Peace in His Presence
Does your heart become distracted by anxious overwhelm? Does that distraction have you forgetting who you are as God’s Child? Find out how you can rest in God’s promises and receive the peace of His presence. Michelle is an author, speaker, and Bible teacher whose mission is to help you do just that.
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Advent Reflections: When God makes the impossible—possible!
12/17/2023
Advent Reflections: When God makes the impossible—possible!
What feels impossible to you in this season of your life? Health issues, family struggles, grieving the loss of a loved one, work challenges, or problems at church. I invite you to hold up what seems impossible before the Lord and sit with Him, while we take a look at Mary’s story today. I know it’s not easy to look at what feels impossible but your Immanuel promises to be with you in all things and He will strengthen you and give you His peace. His promises to you are unshakable. Listen into these Advent Reflections, while we look at Mary's story. Let's ponder how God made the impossible—possible. The Peace in His Presence Podcast is sponsored by Michelle’s book Promised Rest; if you would like to find out more about the book, you can visit
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Advent Reflections: Waiting in Hope
12/11/2023
Advent Reflections: Waiting in Hope
What is the cry of your heart? What is the prayer you’ve been whispering over and over again to God until you wonder if you should even keep asking? But the longing lasts, and you wait in the hope of knowing that God promises to hear your prayers and that He always answers your prayers, maybe not in the way you imagined, but always out of His divine love and grace towards you. Advent is a time of waiting. As we look back to the first Christmas. God's people had been waiting for the Messiah to come for thousands of years. The world was a broken and dark place. God’s chosen people lived under oppression. And then God himself stepped into the brokenness. To bring light into the darkness. We remember their waiting, and now we wait for Jesus to come again to take us home to heaven. Over these past few years, I’ve found myself asking the Lord many times, how long, Lord until you come back? The world feels so broken. How do we learn how to wait? As I was writing my book Promised Rest, I learned a lot when I slowed down and spent time reading the stories of God’s people. They were familiar stories, and yet there were details I had never noticed before I saw how God was with His people, and I watched His people trust Him in circumstances beyond their control. Promised Rest is five months old, and I’ve heard from different people how they, too, have learned from these stories, and I’ve been asked if I could do more of that with women from the Bible. And so I thought, let's take a look at the lives of the three women of Christmas and their stories. What can we learn about waiting from them? So I invite you to ponder the promises with me. Let’s look at their stories and rest in the promises. Let's learn from Elizabeth, Mary, and Anna by resting in the promises. The Peace in His Presence Podcast is sponsored by Michelle’s book Promised Rest; if you would like to find out more about the book, you can visit t
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Celebrate the Joys of Friendship
12/04/2023
Celebrate the Joys of Friendship
Welcome to the final and fourth episode of The Blessings and Burdens of Friendship series. For this series, Michelle invited Christina Hergenrader to be a guest host. In this final episode as we celebrate the joys of friendship, Michelle and Christina, invited their mutual friend, Audrey Duensing-Werner Director of Family Life Ministry. In this episode, we dive into the story of Mary and Elizabeth in the Bible, highlighting the incredible bond they shared as friends and the support they provided each other during significant moments in their lives. We explore how their friendship exemplifies the power of connection and the blessings that can come from nurturing relationships. We also discuss our own personal experiences in finding our tribe and building community, whether it be through church groups, volunteer work, or shared hobbies. We emphasize the importance of incorporating Jesus into our everyday interactions, recognizing that he is the foundation of true and lasting friendships. We share stories of seeking friendships in new places and the joy that comes from discovering like-minded individuals who share our faith and values. Additionally, we touch on the importance of receiving guidance and support from older women in ministry, who can offer wisdom and mentorship as we navigate the challenges and joys of friendship. We acknowledge that friendships can be complex and at times messy, but we encourage listeners to address difficult issues with honesty and grace, as this can ultimately bring us closer and lead to a deeper understanding of one another. We celebrate the gift of friendship and the role it plays in God's plan for caring for each other, reminding listeners that even a small act of kindness can have a profound impact on someone's life and remind us of God's love present in every friendship. Join us as we reflect on the joys of friendship and the blessings it brings into our lives in the final episode of "Blessings and Burdens of Friendship" on Peace in His Presence Podcast.
