Beth Jones International Speaker

You have probably heard about the Asbury revival at Asbury University in Wilmore, Kentucky. Students were gathering in the chapel for a regular chapel service and a few lingered. Then what happened is the presence of God fell upon the students. Services have been ongoing for about 11 days, for 24/7. People have been coming from across the USA and the world to participate in corporate worship, praise, prayer, and repentance. Young people and old are worshiping and praising God and repenting of their sins. It has been amazing to watch, which you can see on YouTube videos. Revival starts with you and me. What needs reviving in your life and in mine? Podcast cover art by Rachel Walker at Unsplash. 

Last night I had a dream that I was an assistant to a pastor at a wedding. I believe the dream is prophetic that Jesus is soon returning and that we're to always be ready for Him. (Revelation 19:7-9, ESV) I believe it also means that we need to serve (assist) God. In the dream, there was a little girl in a pew in front of me. She was pretty and she was smiling. Jesus said in Matthew 19:14, ESV, "...but Jesus said, "Let the little children come to me and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the Kingdom of Heaven." How can we serve God today? Jesus put a towel around His waist and washed each of His disciples' feet at the Last Supper. (John 13) He did this as an example to you and me to serve God and others. Today, who can you and I help, encourage, pray for, give money to, and bless? Podcast cover art: Photo by Katherine Conrad @Unsplash 

What do you want to say yes to in 2023? This was a question that I heard this week on K-Love Radio Station. When K-Love's staff asked their listeners this, the top 3 answers were traveling, friendships, and social activities. What do you want to do this new year? What do you also need to say no to? This is just as important as the yes question. Most of all, what does God want you to say yes to this year (or no to)? Pray and journal about these questions. You might also talk with your spouse, a friend, a therapist, a pastor, or a coach. Start today, right now. Live a life that you love. 

Quotes:

"You can only get more in life by saying yes." (Marshall Sylver)

"Destiny is saying yes to the calling we were born with." (Alberto Villodo)

"The big question is whether you are going to be able to say a hearty yes to your adventure." (Joseph Campbell)

A great Scripture to reflect on is Ephesians 3:20, The Message: "God can do anything, you know --far more than you could ever imagine or guess or request in your wildest dreams! He does it not by pushing us around, but by working with us, His Spirit."

Podcast cover photo by Drahomir Posteby-Mach @Unsplash

Right before the beginning of each year, I pray and ask God for a "one word" as a theme for the new year. I used to do new year's resolutions, but would break them within the first month (or the first week!). My one word for 2023 is "Light." The Scripture verses for this word are Daniel 12:3 and John 1:5. What is your one word for 2023? Do you do new year's resolutions, a one word, or both? Do you create new dreams and new goals? I pray that you have a blessed, exciting, peaceful, joyful, healthy, and prosperous new year and your family! Podcast cover photo by Alexander Andrews @ Unsplash.

Has God ever told you to do something and you disobeyed, from fear, insecurity, pride, or another reason? Jonah did this when God told him to go to the wicked city of Nineveh and preach to them to repent of their sins. Instead of obeying, Jonah ran away from God's presence to board a ship going to Tarshish, and went down to the lowest part of the ship. God sent a great wind on the sea, and there was a tempest, and the ship was about to be broken up due to Jonah's disobedience, risking the lives of the mariners on board. In this episode, I share about this powerful lesson from the book of Jonah. God desires to save and not destroy people. Podcast Cover Art Photo by Gabriel Dizzi @ Unsplash.

Are you a vessel of honor or dishonor? The Bible verse 2 Timothy 2:20-21 tells us that there are vessels for honor and dishonor. As Christian believers, we need to be people of honor, holy and useful for God our Master, prepared for every good work. The word honor means to have a good name or public esteem, to be a person of superior standing (moral excellence), to be trustworthy, reliable, and dependable, to be honest, and to be a person of love because God is love (Love entails honor). Other verses in today's podcast are Hebrews 13:8 (God doesn't change); God doesn't lie (Numbers 23:19); and God is Love (1 John 4:20-21). 

