Episode 51

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Published on:

16th Nov 2023

What Parting Words Would You Say?

Have you ever known the pain of betrayal by a close friend? If you’re honest (which, of course, you are), did you want to let everyone in your circle know about the betrayal?

It’s astounding how Jesus doesn’t do that when he knows Judas is going to betray him. What’s even more amazing is Jesus makes no last-minute effort to stop Judas from what he was going to do!

As we continue to look to the gospel of John for how we can live wisely and fully engaged, we see in chapters 13-14 these significant discoveries:

1. Jesus wasn’t thrown off course by Judas’ betrayal. When we experience betrayal, we also don’t have to be knocked out of commission. Neither do we have to call it to everyone’s attention in the moment. Sooner or later, the truth has a way of coming out – just as it did with Judas.

2. Jesus modeled the necessity of sometimes giving people warnings about their direction. But the point isn’t to shame or condemn but to let them know we’re here to keep loving them even when they fail.

3. Actions do speaker louder than words. Jesus makes it clear love for him results in doing what he says we should and not doing what he says is wrong.

4. Unity with those who share our love for Christ is our #1 life purpose. Oh, so easy to say; so hard to live!

5. Understanding our origin and knowing our destination empowers us to live out our callings on earth. Not just origin in the “evolution vs. creation” since, but origin as in how we grew up. This isn’t an exercise in parent-shaming but in accepting the humility none of us are self-made people.

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Empower yourself and your family to engage fully in God’s grand story. Subscribe to Hi(Impact) at Stephanie Presents for insights, encouragement, and practical resources!

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About the Podcast

Live Only True Stories
Grow spiritually strong, emotionally healthy, and relationally wise by aligning your internal stories with truth.
The stories we tell ourselves impact every area of our life.
We begin telling ourselves stories as children--about ourself, others, life, God. We continue adding to our stories as adults.
Live Only True Stories empowers people to learn to investigate their stories. Keep those that are true. Change those that aren't.

Research-informed and Biblically sound insights offer real hope and help for growing spiritually strong, emotionally healthy, and relationally wise.

Stephanie brings depth and winsomeness, authority and vulnerability. A wife, mom, mother-in-law, and Nana, Stephanie is a speaker and writer who loves helping others flourish.
Learn more at her website, https://www.stephaniepresents.com/

About your host

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Stephanie Smith

Stephanie knows from experience good intentions aren't enough to be spiritually strong, emotionally healthy, and relationally smart--or to raise kids who are. She shares powerful Scriptural principles and science-backed insights into human behavior to equip people to grow good intentions into godly impact.

Stephanie's authenticity creates immediate connection with audiences both virtual and on the stage, while gracious authority provides clarity and confidence for listeners. Her leadership experience includes being a certified Primal Question coach, Christian school founding board member and teacher, homeschool cooperative founder, and Teen Theater Director.

Stephanie is a wife, mother of five grown sons, mother-in-law of four, and Nana to a growing tribe of awesome grandkids. She is committed to Psalm 17:17-18, proclaiming God's power to generations through wisdom forged in real life.