Restore Your Heart

I Am Afraid - Part 1

Mon, 18 May 2026 00:00:00 -0700

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.

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Can I Trust God's Strength?

Mon, 11 May 2026 00:00:00 -0700

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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

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How Do I Hear God Speak?

Mon, 04 May 2026 00:00:00 -0700

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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)

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How Do I Draw Close to God?

Mon, 27 Apr 2026 00:00:00 -0700

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Do you feel distant from God? Has it been a long time since you felt His presence? Are you wondering, what do I do? Today I share three tested habits to help you to draw close to God.

The first habit to implement to draw close to God –Dwell In His Presence

Psalm 91:vs 1 says, “He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the almighty.” When we choose to “dwell, stay, reside, inhabit, live, consist” in God’s presence is a picture of a personal relationship with God. The verb or action word "dwell" means "live in conscious fellowship with, draw daily strength from."

The NIV version of Psalm 91:1 says, “Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.”

The second habit to put to use to draw close to God -- Abide in His Shadow

The second half of Psalm 91:1 “To abide under the shadow of the Almighty.” We are talking about staying near to God. If someone’s shadow falls on you, you must walk very close to someone if their shadow falls on us. And that is true with our relationship with God. We are talking about a literal place of physical safety and security that God invites us to experience in Psalm 91.

The third habit to help us to draw close to God - Dwell and Abide in the Secret Place of His Presence

You might be asking the question…how do I dwell in the security and shelter of the Most High? Yes, it is more than an intellectual experience. This verse talks about a dwelling place. From our discussion, we’re reminded of the secret place, the shelter of the Most High is a literal dwelling place. It’s a choice to choose God’s presence over the presence of all other comforters.

Pastor Chuck Swindoll says, “The secret to survival is to "dwell in the shelter of the Most High," to "abide in the shadow of the Almighty." God gives great comfort to those who live in the shelter of the Most High.“

We’ve talked about tried and tested habits to enable us to draw close to God:

Habit number 1. Dwell in His Presence -- Psalm 91:1 a “Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High…”

Habit number 2. Abide in His Shadow. – Psalm 91:1 b “will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.”

Habit number 3. Dwell and Abide in The Secret Place of His Presence – We can choose to dwell in the Shelter of the Most High and abide in the shadow of the Almighty.”

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My Sin Won't Hurt Anyone

Mon, 20 Apr 2026 07:00:00 -0700

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Do you feel trapped by a sin? Does it seem like you can’t quit? Today I share three proven ways you can overcome the addiction that is destroying your life.

For years I wondered… “Will I ever be free from this sin?

Today we are going to discuss how to be victorious over a secret sin that you’ve told yourself won’t affect anyone else.

You are aware of a sin that is overtaking you. You are not able to control yourself. (Or you feel that way.) God is the only one who can give you victory through the finished work of Jesus’ death on the cross.

1. Confess to God we need help. We have direct access to Jesus Christ, our High Priest, who is always ready to hear us admit our wrongdoing. “We have a great high priest who has ascended into heaven, Jesus the Son of God” (Hebrews 4:14).

2. Repent of our sin to God. Jesus died to forgive all our sins—past, present, and future. “He has appeared once for all at the culmination of the ages to do away with sin by the sacrifice of himself. … So, Christ was sacrificed once to take away the sins of many” (Hebrews 9:26–28).

3.Remind Yourself of God’s Grace By Praying Scripture – I John 1:9 reminds us, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.

It really helps to pray scripture, so here’s a short prayer I wrote for you from Psalm 19:13:

“Lord, keep me from deliberate (willful, planned and intentional) sins and from unintentional sins. I confess I thought I could sin, and it wouldn't matter or affect anyone else. I see clearly how these sins have controlled me. I understand how the lie "my sin won't hurt anyone else" has deceived me and penetrated my mind to influence my actions. Thank you, for the sacrifice, death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ that has paid my penalty. Because of Jesus' finished work, I can be free of guilt and innocent of great sin. Thank you, Father, for the blood of Jesus that "covers a multitude of sin," (I Peter 4:8) Today, I pray for my friends, Lord, keep each of your servants from deliberate sins." In Jesus' name, Amen”

We’ve talked about three proven ways to overcome the addiction that is destroying your life:

Promise number 1. We must confess to God we need help. We have direct access to Jesus Christ, our High Priest.

Promise number 2. We must repent of our sin to God. We can pray for God’s mercy and ask forgiveness.

Promise number 3. We must remind ourselves of God’s grace by Praying Scripture. I John 1:9 says, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins.”

