Grace can be defined as the unmerited and underserved favor of God. When we gamble with grace we are disobeying God and forfeiting his provisions in hopes that we get the outcome our flesh desires. It is a dangerous thing to gamble with the grace of God. In todays episode we dive in and discuss consequeses, assumptions, and what it looks like to make ourselves available to God.  --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/greaterisgod/support

Greater is God

Gambling with Grace

Have you ever been deep in prayer and hear the Lord speak clearly to your situation? This happened to me just yesterday and was the inspiration for this episode. I heard the Lord say even when darkness surrounds us and we feel overwhelmed Deuteronomy 31:6 still rings true as it reads Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.” I hope this episode encourages you wherever you are in your faith walk. Jesus is the light and his grace and mercy abounds.  Audible link https://amzn.to/2O9BgoH My Sister Alicia Blog Faith Ever After https://www.facebook.com/ashley.stanford.391/posts/3203038643085851?notif_id=1594249424670586&notif_t=feedback_reaction_generic --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/greaterisgod/support

Light piercing through darkness

In today's episode Ashley discusses how important it is to allow the task God has given you to take root before sharing it with family members or friends. The people around us may have great intentions, but they may not be able to see the vision God has given you. It may not be for them to see or support at this time. There comes a time in all of our Christian walks where we must do what God has called us to whether we have the support of those whom we love or not. As difficult as it may be to accomplish our assignment God is pleased by our obedience. Spend time with Him. Lean on Him for strength and comfort. You'll be surprised at what you and God can accomplish together when He is the only one you are trying to please.  Todays show is sponsored by Audible, an Amazon company that offers the world's largest selection of digital audiobooks and spoken word content. With Audible, you can listen anytime and anywhere to professionally-narrated audiobooks across a wide range of genres. Use the link below to receive a free audiobook as well as a 30 day free trial to see all the content Audible offers. You can cancel at anytime. Thanks in advance for supporting the Greater is God Podcast.  https://amzn.to/386jZpD --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/greaterisgod/support

Rooted

In this episode Ashley discusses how important it is to overcome the things of the past so can walk boldly into your future.  She uses analogies to symbolize what is happening spiritually when we carry around too much weight. A few reflection questions are written out below that would be helpful in self evaluating the things you are carrying. Somethings are necessary for us to take form season to season and others just weigh us down. As you embark on a journey of spiritual evaluation make sure you ask God which wounds are self inflicted due to me not letting go of things you never intended for me to carry? Be honest with yourself. It wont be easy but it will be worth. Reflection Questions  What things do I carry around with me from season to season? What bad habits do I still need to break? Do I let the right people in to help me? If not why? What are some things that God has pointed out to me that I need to change? Are there things in my past that still bother me? If so why? Am I doing everything I need to do to become who God created me to be?  --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/greaterisgod/support

Forced Out

In the final hour leading up to the death of Jesus do you know what was on his mind? You. He was concerned about you. Even though he was preparing to suffer an unimaginable death, and even though he did nothing to deserve to die he was still concerned more about you then himself. Jesus was so concerned about us that he used his very last breath to convey that concern when he pleaded with God on our behalf and said "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing." He articulated in more ways then one that he loved us, was concerned about us, and that he wanted us to be reconciled to the Father despite of all the things we have done and continue to do as individuals who are born into sin. There is so much going on in the world today that peace may not be easy to come by. It's important to turn our eyes back to the one who died for our sins and use the words he said to point us in the right direction. If this episode touches you please share it. You never know who in your circle may need hear that peace is gift from God that we can still have even when everything in the world seems so overwhelming. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/greaterisgod/support

Got Peace?

We are still in quarantine y'all and its time to talk about what's consuming many of our thoughts and that is worry. We've never faced anything like this before and we don't know how long this social distancing and self isolation will last, but what we do know is the one who is over it all. God wants to know right now in the midst of this pandemic what you are focused on?  Are you like Peter who steps out of the boat and has the ability to walk on water until he takes his eyes off Jesus and places them on the storm? Or are you going to learn from what Peter did and say I'm going to keep my eyes fixed on the Lord despite of everythig going on. There is greater waiting for you on the other side of this. No matter what you re going through God will see you through it. He fulfills his promises and his word never returns void. Be encouraged and hold fast to the promises of the Lord.  --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/greaterisgod/support

Worship over Worry

Perspective: a particular attitude toward or way of regarding something; a point of view. In this current climate its easy to have a negative perspective, but how does God view this time? What does he want you to do in this season? Don't allow this time to pass by without connecting with the Lord and asking him to reveal his desires for you. There is so much we have to gain from consistently relying on him to be our guide.  --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/greaterisgod/support

The power of perspective

 Elisha ask God to bless his servant to see that there are more for him than against him. Todays message is all about asking God to give you the vision to see what exactly it is he has for you and what steps you need to take to align yourself with that vision. I wan you to be encourage that no matter what is goin on in the world. God is for you and when God is for you it doesn't' matter who is against you.  2 Kings 6:8-17 8 Now the king of Aram was at war with Israel. After conferring with his officers, he said, “I will set up my camp in such and such a place.” 9 The man of God sent word to the king of Israel: “Beware of passing that place, because the Arameans are going down there.” 10 So the king of Israel checked on the place indicated by the man of God. Time and again Elisha warned the king, so that he was on his guard in such places. 11 This enraged the king of Aram. He summoned his officers and demanded of them, “Tell me! Which of us is on the side of the king of Israel?” 12 “None of us, my lord the king,” said one of his officers, “but Elisha, the prophet who is in Israel, tells the king of Israel the very words you speak in your bedroom.” 13 “Go, find out where he is,” the king ordered, “so I can send men and capture him.” The report came back: “He is in Dothan.” 14 Then he sent horses and chariots and a strong force there. They went by night and surrounded the city. 15 When the servant of the man of God got up and went out early the next morning, an army with horses and chariots had surrounded the city. “Oh no, my lord! What shall we do?” the servant asked. 16 “Don’t be afraid,” the prophet answered. “Those who are with us are more than those who are with them.” 17 And Elisha prayed, “Open his eyes, Lord, so that he may see.” Then the Lord opened the servant’s eyes, and he looked and saw the hills full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/greaterisgod/support

