journeyfirstnlr's Podcast

Psalms 23 Part 1 -11.19.25

🌿 **Hey Journey Family!** 🌿 Tonight was powerful as **Mama Dokes** walked us through a deep, reflective study of **Psalm 23**, verse by verse — learning what it truly means to understand God as *our* Father so we can run to Him in prayer with confidence. ✨ **“The Lord is my Shepherd, I lack nothing.”** We talked about how God made each of us intentionally — unique, purposeful, and *not* by mistake. He hears us when we pray, He listens, and He is never ashamed of us. Even when we are heartbroken over what we didn’t get, God knows our wants and fully supplies our needs. We were reminded that when we think of “father,” we often filter that through our earthly experience — but God is our **perfect, strategic, thoughtful Heavenly Father.** He owns everything, loves us wholly, and is the best thing that ever happened to us. Because of Him, we can become the best version of who He created us to be. 🙏 **Prayer is our weapon.** The enemy doesn’t want us to know God as Father — because when we do, we know how to pray… and we learn to run to God *first*. 🌾 **“He makes me lie down in green pastures…”** We discussed how the peace of God doesn’t mean everything is calm around us — it means we’re never alone *in* the chaos. God is with us, wants to carry our burdens, and places people around us who remind us of His love. As we draw near to Him, our desires shift from “What do I want?” to “How can I love, give, and be who God calls me to be?” 🔥 We reflected on Jesus’ life — how He came to show us who God is, and how the Holy Spirit now equips us to become more like Christ. God wrote our story, saved us, rescued us, and hears our prayers. 💛 **Forgiveness matters.** We must forgive so that *we* can be forgiven. When we truly believe we “lack nothing,” our mindset changes. Gratitude replaces desire. Trust replaces doubt. 🐑 And like sheep — defenseless, easily lost, easily distracted — we desperately need our Shepherd. Without Him, we drift. But with Him, we are guided, protected, and loved. Psalm 23 is a reminder of that relationship… and we’ll dive deeper after the holidays. ✨ **What a night of truth, comfort, and connection. God is our Shepherd — and we lack nothing.** #TheJourney #Psalm23 #FaithFamily #GodOurFather #PrayerWorks #WeLackNothing #SpiritualGrowth #FirstNLR

Everyday Leadership: How to go Through 11.12.25

**🌟 Hey Journey Family! 🌟** Tonight’s discussion was powerful as we continued our *Leadership Series* — but this time, we got real about what to do **when leadership feels heavy** and when walking out our calling doesn’t feel easy. We shared honest moments, laughter, and tears as we asked, *“What do you do when you don’t feel like leading?”* 💬 Some said they go to a quiet place to rest in God’s presence. 💬 Others said they cry, worship, or remind themselves that *“the battle is not ours, but God’s” (2 Chronicles 20:15).* 💬 We learned that **you can’t lead if you don’t first learn to follow** — and that sometimes, God’s invitation is to rest, delegate, or simply *stand still and see His victory.* We were reminded: 🙌 The enemy may attack, but **he’s not more powerful than the God within us.** ⚔️ Prayer and Scripture are our greatest weapons — “The sword of the Spirit is the Word of God.” 🤝 We are not alone. **Community matters.** As one shared, “When I open up and hear others’ stories, mine doesn’t feel as heavy.” 💗 And even when we can’t trace Him, **we can still trust Him.** We closed remembering that leadership isn’t about perfection — it’s about surrender, endurance, and staying connected to the One who called us. *“We already know the ending… God wins.”* 🙌 🎧 Listen back to the podcast for the full, unfiltered conversation and join us next week as we keep growing together on *The Journey.* #TheJourney #FaithInAction #LeadershipLessons #TrustGod #CommunityOfFaith #GodWins #Philippians413

