#448 Ambassadors for Christ

Ambassadors for Christ What does being an ambassador for Christ involve? Debra L. Butterfield shows the comparison between a US ambassador and an ambassador for Christ. She outlines the purpose and duties to give us a bigger picture of our work for the Lord. God has given us each a unique message to share with the world as His ambassadors. Bio: Debra L. Butterfield is the author of eleven books, a freelance editor, former editorial director of CrossRiver Media Group, and a former copywriter for Focus on the Family. https://www.themotivationaleditor.com/   Resources: If you're ready to take a step of faith and finally finish your book, we have a few ways we can help you.  1. Free Writing Week Challenge: Create a Writing Habit in 15-Minutes a Day Even if you feel overwhelmed or stuck in procrastination, sitting down to write for just 15 minutes a day is the best way to finally reach your writing goals. Most writers think they need hours of uninterrupted time to make progress in their writing. However, in this free challenge, we will show you how much you can accomplish in just 15 minutes of focused writing. Click here to create a consistent writing habit this week.   2. Book Writing Lab Workshop - Map Out Your Book in Just 90 Minutes If over the last year, you've struggled to get your book written, this workshop is for you. Choose your book topic, write an outline, and create a writing plan in just 90-minutes! Finally, feel confident that you will actually finish your book. Get started now for just $27 3. Want More Support? Join Christian Book Academy Most writers stay stuck and never finish their first draft. Inside Christian Book Academy, we help you partner with God to write your book so you can become a published author. Finally, ditch your self-doubt and take a step of faith so you can finish your book. Join Christian Book Academy (coupon code PODCAST) Get 50% off your first month by using the coupon code PODCAST at checkout.

Clinging John 20:11-23 Luke 8:2  Jesus’ words to Mary, “Do not cling to me,” were not a rebuke; rather, they were a comfort that He would be around for a little while longer. Mary’s response to Jesus offers us an opportunity to consider whether we really love Jesus. Are His death and resurrection just historical facts to us? Or, like Mary, do we love Him enough to cling to Him and then fulfill the tasks He has given us? Isn’t it beautiful that the very first person to whom Jesus chooses to appear is not Pilate, not the chief priest, nor Peter or one of the other men, but to a weeping woman with a shady past? And isn’t it exquisite that His first words are not a proclamation of power but a simple, pastoral, and playful question: ‘Why are you crying?’ Mary Magdalene has been referred to as the first apostle to the apostles.  Imagine yourself in that room. How do you feel as Jesus appears? He breaks through locked doors to be with us. He commissions us as His apostles as if we’d never let Him down. He breathes on us and says, ‘Receive the Holy Spirit.’ Closing prayer:  Holy Spirit, breathing deeply now, I receive You joyfully. I relinquish my sense of inadequacy and receive again Your commission to go out through these locked doors, to proclaim that You live, to make disciples, and even to forgive their sins in Your name. 
Amen.   Resources: If you're ready to take a step of faith and finally finish your book, we have a few ways we can help you.  1. Free Writing Week Challenge: Create a Writing Habit in 15-Minutes a Day Even if you feel overwhelmed or stuck in procrastination, sitting down to write for just 15 minutes a day is the best way to finally reach your writing goals. Most writers think they need hours of uninterrupted time to make progress in their writing. However, in this free challenge, we will show you how much you can accomplish in just 15 minutes of focused writing. Click here to create a consistent writing habit this week.   2. Book Writing Lab Workshop - Map Out Your Book in Just 90 Minutes If over the last year, you've struggled to get your book written, this workshop is for you. Choose your book topic, write an outline, and create a writing plan in just 90-minutes! Finally, feel confident that you will actually finish your book. Get started now for just $27 3. Want More Support? Join Christian Book Academy Most writers stay stuck and never finish their first draft. Inside Christian Book Academy, we help you partner with God to write your book so you can become a published author. Finally, ditch your self-doubt and take a step of faith so you can finish your book. Join Christian Book Academy (coupon code PODCAST) Get 50% off your first month by using the coupon code PODCAST at checkout.

