THE ONE THING 1

| by Andrea Brown

Gleanings from my journey walking in the finished work of Jesus Christ

Learn More

Pain: A Human Reality And The Truth: There Is Grace In The Blood.

Andrea Brown

Nov 24, 20247 min read

The Gospel

Pain: A Human Reality And The Truth: There Is Grace In The Blood.

In this reflective post, we explore the tension between pain, faith, and the relentless schemes of the enemy.

10 views0 comments

Living in True Freedom: Embracing the Gospel of Grace

Andrea Brown

Jun 15, 20247 min read

Bible Study

Living in True Freedom: Embracing the Gospel of Grace

Paul took great care to lay the Gospel out in the Book of Romans and defend it in the Book of Galatians. We learn to contend for the faith.

57 views2 comments

Journey On The Path of Righteousness Trusting Wholly In The Finished Work of Jesus.

Andrea Brown

Mar 22, 20246 min read

Bible Study

Journey On The Path of Righteousness Trusting Wholly In The Finished Work of Jesus.

Abraham knew he was righteous by faith; Lot, though righteous, did not. The end of their lives looked very different.

49 views0 comments

Enveloped By Grace: God’s Love Seen Through The Lens of Eternity

Andrea Brown

Feb 2, 20249 min read

Bible Study

Enveloped By Grace: God’s Love Seen Through The Lens of Eternity

As ambassadors of Heaven, we have an obligation to share LOVE. True love laid down His life to redeem us.

108 views1 comment

Grateful Moments: Reflecting on God's Love and Blessings

Andrea Brown

Nov 20, 20236 min read

Prayer Thread

Grateful Moments: Reflecting on God's Love and Blessings

Cultivating thankfulness for God looking at Creation, Salvation, the Gift of the Spirit, His continual presence, His coming, and Eternity.

50 views0 comments

Andrea Brown

Aug 1, 20233 min read

I Am the Righteousness of God In Christ

Ring in the month of August with an affirmation that is as essential to the Christian faith. I am the righteousness of God in Christ Jesus.

92 views1 comment

Applying The Finished Work: Gleanings from Zechariah

Andrea Brown

Oct 12, 20206 min read

Bible Study

Applying The Finished Work: Gleanings from Zechariah

I recently read the book of Zechariah and was held in chapter three, where the enemy accuses Joshua, the high priest, before the Lord. I...

83 views0 comments

🌟 Exciting News! 🌟

I’m beyond thrilled to share that my post, Finding Light, is featured in the debut issue of Women Like Esther Magazine! This beautifully crafted lifestyle magazine for Christian women has been two years in the making, and it’s finally here! 🙌🏾

This issue is a treasure trove of inspiration, creativity, and stories of God’s work in the lives of His daughters. From raising families to creating art, designing, and making an impact across industries, this magazine celebrates women living for His glory. ✝️

Here’s what you’ll discover:
✨ The Faith: Woman and their transformative Journey with Jesus.
✨ Chic and Covered: A focus on modest fashion for women with style and grace.
✨ The World of Christian Romance and Film: Dive into uplifting entertainment that glorifies God.
✨ Art, Fashion, and Faith Haute Couture with Aleona Isakova, whose designs beautifully blend creativity and reverence.

Plus, meet some incredible contributors whose stories and talents shine:

@traceybrough2
@juliannelong_
@kathrynminman
@virtu7575
@debramaygeorge
@thebiblebasedlife
@withfaithandloveaimee
…and many more!

This issue is all about uplifting one another in Christ. From stories of overcoming addiction to finding purpose after loss, Women Like Esther encourages us to embrace the gifts God has given and share His light with the world.

Finally, I want to take a moment to honor and thank Azania, the visionary and heart behind Women Like Esther Magazine. Your unwavering commitment to celebrating the stories of faith-filled women and your passion for showcasing God’s glory through their lives is truly inspiring.

Friends, Women Like Esther Magazine is more than just a publication—it’s a ministry. Through every page, you remind us of the power of faith, purpose, and obedience to God’s call. You have created a space where women can see themselves through the lens of Christ.

✨ Don’t miss it! Follow Women Like Esther Magazine on social media, grab your copy, and let’s celebrate the beauty of faith, connection, and creativity together! Don’t forget to share the goodness with friends💕 Link in bio👆🏾.

Lately, I find myself navigating a whirlwind of emotions—a familiar pattern whenever the Lord shifts me into a season of transition and the unknown. It feels as though my world is swirling, my footing unsteady like sand beneath me, yet there remains a steadfast Rock holding me firm when I’m too weak to stand. In these moments, loss and grief often resurface, threatening to pull me under the waves. But through it all, I’ve learned to cling to worship and immerse myself deeper in His Word—He is my anchor and saving grace.

❦

What about you, in the midst of shifting, sifting, or seasons of suffering, how do you lift your eyes to see Jesus?

❦

In this season, I birthed my latest Blog Post, The Gift of Praise: Touching Eternity Through the Storm. In it I share a personal reflection on the difference between thanksgiving and praise and why it matters in our faith journey. This post invites us to explore the beauty of praising God not just for what He does, but for who He is—especially in the midst of pain and loss.

❦

We discover how gratitude can lead to worship, how suffering can be the catalyst for us to taste eternity, and how focusing on Jesus through life’s storms brings infinite hope. Discover how my grandmother’s legacy of faith has become the garden where my healing flourishes, my faith is enlarged, and the fragrance of Christ embraces me through life’s highs and lows.

❦

Together, let’s uncover the joy of bringing a sacrifice of praise and encountering God’s heart in every season. I hope you will join me.

•Peek Inside the post in comments👇🏾 journal prompt download in the Upper Room Channel😉.

🌾 Are You Holding Onto Something God is Asking You to Release? 🌾

Friend, I’ve been there—clinging tightly to my own desires, and plans, only to realize that my hands and heart are too full to receive the best the Lord has for me.