Everyday Leadership-Influence Right Where You Are 11.5.25

Everyday Leadership: Part 1 Recap 🌟 This week in our Bible Study, we discovered that “leadership isn’t about titles — it’s about influence.”💡 We defined a true leader as “humble, faithful, trustworthy, disciplined, a good communicator, a listener, a guide, and a light” — someone who leads with “integrity, transparency, and accountability.” Reading 1 Samuel 16:7 and Matthew 5:14–16, we were reminded that God looks at the heart, not outward appearance, and that each of us shines His light right where we are. Leadership begins in our *relationship with God* and in being faithful and obedient in the “day-to-day moments” — not just the big ones. We talked about how God calls us to be fully who we are, to listen and obey, and to lead with authenticity. Because when we walk as a reflection of Christ — even showing just a fraction of His unconditional love — we can transform hearts, heal hurts, and point people back to Him. ❤️ We ended the night encouraged to live out godly leadership through kindness, integrity, and patience, knowing that someone is always watching our example. 🎧 Catch the full discussion on the podcast and join us next week for “Part 2: Leadership in Action — Serving and Influencing Others” as we explore how to live out leadership in practical, everyday ways! #BibleStudy #EverydayLeadership #FaithInAction #ServantLeadership #LightOfTheWorld #Integrity #Influence #WaitingOnGod

Life Lessons: Sharon Hall 10.29.25

🌟 **Hey Journey Family!** 🌟 Tonight, Sharon Hall shared her powerful testimony about parenting, faith, and trusting God through every season of raising children. She celebrated a special milestone — her youngest graduating high school — and reflected on the blessings of each child, reminding us that *“children are a gift from the Lord”* (Psalm 127:3). 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 She encouraged parents to: 💛 See your kids through God’s eyes and pray over them daily. 💛 Be intentional — build relationship before correction. *“Truth without relationship leads to rejection.”* 💛 Protect the anointing on your child’s life — be mindful of who speaks into them and where they spend their time. 💛 Lead by example — your walk with God will become their model. 💛 Spend time with them now — *“If you didn’t have time for them when they needed you, they won’t have time for you later.”* Sharon reminded us that raising children is *our* ministry. The church comes alongside us, but it’s our responsibility to teach, train, and pray over them — because what they see in us, they will reflect. 🙏 No matter their age, it’s never too late to build connection, show love, and trust that God is working in their lives. 💫 Listen back to the podcast or join us next week as we continue growing together in faith, family, and purpose! #TheJourney #FaithAndFamily #ParentingWithPurpose #Psalm1273 #RaisingGodlyKids #ParentingInFaith #JourneyFamily

The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry Ch.11

Slow Down to See God Move This week we continued our series The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry and discussed the art of Slowing — intentionally choosing to wait and live unhurried in a world that’s always rushing. ✨ Highlights from our discussion: 🕊️ Slow your body → Slow your mind → Slow your soul 🚦 Drive the speed limit, choose the longest line, walk slower, obey the yellow light 📱 Parent your phone — set boundaries with tech ❤️ Be present, not productive 🍞 Rest through simple rhythms: solitude, journaling, practicing Sabbath, reading, sleeping, boundaries, trusting God… As we learned, these aren’t rules to follow but invitations to freedom. Join us next week as we practice eliminating hurry through a night of prayer and presence. Let’s trade busyness for peace and learn to rest in God’s timing together. #WaitingOnGod #UnhurriedLiving #FaithInAction #SpiritualGrowth #ChristianCommunity #TheRuthlessEliminationOfHurry #PrayerNight #RestInGod #BeStill

The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry Ch.10 (partial recording see description)

