How Do I Draw Close to God?

I Am Anxious - Part 1

Let me know what you think! [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2560116/fan_mail/new] Are you worried? Are you overwhelmed by restless thoughts? Have you ever said, “I’ve always been a nervous person, I can’t change.” Today, I share three tips on exchanging your anxiety with God’s word, so you don’t need to worry at all. Tip #1 – Go to God’s Word for Help. Scripture gives wisdom to overcome anxiety as we open our hearts to restoration. Psalm 139:23, “Heavenly Father, “Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts.[ii]” In Jesus’ name, amen Psalm 34:4, “I will seek “the Lord, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears.[iii]”  Proven Way #2 – Refuse to Think About Things that Haven’t Happened. Projecting your thoughts into the future does you no good. God is the only one who knows the future.  Proven Way #3 – Remember to Thank God for His Provision. Anxiety and worry are rooted in fear, the remedy is thankfulness. Phil 4:6 and 7 says, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, 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.[xii]”  Thank God we can sing to Him. “I had the leaders of Judah go up on top of the wall. I also assigned two large choirs to give thanks.” Nehemiah 12:31 Thank God, we can praise Him. “Enter His gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name.” Psalm 100:4  Thank God, we can praise Him for triumph over sin. “But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” 1 Corinthians 15:57 Thank God, He guides us. “But thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumphal procession in Christ and through us spreads everywhere the fragrance of the knowledge of Him.”  2 Corinthians 2:14 Thank God, we can thank Him in every circumstance. “Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” 1 Thessalonians 5:18 Remember God’s Word is your weapon to fight your anxiety. Proven Way #1. Go to God’s Word for Help. Praying scripture is effective. Heavenly Father, “Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts.[xiii]” In Jesus’ name, amen  Proven Way #2. Refuse to Think About Things that Haven’t Happened. Psalm 94:19, “When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought me joy.” Proven Way #3. Remember to Thank God for His Provision Phil 4:4, “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Print the Thank You Therapy list and speak it aloud every day this week. Let God’s truth change your worry to worship. You will be thankful and full of peace in His Son. Thank you for joining me, I am excited to be part of your journey. Please share this episode and hit subscribe so you don't miss any new episodes. I can't wait for you to experience God's peace, comfort, and wholeness. Sheryl Giesbrecht Turner website [https://www.sherylgt.com] Find Sheryl on Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/SherylGiesbrechtAuthor/] See Sheryl's books here [https://www.amazon.com/stores/Sheryl-Giesbrecht/author/B00BMUF0JS?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_w=EfHxU&content-id=amzn1.sym.7e190e19-9f6f-4df8-807a-5a7608594741&pd_rd_wg=gdAL4&pd_rd_r=6b15f6f5-62af-438c-9494-899bad2a2e65&ref=ap_rdr&shoppingPortalEnabled=true&ccs_id=e57c89c4-e1a6-4ada-87e0-02bc7734d606] Sheryl on Instagram [https://instagram@sherylgiesbrecht] Sheryl on X/Twitter [https://www.x@SGiesbrecht] Sheryl on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/sherylgiesbrecht1957/] Sheryl on Pinterest [https://www.pinterest/@sherylgiesbrech]

