ABOUT MARRIAGE

What To Do Before You Say I Do Part 1

TEACHABLE WOMAN PODCAST EPISODE: WHAT TO DO BEFORE YOU SAY "I DO" Featuring Rev. Michele Owes & Rev. Diana P. Cherry INTRODUCTION In this special episode of the Teachable Woman Podcast, Rev. Michele Owes sits down with Rev. Diana P. Cherry to discuss the completion of her upcoming book, What To Do Before You Say "I Do." With wedding season in full swing, they explore the biblical foundation of marriage, the importance of personal preparation before entering a lifelong covenant, and practical wisdom for building healthy, God-centered relationships. Whether you're single, engaged, newly married, or have been married for years, this conversation offers timeless principles rooted in Scripture. EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS 1. MARRIAGE BEGINS WITH GOD'S DESIGN Before discussing relationships, Rev. Cherry takes listeners back to Genesis, emphasizing that marriage is God's institution. Understanding God's original intent for mankind provides the foundation for understanding His purpose for marriage. 2. PREPARATION COMES BEFORE COMMITMENT One of the central themes of the episode is that saying "I do" should never come before personal preparation. Spiritual maturity, self-examination, wisdom, understanding, teachability, and realistic expectations are essential before entering marriage. 3. IDENTITY MATTERS The discussion highlights the importance of understanding who God created us to be before entering a marriage covenant. Rev. Cherry explains her book's biblical perspective on creation, identity, and God's design for male and female while encouraging listeners to seek truth through Scripture. 4. MARRIAGE DOESN'T FIX PERSONAL PROBLEMS The hosts remind listeners that unresolved issues do not disappear after the wedding. Instead, marriage often magnifies habits, character flaws, and expectations. They encourage honest introspection before marriage rather than expecting a spouse to change afterward. 5. HEALTHY MARRIAGES REQUIRE GRACE—AND FUN Marriage is serious, but it should also be enjoyable. The conversation includes humorous real-life examples showing how small habits can become major irritations if left unaddressed. Laughter, grace, kindness, and the ability to enjoy one another are presented as important ingredients for a lasting marriage. 6. INTIMACY IS PART OF GOD'S GOOD DESIGN Rev. Cherry and Rev. Owes discuss intimacy from a biblical perspective, emphasizing that physical intimacy within marriage is God's idea and should be enjoyed with love, respect, and mutual care. They also encourage couples to intentionally invest time in nurturing their relationship. 7. IT'S NEVER TOO LATE TO STRENGTHEN YOUR MARRIAGE Even if a couple entered marriage without premarital counseling or proper preparation, growth is still possible. The hosts encourage married couples to begin applying biblical principles today, reminding listeners that healthy marriages are built through continual learning, intentionality, and God's grace. SUMMARY This episode offers a thoughtful preview of Rev. Diana P. Cherry's upcoming book, What To Do Before You Say "I Do." From God's original design for humanity to practical advice on preparation, expectations, communication, intimacy, and maintaining joy in marriage, the conversation provides biblical encouragement for every stage of the relationship journey. Whether preparing for marriage or seeking to strengthen an existing one, listeners are reminded that God's plan remains the surest foundation for a healthy, thriving marriage. Listen in, be encouraged, and join us next week as we continue exploring the principles found in this exciting new book.

