Living God’s Plan on Purpose: Saying Yes to God Every Day

August 24, 2026 by Leave a Comment

Living God’s Plan on Purpose: Saying Yes to God Every Day

A Few Minutes with God Podcast | Episode 375

Have you ever wondered, “Am I really living the purpose God has for me?”

We all want our lives to matter. We want to know that the ordinary things we do each day are part of something bigger—and that we are following God’s plan for our lives.

But busy schedules, responsibilities, disappointment, distraction, and seasons of weak faith can make it difficult to see that purpose.

In this episode of A Few Minutes with God, Felice Gerwitz shares how living with purpose often begins with something surprisingly simple: choosing God today.

God has already chosen you, created you, and prepared good works for you. Our response is to continually say, “Yes, Lord. I choose You today.”

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What Does It Mean to Live on Purpose for God?

Living on purpose doesn’t necessarily mean making a dramatic life change, starting a ministry, or accomplishing something the world considers impressive.

Often, it means faithfully following God in the life you are already living.

It is choosing Him while raising children, homeschooling, working, caring for your family, driving through traffic, doing laundry, running errands, or entering a new season of life.

As Felice shares in this episode, God opened doors for her to proclaim the Good News through podcasting later in life—not necessarily when she expected it.

God’s purpose works according to His timing, not ours.

God Created You for a Purpose

One of the enemy’s most damaging lies is that you have no purpose or that your life doesn’t matter.

Scripture tells us otherwise.

“For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.” — Ephesians 2:10

You are God’s workmanship.

He has given you gifts and talents, and He has prepared opportunities for you to use them. Our job isn’t to measure our lives against someone else’s accomplishments. Instead, we can thank God for what He has given us and ask how He wants us to use it.

Choose God Every Day

Felice shares something her husband often tells the engaged couples they work with at their church:

Every day, he makes a conscious decision to choose God and to choose his wife.

Faithfulness is a daily decision.

When we become trapped in irritation, anger, hurt, disappointment, or distraction, those emotions can consume our attention. Instead of remaining stuck in that cycle, we can turn our attention back to God.

Sometimes the prayer can be as simple as:

“Lord, help me. I choose You today.”

That small prayer of surrender can redirect an entire day.

God’s Plan Isn’t Finished

Maybe you feel as though your opportunity has passed.

Perhaps your children are grown, your career has changed, you’re retired, or life simply doesn’t look the way you expected it to look.

God is not finished with your story.

Jeremiah 29:11 reminds us:

“For I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.”

There is still purpose in today.

5 Simple Ways to Live God’s Purpose Every Day

You don’t have to completely reorganize your life to begin living more intentionally for God. Start with small, faithful choices.

  1. Offer your day to God.
    Begin the morning with a simple prayer: “God, I am here to do Your will. I choose You today.”
  2. Keep Scripture where you can see it.
    Place a favorite Bible verse on your desk, refrigerator, mirror, or phone screen as a reminder of God’s promises.
  3. Offer ordinary tasks to God.
    Laundry, errands, commuting, homeschooling, caring for children, and serving your family can become quiet acts of love.
  4. Fill your surroundings with reminders of Him.
    Listen to praise and worship music, pray throughout your day, and intentionally redirect your thoughts toward God.
  5. Look back with gratitude.
    At the end of the day, ask: Where did I see God working today? Where did I walk in His purpose? What can I thank Him for?

Then take it one step further: encourage someone else in their faith. Tell another person what God has done in your life.

Living on Purpose Isn’t About Perfection

Living God’s plan isn’t about getting everything right.

It’s about returning to Him again and again.

It is trusting His timing when yours looks different.

It is remaining faithful in ordinary moments.

And it is waking up each day willing to say:

“Yes, Lord. I choose You today.”

God has already chosen you.

Will you choose Him today?

Scriptures Mentioned in This Episode

  • Ephesians 2:10 — We are God’s workmanship, created for good works.
  • Jeremiah 29:11 — God has plans that give us a future and a hope.

In This Episode

Felice discusses:

  • How to know whether you’re living according to God’s purpose
  • Why God’s timing may look different from your own
  • Choosing God intentionally every day
  • Breaking cycles of discouragement, anger, and distraction
  • Finding purpose in ordinary responsibilities
  • Using the gifts and talents God has given you
  • Practical ways to keep God at the center of your day
  • Why age or season of life doesn’t eliminate your purpose
  • Encouraging others by sharing what God has done in your life

A Question to Consider

What is one area of your life where God may be asking you to simply say “yes” today?

Take a few minutes to pray about it and ask Him to help you recognize His purpose—even in the ordinary moments.

Thank you for spending A Few Minutes with God. May His peace and purpose fill your days, today and always. Amen.

 

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Redeeming Your Time: Living Each Day with Purpose

July 20, 2026 by Leave a Comment

time well spentRedeeming Your Time: Living Each Day with Purpose

Episode 22

Time well spent makes us happy. If we feel accomplished, if we do things on our “lists,” it makes us feel that we’ve spent our time well. Most of us say we need more time each day, we can’t finish out tasks, we run out of time. How can we add more time to our days?

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a few minutes with God

When I look at my day I think, “What is the best use of my time each day?” Other than with my friends and family the best time is with God. How can you fill up without the One who truly gives us that grace to get through each day? Who do you spend time with and is that time well spent? In this episode, we explore how you can make the time. Let’s strive to make the most out of every minute of every day.

Look at your day, how can you incorporate time well spent? We all say we don’t have enough time each day!

  1. Identify the time wasters. Relaxing is wonderful for everyone and we don’t need to “produce” every day! However often we say we don’t have enough time for prayer because we don’t use our time wisely.
    • What are the things in your day that waste your time
    • How can you avoid the time wasters
    • Does making a list help you
    • We all waste time, and often we all need a break, so enjoy
  2. What is the one thing you can avoid? Is there something on your list that you can eliminate or reschedule in your day so that you can make more time?
    • Social media
    • Emails in the morning or afternoon
    • Shopping without a list
  3. Can you make 5-10-15 minutes or more to spend with God in prayer? Look at your lists above and see where you can add more time to your day. Five, ten or fifteen minutes helps tremendously! Time well spent with God is so helpful in our day. Often we leave prayer time to night time. Praying in the morning, the first thing you do — will change your life and is truly time well spent.
  4. Who do you spend the most time with? Is it family, friends, virtual friends? Ist it fictional characters in books? Truthfully, sometimes we let virtual friends take the place of real ones. I have good friends online, some I’ve never met in person. Nurture your friendships but remember the one who will fill you with faith, love, and joy.
  5. How can you make that time productive? Spending it with God first will increase your productivity all day long.
  6. Can you be a witness or a blessing from the Lord to someone in your life? Do you ask God to use you each day? Do you see the people in your life as a blessing? How can the Lord use you? How can you be an example of God’s love to others?

 

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Keeping your Eyes on Jesus – Dr. Elizabeth Kim

July 14, 2026 by Leave a Comment

Join Dr. Elizabeth Kim as she shares inspiring insights on keeping our eyes on Jesus amid life's uncertainties.

Keeping Your Eyes on Jesus with Dr. Elizabeth Kim

How do we keep our eyes on Jesus when life feels uncertain, overwhelming, or filled with fear? In this inspiring retreat message, Dr. Elizabeth Kim shares a faith-filled teaching rooted in the Gospel account of Jesus walking on water (Matthew 14). Drawing from Scripture, her professional experience as a psychologist, and decades of ministry, she encourages listeners to cultivate a deeper trust in God and live with confidence in the power of the Holy Spirit.

Dr. Elizabeth KimDr. Kim begins by reflecting on her visit to the Sea of Galilee, where she experienced a vivid reminder that Jesus is just as present with us today as He was with His disciples 2,000 years ago. Using Peter’s experience of walking on the water, she explores what it means to keep our focus on Christ instead of the storms surrounding us.

Throughout the message, Dr. Kim examines the relationship between faith, fear, and doubt. She reminds listeners that biblical faith is not merely intellectual belief but a living, active trust that produces courage, healing, and obedience. Using examples from Scripture—including Moses crossing the Red Sea, Joshua crossing the Jordan River, the woman healed from years of hemorrhaging, and the faithful witness of Mary and Joseph—she demonstrates how God works powerfully through those who place their confidence in Him.

The talk also addresses the many forms fear can take, including fear of failure, rejection, suffering, the future, trauma, and even success. Dr. Kim offers a hopeful perspective by distinguishing healthy reverence for God from the unhealthy fear that keeps believers from fully embracing their identity as beloved children of God. Referencing Romans 8 and 2 Timothy 1:7, she explains the difference between living with an “orphan spirit” driven by anxiety and self-reliance versus living with a spirit of adoption that trusts in God’s fatherly care.

As a licensed psychologist and board-certified neurofeedback practitioner, Dr. Kim briefly discusses how trauma affects the brain and emotional responses while emphasizing the healing available through Christ. She encourages listeners to pursue both spiritual growth and healing, recognizing that God desires wholeness in every area of life.

The message concludes with practical ways to keep our eyes fixed on Jesus every day:

  • Develop a consistent daily prayer life.
  • Spend time listening for God’s voice.
  • Stay rooted in Scripture.
  • Receive strength through the Eucharist and Eucharistic Adoration.
  • Remain connected to a faith community.
  • Live a Spirit-filled life, continually open to the power of the Holy Spirit.

Dr. Kim closes the retreat with a beautiful prayer inviting a fresh outpouring of the Holy Spirit, asking God to remove fear, heal wounded hearts, renew faith, and empower believers to walk courageously with Christ.

Whether you are navigating personal challenges, seeking deeper faith, or longing for renewed spiritual confidence, this encouraging message reminds us that when our eyes remain fixed on Jesus, He is always faithful to reach out His hand, strengthen our faith, and lead us through every storm.

Key Takeaway:
When fear threatens to overwhelm us, Jesus invites us to trust Him, fix our eyes on Him, and walk forward in the power of the Holy Spirit. Faith grows as we deepen our relationship with Christ, allowing His perfect love to cast out every fear.

This talk, by Dr. Elizabeth Kim, was given on February 2, 2026, the 2nd day of the Water Walking Women Retreat on the Caribbean Visitation Cruise, Jan. 31 – Feb. 14, 2026.

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Staying on Course by Jimmy Seghers

July 10, 2026 by Leave a Comment

In this episode, Jimmy Seghers highlights the path to holiness with insights drawn from scripture and personal experiences.Staying on Course by Jimmy Seghers

Guest: Jimmy Seghers, Author of The Fullness of Truth

Episode Summary

In this moving and deeply spiritual episode, renowned scripture scholar and apologist Jimmy Seghers shares profound insights on the journey toward true holiness. Drawing from the Song of Songs and the wisdom of Saint Bernard of Clairvaux, Jimmy breaks down the stages of spiritual growth—the purgative, illuminative, and unitive ways—and challenges listeners to fully surrender their wills to Christ.

Through personal anecdotes of conversion, historical saintly examples, and a striking nautical analogy, Jimmy explains that holiness is not about our own spectacular actions but    about allowing Christ to live and love through us in the present moment.

Key Themes & Takeaways

  • The Three Kisses of Spiritual Life: Utilizing St. Bernard of Clairvaux’s 87 homilies on the Song of Songs, Jimmy explores the developmental stages of faith:
    • The Kiss of the Feet (The Purgative Way): The stage of intense repentance, turning away from mortal sin, and entering life from death (symbolized by Mary Magdalene).
    • The Kiss of the Hand (The Illuminative Way): A period of spiritual adolescence where love shifts from emotional and selfish to a committed, self-sacrificing will (symbolized by Peter being pulled from the waves).
    • The Kiss of the Mouth (The Unitive Way): The way of perfection and spiritual adulthood where our entire being is united with God’s will.
  • The Danger of Attachments: Many Christians get “stuck” in the illuminative way because of earthly attachments. Like Gulliver tied down by tiny strings, we are often held back from wholehearted love by small, subtle attachments rather than a desire for grievous sin.
  • The 211° vs. 1° Misconception: Jimmy shares a personal realization about his own spiritual life. He thought he was “hot water” at 211° needing just one more degree to become a powerhouse. Instead, he realized he was at 1°, and Christ is the 211° powerhouse we must surrender to.
  • Holiness in the Ordinary: Authentic love is an act of the will, not a feeling. True transformation happens when ordinary, mundane actions (like changing diapers or cleaning toilets) are done strictly out of love for Christ.
  • The Danger of Being Two Degrees Off: In navigating a ship from Los Angeles to Hawaii, being a mere 2 degrees off course means being completely lost at sea. Regular course correction through scripture and grace is essential to stay aligned with God’s will.