“Simplicity isn’t about having less—it’s about making room for what matters most.” This week, our Journey Family continued our study of The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry with Chapter 10: Simplicity. We began by defining simplicity — easy, direct, uncomplicated, plain, and clear — and then asked, “What two things do you need to simplify in your life?” Answers ranged from communication with spouses, managing finances, morning routines, and relationships, to decluttering homes and schedules. We wrestled with the question: Why is it so hard to trust God when experience tells us He’s faithful? Even when we can’t trace Him, we can trust Him. 🙌 📖 Proverbs 3:5–6 reminds us: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding… and He will direct your path.” Jesus says in Matthew 6:25–34, “Do not worry about your life.” Yet many of us find it easier to worry than to rest in His promises. We discussed how worry and distraction choke the Word from our lives—leaving us spiritually malnourished (Mark 4:19). So we asked: 💭 What am I allowing in my life to steal my nourishment? 💭 What do I need to let go of to live simply and freely in God? True simplicity starts with perspective. It’s not just about decluttering our homes but decluttering our hearts—replacing anxiety with gratitude and distraction with presence. As Philippians 4:4–9 teaches, when we focus our minds on what is true, noble, and praiseworthy, we experience “the peace of God, which transcends all understanding.” We also reflected on how culture trains us to want more before the old is gone. As one quote from the book reminds us: “We must shape a new mentality—man’s desires must overshadow his needs.” Four thousand ads a day tell us we’re not enough unless we buy more, do more, or have more. But the Kingdom way is contentment—remembering that even if we lose everything, God remains faithful. The challenge for this week: 🕊️ Simplify your life. 🕊️ Cancel distractions. 🕊️ Let go of what doesn’t serve your spirit. 🕊️ Seek God first—and watch peace return. As one person shared, “I may not see every blessing right now, but I see His faithfulness—and that’s enough.” 💬 What’s one area of your life God is asking you to simplify this week? 🎧 Catch the podcast replay for more from this heartfelt discussion, and join us next week as we continue learning to slow down and live at God’s pace. #RuthlessEliminationOfHurry #JourneyFam #SimplifyYourLife #FaithOverFear #BeStill #TrustGod #UnhurriedLife #Philippians4 #Matthew6 #Proverbs3

The Ruthless Elmination of Hurry Ch.9

🌿 “Rest is not an interruption—it’s a necessity.” This week we continued our series in The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry with Chapter 9: Sabbath. We explored how desire is never satisfied—our culture feeds us busyness, envy, and endless to-do lists. But Sabbath is God’s gift of stop, rest, delight, and reflect. ✨ 💡 Key Points: “Advertising is an attempt to monetize our restlessness.” Sabbath breaks that cycle with gratitude, joy, and contentment. Sabbath looks different for everyone—sometimes it’s quiet, sometimes it’s family time, sometimes it’s a nap! But it’s always holy and set apart. Sabbath isn’t just a day—it’s a spirit of restfulness: margin vs. busyness, peace vs. anxiety, trust vs. worry, gratitude vs. greed. Even God rested after creation—not because He was tired, but to show us the beauty of completion and reflection. Rest is worship. Choosing to pause and abide reminds us who God is, what He has done, and what He will do. We reflected on Paul’s words: 📖 “I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty… I can do all this through Him who gives me strength.” — Philippians 4:11–13 When we embrace Sabbath, we discover that true contentment and peace aren’t found in doing more, but in resting in Christ. We asked ourselves: 👉 What can I set aside for 24 hours to honor God? 👉 Can I put away TV, YouTube, or my phone and instead lean into God’s presence? 🌸 Sabbath is not about legalism—it’s about freedom. It’s about being still long enough to hear from God, to heal, to delight, and to truly live unhurried. 🎧 Catch the podcast replay for the full conversation and join us next week as we keep learning to slow down and live in God’s rhythm of grace. #RuthlessEliminationOfHurry #JourneyFam #SabbathRest #BeStill #UnhurriedLife