When I feel stuck, I’ve learned it’s often because God is calling me to let go, but I’m holding on—whether to relationships, expectations, false narratives, or even subtle fears.

In Seed for the Soul, Episode 8 🎙️, I sit down with the incredible Jen Kosuda from @theartofamessyhouse to talk about the sacred beauty of releasing and rejoicing. Jen shares powerful wisdom about how releasing is an act of humility that aligns us with God’s will and how true rejoicing is found in Jesus, even in the messy moments.

🗣️ Jen Kosuda says: “Release isn’t about loss—it’s about trust. It’s surrendering what we think we need for what God knows is best.”

🌟 If you’re in a season of wrestling with letting go or needing a reminder to rejoice in His promises, this episode will encourage your heart.

🎧 Listen now to Episode 8: Release and Rejoice: Trusting in God’s Promises in the Messy Moments. Let’s journey together toward the freedom and joy God has for us.

🫶🏾 𝓎ℴ𝓊𝓇 𝒹𝒾𝓈𝒸𝒾𝓅𝓁ℯ𝓈𝒽𝒾𝓅 𝓈𝒾𝓈𝓉ℯ𝓇𝓈 𝒾𝓃 𝓉𝒽ℯ 𝒻𝒶𝒾𝓉𝒽,

𝒜𝓃𝒹𝓇ℯ𝒶 𝒶𝓃𝒹 𝒥ℯ𝓃

Dig deeper in parts 1-3 comments👇🏾

Look To Him and Look For Him

What if your greatest breakthroughs are on the other side of letting go by looking to God and looking for God in the midst of your present situation?

Hi 👋🏾 friend,

Life can feel overwhelming, messy, and even hopeless at times. You might be carrying burdens too heavy to bear, clinging to things you were never meant to hold onto. Or maybe you’re facing circumstances where joy seems impossible, and peace feels out of reach. If that’s where you find yourself today, I have some good news: you don’t have to stay there.

This week, Jen Kosuda of the Art Of A Messy House, joins me on the latest episode of Seed for the Soul, where we dive into what it means to truly look to God and look for Him in every situation, releasing what holds us back and learning to rejoice in His goodness—even in the midst of challenges.

The link is in the bio👆🏾. In the comments 👇🏾Go deeper by reflecting on what we discussed, and how these truths can transform your life.

Please share Jen’s testimony with someone who needs encouragement and followed her @theartofamessyhouse 💛

🫶🏾 𝓎ℴ𝓊𝓇 𝒹𝒾𝓈𝒸𝒾𝓅𝓁ℯ𝓈𝒽𝒾𝓅 𝓈𝒾𝓈𝓉ℯ𝓇 𝒾𝓃 𝓉𝒽ℯ 𝒻𝒶𝒾𝓉𝒽,

𝒜𝓃𝒹𝓇ℯ𝒶

What would it feel like to finally let go of what’s weighing you down and fully trust God with your next step?

This question—and so much more—are in episode eight of Seed For The Soul, Release & Rejoice: Trusting God’s Promises in the Messy Moments, with my dear friend and sister, Jen Kosuda.

We live in an imperfect world, with broken people, and a real enemy. Yet, we have a perfect Savior who invites us to experience His presence, rest in His finished work, and bring heaven to earth by holding fast to His Word.

Jen and I share a heartfelt conversation about navigating life’s messy moments and learning to fully trust the Lord through it all.

Inside the Episode:
💫Release – Freedom & growth come from surrendering to God.
✨Rejoice – Finding joy & gratitude in every season, even through trials.
💫Rest – Embracing God’s spiritual rest & ceasing striving.
✨Promises – Discovering the beauty of God’s promises rooted in His faithfulness.
💫Perspective – Recognizing God’s presence, even in life’s messiest moments.
✨Faith – Trusting God’s Word over circumstances & speaking faith into situations.
💫Truth – Grounding ourselves in Scripture to combat lies.
✨Connection – God-ordained relationships that sharpen & strengthen our faith.

About Jen.
Jennifer Kosuda, founder of The Art Of A Messy House, is a wife, mom, teacher, author, and podcaster. A New Jersey native, she lives with her husband of 15 years, their four children, and their puppy. As a public school teacher since 2006, Jen is passionate about inspiring youth to embrace their God-given gifts. After battling anxiety for years, she overcame it by God’s grace and vowed to share His goodness and Truth, giving Him all the glory.

Through The Art Of A Messy House books, blog, and podcast, Jen shares how God turns messes into messages and tests into testimonies. Her mission is to empower families to fight with faith, grow spiritually, and embrace Biblical principles. Her purpose is to teach others that they are loved, known, and created beautifully, on and for purpose. Her passion is to inspire others to walk in their God-given purpose while making Jesus known.

We hope this episode blesses and encourages you!

Hi Friends,

Are you weary, frustrated, thirsty for more but unable to accomplish even the bare minimum? Do you lack joy?

My latest blog post, Beyond the Surface: Cultivating Deep Spiritual Fulfillment in a Distracted World, is now live! This heartfelt message is packed with transformative insights to help you break free from the chaos, rediscover the joy of abiding in Jesus, and embrace the restful rhythms of His grace. Dive in and let the Truth renew your spirit!

Overview:

༻The Pitfall of Surface-Level Devotion ༻Abiding in the Word
༻Eliminating Distractions
༻Living in Rest and Love
༻Preparation as the Bride of Christ ༻Application and Reflection

⟣⟢A look inside the post⟣⟢

When we like Mary, take our place at the feet of Jesus, and we will see that He is breathtaking. Mary sat and listened. Mary’s obedience is a stunning example of our posture and that we receive the best thing when we choose the One thing (Luke 10v38-42).

Here is further revelation: this same Mary would perform one of the most radical acts, which we continue to talk about today. She poured out an expensive bottle of Nard and washed our Lord’s feet with her hair before He went to the Cross.

