By His Grace
Jonathan Ayala: The Transformative Power of Seed

Jonathan Ayala: The Transformative Power of Seed

Welcome to another episode of the By His Grace podcast. In today’s episode titled,”Jonathan Ayala: The Transformative Power of Seed” we have a special guest who shares a passion for the concept of planting seeds and what God does with them. Our guest, Jonathan Ayala  met the host through the Spark Media Facebook group and their connection was instant. Misty and Jonathan delve into the idea that Earth, our home, is not a place we should wish to escape from, but rather a place designed by God for us to fulfill our destinies. They discuss the significance of planting seeds, both physically and metaphorically, and the faith required to trust in the process. Join us as we explore the power of seeds and the transformative nature of faith on this insightful episode.

Jonathan shared his passion for understanding our purpose on Earth and the significance of being a seed. He emphasized how God created us uniquely for this world, with a destiny to fulfill that no other creature can achieve. Earth, Jonathan believes, is a place where God’s invisibility challenges us to walk by faith and listen to His voice. We are called to die to ourselves, letting go of our current identities, and embrace the identity God has designed for us. Just as in planting a physical seed, there is a process of faith, dying, and transformation that leads to fruitful results.

The conversation expanded to reflect on the importance of time and patience in the process of growth. Just like a seed takes time to sprout and bear fruit, our journey as Christians often involves a continuous sanctification process that takes time to mature. Our faith and trust in God’s promises play a significant role in this process, as faith enables us to partake in the divine nature even before we witness the fulfillment of those promises. It is through walking in faith, believing in what is unseen, that we experience internal transformation and find true pleasure in pleasing God.

Episode Summary

  • Introduction and Background of Jonathan.
  • The Concept of Being a Seed and Planting Seeds.
  • Influenced by a pastor’s teaching.
  • Previous belief in wanting to escape Earth.
  • Recognition that Earth was made by God for us.
  • Earth as a place of faith and invisibility of God.
  • Importance of planting seeds and dying to self.
  • Transformation and being born into God’s identity.
  • Analogy of planting physical seeds and having faith for their growth.
  • Reaping the Harvest and Divine Promises.
  • Receiving the blessings of promises before seeing them.
  • Transformation through faith even before manifestation.
  • Importance of internal transformation and walking by faith.
  • Comparison to Abraham’s faith and righteousness.
  • Temporality of Earth and greater value in being transformed by faith.
  • Pleasing God through walking in promises now.
  • Faith, Action, and Works– Faith as accounted for righteousness.
  • Faith requiring action and works.
  • Relation to the Bible study “The Struggle Is Real, but So is God”
  • Mention of Abraham as an example.
  • Purpose of faith and works complementing each other

Here are 3 key takeaways from our conversation:

We are designed for Earth: While many of us may have been taught to long for heaven and escape this earthly realm, it’s important to remember that God created us for a purpose here on Earth. He has given us a unique destiny to walk in, and Earth is the only place where seeds can be planted and bring forth abundant fruit.

Walking by faith: As we plant seeds, whether physically or spiritually, there is a process of faith and belief involved. We may not see the immediate results, but it is in this waiting period that our faith is strengthened and transformed. Ultimately, the real value lies in the internal transformation and the trust we place in God’s promises. 

Faith in action: Our faith requires action. It’s not enough to simply believe in God’s promises; we must also take steps and work towards them. Just like Abraham, who believed and stepped out in faith, we too are called to actively participate in the manifestation of God’s promises. Our faith and works go hand in hand.

I encourage you to check out the full episode of the “By His Grace” podcast to gain more insights into the power of seed planting and how it can impact our lives.

Dreamers Awakening: Unlocking Your Potential for Greatness and Creativity

Dreamers Awakening: Unlocking Your Potential for Greatness and Creativity

Welcome back to another enlightening episode of “By His Grace.” In today’s episode, we have the privilege of diving into the incredible journey of Tyler Childs, the founder of Parable International. Tyler’s story is one of faith, surrender, and the power of embracing God’s calling. From working in video production to stepping onto the mission field, Tyler’s life took an unexpected turn that would forever reshape his perspective.

