journeyfirstnlr's Podcast

The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry Ch.5

✨ “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” – Matthew 11:28 This week in our Ruthless Elimination of Hurry series, we dug into Chapter 5: The Secret of the Easy Yoke (The Invitation). We discovered that when Jesus—our Rabbi—calls us to “take my yoke upon you,” He’s inviting us into a new way of living: walking with Him, apprenticing under Him, and finding true rest for our souls. 💡 Key Takeaways: The Invitation is Personal. Jesus says “Come to Me”—not to a system, not to a self-help plan, but to Him. Why go to everyone else when the Source is waiting? Rest is More Than Sleep. It’s not just physical—it’s peace of mind, soul, and spirit even when chaos surrounds you. Learning the Unforced Rhythms of Grace. Like an unbroken horse resisting the harness, we sometimes fight God’s guidance. But His yoke is gentle, His way is kind, and walking with Him brings freedom. Wisdom in Action. Information alone isn’t enough—we must understand and apply it to grow into true wisdom. Then we become ambassadors of Christ, sharing His miracles and blessings with others. God Doesn’t Offer Escape, He Offers Equipment. He doesn’t always remove the storm, but He shoulders the load with us, providing strength to endure (1 Cor. 10:13). 🙌 Jesus does the heavy lifting—our job is to walk beside Him, deny ourselves, and live the lifestyle of a disciple. The easy yoke isn’t about doing less; it’s about doing life with Him. 🎧 Catch the full discussion on the podcast replay and join us next week as we continue learning how to live unhurried in the way of Jesus. #RuthlessEliminationOfHurry #JourneyFam #ComeToMe #RestForYourSoul #FaithOverHurry

The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry Ch. 4

⏳✨ *“Hint: the solution isn’t more time.”* This week in our study of *The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry* (Ch. 4), we asked: *“What would you do if you had more time?”* Most of us answered with good intentions—spend time with family, read more, finally slow down—but as the author reminds us, *“the truth is we’d just fill it with more stuff.”* 📖 We dug into Philippians 4:6–7: *“Do not be anxious about anything… but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.”* Only then—after surrendering worry—can we truly experience His peace. We looked at Mary and Martha (Luke 10:38–42) and asked ourselves: Are we busy with “many things” like Martha, or are we choosing the “one thing needed,” like Mary, sitting at Jesus’ feet? 💡 Highlights from our conversation: * *“It’s all gas and no brakes.”* Many of us pour from empty cups, signing up for everything without asking if God told us to. * *“Even the best version of yourself cannot do it all.”* We all have limits—time, energy, gifting—and embracing those limits brings freedom. * *“Comparison eats away at our joy.”* There will always be someone with more; instead, focus on what God has called YOU to. * Hurry robs us of peace, joy, and presence with God. But slowing down allows us to trust Him, lean on Him, and abide with Him in stillness. 🙏 One testimony shared reminded us: *“Even three years without a job, God provided.”* The Lord always supplies—even when it doesn’t make sense. Trust in Him with *all* your heart (Proverbs 3:5–6) and watch Him direct your path. The author puts it plainly: *“Every day, every hour, every moment is a precious gift.”* Will we spend it in busyness—or in presence with God? ✨ Slow down. Be still. Trust. And remember—the solution isn’t more time, it’s more of Him. 🎧 Listen back to the podcast replay for the full conversation, and join us next week as we continue the journey toward living unhurried with God. #RuthlessEliminationOfHurry #JourneyFam #SeekGodFirst #SlowDownAndAbide #FaithOverHustle

The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry Ch.3

This week in our study of The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry (Ch. 3), we uncovered just how much “hurry sickness” impacts our walk with God, our relationships, and even our health. We asked: “How do you find the balance between hurrying and being still with God?” The answer kept coming back to one truth: “Be still, and know that I am God.” (Psalm 46:10) 💡 Key takeaways from our conversation: Hurry leaves us distracted and vulnerable—“Hurry is a form of violence to the soul.” God calls us to slow down: “Seek first the Kingdom of God, and all things will be added unto you.” (Matt. 6:33) The process of abiding takes time, like making old-fashioned popcorn—slower, but richer in quality than the microwave version. Common “symptoms of hurry” we identified included irritation, hypersensitivity, restlessness, nonstop activity, emotional numbness, out-of-order priorities, neglecting health, escapist behaviors, slipping spiritual disciplines, and isolation. (How many do you recognize in yourself?) “What you give your attention to is the person you become.” (p. 54) We reflected on the power of starting and ending our days with God—whether through prayer, thanksgiving, meditation, or just simple conversation. God is always present, always listening, and “excited you want to spend time with Him.” 🙏 So, what would change if you slowed down, cut out the noise, and gave Him your full attention? 🎧 Catch the podcast replay to dive deeper, and join us next week as we continue learning how to ruthlessly eliminate hurry and embrace God’s pace of peace. #RuthlessEliminationOfHurry #JourneyFam #FaithOverHustle #SlowDownAndAbide #SeekGodFirst #ChristianLiving

