Maybe you've heard of the Enneagram but aren't sure what it's all about. Is it even OK for Christians to use it? Is it something that can be used for spiritual growth, not just personal growth? Perhaps you know your Enneagram type but have no idea how to apply what you've learned as a way to enhance your spiritual life. Our new friend, author and Enneagram coach Meredith Boggs guides you through a biblical road map to using the Enneagram to revitalize your faith and guide you back home to God.This episode covers Types 5-9; make sure you tune in to Part 1 for Types 1-4!Related Resources:Have you listened to the new Encouragement for Today Podcast? Listen now to start your day with a biblical perspective you can carry with you no matter what lies ahead.Get Meredith’s new book, The Journey Home: A Biblical Guide to Using the Enneagram to Deepen Your Faith and Relationships. Connect with Meredith on Instagram at @meredithwboggs and on her website at meredithwboggs.com.Click here to download a transcript for this episode.We want to get to know you! Will you tell us a little bit about yourself by filling out this survey? 

Maybe you've heard of the Enneagram but aren't sure what it's all about. Is it even OK for Christians to use it? Is it something that can be used for spiritual growth, not just personal growth? Perhaps you know your Enneagram type but have no idea how to apply what you've learned as a way to enhance your spiritual life. Our new friend, author and Enneagram coach Meredith Boggs guides you through a biblical road map to using the Enneagram to revitalize your faith and guide you back home to God.This episode covers Types 1-4; make sure you tune in to Part 2 for Types 5-9!Related Resources:Have you listened to the new Encouragement for Today Podcast? Listen now to start your day with a biblical perspective you can carry with you no matter what lies ahead.Get Meredith’s new book, The Journey Home: A Biblical Guide to Using the Enneagram to Deepen Your Faith and Relationships.Connect with Meredith on Instagram at @meredithwboggs and on her website at meredithwboggs.com.Click here to download a transcript for this episode.We want to get to know you! Will you tell us a little bit about yourself by filling out this survey? 

Sometimes self-care can feel selfish.But when we neglect our own well-being, we can quickly get burnt out. God wants us to take care of ourselves, and it doesn't look like the world makes wellness out to be. Our new friend and author Bonnie Gray walks us through four practical ways to care for our souls the way God intended. When you feel overwhelmed by the pressures of life, it's possible to pause, restore calm and choose joy. This episode will help you learn new ways to break free from worry and anxiety.Related Resources: Order Bonnie’s new book, Breathe: 21 Days to Stress Less and Transform Chaos to Calm, and get access to her wellness Bible study.Take the Soul-Care Quiz, and learn what type of care you need to flourish in your life with God’s peace and joy. Download our free five-day devotional, Overlooked, Overwhelmed and Over It: Five Devotions for the Girl Who Feels Tempted To Quit.Click here to download a transcript of this episode.We want to get to know you! Will you tell us a little bit about yourself by filling out this survey? 

"Let's Talk About Church" With Dr. Joel MuddamalleRegardless of your church background, there are a lot of questions around the topic of church.What defines a church? Who gathers these people? Why do they meet, and what keeps them together? And what are they supposed to do when they gather? On this episode, our friend Dr. Joel Muddamalle, Director of Theological Research at Proverbs 31 Ministries, answers our questions about finding a church and staying at a church. Learn about God's intention and purpose for His Church in a world full of different opinions and priorities.Related Resources:-Reflect on what Scripture says about the message you heard, and see what challenges, convicts or encourages you, with our free resource "Now What? A Guide To Process and Apply Biblical Messages."-Give your teens a stronger foundation to embrace a biblical worldview and learn to navigate complex topics at Summit Ministries’ Student Conference!-Click here to download a transcript of this episode.We want to get to know you! Will you tell us a little bit about yourself by filling out this survey? 

It's easy to question if we really heard from God.How do you know with confidence what His voice sounds like and what His will is? We want certainty or the outcomes we desire, but learning to hear from God isn't a one-size-fits-all formula. Our new friend and author Abby McDonald joins us on the podcast for an episode all about how to hear from God. Learn four ways to recognize His voice even when He doesn't speak directly.Related Resources:Order a copy of Abby’s book, Shift: Changing Our Focus to See the Presence of God.Connect with Abby, and download her free resources at abbymcdonald.org.Download our free resource “Choosing To Trust Over Taking Control,” and release the desire to orchestrate how things turn out by settling your soul with 10 days of scriptural reminders about God’s unfailing faithfulness.Click here to download the transcript of this episode.We want to get to know you! Will you tell us a little bit about yourself by filling out this survey? 

When hurtful situations leave us worn out and unmotivated to spend time with God, sometimes we need more than just a pep talk.We need a friend to come alongside us with biblical Truth and encouragement, showing us practical steps we can take right away. In her new devotional, You’re Going to Make It, Lysa TerKeurst wants to be that friend for you. This week, she's taking over the podcast to share one devotion each morning that will give the biblical Truth and encouragement you need when hurtful situations leave you worn out and unmotivated to spend time with God.Day 5's devotion is called “Three Steps To Overcome Anxious Thoughts.”Related Resources:Sometimes we need a reminder that there is so much more to our one incredible life than the sum total of our heartbreak. Order Lysa TerKeurst’s devotional, You’re Going to Make It: 50 Morning and Evening Devotions to Unrush Your Mind, Uncomplicate Your Heart, and Experience Healing Today.Your life is crazy, but your Bible study doesn't have to be. Online Bible Studies is a place where you can dive deep into books by your favorite Christian authors alongside a community of women from right where you are. Check out our latest Online Bible Study now!Click here to download a transcript of this episode.We want to get to know you! Will you tell us a little bit about yourself by filling out this survey? 