Do you have a dream in your heart, whether big or small? Do you feel that your dream has been delayed? Don't give up; don't stop dreaming! Dream big because we serve a big God! I've been dreaming and praying for over 3 years to travel to Destin beach, Florida. It is the setting for the first fiction book that I wrote called Storm Tossed (available for sale at Amazon). Destin beach is gorgeous with soft, white sand and clear, blue-green water. I just returned from a week-long trip to Destin beach. I desperately needed this time of relaxation after a very stressful year. I had an amazing, fun time and I give Jesus Christ all the praise and glory! In this podcast, I share about my trip there: how I used Uber to get from the airport to my beautiful Air BnB; relaxing on the beach; going to Publix for groceries, bottled water, my chair and mat for the beach; and different restaurants with delicious food. At about the 12 minute mark, I share about praying for the people of Destin and Florida. At about the 15-18 minute marks, I share about witnessing to an Uber driver who was talking about reincarnation and for a sick woman at the Destin airport. I was also able to work on my business of speaking and writing while there. God can make your dreams come true, too. Keep praying and believing! 

Where do we go when we die? Do we have nine lives like they say cats have? Are we reincarnated into a lion, a tiger, an elephant, or something else? Is there nothing and this life is all there is? In the news this week, there have been two famous celebrities who died, actress/singer Olivia Newton John (who co-starred with John Travolta in the 1978 movie hit, Grease), and Nichelle Nichols, who starred in the tv series and subsequent movies, Star Trek. Also, the American actress, voice actress, writer, and producer Anne Heche drove her car at a high speed into a Los Angeles residential house, catching the car and the house on fire. The news reports that the owner of the house narrowly escaped physical harm being a few feet away in the house from the crash. Anne is in the ICU in critical condition in a coma now, with burns that will need surgery and a significant pulmonary injury, requiring mechanical ventilation. So tragic. No matter how wealthy and famous you are, no matter how smart, how much you have accomplished in this world, all men and women are equal before God. One day we will all face God alone in judgment. The only thing that truly matters right now is your relationship with Jesus Christ. Podcast cover image source: Photo by Rebecca Peterson-Hall on Unsplash. 

Did you know that God never intended us to use our spiritual gifts, talents, and skills just for inside the four walls of the Church? He desires that we use them for His glory and to help and bless others out in the marketplace! In this podcast episode, I interview realtor Diane Bishop about God's desire for marketplace ministry. She shares exciting stories of how she and her husband Herb Bishop use their spiritual gifts to advance God's Kingdom in their realtor business. "It's not just about selling houses, but about building relationships," she says. Join me as I interview Diane about her powerful story: a wife in a deeply troubled marriage with four kids, a mentor at church giving her life-giving words of wisdom that turned the trajectory of Diane's life, going through a divorce she didn't want, and finally marrying her soul-mate Herb and them walking in unity, experiencing God's abundant blessings. God wants to powerfully use you and your gifts, too, to make an impact in the marketplace and to shower you with blessings. 

This week I received in the mail a pretty wall decor with an inscription which reads, "Live a great story." On it are two dandelion flowers, with one of the dandelion's seeds blowing in the wind. Wouldn't it be great if it was that easy for our wishes and dreams to come true? What will it take for you and me to live our great story? How will you and I get there? 

Is it sharing with someone about Jesus, leading him or her to salvation? Is it traveling all over the world (my big dream!)? Is it adopting a child (or a pet)? Getting fit and healthy? Creating a ministry for pregnant teens, single moms, or men in prison? Starting a new job or career? Regret or envy are not good life companions. 

We have this one life to live. I have a motto, "Dream big because we serve a big God!" I am living proof of dreams and prayers coming true. Do your dreams; don't wait! 

Psalm 18:24 The Message says, "God rewrote the text of my life when I opened the book of my heart to His eyes." God can rewrite your story in amazing. Let's start now! 

Image cover resource: Etienne Girardet at Unsplash.

What would your best life possible be like? I was listening to K-LOVE Christian radio station in our truck driving one day, when the DJ asked this question. In this episode, I tell about God's calling for me in 1989 during a suicidal depression in Olathe, Kansas, and the Bible chapter He gave me as my life's purpose, Isaiah 61. I also share about what my best life possible is, including spending time with my precious beautiful daughters; my marriage to be happier; divine health for me and my family; my friends; making an eternal impact; and traveling (I share about the different nations where I and my family have been and want to go). What does your best life possible look like?