This talk by Jimmy Seghers was given on February 1, 2026, the 1st day of the Water Walking Women Retreat on the Caribbean Visitation Cruise Jan.31st– Feb. 14th 2026.

 

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Walking in Your Anointing – Janice Charbonnet

May 29, 2026 by Leave a Comment

Join Janice Charbonnet as she shares insights on embracing boldness and the journey from timidity to holy swagger.Walking in Your Anointing – Janice Charbonnet

In this warm and practical session, Janice Charbonnet—a missionary, mother of five, and leader in the Catholic Charismatic Renewal—shares how to move from a spirit of timidity to a life of “holy swagger.” Drawing on her personal journey from a “Sunday Catholic” to a bold proclaimer of the Gospel, Janice explains that anointing is not about personal talent, but about resting in the Father’s love.

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Janice uses the imagery of “New Shoes” and “The Gaze” to illustrate how we can walk out our unique callings. Whether you are leading a ministry team or serving at a local breakfast, Janice provides actionable tips for staying “in the gaze” of Christ to avoid the trap of self-critical “mirror-gazing.” This episode is a call to put down the magnifying mirror of insecurity and step through the doors of newness God is opening for you.

Watch on Vimeo

Key Takeaways

  • The Spirit of Aaron: Just as God provided Aaron to speak for Moses, He provides us with the specific graces and “pitch-hitters” we need to overcome our fears.

 

  • Humility vs. Timidity: Humility is recognizing that everything good in us comes from God. Timidity is an insecurity that actually hinders the Kingdom.

 

  • The Power of Praise: In ministry meetings, Janice advises “hitting the road running” with praise. Praise isn’t a feeling; it’s the vehicle that brings you into the “Throne Room” of the King.

 

  • “Papa Said I Can”: Evangelization is simply “one beggar showing another beggar where they found bread.” Your authority to share the Gospel comes directly from your identity as a beloved child of God.

 

Memorable Quotes

“The timidity and the insecurity have to die, because it’s not serving God and it’s not helping the Kingdom.”

“Put the magnified mirror down and get back in the gaze. Lock eyes with Christ; that’s the only reflection you need.”

 

Practical Tips for Service Teams

  1. Don’t Dilly-Dally: Start your meetings with immediate, high-energy praise to shift from a “situation room” mentality to a “throne room” reality.
  2. Don’t Sit on Prophecy: In safe environments like team meetings, practice sharing small prophetic nudges. Don’t wait for “perfect” confirmation; help paint the full picture.
  3. Lay Out a Fleece: For big decisions, give the Lord a specific timeframe (e.g., six months) to see if a desire grows or diminishes.
  4. The 60-Second Rule: If a meeting gets stuck on small details, stop everything for one minute of silence to ask, “Lord, what do You want?”
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Dr. Carol Razza- Prayer Meeting

May 8, 2026 by Leave a Comment

Discover Dr. Carol Razza’s powerful Prayer Meeting from the Rise & Walk Conference 2025. Learn how worship, identity in Christ, and the Holy Spirit transform believers into spiritually fruitful disciples.Episode 03 – Dr. Carol Razza – Prayer Meeting

In this powerful session, Dr. Carol Razza—international evangelist, author, and retired professor at St. Vincent de Paul Regional Seminary—leads a traditional prayer meeting centered on reclaiming our identity as children of God. Moving beyond the “counseling session” model, Dr. Razza refocuses the gathering on pure worship, teaching that when we prioritize Jesus, our burdens and brokenness naturally fall away. She challenges the “spectator” mentality and calls every believer to step into a life of supernatural fruitfulness.

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Key Takeaways

  • What a Prayer Meeting Is (and Isn’t): A prayer meeting is for Jesus, not for us. It is a time for praise, worship, and building up the Body of Christ—not a therapy or discussion group.
  • The Power of Identity: We are “1 in 600 billion.” Dr. Razza emphasizes that understanding our identity as sons and daughters of the Most High is the only way to live an abundant life. Without this, we praise God through our wounds rather than the truth.
  • Supernatural DNA: As baptized Christians, the same Spirit that raised Jesus from the dead lives in us. Our “natural” state should be the “supernatural.”
  • Spiritual Fruitfulness: Based on Genesis 1:28 and Matthew 25, we are created for increase. Dr. Razza argues that passivity is not an option; we must use our God-given gifts to glorify Him and expand the Kingdom.
  • Praying for the Priesthood: A call to action for the laity to pray for priests and seminarians to be baptized in the Holy Spirit, empowering them to lead the Church into “the deep.”

 

Scripture References

  • Joshua 3:4-5: “You have not passed this way before… Sanctify yourselves, for tomorrow the Lord will do wonders among you.”
  • John 20:21-22: “As the Father has sent me, so I send you.”
  • Galatians 5:22-23: The Fruits of the Spirit.
  • John 15:16: “It was not you who chose me, but I who chose you to go forth and bear fruit.”

 

About Dr. Carol Razza

Dr. Carol Razza is a psychotherapist with over 25 years of experience and a long-time faculty member at St. Vincent de Paul Regional Seminary. She is the author of SONblock and Parent Me, Please, and serves on the advisory team for the International Magnificat Ministry.

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Strengthening Your Faith

May 4, 2026 by Leave a Comment

Many people exercise their bodies but not their souls. Strengthening your faith takes time and effort, similar to getting into physical shape.Many people exercise their bodies but not their souls. Strengthening your faith takes time and effort, similar to getting into physical shape. In this podcast we explore ways to enhance your faith journey.

Strengthening Your Faith ~ Episode 370

Welcome back to A Few Minutes with God Podcast! In a recent episode, we explored how to put our faith into action—living it out through love, service, and sharing the Good News.

Today, Episode 370 dives deeper into Strengthening Your Faith. How do we build a faith that is not only active but also deep, resilient, and unshakable? That is the vital question we should ask ourselves.

Faith is like a muscle—it grows stronger with use, yet it also requires daily nourishment and spiritual discipline. Whether your faith has wavered in difficult seasons or you long to draw closer to Christ, strengthening your faith is a lifelong journey that equips you to live out His call with courage and joy.

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The Foundation of Faith: Assurance in the Unseen

Scripture gives us the very definition of faith. In Hebrews 11:1 (RSVCE), we read: “Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.” This verse shows us that our trust in God’s promises is important even when the path ahead is hidden. True faith is not blind; it is rooted in the living God who never fails. Read the entire chapter of Hebrews 11; it recaps the faith throughout Biblical history, with Enoch and Abraham as examples for us. The idea of faith isn’t new, and sadly, the faith placed in politicians, athletes, or actors is a distraction.

Deepening Your Faith Through Prayer

One of the most powerful ways to strengthen faith is through prayer—not just a list of requests, but a heartfelt conversation with the Lord. Prayer draws us into His presence and reminds us He is always near. Taking the time, just a few minutes (or longer) a day, exercises your spiritual muscle.

I remember a spiritually dry season when life felt overwhelming, and my prayers became routine. Through an inspiration which I can only attribute to the Holy Spirit, I committed to just five quiet minutes each morning, sitting with God and listening. No fanfare, no charts or books, or a checklist of what I expected to happen. Just a blank journal, a Bible, and time. Over a period of dedicated time, His peace filled my heart. As Philippians 4:6-7 (RSVCE) encourages: “Have no anxiety about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which passes all understanding, will keep your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

Illuminating Your Path with God’s Word

Another essential key is immersing ourselves in Scripture. Psalm 119:105 (RSVCE) declares, “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” Even one verse a day can transform our outlook. Try reading the Gospel of John slowly—one chapter daily—asking the Holy Spirit to speak to your heart. The Bible is God’s living Word that reveals His truth, love, and perfect plan. As 2 Timothy 3:16-17 (RSVCE) reminds us: “All scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.”

Consider these words. They are not just “nice” or “encouraging, they are true! God’s Word is a lamp; all scripture is inspired! God is here today just for you and for me. He is here waiting for us to give Him the time He rightly deserves.

Growing Stronger in Community

We are not meant to walk this journey alone. Surrounding yourself with fellow believers—through your parish, a Bible study, or a prayer group—builds encouragement and accountability. I once joined a small faith-sharing group at my parish, and hearing others’ stories of struggle and victory inspired me to persevere. I’ve recently joined another monthly prayer group, and it, too, has encouraged me to grow in faith.

Proverbs 27:17 (RSVCE) tells us, “Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another.” Even more beautifully (if that is possible), Hebrews 10:24-25 (RSVCE) urges: “Let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together… but encouraging one another.”

Faith isn’t exclusive. It isn’t faith or works, but both together. One is the manifestation of the other, and while both have value, only through Christ are they redemptive. Being alone with the Lord is also valuable, but encouragement from others of faith is what often keeps us strong.

Trusting God Through Trials and Tribulations

Strengthening faith also means trusting God amid life’s storms. Doubts may arise when circumstances turn difficult, yet our Lord is never surprised by our trials. As I reflected on Maria Vadia’s inspiring book Healing is For You!, I was reminded that true healing—especially spiritual healing—flows from a relationship with Jesus, not from visible signs alone. Her book, every other sentence, almost, has a scripture verse that proves her point. It is a call from the Lord to be healed inside and outside.

As frail humans, we can fall into conditional faith, but God calls us to deeper trust. The “prosperity gospel” that promises health and wealth if we believe hard enough misses the heart of the Gospel. Jesus taught the narrow road: “Enter by the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the way is easy, that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many. For the gate is narrow and the way is hard, that leads to life, and those who find it are few” (Matthew 7:13-14 RSVCE).

Trials produce endurance. James 1:2-4 (RSVCE) beautifully explains: “Count it all joy, my brethren, when you meet various trials, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.”

Spiritual Endurance: Running the Race of Faith

Watching my son, who recently visited, run four to six miles in the hot, humid Florida mornings reminded me of spiritual discipline. He runs for his health, his job, and his goals—not because it feels easy, but because the results are worth it. The same is true for us. Life demands endurance, yet we often choose scrolling or entertainment over the challenge that deepens our faith.

God calls us to run with perseverance. Hebrews 12:1-2 (RSVCE) invites: “Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of our faith.”

Strengthening your faith is not a one-time event but a daily choice to pray, immerse yourself in Scripture, walk in community, and trust God through every trial. Like a well-trained runner, you will face discomfort, yet the reward—deeper intimacy with Christ, unshakeable peace, and eternal inheritance—far surpasses any hardship. May you run this race with courage, knowing Jesus walks beside you, equipping you every step of the way. Your faith, strengthened by grace, will become a beacon of hope for a world in need of the Savior.

Amen!

For more encouragement on growing in faith, check out these related episodes from A Few Minutes with God Podcast on the Ultimate Christian Podcast Network:

  1. Faith In Action: Living Your Faith Boldly
  2. Discipline And Faith
  3. God’s Provision: Trusting Him
  4. Holiness Is Possible
  5. Overcoming Hopelessness

Thank you for listening and sharing this episode! Visit AFewMinuteswithGodPodcast.com for show notes, and subscribe on your favorite podcast app.