I Am Afraid - Part 2

Let me know what you think! [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2560116/fan_mail/new] Are you afraid? Do you dread tomorrow? Are you terrified of the future? Today, I share fear to faith scriptures to enable you to exchange your fears with God’s word. "So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. (Is. 41:10) "Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. " (Ps. 23:4) "The Lord is my light and my salvation— whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life—of whom shall I be afraid?" (Ps. 27:1) "Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. "(Deut. 31:6) "For I am the Lord your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you." (Is.41:13) "So we say with confidence, “The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?” (Heb. 13:6) "Do not be afraid of them; the Lord your God himself will fight for you." (Deut 3:22) (Jesus says), “Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom.” (Luke 12:32) "You came near when I called you, and you said, “Do not fear.”  (Lam. 3:57) "When I am afraid, I put my trust in you. In God, whose word I praise—in God I trust and am not afraid. What can mere mortals do to me? " (Ps. 56:3-4) “’For I am the Lord, your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you.”  (Is. 41:13-14)  “The Lord is with me; I will not be afraid.  What can man do to me?  The Lord is with me; he is my helper.” (Ps. 118:6-7) “Fear of man will prove to be a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord is kept safe.” (Pro. 29:25) “He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, “Quiet! Be still!” Then the wind died down and it was completely calm.  He said to his disciples, “Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?” (Mark 4:39-40) “The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear him, and he delivers them.” (Psalm 34:7) “I prayed to the Lord, and he answered me.  He freed me from all my fears.” (Ps. 34:4) “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God.  I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” (Is. 41:10) “When I am afraid, I put my trust in you.” (Ps. 56:3) “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” 2 Timothy 1:7 “He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.” (Ps. 91:1-16) "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go." Joshua 1:9 Thank you for joining me, I am excited to be part of your journey. Please share this episode and hit subscribe so you don't miss any new episodes. I can't wait for you to experience God's peace, comfort, and wholeness. Sheryl Giesbrecht Turner website [https://www.sherylgt.com] Find Sheryl on Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/SherylGiesbrechtAuthor/] See Sheryl's books here [https://www.amazon.com/stores/Sheryl-Giesbrecht/author/B00BMUF0JS?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_w=EfHxU&content-id=amzn1.sym.7e190e19-9f6f-4df8-807a-5a7608594741&pd_rd_wg=gdAL4&pd_rd_r=6b15f6f5-62af-438c-9494-899bad2a2e65&ref=ap_rdr&shoppingPortalEnabled=true&ccs_id=e57c89c4-e1a6-4ada-87e0-02bc7734d606] Sheryl on Instagram [https://instagram@sherylgiesbrecht] Sheryl on X/Twitter [https://www.x@SGiesbrecht] Sheryl on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/sherylgiesbrecht1957/] Sheryl on Pinterest [https://www.pinterest/@sherylgiesbrech]

I Am Afraid - Part 1

Let me know what you think! [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2560116/fan_mail/new] Are you afraid? Do you dread tomorrow? Are you terrified of the future? Today, I share three promises of assurance that with God on your side, you don’t need to fear anyone or anything.  I remember as a child, I was afraid of the dark. I thought there were monsters in my closet and if I called out for mom’s help, she wouldn’t get there in time to protect me before they attacked me in my sleep. I felt like “Sheryl the timid and fearful.” I wondered if I’d ever feel brave and confident.  1.  The first promise is God waits for your prayer – “Rescue me, O Lord!” When fear causes us to tremble emotionally, spiritually and even physically, it’s because we don’t understand what is happening or we don’t know what the future holds. We feel out of control. Our circumstances envelop us with the unknown. Fear is a natural response to danger. In Psalm 40:1, David cries out “Rescue me, O Lord…,” living for years in the fear of what could happen, what might happen, David’s future was uncertain as the victim of King Saul’s pursuit.   2. The second promise is in Christ - You are an Overcomer.  Instead of focusing on your feelings or lack of strength, accept God’s truth – in Christ, you are an overcomer. As believers, we can rely on the truth of our position in Christ.  John 16:33  “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”  3. The third promise – Exchange fear for faith. Today we are reminded that feelings of fear and dread are rooted in lies from the enemy. Today, we learned to lay down the looking to people for security and learning to rest in the truth that in Christ we are overcomers. Ask yourself: Am I living from my peace in Christ — or trying to control people or circumstances? Take minute to declare truth over yourself today: I am complete in Christ. I lack nothing.” (Col. 2:10) Remember these three promises from God to you: Promise 1. God waits for your prayer —Learn to pray “Rescue me O God.” (Ps. 40:1) Promise 2. God says you are an Overcomer — Speak the truth aloud “In Jesus, I am an overcomer.” (John 16:33) Promise 3. God expects you to exchange your fear for faith — Speak the truth aloud “I am complete in Christ. In Him, I lack nothing. (Col. 2:10) In today’s episode, please review and print show notes and review the scriptures with a friend. It will help to speak God’s truth aloud every day this week. Let God’s truth replace your fear with a deeper faith. God already sees you courageous in His Son. He does not measure you by your flaws, failures, or shortcomings. He sees Christ in you. He sees His Son in you, brave and fearless in Him. Thank you for joining me, I am excited to be part of your journey. Please share this episode and hit subscribe so you don't miss any new episodes. I can't wait for you to experience God's peace, comfort, and wholeness. Sheryl Giesbrecht Turner website [https://www.sherylgt.com] Find Sheryl on Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/SherylGiesbrechtAuthor/] See Sheryl's books here [https://www.amazon.com/stores/Sheryl-Giesbrecht/author/B00BMUF0JS?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_w=EfHxU&content-id=amzn1.sym.7e190e19-9f6f-4df8-807a-5a7608594741&pd_rd_wg=gdAL4&pd_rd_r=6b15f6f5-62af-438c-9494-899bad2a2e65&ref=ap_rdr&shoppingPortalEnabled=true&ccs_id=e57c89c4-e1a6-4ada-87e0-02bc7734d606] Sheryl on Instagram [https://instagram@sherylgiesbrecht] Sheryl on X/Twitter [https://www.x@SGiesbrecht] Sheryl on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/sherylgiesbrecht1957/] Sheryl on Pinterest [https://www.pinterest/@sherylgiesbrech]

