Many have athletes have asked us, “What does God think about me competing in a bikini or in posing trunks?”   While others in the Christian community have asked us, “How can you promote these events where people walk around half-naked and still call yourselves, Christians?”   Two great questions, but both require a response that stems from walking in relationship with Jesus and not a worldly answer sprinkled with Jesus.   This episode Jen and Lee dig to these questions providing thought proking responses. Listen in to hear their thoughts on Muscular Christianity.

Nspire Life

Season 2: Ep 16 - Muscular Christianity - Fitness Competitions and Christianity

Season 2: Ep 15 - Hurt People, Hurt People   There is so much drama in the world today, and our beloved sport of bodybuilding and the industry of health and fitness is certainly not immune to the pain that is occurring today. In this hour our sport and industry are being attacked from all sides. We have hurt people, hurting people. In this episode, Jen and I take an in-depth look at why we are a hurting people and present four (4) way in which we may heal as individuals and as a community at large.   Our podcast scripture gives a great framing work in which we must choose to live in our community is to rise from the ashes of this hurt.   Colossians 3:12-15   “Clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Bear with one another and forgive one another if any of you have a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues, put on love which binds them all together in perfect unity. Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts.”

Season 2: Ep 15 - Hurt People, Hurt People

Fresh start - implies that our past is still with us leading to guilt, shame, and condemnation   New Life - means new life - no past - clean slate   Podcast Scripture:   Romans 6:4 (NIV) 4 We were buried in baptism as Christ was buried in death. As Christ was raised from the dead by the great power of God, so we will have new life also.   (Message) That is what happened in baptism. When we went under the water, we left the old country of sin behind; when we came up out of the water, we entered into the new country of grace—a new life in a new land!   Thanks for listening! Please leave us a 5-star rating if you enjoyed this episode!   If you have any questions regarding today's message, desire prayer or have a suggestion for an upcoming podcast please contact us at info@nspirelifeministries.org and visit our website at www.NspireLifeMinistries.org   DOWNLOAD ON A PODCAST MEDIA or CLICK A LINK BELOW...   Itunes at https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/nspire-life/id1411724210?mt=2   Spotify at https://open.spotify.com/show/7AJ4hIUjsGv6bSVhALXyi5.   YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC8xAJMdwx1MjOsFGRy2r7Hg?view_as=subscriber   #ChristianBattlePlan #PressingProducesPower #BreakThrough #Freedom #Marriage #SuccessInMarriage  #Godslove #Identity #truth  #SpiritualMuscle #StayingPower #Gym  #Marriage #Winning #Identity #SelfMade #GodMade #BeTheLight #Salvation #Kingdom #KingJesus #NspireLife #Podcast #Walk #Faith 

Season 2: Ep 14 - Fresh Start or New Life?