“It was Mary who anointed the Lord with ointment and wiped his feet with her hair, whose brother Lazarus was ill.” John‬ ‭11‬:‭2‬ ‭

What is so astonishing is on the third day of His burial women were coming to the tomb to do the very act of anointing Him, but they couldn’t for He had risen.

𝒯𝒽ℯ 𝒽ℴ𝓃ℴ𝓇, 𝓉𝒽𝒾𝓈 𝒽ℴ𝓃ℴ𝓇 𝓌𝒶𝓈 𝑔𝒾𝓋ℯ𝓃 𝓉ℴ ℳ𝒶𝓇𝓎 𝒶𝓁ℴ𝓃ℯ!

Discover how to cultivate deep spiritual fulfillment in a world full of distractions. This post explores how to break free from hurried, surface-level faith and embrace the joy of abiding in Jesus through His Word.

The post features powerful Bible verses, practical insights, and journal prompts, and encourages believers to reflect Christ’s love, walk in His peace, and live prepared for His return.

It is perfect for anyone seeking to deepen their relationship with Jesus and rediscover the beauty of spiritual rest and readiness.

Grab your Bible and lets go!

Hey Friends,

I thought this would be a quick quote and then off to the races🏇, but God had something different in mind. Hold tight to the end; I promise it will be worth it, as I greatly desire to impart some spiritual encouragement to bless you. Okay, let’s roll up our sleeves and dig in.

Believing God, at its core, is one of the rawest, most powerful, sacrificial, and exuberant acts of obedience.

𝒢ℯ𝓉 this, in doing so… it pleases Him. 𝒜𝓃𝒹 𝒸ℴ𝓃𝓈ℯ𝓆𝓊ℯ𝓃𝓉𝓁𝓎 𝒹ℯ𝒶𝓁𝓈 𝒶 𝒹ℯ𝒶𝓉𝒽 𝒷𝓁ℴ𝓌 𝓉ℴ 𝓉𝒽ℯ ℯ𝓃ℯ𝓂𝓎.

And the immediate byproduct is the blessing of rest because of His faithfulness!

When we choose to believe God, it is also an act of 𝓌ℴ𝓇𝓈𝒽𝒾𝓅 and releases a measure of 𝑔𝓁ℴ𝓇𝓎 that celebrates Him and produces joy within us. We glorify God and are blessed as we do what we are created to do.

When we live in light of this revelation, the 𝑔𝓇𝒶𝒸ℯ 𝓌ℯ 𝓇ℯ𝒸ℯ𝒾𝓋ℯ 𝒾𝓈 𝓃ℴ𝓉 𝒾𝓃 𝓋𝒶𝒾𝓃, 𝒶𝓃𝒹 𝒻𝒶𝒾𝓉𝒽 in Him becomes our way of life.

One more thing: as we continue to believe in Jesus, we often find our trust is followed by what some may call a test🤷🏾‍♀️. The enemy sometimes strikes to make us shrink back and remain in unbelief. It can present in many different forms; be vigilant by remaining in the word.

It can be something so small as 𝓃ℴ𝓉 blurting out the vision God told you to keep sacred for a season, or larger such as getting out of bed though you still physically feel the pain, stepping outside to feel the sun on your face when depression looms in the recesses of your mind, tithing or giving an additional offering when the balance in the account is bread crumbs, giving graceful word to the person you see as the author of your affliction; whatever it is, respond in faith. God sees it and is faithful to give more grace in each moment. He is inexhaustible.

This single act of obedience on your part isn’t for Him–ℐ𝓉’𝓈 𝒻ℴ𝓇 𝓎ℴ𝓊! God already knows the outcome. He is showing you what He has already deposited in you through the finished work of Jesus. It was there all along, you are just walking it out. ℐ𝓉 𝒾𝓈 𝒻𝒾𝓃𝒾𝓈𝒽ℯ𝒹!

Part 1&2 continued in comments👇🏾

Hi Beloved,

I pray that throughout this week you’ve remained refreshed and secure in goodness of God towards you! Because you are so loved✞

I am so full, writing this to you, because you are loved, deeply loved by Jesus.

As I spend time with the Lord, I am overwhelmed by His kindness and His ways. I’m practicing living acutely aware of His presence and discovering His willingness to impart wisdom, dispense grace, and lavish love in each moment.

I encourage you to live enlight of His countenance, because He is facing you and watching over you. Indeed, He has His banner of love stationed over you because you are so precious to Him.

Therefore, respond accordingly by trusting Him. This is easily done by bringing everything to Him. Sitting with Him. Saturating yourself in Him.

Allowing Him to be God, because He is.

He will lift whatever has made your life heavy and exchange it with His perfect rest.

Blessings,

𝒜𝓃𝒹𝓇ℯ𝒶

“The Lord your God is in your midst, a mighty one who will save; he will rejoice over you with gladness; he will quiet you by his love; he will exult over you with loud singing.”
‭‭Zephaniah‬ ‭3‬:‭17‬ ‭

#theonething1 #liveloved #seedforthesoul #scripturereel #jesus #bannerovermeislove #beloved #WeekendVibsInTheVine #abidinginchrist #singsoverme
#livingawareofHispresence #livingenlightofHiscountenance

And just like that😮‍💨 a New Year. ℛℯ𝒶𝒹𝓎, 𝒮ℯ𝓉, ℛℯ𝓈𝓉, in the deeper things of God. The Lord continues to reveal (His) 𝓇𝒾𝑔𝒽𝓉ℯℴ𝓊𝓈𝓃ℯ𝓈𝓈, our word from 2024 as foundational for 2025. Surprisingly, we received the confirmation of two additional words for the year, the first being: 𝒢𝓇𝒶𝒸ℯ and the second: 𝒫𝓇ℴ𝓂𝒾𝓈ℯ. We are ecstatic and feel pregnant with anticipation, knowing these words aren’t only for us but for everyone connected to us.