Can I Trust God's Strength?

Let me know what you think! [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2560116/fan_mail/new] Do you feel distant from God? Has it been a long time since you were strengthened by His word? If you are wondering, what do I do? Today’s episode is for you - I share three ways you can trust and depend that God will come through for you.  This is episode #3 in our “I Don’t Feel Close to God” series. The first week, we discussed how to feel close to God. Last week we talked about how to hear from God. This week we are going to find out how to depend on God’s strength. The first way we can depend or trust in God’s strength is to delight in God first.  The secret place is literal – have a place you spend time with God. But it is also conditional. Our part has to come first. We must abide in His shadow – the shadow of the Almighty– stay close to Him.  The second way we can depend or trust inn God’s strength is to access the promises He has given to us. God wants us to see Him as our source of protection. God wants us to go to Him first. Psalm 91:15, “He will call upon me and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble, I will deliver him and honor him.”  We confess it aloud because God tells us to do so. If you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved;  Romans 10:9 The third way we can depend or trust in God’s strength: We must speak God’s Word aloud.  “I am shielded only because I have chosen to make You, MY LORD, my place of safety. I have made the Most Hight God the place where I choose to live. Because I made that choice no evil will be able to take me down and no plague or calamity will come near my household. Lord, you also said you would give you angels the charge to guard me in all my ways. They will be me up in their hands, lest I strike my foot against a stone. I will tread on the powers of the enemy and trample him down. You said that because I love you: You will deliver me from harm. You said you would set me on high above my problems. Because I choose to know you intimately by Name, You have promised when I call on you, you will answer me. You promised to rescue me out of trouble.  You have promised to give me honor Satisfy me with a long life Allow me to take hold of Your salvation (Your health, Your healing, Your deliverance, Your protection, and Your provision of my needs.) Amen! We’ve talked about three ways we can depend on God’s strength:  The first way we can depend on God’s strength: 1. We must delight in God first. The second way we can depend on God’s strength: 2. We must access the promises God has given to us. The third way we can depend on God’s strength: We must spea Thank you for joining me, I am excited to be part of your journey. Please share this episode and hit subscribe so you don't miss any new episodes. I can't wait for you to experience God's peace, comfort, and wholeness. Sheryl Giesbrecht Turner website [https://www.sherylgt.com] Find Sheryl on Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/SherylGiesbrechtAuthor/] See Sheryl's books here [https://www.amazon.com/stores/Sheryl-Giesbrecht/author/B00BMUF0JS?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_w=EfHxU&content-id=amzn1.sym.7e190e19-9f6f-4df8-807a-5a7608594741&pd_rd_wg=gdAL4&pd_rd_r=6b15f6f5-62af-438c-9494-899bad2a2e65&ref=ap_rdr&shoppingPortalEnabled=true&ccs_id=e57c89c4-e1a6-4ada-87e0-02bc7734d606] Sheryl on Instagram [https://instagram@sherylgiesbrecht] Sheryl on X/Twitter [https://www.x@SGiesbrecht] Sheryl on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/sherylgiesbrecht1957/] Sheryl on Pinterest [https://www.pinterest/@sherylgiesbrech]