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Gracefully Reconnecting: Difficult Conversations and Friendship Forgiveness
11/13/2023
Gracefully Reconnecting: Difficult Conversations and Friendship Forgiveness
Michelle and Christina tackle the complex terrain of forgiveness and reconciliation within friendships. It's a topic that often leads to hesitation and discomfort, as we ponder whether our cherished friendships can endure the trials and tribulations that come with difficult conversations. Friendships, like fragile stained glass windows, are susceptible to breaking. However, Michelle beautifully draws a parallel between enduring friendships and stained glass windows. Just as a shattered window can be pieced back together, friendships can emerge stronger and more beautiful after facing adversity. When we navigate the brokenness of life, we create space for God's love, mercy, and grace to fill in the cracks, transforming our bonds into something more profound than the picture-perfect friendships we envision. Yet, not all friendships stand the test of time. The hosts delve into the reasons why friendships may fade, touching on changing interests, evolving life stages, and shifting priorities. They encourage listeners to reconnect with friends whose relationships may have dwindled, recognizing that it could simply be a matter of different seasons or life stages. In a world where female friendships hold immense significance, this episode serves as a beacon of insight for women searching for answers to their friendship struggles. It's a reminder that navigating difficult conversations and finding the path to forgiveness can lead to beautiful outcomes. If you're seeking guidance on overcoming friendship challenges, this episode is a must-listen. Don't forget to subscribe, like, and share the Peace in His Presence podcast.
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Church Music: For the Care of Souls with Phillip Magness
10/30/2023
Church Music: For the Care of Souls with Phillip Magness
Michelle interviews Phil Magness about his book, Church Music: For the Care of Souls. This was a special interview as Michelle has been friends with Phil and his wife Cheryl for almost 30 years. Michelle learned much about worship from Phil when they served at a church together many years ago. In this interview, they talk about: Why Phil wrote this book The importance of Sunday morning worship but also personal worship. Going to church, even when it's difficult The gifts God gives to us in worship Phil's prayer and hope for those who listen and read his book
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How Many Friends Should You Have?
10/23/2023
How Many Friends Should You Have?
Michelle and Christina continue their series on the blessings and burdens of friendship, by taking a look at the question, "How Many Friends Should You Have?" What Michelle and Christina, discovered through their survey was that women of all ages and stages of life, wondered how many friends should I have? Which often leads to wondering, why don’t I have more friends? Christina takes the lead spot, sharing a time from her life when she achieved her dream of becoming a writer but felt lonely and left out. During that period, God helped her understand that her worth wasn’t found by the number of friends she had but in Christ alone. You are loved and valuable because you are a daughter of the King. God chose you before the foundations of the world were laid. He delighted in you before you were born. You have great value because of Jesus. As you listen, may you be reminded that your worth is not determined by the opinions of others, but by God’s unfailing love for you. May you rest in knowing that in Christ, you are more than enough. You are fearfully and wonderfully made. God knows you. God loves you. God calls you by name.
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Grace-filled Connections: Unwrapping God's Gift of Friendship
10/09/2023
Grace-filled Connections: Unwrapping God's Gift of Friendship
Michelle has invited Christina Hergenrader to guest host a special podcast series called "The Blessings and Burdens of Friendship." We're diving deep into this fascinating world of friendships, sharing stories, insights, and, hopefully, a lot of helpful advice along the way. One thing that's been on our minds is this idea we like to call "wish dreams." You know, it's that perfect, almost fairytale-like image we all have of what friendship should be. We search high and low for that ideal friendship, sometimes so diligently that we miss the incredible connections God has already placed in front of us. It's not wrong to have these ideals, but here's the catch: we live in a world filled with imperfect, broken people, ourselves included. Real friendships, which are genuinely meaningful, come with blessings and burdens. But the beautiful part is that God is right there with us in the midst of it all, pouring out His grace, teaching us how to forgive, and weaving our hearts together. You'll also hear some personal stories from Michelle and Christina about how God brought us the friends we needed the most and the incredible lessons we learned along the way. But here's something we've noticed in our discussions – even in a world where instant connection seems to be at our fingertips, many people feel lonely. Loneliness is a prevalent issue; we will explore why and how we can tackle it together. So, stay tuned, my friends! We're excited to embark on this friendship journey with you all, sharing our experiences and insights and providing a little companionship in this sometimes lonely world.