My husband and I prayed for the Lord to help us set the rhythm for the season and He gave us 𝑔𝓇𝒶𝒸ℯ 𝑔ℴ𝒶𝓁𝓈. These aren’t just ambitions—they’re invitations to step into deeper intimacy with God. They come at a cost: surrendering ourselves, abandoning earthly expectations, and embracing the eternal.

Here’s what we feel led to focus on:

1st 🏹 Live Loved by God. Let the unshakable truth of His love shape every thought, decision, and action.

2nd 🏹 Live in wonder and awe of Him. Stay filled to the brim with His presence, marveling at His beauty and glory.

3rd 🏹 Flow with the Spirit. Let gratitude pave the way, guiding our steps and filling our hearts.

4th 🏹 Embrace radical grace and hope. Expect to experience the fullness of God’s promises by faith.

5th 🏹 Relish the sacred of simplicity. Find joy in the beauty of a slowed-down, Christ-centered life.

6th 🏹 Cherish the present. Fully embrace each moment and treasure the people and blessings God has placed in our lives.

7th 🏹 Rejoice in the hope of His glory. Live intentionally and purposefully, grounded in the finished work of Christ and the wholeness we have in Him.

It is a privilege to live this abundant life, trusting that the Lord is orchestrating every step. Nothing is by chance—each moment is holy and sacred when surrendered to Him.

If I had to sum up our goals in one sentence, it would be to gaze upon the One who is invisible, experience and reflect His beauty, and dwell continually in His presence. ℛℯ𝒶𝒹𝓎, 𝒮ℯ𝓉, ℛℯ𝓈𝓉.

Friend, what are your goals for 2025? Share one (or all of them!) in the comments👇🏾—I’d love to partner with you in prayer as we pursue His will together.

Hi Friends👋🏾, can you believe it, 2024 is a wrap!

Where did you see God in the past year? How did He reveal His character to you? What prayer did He answer maybe in an unexpected way? Where did you grow and in what ways did God stretch your faith? I would love to know.

I’ve had some time to pray, ponder, reflect, and write over the past month, and still need more time to sup in His presence and soak in the word, however, did want to give you something to consider as the dawn of a new year is on the horizon.

If you’ve been on TOT1 any length of time you probably know that this time of year is pretty exciting in our home as the Lord prepares the New Year with a New Word and Scripture for us to embrace. God is full of splendor and He is doing a new thing providing a theme and we are over the moon about it.

I will share our word and Scripture at a later date but definitely wanted to unveil the theme today: The Year of the Lord’s Favor.

I believe it will be a word that resonates for many who read my posts. God is at work and it is auspicious, and grand, and I am here for it!

Today in preparation for what He has for us, I want to share a thoughtful list of things to leave behind in 2024 to make space for growth, peace, and purpose in the coming year. May the Lord tend the garden of our hearts so we remain flourishing and fragrant with the aroma of Christ throughout 2025.

Prayer are words taken from: 𝒯ℯ𝓃𝒹 🥀by Bethel🌱

𝒜𝒷𝒷𝒶 ℱ𝒶𝓉𝒽ℯ𝓇 ,

ℬℯ 𝓉𝒽ℯ 𝒢𝒶𝓇𝒹ℯ𝓃ℯ𝓇 ℴ𝒻 𝓂𝓎 𝒽ℯ𝒶𝓇𝓉
𝒯ℯ𝓃𝒹 𝓉𝒽ℯ 𝓈ℴ𝒾𝓁 ℴ𝒻 𝓂𝓎 𝓈ℴ𝓊𝓁
ℬ𝓇ℯ𝒶𝓀 𝓊𝓅 𝓉𝒽ℯ 𝒻𝒶𝓁𝓁ℴ𝓌 𝑔𝓇ℴ𝓊𝓃𝒹
𝒞𝓊𝓉 𝒷𝒶𝒸𝓀 𝓉𝒽ℯ ℴ𝓋ℯ𝓇𝑔𝓇ℴ𝓌𝓃
𝒜𝓃𝒹 ℐ 𝓌ℴ𝓃 ’𝓉 𝓈𝒽𝓎 𝒶𝓌𝒶𝓎
ℐ 𝓌𝒾𝓁𝓁 𝓁ℯ𝓉 𝓉𝒽ℯ 𝒷𝓇𝒶𝓃𝒸𝒽ℯ𝓈 𝒻𝒶𝓁𝓁
𝒮ℴ 𝓌𝒽𝒶𝓉 𝒴ℴ𝓊 𝓌𝒶𝓃𝓉 𝒸𝒶𝓃 𝓈𝓉𝒶𝓎
𝒜𝓃𝒹 𝓌𝒽𝒶𝓉 𝒴ℴ𝓊 𝓁ℴ𝓋ℯ 𝒸𝒶𝓃 𝑔𝓇ℴ𝓌.

ℐ𝓃 𝒥ℯ𝓈𝓊𝓈’ 𝒩𝒶𝓂ℯ
𝒜𝓂ℯ𝓃 🙏🏾

Continued in comments👇🏾

• A downloadable copy of the journal prompts are in the Upper Room Channel Chat.