The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry Ch. 2

⏳ **“Hurry is our enemy.”** Tonight in our *Ruthless Elimination of Hurry* series (Ch. 2), we unpacked how hurry is not just about packed schedules—it’s a **spiritual issue** that robs us of peace, presence, and connection with God and others. We reflected on how “our world has not always been the frenziest place to be,” yet we’ve filled every spare moment with something—often “everything but what we need to be doing.” From the sundial to the smartphone, technology has sped us up, but it’s also pulled us away from God’s pace. 💬 Key truths we wrestled with: * **“No means nurturing oneself.”** Sometimes the holiest thing you can do is say no and guard your time with God. * “Hurry makes you want to buy, but learning to save causes you to slow down.” Even our financial habits can teach us to pause and trust God’s provision. * “Relationship problems start because both people are too much in a hurry to work on the problem.” Slowing down creates space for healing. * “You may be the only Jesus anyone will see.” The pace we live at directly affects how we reflect Christ. * Meditating on the Word is more than reading—it’s “reading, then stepping away to make it live in you.” We closed with a reminder from Matthew 11:28: 💬 *“Come unto Me all who are heavy laden and I will give you rest.”* 🎧 If this spoke to you, listen back to the podcast and join us next week as we continue learning to slow down, live intentionally, and walk at Jesus’ pace. #RuthlessEliminationOfHurry #JourneyFam #FaithOverHustle #BePresentWithGod #ChristianLiving #SpiritualGrowth

The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry Ch.1

✨ *NEW BOOK STUDY ALERT* ✨ This week, we kicked off "The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry" by John Mark Comer—and whew… conviction hit fast! 💥 We dove into how hustle culture is robbing us of peace, purpose, and our connection with God. Are we *doing* more than we're *being*? Are we rushing through life—and even our time with God? Here’s what we explored: ➡️ Success without fulfillment is still empty ➡️ Hurry is not just a schedule issue—it’s a spiritual one ➡️ Emotional exhaustion, poor decisions, spiritual dryness… the cost of “busy” is high ➡️ Jesus invites us to slow down, abide, and trade pressure for peace (Matt. 11:28–30) 🕊️ God doesn’t want grumpy, burned-out saints. He wants us rested, renewed, and present. 📖 Luke 10:38-42 reminded us—be *Mary* in a world that praises *Marthas.* 💬 Ask yourself: What’s keeping me hurried? What do I need to let go of to return to peace and presence? When’s the last time I truly abided with God… unrushed? 🎧 Missed the session? Catch the replay and join us next week as we keep learning how to *live slower to live fuller.* #UnhurriedLife #FaithOverBusy #SpiritualRhythms #JourneyFam #EliminateHurry #AbideNotStrive

Life Lessons: Heidi Jumper 07.30.25

🌉 **Journey Recap | "Obedience" with Heidi Jumper** 🌉 Tonight, Heidi Jumper reminded us that obedience often feels like walking across a rope bridge over a deep canyon—**scary, uncertain, uncomfortable... but full of peace when you trust God step by step.** 🪢 *“Do it scared. Do it anyway. Do it by faith. Do it now.”* 💬 Heidi shared her personal moments of obedience—from baking sourdough to bringing bread to a neighbor—and how even the smallest "yes" to God can lead to miraculous outcomes. 🔥 **Key Takeaways:** ✨ *Obedience starts before the outcome.* Sometimes you go first, *then* God equips you (Judges 6:14, 6:34). ✨ *Faith is letting go* of what’s in your hands and putting it into God’s. (Phil. 2:13) ✨ We each have a calling that no one else can carry out. (2 Tim. 4:5) ✨ When God says go—*go lonely, scared, blind… just go.* ✨ Write it down. Tell someone. **Accountability matters.** 🙌 No matter your fear or circumstance, God is already at work. You just have to take the first step. 🎧 **Listen back to the podcast** or join us next week for more stories, encouragement, and truth! \#JourneyFam #FaithOverFear #ObedienceInAction #SayYesToGod #GodWillEquip #RopeBridgeFaith #TrustHisVoice #DoItScared #NextStepsWithGod #CalledAndChosen