Season 2: Ep 13 - You have a 100% of Success in Marriage   Podcast Scripture: Eph 5:20-33 Out of respect for Christ, be courteously reverent to one another. Wives, understand and support your husbands in ways that show your support for Christ. The husband provides leadership to his wife the way Christ does to his church, not by domineering but by cherishing. So just as the church submits to Christ as he exercises such leadership, wives should likewise submit to their husbands.   Husbands, go all out in your love for your wives, exactly as Christ did for the church—a love marked by giving, not getting. Christ’s love makes the church whole. His words evoke her beauty. Everything he does and says is designed to bring the best out of her, dressing her in dazzling white silk, radiant with holiness. And that is how husbands ought to love their wives. They’re really doing themselves a favor—since they’re already “one” in marriage.   No one abuses his own body, does he? No, he feeds and pampers it. That’s how Christ treats us, the church, since we are part of his body. And this is why a man leaves father and mother and cherishes his wife. No longer two, they become “one flesh.” This is a huge mystery, and I don’t pretend to understand it all. What is clearest to me is the way Christ treats the church. And this provides a good picture of how each husband is to treat his wife, loving himself in loving her, and how each wife is to honor her husband.   Courtship Dialog   The things you did during courtship will only need to increase in marriage…   Tough times often require remembrance of the good times…     Four Keys to Success in Marriage   1. Respect - Respect can change behavior of a man - it is the greatest need of man - respect  makes the wife attractive to the husband; A man should lay down his life for wife - a sacrificial husband is most attractive to his wife   2. Security - is the number one need of a wife - husbands - bring his wife to her full potential by caring for her all her needs as an equal - security equals her value; The role of every wife is to be his cheerleader rooting him on to become everything he was created to become. Your belief in him will inspire him to his full potential.   3. Crucify Your Sinful Nature - disable your sin nature and keep it from destroying your marriage.   The nature of sin is not  to get along with anyone. It is egotistical, prideful, and self-seeking. By walking out these different roles in Ephesians 5, we crucify this sin nature in our marriage.   The issues of husband and wife are different in marriage. The wife often desires to make her own decision without consenting her husband. It is her need for independence. The serpent convinced Eve to take a bite of the fruit without consulting her husband.   The husband often is confronted by apathy, a lack of interest, enthusiasm, or concern. Adam was standing right there when the serpent convinced Eve to eat of the fruit while he stood by and watched. Maybe Adam was distracted by ESPN or a good movie. Yet, all he needed to do was pay attention and kill the snake. God had given him dominion overall all things, yet apathy led him astray.   Ephesians 5 comes to the independent wife, putting an additional layer of accountability on her not to act without her consulting her husband. You are a part of a team and must be a team player. Ephesians 5 puts twice the accountability on the husband; you lay your life down for her. You cherish her the way you love your own life. Ephesians 5 crucifies your sin nature and prepares you to be victorious in a Christian marriage.   4. Come into Agreement - agree to respect, provide and die.   Bonus Tip --- when a conversation with your spouse that has become difficult, stop and ask yourself, “Do I want to be right or do I want to be righteous?” By choosing the latter, the marriage wins.

Season 2: Ep 13 - 100% Success in Marriage

Podcast Scripture: Proverbs 18:20-21 “From the fruit of their mouth a person’s stomach is filled; with the harvest of their lips they are satisfied. The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit.”   Did you know that if you can get your tongue fixed- you can get your heart fixed?! The truth is that we can create worlds by our words. Words are powerful. The quality of our life is even dependent on the words we speak.   In this episode we discuss: How our words have power 4 facts about the tongue 3 ways to bridle our tongue and 4 ways our words can Nspire   Listen in and let the power of these words create a new world for you.   Thanks for listening! Please leave us a 5-star rating if you enjoyed this episode!   If you have any questions regarding today's message, desire prayer or have a suggestion for an upcoming podcast please contact us at info@nspirelifeministries.org and visit our website at www.NspireLifeMinistries.org   DOWNLOAD ON A PODCAST MEDIA or CLICK A LINK BELOW...   Itunes at https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/nspire-life/id1411724210?mt=2   Spotify at https://open.spotify.com/show/7AJ4hIUjsGv6bSVhALXyi5.   YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC8xAJMdwx1MjOsFGRy2r7Hg?view_as=subscriber   #ChristianBattlePlan #PressingProducesPower #BreakThrough #Freedom #Words #Power #WordsMatter #Godslove #Identity #truth  #SpiritualMuscle #StayingPower #Gym #Marriage #Winning #Identity #SelfMade #GodMade #BeTheLight #Salvation #Kingdom #KingJesus #NspireLife #Podcast #Walk #Faith 

Season 2: Ep 12 - Words Have Power

Season 2: Ep 11 - Power in Pressing   Podcast verse: 1 Cor 4:8-9 “We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed.   Pressing defined: to act upon through steady pushing or thrusting force exerted in contact : Squeeze: To squeeze with apparatus or instruments to a desired density, smoothness, or shape   Types of Personal Crushing:   Life’s events   Words Relationships/Friendships Marriage Health Finances   4 Ways to Preserve the Crushing   1. Focus on the truth 2. Don’t listen to lies; evaluate them against truth 3. Take the matter to God 4. Celebrate the victory   Thanks for listening! Please leave us a 5-star rating if you enjoyed this episode!   A big shout out and thanks to our sponsor It Works. Please visit their website today all their amazing products that assist you in becoming your personal best https://jenthompsonfit.itworks.com/shopping/category/ketoworks   If you have any questions regarding today's message, desire prayer or have a suggestion for an upcoming podcast please contact us at info@nspirelifeministries.org and visit our website at www.NspireLifeMinistries.org   DOWNLOAD ON A PODCAST MEDIA or CLICK A LINK BELOW...   Itunes at https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/nspire-life/id1411724210?mt=2   Spotify at https://open.spotify.com/show/7AJ4hIUjsGv6bSVhALXyi5.   YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC8xAJMdwx1MjOsFGRy2r7Hg?view_as=subscriber   #ChristianBattlePlan #PressingProducesPower #BreakThrough #Freedom #Pressing #PressingLeadsToBlessing  #Godslove #Identity #truth  #SpiritualMuscle #StayingPower #Gym  #Marriage #Winning #Identity #SelfMade #GodMade #BeTheLight #Salvation #Kingdom #KingJesus #NspireLife #Podcast #Walk #Faith 

