courage, Edge God In Podcast, EIC, Leadership

Nehemiah — Rebuild with Faith, Lead with Courage

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Edge God In Podcast 343:
The Book of Nehemiah: Courage, Purpose, and the Power of One Voice
EdgeGodIn.com | Host: Estella Chavous
Championing Human Potential in Christ

Download Bible Study Template

Learning Objectives
By the end of this Bible study, learners will be able to:

  1. Recognize how prayer, reflection, and discernment can guide responses to challenges, disappointment, and uncertainty.
  2. Identify emotional and behavioral patterns, such as fear, frustration, avoidance, and defensiveness, that may interfere with personal growth and effective leadership.
  3. Explain how faith, preparation, communication, and perseverance contributed to Nehemiah’s leadership and the rebuilding of Jerusalem’s walls.
  4. Apply the Emotional Intelligence in Christ (EIC) framework—Encounter, Identified Behavior, and Course Correct—to examine a personal or leadership challenge.
  5. Develop one practical, faith-centered action to rebuild an area of life, strengthen a relationship, or remain focused when facing opposition.

Three key areas of understanding:

  1. Pray Before You React. Nehemiah responded to troubling news with prayer, reflection, and discernment before taking action. We can seek God’s wisdom before responding to challenges or making difficult decisions. (Nehemiah 1:4–11)
  2. Faith Requires Action and Preparation. Nehemiah combined his faith with thoughtful planning, clear communication, and personal responsibility. We demonstrate our faith through the intentional steps we take toward meaningful goals. (Nehemiah 2:17–18)
  3. Stay Focused Despite Opposition. Nehemiah refused to let distractions and criticism prevent him from completing his assignment. We can remain steadfast in our purpose by trusting God and persevering through adversity. (Nehemiah 6:3, 9)

Scriptures:
Nehemiah 2:20| Nehemiah 1:4–11| Nehemiah 2:11–18| Nehemiah 6:1–9| James 1:19| James 2:17 | Galatians 6:9

Prayer:
Heavenly Father,
As we begin this study of Nehemiah, quiet our hearts and help us become fully present with You. Open our minds to Your wisdom and our hearts to the lessons You want us to receive.

Help us recognize the broken places in our lives without becoming overwhelmed by what we see. Give us the courage to face challenges honestly, the wisdom to prepare before we act, and the perseverance to continue when opposition comes.

Teach us to lead with humility, respond with emotional discipline, and trust You when the work seems too difficult. Show us where we need to rebuild, where we need to change our responses, and where You are calling us to take responsibility.

Guide us in our encounter with You. Give us wisdom to identify what needs our attention. And give us courage to course correct.

In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Support Resources: Books & Resources:

Understanding and Acting on Behaviors that lead to Christ-Filled Relationships: Designed to uncover the key behaviors that influence how you relate to Christ-Awareness, Discernment, Emotion, and Renewal.

Situational Meditation Theory and Practice: Finding this space and learning to engage in meditation, contemplation and reflection.

Situational Meditation Journal: A companion to the book, cultivating a lifestyle of presence and full engagement in the moment.

Emotional Intelligence in Christ Project: Book, 6-Week Study Guide & Course

Edge God In Podcast, Faith, faith & spiritual growth, spiritual growth, stress management, Uncategorized

When God Turns Your Pain Into Purpose

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Have you ever wondered about God’s purpose in suffering, especially when life brings painful experiences you would never have chosen? In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, I share my personal journey through breast cancer and divorce, exploring how God can bring a greater good out of our most difficult seasons.

Edge God In Podcast 342: When God Turns Your Pain Into Purpose, The Greater Good You Couldn’t See

EdgeGodIn.com | Host: Lauren E Miller

Championing Human Potential in Christ

Download Bible Study Template

Learning Objective:

Discover how God can bring a greater good out of life’s most painful experiences. Through Joseph’s journey, Job’s encounter with God, and a personal testimony of breast cancer and divorce, learn how to recognize God’s presence in suffering, deepen your trust in His purposes, and find hope when life doesn’t make sense.

Scriptures:

  • Genesis 37, 40-41, 45-47; Genesis 50:20; Job 38-41 and 42:5; Romans 828; 2 Corinthians 1:3-4

Prayer: Dear Lord, thank you that you never waste suffering there are always lessons to be learned that you will use to change me into your likeness and help people around me.

