How to Start Reading the Bible to Grow Your Relationship with God

Season Finale: How Faith Unlocks the Fruit of the Spirit and the Desires of Your Heart

How Faith Unlocks the Fruit of the Spirit and the Desires of Your Heart In this episode, Sherwanna Livingston explores the deeper spiritual meaning of faith beyond just believing. She unpacks how faith is rooted in unseen substance and how understanding this can transform your relationship with God, your desires, and your manifestations. Key Topics: * The true definition of faith as outlined in Hebrews 11: 1 * The concept of "substance" as the foundation of faith and its spiritual significance * How desires are fruits on a spiritual tree rooted in Christ * The difference between divine manifestation and counterfeit manifestation * The importance of seeking the kingdom of God first * How misplaced pursuit of worldly things can deplete peace and joy * The eternal value of faith rooted in righteousness, peace, and love * Practical steps to align with spiritual faith through intimacy with God Timestamps: 00:00 - Final episode of season 1: trusting God's obedience and purpose 00:42 - Building a deeper relationship with Christ through the podcast 02:05 - Introduction to the episode on faith and its biblical foundation 03:13 - The significance of Hebrews 11 and 1: faith as the substance of things hoped for 04:34 - Understanding "substance" as a foundation that exists unseen 05:48 - The spiritual tree analogy and the fruit of the Spirit as evidence of faith 07:24 - What are you truly seeking in your desires? The fruits of the Spirit versus physical manifestations 08:21 - How spiritual fruits manifest into physical realities through weighty, unseen substance 10:31 - Matthew 6:33 and prioritizing God's kingdom for true provision 11:42 - The difference between God's manifestation and counterfeit manifestations through control or hustle 13:13 - The importance of righteousness, peace, and joy in divine alignment 14:10 - Building on the foundation of eternal, spiritual substance instead of worldly passing things 15:06 - Reflective questions: Why do you desire what you desire? Cultivating true intimacy with God 16:02 - The lasting impact of faith rooted in the spirit compared to temporary worldly possessions 16:39 - Final encouragement to meditate and rest in God's revelation about faith Resources & Links: * Hebrews 11:1 – Bible Gateway [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Hebrews+11%3A1&version=NIV] * Matthew 6:33 – Bible Gateway [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+6%3A33&version=NIV] * John 2 and 1 John 2:17 – Bible Gateway [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+2%3A17&version=NIV], 1+John+2:17 [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+John+2%3A17&version=NIV] Connect with Sherwanna Livingston: * LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/sherwannah] * Twitter [https://twitter.com/sherwannah] Note: This episode emphasizes cultivating spiritual alignment and understanding faith as an eternal substance, urging listeners to seek intimacy with God for true manifestation and fulfillment.

How to Start Reading the Bible to Grow Your Relationship with God

Are you feeling stuck or unsure about how to start or deepen your Bible reading journey? This episode offers practical guidance rooted in spiritual understanding to help you connect more intimately with God through His Word.   In this episode: * How to identify the best starting point in your Bible journey * The importance of understanding the structure and context of Biblical books * The role of the Holy Spirit in giving spiritual revelation and understanding * Practical steps for reading and engaging with Scripture daily * How to journal spiritual revelations and deepen your relationship with God * The significance of approaching the Bible with spiritual eyes, not just intellectual analysis * Personal insights on the patience and love of God reflected in His timing   Timestamps: 00:00 - Why going deeper in reading the Bible matters for your faith 02:21 - Where to start reading the Bible for maximum understanding 04:11 - Why Jesus is the focus for new believers 06:47 - Recognizing the significance of Jesus’ blood and prophecies 08:30 - Understanding the Bible’s structure through real people and historical context 10:08 - Approaching the Bible as a spiritual rather than solely historical text 12:17 - The role of the Holy Spirit in revealing spiritual truths 14:54 - Daily Bible reading cadence and finding your personal rhythm 16:32 - The importance of reading in context, not just isolated verses 18:14 - How the Holy Spirit speaks during Scripture reading and highlights spiritual truths 20:14 - Journaling your spiritual revelations and engaging in prayer 21:55 - Cross-referencing scriptures for deeper understanding 23:54 - The heart of God’s love, mercy, and patience shown through His timing and delays 26:23 - Closing prayer and reflection; sit with the Word and God's presence     Resources & Links:   * Bible Gateway [https://www.biblegateway.com/] — For reading different translations and cross-references * YouVersion Bible App [https://www.youversion.com/the-bible-app/] — For daily reading plans and community engagement   Reflect, journal, and invite the Holy Spirit into your Bible study. Remember, understanding comes through relationship, patience, and spiritual revelation. Your deeper walk with God begins with opening your heart and mind to His Word.