Obey- Cherith Dollar 7.23.25

Surrender It! -07.16.25

Journey Recap | The Power of Surrender Tonight, Donnivane led us in a powerful conversation about “true surrender”—not just saying it, but “living it.” 🔑 Key Takeaways: Surrender = Peace: If you’re wondering where your peace is, check your level of surrender. *No surrender = No peace.* Let Go & Let God: We often give God control, then take it right back. Tonight’s reminder—drop the rope in the tug-of-war with God. Be in Tune with the Father: John 10 says “the sheep know the Shepherd’s voice.” Stay close enough to hear Him, even in the silence. God’s Timing > Our Timeline: Philippians 1:6 tells us God finishes what He starts. Trust His process. Surrender brings Freedom from Fear: James 4:7—when you surrender, the enemy has no power over you. Homework Reminder: Proverbs 3:5-6—Trust God with ALL your heart and let Him direct your path. Set reminders if you need to! 💭 “What are you still holding onto?” Is it control, your past, finances, relationships, or worry? Tonight we declared: “I surrender it!” 🎧 “Listen back on the podcast” and join us next class as we continue learning how to live fully surrendered, fully free, and fully in step with God. #JourneyFamily #SurrenderSeason #LetGoLetGod #PeaceThroughSurrender #FaithInAction #TrustGodsTiming #HeartCheck #SpiritualGrowth #NextLevelFaith

Continue and do not Faint-07.09.25

**Journey Recap | Continue and Do Not Faint** ✨ Tonight was a timely reminder that “consistency, character, and capacity” matter in our relationship with God. 💪🏽🙏🏽 We explored the powerful stories in Matthew 9—from the ruler’s daughter, to the woman with the issue of blood, to the blind men—all of them walked in “confidence, faith, and action” before the miracle came. 🔥 Key Highlights: * What is your practice routine? ⏱️ Your “consistency” creates capacity for the blessing. * Who or what do you need to “remove” that’s draining your confidence? Sometimes, Jesus had to “kick out the doubters” to make room for healing! * A “spiritual no” is better than a “foolish yes.” Are you scheduling your life with God’s direction—or out of pressure? * Suffering builds character—Hebrews 5. Endurance isn’t optional, it’s essential. * Don’t faint! 💨 Sometimes we’re spiritually exhausted because we’re low on the “oxygen of truth”—God’s Word. * “Fainting” is a perspective problem. Check your lens. 👓 💭 Are you operating in your “lane,” in “God’s timing”, with “His strength?” 🎧 Missed it? “Listen back on the podcast” and get reignited to “keep walking, keep trusting, and keep standing”—because your promise is still coming! #JourneyFamily #DoNotFaint #KeepGoing #FaithOverFeelings #ConsistencyIsKey #CapacityMatters #SpiritualNo #CharacterDevelopment #FaithInAction #GodsTimingIsPerfect #MidweekFuel

Mid Year Self Check-in 07.02.25

🚨 **MID-YEAR CHECK-IN | Journey Recap** 🚨 ⁣ 🔥 *Are you living intentionally—or just going with the flow?* Tonight, **Tracye** led a powerful self-reflection session to help us **realign with God's plan** as we hit the halfway mark of 2025! ⁣ Here’s your moment to pause and ask: ✅ Are your goals aligned with God’s purpose for YOU? (Hab. 2:2) ✅ Are you moving in God’s time—or your own timeline? (Eccl. 3:1) ✅ What are you thinking, speaking, consuming, and producing? (Rom. 12:2, Prov. 18:21) ✅ Who are you surrounded by—and are they helping you grow? (1 Cor. 15:33) ✅ Are you bearing fruit? Are you truly free? (Gal. 5:22, John 8:36) ⁣ 💬 *“Just because it’s a good plan for someone else doesn’t mean it’s God’s plan for you.”* ⁣ Let this be your **spiritual reset**—a nudge to reconnect, refocus, and let God reorder your steps. 💛 ⁣ 🎧 Catch the full episode on the podcast and make plans to join us next week—we’re diving even deeper! ⁣ \#JourneyFamily #MidYearCheckIn #KingdomGoals #PurposeOverPressure #AlignWithGod #HeartCheck #FaithInAction #GodsTiming #LiveIntentionally #YouBelongHere #ResetAndRefocus