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It Seems Like No One Cares

Mon, 13 Apr 2026 00:00:00 -0700

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Do you feel unwanted? Does it seem like no one can be bothered by you?

Today I share three promises about how much God cares for you

Years ago, my late husband asked me what I thought of a decision he was making. He was planning to form a non-profit with his best friend. My husband went into a ministry partnership with someone without my approval or blessing. Have you experienced a situation like mine? A person you love asks your opinion, you honestly offer it, and they do what they want to do anyway. The result? We don’t feel heard. We feel like our opinions really don’t matter. It can do a number on our self-image.

Promise number 1. You and I are fearfully and wonderfully made by God.

Knowing we are created in God’s image is a firm foundation for our worth. Psalm 139:14 shares additional truth about God’s view of us, this is how Father God sees us, “fearfully and wonderfully made.” Each of us are God’s masterpiece. Our life and worth and value come directly from God.

Promise number 2. You and have a position secured by God.

Eph. 1:11-14, “It’s in Christ that we find out who we are and what we are living for. Long before we first heard of Christ and got our hopes up, he had his eye on us, had designs on us for glorious living, part of the overall purpose he is working out in everything and everyone.”

Promise number 3. You and I have exceptional purpose to fulfill God’s plans.

God has all our days planned, Psalm 139:16 says, “All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.”

Dear Lord, Please show me any area I am being deceived. I declare James 4:6,7 “Submit yourselves, then to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” I choose to yield myself to you, Heavenly Father. Because I choose to resist the devil (say no), I believe he will run away (leave me alone). God, I want to be close to you. I believe you will come near to me and give me peace. In Jesus’ name, Amen

Today, we’ve talked about three promises to affirm how much God cares for you:

Promise number 1. You and I are fearfully and wonderfully made by God. Psalm 139:14, “I will praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made.”

Promise number 2. You and I have a distinct role given by God. Eph. 1:11 says, “It’s in Christ that we find out who we are and what we are living for.

Promise number 3. You and I have exceptional purpose. Eph. 1:14 says, “This sign from God is the first installment on what’s coming, a reminder that we’ll get everything God has planned for us, a praising and glorious life.”

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Will I Ever Feel Like I Am Enough?

Mon, 06 Apr 2026 00:00:00 -0700

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Do you feel like a loser? Do you wonder why I should even try? Do you tell yourself I will never make it?

During this episode, I will explain how feelings of failure can’t be trusted. You will learn how to replace your feelings of inadequacy with truth. I will share how you can depend on the promises found in God’s word – the Bible.

Your shaky feelings of failure can be changed to unwavering dependence on God.

I can relate to your feelings of inadequacy. Growing up, I struggled with feeling like a loser. I felt like “Sheryl the clumsy, worthless, outcast.” I kept thinking there was something wrong with me. I didn't know it at the time but Satan, the enemy, was putting thoughts into my tender child-mind.

Promise #1 - God's power is perfected in my weakness. Over the years, I listened to the lies the enemy told me. I repeated to myself things like “you'll never be good enough,” “no one likes you,” “you'll never fit in why should you even try?”When we see ourselves as damaged goods, it shows we don't know our identity in Christ. We are who God says we are as he tells us in his Word.

Ephesians 2:8,9 “By grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, so that no one may boast.”

Promise #2 - God's provision comes from his abundance not my supply. 2 Corinthians 3:5 says “not that we are sufficient in ourselves to claim anything as coming from us, but our sufficiency is from God.” Some of us have looked to our feelings to tell us how to act or respond. We might even say “I've always been this way” or “that's just who I am” or “I can’t help it,” if this is you Satan has stolen your identity.

Remember satan's plan for you? John 10:10 “the thief comes only to steal kill and destroy.”

God's provision comes from his abundance, not our capacity. Philippians 4:19 says “and God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.”

Promise #3 - I learned how to depend on God's sufficiency. Isaiah 40:29 “he gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.”

Psalm 73:26 “My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.”

Feelings aren’t facts. We can vercome feelings of worthlessness by standing on God's promises. Promise #1 God's power is perfected in my weakness. 2 Corinthians 12:9 says our weakness is where God's power shines brightest. Promise #2 God's provision comes from his abundance not my capacity. We must anchor our identity in God's word. Promise #3 God’s sufficiency is reliable. Whether through childhood wounds or cancer battles God meets us in our weakness and His mighty strength is our refuge.

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Who Will Defend Me?

Mon, 30 Mar 2026 00:00:00 -0700

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When everyone seems against you, do you wonder if anyone will step up and defend you? In this episode, I share my Prayer Strategy to embrace God as your defender. I can relate to your feelings of being brought down by others.