Join us as we explore how Tyler’s obedience led him to launch a non-profit organization dedicated to equipping ministries to pursue creative excellence. Tyler’s authenticity and vulnerability will inspire you to embrace your own God-given dreams and trust in His plan, no matter how unconventional it may seem. Get ready to be motivated to wake up to the greatness within you as we dive into Tyler Childs’ incredible journey on this episode of “By His Grace.”.

Episode Summary

Tyler’s journey in video production took an unexpected turn when the pandemic forced him and his family to reevaluate their priorities. What began as a sabbatical and a leap of faith led them to launch the non-profit organization, Parable International, which aims to bring creative excellence to Christian content. Parable International is a ministry dedicated to training creatives to pursue excellence in entertainment. Through media, education, filmmaking, and most recently, literature, we strive to help dreamers achieve their creative callings in life.

Tyler’s story is a testament to God’s guidance and provision as he and his family embarked on a life-changing adventure. From selling their house and embracing a simpler life in a 36-foot RV to navigating the challenges of living on the road with three young children, Tyler shares how surrendering to God’s plan opened doors and brought unexpected opportunities. This journey also led him to write a book, not just for creatives, but for everyone, reminding us that we are all born to be creative.

Prayer & Creativity

We also explore the correlation between prayer and creativity, as Tyler discovered the power of inviting the Holy Spirit into the creative process. The results were astounding as churches and ministries experienced positive shifts in their culture and witnessed the Holy Spirit’s inspiration reflected in their artistic endeavors. Awaken O Dreamer:Your Creativity Awaits

In this episode, Tyler encourages dreamers to wake up and embrace their potential for greatness in various fields, whether it be accounting, engineering, film, or ministry. He emphasizes that everyone has the capacity for imagination and creativity and that God has uniquely called each of us to invite him into our creative pursuits.

Trust God

As we reflect on Tyler’s story, remember that surrender and trust in God’s plan are vital as we navigate challenges in our lives. Just as Tyler stepped out in faith despite not fully understanding the path ahead, may we also find the courage to follow God’s instructions even when they don’t align with our own understanding.

Lastly, we want to express our appreciation to God for the unique gifts and callings placed in every heart. We pray for a fresh wind of creativity, correction of lies that hinder our progress, and the filling of any voids with wisdom and direction from the Holy Spirit. May we all courageously walk in our callings and awaken the dreamers around us.

About Tyler Childs

TYLER W. CHILDS is a filmmaking missionary, passionate about storytelling and equipping the next generation to pursue creative excellence. His projects have taken him to over 15 countries and include both feature films and television shows with networks such as National Geographic.

His new book, Awaken O Dreamer, calls upon creatives to awaken the dreams that may have slipped into slumber. Explore what it means to partner with the Lord in the creative process and practice submitting ideas to Him. Learn how to place your identity in Christ instead of your art. Focus on telling good stories that glorify God and pursue a new level of creativity.

Key Takeaways

Surrendering to God’s Plan: Tyler and their family took a leap of faith by embarking on a 6-month sabbatical to serve with YWAM in East Texas. They learned the value of surrendering control and trusting in God’s guidance.

Pursuing Creative Excellence: Recognizing the need for entertainment training in ministry, Tyler founded Parable International, a non-profit organization that equips ministries to pursue creative excellence. From workshops to a pioneering film school, they bring excellence to Christian content.

Awakening the Dreamer Within: Tyler urges dreamers to wake up and realize their potential for greatness. They believe that everyone is born to be creative and encourage listeners to invite God into their work and find fresh solutions in all aspects of life.

Thank you for listening to By His Grace, and for being a valued member of the By His Grace community. We are grateful for your support, and we hope that each episode inspires and encourages you on your journey of faith.

 

Stories that Shape: Unveiling the Power of Narrative in Shaping Culture and Lives

Stories that Shape: Unveiling the Power of Narrative in Shaping Culture and Lives

Welcome back to another episode of “By His Grace.” I’m your host Misty Phillip, and today we have an incredibly powerful and thought-provoking episode for you. In this installment, we delve into the importance of excellence in Christian Media, storytelling, the impact it has on our perception of reality, and how it shapes our culture.