In 2010, my husband suffered a back injury that was further complicated by surgery. The procedure left him with a multi-level titanium cage to stabilize his back and a pin in his pelvis. Since the beginning of this journey, nearly every day has been marked by residual pain—physically, emotionally, and mentally.
𖧷
To say the least, it’s been an arduous adventure, tangibly experiencing daily reality yet living in the Truth of another. Every day presents us with the glorious opportunity to cling tightly to the promises of God knowing,
𖧷
“𝒮𝓊𝓇ℯ𝓁𝓎 ℋℯ 𝒽𝒶𝓈 𝒷ℴ𝓇𝓃ℯ ℴ𝓊𝓇 𝑔𝓇𝒾ℯ𝒻𝓈 𝒜𝓃𝒹 𝒸𝒶𝓇𝓇𝒾ℯ𝒹 ℴ𝓊𝓇 𝓈ℴ𝓇𝓇ℴ𝓌𝓈 ; 𝒴ℯ𝓉 𝓌ℯ ℯ𝓈𝓉ℯℯ𝓂ℯ𝒹 ℋ𝒾𝓂 𝓈𝓉𝓇𝒾𝒸𝓀ℯ𝓃, 𝒮𝓂𝒾𝓉𝓉ℯ𝓃 𝒷𝓎 𝒢ℴ𝒹, 𝒶𝓃𝒹 𝒶𝒻𝒻𝓁𝒾𝒸𝓉ℯ𝒹 . ℬ𝓊𝓉 ℋℯ 𝓌𝒶𝓈 𝓌ℴ𝓊𝓃𝒹ℯ𝒹 𝒻ℴ𝓇 ℴ𝓊𝓇 𝓉𝓇𝒶𝓃𝓈𝑔𝓇ℯ𝓈𝓈𝒾ℴ𝓃𝓈 , ℋℯ 𝓌𝒶𝓈 𝒷𝓇𝓊𝒾𝓈ℯ𝒹 𝒻ℴ𝓇 ℴ𝓊𝓇 𝒾𝓃𝒾𝓆𝓊𝒾𝓉𝒾ℯ𝓈 ; 𝒯𝒽ℯ 𝒸𝒽𝒶𝓈𝓉𝒾𝓈ℯ𝓂ℯ𝓃𝓉 𝒻ℴ𝓇 ℴ𝓊𝓇 𝓅ℯ𝒶𝒸ℯ 𝓌𝒶𝓈 𝓊𝓅ℴ𝓃 ℋ𝒾𝓂, 𝒜𝓃𝒹 𝒷𝓎 ℋ𝒾𝓈 𝓈𝓉𝓇𝒾𝓅ℯ𝓈 𝓌ℯ 𝒶𝓇ℯ 𝒽ℯ𝒶𝓁ℯ𝒹 .”ℐ𝓈𝒶𝒾𝒶𝒽 53:4-5‭
𖧷
This year brought its own challenge when I encountered shingles. The only pain I’ve ever experienced that rivaled this was during emergency surgery for a bowel obstruction that resulted in a colectomy. And, if you know anything about Shingles, it doesn’t like to leave quietly; it attempts to leave lying symptoms of post-neuropathic pain in its wake. I am so grateful for the Truth: 𝒩ℴ 𝓌ℴ𝓇𝒹 ℴ𝒻 𝓉𝒽ℯ ℒℴ𝓇𝒹 𝓌𝒾𝓁𝓁 𝒻𝒶𝒾𝓁 𝒶𝓃𝒹 ℯ𝓋ℯ𝓇𝓎 𝓅𝓇ℴ𝓂𝒾𝓈ℯ ℴ𝒻 𝒢ℴ𝒹 𝒾𝓈 𝓁𝒶𝒹ℯ𝓃 𝓌𝒾𝓉𝒽 𝓅ℴ𝓌ℯ𝓇.
𖧷

Parts 1-3 Continued in Comments👇🏾

She Locked Eyes On The King: And Found Soul Nourishment & Divine Rest in the Word 🌿

Are you longing for rest in the midst of life’s busyness? True soul-level refreshment can only be found in Jesus, through abiding in His Word and delighting in His presence. This is more than a momentary escape—it’s a lifestyle rooted in Him.

✨ I am thrilled to collaborate with @dr.adrianne_m_toney to inspire and equip others to #MoveTheBodyOfChrist. Together, we’re diving deep into Scripture to plant seeds of truth and cultivate lives nourished by God’s promises.

Here’s what you can expect in this mini-Bible reflection:

📖 The Invitation: Explore the divine rest Jesus offers in Matthew 11:28-29, discovering how abiding in Him brings lasting peace.

📖 The Foundation of Rest: Dive into the inheritance we’ve received through Christ’s finished work and the eternal security of being seated with Him.

📖 Find Rest in the Word: Unpack how the Word of God nourishes, heals, and transforms us as we seek Him with intention and curiosity.

📖 The Joy of Meditation: Learn how to meditate on Scripture, slowing down to savor the truth and allowing it to shape your heart and mind.

📖 Stability and Fruitfulness: See how delighting in God’s Word anchors us, bringing stability and fruitfulness in every season.

💡 Reflections & Practical Steps: Each section includes guided reflections and action steps to help you engage with the Word in a deeper, more meaningful way.

🔥 Call to Action: In a world of distractions, we must guard against spiritual famine by prioritizing time in God’s Word. Let’s seek Him while He may be found!

🙏🏾Closing Prayer: End your study with thanksgiving and a prayer for deeper hunger and revelation in the Word.

This study is a journey into divine rest, a sacred invitation to abide in Christ and delight in His presence. Will you join us?

✨ Post released today. Link in bio!
Let’s feast on the Word and move closer to the heart of God together. 💖 Follow @dr.adrianne_m_toney to see her latest events and get involved in her efforts to move the body of Christ🙏🏾

Introduction to the Study in Comments👇🏾

I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving 🍁! I don’t think I’ve mentioned this before, but my husband and I live far from our family. Since we moved, holidays are often a quiet celebration with just the two of us and our fur-baby, Chopper 🐾. I haven’t introduced you to him yet, but I’ll share more about him in the new year—he’s quite the character! 🐕

In the past, we’ve felt a bit sad during the holidays because we couldn’t be with family. But this year is unexpectedly different. Over the past year, the Lord has continued to stretch and teach us in many ways. One of the biggest lessons we’ve learned is that, in Christ, we get to decide beforehand how we will approach situations. So, we’ve decided to embrace contentment and rejoice in what the Lord has placed in our hands.

This viewpoint has been our position throughout the year, and it’s especially helping us in this season. I wanted to share this because there have been many challenging years for us, filled with tears. But shifting to a godly perspective is helping us navigate our emotions around special occasions.

Instead of dwelling on what we may be missing, we can rejoice in Who we have and the incredible place He has brought us to in this season of life.

