I have a powerhouse on the podcast in the form of Kelly Balarie. Kelly is an author and a speaker who is passionate about Jesus and the Word of God. She is a sister in the trenches and a self-proclaimed spiritual cheerleader. Every book she has written, she writes from a place of "this is where God has been faithful to me in this season." Or "this is what God has been teaching me," full of authenticity, and powerful scripture-saturated insights for women who desire to walk well and be filled to the fullness of God.

In our conversation today, you'll hear about her latest book Taking Every Thought Captive: Exchange Lies of the Enemy For the Mind of Christ. We unpack that term,"the mind of Christ," and what it means, how to connect deeper into the heart of God as we yield our minds and hearts to His love, plans, and purposes for our lives. We go deep and wide about spiritual warfare and even the differences between spiritual possession and oppression. We'll talk about the goodness of God in the "even ifs" of life, how our thoughts in suffering can impact us, how God can and will meet us in the feelings He gave us, and so much more. Kelly's love for the Lord and the power of His word is vivacious and galvanizing and I truly believe it will serve as a balm to your soul today.

God is not finished with us. He is not finished with the Church. He is not finished with this world. Even when things are hard, or everything looks like it is past redemption, hope and His love get the final word. You matter, friend. Your story matters.

Connecting with Kelly:

Current Book: Taking Every Thought Captive: Exchange Lies of the Enemy For the Mind of Christ

Facebook

Instagram

Website

For great resources for Bible study and getting into God's word check out the Daily Grace Co!

Please consider joining our Patreon community. If you have enjoyed what you have heard on the podcast today or from other episodes, we would so appreciate your support to keep the Simply Stories Podcast going. You can sign up for as little as $3 a month and each tier offers gifts that I hope will bless you in return. If you feel you cannot financially commit at this time, would you please consider leaving us a star rating and/or review on Apple Podcasts? My family and I are so grateful for each of you and how you are part of our story.

Scripture References:

Ephesians 3:19-21- Filled to the fullness of God

2 Corinthians 10:5- Take every thought captive

Philippians 2:1-11, Ephesians 3:16-21- We are powerful in Christ Jesus

Psalm 42:7- Deep calls to deep

Matthew 4:1-11- Jesus in the wilderness

Luke 4:1-14- Jesus was endowed with power (after His temptation)

1 Corinthians 11

1 Corinthians 2:9- No eye has seen, no ear has heard what I have for You

Philippians 4:7- Beyond our understanding

1 Corinthians 2:10- These things are revealed by the Spirit

1 Corinthians 2:11, 2:12-13-Who can know the Lord's thoughts… but we can understand these things for we have the mind of Christ

Romans 5:8- Jesus died for us while we were still sinners

John 10:27- "The sheep that are my own hear and are listening to My voice and I know them and they follow me."

1 Peter 5:7- Cast all your cares on Him because He cares for you.

Psalm 23:5- You set a table from me in the presence of my enemy

Psalm 27:13-14- What would have become of me if I had not believed I would see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living

Jeremiah 29:11- Plans of a hope and for a future

2 Peter 1:3- You have everything you need in Christ

Matthew 14:22-34-Peter hops out of the boat

Hebrews 12:1-3- He's the Author and Perfector of our faith

2 Corinthians 5:17- I am a new creation

Galatians 2:20- It is no longer I who live, but Christ in me

Romans 6:11- I am dead to the old and alive to the new