Our guest, Terry Weaver, shares their personal journey with storytelling, from experiencing captivating narratives in the military to immersing themselves in the role of a character for a production called “Breaking Strongholds.” Terry’s exploration of character development led them to spend time with a former marine and detective, delving into the world of interrogations and investigations. Terry’s storytelling adventure didn’t stop there. They also wrote a captivating backstory for their character, which eventually transformed into a separate novel. This backstory provided a foundation for their acting and tapped into the power of personal stories.

During a prayer breakfast in Texas, Terry met someone who had an eye-opening encounter with the alarming tactics being used to target families and children, and it stirred a passion within them to create films that inspire hope. Terry explored the need for high-quality Christian entertainment that tackles the pressing issues faced by young people today. We also dive into Terry’s ongoing project, the second season of the gripping show “Breaking Strongholds,” which deals with tough topics and cannot seek funding from traditional Hollywood studios.

They rely on the support of local communities and generous donors to bring this impactful series to life. Additionally, Terry highlights the harmful influence of shows like “Euphoria,” and their determination to counter that with storytelling that empowers and uplifts.We cannot wait to share this episode with you as we unpack the power of stories, the danger of destructive narratives, and the potential for positive change through the art of storytelling. So grab your headphones, settle in, and join us for this captivating episode of “By His Grace.”

BREAKING STRONGHOLDS is a faith-based mystery drama series that keeps viewers guessing while addressing serious cultural issues. The show centers around a high-school teacher gone missing and the family of Detective Ethan James, whose son, unbeknownst to him, is considering suicide to escape the pain from the loss of his mother. All the while, a small Texas town is distracted and deceived by the arrival of world-renowned, best-selling author and thought leader, Redmond Quinn.

Reflective Media

Breaking Strongholds TV Facebook

Reflective Media Productions Youtube

Breaking Strongholds TV Instagram

Suicide Prevention

At Spark Media, we empower faith-based podcasters through live and virtual events, a thriving membership community, a podcast network, and a magazine.

 Spark Media Ignite Conference

4 The One Studios

Show notes powered by CastMagic

 

Soaring Above Circumstances: Patricia Holbrook’s Inspiring Journey to an Abundant Life

Soaring Above Circumstances: Patricia Holbrook’s Inspiring Journey to an Abundant Life

Welcome back to another inspiring episode of “By His Grace.” In today’s episode, we have the incredible privilege of hearing from the remarkable Patricia Holbrook. Patricia’s faith journey is one that many can relate to, as she shares her struggles, doubts, and fears in navigating through a fallen world. Despite these challenges, she found solace in the support and encouragement of her brothers and sisters in faith.

Summary

Patricia’s story takes us on a transformative journey of seeking God and making profound changes in her life. In her book, she guides us through the process of evaluating our spiritual state, challenging our beliefs, and establishing practices that strengthen our faith. Patricia reminds us that the goal is not to become a “super Christian,” but to be honest about our struggles and seek growth and healing. As we dive deeper into Patricia’s story, she openly discusses the prevalence of anxiety and depression among women in the church.

While she recognizes the importance of therapy and medication, she firmly believes that solely relying on them is not enough. She shares her conviction in the power within us to be healed, coached, helped, and trained by God.Recently, Patricia launched a new website called “Seeking the Abundant Life,” where her hope is to inspire women to seek the abundant life through interviews and courses. She shares practical approaches to the spiritual journey, emphasizing the significance of scripture reading, prayer, and surrounding ourselves with positive influences.

