journeyfirstnlr's Podcast

Life Lessons: “God Sees You” Renee Donaldson 06.25.25

✨ Tonight, oJOURNEY FAM | “God Sees You” with Guest Speaker Renee Donaldson ✨

This week, we were honored to hear from **Renee Donaldson**, who shared her powerful testimony of healing, hope, and *being seen* by God—even in the hardest seasons.

💬 Renee opened up about:
➡️ Her early days in the church as a single mom
➡️ Feeling overlooked, rejected, and misunderstood
➡️ The healing that came from joining the SOLO Moms group
➡️ The reminder that *every soul matters to God*—no exceptions 💛

📖 Through the story of **Hagar in Genesis 16 & 21**, Renee reminded us that:
💧 God meets us when we’re at our breaking point
👀 God SEES us in our pain and isolation
🧱 Brick walls of hurt can come down through **connection and grace**
🙏 God longs to hear our voice, and He *never overlooks a single soul*

🔥 “A Soul is a soul is a soul.” Whether you're in a season of grief, survival, or searching for purpose—God sees you. He sees your children. He sees your worth. And He’s already making a way.

📓 Pro tip: Start a **gratitude journal** to remind yourself of all the “God winks” throughout your journey.

🎧 Catch the full message on the podcast or come join us for the next class—you don’t want to miss this life-giving space.

#JourneyFamily #GodSeesYou #SingleMomStrong #Genesis16 #EverySoulMatters #YouAreNotOverlooked #FaithInTheHardTimes #HealingInCommunity #GratitudeJournal #SOLOMoms #YouBelongHere

Life Lessons: Accountability Ryk Tatum 6.18.25

Hi J-Fam, This week, guest speaker “Ryk Tatum” brought 🔥 insight on “why we all need accountability” in our lives—and how it can *transform* our walk with God. 💥 **Key Takeaways:** ✨ We are created for “community”, not isolation (John 13:34-35). ✨ Accountability = Guidance with Power – it protects our purpose, mission, and goals. ✨ When there’s “no accountability”, we end up in spiritual isolation—just like the demoniac (Luke 8). ✨ Start with “personal accountability”: Check your own heart before correcting someone else (Matt. 7:3-5). ✨ We need people to “walk with us”, just like Jesus sent disciples out 2 by 2 (Luke 9:1). ✨ When the mission gets hard, we need people to “hold us up”—like Aaron and Hur did for Moses (Ex. 17). ✨ Define your G.P.A.: * Goal: What’s the vision? * Plan: What’s your strategy? * Accountability: Who’s your truth-teller? 💡 Who do you trust to keep you aligned with your God-given purpose? Who has the courage and wisdom to call you higher? 📣 This episode will shift your mindset and challenge you to build a life grounded in purpose, truth, and spiritual partnership. 🎧 Catch the full teaching now on the Journey podcast or come join us in person next week. You weren’t made to walk this journey alone! #JourneyFam #AccountabilityMatters #FaithGoals #GPAFramework #KingdomCommunity #WalkTogether #GodsPlan #TruthInLove #PurposeDrivenLife #SpiritualDiscipline

Life Lessons: Can I Handle This? Javita Nelson 06.11.25

This week, guest speaker, Javita Nelson took us on a POWERFUL journey through our spiritual relay race, exploring each “leg” of God's plan — from the Creator to the Cross, to the Comforter, and now\... to **YOU**! 🏁 **LEG 1: God the Father** — Creator of all, the One who saw our sin and set a plan for redemption in motion. ✝️ **LEG 2: God the Son (Jesus)** — The finisher of salvation who declared, *“It is finished!”* and bore the curse for all mankind. 🔥 **LEG 3: God the Holy Spirit** — Our indwelling power source, infusing us with **dunamis** (explosive strength) and **kratos** (resurrection power) to live victoriously. 💪 **LEG 4: You & Me** — We are empowered by the Spirit to walk in freedom, bear fruit, serve others, and overcome every attack of the enemy! ⚡ The baton has been passed. The power of God is in YOU. You are not running alone — you are running fueled by GRACE. 👉 Don’t miss this impactful session! Listen back to the podcast now or join us next class as we continue the race — together.