Season 2: Ep 11 - Power in the Pressing

The temptation of sin is danged in front of our eyes daily. Satan dangles enticements like money, sex, anger, porn, hate, greed, judgment in front of us, just waiting for us to take the bait so he can reel us into bondage. Don't take the bait! Today our host Jen and Lee Thompson discuss 5 Ways to avoid being hooked by temptation.  Romans 1:25 “They exchanged the truth about God for a lie, and worshiped and served created things rather than the Creator — who is forever praised.” If you have any questions regarding today's message, desire prayer or have a suggestion for an upcoming podcast please contact us at info@nspirelifeministries.org and visit our website at www.NspireLifeMinistries.org #ChristianBattlePlan #BreakThrough #Label #lies #DontLabelMe #Godslove #Identity #truth  #SpiritualMuscle #StayingPower #Gym  #Marriage #Winning #Bikini #Bodybuilding #Identity #SelfMade #GodMade #BeTheLight #Salvation #Kingdom #KingJesus #NspireLife #Podcast #Walk #Faith #Freedom  

Season 2: Ep 10 - Don't Take The Bait

Season 2: Ep - 9 Set Free Podcast Verses: Romans 6:22 “But know you have been set free from sin and have become slaves of God. The benefit I reap leads to holiness and eternal life.” 1 John 3:8 “The person who keeps on sinning belongs to the devil. The devil has sinned from the beginning. But the Son of God came to destroy the works of the devil.” Is it possible to sin no more? This is a question that I began asking after reading John 8:11 when Jesus told the adulterous woman, “now go and sin no more.” Some versions say, “leave your life of sin.” Background questions - Why is the cost of sin death? Where is life found in the 10 commandments? Is it possible to walk without sin? We discuss and answer these questions with the Word of God. The answer we discovered in the scriptures might surprise you. Thanks for listening! Please leave us a 5-star rating if you enjoyed this episode!   A big shout out and thanks to our sponsor It Works. Please visit their website today all their amazing products that assist you in becoming your personal best https://jenthompsonfit.itworks.com/shopping/category/ketoworks If you have any questions regarding today's message, desire prayer or have a suggestion for an upcoming podcast please contact us at info@nspirelifeministries.org and visit our website at www.NspireLifeMinistries.org #ChristianBattlePlan #BreakThrough #Freedom #SinNoMore #Godslove #Identity #truth  #SpiritualMuscle #StayingPower #Gym  #Marriage #Winning #Identity #SelfMade #GodMade #BeTheLight #Salvation #Kingdom #KingJesus #NspireLife #Podcast #Walk #Faith   