Sight vs Vision

This weeks episode is based around the two spiritual disciplines I personally have been focusing on since the news of the coronavirus began to spread.  Memorization- memorizing scriptures, so you can use the word of God when ministering to others and on a daily basis when you may need to minister to yourself.  Meditation- applying deep thought to the word of God.  This is an incredible opportunity to use the time we have off right now, or to better prioritize the time we have to make sure we are in alignment with God. I wanted today's episode to be more practical and applicable. Thank you for tuning in. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/greaterisgod/support

Memorization & Meditation

Covid-19 (coronavirus) has been in headlines all across the world for the past few weeks but something has spread faster than the virus and that is fear. Fear has caused people to run out in a panic and stock up on all types of physical goods. But what about the spiritual goods? Have you been praying? Fasting? Meditating on scripture? This is what our focus should be on as God's chosen people. We don't need to exhibit fear what we need to do is exhibit faith. Our reaction to this pandemic cannot be like everyone else’s reaction. We must encourage each other not to make light of the situation, but to place our trust in God, Exodus 15:26 (NIV) He said, “If you listen carefully to the Lord your God and do what is right in his eyes, if you pay attention to his commands and keep all his decrees, I will not bring on you any of the diseases brought on the Egyptians, for I am the Lord, who heals you.” If this episode blessed, you please share it with a family member or friend. God Bless you all. P.S. To directly contact me please email me at ashley@greaterisgod.org --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/greaterisgod/support

Corona v.s. Covenant ??

In this episode we discuss how important it is to make sure that the connections we make with people and with God are real authentic connections. In this day and age it is so common to make counterfeit connections with people across the various social media platforms and with so many of us engaging in online activity it can be difficult to cultivate real connections off-line. Are the people you see everyday strengthening or weakening your connection with Christ? We want to encourage you to create a circle around you of healthy, honest, and encouraging individuals that will help enhance your connection with Christ. Connect with us on IG https://www.instagram.com/greater.is.god/ Support the Strong and Courageous Collection  https://www.greaterisgod.net/products --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/greaterisgod/support

No Counter-fit Connections

In todays episode we discussed Saul on the road to Damascus and how his life was completely altered on this specific trip. He was converted from a person who persecuted Christ to a person who was a key instrument in spreading the gospel. Before Saul was blinded he could not see the error in his ways and truly believed he was doing the right thing, but after the Lord restored his sight and he received the Holy Spirit for the first time in his life he could see clearly what God was calling him to do. What is God calling you to do? Are you allowing yourself to be used as an instrument for His glory?  Thank you all for your support of the Strong and Courageous clothing line that launched last week. I want you all to be encouraged to step out on faith and create whatever it is God has been placing on your heart. I know the struggle of procrastinating and feeling like no one is going to support your ideas, but don't let that stop you.  https://www.greaterisgod.net/products --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/greaterisgod/support

Renew, Receive, Represent

In todays episode we talk about the first 3 R's realize, reset, and repent. We look at the story of the prodigal son for scriptural guidance and see how those words played out in the context of his life. Prayerfully you will recieve a takeaway or two from todays episode. To read the prodigal son's story go to Luke chapter 15: 11-32. I also recommend reading Zechariah chapter 1 which will give you insight for next weeks episode. As I mentioned in this episode this week I am launch the Strong and Courageous Collection on my website https://www.greaterisgod.net/products. I want to thank you in advance for your support of this podcast. I am on a mission to impact a 100,000 lives for the kingdom of christ and I absolutely can't do it without you all. You do not have to make a purchase to support, a share on social media, or with a friend goes just as far to promoting what God is doing with this community. God Bless!  --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/greaterisgod/support

Realize, Return, Repent

Are you going through trials and tribulations in your life right now? We all have those stormy seasons where it feels like everything is going wrong. But, let me ask you this. Who or what do you turn to in those rough seasons. God has promised his children that he will never leave us nor forsake us. When we are going through the storms of life he is going through them too. He didn't leave you when things got hard, but I know I have been guilty of leaving him. Let's pass the test this time and acknowledge his constant and consistent existence because if you are walking in the fire you better believe he is walking in with you.  --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/greaterisgod/support

Walking in the Fire

I feel like most people have a junk drawer. A space in their house with a mix of miscellaneous things that never made it back to its proper place or didn't have a proper place at all. Things that they don't just want lying out on the counters for people to see. What many people don't know is that sometimes they are carrying a spiritual junk drawer that has been crammed over time with things they don't want people to see. In 2020 God doesn't want us to just look good on the outside or to just be clean on the outside, but he wants our hearts and spirits to match what we display.  Let's clean out the anxiety, depression, people bondage, addiction issues, bad time management, easily angered habits that so easily entrap us in spiritual stagnation.  Let's progress in 2020 knowing we are who God called us to be inside and out.  Follow me on IG https://www.instagram.com/ashley._.dillard/?hl=en I want to hear from you! I am designing a class with a variety of bible based topics. What would you like to learn about in 2020? Email me at Ashley@greaterisgod.org --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/greaterisgod/support

Crammed Drawers

Greater is God is a faith based podcast dedicated to helping women and men grow in their faith. We are here to encourage, inspire, and enlighten. Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/greaterisgod/support