Survival Replaced Self: Why You Don't Know Yourself

In this episode, Sherwanna Livingston explores the internal disconnect high-achieving women experience despite external success, and shares practical steps to reconnect with oneself through spiritual renewal, self-exploration, and joy-filled living. If you're feeling overwhelmed or disconnected, this episode offers insight and encouragement to rediscover your true self.   Key Topics   * The concept of high-functioning women using achievement as a survival mechanism * How external success can mask internal disconnection and burnout * Understanding survival mode and its external appearance versus its hidden toll * The importance of slowing down and being still as a spiritual act * How to access the living water of Jesus for true peace and joy * Practical ways to reconnect with yourself: dancing, nature, travel, and curiosity * The significance of childlike wonder and dependence on God * How renewal shifts you into alignment with your spirit and true self * The role of community, experiences, and exploration in self-discovery * The power of intentional quiet and prayer in healing and renewal   Timestamps   00:00 - Recognizing the disconnect of high-achieving women operating in survival mode 02:21 - How survival becomes a primary strategy for external success 03:46 - The signs of burnout behind achievement and productivity 05:03 - Clarifying what survival mode really looks like 06:12 - The role of people-pleasing and validation in external success 07:23 - The cost of burnout despite visible fruit of labor 08:40 - How adrenaline replaces joy in high-functioning survival tactics 10:12 - Biblical encouragement to be still and trust God’s provision 11:37 - The false perception of needing to control happiness and outcomes 12:45 - God’s promise of living water that sustains beyond busyness 14:28 - The difference between chaos and overwhelm and how to access peace 15:34 - Drawing from the Spirit of God as the true source of lasting joy 17:38 - The importance of stopping and asking yourself: Have I been trying to fix myself? 18:31 - Why true renewal begins with surrender and connection to God 20:33 - The shift from operating from the soul to spirit through renewal 22:43 - Practical ways to enjoy life and reconnect with your authentic self 26:40 - Embracing childlike wonder through dancing, nature, and curiosity 29:08 - The significance of trying new things and embracing vulnerability 31:54 - A personal story of travel, connection, and divine encounter in Cancun 35:29 - The testimony of Jesus saving lives and living abundantly through faith 37:04 - Introducing the Poker Social Experience as a moment of curiosity and connection 37:57 - The necessity of quietness and spiritual renewal before stepping into new experiences 41:44 - Reflective questions to deepen your self-awareness and spiritual connection 43:33 - The invitation to get quiet and listen for God’s guidance in your renewal process   Resources & Links   * John 4:14 (Living Water) [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+4%3A14&version=NIV] * Matthew 11:28 (Come to Me) [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+11%3A28&version=NIV] * 2 Corinthians 5:17 (New Creation) [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2+Corinthians+5%3A17&version=NIV] * Psalm 46:10 (Be Still) [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm+46%3A10&version=NIV] * Her Story Agency (Event Host) ( [https://www.herstory.agency/]if applicable) * Event: Poker Social Experience [https://events.eventnoire.com/e/pokher-social] (Link in show notes) The game of Poker is not a sin. The bible speaks of greed and stewardship so personal conviction is necessary to decide what type of events you would like to attend or activities you engage in.   Connect with Sherwanna * [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/sherwanna.Livingston)   Reflection & Practice   * When was the last time you allowed yourself to enjoy something without expectations? * What simple joys have you been neglecting that could bring you life? * Are you relying on your own effort or drawing from the Spirit for peace?   Remember: True renewal and connection come from surrendering control, getting still, and trusting God's provision. Take time to quiet your mind and listen for His voice.

Learning How to Hear the Voice of God

In this episode, Sherwanna Livingston discusses the importance of learning to hear from God amidst the noise and distractions of the world. She emphasizes that God is always speaking, and it is crucial for individuals to quiet themselves and seek His voice. The conversation covers what needs to happen before one can hear from God, how to recognize His voice, and the significance of obedience in response to His guidance. Sherwanna shares personal experiences and insights on spiritual discernment, encouraging listeners to cultivate a deeper relationship with God through intentional practices.   Keywords hearing from God, spiritual discernment, obedience, faith, prayer, seeking God, understanding God's voice, quiet time, spiritual journey, relationship with God Takeaways God is always speaking; we need to quiet ourselves to hear. Humility and prayer are essential to hearing from God. Seeking truth is a valid journey, even if it leads away from traditional beliefs. God does not judge your journey; He understands your search for truth. Hearing from God requires discernment and understanding His character. Obedience is crucial after hearing from God; it leads to deeper revelations. Hearing from God is not always tied to a positive outcome; it often changes us instead. Your relationship with God grows through obedience and trust. Spiritual discernment develops as you practice listening to God. Removing distractions is key to hearing God more clearly.   Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Hearing from God 02:53 Preparing to Hear God's Voice 11:41 Understanding the Voice of God 23:53 Obedience and Action After Hearing 32:32 Growing in Spiritual Discernment

Embracing Healthy Selfishness: A Path to Self-Love, Balancing it All, and Honoring God with Your Body

In this episode, Sherwanna Livingston discusses the importance of prioritizing oneself, reframing the concept of selfishness, and understanding its biblical foundations. She emphasizes the need for healthy selfishness, self-love, and the myth of balancing everything in life. The conversation explores how to make value-based decisions and leverage resources to create a more peaceful and fulfilling life. Sherwanna encourages listeners to reflect on their patterns of love and self-abandonment, ultimately guiding them to align their lives with God's will.   Keywords selfishness, self-love, personal growth, boundaries, biblical principles, mental health, prioritizing self, value-based decisions, balance, leveraging resources Takeaways * This podcast is a safe space for personal reflection. * Selfishness can be reframed as a necessary act of self-care. * Healthy selfishness is rooted in self-love and prioritizing oneself. * Biblical teachings emphasize the importance of self-love. * Your patterns of love reveal how you treat yourself and others. * Balancing everything is a myth; focus on what truly matters. * Value-based decisions help prioritize what is important in life. * Leverage resources to avoid being the bottleneck in your life. * Self-care is essential for serving others effectively. * Aligning with God's will leads to a more fulfilling life. Sound bites "This has become my safe space." "Balancing it all is a lie." "Get somebody else to do it." Chapters 00:00 Welcome to the New Year: Embracing Change 01:56 The Importance of Being Selfish 03:58 Understanding Healthy vs. Unhealthy Selfishness 05:54 Biblical Foundations of Self-Love 07:43 Self-Love as a Baseline for Loving Others 09:26 Personal Stories of Self-Preservation 11:57 The Myth of Balancing It All 14:25 Value-Based Decision Making 17:03 Leveraging Resources for a Peaceful Life 19:51 Aligning with God's Will 22:13 Final Reflections and Questions for Self-Discovery