Season 2: Ep 9 - Set Free

Planned Parenthood, the abortion provider that terminates over 300,000 young lives every single year. 'They Even Refuse to Condemn Infanticide': Senate Dems Vote Against Saving Babies Who Survive Abortions Breaking story on CBN News The Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act, which was sponsored by Sen. Ben Sasse (R-NE), failed to pass the Senate with a vote of 53-44. Sasse needed 60 votes to make it law.  The Act would require doctors to save the lives of children who are born alive after an abortion and treat them like any other patient in need of life-saving care.  "This is an issue that even most people who identify themselves as being pro-choice think it's wrong to kill the baby after it's born alive. This shouldn't even be part of the abortion debate, this should be a protection that's guaranteed everybody in America - if you're born alive, nobody can take that life," he continued. "In a civilized society, there should brightly colored moral lines that neither party will cross. The killing of infants should be one of them. But Senate Democrats crossed that line today, putting every American on notice that there is no bridge too far, no policy too extreme. This should not be a partisan issue, but it is telling how extreme the Democrats have become that they even refuse to condemn infanticide." Monday night's vote follows a series of shocking state measures around the country in which Democrats have removed all restrictions on abortion. Senate Democrats blocked legislation that would protect babies who survive botched abortion attempts.  The Bible is far from silent on the topic of the sanctity of human life, especially pre-born life in the womb. This resource provides just a few of the Scripture verses that speak to the value of pre-born life created in God's image from the moment of fertilization. Why Should We Value Life? "Know that the LORD Himself is God; it is He who has made us, and not we ourselves; we are His people and the sheep of His pasture" (Psalm 100:3, NASV). "Thus says the LORD, your Redeemer, and the One who formed you from the womb, ‘I, the LORD, am the maker of all things, stretching out the heavens by Myself, and spreading out the earth all alone . . .'" (Isaiah 44:24, NASV). "But now, O LORD, Thou art our Father, we are the clay, and Thou our potter; and all of us are the work of Thy hand" (Isaiah 64:8, NASV). Who Is the Creator of the Pre-born? "For You formed my inward parts; You covered me in my mother’s womb. I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; marvelous are Your works and that my soul knows well. My frame was not hidden from You, when I was made in secret, and skillfully wrought in the lowest parts of the earth. Your eyes saw my substance, being yet unformed, and in Your book they all were written, the days fashioned for me, when as yet there were none of them" (Psalm 139:13-16, NKJV). "Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations" (Jeremiah 1:5, NIV). How Is God Concerned With the Pre-born? But when He who had set me apart before I was born, and had called me through His grace . . ." (Galatians 1:15, RSV). "Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ for giving us through Christ every possible spiritual benefit as citizens of heaven! For consider what he has done—before the foundation of the world He chose us to become, in Christ, His holy and blameless children living within His constant care" (Ephesians 1:3-4, PME). Are the Pre-born Human Beings? "When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the baby leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit…[saying] ‘As soon as the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy'" (Luke 1:41, 44, NIV). The Lord Jesus Christ began his incarnation as an embryo, growing into a fetus, infant, child, teenager, and adult: "While they were there, the time came for the baby to born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son" (Luke 2:6-7, NIV). Who Is Responsible for Life and Death? Then God spoke all these words, saying . . . 'You shall not murder'" (Exodus 20:1, 13, NASV). "I call heaven and earth to record this day against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose life, that both thou and thy seed may live" (Deuteronomy 30:19, KJV). Are Humans Permitted to Take Life Before Birth? "If men who are fighting hit a pregnant woman and she gives birth prematurely but there is no serious injury, the offender must be fined whatever the woman’s husband demands and the court allows. But if there is serious injury, you are to take life for life, eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot, burn for burn, wound for wound, bruise for bruise" (Exodus 21:22-25, NIV). Should a Child Conceived as a Result of Rape or Incest Be Aborted? "Fathers shall not be put to death for their children, nor shall children be put to death for their fathers; a person shall be put to death for his own sin" (Deuteronomy 24:16, NKJV). Should a Child Who Might Be Born Deformed or Disabled Be Aborted? "So the LORD said to him, 'Who has made man’s mouth? Or who makes the mute, the deaf, the seeing, or the blind? Have not I, the LORD?'" (Exodus 4:11, NKJV). "Woe to him who quarrels with his Maker, to him who is but a potsherd among the potsherds on the ground. Does the clay say to the potter, 'What are you making?' Does your work say, 'He has no hands?' Woe to him who says to his father, 'What have you begotten?' or to his mother, 'What have you brought to birth?' This is what the LORD says—the Holy One of Israel, and its Maker: Concerning things to come, do you question Me about My children, or give Me orders about the work of My hands?" (Isaiah 45:9-11, NIV). "Yet, to shame the wise, God has chosen what the world counts folly, and to shame what is strong, God has chosen what the world counts weakness" (1 Corinthians 1:27, NIV). How Should A Woman View Her Body and the Pre-born Life Growing in Her Womb? "Behold, children are a gift of the LORD; the fruit of the womb is a reward" (Psalm 127:3, NASV). "Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and that you are not your own? For you have been bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body" (1 Corinthians 6:19-20, NKJV). Does God Forgive Those Who Have Had Abortions? "In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of His grace . . ." (Ephesians 1:7, NKJV). "I, even I, am the one who wipes out your transgressions for My own sake; and I will not remember your sins" (Isaiah 43:25, NASV). In Closing: Consider your own life. Spending nine months pregnant with a child you don't think you are prepared to parent can be difficult, but taking your unborn child 's life is a decision you can never reverse. Should you choose to terminate your pregnancy, you will likely suffer from guilt, remorse and grief, possibly for many years to come. In addition, abortion can cause medical complications that may make it impossible for you to become pregnant when you think you are ready to be a parent. You may be making a decision affecting not only this child, but also your future children. Consider the life of your child. Expected or unexpected, every child deserves to be loved. Just like you, your unborn baby deserves a chance at a happy life. As you make a decision about what to do next, listen to your heart, like your baby does; he hears it beating all the time. Sources & further reading: https://www1.cbn.com/cbnnews/us/2019/february/they-even-refuse-to-condemn-infanticide-senate-dems-vote-against-saving-babies-who-survive-abortions https://www.faithwire.com/2019/02/25/couple-sues-planned-parenthood-for-additional-unplanned-child-after-botched-abortion/ http://www1.cbn.com/cbnnews/2018/october/former-planned-parenthood-director-reveals-why-she-rsquo-s-desperate-for-people-to-escape-the-abortion-industry https://www.focusonthefamily.com/lifechallenges/love-and-sex/abortion/what-the-bible-says-about-the-beginning-of-life #Prolife #abortion #plannedparenthood #life #chooselife #forgiveness #jesuslovesyou