Life Lessons: Andre Davis ”Human Wisdom Vs. Philosophy”

**“Human Wisdom vs. God’s Wisdom” – A Night of Clarity with Andre Davis** This week, “Andre Davis” challenged us to examine the difference between logic-based living and Spirit-led wisdom. In a world full of philosophies, facts, and opinions, we were reminded that **only God’s Word has the power to ground us in truth.** 💡 **Key Takeaways:** * Logic is a tool—but **God’s Word is the source** of true wisdom. * Human reasoning alone can’t lead us to God—we need His grace. * **Spiritual fitness** means being rooted in values, virtue, and the gospel. * We must be humble in our not knowing and comfortable trusting the One who does. * 1 Corinthians 1:25 – *“The foolishness of God is wiser than human wisdom.”* 🎧 *Catch the full teaching on the podcast and dive deeper into what it means to be grounded in the wisdom of God.* 📅 *Join us next week for more powerful truth, community, and transformation!* \#GroundedInTruth #GodsWisdom #JourneyClass #FaithOverPhilosophy #SpiritLed #SpiritualFitness #1Corinthians #ListenBack #JoinTheJourney

Life Lessons: You Are the Branch - Pastor Brian Dollar 5.28.25

🌱 **“You Are the Branch” – Lessons from Pastor Brian Dollar** 🌱 This week’s Journey class with **Pastor Brian Dollar** was raw, powerful, and full of grace. From rebellious beginnings to life-changing surrender, Brian’s story reminded us that **no one is too far gone for God’s love**—and that **real transformation starts with daily connection to the Vine.** 💡 **Key Takeaways:** * You don’t have what it takes—but God does. * Ministry without intimacy with God leads to burnout. * You’re not the vine—you’re the branch. Stay connected. * Don’t try harder… try **softer**. Let the Spirit lead. * God’s grace is greater than your mess, your past, and your plans. * Daily examination, not perfection, is the path to growth. 🎧 *Catch the full testimony on the podcast—you’ll laugh, cry, and leave inspired.* 📅 *Don’t miss the next class—God’s not done writing your story!* \#StayConnected #YouAreTheBranch #JourneyClass #GodIsAble #TrySofter #TestimonyPower #DailyWithGod #ListenBack #JoinTheJourney

Life Lessons: You Can Always Come Home with Mike & Amanda Smith 5.21.25

**“You Can Always Come Home” – Lessons from Mike & Amanda Smith** ✨ This week’s session was filled with wisdom, grace, and powerful reminders. Mike & Amanda Smith shared their journey—from military life and surface-level relationships to mistakes turned testimony to 25 years of Christ-centered marriage. 🙏 🔥 **Key Lessons:** * Real relationships start with honest conversations and shared values. * God often uses our upbringing, mistakes, and even pain to guide us back to Him. * Like the prodigal son, we may drift, but God's love never does. * True transformation starts when we humble ourselves and surrender—just like a child. * God is not like our earthly fathers—He is greater, kinder, and always faithful. * It’s never too late to come home -💌 Come home. He’s already sent the invitation. 💫 Don’t wait for discipline to find direction. ✨ Let continue learn and reflect more of the Father daily. 🎧 *Listen back on the podcast to be encouraged and reminded that your story isn’t over.* 📅 *Don’t miss the next class— more guest speakers to come!* #YouCanAlwaysComeHome #FaithInAction #TestimonyTuesday #GodIsFaithful #PodcastReplay #JoinUs #SpiritualGrowth #GodIsCalling