This is my powerful Prayer Strategy to Embrace God as Your Defender

Tip #1: Offensive Prayer = Turn to God for Direction

We can learn from the prayer in Nehemiah 1:11 that says, “O Lord, God of heaven, the great and awesome God , who keeps your covenant of love with those who love him and obey hist commands, let your ear be attentive to the prayer of this your servant..." God is a protective haven from harm, if we choose to run to him for safety, He is our safe place. “The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer, my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.” Psalm 18:1-3. We can depend on our defender. We can rest in his peace.

The second tip in my powerful Prayer Strategy – Defensive Prayer – Turn to God for Protection

Through praying first, Nehemiah had taken offensive action against his enemies. Prayer is the offensive move you and I should take first. Engaging in each spiritual battle with prayer, we are choosing to carry God’s weapons, equipped, and fortified with the Ephesians 6 -- Armor of God.

This brings us to our third tip in my powerful Prayer Strategy -- Intentional Prayer – Turn to God for Power.

Nehemiah’s enemies did not back down. In fact, the opposition to the rebuilding only grew more intense. Remember this in the midst of the process of your heart’s restoration. The enemy wants nothing more than to stop God’s work in you. John 10:10, “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life and have it to the full.” For God to continue to work in us, we must continually surrender our will.

Today’s unshakable truth: In Christ, you have a Defender. With Christ’s defense you need no other.

1. Pray offensively — Turn to God for direction when your heart feels overwhelmed.
2. Pray defensively — Trust Him for protection when opposition rises.
3. Pray intentionally — Rely on His power to stand firm and finish the work He’s called you to do.

Friend, you don’t have to defend yourself — Jesus already has done so at the cross. Let Him be your safe place, your strong tower, your constant help. If today’s message spoke to your heart, take a moment right now to pause and pray:
“Lord, thank You for being my Defender. Help me trust You for direction, protection, and power today.”

[i] Life Application Study Bible, New International Version, Tyndale House Publishers, Wheaton, IL, 1988, pg. 961

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Have I Committed the Unpardonable Sin?

Mon, 23 Mar 2026 00:00:00 -0700

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Do you wonder if you’ve committed the unpardonable sin?

Do you think you’ve gone too far for God to forgive you?

Today I share three truths that will assure you how God’s love “covers a multitude of sin.”

Yours and mine.

For years I wondered… “Have I committed a sin God won’t forgive?”

The first truth I learned is that shame is a lie. Shame deceived me into thinking I thought I had committed the unforgivable or unpardonable sin. It is God’s “love (that) covers a multitude of sins,” (I Peter 4:8), I received Jesus as my Savior.

This is the second truth - assurance that I hadn’t committed the unforgivable sin. In Christ, it is a brand new, fresh life, and an abundant existence that is resurrected. “ Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” (2 Corinthians 5:17)

The third truth is to define what is the unpardonable/unforgivable sin or “blasphemy of the Holy Spirit." Jesus said, “Truly I tell you, people can be forgiven all their sins and every slander they utter,” (Mark 3:28) but one exception: “Whoever blasphemes against the Holy Spirit will never be forgiven; they are guilty of an eternal sin” (verse 29).[i]

The only unpardonable sin today is unbelief. There is no pardon for a person who rejects Jesus Christ as savior and Lord. Like me, many people are afraid they have committed some sin that God cannot or will not forgive. Jesus says “he is able to save completely those who come to God through him” (Hebrews 7:25).

First, shame is a lie – deceiving us - I thought I had committed an unforgivable sin. God didn’t see my shame, he saw my worth. 2 Corinthians 10:4, “The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of this world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds.”

Second, God assured me that I hadn’t committed the unforgivable or unpardonable sin. In Christ, we have a brand new, fresh life. 2 Cor. 5:17, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!”

The third point - what is the definition of the unpardonable/unforgivable sin or “blasphemy of the Holy Spirit." The only unpardonable sin today is that of unbelief. Heb. 11:6 says, “Without faith it is impossible to please God” and the object of faith is Jesus . [i] https://www.gotquestions.org/unpardonable-sin.html

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Is God Punishing Me?

Mon, 16 Mar 2026 01:00:00 -0700

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Do you wonder if God is punishing you? Do you think God is against you? I am so sorry...

Today, I explain three promises about God’s provision you can claim in the middle of whatever you are going through – sickness, grief, or betrayal.

If you’ve ever asked, “God, Why?”

Job is a man who knew intense suffering. Satan asked God for permission to attack Job. Satan wanted to prove that Job had selfish motives. God agreed to allow Job to be tested.