When hurtful situations leave us worn out and unmotivated to spend time with God, sometimes we need more than just a pep talk.We need a friend to come alongside us with biblical Truth and encouragement, showing us a practical-steps plan we can take right away. In her new devotional, You’re Going to Make It, Lysa TerKeurst wants to be that friend for you. This week, she's taking over the podcast to share one devotion each morning that will give the biblical Truth and encouragement you need when hurtful situations leave you worn out and unmotivated to spend time with God.Day 4's devotion is called “Who I Am Doesn’t Feel Good Enough.”Related Resources:Sometimes we need a reminder that there is so much more to our one incredible life than the sum total of our heartbreak. Order Lysa TerKeurst’s devotional, You’re Going to Make It: 50 Morning and Evening Devotions to Unrush Your Mind, Uncomplicate Your Heart, and Experience Healing Today.Your life is crazy, but your Bible study doesn't have to be. Online Bible Studies is a place where you can dive deep into books by your favorite Christian authors alongside a community of women from right where you are. Check out our latest Online Bible Study now!Click here to download a transcript for this episode.We want to get to know you! Will you tell us a little bit about yourself by filling out this survey? 

When hurtful situations leave us worn out and unmotivated to spend time with God, sometimes we need more than just a pep talk.We need a friend to come alongside us with biblical Truth and encouragement, showing us a practical-steps plan we can take right away. In her new devotional, You’re Going to Make It, Lysa TerKeurst wants to be that friend for you. This week, she's taking over the podcast to share one devotion each morning that will give the biblical Truth and encouragement you need when hurtful situations leave you worn out and unmotivated to spend time with God.Day 3's devotion is called “Choosing Trust Over Taking Control.”Related Resources:Sometimes we need a reminder that there is so much more to our one incredible life than the sum total of our heartbreak. Order Lysa TerKeurst’s devotional, You’re Going to Make It: 50 Morning and Evening Devotions to Unrush Your Mind, Uncomplicate Your Heart, and Experience Healing Today.Your life is crazy, but your Bible study doesn't have to be. Online Bible Studies is a place where you can dive deep into books by your favorite Christian authors alongside a community of women from right where you are. Check out our latest Online Bible Study now!Click here to download the transcript for this episode.We want to get to know you! Will you tell us a little bit about yourself by filling out this survey? 

When hurtful situations leave us worn out and unmotivated to spend time with God, sometimes we need more than just a pep talk.We need a friend to come alongside us with biblical Truth and encouragement, showing us a practical-steps plan we can take right away. In her new devotional, You’re Going to Make It, Lysa TerKeurst wants to be that friend for you. This week, she's taking over the podcast to share one devotion each morning that will give the biblical Truth and encouragement you need when hurtful situations leave you worn out and unmotivated to spend time with God.Day 2's devotion is called “When You’re Tempted To Judge Her.”Related Resources:Sometimes we need a reminder that there is so much more to our one incredible life than the sum total of our heartbreak. Order Lysa TerKeurst’s devotional, You’re Going to Make It: 50 Morning and Evening Devotions to Unrush Your Mind, Uncomplicate Your Heart, and Experience Healing Today.Your life is crazy, but your Bible study doesn't have to be. Online Bible Studies is a place where you can dive deep into books by your favorite Christian authors alongside a community of women from right where you are. Check out our latest Online Bible Study now!Click here to download the transcript for this episode.

When hurtful situations leave us worn out and unmotivated to spend time with God, sometimes we need more than just a pep talk.We need a friend to come alongside us with biblical Truth and encouragement, showing us a practical-steps plan we can take right away. In her new devotional, You’re Going to Make It, Lysa TerKeurst wants to be that friend for you. This week, she's taking over the podcast to share one devotion each morning that will give the biblical Truth and encouragement you need when hurtful situations leave you worn out and unmotivated to spend time with God.Day 1's devotion is called "Does It Really Matter If I Read God's Word Today?"Related Resources:Sometimes we need a reminder that there is so much more to our one incredible life than the sum total of our heartbreak. Order Lysa TerKeurst’s devotional, You’re Going to Make It: 50 Morning and Evening Devotions to Unrush Your Mind, Uncomplicate Your Heart, and Experience Healing Today. Your life is crazy, but your Bible study doesn't have to be. Online Bible Studies is a place where you can dive deep into books by your favorite Christian authors alongside a community of women from right where you are. Check out our latest Online Bible Study now!Click here to download a transcript of this episode.

Where do you turn when the future feels unclear and you've lost your footing?Maybe there’s something in your life today that’s not going as planned, or maybe you are facing fear as you look at your future. In those moments, it can be easy to wonder where God is and what He is doing. On this episode, our friend and Promotional Copy Writer at Proverbs 31 Ministries, Meghan Ryan, shows us the importance of knowing God's faithfulness through the book of Ruth and how we can find security and certainty no matter what our circumstances look like.Related Resources:Download our free First 5 mobile app and spend the first moments of your day with God before the hustle of your to-do list begins. We also have study guides to help you dig a little deeper into God's Word.Your life is crazy, but your Bible study doesn't have to be. Online Bible Studies is a place where you can dive deep into books by your favorite Christian authors alongside a community of women from right where you are. Check out our latest Online Bible Study now.Connect with Meghan on her website at alwaysmeghan.com, and download her free resource "In the Middle: 3 Steps to Navigating Transition and Unexpected Life Changes."Click here to download the transcript for this episode.