Confidence - Part 4

TEACHABLE WOMAN PODCAST – CONFIDENCE (PART 4) Hosts: Rev. Michele Owes & Rev. Diana P. Cherry INTRODUCTION In Part 4 of the Confidence series, Rev. Michele Owes and Rev. Diana P. Cherry continue exploring what biblical confidence truly means. Rather than placing confidence in personal abilities or self-sufficiency, they encourage listeners to trust completely in God, who begins every good work and faithfully completes it. Through Scripture, personal testimonies, and practical examples, they remind believers that confidence is found in God's presence, His promises, and His ongoing work in our lives. SHOW NOTES 1. TRUE CONFIDENCE IS CONFIDENCE IN GOD—NOT OURSELVES. The hosts revisit the central theme of the series by explaining that biblical confidence is an assurance rooted in God's faithfulness rather than personal achievement. Drawing from Philippians 1:6, they emphasize that God is the One who begins, sustains, and completes every good work in His children. While God gives believers gifts and abilities, all glory belongs to Him. 2. THE HOLY SPIRIT IS OUR CONSTANT HELPER. Rev. Cherry shares personal stories about relying on the Holy Spirit in everyday life—from finding misplaced items to seeking guidance in ordinary decisions. These simple experiences demonstrate that God is deeply involved in every aspect of life and delights in helping His children when they ask. Confidence grows as believers learn to depend on the Holy Spirit daily. 3. PRAYER ACCOMPLISHES WHAT HUMAN EFFORT CANNOT. Rev. Owes reflects on a situation involving conflict between two people. After attempting to resolve the issue herself, she ultimately surrendered it to God in prayer. God brought about a resolution that exceeded anything she could have accomplished. The discussion encourages listeners to take problems to God first instead of relying solely on personal wisdom or effort. 4. DON'T QUIT THE GOOD WORK GOD HAS CALLED YOU TO DO. Whether facing challenges in family, education, ministry, career, or relationships, the hosts encourage listeners to persevere. God did not bring His people this far to abandon them. Because He is both the Author and Finisher of their faith, believers can trust Him to provide strength, wisdom, and endurance until the work is complete. 5. MARY AND MARTHA ILLUSTRATE THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN BEING BUSY AND BEING SPIRITUALLY NOURISHED. Using Luke 10:38–42, Rev. Owes highlights Mary's decision to sit at Jesus' feet instead of becoming consumed with household responsibilities. While Martha focused on serving, Mary chose "the good part" by spending time in Christ's presence. The conversation reminds listeners that while responsibilities matter, intimacy with Jesus must always remain the priority because it produces lasting spiritual confidence. 6. CHOOSING STILLNESS ALLOWS GOD TO DIRECT OUR STEPS. The hosts discuss the importance of pausing before reacting, speaking, or making decisions. Sometimes confidence means remaining quiet, seeking God's direction, and allowing Him to work instead of trying to control every situation. As believers acknowledge God in all their ways, He faithfully leads, guides, and directs their paths. 7. CONFIDENCE GROWS THROUGH CONTINUAL FELLOWSHIP WITH GOD. The episode concludes by encouraging believers to return to the childlike dependence they had when they first came to Christ. Through prayer, Scripture, worship, old hymns, and daily fellowship with the Holy Spirit, believers can maintain unwavering confidence that God will never leave or forsake them. The more they rely on Him, the stronger their confidence becomes. SUMMARY This episode reminds listeners that lasting confidence is never rooted in self-confidence but in complete trust in God. He is the One who begins every good work, equips His people through the Holy Spirit, hears every prayer, and faithfully brings His purposes to completion. By choosing God's presence over distraction, surrendering life's burdens to Him, and relying on His guidance each day, believers can live with unwavering confidence that He is always working on their behalf.