Key Topics

  • Introduction to Patricia Holbrook and her ministry, Soaring with Him.
  • Personal struggles and experiences of faith.
  • Living in a fallen world generates fears and doubts.
  • Having supportive sisters and brothers in faith.
  • Overview of Patricia Holbrook’s book on seeking God and making changes in life.
  • Evaluating spiritual state and faith walk.
  • Examining and challenging beliefs about God, oneself, and others.
  • Establishing spiritual practices and rhythms.
  • Taking responsibility for nurturing a strong faith.
  • Patricia believes that many women believers are not living in victory.
  • Impact of anxiety and depression on women in the church.
  • Acknowledgment of the importance of medication and therapy, but not sole reliance on them.
  • Power within us to heal and be coached by God.
  • Introduction to Patricia Holbrook’s new website, Seeking the Abundant Life.
  • Inspiration and encouragement for women through interviews and courses.
  • Assurance to struggling women that they are not alone.
  • Acknowledgment of the challenges of keeping faith.
  • Practical approaches to spiritual journey– Reading and memorizing scripture, Praying and speaking out scripture,  Spending time with positive, faith-aligned people.

 

Introduction to Soaring with Him Ministries and its history and her Initial focus on blog writing and speaking at women’s events. Launch of the She Source conference, addressing women’s struggles. Description of the Agape Shelter program and collaboration with House of Cherith. Serving women who have experienced sex trafficking, abuse, or dangerous situations. Helping women discover their identity in Christ through a 15-month program.

Soaring With Him

Patricia also takes us on a captivating journey through the creation and growth of her ministry, Soaring with Him. We learn about the annual She Source conference, addressing various struggles that women face, and the outreach programs focused on bible literacy, the Agape Shelter initiative, and partnerships with other organizations.With her sincere faith, Patricia reminds us that we are not alone in our struggles. Her steadfast belief in the power of words, the importance of personal choices, and the need to take responsibility for nurturing a strong faith are sure to inspire and encourage us on our own spiritual journeys.So, join us as we listen to Patricia Holbrook’s captivating story, embrace her wisdom, and discover the profound truth that lies in bridging the gap between the knowledge of God and the depths of our hearts. Get ready to soar above circumstances and embrace the abundant life God has in store for us. 

About Patricia Holbrook

Patricia Holbrook is the founder and president of Soaring with Him Ministries, a faith columnist, international speaker, author, podcaster and Bible teacher. Patricia has been featured as a faith columnist for The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. The AJC is the largest newspaper in the South, reaching 2.3 million readers weekly in Georgia, Alabama and north of Florida. She is also a guest writer for Christian magazines and blogs, and a content contributor for iDisciple and YouVersion. On her podcast, “God-Sized Stories with Patricia Holbrook,” where she interviews actors, actresses, movie directors and some of the most known best-selling authors in America.
Patricia’s first book, “Twelve Inches – Bridging the Gap between what you know about God and how you feel” was published in 2015 and ranked #1 in its category for nine weeks on Amazon.

Website

Patriciaholbrook.com

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Tali Shalem Taub: Unearthing Israel’s Holy Gems: Exploring the Unseen Treasures of the Promised Land

Tali Shalem Taub: Unearthing Israel’s Holy Gems: Exploring the Unseen Treasures of the Promised Land

On this episode of By His Grace, we delve into the intriguing topic of holy gems. Our discussion begins with Isaiah 54:11, a Bible verse that promises God will lay the foundations of Israel with sapphires and border it with precious stones. Despite this mention, no one had ever attempted to find these gems until recently. In a fascinating turn of events, a highly influential Jewish leader, the Lubavicherbi, met with the mayor of Haifa, a city in northern Israel. This meeting sparked curiosity about the presence of gems in Israel, specifically the discovery of the Carmel Sapphire in the Zebulun Valley, known as the Kishon Bend.

We explore the significance of this discovery, as the Zebulun tribe in the Bible was blessed with wealth and treasures. The location of the Carmel Sapphire aligns with the story of Isaiah and the Kishon River, highlighting the remarkable natural phenomenon that complements the spiritual and historical significance of the land. We also discuss the media’s interest in this story and the positive and supportive reaction from the public.

It is important to note that Israel has natural resources like gas and oil, which are considered a possession of the government, leading to profit from their exploration and sale. The government and country actively support efforts in exploring and mining these treasures. Our guest, Tali, shares a deeply personal connection to this topic as her father, inspired by faith and the Bible, dedicated his life and resources to finding these precious gems. After facing skepticism and challenges, her company finally received a certificate of discovery in 2020 for unearthing the first economic deposit of gems in Israel.

