From Self-Will to God's Will: Learning to Surrender to Christ

Part E of Part 4 What Does it Really Mean to Follow Jesus? Biblical Truths About Discipleship

Show notes for Melinda Heath podcast “LIFESTYLE OF DAILY JOY” Episode #39 titled “Part E of Part 4 What does it really mean to follow Jesus? Biblical Truths about Discipleship” FAITH-FILLED spiritual wellness life actions for women. Helping women create sustainable, steadfast, unshakeable, authentic joyful abundant lives, the very joy that Jesus meant for us to have. Faith-led Podcast Life Coach   Hello beautiful soul, I love that you are here. I am Melinda Heath and I thank you for taking your valuable time to tune into Lifestyle of Daily Joy episode #39 “Part E of Part 4 What Does it Really Mean to Follow Jesus? Biblical Truths About Discipleship.” The concluding message. A quick reminder I have an important announcement at the end of the episode. Alright, if you would like, go ahead and take a moment to grab your favorite nutritional snack and beverage and we are just going to dive in with my next thought from last episode. 1 Corinthians 13:4-8 (NIV) John 13:34-35 (NIV) Philippians 4:13 (NIV) Psalm 147:3 (NIV) John 13:35 (NIV) Thank you for listening today, I appreciate you spending your precious time with me, it means a lot. I am praying you received something good you can apply to your life and if you enjoyed today’s episode would you please share it with others so they can benefit from it too. I thank you for doing that. Okay-Important announcement time regarding Lifestyle of Daily Joy. If you have been following along in the episodes you may have heard me express some things that are going on in my personal life at the moment and one of those things has to do with my beloved dog Leilani and her having medical issues- her needing me to be there for her more and more these days. After much prayer and consideration for me to try and figure out how to serve you in the greatest and best capacity that I can while I am doing all I can to take care of my girl, I have decided with the Lord I will be publishing episodes every two weeks starting today vs every week. So, the next episode, episode #40 will be on Friday August 7, 2026. And the reason for this is I have been late getting my episodes out to you for it is becoming more difficult for me not to do that. I do want you to know, it is my heart to journey along Lifestyle of Daily Joy with you, I love doing this, I look forward to it however, my heart also is taking care of my sweet girl and making sure I am there for her when she needs me to be and not me having to make a decision to ignore her so I can focus on preparing the episodes, that has not felt good to me. So, for right now-I need to change the frequency of when they are published so I can spend more time focusing on my dog’ needs.  Not that you aren’t important to me, or less important because you mean a lot to me, you are very important to me, I am just finding that I need to make myself more readily available to her and this is the only way I am able to do that. For my heart is to find ways to serve you better while at the same time taking care of her. And with that, we will be working on finishing up the discipleship series starting with episode #40 “Part 5 What Does it Really Mean to Follow Jesus? Biblical Truths About Discipleship.” Friday, August 7, 2026. I super de duper appreciate you, your patience, understanding, and all your support during this season in my life and this season of Lifestyle of Daily Joy. If there are any changes to this new schedule I will post it in the community group and make an announcement in an episode. Also, I would like to let you know, the give-away I am doing for two items that I mentioned in episode #36 is still ongoing and if you are interested in what that is you can find all the details in the private Facebook Group, the community I set up for us Lifestyle of Daily Joy Community. Thank you again for being beautiful you and your support.   There are three ways you can connect with me Email Melinda@lifestyleofdailyjoy.com [Melinda@lifestyleofdailyjoy.com] My landing page https://www.lifestyleofdailyjoy.com [https://www.lifestyleofdailyjoy.com] and in the free private Facebook group I created for us called Lifestyle of Daily Joy Community. It is a place I use for announcements, for those who are interested in building positive relationships, encourage, support, and uplift one another, as well as a space to request prayer. If you would like to become a member, I am inviting you to do so. Meet you on the inside of episode #39 Part E of Part 4 What Does it Really Mean to Follow Jesus? Biblical Truths About Discipleship.

Part D of Part 4 What Does it Really Mean to Follow Jesus Biblical Truths About Discipleship

