The Art of Successful Living with Joanne Williams

Moses and The Presence of God Part 5

Discover the incredible journey of Moses as he encounters the presence of God and is transformed into a courageous leader. But what happens when Moses faces a seemingly impossible task? Find out in this captivating episode that will leave you on the edge of your seat, questioning if Moses can overcome the challenges ahead.
In this episode, you will be able to:
Discover the life-changing potential of a closer relationship with God
Explore Moses' faith imbued meeting with The Lord God and the lessons it carries
Understand the significance of unbreakable divine ties in our lives
Learn to navigate through perceived shortcomings empowered by God's grace
Embrace the wisdom of relying upon God's direction and fortitude.
The key moments in this episode are:00:00:06 - Introduction and Overview, 00:01:01 - Moses and the Burning Bush, 00:03:21 - The Holiness of God's Presence, 00:05:02 - Overcoming Inadequacy with God's Presence, 00:07:45 - God's Presence Throughout Moses' Life,

The Presence of God Part 4

In this episode we discuss the altar of Isaac and his son Jacob's altar. You will discover:
1. God not only provides a place for His presence but fulfillment and fruitfulness in His presence.
2. Isaac built an altar to the Lord with gratitude (Ps 116:17).
3. Isaac demonstrated that we as believers must abide and dwell in the presence of the Lord.  There we find shelter, refuge, safety, strength, hope, and peace.
4. Jacob built an altar. Gen. 35:3
5. God identified himself to Jacob as El-Shaddai, the Almighty God.
6. Our real struggle is realizing and acknowledging our weaknesses and using it as fuel too seek God's favor and blessing with all our heart, soul, and might.
7. Jacob's altar demonstrates the beauty and grace of surrendering to the process in which God uses to lead us to His purposes, promises and will. 
 
 

An Altar for His Presence

The altar was a place of encounter between God and man. Literally it was a place of sacrifice.  For many in our generation, we have not learned what it means to wait, to wrestle, to linger, to tarry, to commune in the Lord's presence.  to get on your knees and not get up you have a conviction from God. This message is an invitation to the altar, to praise, and to press in like you haven't before.
In this episode you will learn:
1. About the altar that Noah built.
2. First, we need His grace if we are to be in His Presence.
3. Second, we must hear Him and honor Him through obedience. 
4. Abraham built altars for His Presence.
5. The altar was a place to honor the Presence of the Lord.
6. The altar was a place that also marked confirmation from the Lord. 
7. The altar is a place of sacrifice and testing.
 
 
 

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,