Season 2: Ep 8 - Abortion: Woman's Health Issue or Selfishness?

Season 2: Ep 7 -  Refined By The Fire Podcast Verse of the day: Romans 5:3-4  “Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope” 6 Ways To Be Prepared for Fiery Trials Expect suffering.  Don’t be surprised. 1 Peter 4:12–13 Know God’s word. Ephesians 6:12, 17 Pray for perseverance. Ephesians 6:18 Be committed to a body of believers. Exodus 17:8–13 Who will come to your aid when the road gets tough? Look for reasons to rejoice. Psalm 118:28-29 Keep doing good. 1 Peter 4:19 Thanks for listening! Please leave us a 5-star rating if you enjoyed this episode! A big shout out and thanks to our sponsor It Works. Please visit their website today all their amazing products that assist you in becoming your personal best https://jenthompsonfit.itworks.com/shopping/category/ketoworks If you have any questions regarding today's message, desire prayer or have a suggestion for an upcoming podcast please contact us at info@nspirelifeministries.org and visit our website at www.NspireLifeMinistries.org #ChristianBattlePlan #BreakThrough #RefinedByTheFire #NspireLifePodcast #PurposeInThePain #PowerInJesusName #Godslove #Identity #truth  #SpiritualMuscle #StayingPower #Gym #Marriage #Winning #Bikini #Bodybuilding #Identity #GodMade #BeTheLight #Salvation #Kingdom #KingJesus #NspireLife #Podcast #Walk #Faith #Freedom  

Season 2: Ep 7 - Refined By The Fire

Season 2: Ep 6 - The Consequences of Anger Podcast Verse of the Day: Proverbs 15:8 - “A hot-tempered person stirs up conflict, but the one who is patient calms a quarrel. In this episode we discuss how anger affects, infiltrates, and influences: - our health (mental & physical) -our relationships -our sleep cycles -our sexual performance -our job performance -our witness -our relationship with God -and more Listen in as we get personal and give you some real-life stories and experiences, as well as some key Bible verses that will help you win the battle against anger so you can live your life in freedom and joy! “No issue and no amount of anger is worth holding on to if it destroys your health.” (Prov. 19:11). “Do not let the sun go down on your anger” (Eph. 4:26) “As a man thinks in his heart, so is he.” (Prov. 23:7) “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.” (Rom. 12:2) “Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. And be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you.” (Ephesians 4:31-32) “Do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God” (Eph. 4:30) Thanks for listening! Please leave us a 5-star rating if you enjoyed this episode! If you have any questions regarding today's message, desire prayer or have a suggestion for an upcoming podcast please contact us at info@nspirelifeministries.org and visit our website at www.NspireLifeMinistries.org #ChristianBattlePlan #BreakThrough #TheConsequencesofAnger #anger #mad #pissed off #DontLabelMe #Godslove #Identity #truth #patience #Muscle #MuscleModel #Model #Fitness #Fear #MeToo #SpiritualMuscle #StayingPower #Gym #Thrive #Marriage #Winning #Bikini #Bodybuilding #Identity #SelfMade #GodMade #BeTheLight #Salvation #Kingdom #KingJesus #NspireLife #Podcast #Walk #Faith #Freedom