Called When did you first feel the nudge to write? Since then, have you ever asked yourself these questions… Am I really called to write? Did I hear God wrong? There are so many other gifted writers out there already. Why should I even bother? God does not limit His message to a select few. We each offer something unique because we are created uniquely in His image. Four Things that confirm our calling to write: 1.) We have a story to share with others. “Come and listen, all you who fear God, and I will tell you what he did for me.” ‭‭Psalms‬ ‭66‬:‭16‬ ‭NLT‬ 2.) The words we write are a light that shines for Christ. “In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.” ‭‭Matthew‬ ‭5‬:‭16‬ ‭NLT‬‬ 3.) The words we write can outlive us and impact those who come behind us. “Let this be recorded for future generations, so that a people not yet born will praise the Lord.” ‭‭Psalms‬ ‭102‬:‭18‬ ‭NLT‬ 4.) There will simply never be enough books written that seek to magnify Jesus. The market cannot be too flooded or saturated with books that lift up Jesus. “Jesus also did many other things. If they were all written down, I suppose the whole world could not contain the books that would be written.” - John‬ ‭21‬:‭25‬ ‭NLT‬‬   Resources: If you're ready to take a step of faith and finally finish your book, we have a few ways we can help you.  1. Free Writing Week Challenge: Create a Writing Habit in 15-Minutes a Day Even if you feel overwhelmed or stuck in procrastination, sitting down to write for just 15 minutes a day is the best way to finally reach your writing goals. Most writers think they need hours of uninterrupted time to make progress in their writing. However, in this free challenge, we will show you how much you can accomplish in just 15 minutes of focused writing. Click here to create a consistent writing habit this week.   2. Book Writing Lab Workshop - Map Out Your Book in Just 90 Minutes If over the last year, you've struggled to get your book written, this workshop is for you. Choose your book topic, write an outline, and create a writing plan in just 90-minutes! Finally, feel confident that you will actually finish your book. Get started now for just $27 3. Want More Support? Join Christian Book Academy Most writers stay stuck and never finish their first draft. Inside Christian Book Academy, we help you partner with God to write your book so you can become a published author. Finally, ditch your self-doubt and take a step of faith so you can finish your book. Join Christian Book Academy (coupon code PODCAST) Get 50% off your first month by using the coupon code PODCAST at checkout.  

Expert Edition - Five Clear Indicators it's Time to Quit and Start Fresh Knowing when it’s time to quit a venture can be tough to determine. In this episode I'll share how to know when it's time to say goodbye to a season via 5 clear indicators. If you’re contemplating a pivotal shift or quitting something to start something new, this episode is for you. My freebie is the Next Steps Chapter & Journaling Guide Paid offer: My book, Empty Nest Awakening; Weaving the Threads of Your Passions into Purpose   About the Author Ruthie Gray is a wife, Gigi, and author, and hosts retreats for empty nest entrepreneurs to determine their next steps in business. Her hobbies include Florida beach walks, RV-ing with hubby, and singing ‘70’s tunes in the pool. Ruthie hosts her own podcast, is the author of Empty Nest Awakening: Weaving the Threads of Your Passions into Purpose, and contributor for the compilation, This Reimagined Empty Nest. Connect with her on Instagram or her website at ruthiegray.com   Website: ruthiegray.com Newsletter download: The Peaceful Mom Collection Instagram: ruthie_gray_author Podcast Recording: 5 Clear Indicators it's Time to Quit and Start Fresh  

Forever Friends A forever friend is someone who is a close and important part of your life, and with whom you share a deep connection.   Characteristics of a forever friend: - Unconditional acceptance: They accept you for who you are, and don't judge you  - Support: They help you through difficult times, and encourage you to love yourself & others.    - Communication: You share your thoughts and feelings with each other  - Conflict resolution: You work together to resolve conflicts and talk about sensitive topics.  Isaiah 41:8-10 V. 8 referenced in James 2:23 John 15:13-16 Implications of this for us as Kingdom Writers David & Jonathan’s Forever Friendship 1 Samuel 18:1, 3-4 2 Samuel 1:25-26  The Robe  Jonathan gave David his robe to symbolize that he was giving David the right to succeed him to the throne.  The Sword  Jonathan gave David his sword to symbolize that he was entrusting David with his authority and means of defense.  The Bow  Jonathan gave David his bow to symbolize that he recognized David's role as a warrior chosen by God.  The Belt  Jonathan gave David his belt to symbolize that he was equipping David for the challenges ahead.  Jonathan's actions also showed that he loved David as his own soul. He took the initiative to establish a foundation for their relationship.   Resources: If you're ready to take a step of faith and finally finish your book we have a few ways we can help you.  1. Free Writing Week Challenge: Create a Writing Habit in 15-Minutes a Day Even if you feel overwhelmed or stuck in procrastination, sitting down to write for just 15 minutes a day is the best way to finally reach your writing goals. Most writers think they need hours of uninterrupted time to make progress in their writing. However, in this free challenge, we will show you how much you can accomplish in just 15 minutes of focused writing. Click here to create a consistent writing habit this week.   2. Book Writing Lab Workshop - Map Out Your Book in Just 90 Minutes If over the last year, you've struggled to get your book written, this workshop is for you. Choose your book topic, write an outline, and create a writing plan in just 90-minutes! Finally, feel confident that you will actually finish your book. Get started now for just $27 3. Want More Support? Join Christian Book Academy Most writers stay stuck and never finish their first draft. Inside Christian Book Academy, we help you partner with God to write your book so you can become a published author. Finally, ditch your self-doubt and take a step of faith so you can finish your book. Join Christian Book Academy (coupon code PODCAST) Get 50% off your first month by using the coupon code PODCAST at checkout.  

