys. Join passionate yet flawed Jesus-lover and mother of four Julie Colbeth as she delves into the Scriptures with a refreshingly honest perspective that will bring hope and encouragement to your day.
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