That’s our first promise: 1. As we trust in God’s Strength — We Can Accept Trouble and Victory

Job’s story begins with horrible loss — family, home, health, everything gone in an instant. Job’s first instinct wasn’t to curse God — it was to worship.

This is our second promise. Trusting in God’s Wisdom — We Can Trust His Hand and Heart

Faith in God doesn’t guarantee personal prosperity. Matthew 5:45, “He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.”

Job also learned to pray prayers that made a difference. I learned one at a women's conference about two months before pastor Paul was killed. “Lord protect my family from everything but God's glory”

Even though my circumstances changed God remained the same. And he would be faithful, steadfast, immovable in the hours, days, months, and years ahead.

That brings us to the third promise Trusting in God’s Plans — We Can Believe God Has An Eternal Purpose

I wonder, have you asked, Did God hear me in my pain? Let me assure you, he does.

So, keep trusting Him, His promises. Keep surrendering your plans. He has purpose for you, and He will finish what He’s started.

Remember God’s promises:

Promise #1: Trusting in God’s Strength — We Can Accept Trouble and Triumph

Job’s first reaction wasn’t to curse God — it was to worship.

Promise #2. Trusting in God’s Wisdom — We Can Trust His Hand and God’s Heart

Job clung to what he knew deep down: Job 23:10 “But he knows the way that I take; when he has tested me, I will come forth as gold.”

Promise #3. Trusting in God’s Plans — We Can Believe His Promises for Our Purpose

We can learn to answer like Job in Job 42:2: “I know that you can do all things; no purpose of yours can be thwarted.”

You are never alone in your suffering. God’s strength sustains you. His wisdom guides you. His plans secure your purpose.

You don’t have to wonder if God will make sense out of nonsense. You don’t have to ask God why any longer. God has just given you the how -- He will help you through it.

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Will I Ever Stop Comparing Myself?

Mon, 09 Mar 2026 00:00:00 -0700

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Do you wonder if the feeling of not being good enough or comparing yourself with others will follow you forever?

Today, I share three promises about how God has chosen you. You don’t need to compare yourself with anyone.

I remember back in second or third grade, I felt like I was a big loser. I wondered what I did to feel like I could never be enough. That brings us to our first promise:

1. God sees you as complete.

Instead of comparing yourself to other people, we can choose to accept God’s truth – in Christ He sees us complete.

As believers, we can rely on the truth of our position in Christ. Col. 1:13-14 (ESV) “For he has rescued us from the kingdom of darkness and transferred us into the kingdom of his dear son..."

We don’t have to add anything to it. We just have to believe it. God wants us to rest in the position He provides, not in anything we create.

2. The second promise is that when we choose to rest in the finished work of Christ; there is nothing we can add to make God approve of us more.

Resting in the finished work of Christ means we trust Him with everything. We have a God-given choice to take responsibility for what is ours. God has given us “every spiritual blessing” (Eph. 1:3)

3. The third promise –Instead of struggling to measure up, we can choose to believe Christ’s power is in us.

Instead of "God, give me peace," pray, "Thank You, Lord, that Your peace is already in me." When you believe you are complete in Christ, you stop striving. Don't base your identity on emotions but on the Word.

Feelings of inadequacy and the need to compare ourselves to others are rooted in lies from the enemy.

Declare truth over yourself today: I am complete in Christ. I lack nothing.” (Col. 2:10)

Three promises from God:

Promise 1. We can exchange comparison for God’s truth — Our identity is not found in how we measure up to others but in who God says we are.

Promise 2. We can rest in the finished work of Christ — Nothing we do can make God love us more or less; Jesus’ sacrifice is sufficient.

Promise 3. We can surrender the need to strive — By yielding to Christ’s power within us, we live from victory, not toward it.

In today’s show notes, you can download the “In Christ I Am” list and speak it aloud every day this week. Let God’s truth rewrite the narrative of your worth. God already sees you complete in His Son I look forward to next time, as in Christ, we embrace heart restoration and the confidence that God chose me. See you then!

[1] http://ficm.org/about-us/#!/who-i-

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I Have Lost My Mind

Mon, 02 Mar 2026 00:00:00 -0800

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Have you ever felt like you can’t control your thoughts? Or like you’ve lost your mind?

Today, I will affirm three truths about the mind of a believer.

God can renew your mind when your thoughts feel completely out of control.

2 Cor. 5:17 says “If anyone belongs to Christ, there is a new creation." God wants to change our thinking. To do that, we have to replace the lie with God’s truth.

Let’s look at three truths about the mind of a believer.

The first truth is that God gives each believer a sound mind.