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Trusting God in Uncertain Times: Finding Peace in His Constant Presence
09/04/2023
Trusting God in Uncertain Times: Finding Peace in His Constant Presence
Often, our worries come from not being able to control a situation. The truth is that we cannot plan for all the uncertainties we will face, but we can trust our Immanuel, the God who is with us, to give us His strength and peace through all the trials and troubles we will face in this life. When our minds become stuck in "what if" thinking, we see things from our finite viewpoint. We forget that God is infinite and that we can trust Him even when life is uncertain or doesn't make sense. In this episode, Gretchen Ronnevik interviews Michelle about the eighth chapter of her book, Immanuel. They talk about how God is with us in all things and also some of the Bible verses that can remind us of the promises that we have in God. . Music from Uppbeat (free for Creators!): License code: 1VYEPUIH4UMCZLFG
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Resting in the Faithfulness of the Good Shepherd
08/21/2023
Resting in the Faithfulness of the Good Shepherd
Does your heart feel shaken and shattered? Perhaps you feel bruised and battered from all that has happened over the last few years. You are weary and tired, and you long for peace. God promises to be your Good Shepherd, and you can rest in His unshakable faithfulness towards you today and always. In this episode, Sharla Fritz interviews me about my book Promised Rest; we discuss how the Good Shepherd gives us His peace. Listen to these beautiful promises from Psalm 23, and these are not some far-off distant promises. They are for right here, right now. For every moment, every heartbeat of your life in what's happening right now and all that is to come. The Lord is my shepherd. I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his namesake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me. You're Rod and your staff; they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil. My cup overflows. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever. This is the word of the Lord. It is most certainly true today and always. Key Takeaways: Rest in the knowledge that God holds you and cares for you. He knows your needs and is always with you, no matter your challenges. Find solace in His love and protection. Life is often uncertain and filled with challenges. Trying to fix everything ourselves doesn't work. Instead, let's look at who God is and how He helps. That's where true comfort lies. In my study, I've included a reflection piece to help apply these lessons to daily life. Use it throughout the day, pondering questions that prompt gratitude, releasing negative thoughts, seeking a different perspective, and remembering God's promises. Just as a shepherd anoints their sheep, God calls us through His Word and the Sacrament, guiding us daily. Like a shepherd who pays attention to every detail about their sheep, God pays attention to every detail about us. He meets us in His Word, and we can discover something new with each reading as He reveals Himself to us. We can rest in the faithfulness and promises of the Good Shepherd and the peace of His presence. If you would like to learn more about my book Promised Rest you can go to Music from Uppbeat (free for Creators!): License code: 1VYEPUIH4UMCZLFG
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When Your Heart Is Anxious Jesus Gives You His Peace
08/14/2023
When Your Heart Is Anxious Jesus Gives You His Peace
Author Lindsay Hausch, interviews Michelle in this episode about the 6th chapter in her book, Promised Rest. We look at how God is our peace. In this episode, we delve into the story of Gideon, a man who found himself hiding in a wine vat, trying to thresh wheat due to the oppressive Midianites. We explored how Gideon's encounter with an angel of the Lord, who is Jesus Himself. As we reflected on Gideon's story, we couldn't help but be reminded of how God looks at us with love and compassion, even when we may struggle with fear and anxiety. Just as Gideon questioned God and asked for a sign, we, too, can bring our concerns and doubts before Him. The story of Gideon reassures us that God addresses our worries lovingly and compassionately, providing us with the peace that surpasses all understanding. In these uncertain and unsettling times, trust in God's strength and peace is more important than ever. Instead of figuring out the circumstances around us, let us rest in who God is and rely on His guidance. It's a humbling experience when we realize that, like Gideon, we are called to accomplish things that may seem impossible, but God equips us with His strength. One passage that resonates deeply with us is 2 Corinthians 4:7-9, which talks about being hard-pressed, crushed, perplexed, and persecuted, yet not despairing, abandoned, or destroyed. We find peace in knowing that even in our difficult circumstances, God's light shines in our hearts, revealing His glory. As followers of Christ, we are like treasures in jars of clay, displaying His power. Resting in God's power and surrendering our worries to Him allows us to walk into seemingly impossible situations with His peace. It's a journey we must take together, finding solace and strength in His presence every step of the way. As we continue to explore God's