Confidence Part 3

TEACHABLE WOMAN PODCAST CONFIDENCE – PART 3 Hosts: Rev. Michele Owes & Rev. Diana P. Cherry INTRODUCTION In Part 3 of the Confidence series, Rev. Michele Owes and Rev. Diana P. Cherry continue exploring what it means to have true confidence—not in ourselves, but in God. Drawing from Hebrews and 1 John, they remind listeners that biblical confidence is rooted in trusting God's character, obeying His will, and remaining steadfast through every season of life. Whether facing uncertainty, silence from God, or life's unexpected challenges, believers are encouraged to examine their hearts, remain still, and confidently trust that God is always working for their good. 1. TRUE CONFIDENCE IS CONFIDENCE IN GOD Key Scriptures: Hebrews 3:14; 1 John 5:14 * God calls believers to hold "the beginning of our confidence steadfast unto the end." * Biblical confidence is centered on God's faithfulness—not personal ability or self-reliance. * Self-confidence that excludes God often becomes pride, arrogance, and overconfidence. * We can ask confidently according to God's will because He hears us. Key Takeaway: Confidence begins and ends with trusting God rather than trusting ourselves. 2. EXAMINE YOUR HEART WHEN YOUR CONFIDENCE WAVERS Key Scripture: 1 John 3:19–22 * When our confidence in God weakens, God has not changed. * Our hearts may be condemning us or revealing areas where we have drifted. * Instead of blaming God, believers should honestly examine themselves. * Confidence grows as we keep God's commandments and seek to please Him. Key Takeaway: If your confidence feels shaky, examine your heart before questioning God's faithfulness. 3. DON'T SOLVE LIFE WITHOUT ASKING GOD FIRST * Life presents challenges we cannot solve through human reasoning alone. * It's easy to assume we know how to handle situations without consulting God. * God's thoughts and ways are higher than ours. * Trying to work everything out ourselves often leads to unnecessary frustration, wasted energy, and disappointment. Key Takeaway: Begin every challenge by asking: * "Lord, what do You want me to do?" * "How do You want me to handle this?" God's solution is always better than our own. 4. CONFIDENCE MEANS TRUSTING GOD EVEN WHEN HE IS SILENT One of the most encouraging lessons discussed came from notes of a message titled "It's a Good Thing." The message taught that it is: * Good when life is pleasant. * Good when life is difficult. * Good during unpleasant seasons. * Even good when God seems silent. When God is silent: * He still sees. * He still hears. * He is still working. Our responsibility is to: * Be still. * Be patient. * Be hopeful. Key Takeaway: God's silence never means God's absence. 5. ENCOURAGE YOURSELF WHILE YOU WAIT Waiting is often the hardest part of faith. Like David, believers must sometimes encourage themselves in the Lord by reminding themselves: * God has never failed. * God has never forsaken us. * God is working everything together for our good. * His track record is perfect. * He will move at the right time. Sometimes faith requires preaching God's promises back to yourself until your heart rests in Him. Key Takeaway: Confidence often grows through speaking God's truth to yourself while waiting. 6. TRUST GOD IN EVERY SEASON OF LIFE The hosts reflected on their own experiences as widows and ministers. Regardless of whether someone is: * Married * Single * Widowed * Divorced * Employed * Unemployed * Successful * Facing hardship Everyone still needs God. Challenges come in every stage of life, and every obstacle prepares believers for the next season of growth. The hosts also cautioned that prosperity can become just as dangerous as hardship if it causes us to forget God. Key Takeaway: Our circumstances should never determine our confidence—our confidence must always remain in God. 7. PRAY FOR GOD'S WILL ABOVE YOUR OWN Returning to 1 John 5:14, the hosts connected confidence with praying according to God's will. They encouraged listeners to pray: > "Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done." Giving God permission to work means accepting that His answer may differ from our expectations. God may: * Delay an answer. * Redirect our plans. * Prepare us for something greater. * Bless us in ways we never imagined. Proverbs 3 reminds believers to acknowledge God in every area of life, trusting Him to direct every path. Key Takeaway: The greatest confidence comes from knowing God's will is always better than our own. SUMMARY Confidence is not self-assurance—it is unwavering trust in the unchanging character of God. When life becomes uncertain, believers are called to examine their hearts, seek God's direction before acting, remain still during seasons of silence, and encourage themselves with His promises. Every circumstance, whether joyful or difficult, is an opportunity to deepen faith and rely on God's wisdom rather than personal understanding. As we acknowledge Him in all our ways and pray according to His will, we can confidently believe that He is working everything together for our good. The challenge is simple but profound: Be still. Be patient. Be hopeful. Keep your confidence firmly anchored in God because He has never changed and never will.