As parents, it's easy to wonder, Am I doing this right?With three adult children and years of student and college ministry under their belts, pastor and author Andy Stanley and his wife, Sandra, know a thing or two about parenting. Before they even started a family of their own, they made a decision: to pursue a family dynamic where everyone would want to hang out with each other even when they didn't have to. From there started a journey of parenting through the lenses of building lasting relationships. For parents at any stage, this episode will give you practical tools for getting the whole parenting thing right.Related Resources:- Grab a copy of the Stanleys' book, Parenting: Getting It Right, today!- Do you ever struggle trusting God with your kids? You aren’t alone. That's why Lysa TerKeurst put together "15 Prayers for Your Son" and "15 Prayers for Your Daughter." These resources will help you fight for the heart of your son or daughter through Scripture-based prayers. We pray these resources will help you in your journey of learning to trust the Lord with your kids. Click here to download now!- Click here to download a transcript of this episode.

One out of five Americans says they don't have one person they can talk to.As we move more and more into a digital society, we can lose our ability to have healthy, thriving relationships. Loneliness has become an epidemic, but the Bible has a lot to say about how we interact with one another. On this episode, Dr. Heather Thompson Day teaches us about the urgency of having meaningful friendships in a world that quickly writes people off as toxic. Learn how to find and commit to relationships even when they are challenging, and find the connection and happiness you are really longing for.Related Resources:Get your copy of Dr. Heather Thompson Day’s book I’ll See You Tomorrow: Building Relational Resilience When You Want to Quit, and recognize the value of a healthy (and small) circle rather than a large one, and refuse to let fear of what may or may not happen cause you to miss the beauty of what is.Don't miss an episode of our new Encouragement for Today Podcast! Subscribe on your preferred listening platform, and starting January 25, get a weekly audio devotion that will give you a moment with God to start each week. Click here to download the transcript.

A new year can bring a lot of anticipation and excitement. But it can also be a reminder of some things we aren't super proud of ...Maybe you're looking back at this last year a little disappointed. That habit you wanted to kick is still there or the relationship you wanted to better is not fixed. It can be easy to struggle with the lack of progress we've made and even more difficult when we may be filled with regret. On this episode, our host Kaley Olson is on the other side of the mic for a conversation that will help us look at how to move past our past mistakes. She will give us three lessons from the book of Deuteronomy on how to approach our mistakes and what the gift of God's grace and forgiveness offers us so we can move forward with purpose today.Related Resources:Download our free First 5 mobile app and spend the first moments of your day with God before the hustle of your to-do list begins. We also have study guides to help you dig a little deeper into God's Word.Connect with Kaley on Instagram @kaleyolsn. Click here to download the transcript.

Boundaries can feel like a touchy topic.How do we love others without losing the best of who we are? Lysa TerKeurst has wrestled with how to do boundaries well, and she understands the tension they cause in relationships. That's why she wrote her book Good Boundaries and Goodbyes. This episode comes from a live Q&A with Lysa where she answered the six most-asked questions she gets about boundaries. Both practical and personal, Lysa addresses how to set boundaries when you struggle with people-pleasing; what to do when it feels unchristian or unforgiving to tell someone "no"; and how to process disappointment from other people, especially around the holidays. We can't wait for you to dive in with us!Related Resources:Your life is crazy, but your Bible study doesn't have to be. Online Bible Studies is a place where you can dive deep into books by your favorite Christian authors alongside a community of women from right where you are. Check out our latest Online Bible Study now!Get your copy of Good Boundaries and Goodbyes here. Click here to download the transcript.

Money can be an uncomfortable topic. But what if God has something better in store for the way you look at your finances?Financial coaches Bob and Linda Lotich understand the tension that comes with money and know what it's like to have a complicated relationship with it. On this episode, they teach us the three financial mistakes we are likely making and how to overcome them so we can experience God's best in our financial lives. With its biblical teaching and practical application, you won't want to miss this episode!Related Resources: Make sure you grab a copy of Bob's book Simple Money, Rich Life!Stay connected with Bob and Linda on Instagram @seedtime.  For the moments you need wisdom to know what to do next but just aren't sure who to listen to, Proverbs 31 Ministries meets you with biblical Truth and encouragement. Will you help us continue to provide free biblical resources to you and other women like you by donating today? Give now! Click here to read the transcript for this episode.

What do you do when the "Christian" solutions for anxiety seem to stop working?What happens when we try to put a Bible verse over what we are feeling but it doesn't change how we actually feel? Taylor Joy Murray — author, COMPEL Writers Training member and our new friend — is all too familiar with these questions. On this episode, she shares her own struggles with anxiety and how God has met her in it. With practical ideas for how to navigate those feelings, this episode is great to send to a friend who needs encouragement.Related Resources:Pursue your writing dreams like Taylor did by joining COMPEL Writers Training! Get Taylor’s new book, Stop Saying I’m Fine: Finding Stillness When Anxiety Screams. Click here to read the transcript for this episode.

Have you heard about our new series on Therapy & Theology? "Let's Stop Avoiding This Conversation: 6 Topics Women Have Big Questions About" is here! Join Lysa TerKeurst; her licensed professional counselor, Jim Cress; and Proverbs 31 Ministries' Director of Theological Research, Dr. Joel Muddamalle, for a conversation about therapy and theology and why it doesn't help anyone when a woman is not walking in her God-given identity. This is the first episode of a series. For the next five episodes, subscribe to the Therapy & Theology show!Related Resources: Want more wisdom as you navigate hard relationship dynamics? Find practical next steps, powerful scriptures and timely guidance on how to set realistic, healthy boundaries in Lysa TerKeurst's book, Good Boundaries and Goodbyes. In the pages of this book, Lysa's personal counselor, Jim Cress, also provides therapeutic insight surrounding the topic of boundaries, helping you confidently apply what you read. Order here.Ready to take a personal next step in finding a Christian counselor? The American Association of Christian Counselors is a great place to find the right fit for you and your circumstances.Want to dig deeper? Dr. Joel Muddamalle put together additional biblical context for this episode. Click here to download now.Click here to read the transcript for this episode.