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Homilies: Episode 03 Friday- Mass Bishop Gregory Parkes, Presider

April 24, 2026 by Leave a Comment

In this spiritually uplifting episode, we join the Magnificat Ministry for a celebration of the Holy Eucharist presided over by Bishop Gregory Parkes. Set against the backdrop of the beautiful Diocese of St. Petersburg, Bishop Parkes welcomes attendees and offers a profound reflection on the Feast of Saint Benedict of Nursia.Episode 03  Friday- Mass Bishop Gregory Parkes, Presider

In this spiritually uplifting episode, we join the Magnificat Ministry for a celebration of the Holy Eucharist presided over by Bishop Gregory Parkes. Set against the backdrop of the beautiful Diocese of St. Petersburg, Bishop Parkes welcomes attendees and offers a profound reflection on the Feast of Saint Benedict of Nursia.

The episode explores the intersection of ancient monastic wisdom and modern spiritual life, emphasizing how the Holy Spirit guides us through “dark periods” of history and personal turmoil. Bishop Parkes reminds us that holiness is not reserved for the few, but is a daily calling for every believer.

Listen to additional Homilies.

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Takeaway

“The Holy Spirit wants to make us Saints in the middle of our daily life… May the Spirit form in each of us a little monastery—a place where Christ is loved, where peace dwells, and where holiness grows.”

Key Highlights & Themes

  • A Father’s Blessing: Bishop Parkes welcomes the Magnificat Ministry and its founder, Marilyn Quirk, acknowledging the global “fruitfulness” of this apostolate.
  • The Legacy of Saint Benedict: A look at the “Father of Western Monasticism” and how his response to a crumbling Roman Empire provides a blueprint for finding peace in today’s noisy world.
  • Ora et Labora (Prayer and Work): Understanding the Benedictine balance. Bishop Parkes discusses how to integrate a “rhythm of holiness” into our daily chores, schedules, and relationships.
  • The Power of Silence: Why silence is not an “emptiness” but a “sacred space.” The Bishop challenges listeners to reclaim quiet moments to hear the “whisper of God” amidst the distractions of social media and modern anxiety.
  • Walking with Mary: A reflection on our Blessed Mother as the ultimate model of Benedictine stability—listening, obeying, and treasuring the Word in her heart.

Scripture References

  • Genesis 46: Jacob’s migration to Egypt and his emotional reunion with Joseph.
  • Matthew 10: Jesus’ instruction to the Apostles to be “shrewd as serpents and simple as doves” in the face of persecution.

Magnificat® Ministry

Founded in 1981, Magnificat®, A Ministry to Catholic Women, an international nonprofit with over 70 Chapters across the globe, exists to evangelize and encourage Catholic women to grow in holiness through opening more fully to the power and the gifts of the Holy Spirit. “My Soul Magnifies the Lord,” recorded in Luke 1:46, is the beginning of Mary’s response to Elizabeth’s joyful greeting. The entire scene of the Visitation is the inspiration for this Ministry.

Through quarterly gatherings that include a Chapter Meal, praise and worship, guest speakers proclaiming their testimonies as to how God has transformed their lives, and other faith-sharing experiences organized in a relaxed social setting, women (and men) are inspired and encouraged to grow in faith through the power of the Holy Spirit.  Magnificat® is dedicated to Mary, the Mother of God, an image of the Church, and model for all Christians, especially women.  Visit: https://magnificat-ministry.org

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Homilies: Episode 2- Face to Face with Jesus- Fr. Michael Voithofer

April 13, 2026 by Leave a Comment

In this high-energy opening session, Fr. Michael Voithofer challenges listeners to move beyond merely "living" to becoming truly alive in the Holy Spirit. Drawing from his journey as a priest and his ministry, Ablaze, Fr. Michael explores the transformative power of the Ruah (the Breath of God) and the necessity of a "mental renewal" to align our souls with the reality of our identity in Christ.Episode 01 Face to Face with Jesus Fr. Michael Voithofer

In this high-energy opening session, Fr. Michael Voithofer challenges listeners to move beyond merely “living” to becoming truly alive in the Holy Spirit. Drawing from his journey as a priest and his ministry, Ablaze, Fr. Michael explores the transformative power of the Ruah (the Breath of God) and the necessity of a “mental renewal” to align our souls with the reality of our identity in Christ.

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He dives deep into the concept of Present Moment Living, arguing that we cannot access the Kingdom of God if we are tethered to the guilt of the past or the anxiety of the future. Through a blend of humor, scripture, and raw exhortation, this session serves as a prophetic call to stop living as “orphans” and start living as beloved sons and daughters.

Key Takeaways

  • Living vs. Being Alive: There is a fundamental difference between biological existence and the supernatural life found in the baptism of the Holy Spirit.
  • The “Already” vs. the “Not Yet”: We often focus on our flaws (the not yet) rather than the finished work of the cross (the already). Faith means believing how God sees us right now.
  • Identity Over Performance: You cannot serve well if you are constantly checking your “adoption status” with God. We must live from God’s love, not for it.
  • The Danger of Self-Reliance: Fr. Michael identifies self-reliance as a “primary sin” that numbs us to the Kingdom and traps us in an “orphan” mindset.
  • The Power of the Gaze: Like Peter walking on water, our ability to do the impossible depends entirely on locking eyes with Jesus and receiving the Father’s affection.

 

Scriptures Referenced

  • Genesis 2:7: The Lord breathing the Ruah into man.
  • John 8:36: “If the Son sets you free, you are free indeed.”
  • Philippians 3 & Romans 8: Leaving the past behind to strive for what lies ahead.
  • Matthew 10:8: “Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse lepers, cast out demons.”

 

 

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The Mind of Christ in Scripture: How to Renew Your Thoughts Biblically

April 10, 2026 by Leave a Comment

Discover how to develop the mind of Christ through Scripture. Learn practical ways to renew your thinking, overcome fear, and align your thoughts with God’s truth.What does it really mean to have the mind of Christ—and how do we actually live it out in everyday life?

In this episode of Some Women, host Angela Rizzo is joined by Pat Higginbotham, Jackie France, and guest Judy Zeldin to explore how Scripture transforms our thinking, renews our minds, and equips us to resist fear, anxiety, and spiritual attack.

Together, they unpack how aligning our thoughts with God’s Word leads to peace, clarity, and deeper trust in Him.

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Key Takeaways

  • The mind of Christ is countercultural—it challenges worldly thinking and priorities
  • Scripture is essential for renewing your mind and transforming your life
  • You can take every thought captive and align it with God’s truth
  • Fear, worry, and anxiety often stem from false beliefs or lack of trust
  • God’s Word is not just helpful—it is powerful, active, and effective in spiritual battles

What Is the “Mind of Christ”?

The mind of Christ means thinking, responding, and perceiving life the way Jesus does.

According to Scripture, this involves:

  • Surrendering your thoughts to God
  • Rejecting lies and replacing them with truth
  • Living in humility, trust, and obedience
  • Allowing the Holy Spirit to transform your thinking

“Be transformed by the renewing of your mind…” — Romans 12:2

Practical Ways to Develop the Mind of Christ

1. Study Scripture Daily

There is no substitute for knowing God’s Word. It shapes how you think and respond.

2. Take Thoughts Captive

Not every thought is from you—or from God. Learn to identify and reject lies.

3. Replace Lies with Truth

Don’t just remove negative thinking—fill that space with Scripture.

4. Pray with Scripture

Use God’s Word in prayer, especially when facing fear or anxiety.

5. Build a Relationship with God

Transformation isn’t a formula—it’s the result of a growing relationship with Him.

Spiritual Battle: The Battlefield of the Mind

This episode highlights a powerful truth:

The mind is the primary battlefield of spiritual warfare.

  • The enemy uses fear, condemnation, and doubt
  • God equips us with truth, peace, and authority through Scripture

“Fear is useless. What is needed is trust.”

Old Testament vs. New Testament: Why Both Matter

  • The Old Testament reveals God’s character and foreshadows Christ
  • The New Testament fulfills those promises through Jesus

Together, they provide a complete picture of how God thinks—and how we should think.

Featured Guest

Judy Zeldin

  • Original Magnificat Service Team member (since 1981)
  • Former guidance counselor
  • Author of two approved Catholic Bible studies
  • Longtime teacher and speaker in women’s ministry

Final Encouragement

Renewing your mind is a process, not a one-time event.

The more you immerse yourself in Scripture and relationship with God, the more your thoughts—and your life—will begin to reflect Christ.

###

Founded in 1981, Magnificat®, A Ministry to Catholic Women, an international nonprofit with over 70 Chapters across the globe, exists to evangelize and encourage Catholic women to grow in holiness through opening more fully to the power and the gifts of the Holy Spirit. “My Soul Magnifies the Lord,” recorded in Luke 1:46, is the beginning of Mary’s response to Elizabeth’s joyful greeting. The entire scene of the Visitation is the inspiration for this Ministry.

Through quarterly gatherings that include a Chapter Meal, praise and worship, guest speakers proclaiming their testimonies as to how God has transformed their lives, and other faith-sharing experiences organized in a relaxed social setting, women (and men) are inspired and encouraged to grow in faith through the power of the Holy Spirit.  Magnificat® is dedicated to Mary, the Mother of God, an image of the Church, and model for all Christians, especially women.  Visit: https://magnificat-ministry.org

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The Thorn in Your Side: What God May Be Doing in Your Weakness

March 27, 2026 by Leave a Comment

The “thorn in your side” in the Bible refers to a persistent hardship or weakness God allows for spiritual growth, humility, and dependence on His grace. While we may not know exactly what Paul’s thorn was, the passage teaches that God’s strength is often revealed most clearly in our weakness.The “thorn in your side” in the Bible refers to a persistent hardship or weakness God allows for spiritual growth, humility, and dependence on His grace. While we may not know exactly what Paul’s thorn was, the passage teaches that God’s strength is often revealed most clearly in our weakness.

In this episode of Some Women, Angela, Jackie and Pat are joined by Mary Powell in a lively discussion of what it means to have a thorn in the side and personal experiences of carrying one. Mary has been a longtime Magnificat Ministry member and Servant Leader. She currently serves as the first voice to women inquiring about starting a Magnificat Chapter in their diocese and is a powerful intercessor on their behalves.

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Why does God allow a thorn in your side?

That’s the hard question, isn’t it?

And if we’re honest, most of us don’t ask that question theoretically. We ask it because something hurts.

According to this passage—and the wisdom shared in this conversation—God may allow a thorn for several reasons:

1. To keep us humble

St. Paul had experienced extraordinary revelations. Without some kind of humbling limitation, he may have become spiritually prideful.

Sometimes our thorn reminds us:

  • we are not self-sufficient
  • we are not in control
  • we are not God

And while that can feel painful, it is also deeply protective.

2. To keep us dependent on Him

Many of us only discover how much we need God when something in life stops “working.”

A diagnosis.
A betrayal.
A fear we can’t outrun.
A body that doesn’t cooperate.
A loved one who suffers.

The thorn often becomes the place where prayer becomes more than routine. It becomes survival.

3. To increase compassion

Pain has a way of softening us—if we let it.

A woman who has walked through suffering often becomes the one who can truly sit with another person’s pain without offering shallow answers. Hardship can make us more tender, more understanding, and more useful in ministry.

4. To reveal His power

When life is easy, it is tempting to think we are strong.

But when we are weak and still somehow sustained?
When we keep going and know it is only by grace?
When peace shows up in the middle of chaos?

That is often where the power of God becomes unmistakable.

What could a “thorn in your side” look like today?

A thorn is not always dramatic. Sometimes it’s not a mountain. Sometimes, as one speaker beautifully put it, it’s “the sand in your shoes.”

Your thorn might be:

  • a difficult season in marriage
  • a spouse’s illness
  • caregiving responsibilities
  • body image struggles
  • aging and physical pain
  • divorce or family brokenness
  • fear of the future
  • recurring emotional or spiritual battles
  • the ache of unanswered prayer

And yes, your thorn may change over time.

