Proverbs 31 Ministires

As a parent, do you ever wonder what's going on in your child’s mind?  Maybe you’re worrying, or even grieving, over the thoughts your child seems to be struggling with? Maybe they're only little and they still have you wondering: How did you come up with that? Why would you think that? Or perhaps they’re tween-aged or teen-aged and they’ve really got you concerned.  Our friend and author Lisa Jacobson knows these feelings all too well, and today on the podcast, she's going to unpack how we can help our children with what and how they think, and lead them to the love and truth found in God’s Word. Whether you are a parent, longing to be one or are a mentor in someone’s life, this is a parenting trend that won’t go out of style. Related Resources: -Make sure to pick up a copy of Lisa and Matt Jacobson's new books, 100 Words of Affirmation Your Son Needs to Hear and 100 Words of Affirmation Your Daughter Needs to Hear today! -Has the Proverbs 31 Ministries Podcast helped you grow in your faith or gain fresh, bi

Do your thoughts feel out of control?  Pastor Craig Groeschel personally understands the daily battle against self-doubt and negative thinking, and he wrote about it in his most recent book, titled Winning the War in Your Mind: Change Your Thinking, Change Your Life. In this episode, you'll hear a conversation with Lysa TerKeurst and Pastor Craig, and you'll learn practical ways to identify the thought patterns that lead to negative behaviors, and how to replace them with the Truth of God’s Word.Related Resources: If this episode impacted you, don't miss our next FREE Online Bible Study, Get Out of Your Head: Stopping the Spiral of Toxic Thoughts by Jennie Allen, starting June 28! Click here to sign up. Grab a copy of Craig Groeschel's latest book, Winning the War in Your Mind: Change Your Thinking, Change Your Life. Learn how to rewire your brain, renew your mind, reframe your vision, revive your soul and restore a healthy perspective. Join Lysa TerKeurst at a city near you for the Compassion Tour! We’ll p

Our thoughts are affecting us more than we know.   What we think determines how we live. And we have a choice to renew our minds. While it may feel impossible to change the thoughts we have in our heads, there is a way. Join our friend Jennie Allen as she teaches us what it looks like to fight back the lies that live in our head. There are weapons God has given us to stop the spiral of toxic thinking. Grab a pen and paper because you’re going to want to take notes on this episode!Related Resources: Make sure to order a copy of Jennie's book, Get Out of Your Head: Stopping the Spiral of Toxic Thoughts!Discover how to submit your mind to Christ because how we think shapes how we live. Click here to order now! In our heads is a lonely place to be, but why does it feel so crowded? Don't miss our next Online Bible Study, Get Out of Your Head: Stopping the Spiral of Toxic Thoughts by Jennie Allen, starting June 28! Click here to sign up. Do you ever wish you had someone who could walk you through the steps you ne

When we feel like our circumstances are just too much, it's easy to feel alone in our pain and believe God is distant. We wonder if He really understands the burdens we carry when we wake up to another day of uncertainty, hardship or pain.  Friend, there's good news: Jesus does understand. On this episode of the podcast, we have a conversation with Lysa TerKeurst about the humanity of Jesus and what that means for us. Through the books of Mark and Hebrews, we discuss how Jesus handled hardships as a human, and how we can look to Him as a trustworthy example when we struggle, too.Related Resources: Join our next First 5 study, When I Don't Know What to Believe: Why Jesus Is the Answer, starting June 7 in the First 5 app! Discover why Jesus really is the answer when you have questions about what you believe. Order your study guide today! She Speaks Online 2021 is happening June 24-26! This is the year to share the story God has given you. Gather with writers, speakers, leaders and communicators like you, from

It's easy to see how quickly social media can go from a fun tool we use to connect with friends, to a comparison trap we fall into without even recognizing it. So what's the trigger that trips us up and makes us fall into the comparison trap?  On this episode of the podcast, our friend Pastor Rob Singleton unpacks the key reason why we fall into the comparison trap: Our hearts are out of alignment. When we focus on what others think of us, or how we're measuring up to someone else's standard, we're not truly focusing on God.  Pastor Rob will share the signs and symptoms of a heart that's out of alignment, and what we can do to ensure we stay focused on Christ.Related Resources:Make sure you grab a copy of Rob Singleton's new book, Overliked: Finding Direction, Courage, and Meaningful Relationships in a Society Crippled by Social Media. She Speaks Online 2021 is happening June 24-26! This is the year to share the story God has given you. From right where you are, gather with writers, speakers, leaders and com