I want to be clear: this is not to minimizing anyone’s loss or grief. Those feelings are real and valid. Yet even in the most challenging seasons, Jesus is at work, and we don’t want to miss the beauty of what He’s doing right now.

I hope this encourages you as you navigate this season, too.

Looking ahead, part of this next season requires my husband and me to be still before the Lord. We’ve heard the word He has given us for 2025, and we want to prayerfully reflect on what it means. With that in mind, I’m taking a social media break to focus on Jesus, spend time with friends, and enjoy the festivities.

I am praying for peace and joy over each of you in this season!

“My beloved speaks and says to me: “Arise, my love, my beautiful one, and come away.” Song of Solomon‬ ‭2‬:‭10‬.

“He brought me to the banqueting house, and his banner over me was love.” Song of Solomon‬ ‭2‬:‭4‬.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Andrea🫶🏾

Good Evening Beloved,

I hope you had a wonderful weekend!! I wanted to hop on here and tell you I didn’t forget. I do have something special 🎁 I am hoping to share soon that requires your participation🥳. So be on the lookout.

I know it’s late, so I will make this quick. I recently walked through an episode of Shingles, which was incredibly painful. I will go into more details at a later date. I want to say God is so good, y’all. He prepared me with His word before it ever became a thing.

I am continuing to soak in His love, hear Him, and glean dainties from our time together. He is teaching me a lot about perspective, the lens I use in life, and how I talk about what I am walking through. I noticed the questions I bring Him are changing the longer I follow Jesus. Have you seen something similar?

Well, tonight, I released a post called Pain–A Human Reality And The Truth: There Is Grace In The Blood. These are thoughts that came from time spent with Jesus in the word.

In this reflective post, we explore the tension between pain, faith, and the relentless schemes of the enemy. Through the lens of scripture, we are reminded that the Blood of Jesus speaks better things, granting us access to God’s continual presence and His unchanging goodness.

We examine the enemy’s subtle lies, the questions they provoke, and how to respond like Jesus—with truth and faith. Drawing insights from the Book of Job, we contrast self-righteousness with resting in God’s grace, highlighting the transformative power of viewing trials through the lens of the Cross.

This post challenges us to reject lies, embrace truth, and believe God’s report. It’s a call to faith, a celebration of our Mediator, Jesus Christ, and an invitation to experience freedom and victory in Him.

I pray you will be refreshed by the verses from the post. Scripture references: 1 John 3:20, 2 Timothy 2:13, 2 Corinthians 4:7, Job 9:33, Matthew 6:33, Hebrews 11:6, Isaiah 53:1. Biblical Journal Prompts are included and can be downloaded from The UpperRoom Channel and by visiting the link in the bio👆🏾. I hope this word blesses you🙏🏾.

Have a fantastic week!

❓Have you ever felt like your circumstances were destroying your heart?

❓Do you wonder if God still has a purpose for you when life feels out of control?

You’re not alone. In this episode of Seed for the Soul, I sit down with Dawn Ward to explore how we can move from guilt and despair to grace and hope in Christ. Together, we talk about finding healing in God’s truth, especially when life doesn’t turn out the way we imagined.

Dawn shares her powerful testimony of letting go of control and leaning into God’s promises.

“I matter to God, and He cares about my heart. He doesn’t want to see me destroyed by my circumstances. Even if my child continues to self-destruct or refuses to change, God still has a plan and purpose for my life. He wants me to have a beautiful relationship with Him, built on faith, hope, trust, and love.”

Through her journey, Dawn was reminded of this unshakable truth: God is not silent. She recalls how God spoke to her heart:

“You’ve been listening to what the world says and what science says, but why don’t we take a deep dive into what I say? I’m not silent on this matter—or any matter.”

💡 Let’s Reflect Together:
• How has God spoken into your most difficult circumstances?

• What truths from His Word have brought you peace when nothing else could?

💬 Join the Conversation! Drop your thoughts in the comments—Dawn and I would love to hear how God is moving in your life.

🎧 Don’t miss this powerful conversation filled with hope and practical steps to dive deeper into God’s Word. Listen now on your favorite 🎙️podcast platform! Scripture for Your Journey in the Comments👇🏾

Let’s take that deep plunge into His Word and discover the hope and healing waiting for us in Christ. 💖

❓ What’s sitting on the throne of your heart?

Are you chasing pleasure or running from pain?

So often, we make idols out of our own comfort, turning to tools like success, control, substances, or even rescuing others to keep us feeling “safe.” But as Dawn R. Ward shares in this episode of Seed for the Soul, these substitutes can never give us the lasting peace we crave.

💡 True peace only comes when we surrender the throne of our hearts to the Lord, trusting Him to fill the void we’ve tried to fill on our own. Dawn unpacks her latest book, From Guilt To Grace: Hope and Healing for Christian Moms of Addicted Children, in episode seven, revealing her heart for everyone to be transformed by the grace of our Lord Jesus.

🌿 Tune in as we unpack:
💬 How misplaced priorities can become idols.
💬 The tools we use to avoid surrender.
💬 The freedom found in letting God take His rightful place in our hearts.
💬 The healing that comes when we surrender guilt at the foot of the cross to embrace God’s amazing grace.

More within this episode🎙️, we dive into the raw and transformative journey of faith, trust, and surrender. From grappling with the challenges of parenting through addiction to uncovering the hidden idols in her heart, Dawn shares how God called her into deeper obedience and trust. Through personal encounters, biblical study, and divine heart surgery, she learned to let go of control and embrace God’s sovereignty. This episode offers practical encouragement, biblical insights, and a reminder that no matter the trial, God has a plan for your life.

📅 New episode available now! Links to the show and Dawn’s book are in the bio.