For the last 9 days, I've been house-sitting and puppy-sitting for our daughter Heather, who drove with her fiance Andy and his 3 kids, Kelsey, Kayden, and Eian from Belton, Missouri (a suburb of Kansas City) to Gulf Shores, Alabama and then Pensacola, Florida, for a beach vacation. Before she left, Heather asked me to house-sit and puppy-sit her mixed breed, female puppy, Angel while they were gone. This saved them a ton of money not having to put Angel in a vet kennel 24/7 for over a week. I did this because I love my daughter Heather so much and I did it as unto the Lord as an act of service. There were many challenges for different reasons, and this was a VERY stressful week. It was a lesson in grace and endurance. But I have no regrets, because Heather really needed this fun vacation and R & R! Listen as I share what happened this week, including the trouble with the puppy eating, a heat advisory all week (and having to keep Angel in the house most of the time), my granddaughter Violet's car battery dying and needing a jump, the garbage disposal breaking and water pouring onto the cabinet floor, and more! Please keep me in your prayers as I am home now and need refilling. I'm praying to go on my own relaxing beach vacation to Destin, Florida soon! 

Several years ago, I noticed someone creating intriguing posts, videos, and live streams on Facebook. She was and is on fire! She is a Christian believer, is beautiful inside and out, encourages me and kicks my butt when needed --she is my business coach, Diane Cunningham Ellis! Listen as Diane shares her mission to inspire women to dream big, catch on fire, and change the world. Diane is a business strategist, coach, speaker, and author. She shares her mishaps, as well as her many wins, on the journey of becoming an entrepreneur---and the importance of not ever quitting if this is your calling! She vulnerably tells pieces of her recovery journey, such as her client committing suicide, the family suing, and Diane losing her counseling license; becoming sober from alcoholism and other addictions; her struggling with money and mindset issues but to go on to create a successful national membership and an elite mastermind inner circle; and more good stuff. Join me and Diane as she moves you with her brave story.

In this encouraging episode, I interview a very special guest - my beautiful, precious sister, Maria Willis. Maria has a Master's degree in Clinical Counseling and is a therapist in Valdosta, Georgia. She has worked for her company for eight years. Maria counsels families, and offers parenting education, substance abuse counseling, domestic violence counseling, and does assessments on clients who are coming into the system. She is employed by a company who works with families who have Child Protective Services involvement. Maria shares how often people who struggle with mental illness/mental health issues feel alone and struggle to reach out for help. She tells the powerful story of counseling a married couple with a strife-filled relationship (who were even cursing each other and throwing things at each other!). The tools Maria gave this couple helped to heal their marriage. Maria also shares why mental illness/mental health issues can stop someone from achieving his/her dreams and God-given purpose. She gives the hope that through faith in Jesus Christ and by using counseling tools, healing is possible and you can reach your dreams and achieve success!

Do you ever feel surrounded? Wondering what in the world is going on here? Whether it's a marriage on the brink of divorce, a prodigal spouse or child, an alcoholic or drug addict in your family, health issues, financial stress, a job loss or unemployment, it seems that so much is happening in your life. In this episode, I share about the crushing and the pressing of grapes in order to make fine wine. When you feel that life is crushing you, remember that God is after something--to make fine wine out of you and your life. The romance movie which I highly recommended on this podcast, showing women stomping and dancing on grapes, is A Walk In The Clouds with Keanu Reeves. The book excerpt that I share about on this podcast is from Crushing: God Turns Pressure Into Power, by T. D. Jakes. The blog post I reference is The Crush is the first step into turning grapes into wine, by Laura Burgess. Scripture: 2 Corinthians 4:7-15 NLT and Isaiah 53:5 NKJV.

One thing I love to get is a knock at the front door and it's the Amazon delivery driver with a package for me! This week I got a package and outside the bubble-wrapped envelope it read, "Knock, knock. I'm here." So cute and creative! This reminded me immediately of the verse in Revelation 3:20, where Jesus is knocking at the door of your heart and wanting to be invited in. Timely words, as I just received texts and emails from my family and my friends with serious prayer requests. Jesus wants you and me to let Him in to help us with our struggles--and to give us the desires of our hearts. 

Welcome to my first podcast at Anchor! My mission is encouraging women to use their spiritual gifts for God's glory, fulfilling their great purpose, and living a life they love. I help aspiring speakers and authors to share their hearts' powerful messages. God wants to use YOU in amazing ways! It is always an exciting adventure with God when we walk in obedience to Him. 