promises and find Rest in His presence, let us rebel against the chaos of the world by choosing peace. We may feel a little crazy at times, but by remembering who God is, we can find the rest and peace our souls yearn for. One simple way to rest is to immerse ourselves in the beauty of God's creation. Watch the sunrise and sunset, and marvel at the wonders He has made. Surround yourself with His Word, which is powerful even in small doses. Reflect on who God is and who you are as His beloved child, and let His peace wash over you. Key Takeaways: Fear makes us forget who we are as God's children. Our thoughts race with the limitations we have to solve our problems. We face the unfixable and feel shaken. Jesus steps into our brokenness, and His faithfulness toward us is unshakable. Jesus gives us His peace and strength. We can rest in His capable hands. He holds all things together. God's power and strength are not limited to our understanding. We don't need to look to our abilities to solve and fix our problems; we can rest in God's ability and faithfulness. We can rest in His unfailing promises. If you want to read the first chapter of my book for free, you can go to If you want to connect with Michelle outside of the podcast, you Music from Uppbeat (free for Creators!): License code: 1VYEPUIH4UMCZLFG
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When Life Feels Impossible God Gives You Hope
08/07/2023
When Life Feels Impossible God Gives You Hope
What are you facing right now? Is it a problem you cannot fix? Friends, I've learned a precious truth over the years: God's grace is sufficient for every circumstance. He will provide all you need to get through each moment. Christina Hergenrader interviews Michelle about her book Promised Rest: Finding Peace in God's Presence, and they focus on how God provides for us, even when life feels impossible. In this episode, Michelle & Christina discuss the power of faith, promises, and peace that can be found in God's Word and how these truths remain relevant even amid today's challenges. But this episode takes a personal turn as our hosts, both mothers with older children, share their experiences of facing new challenges and the struggle of letting go of their own visions for their children's lives. They draw parallels to their own journeys as mothers entering a new phase of life, referencing the story of Moses's mother, Jochebed, and the biblical account of Abraham and Isaac. They openly discuss the pain, sorrow, and joy of parenting adult children and touch on the importance of letting go and surrendering control and how this can lead to a deeper understanding of God's provision. They also delve into the counterintuitive nature of finding peace and strength in Christ, especially when life feels overwhelming. Key Takeaways: 1️⃣ Challenges are not new: Throughout history, God has always provided for His people in their moments of uncertainty, just like He did for Abraham and Moses's families. We can find hope and strength in the stories of His provision. 2️⃣ Letting go and trusting God: As parents, we may struggle with relinquishing control as our children grow up and face new challenges. Like Abraham, we can find peace in letting go and trusting in God's provision for our children's lives. 3️⃣ God provides a way out: In the midst of grief, breakups, or other difficult situations, when all seems lost, God provides a "ram in the thicket." His strength and peace are experienced by those who have been through it, offering hope and a way forward. 4️⃣ Remember, God's love and provision are steadfast even in the most impossible situations. You can rest in who He is and His promises to you. He is your Promised Rest. To connect with Michelle please visit If you would like to read the first chapter of Promised Rest you can go to You can also find Michelle's book on Amazon. Music from Uppbeat (free for Creators!): License code: 1VYEPUIH4UMCZLFG
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When Life Doesn't Make Sense you Can Trust God
07/30/2023
When Life Doesn't Make Sense you Can Trust God
Have you ever wrestled with these questions? How can I trust God when life doesn't make sense? How do I trust God when He doesn't answer my prayer right away? How can I trust God when He doesn't fix my problems in the way I thought He would? If you've struggled with these questions or ones similar, you are not alone; I've wrestled with all of them. In this fourth episode of the Promised Rest Series, Katie Koplin interviewed me about God's name of El Shaddai and what does that mean for us in our lives? How does knowing God as El Shaddai help you through the joys and sorrows of life? The name of God, El Shaddai, means Almighty and powerful. It also means that God is sufficient in all things, and He doesn't need anyone's help. In Psalm 91, we are reminded that God is our refuge and shelter. The psalmist declares that those who dwell in the secret place of the Most High, who abide under the shadow of the Almighty, find rest and protection in God. In times of trouble or uncertainty, we can find comfort in knowing that God is our safe haven and refuge. He is our fortress against the storms of life, where we can find shelter and peace. The image of God as our refuge emphasizes His divine protection and care. Just as a physical shelter shields us from harm, God surrounds and covers us with his love and power. We can trust in his faithfulness and depend on his strength to provide us with security. The challenges and chaos of the world may feel overwhelming, but in God's presence, we find rest and a sense of belonging. He is our shelter in the storm, our safe place in the midst of uncertainty, and our constant source of peace. Here are three key takeaways from this episode: 1️⃣ God's Promised Rest: Discover the significance of God's promise to always be with us and invite us to rest in His presence. Learn about the Promised Rest series and the book called "Promise Rest" by our host, which provides deep insights into finding peace in the midst of life's uncertainties. 