What is Advent?Depending on your church background, you might participate in Advent every year or you might stay away from it because it seems like a mysterious, age-old tradition that’s reserved for only certain denominations. You might even associate Advent with a candy calendar you see displayed in stores close to the holiday season.In this episode, Proverbs 31 Ministries' Director of Theological Research, Dr. Joel Muddamalle, will teach us about Advent and how it can help us refocus our minds on adoration for Jesus instead of rushing through the holiday season.Related Resources:Recognize the ways Jesus fulfilled God's promises in the Old Testament so you can remember how He will keep His promises to you today — grab your copy of our Advent study guide: Pointing to the Promise.Connect with Joel on Instagram @muddamalle. It's that time of year again ... Our Christmas Collection is here! Whatever the people you love are facing, we hope these gifts will remind them of Truth that only comes from God's Word. Our Christmas Collection has something for everyone on your list. Click here to shop now!Click here to read the transcript for this episode.

What comes to your mind when you think about the Holy Spirit?Depending on your background, maybe the Holy Spirit feels ambiguous or confusing. Or maybe you feel uncertain about this third Person of the Trinity. On this episode, our friend Max Lucado, bestselling author, teaches us about the role of the Holy Spirit. Learn about the purpose and power of the Holy Spirit and what that means practically for the struggles you are facing today.Related Resources:Your life is crazy, but your Bible study doesn't have to be. Online Bible Studies is a place where you can dive deep into books by your favorite Christian authors alongside a community of women from right where you are. Check out our latest Online Bible Study now!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 with biblical Truth.Click here to read the transcript for this episode.

Do you think of yourself as a creative?Often we are quick to dismiss ourselves as creatives — giving that description to people who write, paint or sing. But what if creativity is different than you think it is?In this episode, our new friend and author Rachel Marie Kang teaches us what creativity is, why it matters to us and how we can can be stewards of the gifts God has uniquely given us. Discover the ways your Creator has made you to be like Him so you can see how to make things in this world better.Related Resources:Rachel's book, Let There Be Art: The Pleasure and Purpose of Releasing the Creativity within You, is now available! Click here to order now.Subscribe to our devotions and get weekday encouragement from writers like Rachel sent straight to your inbox for FREE!Subscribe to the Podcast Insider newsletter and get updates on what’s coming soon on both this podcast and the Therapy & Theology podcast. Each newsletter includes a thought to consider from an episode you heard that month and links to our favorite resources and products that Proverbs 31 has to offer!Click here to read the transcript for this episode.

Boundaries should help us avoid extremes and live closer to the kind of love God intended for relationships.After struggling with boundaries for years, Lysa TerKeurst wondered if they really worked or were even biblical. But what she discovered after countless hours of in-depth counseling and theological research is that healthy boundaries aren’t just a good idea — they’re God’s idea. In her new book, Good Boundaries and Goodbyes, she shows us what good boundaries are supposed to look like, how to place them on ourselves instead of trying to change other people, and how to find healthier ways to have hard conversations around needed boundaries.This episode is taken from the introduction of Lysa's newest book: Good Boundaries and Goodbyes: Loving Others Without Losing the Best of You Are.Related Resources:- What if all the emotional energy spent on saying "yes" to everyone else, walking on eggshells around people we love and trying to manage delicate relational dynamics is bankrupting us of our capacity for living in obedience to who God has asked us to be? If you're ready to gain the biblical wisdom and confidence to finally set boundaries you can keep, let Lysa TerKeurst’s book, Good Boundaries and Goodbyes, be your new go-to guide. Order today!- If you liked this episode, check out the new Therapy & Theology podcast with Lysa TerKeurst. Lysa has teamed up with her personal, licensed professional counselor, Jim Cress, and the Director of Theological Research at Proverbs 31 Ministries, Dr. Joel Muddamalle, to bring you a podcast to help you work through what you've walked through. Start listening today!Click here to read the transcript for this episode.

Prayer is the place we can entrust our deepest needs and hurts, fears and anxieties, longings and disappointments, and most especially our questions, to God.But sometimes it's hard to know where to start. On this episode, Bible teacher Wendy Blight teaches us what prayer is and how to practice it. Learn how prayer allows us to know God and love Him more. Our friend Wendy even walks us through how to hear God through prayer and shares practical tips for cultivating a deeper prayer life today. You won't want to miss this episode. Make sure to share it with a friend!Related ResourcesPurchase our devotional, Clear Mind, Peaceful Heart: Prayers and Devotions for Sleeping Well in a World Full of Worry, from our Proverbs 31 bookstore.Our staff loves the opportunity to pray for you. Head over to our Prayer Wall and let us know how we can be praying for you in this season.Click here to read the transcript for this episode.

What would change about your life if you knew your purpose?Often, we don't live the way we were made to live. But God created us with a purpose. When we know what God, our Creator, made us for, we can experience a fuller, more purposeful life. On this episode of the podcast, our new friend Lauren McAfee, ministry coordinator at Hobby Lobby, will help you understand your God-given identity and how it affects your relationships so you can live in the power of your purpose today.Related Resources:Connect with Lauren at her website at https://www.laurenamcafee.com/ or on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/laurenamcafee/.Trade the lies whispered by the enemy for the truth of what God’s Word says about you — download our free resource "Truths for When You Question Who You Are.” Click here to read the transcript for this episode. 