This morning I watched Prophetic Messenger/Bible teacher Kay Nash teach on YouTube, "Find Balance: The Message The Church Needs About Finances." One of the things she said which struck me was, "Dream poverty." Have your dreams died? Do you feel that this is not the life you signed up for and so you have just stopped dreaming? God is the Dream Giver and Dream Fulfiller. He has made my dreams come true and my family's. I'm still dreaming big for 2021 and beyond. What about you? God wants you to dream again. He wants you rich in dreams and all areas of your life. He is the God of the Impossible. We need to walk out those dreams in faith. 2 Corinthians 5:7. 

Our family traveled one weekend to Saint Louis, Missouri, for a fast, fun adventure to see the Arch. It is the tallest man-made monument in the Western Hemisphere, and is Missouri's tallest accessible building, standing at 630 feet high. Our granddaughter Annabelle was scared of heights and was terrified to go to the top. She cried all the way going up in the elevator with us. But when we arrived at the top, she was able to look out the arch's little windows at the river, the skyscrapers, and the landscape. She loved it. She especially loved the little arch souvenir gift we bought her to take home. If you as a writer and/or speaker never face your fears like Annabelle did with her fear of heights, you'll never achieve what God has put in your mind and heart to do - writing and speaking. Don't let fear hinder or stop you. In this episode, I also share about my brand new writers and speakers virtual training coming up in February 2021 to help you write your book(s) and step out speaking. There will be an Early Bird Special rate, so get your spot when it's ready!

Today my friend Elizabeth Zacharias and I went to eat Mexican lunch in Butler, Missouri, where I live. Afterward, we ran errands and stopped by The Carpenter's Cup, the local Christian bookstore. While drinking my cappuccino, I talked with the woman who decorates the window (display) and the store. She shared how thankful she is that God has given her a little piece of His creative gift inside of her. What are your unique spiritual gifts, talents, and skills God has placed inside of you? Now is the time to use them. 

Yesterday I went to my daughter Heather's house to bring pepperoni pizza, chocolate cupcakes, and gifts for a "Back to school" little party. It had been awhile since I'd seen them and I just wanted to let them know I loved them and was thinking about and praying for them. God has given each of us unique spiritual gifts, talents, and skills. Do you know what yours are? Are you using them for Jesus' glory and to make an impact, helping others? In this podcast, I invite you to my Zoom event on Saturday, August 15, at 10:30 a.m. Central Time (11:30 a.m. Eastern Time). It will be a half hour with a power point teaching, delving more into the topic of spiritual gifts. You can download Zoom's software onto your computer or laptop, or get the app on your smart phone.

The info and link are below:

Beth Jones is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.

Topic: What are your spiritual gifts? It's time to use them! Time: Aug 14, 2020 08:30 AM Pacific Time (US and Canada)

Join Zoom Meeting https://us04web.zoom.us/j/3109575004?pwd=VndQVHZGYmV3bWJyNWNyNVlPSVFzdz09

Meeting ID: 310 957 5004 Passcode: Useme

Lately I've been hearing and seeing the word "alignment" a lot. When these types of things happen, I know God is speaking to me and that He is trying to teach me something. First, I look up the definition of the word or words. Then I search for the word, words, or related ideas in the Bible. Jesus is a perfect example of being in alignment with God and His will, when He prayed in the Garden, "Father, if it is Your will, take this cup from Me, nevertheless, not My will, but Yours be done." (Luke 22:42) In this podcast, I delve into the different areas of our lives for us to be aligned with God's will and purpose for our lives. 

The curve is flattening and things are looking more positive now regarding the Coronavirus pandemic and Shelter In Place orders. But the future is uncertain. It's easy to feel scared and worried. If you're a "recovering control freak" like me, you don't like the unknown. There is a lot unknown about this virus. There's also a lot of conspiracy theories and frightening news and videos out there on YouTube about forced vaccines, identifiers, tracers, the mark of the beast, and more. Some political leaders and governors are using this virus for evil purposes to control people, not just for safety purposes. It's hard to know what to believe and who to trust. But there is good news: God does know the future. He has good plans for you and me (Jeremiah 29:11). The best is yet to come (John 2:10). The kingship belongs to the LORD, and He rules over the nations (Psalm 22:8). Tune into this podcast for hope and faith. 