Season 2: Ep 6 - The Consequences of Anger

Season 2: Ep 5 - Live Care Free; A Life Without Anxiety   Our Podcast Verse of the Day:   1 Peter 5:7  Cast all your anxiety upon Him, because He cares for you.   What is Anxiety:   It's a feeling of fear or apprehension about what's to come.    What does Anxiety do the the Body:   Sense of Doom Panic attacks Depression Headaches Irritability Pounding heart Breathing problems Loss of libido Upset stomach Extreme fatigue Muscle aches and other pains Increased blood pressure   Anxiety disorders have a complicated network of causes, including:   Environmental factors: Elements in the environment around an individual can increase anxiety. Stress from a personal relationship, job, school, or financial predicament can contribute greatly to anxiety disorders. Even low oxygen levels in high-altitude areas can add to anxiety symptoms. Genetics: People who have family members with an anxiety disorder are more likely to have one themselves. Medical factors: Other medical conditions can lead to an anxiety disorder, such as the side effects of medication, symptoms of a disease, or stress from a serious underlying medical condition that may not directly trigger the changes seen in anxiety disorder but might be causing significant lifestyle adjustments, pain, or restricted movement. Brain chemistry: Stressful or traumatic experiences and genetic factors can alter brain structure and function to react more vigorously to triggers that would not previously have caused anxiety. Psychologists and neurologists define many anxiety and mood disorders as disruptions to hormones and electrical signals in the brain. Use of or withdrawal from an illicit substance: The stress of day-to-day living combined with any of the above might serve as key contributors to an anxiety disorder.   10 Ways to Stop a Panic Attack Breathe deep Recognize panic attack Close eyes Practice mindfulness Focus object Relax muscles Happy place Light exercise Lavender Repeat mantra Benzodiazepines   But, we would like to suggest a better immediate and long term solution in one; Let Jesus Argue with Your Soul About Being Anxious   We should be slow to treat Jesus as if he doesn’t know what he is doing...He is known as the healer. He is not naïve in the way he deals with our anxiety. In Matthew 6:25-34 he tells us three times not to be anxious (vv. 25, 31, 34) and gives us eight reasons not to be anxious.   Here’s a summary of what he said:   1. Life is more than food and the body more than clothing (Matthew 6:25). 2. God feeds the birds and you are more valuable than they are (Matthew 6:26). 3. It's pointless. It adds not one hour to your life (Matthew 6:27). 4. If God clothes ephemeral grass, he will clothe eternal you (Matthew 6:28-30). 5. Unbelievers are anxious about stuff. And you are not an unbeliever (Matthew 6:32a). 6. Your father knows that you need all these things you're anxious about (Matthew 6:32b). 7. When you seek first God's kingdom and righteousness, what you need is added to you (Matthew 6:33). 8. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble. Tomorrow's trouble stays there (Matthew 6:34). Now, let’s get up and do what we need to do… Be gone anxiety in Jesus name!” Thanks for listening! Please leave us a 5-star rating if you enjoyed this episode! Please visit our sponsor's page and check out their products at www.fitculturecrew.idlife.com If you have any questions regarding today's message, desire prayer or have a suggestion for an upcoming podcast please contact us at info@nspirelifeministries.org and visit our website at www.NspireLifeMinistries.org   #BreakThrough #Anxiety #Bondage #ChristianBattlePlan #Godslove #Identity #truth #patience #Jesus #Muscle #MuscleModel #Model #Fitness #Fear #SpiritualMuscle #StayingPower #Gym #Thrive #Marriage #Winning #Bikini #Bodybuilding #Identity #SelfMade #GodMade #BeTheLight #Salvation #Kingdom #KingJesus #NspireLife #Podcast #Walk #Faith #Freedom    