How Do I Hear God Speak?

Let me know what you think! [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2560116/fan_mail/new]  Do you feel distant from God? Has it been a long time since you heard His voice? If you are wondering, what do I do? Today’s episode is for you - I share three promises to claim so you can hear God’s voice.  Feeling distant from God can seem like a hunger pang that isn’t satisfied, or a thirst that can’t be quenched, or a road trip without a map. It makes us feel lost, out of sorts, separated, and possibly even desperate. This is episode #2 in our “I Don’t Feel Close to God” series. Last week, we discussed how to feel close to God. Today we are going to talk about how to hear God’s voice. The first way you can hear God’s voice is to speak scripture aloud. It’s not like you are talking to yourself. It is speaking aloud promises God has given to us in His word. When we speak aloud what is already true about us, and we hear our own voice saying what God says about is, we are encouraged and strengthened in our faith. Talk about immediate results! The promise we are discussing today is Psalm 91:2 “I will say to the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress, my God in whom I trust.” You might feel awkward speaking God’s Word aloud at first, but remember, the Bible is God’s love letter to you. His Word is written in His language.  The second way you can hear God’s voice is to continue to dwell in Him. This type of total trust in God puts our hearts in a posture of submission and places our spirit in position to hear from the Holy Spirit. Hearing from Holy Spirit is different from listening to God’s voice. Dwelling is essential; it is in Him alone that we will find rest and defense. Look at the last word in verse 2: trust. It is a translation of the same Hebrew term found in Proverbs 3:5 “Trust in the LORD with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding.” This calls for total trust.  The third way you can hear God’s voice is to set aside time to listen. Psalm 95:7 says, “Today if you will hear his voice.” In the scripture it says if because hearing is conditional – it happens when we quiet our hearts to listen. We make the choice to hear from God by setting time aside to listen.  We’ve talked about three promises to claim so you can hear God’s voice:  Promise number 1. Speak scripture to God in conversation. Psalm 91:2 “I will say to the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress, my God in whom I trust.” Promise number 2. Continue to dwell in God’s presence. Proverbs 3:5.”Trust in the LORD with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding.” Promise number 3. Set aside time to listen to God. Jesus said, “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them and they follow me.” (John 10:27) Thank you for joining me, I am excited to be part of your journey. Please share this episode and hit subscribe so you don't miss any new episodes. I can't wait for you to experience God's peace, comfort, and wholeness. Sheryl Giesbrecht Turner website [https://www.sherylgt.com] Find Sheryl on Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/SherylGiesbrechtAuthor/] See Sheryl's books here [https://www.amazon.com/stores/Sheryl-Giesbrecht/author/B00BMUF0JS?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_w=EfHxU&content-id=amzn1.sym.7e190e19-9f6f-4df8-807a-5a7608594741&pd_rd_wg=gdAL4&pd_rd_r=6b15f6f5-62af-438c-9494-899bad2a2e65&ref=ap_rdr&shoppingPortalEnabled=true&ccs_id=e57c89c4-e1a6-4ada-87e0-02bc7734d606] Sheryl on Instagram [https://instagram@sherylgiesbrecht] Sheryl on X/Twitter [https://www.x@SGiesbrecht] Sheryl on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/sherylgiesbrecht1957/] Sheryl on Pinterest [https://www.pinterest/@sherylgiesbrech]