Is it unloving, selfish or unchristian to draw boundaries? Sometimes the whole process can feel unkind or even like we’re violating Bible verses on how to treat others. But what if we’ve simply misunderstood God’s original intent in giving us this relational gift?Lysa TerKeurst has wrestled with these hesitations. But she’s uncovered common misconceptions about boundaries and learned that boundaries are one of the most powerful, God-honoring tools we can use to protect our relationships.In this teaching, Lysa walks through the first mention of boundaries in the Bible, three crucial words we need to embrace in order to understand God’s intent for boundaries and more. Grab a pen and paper — you’ll want to take notes on this one!Related Resources:- What if all the emotional energy spent on saying "yes" to everyone else, walking on eggshells around people we love and trying to manage delicate relational dynamics is bankrupting us of our capacity for living in obedience to who God has asked us to be? If you're ready to gain the biblical wisdom and confidence to finally set boundaries you can keep, let Lysa TerKeurst’s book, Good Boundaries and Goodbyes, be your new go-to guide. Order today!- If you liked this episode, check out the new Therapy & Theology podcast with Lysa TerKeurst. Lysa has teamed up with her personal, licensed professional counselor, Jim Cress, and the Director of Theological Research at Proverbs 31 Ministries, Dr. Joel Muddamalle, to bring you a podcast to help you work through what you've walked through. Start listening today!Click here to read the transcript for this episode. 

After the last few years, we are looking for relief.But in the rush to get our lives back to what they used to be, we are settling for temporary relief instead of lasting restoration. What if there's a better way to live? A way that doesn't just squeeze God into our busy lives ... a way where we can find the true rest we need. On this episode, author John Eldredge walks us through practical ways we can be intentional to cultivate a life with God so we can be resilient to whatever comes our way.Related Resources:- Your life is crazy, but your Bible study doesn't have to be. Online Bible Studies is a place where you can dive deep into books by your favorite Christian authors alongside a community of women from right where you are. Check out our latest Online Bible Study now!- Grab a copy of Get Your Life Back by John Eldredge.- Check out John's book, Resilient: Restoring Your Weary Soul in These Turbulent Times.- 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.- Click here to view the transcript for this episode. 

When we walk through seasons of waiting or uncertainty, it's tempting to look at the past through rose-colored glasses. We choose to only remember the good parts and forget the bad.But when we do that, it robs us of the opportunity to see how God is providing for us in the present, even if it's not predictable or what we'd prefer. On today's podcast, our friend and Director of Marketing at Proverbs 31, Madi Vincent, uses the Book of Numbers to show us what to do when we are wrestling in the waiting. Related Resources:Download our free First 5 mobile app and spend the first moments of your day with God before the hustle of your to-do list begins. We also have study guides to help you dig a little deeper into God's Word.Connect with Madi on Instagram here!Click here to view the transcript.

Our desire to please God can so easily turn into us trying to perform.But how do we know when we've slipped into striving? On this episode of the podcast, our new friend and author, Kaitlin Garrison, teaches us the difference between the true gospel of grace and the false gospel of grit. Overcome the cycle of shame from not being good enough by discovering the sweet relief that comes from our righteousness being found in Christ alone.Related Resources:- Order Kaitlin's book, Sweet Relief: How the Gospel Frees Us from a Life of Striving, today!- Connect with Kaitlin on Instagram @kaitlinngarrison- We created COMPEL Writers Training just for YOU! Stay accountable to practice your writing skills, and know you are not alone through our online community. Click here to join today!Click here to view the transcript.

It's easy to seek certainty when life feels unpredictable and out of control. But what if uncertainty leads us closer to God?  On today's episode, our dear friend, Proverbs 31 writer and author, Amy Carroll challenges us to embrace uncertainty because we learn how to better trust and seek God. Through her "clarity principle," she walks us through a three-step Bible study technique when we're seeking answers in the middle of uncertain seasons. This principle is one you'll want to save for later, so grab a pen and paper to take notes! Related Resources:- Subscribe to receive free Encouragement for Today weekday devotions in your inbox. - Make sure you get a copy of Amy's Bible study, Esther: Seeing Our Invisible God in an Uncertain World, co-author Lynn Cowell. - Connect with Amy on Instagram @amydohmcarrollClick here to download the transcript for this episode.

Let's admit it, most of us are pretty easily distracted. If we're breathing, there are thousands of things a day vying for our attention daily.  But how do we do this? Today on the podcast our friend and author, Bob Goff walks through how to live more intentional lives. When we stop focusing on what everyone else is doing, we can stop being distracted from what God is doing. With scriptural insight and practical advice, together we'll learn to orient our lives and hold on to hope when everything feels overwhelming.Related Resources:Start living a less-distracted, more joy-filled and love-oriented life with Bob's study, Undistracted Study Guide plus Streaming Video: Capture Your Purpose. Rediscover Your JoyConnect with Bob on his website bobgoff.com.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 with biblical Truth.Click here to download the transcript for this episode.

When life feels overwhelming or anxiety creeps in, our first response isn't always to turn to God's Word.  But Scripture has the Truth for whatever we are facing. On today's episode, author and singer-songwriter Ellie Holcomb shares the life-changing power of memorizing Scripture and how it inspires all her music. God's Word is living and active; something we can treasure. Learn easy steps to start memorizing Scripture, and how it helps discern the difference between lies and the Truth. Plus, it wouldn't be an episode with Ellie if she didn't sing and pray over us too. So grab your headphones or play in the car and join us!Related Resources:Your life is crazy, but your Bible study doesn't have to be. Online Bible Studies is a place where you can dive deep into books by your favorite Christian authors alongside a community of women from right where you are. Check out our latest Online Bible Study now!  Follow Ellie on Instagram @ellieholcomb and find her music on Apple music and Spotify.Click here to download the transcript for this episode.