Tali and her family have continued her father’s legacy through their jewelry brand, Holy Gem, which aims to make these gems accessible to people. They control the entire production process to ensure transparency and certainty for customers, providing a certificate of origin through their international brand, Hologens. They even have a visitor center in Akko, where visitors can witness the gem-finding process firsthand.

Misty expresses their admiration for Tali’s family’s dedication and the power and truth found in God’s word, we learn that Holy Gem plans to expand by opening stores in the US next year. With potential deposits and licenses covering areas in the north of Israel, including the diamond-rich Carmel Mountain, the company is on the verge of commercializing and sharing these unique gems with the public. With regular sapphires, red garnets, and black spinels being well-known gemstones, the highlight of Holy Gem’s collection is the rare Carmel Sapphire. Its composition along with unique and previously unknown minerals, makes it a one-of-a-kind gem formed under the exceptional conditions found only in the Holy Land.

Join us as we delve into the depths of this remarkable story, exploring the connection between faith, science, and the beauty of God’s creation. Discover the incredible work Holy Gem is doing and the treasures they have uncovered in their pursuit of bringing holy gems to the world. Stay tuned for an inspiring conversation that will enlighten and uplift your spirit.

Tali Shalem CEO of Holy Gems Holy Gems™ is an international luxury jewelry brand, the owner of the exclusive rights of marketing all precious certified gems mined from the first deposit of precious gems ever discovered in the Holy Land of Israel.

Scripture Reference

The Eternal Covenant of Peace

54 “Sing, O barren one, who did not bear;
    break forth into singing and cry aloud,
    you who have not been in labor!
For the children of the desolate one will be more
    than the children of her who is married,” says the Lord.
“Enlarge the place of your tent,
    and let the curtains of your habitations be stretched out;
do not hold back; lengthen your cords
    and strengthen your stakes.
For you will spread abroad to the right and to the left,
    and your offspring will possess the nations
    and will people the desolate cities.

“Fear not, for you will not be ashamed;
    be not confounded, for you will not be disgraced;
for you will forget the shame of your youth,
    and the reproach of your widowhood you will remember no more.
For your Maker is your husband,
    the Lord of hosts is his name;
and the Holy One of Israel is your Redeemer,
    the God of the whole earth he is called.
For the Lord has called you
    like a wife deserted and grieved in spirit,
like a wife of youth when she is cast off,
    says your God.
For a brief moment I deserted you,
    but with great compassion I will gather you.
In overflowing anger for a moment
    I hid my face from you,
but with everlasting love I will have compassion on you,”
    says the Lord, your Redeemer.

“This is like the days of Noah[a] to me:
    as I swore that the waters of Noah
    should no more go over the earth,
so I have sworn that I will not be angry with you,
    and will not rebuke you.
10 For the mountains may depart
    and the hills be removed,
but my steadfast love shall not depart from you,
    and my covenant of peace shall not be removed,”
    says the Lord, who has compassion on you.

11 O afflicted one, storm-tossed and not comforted,
    behold, I will set your stones in antimony,
    and lay your foundations with sapphires.[b]
12 I will make your pinnacles of agate,[c]
    your gates of carbuncles,[d]
    and all your wall of precious stones.
13 All your children shall be taught by the Lord,
    and great shall be the peace of your children.
14 In righteousness you shall be established;
    you shall be far from oppression, for you shall not fear;
    and from terror, for it shall not come near you.
15 If anyone stirs up strife,
    it is not from me;
whoever stirs up strife with you
    shall fall because of you.
16 Behold, I have created the smith
    who blows the fire of coals
    and produces a weapon for its purpose.
I have also created the ravager to destroy;
17     no weapon that is fashioned against you shall succeed,
    and you shall refute every tongue that rises against you in judgment.
This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord
    and their vindication[e] from me, declares the Lord.”

I will give you the treasures of darkness and the hoards in secret places, that you may know that it is I, the LORD, the God of Israel, who call you by your name. Isaiah 45:3 ESV

 

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