16 | Empowered by Love and Natural Gifts

Get the full episode here: Faith, Love, and Natural Aromas

Discover how to transform fear into courage and confidence by embracing the spirit of power, love, and self-control as outlined in 2 Timothy 1:7. I promise to guide you through an exploration of these divine gifts and how they can empower you to face life's challenges with a newfound strength. This episode is crafted for my Christian sisters, offering encouragement and inspiration to tap into the divine support system that God provides. From understanding how perfect love can cast out fear to cultivating self-control for thoughtful responses, you'll gain the tools needed to live courageously in faith.

Beyond prayer and meditation, find out how the pure essence of plants can enhance your spiritual journey and provide tranquility amidst chaos. My favorite aromas: Click Here 

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Transcript

Paula Behrens: 0:03

Hello everyone, welcome back to Living on Purpose in Christ. I'm Paula Behrens, your host, and today we will be exploring 2 Timothy 1, verse 7, which says For God gave us a spirit not of fear, but of power and love and self-control. Today we will be discussing one of my favorite topics how something as simple as breathing in the pure essence of plants, as God intended, can benefit us deeply when it comes to replacing fear with confidence. This episode is crafted for my Christian sisters especially, aiming to deepen faith and find calm in today's chaotic world, embracing the fact that God does equip us for life's challenges, sometimes in unexpected ways. Let's start by unpacking this passage.

Paula Behrens: 0:53

The Apostle Paul wrote this letter to Timothy, a young pastor, to encourage him amidst his fears and struggles. Fear, as we all know, is a universal emotion. It's something that we all experience and yet it often feels so personal and isolating. But God, in his wisdom, reminds us, through Paul, that fear does not come from him. Instead, he has given us power, love and self-control. Each of these gifts can dispel fear and help us live courageously in faith. So let's talk about the spirit of power. Power here isn't about strength or dominance. It's about the courage to stand firm in what we believe. It's knowing that, despite the obstacles or uncertainties we face, we have an unwavering support system. This power provides the fortitude to make decisions aligned with our values and purposes. Imagine waking up every morning and reminding yourself that the one who holds the oceans and places the stars in the sky is holding you. That is the power we tap into, a divine strength that equips and enables us to conquer our fears. It's the presence of God, giving us resilience and confidence to navigate life's complexities.

Paula Behrens: 2:21

Next, we have the spirit of love. Love is such a powerful force. When we let love prevail over our fears, we experience peace and courage. Love gives us the ability to look beyond ourselves and to extend grace, mercy and kindness to others. In our relationships, particularly with God, love transforms our lives. Perfect love, as stated in 1 John 4.18, says that love casts out fear. It allows us to focus on what really matters, to nurture those around us and to act out of compassion rather than hesitation. By embracing love, we create an environment where trust and faith can flourish. And then there's the spirit of self-control, which is truly a gift. In times of anxiety, self-control helps us to pause, breathe and respond with wisdom instead of reacting impulsively. It allows us to manage our emotions and thoughts, creating space for clarity and understanding. It helps us stay grounded in the Word and make decisions aligned with God's will. This discipline is essential for maintaining balance and harmony in our lives, guiding us to act with purpose and intention. Now let's move on to how we can conquer fear, not only through prayer, meditation and the word, but also by surrounding ourselves with God's creation.

Paula Behrens: 3:58

The fragrances around us, the essence of plants, can play a significant role in calming our minds and hearts. They invite us to appreciate the simple, profound gifts that God provides. Consider the simple act of inhaling the fresh aroma of a forest or a blooming garden. These experiences remind us of God's creativity and his provision for our well-being. It's incredible how such scents can invoke a sense of peace, clarity and courage. They connect us back to nature, offering solace and reminding us of God's enduring presence and care. Imagine creating a daily ritual where you pause, breathe in the calming essence and pray. This can be a powerful practice, particularly in those moments when fear begins to creep in. These God-given aromas can help facilitate a deeper connection to his peace and presence. Integrating these scents into our spiritual practice invites tranquility and focus, enhancing our communion with the divine.

Paula Behrens: 5:14

It's in moments like these that we realize the intertwined beauty of faith and fragrance. God's creation supports and nurtures us in ways we often overlook. Through the natural essences that permeate our world, we find a harmonious relationship between what we believe and what we experience. And isn't it remarkable that, in his grand design, he provided us with natural means to support our journey of faith? This intertwining of the physical and spiritual world is a testament to his love for us. Now, we often put things in different compartments, like our spiritual life from our daily experiences, but they are meant to complement each other.

Paula Behrens: 6:06

By infusing pure and healing aromas into our spiritual practices, we invite a multi-sensory form of worship and reflection, acknowledging God's handiwork in every part of life. It's an invitation to explore and embrace the fullness of his creation, finding renewal and strength in his gifts as we navigate through our fears and grow in faith. Let us remember 2 Timothy 1, 7, which says For God gave us a spirit not of fear, but of power and love and self-control. Let us remember this passage not just as a verse to memorize, but as a lifestyle to embody. May you step into each day with the power, love and self-control our Lord has granted you embracing the beauty of his creation to enhance your ongoing spiritual journey. And remember, growth doesn't happen in isolation. So I'd love for you to continue this journey with us.

Paula Behrens: 7:09

Visit my website to discover the Faith Building Club, an exclusive monthly membership overflowing with resources designed to nurture and strengthen your faith, Featuring prayer and devotional journals, many of them infused with tips on how to incorporate God's gift of aromas into your faith practice aromas into your faith practice. You'll also find Bible lessons, a one-year Bible reading plan, calendars, prayer cards and much, much more. Until then, may His peace and guidance be with you. If this podcast has touched you, please subscribe and share with others who may benefit from our conversation today. Before I go, I'll be adding a link in the episode description area with some of my favorite pure plant essences that I like to use in my own personal quiet time with God. These are wonderful aromas that I cherish and recommend to anyone looking to enhance their spiritual practice with the beauty of God's creation. Remember you are not alone. God is with you every step of the way. Okay, stay blessed, keep the faith and, until next time, breathe in deeply God's presence and grace. I look forward to seeing you on the next show.