The thing that was hardest ten years ago may not be the thing God is using today.

Can your thorn actually become a gift?

Not because the suffering itself is “good.”
But because God is good in it.

That’s the difference.

A thorn can become a gift when it:

  • drives you to prayer
  • strips away pride
  • teaches surrender
  • exposes false dependencies
  • deepens your faith
  • opens your heart to others
  • keeps you close to Jesus

That doesn’t mean you have to enjoy it.

St. Paul didn’t say, “This is fun.”
He said he learned to boast in weakness because it became the place where Christ’s power rested on him.

That’s a very different thing.

What if God doesn’t heal it?

This is where faith gets real.

Because many of us believe God can heal… but we are living in the tension of the fact that He hasn’t done it yet.

And that can be heartbreaking.

But Scripture gives us a holy reframe:

God’s unanswered prayer is not always God’s absence.

Sometimes God is answering with:

  • sustaining grace
  • daily strength
  • deeper conversion
  • greater trust
  • spiritual transformation
  • an invitation to holiness

Sometimes the miracle is not immediate removal.

Sometimes the miracle is that you are still standing.

A Catholic perspective on suffering and sanctification

In Catholic spirituality, suffering is never meaningless when united with Christ.

That doesn’t make it easy.
But it does make it redemptive.

Your thorn can become:

  • a place of surrender
  • a place of intercession
  • a place of purification
  • a place where Jesus meets you intimately

The sacraments, prayer, anointing, Scripture, community, and the Holy Spirit all become lifelines in seasons where the thorn feels heavy.

And often, suffering strips away illusions and brings us face-to-face with what matters most:

  • eternity
  • dependence on God
  • the condition of the soul
  • the faithfulness of Jesus

How should you respond to the thorn in your side?

If you’re in a hard season right now, here are a few faith-filled responses:

1. Name it honestly

You don’t have to pretend it doesn’t hurt.

God is not asking for polished spirituality. He is asking for truth.

2. Pray boldly

St. Paul asked for the thorn to be removed. You can too.

Faith does not mean silence. It means bringing your full heart to God.

3. Ask what God is doing in it

Instead of only asking, “Why won’t You take this away?” try asking:

  • “Lord, what are You forming in me here?”
  • “What are You showing me?”
  • “How do You want to meet me in this?”

4. Lean into grace, not self-reliance

This is not about gritting your teeth and surviving on your own strength.

It’s about learning to live from His.

5. Stay close to the sacraments and community

Isolation makes suffering heavier.

Stay connected to prayer, the Church, trusted believers, and people who will carry faith with you when yours feels thin.

When I am weak, then I am strong

That line from St. Paul is not inspirational fluff.

It is spiritual warfare language.

It is the testimony of someone who discovered that weakness does not disqualify us from holiness.

In fact, it may be one of the places God does His deepest work.

Your thorn may feel like interruption.
But in God’s hands, it may be invitation.

Invitation to trust.
>Invitation to surrender.
>Invitation to deeper intimacy.
>Invitation to heaven.

And while you may never choose the thorn…
you may one day thank God for what He grew through it.

Final Encouragement

If you are carrying something heavy right now, this is your reminder:

God has not abandoned you in your weakness.
He is present there.
He is working there.
And His grace really is sufficient.

Not always for the next ten years.
But for today.

And sometimes today is enough. 💛

Founded in 1981, Magnificat®, A Ministry to Catholic Women, an international nonprofit with over 70 Chapters across the globe, exists to evangelize and encourage Catholic women to grow in holiness through opening more fully to the power and the gifts of the Holy Spirit.

“My Soul Magnifies the Lord,” recorded in Luke 1:46, is the beginning of Mary’s response to Elizabeth’s joyful greeting. The entire scene of the Visitation is the inspiration for this Ministry. Through quarterly gatherings that include a Chapter Meal, praise and worship, guest speakers proclaiming their testimonies as to how God has transformed their lives, and other faith-sharing experiences organized in a relaxed social setting, women (and men) are inspired and encouraged to grow in faith through the power of the Holy Spirit.  Magnificat® is dedicated to Mary, the Mother of God, an image of the Church, and model for all Christians, especially women.  Visit: https://magnificat-ministry.org

FAQ’s

Who were the women that followed Jesus and his disciples?

Why and how do we follow and serve Him today?  In this SOME WOMEN  podcast series, based on the Luke 8:1-3 reference to women who accompanied Jesus and His disciples,  Magnificat® presents a lively panel discussion, with occasional guest panelists, on issues relevant to women today.    Various topics such as growing in holiness, community, living a Holy Spirit lifestyle, Spiritual warfare, nurturing a prayer life, and more, will be considered in the light of Sacred Scripture and teachings of the Catholic Church.  Join us as we pray, learn, and experience what God can do in our lives if we let Him!

What is the thorn in your side in the Bible?

The thorn in the side in the Bible refers to a persistent hardship or weakness described by St. Paul in 2 Corinthians 12. God allowed it to keep him humble and dependent on divine grace.

What does “My grace is sufficient for you” mean?

It means God gives enough strength, mercy, and help to endure hardship even when He does not immediately remove it.

Why does God allow suffering?

God may allow suffering to deepen faith, increase humility, develop compassion, and draw people into greater dependence on Him.

Was Paul’s thorn physical or spiritual?

The Bible does not say exactly what Paul’s thorn was. Some believe it was a physical ailment, while others think it may have been emotional, spiritual, or relational.

Can suffering bring you closer to God?

Yes. Many Christians find that suffering becomes a place of deeper prayer, surrender, healing, and spiritual growth.

 

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Holiness Is Possible

February 16, 2026 by Leave a Comment

Holiness isn’t just for saints in history books — it’s possible in your everyday life. In Episode 368 of A Few Minutes with God, discover how striving for holiness begins with simple obedience, guarded speech, quiet time with the Lord, and daily surrender. Be encouraged that sanctification is God’s will for you — and His grace makes it possible.Holiness Is (Im)Possible: Striving for Sainthood in Everyday Life ~ Episode 368

Have you ever considered becoming holy? What about becoming a saint? Do you believe it’s possible, or do you think holiness is impossible? Maybe you believe we can’t be holy—only Jesus, or perhaps some of His followers, or subsequent martyrs and saints became holy. But you and me? No way. My friends, this is a diabolical lie, and many Christians believe it. Therefore, they don’t strive for holiness because why should they? We’re striving for a goal that doesn’t make sense or isn’t possible, especially in the day in which we live today. But holiness is possible.

Sponsored by CTCMath.com

Scripture on God’s Call to Holiness

As Scripture reminds us in 1 Thessalonians 4:3: “For this is the will of God, your sanctification: that you abstain from immorality…” God desires us to be holy, set apart for Him. This verse encourages us to pursue purity and dedication in our daily walk with the Lord. But we can’t do it alone, and when we try to do it without prayer, without seeking God, we will fail. So many times I read a scripture verse and think there is no way I can do it, but then I remember I don’t have to do it without help!

Additionally, in 1 Peter 1:15-16, we read: “But as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, since it is written, ‘You shall be holy, for I am holy.'” These words further remind us and confirm what we know intellectually, that holiness is not just a distant ideal but a calling we can embrace through God’s grace. Sometimes getting things from our heads to our hearts can be a challenge.

Why Striving for Holiness Matters

I used to think that striving to do good—well, good enough—was a decent goal. I didn’t think anyone needed to strive to be great because that’s an unattainable goal. Plus, it’s kind of vain thinking that what we do or who we are is great. But truly, if we are sons and daughters—adopted sons and daughters of God—then by definition, we are heirs to the kingdom. We should strive for holiness not so we can boast but so we can give all the glory to God.

Friends, we get distracted by semantics and we think that holiness isn’t possible this side of heaven. In fact, we very rarely say the word or think that we are working toward holiness because again, that goal seems too far off or unattainable. It’s like saying I’m going to be part of the Olympic team and I’ve never even trained—which brings us to the fact that if we want to be holy, one of the things we must do is train. And the way we can train depends on our situation in life.

Holiness in Your Unique Life Situation

The reason I’m qualifying it by saying your situation in life is because we all have responsibilities. Maybe you are a mom of young children, a student with lessons and responsibilities, or maybe you are middle-aged and a caregiver to elderly parents. We all have situations in our lives that may prevent us from striving for holiness in the way of, let’s say, someone who’s in seminary or someone who’s in religious life.

But that doesn’t give us a pass on doing some basic things. As I shared from the book The Forgotten Way by Matthew Kelly, one of the ways to strive for holiness is to watch what we say. As he puts it, “You can become a saint just by governing your speech.”

You may be thinking, but that’s just too basic.

But is it really? Think of the number of times that we have spoken and hurt someone or have spoken and not thought our words through. Very rarely do people apologize when they should, or maybe they over-apologize, as in the case of my sweet granddaughter Samantha. She often apologizes even when it’s not her fault. But holiness is possible, and that is a purpose that we should strive for. We can start today—it isn’t too late, even if you are overwhelmed, busy, have a huge workload, or have multiple deadlines to meet. You can start being holy just by saying, “Lord, I want to be holy,” and I want help in guarding what I say.”

I’m guilty of talking without thinking and hurting those I love the most. I used to chalk it up to transparency, that there was no need to wonder what I was thinking because I would tell you. Honesty is a virtue, but talking before thinking of the results of those words is not charitable. Something I wish I had learned earlier in life.

Finding Purpose Through Holiness

So many people have lost their life’s purpose.

Young people, especially, don’t seem to have life goals. I saw a recent post by a dad talking to his children about higher education, and they were wondering which jobs they could get that wouldn’t be replaced by AI in the future.

Without purpose, goals, or hope, we find people living in despair, discouragement, and disappointment. But what if our goal is to strive for heaven, to strive for the love of God, to strive to be a child of God? Does this change our despair? Yes! Realizing that there is more than what we can physically see and touch, and the goal is greater, is a blessing and leads to true freedom.

The first step would be asking the Lord, “Lord, what do you want from me?” What do you want from me today, right now? It doesn’t have to be a huge declaration. It can just be an acceptance of His will in our life for that day.

Sometimes our lives are not our own. We’re not in control, even when we think we have everything organized, scheduled, and perfectly mapped out. It doesn’t work that way—it doesn’t even work out at times when we’re trying to do good for the sake of another. It doesn’t always work out, but each day we get to see the glory and hand of God if we can just thank Him. If we can thank Him in the midst of the adversities, if we can thank Him even when we break a glass jar five minutes before we have to leave the house, or we’re going to be late to an appointment that is 30 minutes away, we can be thankful that no tile was chipped and the jar was not valuable.

Overcoming Distractions and Embracing Discipline

Sometimes these little issues take us away from our purpose, and our purpose is to serve God and to bless others by works of charity, even when we pat ourselves on the back, and then something like this happens to take away our peace.

None of us is perfect, and that’s not what holiness means. It doesn’t mean achieving perfection. I think that holiness means striving to be the best that we can be, given our life situations. Again, when I share things like life situations, it’s because I don’t want to put a burden on people. I know that as a young mom, I would hear people share testimonies and think, “Gosh, I want to go to that. I want to share the glory of God with other people,” but I couldn’t. It was not my time; it wasn’t my station in life. Yet I could work with what God gave me: raising my children, homeschooling, being there for my husband, my family, and my friends.

Striving for holiness means guarding our speech, but it also means being deliberate in our speech. You know, speech can either make people happy or miserable, and sometimes we lash out and say things we don’t need to say because we’re upset. Yelling makes us feel better because we’ve gotten it off our chest, but it doesn’t make those who are the recipients of our yelling feel any better. And that is the best time to say nothing—or at least pray before we do.

The Path to Holiness: Practice and Quiet Time

Holiness isn’t easy. Holiness doesn’t have a direct formula either. I’ve read uplifting articles that if you did X, Y, and Z, then the Lord would bless you—that if you wanted that house, you just needed to claim it, or that car. It’s like telling somebody that you have to go through all of these hoops to please God before you’re blessed. We don’t know the mind of God, but that is not the God I serve.