Mother's Day 2020 is Sunday, May 10. Next to my salvation in Jesus Christ, being a mother is the greatest gift God has ever given me. When I was a child, all I wanted to be when I grew up was a mom and a writer. And that is exactly what happened! I have three beautiful, precious daughters--Heather, Eden, and Leah. I'm also the author of 20 books. If I achieved great worldly success, but failed at being a mom, I feel I have done nothing. Washington Irving said, "A mother's love endures through all." This is so true. A mother sacrifices her own sleep, even eating and drinking, to take care of her little baby or child. Being a mom is both the greatest and hardest thing in the world. I've always been an overprotective mom who worries too much--especially now, during the Coronavirus pandemic. But God loves my children even more than I do, and yours as well. Join me as I explore this topic of the beautiful gift of motherhood. 

There is nothing like a good friend! Friendship is a treasured gift. In today's podcast, I share about the topic of different types of friendship in the Bible. I'm also launching my new ebook for Kindle on Amazon, my first children's book that is on the topic of friendship--Nat and Jax: We CAN be friends! It is loosely based on the true story of my adopted black, female cat Natalya ("Nat") and our daughter Leah's black, female cat Jax becoming friends. A quote by Anonymous says, "Life was meant for good friends and great adventures." Proverbs 27:9 reads, "A sweet friendship refreshes the soul." Who are your friends? Who can you become a friend to right now? Right now with the Coronavirus pandemic, people are scared, panicky, frustrated, depressed, and confused. They need hope and encouragement. Be that friend today!

When you read the news or go on social media today, almost all you see is centered around one word: Coronavirus. As of this episode, there are a reported 14,611 deaths world-wide from the virus. In the small, rural town of Butler (a suburb of Kansas City) where I live, people are in fear and are panic-buying toilet paper. Hand sanitizer, canned goods, frozen foods, eggs, bread, and even cat and dog food items are flying off the shelves almost as soon as the employees stock them on the aisles. While I believe the virus is dangerous and we need to use wisdom such as washing our hands, I do think the media is hyping this to create panic. God is bigger than this virus and the blood of Jesus is more powerful. In today's podcast, I share a Scripture to encourage you and give you hope: Psalm 46:10. "Be still and know that I am God." You don't have to be afraid. Trust God, for He is faithful and good. 

As believers in Jesus Christ and in the days we're now living in, we need God's wisdom to be our GPS, to guide us and helping us with daily decisions. James 1:5 teaches us to ask God for generous wisdom. When God asked King Solomon one night what he desired, instead of asking for riches or the life of his enemies, Solomon requested wisdom and discernment to rule the people of Israel. God was pleased with this request and gave him wisdom such as no king before him had ever had, or any king of his day. In this episode, I share 7 tips for living a life of wisdom. 

As I sat this morning in my pink, polka-dot pajamas and drinking my creamy, hot coffee, I prayed and thought about the upcoming year 2020. The Bible says in Proverbs 16:9 that we can make our plans, but God directs our steps. I had big, exciting, new plans for 2020 as I do before every new year, but my plans were changed. Our daughter Leah fell on the ice and snow in the driveway at her house, and it broke the fibula in her right ankle! The orthopedic doctor recommended surgery. After doing research, Leah found out this is the common treatment for her injury, a spiral fracture. She is now waiting on a call from the surgery nurse to schedule it. My #1 priority for the new year is to help our daughter as much as possible. Nothing else matters right now! Please pray for Leah's complete, speedy healing. Have your plans for the new year been changed, too? Don't be afraid, because He is a good God! As we look to God, obeying and trusting Him daily, we will experience His many blessings this coming year. God has already gone ahead of us into 2020, and has good plans for you, Leah, and me!

What do you need help with in your life right now? Finances? A troubled marriage? A prodigal spouse or child? Health issues? A toxic, narcissistic relationship with a family member, in-law, neighbor, or friend? Problems at work with your boss, a co-worker, or customers? Whatever it is, God is here for you. He loves you and wants to help you. Today I share a reading from Melody Beattie's book, The Language of Letting Go. The very hard lesson God has been teaching me this year is learning to let go and let God, trusting Him. I have cried so many tears, but I simply need to let go and trust Him--and ask for God's help. God is your and my Helper. 

Our daughter Leah just moved out of our house to be close to her new job as assistant baker in another city, about an hour north of us. This week God is teaching me the hard lesson of letting go. I've also been cleaning, organizing, and de-cluttering my home and office. It is so freeing. Right now it is fall in Missouri. It is cooler and the trees' leaves are turning glorious shades of orange, yellow, red, and brown. There is a powerful quote: "Autumn shows us how beautiful it is to let things go." We need to let go and let God, trusting Him with people and things in our lives. Who or what do you need to let go of? 