Where do you seek love and approval?  Is it based on what someone says (or doesn't say) to you? Your latest big win in your job, getting invited to that event, or if your kids are behaving well today?  When being loved or approved rises and falls based on others, it's easy to forget our true source of love and approval already comes from Jesus. Today our friend and author, Lynn Cowell, reminds us that Jesus pours His love out on us, and shares how we can live with love and approval from Christ, not for love and approval from others. Grab a pen and paper, you will want to take notes on this one!  P.S.: If you've got a young woman in your life who needs encouragement, we recommend listening to this episode with her!Related Resources:-Order a copy of Loved & Cherished by Lynn Cowell and Michelle Nietert! This devotional gives girls the words of truth they so desperately need to hear: they are loved, protected and valuable as children of God.  -If you want to process this teaching more, we've got two free res

Do you ever question if God is really faithful? Maybe you find yourself asking Him "why" ... because this plan doesn't seem like something a good God would allow to happen.   Today, our friend and author Nicki Koziarz shares three questions we can ask when faith feels impossible. These questions will help you understand where your doubts are coming from, process circumstances you don’t understand and understand what promises of God found in Scripture are really for you. With biblical insight and personal examples, Nicki will help you find the familiar faithfulness of God.Related Resources:-Grab your copy of Nicki's brand-new book, Flooded: The 5 Best Decisions to Make When Life Is Hard and Doubt Is Rising by visiting our bookstore today. -Dive into our next Online Bible Study: Flooded: The 5 Best Decisions to Make When Life Is Hard and Doubt Is Rising by Nicki Koziarz, starting April 12, 2021. Click here to sign up for free! -Did this episode encourage you? We think you'll enjoy these episodes too: Consider

Have life's circumstances landed you in a place where you just don't know how you're going to get through it all?   Maybe if you've been a Christian for years, you feel an added layer of shame and guilt because you know what God's Word says about getting through hard times. So, why can't you seem to press on? Wouldn't it be easier to give up?  Today our friend Wendy Blight shares her journey of getting through a difficult season in life. You’ll be equipped with the Scriptures and takeaways from the book of Exodus to use when you're facing something that makes you want to turn back, give up or walk away.Related Resources:-Grab a friend, and study the book of Exodus with us in the First 5 app for free, starting April 5, 2021! Find out how to download the free mobile app here. -Take your study of the book of Exodus deeper with our newest study guide, "How Do I Get Through This? Pressing On When You Want To Turn Back, Give Up or Walk Away." -Did you know we have Facebook groups created just for you? Find communit

Have you ever wished you could change the details of your story?  While there’s no denying: There are definitely painful parts of our story we’d love to edit out if we could. What if those same circumstances are the unlikely ingredients God is using to weave together a greater good we’d never want to miss out on? You see, with God, there’s always more than we currently see being worked out behind the scenes.  In this short Q&A with Shae Tate and Lysa TerKeurst, you will be equipped to: Uncover the secret to really seeing and experiencing God even in the pain you didn't cause, the change you didn't want, or the reality you didn't know was coming. Disempower the lie that how you feel about your life is the full story by remembering with God there's always something more true, lovely, and good right now. Show up for a friend who's walking through a heartbreaking season with practical and personal ideas and to love and care for her well.Related Resources - Join Lysa TerKeurst in the pages of her new devotiona

How are the thoughts you think impacting who you are?  Maybe you've built up a scenario in your mind that you were convinced was absolutely true. Or have you ever been nervous to have that honest conversation with a friend because you've convinced yourself that she will respond a certain way?  Or ... perhaps you're struggling to see God as faithful because it doesn't seem like He's being faithful to you right now.  If you've ever been there, we want you to know you're not alone! On this episode of the Proverbs 31 Ministries Podcast, you'll be encouraged by our friend, Encouragement for Today devotions writer Anitha Abraham. She'll share Scriptural truths and powerful insights about guarding our minds against negative thoughts that can easily take over.   Related Resources: - Has the Proverbs 31 Ministries Podcast helped you grow in your faith or gain fresh, biblical perspective? Tell us about it by leaving a review on Apple Podcasts. When you review and rate the podcast, it helps us reach even more people wit