The Beginning of Our Confidence - Part 2

PODCAST NOTES: THE BEGINNING OF YOUR CONFIDENCE – PART 2 Teachable Woman Podcast with Rev. Michele Owes & Rev. Diana P. Cherry INTRODUCTION In this episode, Rev. Michele Owes and Rev. Diana P. Cherry continue their discussion on “The Beginning of Your Confidence”, focusing on Hebrews 3:14 and the importance of maintaining the same confidence in Christ that we had when we first believed. They challenge listeners to examine their spiritual walk, identify areas where confidence may have shifted from God to self, and return to the wholehearted trust and dependence that marked the beginning of their faith journey. 1. EXAMINE THE BEGINNING OF YOUR CONFIDENCE Key Scripture: Hebrews 3:14 – “For we are made partakers of Christ, if we hold the beginning of our confidence steadfast unto the end.” * Take time to remember how your relationship with Christ began. * Reflect on God's faithfulness during the early days of your salvation. * Consider how easily you trusted God before life's responsibilities and achievements accumulated. * Compare your confidence in God then to your confidence in Him now. * Ask yourself: Have I maintained that same trust and dependence on God? Takeaway: Spiritual growth begins with honest self-examination. 2. ARE YOU STILL TEACHABLE? Rev. Cherry opens with an important challenge: * Are you receiving and applying what God is teaching you? * Hearing truth is not enough; transformation comes through obedience. * It is easy to become distracted by daily life and lose sight of the centrality of Jesus. * Apart from Christ, we can do nothing and are nothing. Takeaway: A teachable spirit remains open to correction, growth, and God's direction. 3. CONFIDENCE MUST REMAIN IN GOD, NOT IN OURSELVES The hosts discuss how confidence can subtly shift: * Successes, accomplishments, certifications, and recognition can create self-reliance. * Small victories may tempt us to believe we can manage life without seeking God's direction. * What begins as natural decision-making can become operating from personal confidence rather than dependence on God. * Even good intentions can lead us into situations God never intended us to carry alone. Takeaway: The danger is not always rebellion; sometimes it is slowly replacing confidence in God with confidence in ourselves. 4. THE ENEMY WORKS THROUGH SUBTLE SHIFTS Rev. Cherry emphasizes that Satan's strategy is often gradual. * Spiritual decline rarely happens all at once. * Small compromises and "slippages" weaken steadfastness. * The enemy understands how to pull believers off course through subtle distractions. * Believers must know their strengths and weaknesses and remain vigilant. The hosts note that weakness is not always obvious sin—it can be overestimating our own strength and abilities. Takeaway: Remaining steadfast requires spiritual awareness and humility. 5. CONFIDENCE PRODUCES HOPE AND EXPECTATION The discussion moves to biblical hope. Three definitions of hope highlighted in the episode: 1. A happy anticipation of good. 2. What we fully expect to receive. 3. Confidence in the outcome. Important truths: * Hope is not wishful thinking. * Hope and confidence are connected. * Believers can trust God's outcome even when circumstances seem uncertain. * God is always working on behalf of His people. Takeaway: Biblical hope rests on confidence in God's character and promises. 6. DON'T CAST AWAY YOUR CONFIDENCE Key Scripture: Hebrews 10:35–36 "Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompense of reward." The hosts explain: * Confidence carries rewards. * Losing confidence can affect our participation in God's purposes. * Patience is necessary after doing God's will. * God's timing is often different from our expectations. * Trusting God means waiting for His promises without abandoning faith. To return to the beginning of our confidence: * Remember where you started. * Repent for areas where trust has shifted. * Return to spiritual disciplines that once strengthened your faith: * Prayer * Quiet time with God * Church attendance * Bible study * Giving * Witnessing Takeaway: Confidence grows when we intentionally return to the practices that nurtured our relationship with God. 7. RETURN TO YOUR FIRST LOVE AND DEPENDENCE ON GOD The hosts stress that all accomplishments ultimately come from God. * Degrees, awards, promotions, and achievements are gifts God enables. * Human accomplishments should never replace dependence on God. * God often equips believers to serve others, not simply to profit personally. * Every gift and ability should be submitted to God's purpose. Rev. Cherry shares how aging has increased her awareness of her need for God: * Thanking Him for daily abilities. * Living in continual prayer. * Depending on Him for guidance, protection, and provision. Rev. Owes reflects that she actually liked herself better at the beginning of her confidence because she worried less and trusted God more completely. Takeaway: The goal is not perfection but returning to childlike trust and dependence on God. SUMMARY This episode challenges believers to revisit the confidence they had when they first came to Christ. Rev. Owes and Rev. Cherry teach that spiritual confidence is not confidence in our abilities, accomplishments, or circumstances, but confidence in God alone. Through subtle shifts, believers can become self-reliant and drift from their original dependence on Him. By remembering God's faithfulness, repenting of misplaced trust, renewing spiritual disciplines, and maintaining steadfast confidence until the end, believers can experience the rewards and peace that come from walking closely with God. Final Encouragement: "Take me back, dear Lord, to where I first believed." Return to the beginning of your confidence, trust God completely, and hold that confidence steadfast to the end.