Do you have quiet time with God each day? Each morning after breakfast, Beth Jones drinks a hot, creamy cup of coffee, prays, and reads the Bible. She calls this her "Coffee with God" time. This is not a rigid, religious ritual, but a relaxing time to spend time with God to hear His still, small voice and to get His wisdom and direction for the busy, hectic day ahead. You don't have to spend hours to do this, and it doesn't have to be early in the morning. It can be any time, day or night. You can include worship and praise, journaling, making a to-do list, and even jump start your speaking and writing. Be encouraged by Beth for God to become your daily GPS on this exciting, sometimes scary, adventure called life. 

Do you struggle with your thought life or the words of your mouth like I do? I think Speaker and Author Joyce Meyer may have written her book, Me and My Big Mouth, just for me! Words are powerful. They can encourage and bring hope, or they can tear down and destroy. God Himself created the world with His words. You and I are made in His image, so our words are powerful, too. As speakers and writers, our words matter. They have influence. Be encouraged and inspired in today's podcast that each word you speak and write is a beautiful gift. Find out where Beth Jones will be speaking next on this topic.

I saw a sign in town the other day which read, “Try to be worth following instead of trying to be well-known.” More importantly, you and I should try to make Jesus inside us well-known. You and I are His letter to a dark, lost world. We make Him known by operating in the fruit of the Spirit, being humble, and walking in His purpose and our calling. Join Speaker/Author Beth Jones as she shares how you and I can be Christ's ambassador, letting His light shine through us to others. 

What do you have faith for today? Do you believe you'll receive it? God wants to give you the desires of your heart! It is faith that pleases Him. I've been praying for years to go to Ireland. Recently God answered that huge prayer and dream, and I flew to the Republic of Ireland with our precious, beautiful daughter Leah, who wanted to go, too. Ireland is gorgeous and was amazing! God is so good. He wants to answer your prayers, too. In this episode, be encouraged that God will reward your faith in Him.

Happy Independence Day! Have a fun and safe one with your family. In this short episode, Beth Jones prays for our nation America. II Chronicles 7:14 says, "If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land."

"Neither the sun nor death can be looked at steadily."--Francoise de La Rochefoucauld. Successful New York Fashion Designer Kate Spade, 55, was found dead two days later in her New York apartment by her housekeeper, by an alleged suicide. Kate and her husband Andy created a mult-million dollar empire with their handbag company, Kate Spade. In 2016 she returned from a decade long hiatus to launch Frances Valentine, an accessories line named after her daughter and changed her name to Kate Valentine. Her husband Andy said she had struggled with depression and anxiety for five years, was under a doctor's care, and was on medication trying to heal, but "she battled personal demons." Her sister believed she had bipolar disorder. The news of Kate's tragic death has caused social media to blow up. In this podcast, I share about my own struggles with suicidality and attempts and panic attacks and the healing, delivering power of Jesus Christ. I share about the need to shatter the stigma of mental illness and mental disorders and to reach out to the hurting or to ask for help if you are depressed and suicidal. #shatterthestigma #mentalhealthawareness #katespade

Is the seed in your heart growing and producing a harvest of righteousness? What kind of soil does your heart have? Recently I changed the theme on my website at BethJones.net, and the header has a beautfiul sunflower picture. Sunflowers have many seeds and there are some fascinating facts about sunflowers. One is that sunflowers track the sun, following the sun across the sky as the earth moves each day. Sunflowers always face the light. Even as sunflowers follow the sun and the light, may we as believers follow the Son and the Light, Jesus. In this podcast, I share about Jesus' parable on the farmer scattering the seed. What kind of soil is in your heart? Is the seed bearing fruit, or have the enemy Satan, distractions, and the cares of this worlder stolen the seed and choked it out? Consider and pray if your heart's soil is fertible, ready to receive and grow God's word to produce an abundant harvest of righteousness. Remember to sow good seed iday and night nto the life of others, sharing your love, spiritual gifts, time, money, and efforts. Luke 8:4-15 and Ecclesiastes 11:6 are the main scriptures for today's study.