Life Lessons: Jasmine Batey 5.14.25

Tonight was powerful. Jasmine Batey reminded us that every relationship starts with **the most important one—our relationship with God.** 💛 We explored what makes a relationship healthy: communication, trust, vulnerability, and love. And how to reflect those same attributes in our connection with God. ✨ *“You have abandoned the love you had at first.”* (Rev. 2:4) Is your relationship with God healthy? Are you giving Him your *first* or your *leftovers*? We learned: 🧡 Time with God grows intimacy 🕊️ Stillness makes room for His voice 🙏 Grace isn’t to be abused—it’s to bring us closer 💭 Feeling distant? Repent. Re-prioritize. Return. Write a **love letter to your First Love**. God’s arms are still open. 💫 🎧 Catch the replay and stay tuned for what’s next. \#FirstLove #RelationshipWithGod #GodAgenda #HealthyRelationships #FallBackInLoveWithGod #QuietTimeMatters #FaithInAction

Genesis: The Beginning Ch. 43-50

🌟 Genesis: The Beginning | Final Recap (Ch. 43–50) 🌟 “From the Pit to the Palace – God’s Plan Prevails” As we wrapped up our series in Genesis, we witnessed Joseph’s incredible journey from prison to palace—and how **God’s hand never left him.** ✨ *Favor followed Benjamin*—not because he asked for it, but because he was connected to someone who walked in it. 💔 Joseph could’ve chosen revenge, but instead he chose **forgiveness, grace, and love**—because he understood **God’s purpose was greater** than the pain. 🔥 *“What you intended for harm, God intended for good.”* Joseph didn’t just forgive—he welcomed his brothers with open arms, just as **God welcomes us**, no matter what we've done. 🙏 Even in the famine, betrayal, and waiting, Joseph remained faithful. Let his story remind us to **trust God’s plan, stay surrendered, and keep walking**—because *it’s coming!* 💭 Are you struggling with forgiveness or wondering how your story ends? Take it to the Lord. Worship on the way to the promise. Don't forget God on the mountain just because He met you in the valley. 🎧 **Listen back to the full series** or join us for what’s next—because God is always working, and He’s not done with your story! \#GenesisSeries #JosephsJourney #GodsPlanPrevails #ForgiveAndFlourish #FromPitToPalace #FaithfulThroughItAll #WorshipOnTheWay

Genesis: The Beginning Ch. 37-42

Genesis: The Beginning | Ch. 37–42 “God in the Family Mess” This week we saw how **God’s hand is still at work** even in the middle of **family dysfunction, betrayal, and pain**. Favoritism caused deep wounds in Joseph’s family—but **our true identity is in Christ**, not how others treat us. Betrayal cut deep, but **God is close even when trust is broken**—in family and in faith. Even in the pit, prison, or pain, **God’s presence never leaves**. His favor follows us wherever we go. Forgiveness and healing take time, but Joseph's story reminds us that **God can restore what feels impossible**. Your pain has purpose. Your faithfulness in the fire speaks louder than words. And God’s love can redeem **any** family story. 🎧 **Listen back to the episode** or join us next week as we continue through Genesis together! #JFam #GenesisSeries #GodInTheMess #FaithInThePit #ForgivenessHeals #JosephsJourney #FavorInDarkPlaces #GodRestores

Genesis: The Beginning Ch. 32-36

**💥 Genesis: The Beginning | Ch. 32–36 💥** This week, we followed Jacob’s journey from **fearful and self-reliant** to **surrendered and transformed**. 🙌🏽 🔑 Jacob tried to fix things on his own, but God had a greater plan. 💡 Sometimes God isolates us—not to punish—but to **free us from fear** and **wrestle with our hearts**. 👣 Jacob’s name—and identity—was changed to **Israel**, showing us that **God doesn’t waste our struggles**. ❤️ Esau embraced Jacob with love, not revenge. Just like the **prodigal son**, what Jacob expected wasn’t what God delivered—**it was better** (Proverbs 16:7). ⚠️ We also saw how aligning with the wrong people can lead to pain—but even in chaos, **God still fulfills His promise**. 🔥 In Ch. 35, Jacob stepped fully into his calling, purified and positioned in the **inheritance of Abraham and Isaac**. 🎧 **Catch the replay** and see how *your past does not cancel your promise*! 💬 Join us next week as we keep walking through the Word together! #JFam #GenesisSeries #FromJacobToIsrael #GodStillHasAPlan #IdentityInChrist #WrestleAndWin #FaithOverFear