Show notes for Melinda Heath podcast “LIFESTYLE OF DAILY JOY” Episode #38 titled “Part D of Part 4 What does it really mean to follow Jesus? Biblical Truths about Discipleship” FAITH-FILLED spiritual wellness life actions for women. Helping women create sustainable, steadfast, unshakeable, authentic joyful abundant lives, the very joy that Jesus meant for us to have. Faith-led Podcast Life Coach As I mentioned at the beginning of episode #37 we each have a book already written about us in heaven. Psalm 139:15-16 (NIV) “My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place. When I was woven together in the depths of the earth, your eyes saw my unformed body. All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.”   Welcome Beautiful soul to Lifestyle of Daily Joy. I am Melinda Heath and are so glad you are here hanging out with me tuning into episode #38 Part D of Part 4 What Does it Really Mean to Follow Jesus? Biblical Truths About Discipleship.” The conclusion of the segment of taking up and carrying our cross within discipleship. So, normally I recap from the previous episode however because this is just a continuation of the conclusion and I broke it into three to lessen your listening time as well as not overload you with information. And with you being able to download and tune in on the same day as part C, not having to wait a week-we are going to go ahead and continue with my very next thought as if we did not stop. Mark 7:21-23 (NIV) Jesus’ recorded words as he is talking to his disciples teaching them about inner purity. Alright, now, this scripture verse’ context is God’s wrath against mankind, those who choose to continue to live in their sin and he is saying that because they or individuals did not want to change, he is just leaving them be and live the way they want to live their life and leave them to deal with the consequences of those choices and that is in Romans 1:28-31 (NIV) Galatians 5:16-26 (NIV) Colossians 3:5-10 (NIV) this is an example of holy living 1 peter 2:1 another scripture verse about holy living Jeremiah 17:9 (NIV) Ephesians 4:18-19 (NIV) Hebrews 3:12-13 (NIV) Proverbs 4:23 (NIV) And so, this is the cure, this is how God is the cure- we pray and ask God to soften it, praying for a new heart. Ezekiel 36:26 (NIV) In the book of Philippians 2:1-8 (NIV) Paul states Okay, we are going to stop right here and will finish up the conclusion in episode #39 Part E of Part 4 What Does it Really Mean to Follow Jesus? Biblical Truths About Discipleship.” And remember it will be ready for you to download and listen to so that you don’t need to wait 2 weeks for it. And again, there isn’t going to be any recapping or going over anything as I normally d0- we are just going to continue as if there were no breaks in the episode. Thank you for listening today, I appreciate it, if anything impacted you in a positive way would you please share that with others and this episode too so they can have a chance to listen in as well. I thank you in advance for your support.   Also, as a reminder I have an important announcement at the end of episode #39 regarding Lifestyle of daily Joy. You can connect with me 3 ways Email Melinda@lifestyleofdailyjoy.com [Melinda@lifestyleofdailyjoy.com] My landing page https://www.lifestyleofdailyjoy.com [https://www.lifestyleofdailyjoy.com] and in the free private Facebook group I created for us called Lifestyle of Daily Joy Community. It is a place I use for announcements, for those who are interested in building positive relationships, encourage, support, and uplift one another, as well as a space to request prayer. If you would like to become a member, I am inviting you to do so.

Part C of Part 4 What Does it Really Mean to Follow Jesus? Biblical Truths About Discipleship

Show notes for Melinda Heath podcast “LIFESTYLE OF DAILY JOY” Episode #37 titled “Part C of Part 4 What does it really mean to follow Jesus? Biblical Truths about Discipleship” FAITH-FILLED spiritual wellness life actions for women. Helping women create sustainable, steadfast, unshakeable, authentic joyful abundant lives, the very joy that Jesus meant for us to have. Faith-led Podcast Life Coach   Did you know you have a book in heaven, one that is just about you? Your very own book???.... Did you know that? Welcome! Welcome! Welcome! I am Melinda Heath, thank you for being here at Lifestyle of Daily Joy episode #37 Part C of Part 4 What Does it Really Mean to Follow Jesus? Biblical Truths About Discipleship.” the conclusion of our taking up and carrying our cross segment under the umbrella of discipleship. Before we dive in, go ahead and take a moment to grab your favorite nutritional snack and beverage and then we will get to it. Alright, since the conclusion is long in duration, I have broken it up into three episodes and instead of having you wait until next week and then the week after to get it all- as I promised you would have it today- the 2nd -episode #38 and 3rd part-episode #39 of the conclusion will be available for you to download and that is Part D of part 4 and Part E of Part 4 What Does it Really Mean to Follow Jesus? Biblical Truths About Discipleship. My thought process is-this would be better for you, my doing it this way so you won’t have such a long episode to listen to all at once as my goal is for you to have a better listening experience by lessening the time when possible and for you not to have so much information to absorb this way when you are ready to move on to the next it is there for you.    We are continuing our conversation from episode #36 with no recapping from last week, we are just going to continue our discussion about practical things-right where we left off of what we can do to apply to our life how it will look to take up and carry our cross. There are going to be 5 practical things can do with examples that we will be discussing in this episode along with 9 ways how taking up and carrying our cross looks like, how we can do this while living in the world. Colossians 3:23-24 (NIV) Thank you so much for taking your valuable time to listen in, I hope there is at least one take away for you that will impact your life in a positive way and if you enjoyed this episode would you please share it with someone who you know you think will benefit from it as well. Thank you, I appreciate it. You can connect with me 3 ways. Email Melinda@lifestyleofdailyjoy.com [Melinda@lifestyleofdailyjoy.com] My landing page https://www.lifestyleofdailyjoy.com [https://www.lifestyleofdailyjoy.com] and in the free private Facebook group I created for us called Lifestyle of Daily Joy Community. It is a place I use for announcements, for those who are interested in building positive relationships, encourage, support, and uplift one another, as well as a space to request prayer. If you would like to become a member, I am inviting you to do so. Meet you on the inside of episode #37 Part C of Part 4 What Does it Really Mean to Follow Jesus? Biblical Truths About Discipleship.