Key Themes Through Scripture

• Spiritual Warfare: Ephesians 6:12, Luke 10:19, 2 Timothy 1:7.
• God’s Pursuit of Us: Luke 15:4-7, 2 Peter 3:9.
• Grace & Strength in Weakness: 2 Corinthians 12:9, Philippians 4:13.
• Obedience and Faith: 1 Samuel 15:22, James 2:17.
• Trust and Worship: Proverbs 3:5-6, Exodus 20:3.
• Hope and Comfort: Romans 8:28, Psalm 23:4.

🌱 New Podcast Episode Alert! 🎙️

Join me, on Seed for the Soul, as I welcome the phenomenal Dawn Ward to the show! 🙌🏾✨ She is sharing her incredible testimony of God’s redemptive power, on the latesst episode, From Guilt to Grace: Finding Hope and Healing In Christ, which drops today.

Author Bio:
Dawn Ward is a speaker, writer, and biblical life coach. She is the founder of The Faith to Flourish, a ministry offering support and encouragement to women with addicted loved ones. Dawn also equips women to live transformed lives through inspiring teaching, mentoring, and biblical resources. She is married to Steve and mom to three adult children. Her book, From Guilt to Grace: Hope and Healing for Christian Moms of Addicted Children, published September 2024, is now available.

In this episode, we dive deep into powerful aspects of faith, healing, and transformation that you won’t want to miss:
🌱Addiction & Idolatry: How even good intentions can turn into stumbling blocks.
🌱Discovering Lies & Uprooting Unbelief: How God exposes and dismantles the lies we believe about ourselves and others.
🌱God’s Grace in Our Weakness: Why Christ’s power is made perfect when we surrender.
🌱Spiritual Warfare: Practical ways to reclaim your home and stand firm in Christ’s authority.
🌱The Power of Labels: Replacing man-made labels with God’s truth about identity and worth.
🌱Intimacy with Christ: How trusting God transforms not only our trials but also our relationship with Him.
🌱Healing & Hope: Finding hope in God’s faithfulness when loved ones are struggling.

💬 What to Expect:
Dawn shares heartfelt stories from her book, From Guilt to Grace: Hope and Healing for Christian Moms of Addicted Children, intertwining personal testimony with biblical truth. Whether you’re facing a storm, helping a loved one through addiction, or simply seeking to deepen your faith, this episode will anchor you in the promises of God.

🎧 Tune in Now Link in Bio👆🏾
📖 Grab Dawn’s Book Link in Bio 👆🏾
💡 Let us know: What’s one way God has worked through a storm in your life? Share in the comments!

✨ Share this post to spread hope, healing, and the message of Christ’s grace!

The Gospel is not just about forgiving our sins but also about being made the righteousness of God in Christ when we place our faith in Jesus. And if we preach a Gospel to ourselves and others but neglect the righteousness that comes through faith, we do a great disservice.

The Gospel changes the trajectory of our destiny. It cancels the enemy’s plans because we no longer stand in and of ourselves but on grace ground, positioned in the Blessing in Christ.

I’m not sure we will ever fully comprehend the magnitude and fierceness of the love that brought us into this sacred space or whether we will only taste the truth that we’ve gained Christ and He is the blessing.

༆

I don’t want it to be misconstrued that Christianity is a pass for a pain-free life. It is not. However, our lives take a decisive turn when we realize Christ is the Treasure.

Being in Christ means we are one with His Person. Because we physically live here, being in Him doesn’t exempt us from suffering, but our position in Christ allows us to suffer well, altogether different being strengthened by the Promised Holy Spirit.

“Through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope. Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.”‭‭Romans‬ ‭5‬:‭2‬-‭5‬.

༆

The Holy Spirit is ever-present in me since I believed. Yet, for many reasons I had not allowed myself to flow with Him. Initially, it was because I wasn’t taught about Him, His testimony and unfortunately later, I simply forgot.

I had forgotten the Lord. I had forgotten what He had done. I forgot who I am in Him, for me it was being surrounded by overwhelming circumstances that distracted me from the truth and at other times it was me running from the truth because it wasn’t the Answer I wanted to hear.

Nevertheless, He never forgot me; Jesus has always been with me, graciously nudging and reminding me of His presence.

Continued in comments👇🏾

What if we truly believed that God’s word is greater than our present reality?

How might life change if we fully trusted His promises over the things we see and experience each day?

In my latest post, The Faith of Abraham: Choosing the Promise Over Our Present Reality, we explore how embracing God’s promises transforms our lives, frees us from self-reliance, and leads us to walk in faith beyond our circumstances.

“What does Scripture say? ‘Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness.’” — Romans 4:3.

The post is a call to action for believers to believe and receive the righteousness that comes by faith in Jesus Christ, which is an aspect of the Gospel message that is often not emphasized but gives us the boldness to possess our inheritance.

༆

Discover a new perspective on living by faith and see how choosing Jesus over worldly reality, anchors your life in the Promise. Begin your journey to a deepened faith today.

༆

Here’s a Sneak Peek: What if we, like Abraham, truly acted on God’s promises? Imagine living each day not dictated by our circumstances but grounded in the finished work of Jesus. The journey of faith for Abraham and Sarah shows us that our inheritance in Christ is about transformation—not just outward change, but a renewal of the heart.

The Word of God encourages us not to forget all of His benefits. We will examine what Abraham believed so we can walk in the blessings of God. If you’re hungry for more of Jesus and a life shaped by His promises, this is for you.

“So then those who are of faith are blessed with believing Abraham.” — Galatians 3:9.

Let’s take inspiration from Abraham, trusting God’s promises beyond what we can see. In Christ, we’re invited to the same walk of faith—choosing His promises over our present reality.

Journal Prompt:
What is one promise from God’s Word that you struggle to fully believe? Write it down, ask God to help you trust Him in this area, and pray for the faith to embrace His promise as your reality.

Read the full post to discover how a surrendered life in Christ brings transformation and glorifies Him at every step. Let’s dive in together—link in the bio!

Live Loved🫶🏾

In a world marked by uncertainty, as believers in Jesus, we have an opportunity to share the unshakable hope we have in Christ.