2 Pet. 1:3 says, “His divine power has given us everything (not nearly everything) we need for a godly life.” God is NOT holding out on us.

The second truth is that satan – the enemy - wants to destroy our sound mind with his lies.

We can renew our minds by God’s Word. When I felt abandoned, in Christ, I learned I am accepted. I felt belittled, now in Christ, I know I am secure – I am established, sealed by God. I fel shamed, and unwanted, now in Christ, I am significant – I have been chosen, appointed to bear fruit. Download the In Christ I Am list in the show notes.

The third truth about the mind of a believer is – we have a choice about what we allow into our mind.

When you and I bring our emotional pain to God, God listens. Vulnerability is hard when we are hurting, unless we fully trust the One that we cry out to. “In the day of my trouble, I will call upon You, for You will answer me.” (Psalm 83) David had absolute confidence in God, that God would provide for him in his need. This is not about mind control. It’s about replacing lies, deceptive thoughts with God’s truth.

Remember, these three truths about the mind of the believer:

First, God gives each believer a sound mind.

Second, the enemy wants to destroy our sound mind with his lies.

Third, we have a choice about what we allow in our minds.[vi]

I encourage you this week – you can replace any lie or toxic thought with God’s word. God wants your mind to be renewed even more than you do. You can be renewed in your mind as in Christ, we experience the peace that comes from a renewed mind.

http://ficm.org/about-us/#!/who-i-am-in-christ

[vi] Stormie O’Martian, The Power of a Praying Parent, Harvest House
https://www.stormieomartian.com/product/power-praying-parent-lavender-milano-cover/ fbclid=IwY2xjawPD8QFleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBicmlkETFoWGE1dHpwVnlUQXNzbVJhc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHlRczGJOkijU0nXxpDoCsUUq

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I Feel Invisible

Mon, 23 Feb 2026 00:00:00 -0800

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Do you feel like God has forgotten you, are you overlooked or seem invisible?

Today, I explain three promises about the reality that God sees you.

God sees you – you are not invisible or forgotten.

I didn’t realize that by staying in deep depression, I was running from God. Maybe you can relate to running from God by not facing your own situation.

Hagar ran away, to the middle of the desert, the angel of the Lord found her.

Promise number one - God Found Hagar

When Hagar ran away, God found her. God saw Hagar’s pain and heard her cries. Hagar said, Genesis 16:13, “I have seen the One who sees me.” She gave God this name: “El Roi - You are the God who sees me."

God offers us grace; His healing and hope through our position in Christ. You are accepted, secure, significant. As God found Hagar, he is also looking to find you.

That brings us to promise #2 God Accepted Hagar

God found Hagar and accepted her just as she was. God didn’t reject or demand anything from her. David prayed, “Teach me your way, Lord, that I may rely on your faithfulness, give me an undivided heart that I my fear your name.” Psalm 86:11

Finally, promise number 3. God Rescued Hagar

Hagar obeyed God and returned to face a difficult situation. Instead of running from problems, let’s choose to run into the arms of El Roi—The God Who Sees.

This truth from John 16:33 gives perspective: “These things I have spoken to you, so that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation, but take courage, I have overcome the world.”

Consider these three essential promises from our time today:

First, remember God sees you. And as you experience His presence, Like Hagar, you, too can say, Genesis 16:13, “I have seen the One who sees me.”

Second, God accepts you. We can learn how to reject the enemy’s lies and tell ourselves the truth. We are accepted, secure, significant. “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life and have it to the full.” (John 10:10)

Third, God rescues you. You are seen, you are loved, and you are not alone. Just like Hagar, God sees you in your pain and is ready to walk with you through it. Healing is a process, and it begins with admitting your feelings to God and inviting God to help you.

I encourage you this week – may you find peace in knowing El Roi, the God who sees, is with you every step of the way. You are seen, known, and loved. I look forward to next time, as in Christ, we embrace heart restoration and the joy of God’s presence. See you then!

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I Feel Completely Forgotten

Mon, 16 Feb 2026 00:00:00 -0800

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Do you feel completely forgotten, left out, or overlooked?

Today, I explain three solid promises about the fact that God has chosen you.

You are chosen by God.

There are few things worse than feeling overlooked or left out. God hasn’t brought you this far to leave you.

We can learn to depend on being included by God.

The first promise is a fact - God chose you. Galatians 3:26, “So in Christ Jesus you are all children of God through faith.” “I have loved you with an everlasting love, I have drawn you with unfailing kindness.” Jeremiah 31:3

The second promise is a result of God choosing you – God includes you. God has incorporated us into His family. We are part of the family of God. Eph. 1:11 “It’s in Christ that we find out who we are and what we are living for.”