2️⃣ Faith and Imperfections: Understand that faith doesn't always have to look a certain way. Explore how even in moments of wavering faith or when we trip up in our journey, Jesus is the author and perfecter of our faith. Find comfort in the knowledge that we are covered by robes of righteousness earned by Him on the cross. 3️⃣ Journey of Abraham and Sarah: Dive into the remarkable story of Abraham and Sarah, who waited 24 years for God to fulfill His promise of a child. Find inspiration in their perseverance and the lessons we can learn from their faith journey. Discover how their story teaches us that God's promises remain steadfast, even when we make mistakes or struggle to trust God while we are waiting. If you haven’t had a chance to receive the first chapter of my book yet, you can go to If you have read it, can you think of some friends who might be interested in reading it? Maybe you have a Bible Study group that would be interested? If you could share the link with them I would be so grateful for your help in getting the word out about Promised Rest. I've heard from a lot of different Bible Study groups that going through Promised Rest together was a blessing to them. If you would like to connect with Michelle, you can visit her website at Music from Uppbeat (free for Creators!): License code: 1VYEPUIH4UMCZLFG
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El Roi, The God Who Sees You And Calls You By Name
07/24/2023
El Roi, The God Who Sees You And Calls You By Name
Have you ever found yourself in a story you didn’t choose? Perhaps you have felt unseen by those who should love and care for you. It’s a lonely place, but here is the precious truth, God will never leave you, and He is your El Roi, the God who sees you and knows you by name. Donna Snow, a great friend of the podcast interviews me about the 3rd chapter of my book, El Roi. In this episode we talk about: The story of Hagar and how she gave God the name El Roi. Some of the promises we can find in knowing God as El Roi. How does knowing God as El Roi help us in our daily lives? Connect with Music from Uppbeat (free for Creators!): License code: 1VYEPUIH4UMCZLFG
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The Gift of Grace
07/17/2023
The Gift of Grace
Do you ever wonder how God could love you? The world will point out your sins and tell you that you’re not good enough for God to love you. But God steps into your story and shows you through Jesus how much He loves you. In this episode, Deb Burma interviews me about my book, Promised Rest, and we talk about the name Abba, which means papa or daddy. This means that God’s love for you is beyond measure, like that of a beloved child. Nothing can separate you from His love. To better understand how God loves you as Abba, we’ll look at how God loves you through the story of the Prodigal son. If you’ve ever struggled with wondering how God could love you, you’ll see through this story how God runs toward you and tells you that you’re enough because of Jesus. God’s grace and mercy are deeper than your sins; that is His promise towards you. Promises we can rest in because God is our Abba. Michelle’s favorite passage that uses the name Abba Michelle’s prayer for the listener/reader as they contemplate God’s name as Abba. Learn more about Michelle's Music from Uppbeat (free for Creators!): License code: 1VYEPUIH4UMCZLFG
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Finding Peace in God When You Face a Problem You Cannot Fix
07/10/2023
Finding Peace in God When You Face a Problem You Cannot Fix
When life looks uncertain, what do you cling to? Do your thoughts turn towards God or how you might fix what is wrong? But what if—you can’t fix it? What happens then? What you believe to be true about God changes how you live your life and face each moment. Jesus says, come to me all who are weary and burdened and I will give you rest. This rest is for right now in this moment. He offers you, Promised Rest, amid all the uncertainties of life. It is His gracious gift to you. I write more about this topic in my book, Promised Rest: Finding Peace in God’s Presence. It is a meditation on God's various names and characteristics to deepen your understanding of Him and your identity as His beloved Child. This summer, I’m celebrating the first year of Promised Rest being available and I’m re-releasing the podcast episodes I made for each chapter of the book with special guests who interviewed me about the book. In this episode, Michelle's sisters take over the mic to interview her about the first chapter in her book, which is about the name Elohim. If you would like to find out more about Promised Rest, you can go to or you can find it on or In this episode, they talk about what happens when you can't fix what is wrong? What do you do? How does knowing God as Elohim help you? Michelle share's a prayer for you and it is one that you can use when life feels uncertain and you need to be reminded of who God is and who you are as His child. Music from Uppbeat (free for Creators!): License code: 1VYEPUIH4UMCZLFG