Do you need hope? Have you ever felt I-just-can't-take-this-kind-of-pain despair? Join speaker/author Beth Jones as she encourages you that through fatih in Jesus Christ, there is always hope. There are times in your life that are so dark, it looks impossible for anything to change. But hope and faith believe even in the dark. Hope is very important to your success, health, and happiness. "Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not being seen." (Hebrews 11:1)

Have you ever been criticized by someone? Have you ever been insulted for your faith in Jesus? Recently someone overheard a conversation where two people were talking about me. They said, "Beth talks about Jesus too much." The conversation took me aback, as I thought at least one of the people liked me. But it's not my job for people to like me. It's my job to please God and glorify Jesus Christ. The good news is that if you are being insulted and persecuted for your faith in Jesus, the Bible says you are blessed. (Matthew 5:11, NIV) In this episode, I also share about my new ebook for the Kindle at Amazon, Metamorphosis: Transformed From Hate to Love. I share transparently about my life-long struggle with hatred. God is love and He wants us to unconditionally love Him and people, not hate. He will teach you and me how to love others. In this ebook, I share how to overcome hate if you battle this. You can find out more about this book on Amazon. 

Have you ever had a family member or a friend visit and you were so excited that you just wanted to shout? Today is Palm Sunday, the day Christian believers celebrate Jesus' triumphant entry into Jerusalem. I want to encourage you this Easter week to reflect on all that God has done for you and His promises to you of what He's going to do in your life. Jesus came to set you and me free from sin, sickness, poverty, loneliness, marriage difficulties, financial struggles, business and ministry problems, unhappiness, depression, stress, worry, fear, confusion, isolation, and so much more. Have you ever seen a worried, scared, stressed-out, depressed, angry butterfly? No. They are happy and free. This is what God desires for you and me--to soar free. In this episode, I  also share about Shelley Hitz's 7-Day Writing Week challenge which I just joined and which starts March 26 (doors close at midnight March 25). It is absolutely free and God's anointing is on Shelley to lead us writers to write (or finish) our books! You can find out more at writingweek.com.  I also talk about my new non-fiction book in the Metamorphosis series, Transformed From Hate to Love, about my life-long struggle with hate, which will ve available Easter weekend for the Kindle on Amazon. God wants to teach you and me how to love Him, others, and ourselves. 

Recently I was chatting with a friend who is excited about nearing the completion of writing and publishing her first book. But she also shared how lately she has felt fatigued and wondered if it is related to spiritual warfare. In this podcast, I share that there is spiritual warfare over your writing. The spiritual realm is real and we must use spiritual weapons to defeat Satan. That is why you struggle with procrastination, perfectionism, distractions, busyness, laziness, suddenly wanting to eat junk food or do a movie binge, clean, or any number of things that hinder or stop you from writing! God has given you a talent and ability to write, which is a precious gift. The enemy Satan doesn't want you to write, because it's a threat to his kingdom of darkness. He knows that God gave you this gift to write for His glory and to help others. Be encouraged and empowered to keep writing!

What is your name? Why did your parents or caregiver give you the name you have? What is its origin and meaning? Names are important. God has many names, too. His names reflect not only His identity and that specific name's function, but His good character--who He really is. In this podcast, Beth Jones shares about the importance and significance of your name and God's different names. Her newest book, the third and final book in The Cinderella Story triology series, is available now for sale at Amzon. It is called The Cinderella Story: The Power of Names, and explores this topic of the power of your and God's names. 

Are you under fire right now, being judged, criticized, and accused, even by those in your own family or friends? I am, too! The woman with the alabaster jar who poured out the expensive, fragrant perfume on Jesus' head was criticized, too. Yet Jesus said she had done a beautiful thing. If you weren't a threat to the enemy Satan, he wouldn't be attacking you so hard. Join me for this encouraging podcast on Matthew 26:6-13, on the woman with the alabaster jar who poured out her perfume and herself as an act of worship to God. 

Today in Butler, Missouri, we had a sudden thunderstorm, like I used to experience living in Georgia and Florida. In the south, bad thunderstorms happen very suddenly. There's lightning, thunder, and hard rain. And just as suddenly, it stops. Afterward, everything looks so fresh: the emerald green grass, the tree's leaves, and the beautiful flowers. In today's podcast, I share from Acts 3:19-21 NIV. God wants you to repent of your sin so that you can experience times of refreshing: the abundant life Jesus purchased for you on the Cross and promises you. 