The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry Ch.8

✨ “Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed.” — Luke 5:16 This week in The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry we dove into Chapter 8: Silence & Solitude. We learned that silence isn’t just the absence of sound—it’s creating space to listen to God. Solitude isn’t loneliness—it’s intentional time alone with Him, where God isolates before He elevates. Moses, Paul, even Jesus Himself went to the eremos—the quiet place—to be strengthened, prepared, and refilled. 💡 Key Takeaways: “All those little moments of boredom are potential portals to prayer.” What if instead of grabbing our phones, we turned those moments into connection with God? The noise of the world makes us deaf to His voice—but in silence, we hear Him most clearly. Wilderness isn’t weakness—it’s strength. Jesus defeated the enemy in solitude after 40 days of fasting and prayer. Every time we spend time with God, we’re planting seeds of peace, strength, and preparation for what’s ahead. 🌱 We were challenged: What’s keeping me from stepping into the quiet place? Social media? Work? Distractions? God is inviting us to lay them down and simply be with Him. 🔥 Practical step: Start with 5 minutes a day of silence with God. Morning, evening, or whenever you can—shut off the world and lean in. You’ll notice the difference in your peace, your rest, and your awareness of His presence. 📖 “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” — Matthew 11:28 🎧 Listen back to the podcast for the full conversation and join us next week as we continue learning how to slow down, abide, and live unhurried with Jesus. #RuthlessEliminationOfHurry #JourneyFam #SilenceAndSolitude #BeStill #UnhurriedLife

The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry Ch.7

✨ “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” — Matthew 11:28 This week in The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry we dove into Chapter 7: Intermission and wrestled with one powerful question: “What do I need an intermission from?” For many of us it was work, rushing, decision fatigue, or simply the weight of distractions. 💡 Key Takeaways: True peace is found only in Christ—through His Word, His works, and His presence. Spiritual disciplines (prayer, fasting, solitude, gathering with the saints, worship, silence) aren’t about legalism—they’re about aligning with Jesus’ lifestyle. Every season of life requires creativity and intentionality to find pockets of time with God. More is not better—foundation matters. Build your life on God’s Word and stay rooted until He says move. Like coals in a fire, we need community. Together, we stay strong. Alone, we grow cold. 🔥 Tonight we were reminded: the habits of Jesus—His practices—are how we live unhurried, Spirit-led lives. The real question is: Am I doing what God wants me to do? Am I using the tools He’s given me to live my best life in Him? 🙏 We closed by returning to Matthew 11:28–30, resting in the truth that His yoke is easy, and His burden is light. 🎧 Catch the podcast replay to hear the full discussion and join us next week as we continue walking toward the unhurried life God designed for us. #RuthlessEliminationOfHurry #JourneyFam #UnhurriedLife #SpiritualDisciplines #FaithInAction

The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry Ch.6

✨ “Can you imagine a stressed-out Jesus?” (p. 89) Neither can we. This week in The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry (Ch. 6), Shana shared her own struggle with rushing—even this morning—and we unpacked how Jesus modeled a truly unhurried life. 📖 Key Lessons We Discussed: Jesus always waited for the perfect timing—whether with Lazarus, Jairus’s daughter, or the woman with the issue of blood. He wasn’t late; He was intentional. Rest isn’t laziness—it’s character building. Even Jesus withdrew for 40 days before ministry, showing us the power of margin. Margin = the space between our load and our limits. Most of us have none. Jesus invites us to make space. Rest looks different for each of us: sleep, stillness, walks, or unplugging. The point is restoration. “How would Jesus live if He were me?” → He would slow down, enjoy moments, and align His time with His values. Shouldn’t we? Abiding in Jesus (John 15) is the key. Just as a vine supports the branches, we can only live unhurried when we stay connected to Him. 🌿 Practical Takeaways: ✔️ Write out your ideal day with priorities, responsibilities, and rest. ✔️ Schedule time with God—don’t just hope for it. ✔️ Unplug, set boundaries, and give yourself permission to rest. 👉 What’s one thing hindering you from living unhurried? For some, it’s social media. For others, work, sleep, or ambition. Jesus is calling us to abide, rest, and realign. 🎧 Catch the podcast replay for the full conversation and join us next week as we continue the journey toward an unhurried life with Jesus. #RuthlessEliminationOfHurry #JourneyFam #UnhurriedLife #AbideInHim #FaithOverHurry