The Art of Successful Living with Joanne Williams

The Presence of God Part 2

Join me, Joanne Williams, as I uncover the deceptive tactics of sin, explore the role of appetite in spiritual hunger, and navigate the ironies of Adam and Eve's choice between immediate pleasure and long-term fulfillment in the presence of God.
In this episode, you will be able to:
Illuminate the underhanded tactics Satan used in molding the course of humanity in the Garden of Eden.
Venture into the fascinating connection between appetite, sin, and the thirst for spirituality.
Ponder over the pivotal dilemma of obeying God versus succumbing to one's desires.
Dissect Adam and Eve's rebellion's far-reaching implications on the mapping of human history.
Apprehend God's aspiration for harmonious and fulfilling interaction with His creation.
The key moments in this episode are:          
00:00:04 - Introduction,
 
00:00:41 - The Cunning Plan of Deception,                        
00:02:52 - The Menu of Desire, 
      
00:06:56 - The Fall and Consequences, 
 
00:13:57 -  Making the Choice,           

Rising From Ruins Part 5

What are you helping to rebuild?
Today I want to spill the tea about rising from my own ruins.  The key word for today is Arise. Biblically, arise means to be stirred up, to be awake and to prepare for action. In Isaiah 60:1, the Lord instructed us “Arise, shine; for your light has come! And the glory of the Lord is risen upon you. When the Lord tells us to arise, He wants us to get up from the lowly position the enemy has placed us, which is causing us to be depressed and lose hope. He wants us to shake off the spirit of poverty, lack or infirmity that had been dogging our steps and rebuild with the help of the Lord.
Conclusion:
Arise!
Rebuild!

Rising From Ruins Part 4: Action

Nehemiah Chapter 2 verses 17-18. Also, Chapter 3: 1, New King James Version. Nehemiah First, had an affinity for the ruins, then he addressed the father about the ruins, next he assessed the ruins, and after all that he acted in regard to the ruins.
The key moments in this episode are:
ACTION
1.  After you assess your situation, what action do you need to take?
2.  Spiritual leaders must lead not only by word, but also by action. 
3.  The work of the church requires every member’s effort in order for the body of Christ to function effectively 1 Cor. 12:12-27.  Are you doing your part?  
4.  Finish the work. 
5. Learn how to build and fight!
 
 

Rising from Ruins: Assessment

In today’s lesson we begin with Nehemiah chapter 2:17-18. Then I said to them, “You see the distress that we are in, how Jerusalem lies waste, and its gates are burned with fire. Come and let us build the wall of Jerusalem, that we may no longer be a reproach.”
Verse 18: And I told them of the hand of my god which had been good upon me, and of the king’s words that he had spoken to me. So, they said, “Let us rise up and build.” Then they set their hands to this good work.
 
 
The key moments in this episode are:
1. Nehemiah assessed the ruins,
2. He knew it would require a lengthy period of time,
3. He needed secure travel.
4. Nehemiah knew he would need some special supplies that only the king's authority could provide.
5. We must assess what we will actually need, what steps we should take, and what may be involved in changing our habits so that we can be freed to be what God wants us to be. 
6.
. To assess is to evaluate or estimate the nature, ability, or quality of. He assessed the ruins. What if any situation are you facing right now that you need to take a good honest look at and assess the damage?
 

Addressing the Mess: A Guide to Rebuilding and Restoring with God’s Direction

As the shattered walls of Jerusalem came into focus, Nehemiah was overwhelmed by the pain and suffering etched into their ruins. Little did he know, this journey of despair would lead to an unexpected twist. To rise from the ashes and rebuild, this man sought solace in God, fasting and praying with a heart heavy with sorrow. But as I delved deeper into this bible story and my own reflections, an unforeseen truth emerged. In the midst of my ruins, I discovered a secret, a hidden revelation that would change everything my future. And so, with bated breath, I embarked on a quest for answers, unsure of where it would ultimately lead me...
In this episode, you will be able to:
Draw strength from the ashes of your personal difficulties, turning defeat into victory.
Cultivate a deeper sense of empathy in prayer as a balm for others.
Find out how to tap into the divine guidance during challenging times and pave your pathway out of the dark.
Realize the potency of targeted prayer in directing your focus towards your spiritual purpose.
Get ready to tackle your problems head-on, seeking the divine help needed to rebuild and revitalize from the foundations.
The key moments in this episode are:00:00:08 - Welcome to the Art of Successful Living, 00:01:05 - The Power of Identifying with Others, 00:04:06 - Seeking God for Restoration, 00:06:02 - Intentional Prayer for the Future, 00:08:31 - The Power of Prayer, 