Striving to be holy is a goal that is attainable, but like anything we strive for, it takes practice. The idea of A Few Minutes with God, the title of this podcast, is a testament to the fact that spending time with God in quiet is a step toward holiness, peace, tranquility, and joy. The holiness comes from acknowledging that God is holy, and in the example of Jesus Christ, we have an example to follow, meditate on, and contemplate.

But we avoid the quiet. When things are quiet, what do you do? Do we reach for our phones, turn on the television, or computer? Again, a tool of the enemy to distract us.

Goals:

  • But quiet and sit with God, just for a little while at first. And when we are distracted, apologize to the Lord and move on. Guilt is not from God.
  • Guard our words. Think before we talk, or better yet, remain silent.
  • Add, “Be Holy!” to the top of our to-do list!

By striving to be holy, we focus on the discipline of controlling our speech.

By controlling our speech, we also find we can control our tempers and our reactions to things that don’t really matter in the grand scheme of things. In essence, we have greater control over ourselves and our actions.  Discipline can be trained, and we see it in many athletes, but discipline is something that we need, especially if we are going to work towards striving for holiness.

Think about the fruit that comes from this discipline.

When we exercise self-control over our words we can avoid gossip, lies, harshness, or unnecessary speech. Read James 3:2-12– my goodness, it is eye-opening! Let me just read you a portion, but please go back and study this verse: James 3: 8-10 (Read on air.) …but no human being can tame the tongue—a restless evil, full of deadly poison. 9 With it we bless the Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who are made in the likeness of God. 10 From the same mouth come blessing and cursing.

This is so true; from our mouths come beautiful and sometimes vile things. Let us repent and move on because we all want healthier relationships, inner peace, and godly character. Let us pray to the Lord that He blesses us with the ability to have self-control, gentleness, and kindness, all fruits of the Spirit, that we may praise God in all things, strive for holiness because it is possible, and live in joy. Amen!

Related Episodes from A Few Minutes with God Podcast

For more uplifting content on faith and Christian living, check out these related episodes on the Ultimate Christian Podcast Network:

  1. Called to Be Saints — Embracing Holiness in Everyday Life
  2. The Spiritual Grace From God
  3. Keeping Your Faith Alive
  4. The Gift of Humility
  5. Fruits of Faith

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Some Women – Episode 3: The Garden of Eden

November 14, 2025 by Leave a Comment

In this episode of SOME WOMEN, Angela, Jackie, and Pat share personal reflections on the events in the Garden of Eden. They discuss insights from Scripture scholar Dr. Brant Pitre and explore the contrast between God’s desires and Satan’s intentions. They also consider the meaning of the Tree of Life and the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil—and the lessons we can carry into our own spiritual lives.The Garden of Eden: Temptation, Free Will, and the Word of God

In this episode of SOME WOMEN, Angela, Jackie, and Pat share personal reflections on the events in the Garden of Eden. They discuss insights from Scripture scholar Dr. Brant Pitre and explore the contrast between God’s desires and Satan’s intentions. The group also considers the meaning of the Tree of Life and the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil—and the lessons we can carry into our own spiritual lives.

Who were the women who followed Jesus and His disciples? Why do we follow Him today—and how do we serve Him faithfully?

The SOME WOMEN podcast explores these questions.

Inspired by Luke 8:1–3, Magnificat® brings together a lively panel of women—plus occasional guests—to discuss the issues shaping women’s lives today. Topics include holiness, community, living a Holy Spirit–led life, spiritual warfare, prayer, and more. Each conversation looks at Scripture and the teachings of the Catholic Church. Join us as we pray, learn, and discover what God can do when we open our lives to Him.

 Magnificat® Presents – SOME WOMEN

Episode 3: The Garden of Eden – Temptation, Free Will, and the Word of God

Hosts:

  • Angela Rizzo – Assistant Coordinator, Central Service Team of Magnificat®

  • Pat Higginbotham – First Assistant Coordinator, Central Service Team

  • Jackie France – Historian, Central Service Team

Episode Overview

They explore:

  • The three temptations in the Garden of Eden

  • How Jesus confronted the same three temptations in the desert

  • Why Scripture is our primary weapon in spiritual warfare

  • How free will, disordered desires, and our modern culture all tie into the Fall

  • Simple, practical ways to begin letting the Holy Spirit transform our hearts

The conversation is honest, relatable, and full of encouragement for women who want to walk more closely with the Lord.

Opening Prayer

The episode begins with the St. Michael the Archangel Prayer, asking protection against the wickedness and snares of the devil, especially as the hosts discuss temptation and the Fall.

“St. Michael the Archangel, defend us in battle…”

The hosts invite listeners to pray in the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.

Main Themes in This Episode

1. The Three Temptations in the Garden
Pat walks through Genesis 3 and highlights three reasons Eve gave in to temptation:

  • The tree was good for food – pleasure

  • It was a delight to the eyes – possession

  • It was desired to make one wise – pride / wanting to be like God

These same three areas—pleasure, possessions, and pride—are still where we are tempted today.

2. How Jesus Reverses the Fall in the Desert
The hosts compare Eve’s temptation with Jesus’ temptation in the wilderness (Luke 4):

  • Bread from stones (food/pleasure):

    “One does not live by bread alone.”

  • All the kingdoms of the world (possession/power):

    “You shall worship the Lord your God, and him alone shall you serve.”

  • Throw yourself down from the Temple (pride/presumption):

    “You shall not put the Lord your God to the test.”

Jesus answers every temptation with the Word of God, modeling for us how to resist the enemy.

3. Why We Must Know Scripture
Angela shares how memorizing Scripture transformed her spiritual life:

  • She used to write verses on index cards and review them while waiting at appointments.

  • Scripture is “sharper than any two-edged sword” and our weapon against the enemy.

  • Jesus Himself used Scripture when speaking to the devil—so we must, too.

“If you’re going to get into a dialogue with the devil, just use the Word of God.”

4. Image and Likeness: Walking with God Day by Day
Pat reflects on Adam walking with God “in the cool of the day” in the garden:

  • We are made in God’s image instantly.

  • Growing into God’s likeness is a process—a daily walk.

  • The enemy tempts us with a “quick fix” to become like God without walking with Him.

Instead of patient growth in relationship, Adam and Eve reached for a shortcut.

5. Free Will, Disordered Desire, and Modern Culture
The hosts discuss:

  • Adam and Eve had free will even in their sinless state.

  • Their fall came quickly—possibly within a short time of being in the garden.

  • Temptation today still plays on the same desires:

    • “More land, more power, more control.”

    • Advertising that appeals to possessions, pleasure, and pride, often misusing sexuality.

  • We often try to fill a God-shaped void with earthly things that never satisfy.

6. Putting Others & Things Above God
Angela reflects on Adam’s responsibility:

  • Adam was likely standing right next to Eve while she was tempted.

  • The command was given to Adam; he was called to lead and protect.

  • Adam put Eve above God, receiving the fruit instead of guarding obedience.

They invite listeners to ask:

“What am I putting on a pedestal before God—food, work, control, children, money, power?”

7. Grace, Confession, and the Virtues
The women discuss:

  • Our ongoing struggle between the life of the Spirit and our sin nature

  • The help of Confession, the sacraments, and virtue as answers to the seven deadly sins

  • The patience and kindness of God, who continually invites us back

They stress that God has already given immense provision: His Word, His Church, the sacraments, and His grace.

A Gentle First Step: Asking the Holy Spirit

If you feel overwhelmed, the hosts encourage a simple, honest prayer:

“Holy Spirit, show me where I’ve put something above You.
Show me what I need to detach from.”

They suggest starting small:

  • Try fasting from one meal.

  • Notice how, as you surrender one area, God begins to touch others: screen time, work, control, etc.

  • Let God form you into the beautiful woman He created you to be.

Scripture & Spiritual Practices Mentioned

  • Genesis 3 – The Fall of Man

  • Luke 4 – Jesus’ temptation in the desert

  • Romans 12:2 – “Be transformed by the renewal of your mind.”

  • Philippians 4:13 – “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” (mentioned as a memorized verse)

  • St. Michael the Archangel Prayer

  • Lectio Divina – Encouraged as a way to pray with Scripture

  • Eucharistic Adoration – Gazing on the Lord and being transformed

They also mention:

  • The USCCB online Bible as a free resource for reading Scripture

  • Reading Genesis slowly, with introductions and footnotes

  • Using books and guides to help understand Scripture more deeply

Resources & Mentions

  • Magnificat® Store:
    Angela shares about a Magnificat mug and other beautiful religious items available:

    • Plaques

    • Jewelry

    • Clothing

    • Gifts for conversation and evangelization

You can pour a cup of coffee, invite a friend, and talk about Jesus together.

Key Takeaways

  • The same three temptations from Eden—pleasure, possessions, pride—still tug at our hearts today.

  • Jesus shows us the way to victory through obedience and the Word of God.

  • Scripture is not just inspiring; it is powerful spiritual armor.

  • We often put people, things, or desires above God without realizing it.

  • The Holy Spirit is gentle and will show us, step by step, where to surrender.

  • God longs for us, thirsts for us, and has already made provision for our healing and freedom.

Closing Prayer

Pat closes the episode in prayer, thanking God for:

  • Sisters in Christ

  • His Word

  • His provision from the very beginning

  • The grace He gives as we say yes to transformation and the renewal of our minds

***

Founded in 1981, Magnificat®, A Ministry to Catholic Women, is an international nonprofit with more than 70 Chapters worldwide. Its mission is simple: evangelize and encourage Catholic women to grow in holiness by opening their hearts to the power and gifts of the Holy Spirit.

“My Soul Magnifies the Lord,” from Luke 1:46, begins Mary’s response to Elizabeth’s joyful greeting.

This moment—the Visitation—inspires the entire Ministry. Each quarter, Chapters host gatherings that include a Meal, praise and worship, and guest speakers who share how God transformed their lives. These events offer faith-sharing in a relaxed, social setting. Women (and men) come away inspired and strengthened in their faith through the Holy Spirit.

Magnificat® is dedicated to Mary, Mother of God. She is the image of the Church and the model for every Christian, especially women.
Visit: https://magnificat-ministry.org

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Your God Given Purpose

September 2, 2025 by Leave a Comment

In this fast-paced, chaotic world, have you ever wondered how to uncover your God-given purpose? With the busyness of life pulling us in every direction, how do we find the quiet moments to truly listen to His voice and discover the path He’s calling us to walk? Today, we’re diving into this journey together, seeking His wisdom and grace to guide us toward the purpose He’s designed just for you. Let’s take these few minutes to draw closer to God and find the clarity we all need! Christian-Catholic-PodcastIn this fast-paced, chaotic world, have you ever wondered how to uncover your God-given purpose? With the busyness of life pulling us in every direction, how do we find the quiet moments to truly listen to His voice and discover the path He’s calling us to walk? Today, we’re diving into this journey together, seeking His wisdom and grace to guide us toward the purpose He’s designed just for you. Let’s take these few minutes to draw closer to God and find the clarity we all need!

Finding Your God-Given Purpose in a Chaotic World

Gosh, what a week. There is always something going on, but this week has been extremely stressful and chaotic. I won’t bore you with the goings on in my life, but I bet you can relate to this feeling or have suffered a similar week yourself. At times, I feel like a firefighter, putting out fires wherever they land. When I am in the midst of chaos, I wonder to myself, “Seriously, Lord? Is this my purpose in life?”

Yet, even while I feel lost in the whirlwind of life, I believe you can still discern your vocation or search for your true calling within what God has planned. Today, we’re diving deep into discovering your God-given purpose, finding peace and direction through faith. How do we do this? By searching the scriptures for reference, and today you will hear verses I love and share with you often, as well as ways I find peace to continue on this path of faith.