Season 2: Ep 5 - Live Care Free; A Life Without Anxiety

  Season 2: Ep 4 - Fearless Leadership Today our host Jen and Lee talk about common fears that leaders need to look for and ways they can overcome those fears to find success even in failure.  “Your capacity does not grow through wins alone—you need the setbacks to develop your character and perseverance. When you overcome through times of loss, you become a bigger person.” Here are seven (7) of the most common fears that leaders, in particular, need to look out for: 1.The fear of being seen as an imposter. If you secretly feel you’re not really good enough or smart enough for leadership, you’re not alone. But left unchecked, those feelings can do harm to your effectiveness. Fear can make you forget everything and want to run. God qualifies the called! 1 Corinthians 1:27-29 English Standard Version (ESV) But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong; God chose what is low and despised in the world, even things that are not, to bring to nothing things that are, so that no human being might boast in the presence of God. 2.The fear of being criticized. Facing criticism is part of the territory of leadership.You don’t have to let it bother you—in fact, you should be concerned if you never hear criticism, because that means you’re probably playing too safe. Think of it this way: If you have no critics you’ll likely have no success. So don’t fear criticism but take it in stride and strive to be your own best and meet your own standard of excellence. On the other side of your fear is everything you need to be. 3. The fear of being a failure. When you fail as a leader, you get everyone’s attention. Failure is something we all fear, but it doesn’t have to mean it’s fatal to your leadership—think of failure as simply part of succeeding. When you become afraid to fail forward, you end up missing out on new learning experiences and new opportunities. In the end we regret only the chances we didn’t take. 4.The fear of not being a good communicator. Not everyone is born to be a great communicator, but good communication skills are essential to leadership. 5.The fear of making hard decisions. A lack of decisiveness can cripple any business or organization. Hard choices are sometimes necessary without much time to reflect. Make the best decision you can based on where you want to go, not where you are, and then move on. 6.The fear of not taking responsibility. As the saying goes, with much power comes much responsibility. To take responsibility you have to first realize that your leadership is the cause of and the solution to the things that matter, and you can’t escape that responsibly by postponing or evading it. The moment you move past your fear and take responsibility is the moment you can change anything. 7.The fear of not getting it done. In today’s global economy, effective leadership is defined by results—but, as we all know well, there are hundreds of distractions and millions of diversions that can get in the way. If you’re fearful you won’t get the job done, stop focusing on the results you want and concentrate on the actions you can take right now that will lead to those results. Paul told the Philippians that living worthy of the gospel of Christ meant fearlessness before enemies. Only let your manner of life be worthy of the gospel of Christ . . . not frightened in anything by your opponents (Philippians 1:27-28). Then he gave the logic of fearlessness. For it has been granted to you that for the sake of Christ you should not only believe in him but also suffer for his sake (Philippians 1:29). The logic is this: God has given you two gifts, not just one: Faith and suffering. In this context, that means: Both your faith in the face of suffering and your suffering are gifts of God. When Paul says, don’t be frightened by your opponents he had two reasons in his mind why they don’t need to be frightened: 1. One reason is that the opponents are in the hand of God. Their opposition is a gift from God. He governs it. 2. And the other reason not to be afraid is that your fearlessness, that is, your faith, is also in the hand of God. It too is a gift. So the logic of fearlessness in the face of adversity is this double truth: Both your adversity and your faith in the face of adversity are gifts of God. Therefore, fear not. Your adversaries can do no more than God grants. And he will grant you the faith you need. These promises are blood bought and sealed. Gospel promises. Isaiah 54:4 Do not be afraid; you will not be put to shame. Do not fear disgrace; you will not be humiliated.  