Have you ever struggled with a love-hate relationship with your body?  As women, the world has a lot to say about our bodies. But there's a big difference between having a Kingdom perspective of ourselves rather than a worldly one. And we need to be able to recognize what the enemy says v. what God says. Author, speaker and coach Jess Connolly joins us on the podcast today and shares her personal journey to breaking free from the body shame. Friend, your value is not wrapped up in the world's definition of beauty, but in who you are in Christ. It's time to break free. Listen in!Related Resources:Make sure you grab a copy of Jess' book, Breaking Free from Body Shame and rename what the world has labeled as less-than.Want to go deeper? Get the Bible study that goes along with Breaking Free from Body Shame ,and become a change agent in partnering with God to bring revival to a generation of women.At Proverbs 31 Ministries, we offer professional and biblical training by industry experts for women who are called to write, speak and lead, through our She Speaks Conference and COMPEL Writers Training membership site. Click the links to learn more!Click here to download the transcript for this episode.

Does grace feel confusing sometimes?  Maybe it's a word you hear thrown around so often that it can lose its meaning. Or perhaps you struggle to understand what it means for you. Get ready to learn from our new friend Melissa Kruger, an author and the Director of Women's Initiatives for The Gospel Coalition. She will walk us through what grace is, and why it's the best news we could receive for whatever we are facing today. She also shows us how we can explain the goodness of grace to the kids in our lives.Related Resources:Make sure you get a copy of Melissa’s book, His Grace is Enough: How God Makes it Right When We’ve Got it Wrong to help you walk your kids through understanding grace.Connect with Melissa on Instagram at @melissabryankrugerJoin our “Proverbs 31 Mamas” Facebook group for a place to connect and find encouragement with other moms like you.If you are interested in learning more about a relationship with Jesus, click here.Click here to download the transcript for this episode.

Contentment can feel impossible to achieve, especially in a season of singleness.  But if we dig into what the Bible actually says about contentment, we may find a different definition than we thought. On this episode, our friend Kendra LaGrand joins us for a conversation about finding contentment in singleness. We will discuss the feelings and struggles of being single, confusing messages from the church about singleness, practical ways to find purpose in singleness and what the Bible says about being content in any season. Including a helpful list of things to say and not to say to your single friends, there is something in this episode for everyone, no matter what your relationship status is.Related Resources:If you haven't participated in one of our FREE Online Bible Studies, now is the time! Each study ranges from 4-6 weeks, with varying topics, but there are plenty of options to stay connected and feel like you’re part of a movement of women journeying through the same book or Bible Study together. Learn more at proverbs31.org/study. Our Mother's Day collection is here! Shop our intentional, curated collection for the woman you’re celebrating this year. Maybe this year the thing she needs most is a kind note and a book or a meaningful reminder to display around the house … we’ve got you covered! Check out our Mother’s Day collection at p31bookstore.comClick here to download the transcript for this episode.

What if the most crucial step we've been missing in preparing for a difficult conversation is first understanding how to best relate to the other person?  Our friend and leadership coach, Lisa Allen is back to help us understand the four conflict personality styles so we can be more self-aware and more understanding of the other person. Using Scripture as our guide, she will teach us why healthy conflict is important and how to do it better. Learn to meet the needs of the person you are talking to, without denying your own needs the next time you enter a tough conversation.Related Resources:Connect with Lisa Allen on her website at ljallencoaching.com. You can download her free resource, "Check Your Capacity" today! We created "A Guide to Tough Conversations" to give you some practical and biblical steps to having challenging conversations with the people you love. Click here to download for free today! At Proverbs 31 Ministries, we offer professional and biblical training by industry experts for women who are called to write, speak and lead, through our She Speaks Conference and COMPEL Writers Training membership site. Click the links to learn more!Click here to download the transcript for this episode.

Motherhood and loss are two things that should not go together.  Yet most of us either have experienced or know someone who has experienced infertility, a miscarriage, infant loss, or postpartum anxiety and depression.  Walking through loss can leave a mother, or hopeful mother-to-be, feeling like she's alone in her struggles. So over the next three weeks, we will be joined by Proverbs 31’s biblical content specialist — author Wendy Blight — and Rachael Elmore, who is a licensed, professional counselor, to address the realities no one talks about related to motherhood and loss. Our deepest desire is that, through the content in these three episodes, you leave encouraged and more rooted in what Scripture says about the specific trials you, or those you love, are walking through.Click here to download the transcript for this episode.Related Resources: -We know this topic is difficult to process in a short podcast episode. That's why we put together a free resource, "What Nobody Talks About: When the Journey of Motherhood Involves Disappointment, Suffering & Loss," to help you further unpack what you heard today. -If you have a friend who is in the middle of processing unmet expectations or other painful situations, we recommend Lysa TerKeurst's book It's Not Supposed to Be This Way. -Follow Wendy Blight @wblight and Rachael Elmore @rachaelhuntelmore on Instagram for more biblical encouragement and resources. -If you are looking for a licensed Christian counselor near you, visit aacc.net 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.