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Extra Nos: Discovering Grace Outside Myself with Flame
06/08/2023
Extra Nos: Discovering Grace Outside Myself with Flame
In this episode, Michelle sits down and talks to award-winning Christian rapper and hip-hop artist Flame about his upcoming book, Extra Nos: Discovering Grace Outside Myself. We talk about Flame’s faith journey through different denominations. This conversation is honest and genuine, and he shares his struggles in wondering if he was saved, which led to thoughts he was doing enough for God to like him. Here are some of the things that we discuss: *He talks about his struggles with the Reformed teaching on predestination *Flame shares how his views have changed on Baptism and the Lord’s Supper through the careful study of church history and scripture. *Encouragement for those who are struggling with their faith *Flame advises on how to talk to someone who has different beliefs than you Learn more about Flames book! Listen to Flame's podcast:
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Together We Believe with Emily Belvery
05/17/2023
Together We Believe with Emily Belvery
Michelle sits down with Emily Belvery, to talk about her book, Together We Believe, which is about the Apostles Creed. Emily wrote this for her time as a missionary in Asia to help her students understand what we believe as Christians. We talk about: Why she wrote the study What she learned Some stories from her time as a missionary I learned a lot from my conversation with Emily, I hope you can take some time to listen.
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Leaning On Jesus with Deb Burma
04/27/2023
Leaning On Jesus with Deb Burma
Are you facing a problem you cannot solve? You may have tried everything you can think of, and you cannot fix it no matter how hard you try. You are worn out and weary, and you long for rest. God promises us rest in His Word and through Him. Proverbs 3:5 says, Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. There is great comfort in these words—until we take our problems back into our own hands again. It's a daily struggle for many of us, so I invited Deb Burma to come on the podcast and share a devotional from her book, Leaning on Jesus, which will release on May 9th.
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God's Provision in a Wilderness World with Lindsay Hausch
04/17/2023
God's Provision in a Wilderness World with Lindsay Hausch
Do you feel like you are facing a problem where your ability to solve your challenges leaves your heart empty and aching? If you look closely at the experience the Israelites had in the wilderness, you will see how God blessed them with gifts amid their everyday struggles. In this episode, I talk to Author Lindsay Hausch about her new book, God's Provision in a Wilderness World, where she helps you to focus on the promises and presence of Jesus in God's Word. Sometimes God's manna to you is a gift wrapped in a struggle. Manna reminds you that your mercies are new every morning as God refreshes and feeds your soul. In this episode, we also talk about: Why Lindsay wrote this book How sometimes God's manna for us is provided through a person Life is bittersweet, filled with hard and holy moments Lindsay's prayer for those who read her book
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The Gift of the Church with Christa Petzold
03/27/2023
The Gift of the Church with Christa Petzold
Are you comforted by the Church? Are you irritated by the Church? Does the thought of walking into those doors on a Sunday morning bring you peace, or does it bring you anxiety? Maybe you've been hurt by the Church or people who attend your Church. Societal pressures, frustration caused by bureaucracy and abuse within churches, and the negative perception of institutions today result in pain and confusion around the idea of "church." In this podcast episode, I sat down to talk to Christa Petzold, author of Gathered by Christ: The Overlooked Gift of Church, to speak with her about her book. In this episode, we talk about: The Gifts of the Church How much Jesus loves the Church The Church can never be destroyed How Jesus sees the Church The comfort and the blessings of the Church
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Meant For Good with Donna Snow
03/13/2023
Meant For Good with Donna Snow
Sometimes life is unfair and we wait for God to work things out. The life story of Joseph is one of the most beloved and chronicled in the Bible. It's a story of broken dreams and impossible circumstances, of family conflict and unfair treatment. It's a story of the power and necessity of letting God's love and forgiveness lead. Joseph waited for twenty years for God's plan to unfold. Over and over as we read his story we hear how God was with him. In the midst of it all, Joseph told his brothers that God used all of it good. In this episode, Michelle talks to author Donna Snow about her latest book, Meant for good, which is a study of the life of Joseph.