Scripture Reflection
No matter where you are, whether you are driving in a car, sitting on a back porch with a cup of hot tea, or doing your laundry as you listen, try to quiet your heart as I read this scripture to you. Let’s pray. Dear Lord, I ask a blessing on all of the listeners today. I ask that you open their minds and hearts to what you want for them. Not their best, Lord, but your best for them.  And I pray this in Jesus, Name. Amen.

Let’s begin with Jeremiah 29:11: “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Oh, friends, these words are ones that I remember as giving me hope. As I’ve shared with you before, we all need hope, and God promises to give us hope and a future. Plans to prosper us. What does prosper mean? If your mind is racing to the next lottery ticket purchase, that isn’t necessarily what the Lord has in mind for our lives. Prosper in this sense can mean well-being and safety. It can mean a deeper faith which brings happiness, hope and peace. These are the things that bring us closer to God and His purpose for us.

Finding Your God-Given Purpose
What are the ways you can discover your God-given purpose? First, listen to God’s voice. The world’s noise—endless tasks, distractions—can drown out the Holy Spirit’s whisper. As Christians, we’re blessed with faith. We can pray and use whatever prayer brings us the peace and joy that surpasses all understanding. What works for you? How do you pray in silence and ask the Lord, “What do you want of me today?” I try to attend daily mass. On the way, I meditate on one aspect of Jesus’ life. Either on His life, His death, or His resurrection of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Whether I do this in church, by praying a Rosary or going to Eucharistic adoration, a time of peace and quiet, I try to focus only on Him. Find what works for you. How can you pray?

Here is a suggestion. Spend five minutes or more praying daily, “Lord, show me Your purpose today.”

[In my children’s book, A Few Minutes with God, available on Amazon or at MediaAngels.com, I share a story that brings home the importance of spending time with God. When you purchase the book on my website, you will receive a complimentary accompanying study guide journal.

You can also receive a free journal on the Ultimate Christian Podcast Network by signing up for emails. I share journaling prompts to help you capture God’s guidance. It’s not about perfection but about opening your heart to His call.]

Second, embrace your unique gifts.

Romans 12:6 says, “We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us.” God crafted you with talents—maybe teaching the faith, creating beauty, or showing compassion. In a previous podcast, I shared a story about a listener who found her purpose leading a parish Bible study after feeling unfulfilled. I’m part of the Magnificat Prayer Ministry, and four times a year, we host a prayer breakfast for women to encourage them in their faith journey. We have a book ministry where people come and, for a donation, can take home a book that is virtually free. This ministry enhances our ministry and gives women another avenue to learn more about God’s calling. Do we use these gifts, or do we think that someone else will do the job? Stepping up and volunteering is another way we say yes to the Lord. There is no job too small if you are giving God all the glory for a job well done.

When we read scripture we are exploring our faith and the teachings that have been handed down to us. But be sure to add prayer to the scriptures you read. Ask the Lord for direction, yes, but consider that what brings you joy and serves others—that’s a blessing from the Lord. He blesses us as we try to bless others! If you are not sure about where the Lord is leading you, praying or talking to your pastor can help you discern what gift you have that you can share with others.

Third, trust God in the chaos.

Why? Because we know He has not abandoned us, and we need to remember this! Ephesians 1:11 assures us, “In him we were also chosen… according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will.”  We want to know his will now. We want it all laid out for us, illuminated by a lamp or a large flashing sign. This way.

Unfortunately, life does not work that way. Instead of being a chosen people, we become a stubborn people. My way or no way.

Everything that happens in our lives, the good and the bad, is something that is not a surprise to the Almighty God. He knows everything. So, how do we navigate finding our purpose when faced with all these roadblocks that lead us down the wrong path? By stopping, acknowledging our sins, and confessing that we are wrong and ready to begin again.

Take small, faithful steps toward what you consider God’s calling for you.

And, how do you know it is the correct one? Seek the “peace that surpasses understanding” (Philippians 4:7) as a sign that this could possibly be God’s yes! Still, evaluate whether your actions bear spiritual fruit, such as joy and a feeling of closeness to God.

Additional Recommended Episodes
Deepen your journey with these A Few Minutes with God episodes on Ultimate Christian Podcast Radio Network:

Friends, how is God revealing your purpose?

Maybe a Scripture spoke to you, or a quiet moment brought clarity. True discernment gives us a peace that persists through trials. Many times we soldier on and rarely take the time to think, “Am I at peace?”

If you are on social media, share your story on our A Few Minutes with God Facebook page—your words could inspire another person, truly! Post a prayer request or praise report, and let’s grow as a family in Christ. Visit the Ultimate Christian Podcast Network for more episodes and our weekly Christian podcast newsletter.

Let’s pray: Heavenly Father, thank You for Your perfect plan for us. Help us hear Your voice, embrace our gifts, and trust You in the midst of chaos. Guide all listeners to live Your purpose boldly. Amen.

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Why Daily Prayer is the Foundation of Catholic Life

August 21, 2025 by Leave a Comment

Discover why daily prayer is the foundation of Catholic life. Learn what the Catechism teaches and how prayer transforms faith into relationship.Do you ever feel like your faith life is “missing something”? You go to Mass on Sunday, maybe even volunteer at your parish, but deep inside there’s a longing for something more. The truth is, without daily prayer, our faith risks becoming just a routine instead of a relationship.

Why Prayer Matters So Much

The Catechism of the Catholic Church tells us: “Prayer is the life of the new heart. It ought to animate us at every moment” (CCC 2697). In other words, prayer isn’t a box to check—it’s the very breath of our spiritual lives. Just as our bodies can’t survive without air, our souls can’t thrive without prayer.

Prayer is where we:

  • Encounter God personally

  • Receive strength for daily struggles

  • Grow in trust and love for Him

It’s not about saying the “right words.” It’s about showing up before the Father with an open heart.

Starting Small is Enough

If daily prayer feels intimidating, start small. A simple “Thank You, Lord” when you wake up. A quick “Jesus, I trust in You” before a hard meeting. God isn’t waiting for perfection—He’s waiting for you.

A Foundation You Can Build On

Daily prayer becomes the anchor for everything else: the way we love our families, the way we handle challenges, even the way we see the world. When we root ourselves in prayer, we begin to live the Catholic faith not just on Sundays, but every single day.

So ask yourself today: Where can I carve out even two minutes to speak with God? That small step can become the start of a lifelong foundation.

Podcast Episodes on the Prayer Life

Answered Prayer Through Journaling (A Few Minutes with God podcast)

How to Plan Your Prayer Time (A Few Minutes with God podcast)

Power Focused Prayer (A Few Minutes with God podcast)

Microprayers (A Few Minutes with God podcast)

 

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Why? A Powerful Question For Christians

August 4, 2025 by Leave a Comment

I recently listened to a secular YouTube video, and when the speaker said, “I always go back to my why,” it hit me. Why? A Powerful Question for Christians to ask ourselves. Do we as Christians go back to our why? In this podcast, we will explore this concept of the why behind our faith.

Why For Christians | "I always go back to my why," it hit me. Why? A Powerful Question For Christians to ask ourselves. Do we as Christians go back to our why? In this podcast we will explore this concept of the why behind our faith.Why? A Powerful Question for Christians ~ Episode 352

Are you searching for deeper meaning in your spiritual life? In this episode of A Few Minutes with God, host Felice Gerwitz tackles the profound question of “WHY.” Discover why you pray, what you hope to gain from a relationship with God, and how faith can be truly freeing. Drawing from six powerful Scripture verses from the Revised Standard Version Catholic Edition (RSVCE), Felice explores free will as God’s gift and ways to grow in faith by inviting Jesus into your daily life. Whether you’re a longtime believer or just starting your faith journey, this episode offers insights to strengthen your Christian walk. Exploring Your Spiritual “Why” in Prayer, Faith, and Relationship with God

Listen now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or directly on the Ultimate Christian Podcast Network website.

This episode is inspired by our ongoing journey to deepen our connection with the Lord, and I’ll share some scriptures that you may want to spend time with at a later point. If you’re driving, walking, or just taking a moment to listen in, I invite you to open your heart and let the Holy Spirit speak to you through these words. Let’s pray – Dear Lord Jesus, inspired by the confidence that you hear all of our prayers, I ask Lord that you be with us today and allow us to focus on why we believe, why we pray, and encourage us in our walk closer to you, today and always, Amen.

Why Faith, Prayer, and Relationship with God Matter

Let’s start with the question: What is your “why”? Why do you pray? Prayer shouldn’t be a checklist item; it’s our lifeline to God. It’s how we communicate with our Creator, express our gratitude, seek guidance, and intercede for others. But have you ever stopped to ask yourself why you pray? Is it out of habit, fear, or a genuine desire to draw closer to God? I thought about this very question, and it hit me hard. I’ll share my why with you at the end, but first, let’s look at the scriptures.

This is from James 5:16 (Read on air.) Here, St. James reminds us that prayer has power—not just for our own healing, but for others too. Prayer transforms us, aligns our will with God’s, and unleashes His grace in our lives. If your “why” for prayer is simply to get through the day, I challenge you to shift it toward building that intimate connection with the Father who loves you unconditionally. Remember God loves us.  On the other hand, the enemy despises us, our weakness, and uses every chance to exploit those weaknesses. Prayer helps us to be strong in Christ! 2 Timothy 2:1-3 (Read On Air.)

Now, let’s think about what we hope to receive from a relationship with God. In a world full of temporary pleasures and temporary satisfactions, a relationship with God offers something eternal. It offers peace, (that peace that surpasses all understanding, Phillippians 4:7  (Read on air). Our relationship with God also gives us purpose and profound joy. We hope for His presence in our trials, His wisdom in our decisions, and His love that never fails. But ultimately, what we receive is God Himself—the blessed assurance that He is there for us, is something the pleasures of this world can not withstand or compare with.

In the Gospel of John, we read, “I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in me, and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing” (John 15:5 Read on air). Jesus invites us to abide in Him, to remain connected, because without that relationship, our efforts are fruitless. What do you hope to receive? Perhaps strength for today, hope for tomorrow, or the ability to love as He loves. In this, we find fulfillment that the world cannot give.

This leads us to another layer: Is your “why” for yourself or for others? It’s natural to pray for our own needs—health, finances, peace of mind. But true Christian living calls us to look beyond ourselves. Our faith isn’t meant to be self-centered; it’s communal. When we pray for others, we participate in God’s redemptive work, becoming channels of His grace. That is why a faith community, a church, is so important. We join with other like-minded believers to worship and give glory to God.

St. Paul in his letter to the Philippians says: “Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others” (Philippians 2:4). This verse challenges us to examine our motivations. Is your “why” only personal gain, or does it extend to lifting up your family, friends, and even strangers? Praying for others not only blesses them but also deepens our humility and compassion, drawing us closer to the heart of Christ, who prayed for us on the cross. It is especially important to pray for our enemies, those whom we don’t like. It is a choice, a decision, and not a feeling. We are told to love others, and faith in action is one way we show this, even if only to ourselves.

In this jaded world, why choose faith? To some, faith may seem outdated or irrational, but it’s the foundation of my spiritual life. Faith isn’t blind belief; it’s trusting in God’s promises even when we can’t see the full picture. It’s what pleases God and opens the door to His blessings. We don’t know the mind of God, and no amount of explaining can ever fully capture Who He is, but when we have faith, true faith, it surpasses anything else. There is nothing we can do for God but everything He can do for us.

Hebrews 11:6 says, “And without faith it is impossible to please him. For whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.” Why faith? Because it connects us to the invisible reality of God’s kingdom. The examples we are often given are that you can’t see the wind, but you feel the effects of the wind. While we may not see God, we see the effects of God in our daily lives. Faith assures us that He is real, that He cares, and that seeking Him brings rewards—not material wealth necessarily, but spiritual riches like inner peace and eternal life.

