Brunch N' Bible: "Are You Available?" feat. Jesika Gonzalez – Episode Summary
Release Date: May 6, 2025 | Host: Heaven Kore | Guest: Jesika Gonzalez
Introduction
In the episode titled "Are You Available?", host Heaven Kore engages in a profound conversation with her sister, Jesika Gonzalez, exploring the depths of what it truly means to be available to God. The discussion delves into the essence of surrendering one's heart, prioritizing God over personal agendas, and the transformative journey of living a life fully devoted to divine purpose.
1. Understanding Availability to God
Heaven opens the dialogue by introducing the central scripture from Isaiah 6:8, where Isaiah responds to God's call with, “Here am I, send me” ([01:20]). This sets the stage for discussing the modern-day scarcity of genuine availability to God. The conversation emphasizes that being available transcends having an open schedule; it requires a surrendered heart prepared to embrace divine interruptions and commitments, even when they challenge personal comfort.
Notable Quote:
“Availability to God is less about open calendars and more about surrendered hearts.” – Heaven Kore ([00:00])
2. Defining True Availability
Jesika articulates that true availability involves a complete openness to God's will, stating, “Whatever you want, however you want to use me, I'm available” ([02:49]). This means removing anything that hinders one's purpose and being ready to fulfill God's specific calling on one's life.
Key Points:
- Surrender Over Scheduling: Prioritizing God's desires over personal plans.
- Flexibility in Service: Being willing to adapt to God's needs, regardless of inconvenience.
- Removing Obstacles: Eliminating distractions that prevent full devotion.
3. Biblical Foundations and Stewardship
Heaven references Genesis 1:26, highlighting humanity’s role in stewarding the Earth, which underscores why God often looks to men for leadership roles ([03:52]). This stewardship principle emphasizes responsibility and intentionality in fulfilling God's purposes.
Notable Quote:
“God doesn't break his own laws. Whatever the Lord wants to do in the earth realm, he looks for men because he gave us that dominion.” – Heaven Kore ([04:17])
4. Challenges to Availability
Jesika identifies several barriers to being fully available to God:
- Self-Centric Agendas: Prioritizing personal desires over divine will ([05:43]).
- Lack of Discipline: Neglecting spiritual disciplines like prayer and devotion ([06:18]).
- Comfort Zones: Remaining in familiar settings instead of embracing divine challenges ([19:22]).
Notable Quote:
“Putting God truly at the center of everything means letting go of our own agendas.” – Jesika Gonzalez ([05:43])
5. The Journey of Surrender
Heaven shares her personal experience of giving God her "yes" despite feeling unprepared, illustrating the dangerous yet rewarding nature of surrender ([08:20]). Jesika echoes this sentiment, recounting her pivotal moment at age 16 when she chose to prioritize her relationship with God over her previous comfort in the church ([10:42]-[12:26]).
Key Points:
- Living Sacrifices: Constantly offering oneself to God ([08:20]).
- Idolatry of Gifts: Avoiding placing personal talents above God's purpose ([13:27]).
- Continuous Commitment: Recognizing that availability is a daily, ongoing decision ([17:14]).
6. Balancing Self-Love and Divine Service
The discussion navigates the fine line between healthy self-care and self-centeredness, warning against allowing self-love to overshadow God's call. Jesika emphasizes that when one's actions shift from being God-centered to self-centered, it leads to spiritual emptiness and disconnection ([24:00]).
Notable Quote:
“When it becomes about you and not God, you start to go on a path that God didn't intend.” – Jesika Gonzalez ([24:00])
7. Heart Over Actions
Heaven probes the importance of the state of the heart in being used by God. Referencing Saul's disobedience, Jesika explains that without a heart aligned with God, outward actions lose their significance and purpose ([32:46]). The conversation underscores that authentic service stems from a genuine relationship with God, not merely from performing duties.
Key Points:
- Authentic Relationship: Ensuring that actions reflect a true connection with God.
- Avoiding Ritualism: Moving beyond mere participation to heartfelt devotion.
- Continuous Renewal: Regularly renewing one’s commitment to keep the heart aligned with God ([36:42]).
8. Embracing Life’s Uncertainties
Heaven uses Moses' life as an example of God’s intentionality during hardships. Jesika agrees, sharing that saying "yes" to God often leads to unexpected challenges designed to strengthen faith and reveal deeper dimensions of God ([41:05]). Embracing the unknown becomes part of the faithful journey.
Notable Quote:
“It's okay to not know everything. Allow God to take you on an adventure of life.” – Jesika Gonzalez ([41:13]).
9. Final Encouragement and Prayer
As the episode concludes, Jesika offers a heartfelt prayer, encouraging listeners to trust in God’s provision and to embrace the journey of full surrender. She emphasizes that every trial is an opportunity for growth and deeper intimacy with God ([46:02]).
Final Thoughts:
- Trust in God’s Plan: Believing that God’s intentions are ultimately for the believer’s good.
- Encouragement to Surrender: Urging listeners to offer their complete yes to experience life’s fullest potential in Christ.
- Community and Support: Highlighting the importance of supporting one another in the journey of faith.
Closing Prayer Excerpt:
“Lord, I pray that when they do say yes, they see your provision on the other side and recognize your voice.” – Jesika Gonzalez ([46:31])
Conclusion
In "Are You Available?", Heaven Kore and Jesika Gonzalez offer a compelling exploration of what it means to be truly available to God. Through personal testimonies, biblical insights, and practical advice, they advocate for a life of intentional surrender, emphasizing that true availability is a heart-centered commitment that transforms both the individual and those they encounter. This episode serves as a powerful reminder for listeners to evaluate their own availability and encourages them to embrace a life fully dedicated to God's purpose.
Notable Quotes Recap:
- Heaven Kore: “Availability to God is less about open calendars and more about surrendered hearts.” ([00:00])
- Jesika Gonzalez: “Putting God truly at the center of everything means letting go of our own agendas.” ([05:43])
- Heaven Kore: “God doesn't break his own laws...” ([04:17])
- Jesika Gonzalez: “When it becomes about you and not God, you start to go on a path that God didn't intend.” ([24:00])
- Jesika Gonzalez: “It's okay to not know everything. Allow God to take you on an adventure of life.” ([41:13])
This summary encapsulates the essence of the episode, providing listeners with a comprehensive understanding of the themes discussed and the valuable insights shared by Heaven Kore and Jesika Gonzalez. Whether you're familiar with "Brunch N' Bible" or tuning in for the first time, this episode offers profound reflections on faith, surrender, and the transformative power of being truly available to God.