RISING FROM RUINS

 Rebuilding in Times of Ruin
In this captivating episode of The Art of Successful Living podcast, I delve into the theme of rising from ruins amidst societal challenges. Join me as we explore the inspiring story of Nehemiah, a man burdened with a mission to rebuild.  Will he overcome? Find out in this gripping episode.
In this episode, you will be able to:
Dive into the ways of overcoming life's challenges and rebuilding stronger bases.
Comprehend how your concern can alleviate others' struggles and contribute to their wellbeing.
Explore innovative methodologies to incite a change, moving beyond your comfort zone.
Acknowledge the role and impact of personal responsibility in the journey of restoration and rebuilding.
The key moments in this episode are:00:00:06 - Introduction, 00:01:07 - Current Issues, 00:03:44 - Nehemiah's Prayer, 00:08:43 - Ruins and Affinity, 00:18:53 - Seeking Resources, 

The Basis of Alertness

Awaken your spiritual senses with me as I delve into the irony of how deer remain vigilant in seemingly safe environments, inspiring my goal to guide Christian believers towards constant spiritual alertness and discernment in the face of an unseen enemy.
In this episode, you will be able to:
Explore the essence of spiritual vigilance.
Understand the art of developing spiritual alertness using your physical and spiritual senses.
Delve into the scriptures for safeguarding against unseen threats from adversaries.
Find the keys to nurturing a divine bond and arming oneself with faith.
The key moments in this episode are:00:00:03 - Introduction, 00:01:09 - The Basis of Alertness, 00:05:26 - Developing Spiritual Senses, 00:09:30 - The Scriptures 00:11:31 - Conclusion, 

SPIRITUAL ALERTNESS: WHAT MUST WE PROTECT?

Spiritual Alertness presupposes that there are dangers that threaten to diminish or destroy the resoureces that God has given us. We must protect these resources.
What must we protect:
Our time: Time is a valuable asset that attracts many robbers.
(See Ephesians 5:16.)
Our health: Energy and vitality will be dissipated through immoral living. (See Proverbs 5:11.)
Our purity: Evil men and women prey upon the unsuspecting and defile the strength and wealth of their purity. (See Proverbs 5:10, 6:26.)
  Our fellowship with God: “Your iniquities have separated between you and your God” (Isaiah 59:2).
  Our family and friends: Beware of whisperers, for they separate chief friends. (See Proverbs 16:28.)
Our good name: A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches, and loving favour rather than silver and gold” (Proverbs 22:1).
Our money and possessions: “A gracious woman retaineth honour: and strong men retain riches” (Proverbs 11:16).
Our eternal rewards: “Hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown” (Revelation 3:11).

How Can We Develop Greater Alertness?

• By recognizing that we are in perpetual warfare
Since Satan’s fall, evil has warred against good and Satan has aimed to kill, steal, and destroy Godly generations and the foundations of righteousness. (See John 10:10.) Scripture urges us to be “good soldiers” of Jesus Christ (see II Timothy 2:3). A soldier gives up his personal desires and comforts for the sake of the cause for which he is fighting. As believers, we also are to forsake worldly pleasures so that we can fight the good fight of faith. (See I Timothy 6:12.)
Realize that our enemy is a master of deception!
(see John 8:44). (II Corinthians 11:13–14).
Ask God for spiritual understanding.
(I Kings 3:9). 
Understand that life involves cause-and-effect sequences.
(See Galatians 6:8–9.)
Alertness is motivated by the realization that many actions have predictable results.
Be alert to resist:(see II Corinthians 10:4–5).
Be alert to avoid:(Romans 16:17).
Be alert to escape: (1  Corinthians 10:13).
Be alert to flee:(See II Timothy 2:22 and I Corinthians 6:18.).
Personal Evaluation: How Alert Are You to Danger?
Do you daily remind yourself that you are in a spiritual war?
Do you compare everything you are taught with Scripture?
Do you guard your daily time with the Lord and His Word?
Do you reject all whisperers and talebearers?
Do you protect your good name by doing only what is right?
Do you ask God for daily guidance and find His will?
 
 
 
 
 

Gideon’s Secret Weapon: Mastering Spiritual Alertness

Just when I thought I had learned all there was to know about Gideon's story, an unexpected twist completely changed my understanding of spiritual alertness. It's a lesson that continues to challenge me to this day. Want to know what happened? Keep listening.
In this episode, you will be able to:
Comprehend the crucial role of spiritual alertness and perception in your life.
Uncover the wisdom embedded in Gideon's biblical account and apply it to your personal journey.
Recognize and avoid the pitfalls of false doctrines and misleading spiritual leaders.
Understand the enemy's tactics and create a robust defense against them.
Strengthen your spiritual life by engaging with the Word of God and utilizing it as your spiritual weapon.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
The key moments in this episode are:00:00:11 - Introduction, 00:01:30 - Spiritual Alertness, 00:02:45 - Learning Spiritual Alertness from Gideon.