“And you also were included in Christ when you heard the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation. When you believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit.” Ephesians 1:13

The third promise is, God has reconciled you. You are never left out of God’s love or His family.

“Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior. But now he has reconciled you by Christ...free from accusation.“ Col. 1:21-22

As you have been encouraged through God’s truth, I pray that you will talk to God about your feelings of being left out.

Remember, these three promises steps from our time together today:

First, remember God chose you.“I have loved you with an everlasting love, I have drawn you with unfailing kindness.” Jeremiah 31:3

We’ve seen in scripture that believers are included in God’s family. Embrace the fact that you are a beloved member of God’s family.

Second, God includes you. “And you also were included in Christ when you heard the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation. When you believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit.” Ephesians 1:13 Embrace the fact that you are created for a purpose and God accepts you just the way you are.

Third, God has reconciled you. “If God is for you, who can be against you?” Romans 8:31 Embrace the fact that in Christ, you have everything you need to gain victory over feelings of rejection,

I encourage you this week – remind yourself of God’s promises and this will assure you, confirm you of your place in the family of God. This is Sheryl Giesbrecht Turner, I look forward to next time, as in Christ, we rely on God’s promises to bring new hope. See you

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I Feel Alone and Abandoned

Mon, 09 Feb 2026 00:00:00 -0800

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Do you feel alone or abandoned? Do you wonder if God has deserted you?

Today, I share three tips to help you depend on the comfort of God’s presence.

Be encouraged. You can depend on the comfort of God’s presence.

There are few things worse than feeling alone. It’s more than feeling lonely.

Why does feeling alone bother us so much? God created us with a need to belong.

When I was first widowed, I felt the absence of the physical presence of Pastor Paul. Through many sleepless nights, in the months after my husband’s death, I would reach out to his side of the bed and feel the empty place. My prayer for you is for you to feel God’s presence today. Here's three tips to help you experience God’s presence.

First, remember to pray to God. Psalm 46:10 “Be still and know that I am God.” Prayer is talking to God. A prayer like, “Dear Father, thank you for your love for me. Thank you for choosing me to be your child, your friend, your daughter. Thank you for including me. Thank you that I am not alone. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”

Our second tip, replace the lies of abandonment with God’s truth.

Feelings lie. Yes, you can invite God into the empty places in your life.

“Jesus says, I am with you always.” Matthew 28:20

“Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.” Hebrews 13:5 b

"Instead, I have called you friends." John 15:15

Third, remind yourself - God is With Me. God is with you, He is near. James 4:8 says, “Come near to God and He will come near to you.” We must make the first move, usually if we feel distant from God – it’s not Him. He hasn’t moved. God doesn’t change. He is the same, yesterday, today, and forever.

God is close to the brokenhearted. You can replace negative thoughts and lies with biblical truths – bible verses and seek fellowship with God. By turning to Him, you can find peace and healing from your struggles.

Remember, these three tips from today:

First, remember to pray to God. Psalm 46:10 “Be still and know that I am God.”

Second, replace the lies of abandonment -- with God’s truth. Matthew 28:20, “Jesus says, I am with you always.”

Third, remind yourself – God is with me. James 4:8 “Come near to God and He will come near to you.”

I encourage you this week – sharing your feelings with God will heal your broken heart. God wants to comfort you with His presence. I look forward to next time, as in Christ, we embrace heart restoration and the contentment of grace. See you then!

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Can I Be Honest With God?

Mon, 02 Feb 2026 01:00:00 -0800

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Do you wonder if you can be honest with God? Are you curious if God will still accept you when you tell Him exactly how you feel?

Today, I share three ways you can be totally sure of God’s absolute acceptance.

I am so sorry you’ve felt distant from God’s love. When you’ve prayed, you have felt condemned, unworthy, like God doesn’t hear your prayers.

God hears your prayers and He is waiting for you to return to him.

James 4:8 says, “Come near to God, and He will come near to you.”

Jeremiah 31:3, “I have loved you with an everlasting love, I have drawn you with lovingkindness.”

The feelings of fear, hiding, or embarrassment are all just feelings. You’ve believed the lie: “If I am honest, God will not accept me. God will judge me for my negative feelings.” You can have victory over the lies you have believed. Colossians 1:21-22, “Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior. But now he has reconciled you by Christ’s physical body through death to present you holy in his sight, without blemish and free from accusation.”

Here's three ways you can be totally sure God accepts you.