Previous Podcast in this series by Lauren: Watch Your Mouth! Which Wisdom is Speaking

Support Resources: Award Winning Books:

Hearing His Whisper, with Every Storm Jesus Comes Too  https://amzn.to/3nNxdya

99 Things You Want to Know Before Stressing Out! 

Emotional Intelligence in Christ Project: Book, 6-Week Study Guide & Course Now Launched

Stress Relief Video Techniques: Click Here https://laurenemiller.com/stress-relief-coaching-expert/

Christian, communication, Edge God In Podcast, Emotional Intelligence in Christ, Faith, how to, spiritual growth

Watch Your Mouth! Which Wisdom is Speaking?

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Edge God In Podcast 341: Watch Your Mouth! Which Wisdom is Speaking?

EdgeGodIn.com | Host: Lauren E Miller

Championing Human Potential in Christ

Download Bible Study Template

Learning Objective:

Recognize the two kinds of wisdom described in James 3:7–18 and practice pausing to seek God’s guidance before speaking, choosing words that reflect humility, mercy, truth, and peace.

Scriptures:

  • James 3

Prayer: Dear Lord, thank You for reminding us that our words matter. Help us become more aware of what is taking root in our hearts and how it influences what comes out of our mouths. When we are tempted to react from pride, jealousy, fear, or frustration, remind us to pause and seek Your wisdom.

Previous Podcast in this series by Lauren: How to Be Transformed

Support Resources: Award Winning Books:

Hearing His Whisper, with Every Storm Jesus Comes Too  https://amzn.to/3nNxdya

99 Things You Want to Know Before Stressing Out! 

Emotional Intelligence in Christ Project: Book, 6-Week Study Guide & Course Now Launched

Stress Relief Video Techniques: Click Here https://laurenemiller.com/stress-relief-coaching-expert/

Bible Study, Edge God In, EIC, Uncategorized

The book of Ezra: Return – Rebuild – Renew

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Edge God In Podcast 340:
The Book of Ezra: Return, Rebuild, and Renew
EdgeGodIn.com | Host: Estella Chavous
Championing Human Potential in Christ

Download Bible Study Template

Learning Objectives:
By the end of this podcast and Bible study, participants will be able to:

  • Explain how the book of Ezra illustrates the themes of return, rebuilding, and spiritual renewal.
  • Recognize the connection between encountering God, identifying personal behaviors or patterns, and making intentional course corrections.
  • Apply Ezra 7:10 by considering how studying God’s Word, practicing it, and living it out can influence everyday choices and spiritual growth.

Three key areas of understanding:

  1. Understanding the Story — Return
    Understand the historical and spiritual context of Ezra and the significance of God’s people returning from exile and beginning again.
  2. Understanding Ourselves — Rebuild
    Recognize how seasons of disruption, reflection, and rebuilding can reveal behaviors, attitudes, and areas of our lives that need attention.
  3. Understanding Transformation — Renew
    Explore how an encounter with God can lead to intentional action, course correction, and renewed living.

Scriptures:
Ezra 7:10 | Ezra 1:5 | Ezra 3:10–11 | Ezra 10:1–4 | Joel 2:12–13 | Zechariah 4:10 | Romans 12:2

Prayer:
Heavenly Father,
As we begin this study of Ezra, quiet our hearts and help us be fully present with You.
Open our minds to understand Your Word and our hearts to receive what You want to show us. Help us recognize the areas of our lives where You are inviting us to return, rebuild, and renew. Give us the courage to look honestly at our choices, our behaviors, and the places where we may have drifted from You.
Like Ezra, help us not only to learn Your Word, but to practice it and allow it to shape the way we live. As we study, speak to each of us personally. Show us what we need to notice, what we may need to change, and what step of faith You may be asking us to take.
May this time together draw us closer to You and remind us that restoration is possible when we are willing to return to Your presence.
Guide us in our encounter with You.
Give us wisdom to identify what needs our attention.
And give us courage to course correct.

In Jesus’ name,
Amen.