The Beginning of Our Confidence - Part 1

TEACHABLE WOMAN PODCAST THE BEGINNING OF YOUR CONFIDENCE – PART 1 Hosts: Rev. Michele Owes & Rev. Diana P. Cherry INTRODUCTION In this heartfelt conversation, Rev. Michele Owes and Rev. Diana P. Cherry explore the meaning of spiritual confidence and the importance of maintaining the same trust in God that we had when we first came to faith. Drawing from Hebrews 3:14, they discuss how life's responsibilities, disappointments, and experiences can subtly shift our confidence from God to ourselves. Through personal testimonies, honest reflection, and biblical encouragement, they remind listeners that God remains faithful and worthy of complete trust. SHOW NOTES 1. HEBREWS 3:14 AND THE CALL TO HOLD FAST OUR CONFIDENCE The episode centers on Hebrews 3:14: "For we are made partakers with Christ, if we hold the beginning of our confidence steadfast unto the end." The hosts examine what it means to remain spiritually confident in God throughout every season of life. 2. WHEN SELF-RELIANCE REPLACES CHILDLIKE FAITH Rev. Michele shares a recent experience that revealed how she had gradually shifted from trusting God completely to trying to figure everything out herself before obeying Him. She reflects on how painful it was to recognize that her confidence had moved from God’s ability to her own understanding. 3. GOD CHALLENGES OUR NEED FOR CONTROL Through prayer and conviction, Rev. Michele sensed God asking, "Why do you have to work everything out?" This moment became a reminder that God is still the Way Maker and that believers are not called to manufacture solutions before they step out in obedience. 4. THE UNIQUE CHALLENGES OF WIDOWHOOD AND INDEPENDENCE Both hosts discuss how widowhood has required them to make decisions independently after years of sharing responsibilities with their husbands. They acknowledge that while God understands these challenges, He still calls His daughters to seek Him first and trust His guidance. 5. GOD’S FAITHFULNESS IN THE DETAILS After surrendering her concerns and agreeing to trust God, Rev. Michele witnessed Him work out every detail surrounding an assignment she believed He had given her. The experience reinforced the truth that where God guides, He also provides. 6. DISCOVERING GOD'S PURPOSE BEYOND OUR EXPECTATIONS What began as a trip with one anticipated purpose turned into an opportunity to correct misunderstandings of Scripture in a Christian class. This unexpected assignment reminded Rev. Michele that God’s plans are often greater than what we initially perceive. 7. RETURNING TO THE BEGINNING OF OUR CONFIDENCE The hosts encourage listeners to remember the faith they had when they first gave their lives to Christ. They discuss how confidence in God produces peace, patience, and rest, while confidence in self often leads to striving and frustration. True spiritual maturity is found in continually returning to childlike trust and dependence on God. KEY SCRIPTURES REFERENCED * Hebrews 3:14 * Proverbs 3:5-6 * John 14:1 * Hebrews 10:35-36 MEMORABLE TAKEAWAYS * "What God wants, He funds." * "Where there is purpose, there is always opposition." * "God is worthy of our trust." * "The beginning confidence was our salvation." * "Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompense of reward." SUMMARY In Part 1 of "The Beginning of Your Confidence," Rev. Michele Owes and Rev. Diana P. Cherry invite listeners to examine whether their trust remains rooted in God or has slowly shifted toward self-reliance. Through personal stories, biblical insight, and honest conversation, they encourage believers to return to the simple, unwavering faith they had at the beginning of their walk with Christ. As they prepare for Part 2, they leave listeners with a challenge: keep your confidence in the Lord, trust His plans, and patiently wait for Him to fulfill His promises.