Today my husband Ray, a paramedic at the hospital in town, texted me that a woman I met several years ago at church and connected with in heart, was in the hospital and had asked for me to come pray for her. She had gotten involved with the wrong crowd and gone on the wrong path. She had been diagnosed by the doctor with a deadly disease, besides her ongoing battle with drug addiction and using meth. The Bible verse God gave me as I was praying at home for her was John 5:6, NLT: "When Jesus saw him and knew he had been ill for a long time, he asked him, “Would you like to get well?” I visited this woman today in the hospital, gave her a card and a little gift, and asked her this challenging question. Then I prayed for her miraculous healing and deliverance. Do you want to be well? Whatever is troubling you right now--a marriage on the verge of divorce, a troubled relationship with your kids, parents, in-laws, coworkers, boss, or someone else, financial struggles, health issues, losing your home or car, your failing ministry--Jesus can do an instant miracle as He did for this man, who laid by the pool of Bethesda for 38 long years. Jesus can do this for my friend in the hospital today, too. Ask God in faith for your miracle today.

There is a true story of a woman, Brenda, who was scared to climb a mountain, but she faced her fears, put on her gear, and began climbing. During a breather time, her safety rope snapped against her eye and popped out her contact lens. She looked everywhere, but it was nowhere to be found. Brenda, feeling desperate and upset, prayed to God to help her find it so she could see clearly. When her group came down the trail on the cliff, a new party of climbers were starting up the mountain and one called, "Hey you guys! Anybody lose a contact lens?" This in itself would have been amazing, but the climber found an ant carrying it on its back across the rock. Brenda's father was a cartoonist and when she told him the story, he drew a cute cartoon of an ant carrying a contact lens with these words: "Lord, I don't know why You want me to carry this thing. I can't eat it, and it's awfully heavy. But if this is what You want me to do, I'll carry it for You." It would probably do some of us a lot of good to occasionally say, "God, I don't know why you want me to carry this load. I can see no good in it and it's awfully heavy. But, if you want me to carry it, I will." God wants us to have faith and trust Him, but He also expects legwork--our practical actions to carry out His purpose and to answer our prayers. In this purpose, Beth delves into how fatih without works is dead.

As 2016 wraps up and you and I enter the new year 2017, I encourage you to ask yourself this question: what did you learn? As speaker/author Joyce Meyer shared in her Winter 2017 magazine, "Teaching moments help us move forward." In this podcast, I share 5 lessons from the cherry tree to help you move forward and beautifully blossom in the coming year. Cherry trees are hard to grow and thrive, only blossom for one to two weeks, but once they bloom they are beautiful. I recently installed a new theme at my website at BethJones.net. The picture on the home page is of a cherry tree. In 2017 let's you and me blossom and thrive through the power of Christ. 

Do you live an on-purpose, intentional life? This week I was struggling with some things in my life and my sister Maria encouraged me with two words that God had given her recently: "on purpose." We have to do things on purpose to improve our lives--living intentionally--such as our health or money management. What can you do to make things even a little better in your life? We can't control other people, but we can control ourselves. She encouraged me, and I encourage you, to identify 3 things that have improved over the last month. Then identify 3 things I can do---and you can do---to improve things even a little. Live your life on purpose for God.

What are you struggling with in your life right now? Shame, fear, anger, depression, hopelessness, worry, stress, unforgiveness, jealousy, pride, blame, bitterness, envy, unbelief? Maybe the holidays aren't a good and happy time for you and your family like they are for others. You may have experienced the death of a loved one, are divorced or separated, feel all alone, you and your spouse fight during the holidays, or you're a single mom who can't afford to buy her kids nice gifts like you'd love to do. Whatever your struggle is, Jesus is the answer. Today's podcast is on Luke 13:10-17, NLT, the woman who was bent over whom Jesus healed with one word and touch.

I saw a sign in town the other day that said, "Hustle and heart set you apart," and it really resonated with me. The Bible has much to say about the word "work," as well as the word "heart." I believe God is the one who puts those big dreams in your heart and mine, but He also expects us to do the legwork--to "hustle" and get it done. The word "hustle" according to the Urban Dictionary online means "anything you need to do to make money" or "to be aggressive in business or other financial dealings, to move or work in a quick and energetic way." We can take a lesson from the ant. Proverbs 6:6, NLT, says, "Take a lesson from the ants, you lazybones. Learn from their ways and become wise!" Have you ever seen a lazy ant? Ants don't stay still; they are always busy working. They know winter is coming and they store up during the summer to be ready. Today's podcast encourages you to get your hustle on and to fulfill the dreams and goals in your heart.