The first way is to Return to God -- restoration is offered to anyone who will RETURN to God. Romans 5:8 says,“God demonstrates His own love for us in this, while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”

The second way is to Confess to God – yes. It takes honesty. God is the only one who can forgive our sins. 1 John 1:9 says, “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”

The third way you can be sure you can be honest with God is to Repent to God – You can say, “Lord, I repent of my sin.” Repentance means a change of heart. We find in Psalm 51:10, a sample prayer. “Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me.”

God wants your restoration even more than you do.

Jeremiah 24:7, “I will give them a hear to know me, that I am the Lord. They will be my people, and I will be their God, for they will return to me with all their heart.”

Remember, these three ways to share your true feelings with God:

First, honesty with God begins with returning to God.

Second, honesty with God continues with confession.

Third, honesty with God is summarized in repentance.

I encourage you this week – honesty and vulnerability with God will heal your broken heart. God accepts you just the way you are.

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Will My Broken Family Be Restored?

Mon, 26 Jan 2026 00:00:00 -0800

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Do you wonder how long it will take for your broken family to be restored?

Today, I share three tips about how to wait on God’s perfect timing.

Waiting for restoration can be full of promise and hope.

The first tip is Restoration happens -- in our families according to God’s will and plan. God’s restoration can be like a waiting room.

Waiting is an essential step in learning how to trust and serve God well.

We can allow the time we spend in the “waiting room” to be a time of personal growth.

Isaiah 40:31 (NIV), but those who hope (wait) on the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary; they will walk and not faint.”

The second tip is: Restoration is on God’s timetable. I must be willing to wait on God’s plan.

God has a plan for us as we wait, most of us want immediate answers, solutions, our problems solved right now.

Did you know that 80 percent of our problems come from how we feel about ourselves? I can invite God into my “waiting room:"

1. Stop. Emotions are like a warning light that tell us something is wrong. “See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?” (Isaiah 43:19).

2. Confess. You can tell God how you feel, anything you think, even if you are mad at him. “Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus” (Romans 8:1).

3. Believe. To remind ourselves, God is working behind the scenes. “You have heard these things. From now on I will tell you of new things, of hidden things unknown to you” (Isaiah 48:6).

In a time of restoration, you can be sure you will spend time in God’s waiting room. Invite God into the waiting room with you.

The third tip is Restoration is going to happen according to God’s plan, His glory, and His perfect timing.

It’s difficult to be still. Psalm 46:10, (NIV) “He says, “Be still and know that I am God.” There are lessons you are learning through waiting that couldn’t have been learned any other way.

Today we talked about three tips to help us while we are waiting on answers:

1. Restoration happens in our families according to God’s will.

2. Restoration is on God’s timetable.

3. Restoration will be according to God’s plan and it’s purpose? To glorify Him.

Restoration may take longer than you think, and you may not see immediate results. But God is working on your behalf. Always

I encourage you this week -- let go of any agenda you are hanging on to. I look forward to next time, as in Christ, we embrace heart restoration and the contentment of wholeness. Se

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Can God Heal My Broken Life?

Mon, 19 Jan 2026 00:00:00 -0800

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Do you wonder if your broken life matters to God?

God can be trusted to heal your broken life in three simple steps.

Restoration is the process of returning something to its former condition.

Step 1 - Restoration begins on the inside.

In time, it’s noticeable on the outside, but it always begins on the inside.

The moment you became a Christian; you became a completely new person. 2 Corinthians 5:17 “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.” ESV

I remember during the first six months after I was widowed, God exposed lies I believed about Him. I believed the lie “God can’t be trusted,” I had to forgive God for my disappointment. God can’t sin, but I didn’t like the circumstances. And I had to let go of my future with Paul.

For God to restore our lives, we must let go of toxic emotions. This happens when we give our burdens to Jesus. Matthew 11:28 says, “Come to me, all who are weary and heavy-laden and I will give you rest.”

Step 2. God wants our lives restored even more than we do.

In the same way, God wants to see deep change in us. As our old hurts, habits, and hang ups are exposed, we learn we can’t hide these negative attitudes and ways of coping from God.

Step 3. God wants us to prepare for our life restoration – expect it

We’ve talked about three important steps today:

1. Restoration begins on the inside – in time it’s noticeable on the outside, but it always begins first on within us.

2. God wants our lives restored in relationship with Him even more than we do. Romans 8:31 says, “If God is for us, who can be against us?”

3. God wants us to prepare for His restoration. God wants us to expect Him, as our Heavenly Father, to give us His good gifts, not because we deserve anything, but because God loves us and loves to give His gifts us.

I encourage you this week – expect God’s restoration. I look forward to next time, as in Christ, we embrace heart restoration and the contentment of God’s peace. See you then!