Part B of Part 4 What Does it Really Mean to Follow Jesus? Biblical Truths About Discipleship

Show notes for Melinda Heath podcast “LIFESTYLE OF DAILY JOY” Episode #36 titled “Part B of Part 4 What does it really mean to follow Jesus? Biblical Truths about Discipleship” FAITH-FILLED spiritual wellness life actions for women. Helping women create sustainable, steadfast, unshakeable, authentic joyful abundant lives, the very joy that Jesus meant for us to have. Faith-led Podcast Life Coach   We all serve something or someone and that someone may very well be our own self. Beautiful soul I am glad you are here. I am Melinda Heath and I thank you for taking your precious time to tune into Lifestyle of Daily Joy episode #36 “Part B of Part 4 What Does it Really Mean to Follow Jesus? Biblical Truths About Discipleship.” If you would like, go ahead and take a moment to grab your favorite nutritional snack and beverage and we will dive in. We are continuing our discussion about taking up and carrying our cross as part B also had a long running duration because I was trying to fit the rest of what we have been discussing into it and there still is much to uncover and think about as well as to know about the heart that goes into us doing this. So, I decided I will divide this one too and add an additional episode regarding the subject- to lessen your listening time. So, then next week episode #37 will be part C of Part 4- the conclusion of taking up and carrying our cross, what Jesus means by this and how it looks in our life. I also have an exciting announcement at the end of today’s episode, so stay tuned for that. Matthew 16:24-25 (NIV) Mark 8:34-35 (NIV) Luke 9:23-24 (NIV) Galatians 5:24 (NIV) “Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires.” Galatians 6:14 (NIV) “May I never boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world.” Proverbs 4:23 (NIV) “Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life.” Romans 12:2 (NIV) “Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is-his good pleasing and perfect will.” Colossians 3:2 (NIV) “Set your minds on things above not on earthly things.”  2 Corinthians 10:5 (NIV) “We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.” Philippians 4:6-8 (NIV) “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable-if anything is excellent or praiseworthy-think about such things.”   1 Corinthians 15:33 (NIV) “Do not be mis-lead; Bad company corrupts good character.” John 10:10 (NIV) “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life and have it to the full.” Thank you for listening today, I hope you walk away from feeling impacted in one way or another and if you enjoyed today’s message will you please share with someone you know that you feel may benefit from it, I appreciate it. Announcement time. I have a giveaway I am planning to do, and all the details will be posted in the private Facebook community group. But what I will say here is I will be giving 1 bible to an individual who does not have one and would like one. I am also giving away a copy of my published book titled Refined. If you are interested in receiving a bible from me or a copy of my book, please send me an email expressing your interest. Now, if you choose to do this, please do not feel the need to send me your mailing address initially for I will request that when I know who the individuals will be. I do promise you that if you do email me about wanting to receive either one of these items, I will not be sending you any email other than about the giveaway so, no you will not be getting bombarded with daily, weekly or monthly emails about Lifestyle of Daily Joy, the only way you would receive something of that nature from me is you letting me know you would like to receive updates about the podcast via email on a regular basis, but other than that, this is simply for you to tell me yes I am interested in receiving a bible or yes I am interested in receiving a copy of your book. So, be checking on the Facebook group Lifestyle of Daily Joy Community for the other details regarding this give away. I do want to say- that I believe the best and most fair way to do this is the first individual who emails me expressing interest will be the ones who receive them. I also feel it will be fair that one person will receive a bible and a different individual will receive a copy of my book.  There are three ways you can connect with me Email Melinda@lifestyleofdailyjoy.com [Melinda@lifestyleofdailyjoy.com] My landing page https://www.lifestyleofdailyjoy.com [https://www.lifestyleofdailyjoy.com] and in the free private Facebook group I created for us called Lifestyle of Daily Joy Community. It is a place I use for announcements, for those who are interested in building positive relationships, encourage, support, and uplift one another, as well as a space to request prayer. If you would like to become a member, I am inviting you to do so. Meet you on the inside of Episode #36 "Part B of Part 4 What Does it Mean to Follow Jesus? Biblical Truths About Discipleship."