Expert Edition - Harness the Power of Prewriting and Brainstorming Ever stare at a blank page, wondering where to start? You’re not alone! Before the words start flowing, the real magic happens in the pre-writing and brainstorming phase. In this episode, we’re diving into powerful strategies to spark creativity, organize your thoughts, and build a strong foundation for your writing—without the overwhelm. I’ll walk you through practical techniques like journaling, free-writing, mind mapping, and the “book sketch” method to help you move from scattered ideas to a clear, inspired vision. Whether you’re writing a book, blog, or devotional, these tools will bring clarity, confidence, and consistency to your writing process. [email protected] : Email me with the subject "transformation tale" to receive your copy of the transformation tale with a pre-filled example. https://www.instagram.com/stephaniemillercoach/ : DM me "transformation tale" to get your copy! https://www.butterfly-beginnings.com/freebie grab the guide to stop self-sabotaging your writing life!   About the Author Stephanie Miller is a multi-published author, speaker, and certified Spiritual Growth Coach and Writing Coach with a heart for inspiring Christian women to reach their full potential. She regularly teaches workshops, speaks at events and has been featured on over 50 podcasts (and counting). Previous published works include The Butterfly Blueprint and several multi-author books. Through her coaching, she has helped many aspiring writers overcome their fears and develop their craft while also growing in their faith. Stephanie enjoys indulging her creative side with painting watercolor and staying active by chasing her three young children around. She and her family live outside of Nashville, Tennessee, along with their two mini-goldendoodles. Connect with her at www.butterfly-beginnings.com, [email protected], and follow her on Instagram and Facebook @stephaniemillercoach.

Overcoming Impossible “I slipped out during the night, taking only a few others with me. I had not told anyone about the plans God had put in my heart for Jerusalem. We took no pack animals with us except the donkey I was riding. After dark I went out through the Valley Gate, past the Jackal’s Well, and over to the Dung Gate to inspect the broken walls and burned gates. Then I went to the Fountain Gate and to the King’s Pool, but my donkey couldn’t get through the rubble.” ‭‭Nehemiah‬ ‭2‬:‭12‬-‭14 -In chapter 2, we read of 43 different groups who took responsibility for a section of the wall. It starts and finishes at the Sheep gate. -2 1/2 miles of wall which translates to 13,200 feet  Expect Opposition “Sanballat was very angry when he learned that we were rebuilding the wall. He flew into a rage and mocked the Jews, saying in front of his friends and the Samarian army officers, “What does this bunch of poor, feeble Jews think they’re doing? Do they think they can build the wall in a single day by just offering a few sacrifices? Do they actually think they can make something of stones from a rubbish heap—and charred ones at that?” Tobiah the Ammonite, who was standing beside him, remarked, “That stone wall would collapse if even a fox walked along the top of it!” ‭‭Nehemiah‬ ‭4‬:‭1‬-‭3‬ ‭ Expect Fatigue “Then the people of Judah began to complain, “The workers are getting tired, and there is so much rubble to be moved. We will never be able to build the wall by ourselves.”” ‭‭Nehemiah‬ ‭4‬:‭10‬ ‭  Expect to finish with God’s help “So on October 2 the wall was finished—just fifty-two days after we had begun. When our enemies and the surrounding nations heard about it, they were frightened and humiliated. They realized this work had been done with the help of our God.” ‭‭Nehemiah‬ ‭6‬:‭15‬-‭16‬ ‭ -What should have taken 10 years to finish, was completed in a mere 52 days. -Hard work by the people + God’s divine protection and empowerment = a victory every time. -There is power in a Spirit-led community of believers-in our case Kingdom Writers-coming together to rebuild what the enemy has broken down.  This is how we overcome impossible!   Resources: If you're ready to take a step of faith and finally finish your book we have a few ways we can help you.  1. Free Writing Week Challenge: Create a Writing Habit in 15-Minutes a Day Even if you feel overwhelmed or stuck in procrastination, sitting down to write for just 15 minutes a day is the best way to finally reach your writing goals. Most writers think they need hours of uninterrupted time to make progress in their writing. However, in this free challenge, we will show you how much you can accomplish in just 15 minutes of focused writing. Click here to create a consistent writing habit this week.   2. Book Writing Lab Workshop - Map Out Your Book in Just 90 Minutes If over the last year, you've struggled to get your book written, this workshop is for you. Choose your book topic, write an outline, and create a writing plan in just 90-minutes! Finally, feel confident that you will actually finish your book. Get started now for just $27 3. Want More Support? Join Christian Book Academy Most writers stay stuck and never finish their first draft. Inside Christian Book Academy, we help you partner with God to write your book so you can become a published author. Finally, ditch your self-doubt and take a step of faith so you can finish your book. Join Christian Book Academy (coupon code PODCAST) Get 50% off your first month by using the coupon code PODCAST at checkout.  