Support Resources: Books & Resources:

Understanding and Acting on Behaviors that lead to Christ-Filled Relationships: Designed to uncover the key behaviors that influence how you relate to Christ-Awareness, Discernment, Emotion, and Renewal.

Situational Meditation Theory and Practice: Finding this space and learning to engage in meditation, contemplation and reflection.

Situational Meditation Journal: A companion to the book, cultivating a lifestyle of presence and full engagement in the moment.

Emotional Intelligence in Christ Project: Book, 6-Week Study Guide & Course

Bible Study, biblical wisdom, Christian, Christian Living, Edge God In Podcast, faith and purpose, how to, inner peace, Inspiration, joy, purpose, spiritual growth, tips for purpose driven life, Uncategorized

How to Be Transformed

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Edge God In Podcast 339: How to Be Transformed

EdgeGodIn.com | Host: Lauren E Miller

Championing Human Potential in Christ

Download Bible Study Template

Learning Objective: Recognize what is holding you back from the true transformation that God desires for you. Explore what fear, wound or place of control may be blocking you from connecting to how God desires to transform your life at this time.

Scriptures:

  • Genesis: 18, 21, 22 and 24
  • Romans 12:1-2
  • Romans 10:17

Prayer: Dear Lord, how do you want to transform my life at this time and reveal to me what habit, thought, belief or past pain is holding me back from entering into the transformation you want for me.

Previous Podcast in this series by Lauren: When Gossip Becomes Counterfeit Connection

Support Resources: Award Winning Books:

Hearing His Whisper, with Every Storm Jesus Comes Too  https://amzn.to/3nNxdya

99 Things You Want to Know Before Stressing Out! 

Emotional Intelligence in Christ Project: Book, 6-Week Study Guide & Course Now Launched

Stress Relief Video Techniques: Click Here https://laurenemiller.com/stress-relief-coaching-expert/

Christian Living, Edge God In, Edge God In Podcast, EIC, Emotional Intelligence in Christ, Faith, Uncategorized

2 Chronicles: Returning to the Center

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Edge God In Podcast 338:
The Book of 2 Chronicles: Returning to the Center
EdgeGodIn.com | Host: Estella Chavous
Championing Human Potential in Christ

Download Bible Study Template

Learning Objectivesz
By the end of this podcast and Bible study, participants will be able to:

  • Understand that we are to be strong and courageous for God is with you.
  • Understanding the story of God’s people
  • Understanding how 2 Chronicles fits into the EIC Method

Three key areas of understanding:

  1. Seeking God Requires Intention
  2. Spiritual Renewal Begins With Course Correction
  3. God can meet us in Moments of Uncertainty

Scriptures:
2 Chronicles 7:14 | 2 Chronicles 15:2 | 2 Chronicles 16:9 | 2 Chronicles 20:12 | 2 Chronicles 20:15 | 2 Chronicles 31:21 | 2 Chronicles 30:6 | 2 Chronicles 34:27 |

Prayer

Heavenly Father,
Thank You for Your Word and for the reminder that our lives can easily become distracted by what is happening around us.
As we begin our study of 2 Chronicles, help us understand what it means to keep You at the center of our lives.
Teach us to recognize when our hearts have become distracted.
Show us the places where our priorities have shifted.
Help us understand that spiritual renewal often begins with a decision to return to You.
Give us wisdom to recognize the difference between activity and true worship.
Give us humility to receive correction.
Give us courage to make changes when You reveal something that needs to change.
Help us seek You—not simply when we need something, but because You are worthy of being sought.
Teach us to respond to Your presence with humility, obedience, prayer, and worship.
When life becomes complicated,  when we become discouraged and when we make mistakes , remind us that repentance opens the door to restoration.
May our lives continually point back to You.
In Jesus’ name,
Amen.

Support Resources: Books & Resources:

Understanding and Acting on Behaviors that lead to Christ-Filled Relationships: Designed to uncover the key behaviors that influence how you relate to Christ-Awareness, Discernment, Emotion, and Renewal.

Situational Meditation Theory and Practice: Finding this space and learning to engage in meditation, contemplation and reflection.

Situational Meditation Journal: A companion to the book, cultivating a lifestyle of presence and full engagement in the moment.