If the pandemic has proved anything to be true, it's this: No matter what season of life you're in, you've faced loneliness. This is true whether you're single or married, a parent or an empty-nester, a loner or someone who's the life of the party.  So, when those feelings of loneliness come knocking on our door, how do we wrestle with them in a healthy way?  On this episode of the podcast, you'll hear a teaching from our friend Annie F. Downs and discover what she's learned from dealing with her own loneliness. She'll share five practical things to do when we are lonely, and — of course — she'll show us the fun we can find in the midst of it. Related Resources: -Annie's new book, That Sounds Fun: The Joys of Being an Amateur, the Power of Falling in Love, and Why You Need a Hobby, is now available! Order your copy today. - Want access to a bonus interview with Annie F. Downs? Become a Podcast Insider! It's free, and each month, you'll get exclusive journal prompts, insider updates, and more! Sign up here.

What does the book of Philippians have to do with our relationship issues today?  This week on the podcast, we'll hear from Joel Muddamalle, our director of theology and research at Proverbs 31 Ministries. He'll pull back the curtain on who the Philippians were, the four major relational issues the church faced back then, and how our citizenship in heaven should define the way we relate to others. Related Resources: -Grab a friend and study the book of Philippians with us in the First 5 app for free, starting February 22! Find out how to download the free mobile app here. -Take your study of the book of Philippians deeper with our newest study guide, How Then Can We Be Friends: Overcoming the Issues that Hinder Your Relationships. - Did you know we have free downloadable resources you can find on our website? Check out our guide called “Now What?” A Guide to Process & Apply Biblical Messages to use as you unpack what you're learning on your own, or download "15 Prayers For Your Son or Daughter" from L

When life is uncertain and doubts are swirling around, we long for an answer or solution that brings peace and reassurance. As believers, we know we should look to God first, but our minds and hearts are easily swayed by looking to Google for answers instead.  Today, First 5 writer and Bible teacher Katy McCown joins us on the podcast to share what she's learned: Where she looks will either lead her to peace or to greater uncertainty. With practical suggestions, this episode will help you look for the answers by fixing your eyes on Jesus.Related Resources: -Discover how to find security in God’s plans and confidence in His control in Katy's new Bible study, She Smiles Without Fear: Proverbs 31 for Every Woman. Order your copy today! -In a world where noise is loud, we need a place to quietly learn God’s Word so we can apply and share the Truth. Download our free First 5 app and start the first five minutes of your day with biblically based teachings that help you understand Scripture on your own! - Want to

Entering a fresh, new year after the one we just finished has left us feeling isolated, restless and bored. We're carrying over routines and patterns we adjusted to in 2020 that we thought were only temporary. And in the midst of all that changed, we might've lost a bit of who we are.   Friend, if this describes how you're feeling, you're not alone! Can we share something hopeful with you? God can restore and revive your heart, even when your circumstances don't change.  In this practical and helpful episode, Rebekah Lyons walks us through four rhythms to renew our minds: rest, restore, connect and create. These rhythms are meant to help us sustain emotional, relational and spiritual health and live in the abundance of life God has for us.Related Resources: - Connect with Rebekah at https://rebekahlyons.com. - Make sure you grab a copy of Rebekah's book, Rhythms of Renewal: Trading Stress and Anxiety for a Life of Peace and Purpose, and the Rhythms for Life Planner and Journal: 90 Days to Peace and Purpose. -

"Forgiveness is possible, but it won't always feel possible. It's a double-edged word, isn't it? It's hard to give. It's amazing to get. But when we receive freely from the Lord and refuse to give it, something heavy starts to form in our souls." - Lysa TerKeurst, Forgiving What You Can't Forget This month on the Proverbs 31 Ministries Podcast, listen to Chapter One of Lysa TerKeurst's new book, Forgiving What You Can't Forget. Related Resources: - Want to listen to Chapter Two of Forgiving What You Can't Forget? Sign up to be a Podcast Insider! Our free, monthly Insider email includes a bonus video from our hosts, journal prompts to dig deeper, a sneak peek at what's coming up, and more! - Take the next step by signing up for our free, online Bible study of Forgiving What You Can't Forget! The study starts January 19, 2021. Click here to sign up and order a copy of the book. - Do you have a dream to write? COMPEL Writers Training will help you get started on your writing goals this year with tools and res