Motherhood and loss are two things that should not go together.  Yet most of us either have experienced or know someone who has experienced infertility, a miscarriage, infant loss, or postpartum anxiety and depression.  Walking through loss can leave a mother, or hopeful mother-to-be, feeling like she's alone in her struggles. So over the next three weeks, we will be joined by Proverbs 31’s biblical content specialist — author Wendy Blight — and Rachael Elmore, who is a licensed, professional counselor, to address the realities no one talks about related to motherhood and loss. Our deepest desire is that, through the content in these three episodes, you leave encouraged and more rooted in what Scripture says about the specific trials you, or those you love, are walking through.Related Resources: -We know this topic is difficult to process in a short podcast episode. That's why we put together a free resource, "What Nobody Talks About: When the Journey of Motherhood Involves Disappointment, Suffering & Loss," to help you further unpack what you heard today. -If you have a friend who is in the middle of processing unmet expectations or other painful situations, we recommend Lysa TerKeurst's book It's Not Supposed to Be This Way. -Follow Wendy Blight @wblight and Rachael Elmore @rachaelhuntelmore on Instagram for more biblical encouragement and resources. -If you are looking for a licensed Christian counselor near you, visit aacc.netClick here to download the transcript for this 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.

Motherhood and loss are two things that should not go together.  Yet most of us either have experienced or know someone who has experienced infertility, a miscarriage, infant loss, or postpartum anxiety and depression.  Walking through loss can leave a mother, or hopeful mother-to-be, feeling like she's alone in her struggles. So over the next three weeks, we will be joined by Proverbs 31’s biblical content specialist — author Wendy Blight — and Rachael Elmore, who is a licensed, professional counselor, to address the realities no one talks about related to motherhood and loss. Our deepest desire is that, through the content in these three episodes, you leave encouraged and more rooted in what Scripture says about the specific trials you, or those you love, are walking through.Related Resources: -We know this topic is difficult to process in a short podcast episode. That's why we put together a free resource, "What Nobody Talks About: When the Journey of Motherhood Involves Disappointment, Suffering & Loss," to help you further unpack what you heard today. -If you have a friend who is in the middle of processing unmet expectations or other painful situations, we recommend Lysa TerKeurst's book It's Not Supposed to Be This Way. -Follow Wendy Blight @wblight and Rachael Elmore @rachaelhuntelmore on Instagram for more biblical encouragement and resources. -If you are looking for a licensed Christian counselor near you, visit aacc.net 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.Click here to download the transcript for this episode.

Are there books of the Bible you hesitate to dive into?  Sometimes they can seem boring, heavy or just plain confusing. We understand, and that's why we invited, our friend and First 5 writer Kayla Ferris to the podcast! On this episode, Kayla walks us through 8 things you might be surprised to learn from the book of Leviticus. Through this book of laws, we get to see the goodness of the Lawgiver and why God's holiness is good news for us. Understand the cultural context of why some of these laws still apply to us, and why some do not. Tackle the hard and holy things God's Word offers us for a more abundant life today.Related Resources:Download our free First 5 mobile app and spend the first moments of your day with God before the hustle of your to-do list begins. We also have study guides to help you dig a little deeper into God's Word.Click here to download the transcript for this episode.

If your schedule feels full and your soul feels weary, our friend Shae Tate has a word for you today.  Using Psalm 103:1-5 as our guide, Shae shows us the power that comes from remembering the Truth of God's word so we can live that Truth and pass it along to those around us in need. Together we can leave this episode saying, "God has not forgotten me, so I will not forget His promises to me." Get out your journal, friends, because you'll want to keep your notes from this one. 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 with biblical Truth. Our staff loves the opportunity to pray for you. Head over to our Prayer Wall and let us know how we can be praying for you in this season. Check out our FREE resource library! We've got tons of topical and study resources you can download to use for whatever you're going through right now.Click here to download the transcript for this episode.

We've got some good news for you: It's not your job to make everyone happy!  Have you ever said "yes" when you knew you should have said "no"? Maybe you've gotten caught in the trap of people-pleasing. When we find ourselves feeling afraid to disappoint or upset the people we love, it's time to look at what's driving those fears. In this practical and honest episode, author and speaker Karen Ehman will show us what the Bible says about people-pleasing. Addressing different seasons and relationships, Karen will help us bust out of the prison of trying to make everyone happy and put our priorities in the right place.Related Resources:Get a copy of Karen’s book, When Making Others Happy Is Making You Miserable: How to Break the Pattern of People Pleasing and Confidently Live Your Life today!Connect with Karen on Instagram at @karenehman or on her website at karenehman.com Are you looking for a woman who knows how to teach the Bible? Someone dynamic — who can encourage, uplift and inspire audiences both big and small? Check our our Proverbs 31 Speaker Team to find the perfect speaker for your event!Click here to download the transcript for this episode.

The excitement of a new year means new goals to look forward to tackling ... but why is it so easy to find ourselves in the same old cycle of restarting after just a few weeks?    Maybe there's a way to break the cycle. What if it's not about finding a new "how to" method, but it's about finding a new "want to" motivation? In this chapter of her book I'll Start Again Monday, Lysa TerKeurst shares the one choice she made that changed her heart and attitude about being healthy. Learn to break the cycle of unhealthy eating habits with lasting spiritual satisfaction.Related Resources:Purchase Lysa TerKeurst’s book, I’ll Start Again Monday, based on her bestselling book Made to Crave. Lysa offers a new perspective to all those stuck in the cycle of losing weight but then gaining it back, equipping readers with the deeper spiritual and emotional motivation they need to make lasting changes.Aren't sure how to make the most of your time with God? God is inviting you into deeper connection with Him through His Word. Start developing the habit of spending time in Scripture with our FREE guide: The 21-Day Invitation: Steps to Reconnect with God.Click here to download the transcript for this episode.