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Limping with God with Chad Bird
02/26/2023
Limping with God with Chad Bird
Sometimes our faith walk is compared to a race, but as we get bogged down with the struggles and challenges of life, we find ourselves limping, and most days, we sense that the Lord is carrying us and holding us up as we limp through life. In this episode, Michelle sits down and talks to Chad Bird, about his most recent book, Limping with God: Jacob & the Old Testament Guide to Messy Discipleship. Chad talks about: Why he wrote the book What he learned while writing the book, this was a fun fact to learn. How forgiveness is dying to ourselves and how God helps us to forgive Chad explains what fruitful winters are. We also talk about Jacob's ladder and how the story is different and better than the one we probably learned in Sunday School. Throughout the conversation, you will be reminded of God's mercy and grace and how he pours it out over us again and again. Here are links where you can learn more about Chad and 1517.org.
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10 Questions To Ask Every Time You Read the Bible with Andy Jones
02/13/2023
10 Questions To Ask Every Time You Read the Bible with Andy Jones
Do you struggle with knowing how to read the Bible? Do you wish you knew what questions to ask as you read God's Word? Do you long for a resource that would be simple to use in Bible Study? Pastor Andy Jones has written an incredible book that will be a valuable resource to all who read it. He gives the reader ten questions to ask as they read the Bible. You don't have to have a theology degree in order to use them, but even if you do have one, you will love how they help you dig into the text of scripture. In this episode, Andy and Michelle use the Ten Questions to go through Joshual 1:9, "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.”
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Chosen: You are God's beloved child
01/30/2023
Chosen: You are God's beloved child
How do you see yourself? How you answer that question makes a difference in how you go through life. Before the foundations of the world were laid, God chose you to be His very own. His choosing of you wasn't based on anything you would do or accomplish in your life. He chose you because He loves you as His precious child. Sometimes we get stuck in thinking that we are the sum of our sins or that we are the sum of our good deeds. In this episode, Michelle and Katie Koplin look at Colossians 3, what it means to be chosen by God, and the difference it makes in our daily lives. Music from Uppbeat (free for Creators!): License code: QWUZQWECGTBXVHSD
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When you are afraid you can trust in God's unfailing faithfulness
01/16/2023
When you are afraid you can trust in God's unfailing faithfulness
Michelle sits down with writer and speaker Katie Koplin to talk about what it means to know that you are Hidden in Christ from Colossians chapter 3. What a gift God gives to you through Baptism that you become Hidden in Christ and the work that He has done for you on the cross. Becasue you are hidden in Him, you have received every spiritual blessing that has been given to Him. You can face each day knowing that God is your hiding place and that whatever life brings you can trust Him to walk you through it. God stands guard over you and you can trust Him with every moment. Michelle and Katie talk about the lens on how you view your life and the importance of remembering to view it as God's child. Music from Uppbeat (free for Creators!): License code: 27VKNUPK6CPXSHYO
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Waiting in the Joy of God's Promises
12/12/2022
Waiting in the Joy of God's Promises
Advent is a time for waiting, but it’s also a season of trying to cram long to-do lists in our already overbooked calendars. Maybe like me, you feel anxious by all the expectations you’ve placed on your calendar to have everything done and perfect for the holidays. Expectations can leave us feeling anxious because what happens when life changes? You can plan everything perfectly, but people can get sick, winter storms come, and travel plans can change. Maybe we could learn to view life through expectant joy instead of expectations. How do we do that? We can learn from the stories of Elizabeth, Mary, and Anna. In the midst of all the uncertainties of life, you can rest in the certainty of God’s promises to you. They are unshakeable. God gives you joy as a gift and it cannot be taken away from you. The Peace in His Presence Podcast is sponsored by Michelle’s book Promised Rest; if you would like to find out more about the book, you can visit Music from Uppbeat (free for Creators!): License code: QWUZQWECGTBXVHSD
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Advent Reflections from Mary's Story