What's your role when your friend is going through a hard season? When she gets the cancer diagnosis, suffers a miscarriage or loses a family member?   On this episode of the podcast, Marissa Henley shares how her friends loved her well while she was battling cancer. She breaks down the different levels of friendship, helps you identify your role based on your level of friendship, and gives practical tips on how to practically — and appropriately — love your friend through suffering. Related Resources: - Get access to an exclusive conversation with Marissa and the Proverbs 31 Ministries Podcast co-hosts by becoming a Podcast Insider! It's free, and each month you'll get insider updates on the podcast you can't get anywhere else. Sign up here. - If you have a friend or loved one walking through a cancer diagnosis, grab a copy of Marissa's book, Loving Your Friend Through Cancer. - Maybe you're the one walking through a season of your world being turned upside down. In Lysa TerKeurst's book, It's Not Supposed t

Do you struggle to find a reason to worship these days? We get it ... this year has been tough. So how do we worship when there's so much to be worried about?  Today on the show, our friend Lara Casey from Cultivate What Matters shows us how writing out Scripture is a pathway to praise. When we write the Word, we retain the Word. And being able to recall the Truths in God's Word and rejoice in who He is in the middle of any circumstance is what worship is all about. We hope this episode leaves you equipped and encouraged to cultivate a life of worship, starting with a simple habit.Related Resources: - Our next Online Bible Study, Write the Word: Cultivate Worship starts November 30! Click here to sign up. And purchase your copy of the Write the Word: Cultivate Worship Journal, only available at Proverbs 31 Ministries! - We want to connect with our podcast listeners each month! Sign up to be a Podcast Insider, and each month you'll receive bonus content, journal prompts and more. - Connect with Lara on her web

Complaining and contentment are both contagious.   And these days, it's easy to get caught up in complaining. But how do we choose contentment over complaining? On this episode of the podcast, Melissa Spoelstra walks us through the book of Numbers, where we see the Israelites wrestle with this same problem. She'll show us the secret to contentment in the Word of God, and how it renews our mind and transforms us from the inside out. Related Resources: More than ever, we need a place to quietly learn God’s Word so we can apply and share the Truth. Download our FREE First 5 app and start the first five minutes of your day with biblically based teachings that help you understand Scripture on your own! Join Melissa Spoelstra for a week of intentional contentment with her FREE 7-Day Contentment Project. If our podcast has made a difference in your life, would you consider leaving us a review on Apple Podcasts.Click here to download the transcript for today's episode.

A note from Proverbs 31 Ministries: Some content in this episode is not appropriate for children, and may serve as a trigger due to circumstances in your past. Please use discretion before listening.  When the unimaginable happens ... the deep heartache, the parenting hardship, the bills that keep coming and your finances aren't enough ... where is Jesus?  On this episode of the podcast, Max Lucado gives us proof that Jesus never leaves us and is more present than ever in the stormiest seasons of our lives. As we look at the miracles of Christ as recorded in the Gospel of John, Max reminds us God is nearer than we know.Related Resources: Have you had a hard time focusing on your writing this year? Now more than ever, the world needs the hope-filled message God has given you to write. It's not too late to refocus and pursue your next step as a writer before this year ends. COMPEL Writers Training provides the tools and resources to help you in the process, as well as opportunities to get your work published. R

When we wake up, we're most likely not going to say, "I'd like to be uncomfortable today." We crave comfort, but growth will never come from it.  What if instead of looking at discomfort as an inconvenience, we chose a new perspective: a mindset that God will use discomfort to shape us and make us more like Him? On this episode of the podcast, our friend Alexandra Hoover shares why God allows discomfort. You'll learn that by remembering who God is, we can see our discomfort as something to lean into instead of run away from. Related Resources:Sign up for our Encouragement for Today devotions for daily, biblical encouragement to help your filter your everyday life through the Truth of God’s Word.Check out our FREE resource library! We've got tons of topical study resources you can download to use for whatever you're going through right now.Connect with Alex on Instagram at @alexandravhoover, or on her website here.  Click here to download the transcript for today's episode.