Close to His Heart

~ alicia.ruth.yoder

What does it mean for my Shepherd’s goodness and lovingkindness to follow me all the days of my life? It means that when I look behind me, I see God in every moment of my past. (Or I ask Him to show me where He was.) When I look forward, into the future, I can see how my Good Shepherd is shielding me from the wind as He goes before me, leading me to the good works He has for me. And when I just feel tired or discouraged, I picture Him carrying His little lamb, close to His heart. 

He tends his flock like a shepherd: He gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them close to his heart; he gently leads those that have young. (Isaiah 40:11, Psalm 23)


Episode 100: 1 Kings 21 Ahab Steals Naboth’s Vineyard

~ alicia.ruth.yoder

In this episode, Finn and I talk about Ahab’s choice to listen to Jezebel and take what he wanted and how we can trust God to give us what we need and find joy in His presence with us. 

With your kids: Who are two of your closest friends? How do they help you in your walk with Jesus?

P.S. If you haven’t had a chance to access the first bonus episode by supporting the podcast, you can hop over to https://www.patreon.com/aliciayoder

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: Email | RSS

Abide

~ alicia.ruth.yoder ~ 1 Comment

What does it mean in John 15 for Jesus to be the Vine, the Father the Gardener, and me as a branch? Does the branch produce its own food? That’s the Vine’s job. Does it measure its fruitfulness? That’s the Gardener’s job. So what is my job? To drink in the Living Water coming through the roots of the Vine. Soaking in the truths of Scripture. Looking more like the Vine by obeying and repenting and knowing that I’ll never be cut off but only pruned with the pruning shears of transforming grace. And the grapes produced will be the grapes the Gardener shares with anyone who comes near so that when they take a bite, the juice dripping down their chins will be the sweetest thing they’ve tasted–the love and joy and peace of Christ. 

First Bonus Episode!

~ alicia.ruth.yoder

Finn and I have been working on a new series where Finn tells one of his favorite Bible stories in his own words and we talk about why Jesus is the best.

It’s only available to patrons, so if you’d like to listen and help sustain the podcast at the same time, you can jump over to my page.

Finn the yellow tang fish

Episode 99: 1 Kings 20 God Defeats Ben-Hadad’s Army

~ alicia.ruth.yoder

In this episode, God shows His power to King Ahab again, but Ahab responds with disobedience. Through Jesus, we can receive the grace to trust our parents, even when we don’t understand all their decisions. 

With your kids: What is one of your favorite ways to have fun? How does it make you long for heaven? 

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: Email | RSS

Jump

~ alicia.ruth.yoder

What does it mean for God’s peace to guard my heart and mind in Christ? He’s showing me that hope and trust are the opposite of anxiety. When I’m not leaning on my own understanding, it means that His peace will be beyond my understanding, too. When I believe my Sovereign Lord is in control of all my circumstances, locations, and relationships, and that He’s working it all together in a perfect harmony of my good and His glory, everything no longer has to make sense to me. When I’ve climbed a tree and see no way to get down again, and my Daddy opens His arms and says, “Jump,” His grace sends me into the air. (See Proverbs 3:5-6, Philippians 4:6-7)

Episode 98: 1 Kings 18-19 Elijah’s Success and Discouragement

~ alicia.ruth.yoder

In this episode, we see the way God shows His power and also His personal care for the prophet Elijah. And that He is the only God worthy of worship. 

With your kids: Share with each other one truth God has whispered to your heart recently. 

P.S. Don’t forget, you can find the Jesus is Better Podcast on Spotify now!

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: Email | RSS

Puzzles of Grace

~ alicia.ruth.yoder

I’ve memorized Proverbs 3:5-6, but what does it mean to trust in the Lord? To not lean on my own understanding? Will God really make my paths straight? These thoughts come as whispers into my heart:

My daughter, why don’t you try thanking Me for My plans for your future instead of trying to figure them all out? I love helping you to rest in My love right now, in the exact life you’re living right now. What am I asking you to do today? That’s what I’m taking delight in watching and helping and offering My grace and wisdom in. You are trying to fill in the gaps of the partly finished puzzle in your mind, but you don’t know what it’s going to look like when it’s finished. I haven’t given you all the pieces yet. Will you accept each piece as I give it, knowing that it might have different colors than you thought it would, but that it will all fit together perfectly in My puzzle of grace in your life? When you start to worry about the future, thank Me for the pieces I’m preparing for you, knowing that I will give each one at the right time.  


Episode 97: 1 Kings 17-18 God Does Miracles Through Elijah

~ alicia.ruth.yoder

In this episode, I share with Finn about how God sent a drought and did miracles to show people His power, and how He also shows His power today through the Holy Spirit’s presence and work in our lives. 

With your kids: What miracle from the Bible would you have liked to see in person? Thank God for His power back then and that He is the same powerful God today.

You can now find the podcast on Spotify by clicking here or searching for “Jesus is Better Bible Stories.”

Click here if your child would like to help with an episode intro.

Subscribe by email to get gospel encouragement for moms delivered to your inbox.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: Email | RSS

Wiping His Feet

~ alicia.ruth.yoder

How can I respond to the love that put Christ on the cross? The love He shows me everyday as I picture my sins like dirt on my feet that He gently washes away?

I want to be the one kneeling on the floor, like the woman who washed His feet with her tears and dried them with her hair. She was perceived as shameful. What does the world see as shameful and ridiculous today? Admitting my wrongs through confession and repentance. Making meals, cleaning up, pouring out my time to discipline, train, instruct, and laugh with my children. Claiming no identity but being His daughter.

Lord, would you help me to picture each of these acts, each confession of my need for You as a way to wipe Your feet with my hair?

And it is precious to You. (Luke 7:36-50)