12/05/2022
Advent Reflections from Mary's Story
What feels impossible to you in this season of your life? Health issues, family struggles, grieving the loss of a loved one, work challenges, or problems at church. I invite you to hold up what seems impossible before the Lord and sit with Him, while we take a look at Mary’s story today. I know it’s not easy to look at what feels impossible but your Immanuel promises to be with you in all things and He will strengthen you and give you His peace. His promises to you are unshakable. Listen into these Advent Reflections, while we look at Mary's story. Let's ponder how God made the impossible—possible. The Peace in His Presence Podcast is sponsored by Michelle’s book Promised Rest; if you would like to find out more about the book, you can visit Music from Uppbeat (free for Creators!): License code: QWUZQWECGTBXVHSD
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Waiting in the Hope of God's Promises
11/28/2022
Waiting in the Hope of God's Promises
What is the cry of your heart? What is the prayer you’ve been whispering over and over again to God until you wonder if you should even keep asking? But the longing lasts, and you wait in the hope of knowing that God promises to hear your prayers and that He always answers your prayers, maybe not in the way you imagined, but always out of His divine love and grace towards you. Advent is a time of waiting. As we look back to the first Christmas. God's people had been waiting for the Messiah to come for thousands of years. The world was a broken and dark place. God’s chosen people lived under oppression. And then God himself stepped into the brokenness. To bring light into the darkness. We remember their waiting, and now we wait for Jesus to come again to take us home to heaven. Over these past few years, I’ve found myself asking the Lord many times, how long, Lord until you come back? The world feels so broken. How do we learn how to wait? As I was writing my book Promised Rest, I learned a lot when I slowed down and spent time reading the stories of God’s people. They were familiar stories, and yet there were details I had never noticed before I saw how God was with His people, and I watched His people trust Him in circumstances beyond their control. Promised Rest is five months old, and I’ve heard from different people how they, too, have learned from these stories, and I’ve been asked if I could do more of that with women from the Bible. And so I thought, let's take a look at the lives of the three women of Christmas and their stories. What can we learn about waiting from them? So I invite you to ponder the promises with me. Let’s look at their stories and rest in the promises. Let's learn from Elizabeth, Mary, and Anna by resting in the promises. The Peace in His Presence Podcast is sponsored by Michelle’s book Promised Rest; if you would like to find out more about the book, you can visit Music from Uppbeat (free for Creators!): License code: QWUZQWECGTBXVHSD
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Emotions and the Holiday Season
11/21/2022
Emotions and the Holiday Season
Michelle interviews author and speaker Heidi Goehmann on her newest book, Emotions & the Gospel Created For Connection. In this episode, we talk about the following: why Heidi wrote this book what did she learn while writing the book processing emotions and why it’s important We also look at contemplation as a way to process our emotions and at the emotion anticipation in preparation for the Holidays. Heidi shares some practical tips and tools for using contemplation, to help your process your emotions, as you gather with family and friends. Music from Uppbeat (free for Creators!): License code: QWUZQWECGTBXVHSD
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Grace Under Pressure
11/07/2022
Grace Under Pressure
How do you respond to pressure? Perhaps like me, the last couple of years have weighed heavy upon your heart as the stress of the pandemic, economic changes, the political climate in our country, and the stressors of daily life piled up. How do you move forward when it feels like you are burdened down by the pressure and stress? The Lord promises his steadfast love and faithfulness to us as we walk through and as He carries our burdens for us. He also give to us His grace to sustain us through the pressures of life. Michelle sits down to talk with Pastor and author, Chris Kennedy, about his book Grace Under Pressure, Using Jesus' seven statements from the cross, Chris shows the incredibly stressful situations Jesus endured and how He handled them with grace, giving us a model on how to respond to our stresses with grace. Michelle's prayer is that you would be encouraged by this conversation. Music from Uppbeat (free for Creators!): License code: 1VYEPUIH4UMCZLFG
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