Sometimes God's protection comes in packages that don't feel like protection.  The Bible says Jesus has overcome the world. But what about when it doesn't feel like it right now, in this situation? On this episode of the podcast, Lysa TerKeurst and Dr. Joel Muddamalle will walk through places in Scripture that show us the unlikely places where Jesus' protection is actually present. We'll learn that just because we can't see what God is doing, does not mean He is not working. Just because we feel afraid, does not mean we have to live afraid. We just have to train our eyes and ears to where Jesus is present in our lives today so we can find comfort in Him no matter the circumstances.Related Resources:Your life is crazy, but your Bible study doesn't have to be. Online Bible Studies is a place where you can dive deep into books by your favorite Christian authors alongside a community of women from right where you are. Check out our latest Online Bible Study now!Click here to download the transcript for this episode.

When we really love our people, we go above and beyond to show them we care. But sometimes, loving and serving others isn't easy, especially when it seems like we are the one putting the majority of the effort into the relationship.  But ... are we really understanding or appreciating the way others might be loving or serving us back, in their own unique way? Today on the Proverbs 31 Ministries Podcast, our friend Amanda Bacon shares the three problems we face when our expectations aren't met, and how to love and live freely out of an overflow of Christ's sacrificial love for us.Related Resources:Your life is crazy, but your Bible study doesn't have to be. Online Bible Studies is a place where you can dive deep into books by your favorite Christian authors alongside a community of women from right where you are. Check out our latest Online Bible Study now! Connect with Amanda on Instagram @amanda_bacon_ and subscribe to her At Night podcast to keep learning from her. Dig deeper into this topic by listening to this episode of the podcast with Lysa TerKeurst,  What the Humanity of Jesus Means for Us. Click here to download the transcript for this episode.

Disclaimer: We want to be mindful of all listeners when we discuss a topic that may be triggering to some, or not age appropriate for children. In this episode, we will be talking about the realities of addiction. Please see our related resources below for additional tools on this topic.  What does it mean to live full and walk free in a world where temptations are on every corner? So often our humanity gets in the way of who we are in Christ, and leads us down paths we don't want to be on.  On this episode of the podcast, Cindy Bultema shares her personal testimony of recovering from addiction and how to live fully and walk freely in Christ. In this honest conversation, we process how to avoid the triggers of temptation, how to get to the root of what causes us to be tempted, and ultimately the freedom we have in Christ to renew our hearts and minds each day. Cindy shares that what we believe about God, and therefore ourselves, matters, and starting with that foundational belief is the key to a full, free life in Christ.Related Resources: If you or someone you love is looking for a Christian counselor, the American Association of Christian Counselors is a great resource for finding one that's right for you. Connect with Cindy at https://www.cindybultema.com/gems/ or on Instagram at @cindybultema. Get Cindy’s book, Live Full Walk Free, to explore Paul’s first letter to the Corinthians and see how believers today can navigate their way in a wayward and confused culture. Subscribe to receive free Encouragement for Today weekday devotions in your inbox. Download the "Temptation Victory Plan" on Cindy's website, cindybultema.com. Click here to download the transcript for this episode.

Deep down, do we really believe that God is worthy of our trust?  We learn of God's holiness in the Bible and sing about it in songs and hymns, but have we let that knowledge inform our faith? On this episode of the podcast, author, teacher and speaker Jackie Hill Perry will teach us what holiness is, what it isn't and why it's the foundation for our trust in God.Related Resources: Make sure you order a copy of Jackie's new book: Holier Than Thou: How God’s Holiness Helps Us Trust Him. In these pages, we will see that God is not like us. He is different. He is holy. And that’s exactly what makes Him trustworthy. As it turns out, God being “holier than thou” is actually the best news in the world, and it’s the key to trusting Him. Your life is crazy, but your Bible study doesn't have to be. Online Bible Studies is a place where you can dive deep into books by your favorite Christian authors alongside a community of women from right where you are. Check out our latest Online Bible Study now!Click here to download the transcript for this episode.

Do you doubt if you can really handle it all?  The headlines are disheartening; routines we just set seem like they'll be disrupted (again) at any moment and life seems so very unpredictable.  When your world seems to be spinning out of control, fear will tell you it's easier to hide from it all rather than face it. On this episode of the podcast, our dear friend — pastor Max Lucado — walks us through the book of Esther to show us that despite how we feel, we were made for this moment. Made to parent our children, reach our communities and be a light in the midst of darkness. In the moments when we feel like it's all too much, Max reminds us to bend our knees in prayer, open our Bibles to fill our hearts with Truth and look up to remind ourselves God hasn't left us. Related Resources:If this podcast ministered to you today, would you leave us a review on Apple Podcasts? Reviews help us reach more people, which helps us accomplish our mission of eradicating biblical poverty! Make sure you order Max's newest book, You Were Made for This Moment: Courage for Today, Hope for Tomorrow, and discover your role in God’s story even during tough times.Did you know we have Facebook groups created just for you? Find community for your specific season of life. If you are a 20-something, wife or mama, click on the link to join.Click here to download the transcript for this episode.

Chances are, your life hasn't turned out the way you thought it would. Maybe you've gone through seasons of brokenness that made you scratch your head and wonder, Why is this happening to me?  Lysa TerKeurst deeply understands how that feels. But in her study of the Beatitudes in Matthew 5, she found a new way to look at brokenness: as something that makes us all more relatable, more trustworthy and ultimately more like Christ. What if being blessed actually looks more like being broken?  This is an episode you'll want to take notes on, so grab your pen and paper, and press "play."Related Resources:At Proverbs 31 Ministries, we offer professional and biblical training by industry experts for women who are called to write, speak and lead, through our She Speaks Conference and COMPEL Writers Training membership site. Click the links to learn more!Click here to download the transcript for this episode.