But faith isn’t just about belief; it’s freeing. In a world bound by fears, addictions, and the pressures of society, faith liberates us. It breaks the chains of doubt and despair, allowing us to live in the freedom Christ won for us. Faith reminds us that we’re not slaves to sin or circumstance; we’re children of God, empowered by His Spirit.

Galatians 5:1 states, (and again, this is Paul). “For freedom Christ has set us free; stand fast therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery.” Faith is freeing because it shifts our reliance from our own strength to God’s infinite power. It frees us from the need to control everything, from the burden of perfectionism, and from the fear of failure. When we embrace faith, we step into the freedom of trusting that God has a plan, even when we don’t know it.

But what is faith without understanding freedom, and this freedom is tied to the gift of free will. Many people believe that faith restricts your freedom and does not allow you to do what they want. On the contrary, God didn’t create us as puppets; He gave us the ability to choose—to love Him or not, to follow His ways or our own. This free will is a profound expression of His love, respecting our dignity as His creations.

The Book of Sirach captures this truth: “It was he who created man in the beginning, and he left him in the power of his own inclination” (Sirach 15:14). Free will is a gift because it allows us to choose God on our own accord, we make our faith authentic by this choice and therefore our love for God is real. But with this gift comes responsibility: We must choose daily to join our will with His, resisting temptations that lead us astray.

Finally, how can we grow in faith by allowing the Lord Jesus to work in our lives? Growth doesn’t happen in isolation; it requires surrender. We grow when we let Jesus prune our us, enlarge our hearts with the capacity to love and to forgive and to guide our steps, and fill us with His grace. Through prayer, Scripture, sacraments, and community, we invite Him to transform us.

Friends, growing in faith means saying “yes” to Jesus every day—yes to His teachings, yes to His corrections, yes to His invitations. It means allowing Him to work through our weaknesses, turning them into strengths for His glory. As we do this, our “why” becomes clearer: We pray, relate, and believe not for temporary reasons, but for the eternal joy of knowing Him.

As promised, I will share my “why,” the reason behind what I do. The reason is ultimately because I can’t stop thanking God for all that He has done for me. In the hardships, in the midst of crisis, in life, and death. I praise Almighty God and the love He has given me, even before I was born. I do what I do because I genuinely believe I can never outgive the Lord. He is my WHY.

Take a moment to consider your “why,” write it down, and ask the Lord to encourage you in your faith journey. If you can, close your eyes and ask God: “Lord, what is my ‘why’? Help me align it with Yours.”

Key Takeaways: Deepen Your Christian Faith Today

  • Prayer Isn’t Just Routine: It’s a powerful tool for healing and connection—make it intentional.
  • Relationship with God Offers Eternal Rewards: Abide in Him to bear fruit and find purpose.
  • Faith for Others: Extend your “why” beyond yourself to bless your community.
  • Faith Frees You: Break free from fears by trusting in God’s plan.
  • Embrace Free Will: Choose daily to align with Jesus for authentic growth.
  • Grow Through Surrender: Invite the Lord to work in your life for deeper faith.

Thank you for joining me today on A Few Minutes with God. If this episode resonated with you, I encourage you to explore these past episodes for more inspiration:

Remember, God is always calling us deeper. Until next time, spend a few minutes with God each day, and may His peace be with you.

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Keeping God’s Word (Replay)

July 21, 2025 by Leave a Comment

Keeping God's Word | How can we keep God's word close to us? In this podcast, we explore ancient traditions still practiced by those of the Orthodox Jewish faith today and how we can learn from these practices. | #christianpodcast #podcast #keepingGod'sWord #faith #faithpodcast #CatholicKeeping God’s Word ~ Episode 254

How can we keep God’s word close to us? In this podcast, we explore ancient traditions still practiced by those of the Orthodox Jewish faith today and how we can learn from these practices.

Thanks to our sponsor CTC Math and the curriculum receiving rave reviews. Check out the sponsor of this week’s episode.

When reading the Bible, we often hear of the Lord saying over and over again, especially to the Israelites, to keep his WORD next to their hearts and never to forget what the Lord has done for us. The Israelites were taken out of bondage as slaves, yet they had much to learn as they wandered in the desert. And, if you read Exodus and Numbers, you will find they were an ungrateful nation!

We would like to think we would be different, but as we both know, that is impossible without God’s grace. As we live our lives, we do not want to be forgotten. We want to leave a legacy for our family. When people talk about us, we want it to be with fondness and consideration. You can think about this for a moment. What is an accomplishment you do not want to forget or want others to forget?

Throughout salvation history, God has and continues to save His people. It was clear when he took the Israelites to the promised land. The Jewish culture still remembers this and keeps a sign of God’s word on their doorposts, sometimes even in their homes. I was fascinated when reading about the Mezuzah, [MA-ZOO-ZA ], and I looked it up. The word itself means doorposts. It is a small scroll with a piece of parchment paper handwritten by an expert scribe. Some are very basic, and others are quite elaborate. On the outside are Hebrew letters. The Mezuzah is believed to be an extra spiritual protection to the family that places one at the door. When the Jewish person enters or exits their home, they kiss their fingers and then place them on the mezuzah and recite – May God keep my going out and my coming in from now on and ever more – which is from Psalm 12:18

The foundational text of the Holy Scriptures – Deuteronomy 6:4-9 and 11:13-21 begins with Hear, O Israel, the Lord is our God, and the Lord is One. This is the command that God gave the Israelites. “And you shall write these words upon the doorposts of your house and upon your city gates.”

It is a beautiful verse; let me read it in its entirety. (read on air) Deuteronomy 6:4-9
“Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one. You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might. And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise. Bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes.

Why don’t we, as Christians, have these on our doorposts? Why are we not continuing this tradition? Well, one of the reasons is Jesus is the fulfillment of the prophecy of the Old Testament, yet, the Old Testament has many things we ascribe to – for example, teaching our Children diligently, putting the words of God in our hearts, and more. We have Bibles in our homes, often multiple Bibles. I have two different apps on my phone where I can read scripture. In reading the Bible, we consider and ponder the words and place them in our hearts, both the Old and New Testaments.

Think about your home, car, apparel, and maybe even a religious symbol like a cross. These are outward reminders of our faith. The Bible verse plaques in my home or on the doors to our bedroom. Where do you see signs of God’s word in your home?

I love the idea of a mezuzah, and I believe we must never forget; we take so much for granted as Christians. Consider how you can improve on your faith journey and keep God’s Word in your heart. What can you do?

We read in  Psalms 119:105-106

Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path. I have taken an oath and confirmed it, that I will follow your righteous laws.

By our Baptism, we have been made sons and daughters of God; He is the way, the truth, and the life. John 14:4-6 we read (read on air). Thomas said to him, “Lord, we don’t know where you are going, so how can we know the way?” 6 Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.

At times in our lives, when we are lost, and we, like Thomas, do not know where we are going, we can remember this passage. Through Jesus is everlasting life. While God took the Israelites out of bondage and slavery physically and spiritually, the same applies to us today. With our faith in Christ, he takes us out of slavery from sin and into the life everlasting. We must follow that path less traveled, but it is lit with the true light of righteousness.

We may believe that the Old Testament is obsolete and it does not apply to us today. We think it is written for a people long ago. It does apply to us today because, just like any history lesson, if we do not learn from past sins, the sins of our forefathers, we will continue to make the same mistakes. The sins of Adam and Eve, of Moses being a humble servant but in his anger hitting the rock twice and not setting foot in the promised land, in countless events during the time in the desert. Making an idol to worship while Moses was speaking with God for direction for the people. Why go back into sin and slavery when you left it behind?

Because we are stubborn people, we want what we want. We think what we do is not “that bad,” especially if we compare ourselves to others. Friends, I am sure there is some truth to that, but shouldn’t we strive to do the best we can each day? To keep God’s word in our hearts and yearn for time with Him. Our relationships hinge on our relationship with God first. Everything else will fall into place!

This week, consider all the ways you can keep God’s word in your hearts and mind.

I pray that you are reminded of all God has done for you and that you continue to put God’s Word in your heart and never forget! May God be praised, now and forever!

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Praying For A Friend

June 23, 2025 by Leave a Comment

Many of us find ourselves praying daily, but often the call is praying for a friend. It is such a blessing and privilege to bring you this episode and share some ways we can help others in need.Many of us find ourselves praying daily, but often the call is praying for a friend. It is such a blessing and privilege to bring you this episode and share some ways we can help others in need.

Sponsored by the NIV Application Bible.

Praying for a Friend ~ Episode 350

Welcome, friends, to A Few Minutes with God Podcast! I’m Felice Gerwitz, and today we’re talking about something close to my heart—praying for a friend. There’s something powerful about bringing a friend before the Lord, whether they’re facing a storm, celebrating a joy, or just need a touch of God’s love. Prayer is a gift we can offer, and it’s a way to show care and compassion. Let’s dive in with a prayer.

(Prayer said on air.)

Why Pray for a Friend?

Prayer is a bridge that connects us to God and to each other. When we pray for a friend, we’re not just asking for blessings—we’re partnering with God in His work. It’s a way to show love, bear burdens, and trust God’s plan. The Bible calls us to this in Galatians 6:2: “Bear one another’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.”

Praying for a friend also changes us. It softens our hearts, deepens our empathy, and reminds us to rely on God. Whether your friend is struggling with health, relationships, or faith, your prayers are a powerful act of love. Let’s explore how to pray effectively with some practical steps.

Steps to Pray for a Friend

1. Listen with Love

Before you pray, take time to listen to your friend. What’s on their heart? Are they overwhelmed, grieving, or seeking direction? Listening helps you pray with specificity. Proverbs 17:17 says, “A friend loves at all times, and kinsfolk are born to share adversity.” Show your friend you’re there by truly hearing them. Maybe they’ve shared a specific need, like a job interview or a family challenge. Use those details in your prayer.

Reach out via a call, text, or coffee date. Ask, “How can I pray for you?” Then, jot down their needs in a journal. Or better yet, if you forget and you are praying, ask the Lord to help you remember, but either way, the Lord knows their specific needs.

2. Pray with Scripture

God’s Word is powerful, and praying Scripture over your friend brings truth and hope. For example, if your friend is anxious, pray Philippians 4:6-7: (Read on air)

Choose a verse that matches your friend’s situation. Write it on a card or pray it aloud.

3. Be Consistent

Prayer isn’t a one-time event—it’s a commitment. Set a routine to pray for your friend daily or weekly. 1 Thessalonians 5:17 urges us to “pray without ceasing.” Consistency shows your friend they’re not alone.

If you have one available, be sure to add their name to a prayer list or set a phone reminder.

4. Trust God’s Plan

Sometimes, we want to “fix” our friend’s problems, but prayer reminds us to trust God. Proverbs 3:5-6 says, (Read on air, one of my favorite verses!) Lift your friend up, then release the outcome to God.

After praying, say, “Lord, I trust You with [friend’s name].”

5. Follow Up

Prayer doesn’t end with “Amen.” Check in with your friend to see how they’re doing. This shows your prayers are backed by care. James 5:16 says, “Therefore confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another, so that you may be healed. The prayer of the righteous is powerful and effective.”

You don’t have to let your friend know you prayed, unless they ask. OR you can send a text like, “I prayed for you today—how’s it going?” Share praise reports on our Facebook page, A Few Minutes with God.

Friends, praying for someone you love is a beautiful way to serve. It’s not about having perfect words—it’s about a heart turned toward God. Think of a friend who needs prayer today. Maybe they’re facing a trial, or maybe they just need encouragement. Take a moment now to pray for them silently. This is our mission field we aren’t always able to go on the mission field, but we can serve the Lord in this mighty and powerful way. Never underestimate prayer.

Thank you for joining me today, friends! Let’s close with a prayer: Prayed on air.

Please like, subscribe, and share this episode with a friend. Join our community on Facebook or Instagram. Until next time, may you find joy in spending a few minutes with God!