Expert Edition - Writing a Faith-Based Memoir Having just completed my writer's memoir, I have been amazed at how the process strengthened my faith and thankfulness to God for what He has done in my writing life. I would love to engage with writers who would like to write this kind of memoir, and/or those who have a similar story to share. As a small thank you for listening today I’d like to offer you a Free download of my devotional book, Spur of the Moment. Please use coupon code - QGKBB I am also offering a 20% discount on my 5-week Writing Devotionals of Distinction Course. Please email me at [email protected] for more details.   About the Author Marcia Laycock currently has 16 books available on Amazon, including contemporary adult novels, fantasy novels for middle grade readers, devotional books, a book of Christmas stories, a children’s picture book, and most recently, Pond’rings, a writer’s memoir. Find her at https://marcialeelaycock.com and https://marcialeelaycock.substack.com   

Useful Luke 1:5-17 Out of all the thousands of Levites serving in the Temple in the First Century, Zechariah is one of the only ones we know by name. God knew where to find Zechariah. God does not require that we have a big, flashy, well-known life to be significant to Him.  All that matters is what He sees, what He thinks, and how He is pleased with our lives. This is not a flashy, outgoing couple. They are dutifully behind the scenes in their lives. Zechariah and Elizabeth were just a tiny, almost insignificant part of a community of thousands of Levitical priests, grouped into 24 teams that took their turns on duty at the Temple of God. Zechariah was one of 24,000 priests who served 2 weeks each year by rotation. An an aged man, it was a supreme honor given once in a lifetime to serve at the altar of incense. The incense was offered daily before the morning sacrifice at about 9am, and after the evening sacrifice about 3pm in the afternoon. It was probably the evening offering that was assigned to Zechariah.  Application: God knows your address. You can be plain, unknown to most people in the world, never achieving public fame, live as an ordinary person, having a nondescript life and still be living a Spirit-filled life, useful to God.   Resources: If you're ready to take a step of faith and finally finish your book we have a few ways we can help you.  1. Free Writing Week Challenge: Create a Writing Habit in 15-Minutes a Day Even if you feel overwhelmed or stuck in procrastination, sitting down to write for just 15 minutes a day is the best way to finally reach your writing goals. Most writers think they need hours of uninterrupted time to make progress in their writing. However, in this free challenge, we will show you how much you can accomplish in just 15 minutes of focused writing. Click here to create a consistent writing habit this week.   2. Book Writing Lab Workshop - Map Out Your Book in Just 90 Minutes If over the last year, you've struggled to get your book written, this workshop is for you. Choose your book topic, write an outline, and create a writing plan in just 90-minutes! Finally, feel confident that you will actually finish your book. Get started now for just $27 3. Want More Support? Join Christian Book Academy Most writers stay stuck and never finish their first draft. Inside Christian Book Academy, we help you partner with God to write your book so you can become a published author. Finally, ditch your self-doubt and take a step of faith so you can finish your book. Join Christian Book Academy (coupon code PODCAST) Get 50% off your first month by using the coupon code PODCAST at checkout.  

Feeling overwhelmed by life’s demands and wondering when you’ll ever find time to write? In this episode, I share three practical strategies to help you carve out consistent writing time—no matter how busy your season feels. You’ll learn how to shift your mindset, block small chunks of time like non-negotiable appointments, and create accountability to stay on track. Your words matter, and God can multiply even the smallest moments when you take a step of faith. Whether you’re starting fresh or picking up where you left off, this episode will equip you to make real progress on your book this year. Plus, I’ll share how you can join our free Writing Week challenge for the accountability and encouragement you need to keep going. Listen in, take that first step, and trust God with the journey. Your book has a purpose—and it’s time to begin.