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Can God Heal My Broken Heart?

Mon, 12 Jan 2026 00:00:00 -0800

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Can God Heal My Broken Heart?

Do you wonder if your broken heart will ever be restored?

Today, I share how God can heal your broken heart in three practical steps.

Restore Your Heart starts right now.

Welcome to Restore Your Heart. I’m your host, Sheryl Giesbrecht Turner. Each week, I bring tips and tools from God’s Word to help you identify and overcome triggers, trauma, or tragedy. When your heart is hurting or broken, God’s heart breaks right along with yours. If you are anything like me, you have asked questions like -- why am I going through this? Or how long will my suffering last? Or will this pain ever stop? You have felt abandoned and alone. Be encouraged, you have found a friend here who knows. God understands each hurt. God cares about each loss. Everything that has happened to you has broken God’s heart. Let’s get started.

Sheryl here, I have great news! Your wounded and broken heart can be restored.

We’ve all seen those home improvement shows when a house is demolished before it’s fully rebuilt. Your heart may feel the same way -- totally devastated, everything wrecked and ruined. Restoration can happen in our physical bodies, minds, and hearts, but first it must begin in our spirit. This is the miracle we’re going to talk about today. Psalm 34:18, “The Lord is close to the broken hearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” I can’t wait for you to experience peace, freedom, and hope. I am so excited to share how it works!

Restoration is the process of returning something to its former condition.

How does this happen? Jesus is searching for those who need restoration. When He finds us, broken heart and all, he gently guides the rebuilding process. Like when a shepherd finds a stray lamb, he gently carries it to safety and to the green pastures of restoration. Jesus is the restoring Good Shepherd, in Psalm 23, “The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he restores my soul…that word restore in the Hebrew means – repentance. In this definition, restoration is an ongoing, continuous process. He restores my soul –literally means, he will bring back from my wanderings. As the Good Shepherd, searches to find lost people -- His sheep (THAT’S you AND ME!) and restore us into a relationship with Him.

The first step to spiritual restoration is to admit you need God.

A connection with God begins with a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. You might be wondering “how can God love me?

You might say, “Sheryl, you don’t know all the wrong things I have done.” If this is something you might say, I can rela

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Restore Your Heart with Sheryl Giesbrecht Turner Trailer

Thu, 01 Jan 2026 11:00:00 -0800

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Hey sweet friend,

When’s the last time you laid awake at 3 a.m. and that same old tape started playing in your head?

“You’re too much.”

“You’re not enough.”

“You should be over this by now.”

“If people really knew the real you…”

Maybe you’re a young mom, bone-tired from another sleepless night, changing yet another diaper, wondering through tears, “When am I ever going to feel like myself again?”

Or you’re in mid-life and the heaviness on your chest just won’t lift—you’re smiling for everyone else while something inside is quietly falling apart.

Possibly, you’re single or widowed, and the silence in your house feels louder than any crowd ever could.

I’ve been in every single one of these places, sister. And I am here to offer you real, lasting hope.

I’m Sheryl Giesbrecht Turner, and for years I believed the lie-knots the enemy had carefully tied around my heart—knots that whispered I was shameful, unforgivable, invisible. Knots that kept me performing, hiding, aching… and far from the freedom Christ promised.

There was a season when I couldn’t even get out of bed. Depression had me in its grip, and shame told me I should be over it, that a good Christian wife and mom shouldn’t feel this way. But one knot at a time, the Holy Spirit gently taught me how to unravel those lies and re-tie my soul to God’s truth—the truth that I am accepted, secure, and significant in Christ.

I went from a hope-less dope-fiend to a dope-less hope-fiend—and friend, He can do the same for you.

That journey became the heartbeat of my book Unraveling the Lie-Knot, but more than anything, it became the cry of my life: hearts can be restored.

And that’s exactly what this podcast is all about.

Welcome to Restore Your Heart.

Every week, we’re going after the exact lies that are stealing your peace, your joy, your motherhood, your marriage, your hope.

We’re naming them out loud—because lies hate the light—and then replacing them with the truth that sets us completely, beautifully free.

You’ll hear raw, honest stories from women just like us. You’ll walk away with simple, Scripture-soaked steps you can use the very moment the lie shows up again.

And most of all, you’ll know—deep in your soul—that you’re not alone, and you’re not stuck.

Because Jesus didn’t just come to forgive you. He came to untangle you… to heal what’s broken… and to restore your heart to the full, beautiful rhythm He created it for. Your abundant life can start right now.

So if you’re tired of the knots… sick of struggling with shame… If you’re ready to trade discouragement for freedom, deception for clarity, depression for unshakab

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