Season 2: Ep 4 - Fearless Leadership

Today our host discuss how bad influences can alter your character and nature. Jennifer shares her own run-in with bad company that corrupted her good character.  1 Cor 15:33  Do not be misled: “Bad company corrupts good character. Definitions: Misled: Wrong Idea or impression about someone or something  Synonym of Misled: lead astray - throw off the scent - put on the wrong track Corrupt: Change or debase by making errors - alter - manipulate What are some ways we can be led astray? Peer pressure Pleasure seeking Rebellion Searching for acceptance/approval False teaching False messaging How to keep from being led astray? Limit exposure / influence Submit to positive influence Set boundaries Know truth Top 5 Tips for building true, lasting friendships: Start With Jesus- Work on yourself and on becoming HIS friend First. -Colossians 3:2 Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth. For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ who is our life appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory. -John 15:15  "No longer do I call you servants, for the servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all that I have heard from my Father I have made known to you."  -Mark 12:30 Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’[f] 31 The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’[g] There is no commandment greater than these.” Seek to become someone’s true friend -Proverbs 18:24 NIV A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother. -Hebrews 10:24-25 And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.  Treat them how you want to be treated (or even better!) Golden Rule -Romans 12:10-11 "Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor. Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord."  Philippians 2:4 'Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.'  -Galatians 6:2 "Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.'  -1 Thessalonians 5:11 Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.  -1 Peter 4:10 As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace.  Proverbs 17:17 A friend loves at all times. Walk With The Wise -Proverbs 13:20 NIV He who walks with the wise grows wise, but a companion of fools suffers harms. -Proverbs 27:17 NIV As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another. -Proverbs 16:28 ESV "A dishonest man spreads strife, and a whisperer separates close friends."  -Proverbs 17:9 ESV 'Whoever covers an offense seeks love, but he who repeats a matter separates close friends.'  Be Picky!! Keep your inner circle small. -Proverbs 12:26 NIV A righteous man is cautious in friendship, but the way of the wicked leads them astray. -Proverbs 17:17 NIV A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity. -Proverbs 22:24-25 NIV Do not make friends with a hot-tempered man, do not associate with one easily angered, or you may learn his ways and get yourself ensnared. -Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 NIV Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work; If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up! Run, Stop and Reflect -1 Cor 15:34 Come back to your senses as you ought, and stop sinning; for there are some who are ignorant of God—I say this to your shame.  

Season 2: Ep 3 - “Who are you hanging with? Bad Company, Corrupts Good Character”

Season 2: Ep 2 - “Don’t Label Me” We put labels on life all the time. ‘Right,’ ‘wrong’, ‘success’, ‘failure’, ‘lucky’, ‘unlucky’ may be as limiting a way of seeing things as ‘diabetic’, ‘epileptic’, manic-depressive’, or even ‘invalid’. What is labeling? A verb meaning assign or attach to a category, especially inaccurate or restrictive Ways in which we are labeled? Our job Our physical appearance Our material possessions Our religion Our race Our social media persona Our social status Why do people label? Is it because going beneath the surface may take us to uncomfortable places? That going deeper into the core of our own or someone’s being may threaten our beliefs or challenge our expectations? What are some of the labels I have been given? Bad liar adulter thief stupid selfish narcissist   Good Honest Open Faithful Giving Genius Selfless Strong   How do labels make me feel or affected me? Negative Hurt Depressed Reduced self-esteem Abnormal Stolen identity Oppressed Boxed in Limited Positive Reinforcement Encouragement (Gideon) Enhanced self-esteem Positive outlook Identified Empowered In both cases, labels can create a self-fulfilling prophecy If I am not a label or a “brand” what I am I? You are an original creation! I am a new creation in Christ (2 Cor 5:17) I am fearfully and wonderfully made (Ps 139:14) I am God’s workmanship (Eph 2:10) I am alive with Christ (Eph 2:10) I am complete in Him (Col 2:10) I am holy and without blame before Him (Eph 1:4) I am greatly loved by God (John 3:16) I have the mind of Christ (1 Cor 2:16) I am chosen by God (1 Peter 1:23) My body is a temple of the Holy Spirit; I belong to Him (1 Cor 6:19) Thanks for listening! Please leave us a 5-star rating if you enjoyed this episode! Please visit our sponsor's page and check out their products at www.fitculturecrew.idlife.com If you have any questions regarding today's message, desire prayer or have a suggestion for an upcoming podcast please contact us at info@nspirelifeministries.org and visit our website at www.NspireLifeMinistries.org #BreakThrough #Label #lies #DontLabelMe #Godslove #Identity #truth #patience #Muscle #MuscleModel #Model #Fitness #Fear #MeToo #SpiritualMuscle #StayingPower #Gym #Thrive #Marriage #Winning #Bikini #Bodybuilding #Identity #SelfMade #GodMade #BeTheLight #Salvation #Kingdom #KingJesus #NspireLife #Podcast #Walk #Faith #Freedom

Season 2: Ep 2 - Don't Label Me

We Nspire Life in athletes with messages that encourage and teach our listeners with Biblical truths as they relate to athletics and life . "Mark 16:20"

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