One of the greatest gifts we possess is a hope that remains firm and a resilience that shines, even when life shifts around us. This hope does not disappoint because it rests not in people, but in the Living God.

Let’s not walk unaware of the enemy’s tactics.. He would like nothing more than to distract us from the divine appointments set all around us, to share the love of God. Friends, let’s bring people the message of the Gospel—the invitation of eternal life, the incredible peace that comes with reconciliation to the Father, the hope of Christ’s return, and joy that defies all circumstances. Jesus is the Answer!

Let us not be deceived as Eve was, trading the finished work of Jesus for the illusion of security in things that will pass away. Jesus was pierced so that we might have unwavering peace, not only for ourselves but also to bless others. We are commissioned to give what we have freely received. As we feel the approach of His return, let us live with hearts open, sharing His love and light.

My prayer is that we, as God’s children, will be about our Father’s business—especially as we recognize the urgency of His prophetic timeline. Jesus was crushed so that we could receive the abundant oil of the Holy Spirit, poured into us. May we allow the Oil to work within us so that we do not shrink back into old ways, pushing agendas, but instead walk in boldness to proclaim all that the Lord has done.

The peace and joy of the Lord are a balm for this broken world. May we be generous in applying it wherever we go and may many come to know Him and be saved.

Anchor Scriptures and Journal Prompts in Comments👇🏾

Happy Sabbath, Shalom.

As we enter this glorious new week, a simple yet profound message: Keep Jesus at the center of it all.

Choose the One thing, the Better thing. He is our Portion.

Live Loved.

#Jesus #NewWeek #theGospel #scripturesnack #seedforthesoul #theonething1 #liveloved

Hi Friends👋🏾 I am joining Keshia from @theencouragedwriter today as we focus on the importance of being Anchored in God’s Faithfulness in every season.

A lot is happening right now. There are wars and rumors of wars, the elections are in a state of flux🤷🏾‍♀️, and the holiday season is in full swing. For many, this means a heightened sense of anxiety because of the unknown. While others experience a sort of melancholy due to the resurfacing of trauma, loss, and feeling alone.

It’s even more important to slow down, pause, and reflect in times like these before diving into the next task. It is good to seek the Lord, because He is moving, and we don’t want to miss Him in the midst of all that is going on. He is our help and will untangle the emotions that are palpable and try to overtake us.

One way we endure seasons of intense pain and change is to saturate ourselves in His wonder and remain grounded in His faithfulness. In this way we are steeped in gratitude and hold tightly to His peace that surpasses understanding in the midst of chaos.

The Psalmist says, “O Lord God of hosts, who is mighty like You, O Lord? Your faithfulness also surrounds You” (Psalm 89:8), and the prophet Isaiah proclaims, “O Lord, You are my God. I will exalt You, I will praise Your name, for You have done wonderful things; Your counsels of old are faithfulness and truth” (Isaiah 25:1).

Our Abba Father is immutable. He is the constant our hearts long for in an ever-shifting world. Let’s take a moment to reflect on five precious aspects of His faithfulness. Each flows from His love and is wrapped with divine comfort, grace, and mercy.

It’s in His faithfulness that our faith finds its firm foundation.

🧣God’s Presence
🧣God’s Peace
🧣God’s Provision
🧣God’s Power
🧣God’s Providence

Which one of these aspects of God’s faithfulness resonates most with your present season? Let us know in the comments👇🏾.

🍁🧣🍁🧣🍂🧣🍂🍁🍂🍁🧣🍁🍁🍂🧣🍁🧣🍁🍂🧣🍂🍁🍂🍁
Don’t miss the power-packed ScriptureSnack📖 & Journal Prompts ✍️🏾 in the comments👇🏾

Beloved, today's the day🎉, my mini-study is now available on my website, and Substack. The link is in the bio 👆🏾. My hope is for us to walk in the Word and Hear Jesus.

༻༺ Here is an overview of the study༻༺

The Bible study, titled “Hear Him. Guided by Grace: The Divine Whisper,” centers on hearing and discerning the voice of God through Jesus Christ. The introduction of the study encourages readers to seek God’s presence, engage in Scripture, and test the messages they hear against the Word. It emphasizes the importance of cultivating biblical literacy in an age of many competing voices, some of which may claim to speak for God but do not.

The study begins with a reflection on the dangers of false teachings, using the book of Jude as a warning about deceptive influences in the church. Then transitions into a theological exploration of the relationship between the Law, the Prophets, and Jesus under the New Covenant, highlighting that Jesus is above the Law and the Prophets, and God now speaks through Him.

The key scripture, Hebrews 1:1-2, reinforces the message that while God spoke through the prophets in the past, He now speaks through His Son. The Transfiguration account is also examined in detail, with the focus on listening to Jesus as the ultimate authority. It further reflects on how prophetic ministry functions today under the New Covenant and reminds believers that all prophetic words should align with the Spirit and the Word of God.

The study concludes with practical applications for hearing God’s voice, growing in grace, and discerning truth from falsehood in today’s spiritual landscape. Bible journal prompts are provided to deepen reflection on these key themes, encouraging readers to engage with Scripture, listen for God’s voice, and follow Jesus alone.

Friends, I pray you will hear my heart for you to know and believe Jesus. And I pray that this word will bless you as much as it has blessed me to study, meditate, and apply the word. We live in dangerous times and we need the guidance of the Holy Spirit to reveal the truth to us continually.

Enjoy Him!

♡

Andrea

THE ONE THING 1

Pain: A Human Reality And The Truth: There Is Grace In The Blood.

Living in True Freedom: Embracing the Gospel of Grace

Journey On The Path of Righteousness Trusting Wholly In The Finished Work of Jesus.

Enveloped By Grace: God’s Love Seen Through The Lens of Eternity

Grateful Moments: Reflecting on God's Love and Blessings

I Am the Righteousness of God In Christ

Applying The Finished Work: Gleanings from Zechariah

​