Part A of Part 4 What Does it Really Mean to Follow Jesus-Biblical Truths About Discipleship

Show notes for Melinda Heath podcast “LIFESTYLE OF DAILY JOY” Episode #35 titled “Part A of Part 4 What does it really mean to follow Jesus? Biblical Truths about Discipleship” FAITH-FILLED spiritual wellness life actions for women. Helping women create sustainable, steadfast, unshakeable, authentic joyful abundant lives, the very joy that Jesus meant for us to have. Faith-led Podcast Life Coach   We serve a merciful God for he does not give us what we deserve regarding our sins but rather he loves us through our mess-our mess ups, our bad decisions-our poor choices, our faults, our shame, our guilt, our less than desirable ways, our darkness. And with the kind of loving heart that he has toward us- we should want to be different than we have been in our life, not feel we have to, but for our heart to want to change our ways- for our heart and desire to yearn to become like him- because of his great love, mercy, and grace that he extends to us and because of the gratitude we feel toward him.   Thank you for being here and tuning in. My name is Melinda Heath, and I welcome you to Lifestyle of Daily Joy episode #35 “Part A of Part 4 What Does it Really Mean to Follow Jesus? Biblical Truths About Discipleship.” If you haven’t already- take a moment to grab your favorite nutritional snack and beverage and we are diving right in. This episode is a bit long in length as there are many sentiments I would like to share with you for there is so much to be said and for you to understand before we start concluding our discipleship series. And so, I have decided to divide it up in two as I have done recently with another episode, I am hoping you do not mind as I am not wanting to not make the duration so lengthy as I want to be considerate of your time. Today, we will be continuing this series as we will be talking about taking up and carrying our cross daily, which can be considered the foundation of discipleship.  Matthew 16:24-25 (NIV)  Luke 9:23-24 (NIV) Mark 8:34-35 (NIV) Galatians 2:20-21 (NIV) Luke 14:27 (NIV) three main requirements or means rather if we are to take up and carry our cross and they include self-denial-making ourselves a lesser priority, what we want in life. complete surrender of personal will and continuous daily commitment to follow Christ regardless of the personal cost. Matthew 10:38 (NIV) And so, if we were to break down what taking up and carrying our cross is, it would be this. It is serving Christ, serving others through Christ rather than living to serve our selves. Deny yourself- to stop feeding your own ego- to stop boasting about yourself-to stop making your desires and independent goals to be the most important in your life. Die to self- this is putting personal pride, comfort, and status behind you to align fully with what Christ asks of us in this life. Follow Jesus- this is you walking in the direction and manner Christ leads- with no plan to turn back. Active obedience by keeping your commitment to God and others even when it may call for hard work or sacrifice. And acceptance of this life- by enduring life as it comes with our faith intact for example- the things in this life that we will possibly experience such as unavoidable hardships, sickness or scorn or persecution from others and going through or enduring this without us feeling anger or bitterness toward God. I would like to thank you for listening today, I am hoping though we are dividing the episode that you are able to walk away with some things that will impact your life in a good way, some things that you found are good takeaways. Would you please share with others who you know you think may enjoy this episode so they too can hear this message? I would greatly appreciate it. I would also like to apologize for my once again being late in getting this to you as I have explained in a few of my previous episodes I have been needing to focus on taking care of my dog as her health is failing. Both Friday this past week and Saturday were extremely difficult days she needed me to be by her side as she was struggling. And the thing is just so you are aware it has become and is becoming more difficult to get my podcast to you on time due to my caring for her taking a lot more of my time and I appreciate your patience and understanding during this season of our life in my caring for my sweet girl as well as in this season of Lifestyle of Daily Joy. You are amazing my beautiful soul. You can connect with me 3 ways Email Melinda@lifestyleofdailyjoy.com [Melinda@lifestyleofdailyjoy.com] My landing page https://www.lifestyleofdailyjoy.com [https://www.lifestyleofdailyjoy.com] and in the free private Facebook group I created for us called Lifestyle of Daily Joy Community. It is a place I use for announcements, for those who are interested in building positive relationships, encourage, support, and uplift one another, as well as a space to request prayer. If you would like to become a member, I am inviting you to do so. And I encourage you to check out the community group as I have been posting several songs for you to listen to if you are interested, they go along with the subjects I have been discussing in the last couple of months, they are meant for you to enjoy and be of encouragement to you. I believe there are 5 or 6 songs so far that I have shared in there. So, check them out. Meet you on the inside of episode #35 "Part A of Part 4 What Does it Really Mean to Follow Jesus? Biblical Truths About Discipleship."