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Trusting God In Summer Adventures

June 9, 2025 by Leave a Comment

Trust God this summer—especially when plans change. Episode 349 shares stories, scriptures, and tips to grow your faith on life’s unexpected paths.Are you trusting God this summer? Embracing God’s plan during your family’s summer adventures can transform your faith journey. In Episode 349 of A Few Minutes with God, we explore why trusting God’s will is life-changing, especially when summer plans take unexpected turns.

Sponsored by Judson College.

Trusting God in Your Summer Journey: Episode 349 of A Few Minutes with God

Are you trusting God this summer? Embracing God’s plan during your family’s summer adventures can transform your faith journey. In Episode 349 of A Few Minutes with God, we explore why trusting God’s will is life-changing, especially when summer plans take unexpected turns.

Trusting God This Summer

Summer is a time for exploration—think family road trips, hiking trails, or new experiences. But what happens when plans go wrong? This episode dives into how summer adventures can deepen your trust in God’s perfect plan. Reflecting on scriptures like Proverbs 3:5-6, we share a heartfelt story of a family camping trip that didn’t go as planned but revealed God’s guidance in a powerful way.

Listen to the Episode: [Family Size]

Key Bible Verses for Trusting God

These scriptures anchor our reflections on trusting God during life’s adventures, offering hope and guidance for your summer journey:

  • Proverbs 3:5-6: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make straight your paths.”
  • Psalm 37:5: “Commit your way to the Lord; trust in Him, and He will act.”
  • Isaiah 55:9: “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways and My thoughts than your thoughts.”
  • Jeremiah 29:11: “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.”

These verses remind us that God’s plans are always better, even when summer outings don’t go as expected.

God’s Guidance

Imagine a family gearing up for a camping trip, excited to hike along a scenic river. The pop-up camper is packed, the cooler is full, and the trail map is ready. But rain clouds roll in, soaking the trails and dampening their spirits.

Ready to give up, the family returned to the campground. Then, a neighbor invited them for a moonlit walk. Leaving flashlights behind, they wandered through moonlit trees, where raindrops sparkled like diamonds. This unplanned moment was magical—a vivid reminder of Isaiah 55:9, where God’s ways surpass our own.

This story shows how summer adventures, with all their surprises, teach us to trust God’s path over our own plans.

3 Practical Tips for Trusting God This Summer

Grow in faith during your family’s summer activities with these actionable steps:

  1. Pray Before You Go: Begin each adventure with a prayer, asking God to guide your plans and bring peace when things change.
  2. Embrace the Unexpected: When detours or disruptions occur, seek God’s hand. A canceled plan might lead to a meaningful conversation or a hidden gem.
  3. Reflect as a Family: At day’s end, gather to share where you saw God’s presence, strengthening your family’s faith.

Why Trusting God Matters

Trusting God isn’t just for life’s big moments—it’s for every summer road trip, hike, or rainy day. By focusing on God’s will, you’ll discover peace and purpose in every adventure. Ready to deepen your faith? Listen to Episode 349 now and start trusting God in your summer journey.

Subscribe to A Few Minutes with God for weekly inspiration. Share this episode with a friend and leave a review to help others find this message.

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Faith In Action: Living Your Faith Boldly

May 26, 2025 by Leave a Comment

You have faith, right? But is it visible in your daily life? In this episode of A Few Minutes with God Podcast, Felice Gerwitz challenges us to take our faith beyond quiet belief and into bold, loving action. With Scripture as our guide and real-life stories to inspire, learn five practical ways to shine God’s light every day. Plus, join the 7-Day Faith in Action Prayer Challenge and discover how even small gestures can make a big kingdom impact.You have faith, right? But is your faith something you act upon or share with others? Today our topic is faith in action. This is a challenge for all believers. Join me, Felice Gewitz, as we explore the joys of sharing our faith with others.

Sponsored by NOW Programs.

Faith in Action~ Episode 348

Have you ever felt a tug to share your faith but hesitated, wondering if it’s too personal? A recent sermon inspired me to move beyond a private faith and let my love for God shine through my actions. For many of us, faith can feel like a quiet conversation between us and God—especially if we’re new to this journey. But when God works wonders in our lives, the joy often can’t be contained, and sharing it becomes a natural response. So, how do we turn that joy into bold, everyday acts of faith?

Let’s start with James 2:17, which declares, “Faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.” This isn’t about earning God’s love—it’s about faith so alive it spills into action. Similarly, Matthew 5:16 urges, “Let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.” Our lives can be a living testimony, reflecting God’s goodness to everyone around us.

Prayer is the starting point. Ask God to open your eyes to opportunities, and trust His gentle nudges. While scrolling through my phone to find a contact from over a month ago, I rediscovered the phone number of a neighbor I meant to call. A quick text led to coffee plans and a heartfelt catch-up. Those small moments aren’t accidents—they are God’s invitation to show care and live out our faith.

God designed us for connection, as 1 John 4:7 reminds us: “Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God.” Love doesn’t always mean grand gestures. It’s the text you send to a friend whose parent is ill, the smile you offer a stressed cashier, or the time you spend listening to a child’s story. These acts weave God’s love into the fabric of our communities.

Faith In Action – Not Just Words

Faith in action isn’t just about words—it’s about embodying Christ’s heart. Romans 10:14 asks, “How are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard?” You don’t need a megaphone; your life speaks volumes. Whether it’s forgiving a family member after a disagreement or volunteering at a food pantry, these choices plant seeds of faith. And here’s the gift: acting on your faith deepens your trust in God, drawing you closer to Him and others to His light.

After a painful divorce, one of my friends spent her Thanksgiving celebration at a local food pantry. She and her boys did this for many years. She said instead of feeling sorry for herself, she wanted to help others and considered herself fortunate by comparison. This is faith in action, praising God in all things and being thankful.

Ready to live your faith boldly? Try these five practical steps:

  1. Pray with Expectation: Ask God daily to reveal where you can serve or share His love.
  2. Embrace Small Acts: Send a kind text, help a neighbor, or offer a prayer for someone in need.
  3. Share Your Faith Story: Tell a friend how God answered a prayer or brought you peace in a storm.
  4. Engage Your Community: Volunteer at church or join a local outreach to meet practical needs.
  5. Live with Purpose: Show Christ’s love through patience, kindness, or generosity in every interaction.

Here’s a new way to start: join me for a  7-Day Faith in Action Prayer Challenge! Each day, pray for one person in your life, then take a small action to show them God’s love—a call, a note, or a helping hand. Share your experience on the A Few Minutes with God Facebook page—we’d love to hear how God moves! Not sure where to begin? Try this reflection: Who in my life needs a touch of God’s love today, and how can I reach out? Jot down your thoughts and let the Holy Spirit guide you.

Faith in action is about progress, not perfection. Every step you take strengthens your relationship with God and lights the way for others. So, what’s one way you’ll live your faith this week? Share your ideas or praise reports on our Facebook page and let’s inspire each other to shine brightly for Christ!

Here are some other episodes of A Few Minutes with God Podcast you may enjoy:

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Spiritual Grace From God

April 28, 2025 by Leave a Comment

Spiritual Grace from GodWhat is that gift that is given freely, it is unearned, and it is totally and purely love. It is the spiritual grace from God. In this podcast, we will delve into the topic of grace.

The Spiritual Grace From God ~ Episode 346

Welcome to A Few Minutes with God Podcast. I’m your host, Felice Gerwitz, and today, we’re talking about a topic that is important to me, and that is the spiritual grace God pours out to those who are open to it. This grace is a gift that God is waiting to give us, but often we are too busy to notice, or if we are being honest, to care. A divine embrace is available for those who see miracles in everyday life. We’ve discussed this in other podcasts, highlighting that miracles are all around us and that we must look for them.

I know that many of you listening today are enduring hardships. For those struggling to make it through each day under the weight of financial or medical burdens, I pray that this episode brings you comfort and hope. Let’s spend these few minutes together reflecting on God’s unending love.

Spiritual Grace From God

Spiritual grace is God’s unconditional love that is unearned. In fact, it is probably truthful to say it is often undeserved. It is a gift that flows to us when we open our hearts, even just a crack, to the Lord and His providence for us. In Ephesians 2:8-9, we’re reminded, (Read on air.) This grace isn’t something we work for; it’s something we receive, often in the moments we need it most.

Let’s start with those who are open to seeing miracles in daily life. You know who you are; you are the ones who may go unnoticed, but you see the small wonders in life, and best of all, appreciate them. Think about the way a song comes on the radio, or a child’s laughter cuts through a heavy day, or what about a stranger’s kindness? These all feel like messages of love. I watched a short video about acts of kindness, and it featured a young adult girl with a bandaged leg, which appeared to be broken, and she was using crutches. She had to go down the escalator, and one man actually cut her off and walked in front of her. Another young adult, also a man, noticed her and offered to carry her on his back. I’m not sure I would have accepted; maybe I would have asked him to hold my arm as I navigated the escalator. However, she allowed him to carry her, and he did all the way down.

An act of kindness, however small, is within our ability, and it is something we can do to bless another person. If the person is puzzled or asks why you did what you did, you can answer, “Because God has blessed me.”

Being Open to God’s Presence

When we’re open to God’s presence, we see His hand in the ordinary. During a tough season, I appreciated the clouds in the sky more than ever before. We have amazing clouds where I live, and they are beautiful. The sky is huge, and yet I often hurry to one place or another, so I don’t take the time to appreciate it. Yet, one morning, I saw a rainbow. To me, it was a miracle, a reminder that beauty can emerge even when we feel broken inside. Grace helps us see these signs, and you can remind yourself, “God’s got this.” And He does!

But what about those carrying heavier burdens? To those suffering hardships, perhaps the loss of a loved one, a broken relationship, or a betrayal, God’s grace is there, too. It doesn’t always erase the pain, but it offers strength to endure. I think of Psalm 34:18 (Read on air).

Grace is like a quiet companion, sitting with you in your sorrow, reminding you that you’re not alone. We’ve all heard horrible and heartbreaking stories about people who are ill, or a sudden death in the family, or someone who is disabled and who needs help. Sometimes in these darkest moments, a church community or even strangers will rally together to help with much-needed funds. These people may realize that it is the grace of God working through others to lift them up.

God’s Sees Your Struggle

And to those struggling to get through each day—maybe because of financial strain, medical challenges, or the weight of endless responsibilities—God sees you. Your struggle is not invisible. Grace might come in the form of a moment of peace amidst the chaos, a kind word from a spouse, or a bill that is taken care of quickly through God’s providence. It’s God saying, “I’m carrying you through this.”

My mother had breast cancer in her late fifties, and I was in college at that time. I recall bombing a test, and my professor took me aside to ask what was wrong. I began to cry and told her about my mother. She hugged me and told me she would give me time to retake it. That’s grace—sustaining us when we’re too weary to stand.

So, how do we open ourselves to this grace? It starts with a simple act: turning to God. You don’t need fancy words or a perfect life. Just say, “God, I’m here. Help me see You.” It’s about trusting that He’s working, even when life feels unfair. Grace meets us in our vulnerability, in our willingness to let go of control and lean into faith.

Be Encouraged with God’s Grace

I want to encourage you today: if you’re feeling overwhelmed, look for the small miracles. If you’re hurting, let God sit with you in that pain. And if you’re barely making it through, know that His grace is enough to carry you, one step at a time. In 2 Corinthians 12:8-9, (Read on air.) Your weakness is where His strength shines.

There is so much more I can say, but I encourage you to reflect on where you’ve seen God’s grace in your life. Maybe it’s a moment you didn’t recognize until now. Hold that close, and let it remind you that you are never alone. If this episode has touched your heart, I would be grateful if you could give us a star rating on your favorite podcast app—it helps others discover this message of hope. And please, share this episode with a friend who might need to hear it. Together, we can spread the light of God’s love.

Thank you for joining me today. May you feel God’s grace surrounding you, now and always.

 

 

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