Emotional Intelligence in Christ Project: Book, 6-Week Study Guide & Course

Bible Study, biblical wisdom, Christian, Christian leadership, confidence, courage, Edge God In, Edge God In Podcast, Emotional Intelligence in Christ, faith and purpose, Freedom in Christ, gossip, how to, inner peace, jealousy, personal excellence, spiritual growth, Uncategorized

When Gossip Becomes Counterfeit Connection

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Edge God In Podcast 337: When Gossip Becomes Counterfeit Connection

EdgeGodIn.com | Host: Lauren E Miller

Championing Human Potential in Christ

Download Bible Study Template

Learning Objective: Recognize how gossip can become a counterfeit source of self-esteem and connection, identify its impact on relationships, and choose direct, respectful, and biblically grounded communication that protects dignity and promotes reconciliation.

Scriptures:

  • Matthew 18: 15-20
  • Romans 13:8-10

Prayer: Dear Lord delivery me from the tendency to share another person’s story many times because of my own insecurities. Help me to rejoice in the success of others over my own and ground my sense of worth and value in you, an unshakable anchor of identity.

Aquinas’s discussion includes sorrow over another’s good, pleasure in another’s misfortune, and attempts to damage someone’s reputation.

  1. Tale-bearing
    Carrying stories between people in ways that create conflict, division, or mistrust. Tale-bearing does not simply damage a reputation; it can damage a relationship.
  2. Detraction
    Sharing another person’s faults or failures—even when the information is true—when there is no legitimate need for others to know it. Before speaking, ask:
    Is it true—and does this truth need to be shared with this person?
  3. Delight in another person’s misfortune
    Feeling secretly pleased when someone fails, loses influence, or experiences difficulty because it makes us feel better about ourselves.
  4. Sorrow over another person’s good fortune
    Feeling diminished, resentful, or threatened when someone else succeeds, receives recognition, or experiences something good.

Previous Podcast in this series by Lauren: Do Less, Surrender More

Support Resources: Award Winning Books:

Hearing His Whisper, with Every Storm Jesus Comes Too  https://amzn.to/3nNxdya

99 Things You Want to Know Before Stressing Out! 

Emotional Intelligence in Christ Project: Book, 6-Week Study Guide & Course Now Launched

Stress Relief Video Techniques: Click Here https://laurenemiller.com/stress-relief-coaching-expert/

Bible Study, Edge God In, Edge God In Podcast, EIC, Emotional Intelligence in Christ

The Book of 1 Chronicles: When Faith is tested

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Edge God In Podcast 336:
The Book of 1 Chronicles: When Faith is tested
EdgeGodIn.com | Host: Estella Chavous
Championing Human Potential in Christ

Download Bible Study Template

Learning Objectives

By the end of this podcast and Bible study, participants will be able to:

  • Understand the biblical context and major themes of 1 Chronicles, including identity, remembrance, leadership, worship, covenant, preparation, service, and spiritual legacy.
  • Recognize how remembering God’s faithfulness can strengthen our identity and help us remain grounded during seasons of change.
  • Identify behaviors, attitudes, and priorities that can either strengthen or weaken our relationship with God and our ability to fulfill what He has entrusted to us.
  • Apply the EIC (Encounter–Identified Behavior–Course Correct) Framework to examine their relationship with God, their priorities, leadership, service, and preparation for what God is calling them to do.
  • Develop greater spiritual confidence, intentionality, humility, and faithfulness as they seek to build lives that honor God and positively influence others.

Three key areas of understanding:

  1. Remember Your Story
  2. Your Assignment Does Not Have to Look Like Someone Else’s
  3. Faithfulness Is a Form of Worship

Scriptures:
1 Chronicles | Colossians 3:23 | Galatians 6:4 | Galatians 6:4 | Deuteronomy 8:2 | 1 Chronicles 28:20 | 1 Chronicles 28:20 | Romans 12:1 | 1 Corinthians 3:6 | Psalm 77:11 | 1 Chronicles 29:11 | 1 Chronicles 28:20 | 1 Chronicles 28:9 | 1 Chronicles 16:11

Heavenly Father,

Thank You for Your Word and for the reminder that our lives are part of a story much greater than ourselves.
As we begin our study of 1 Chronicles, help us understand the importance of remembering where we have come from, recognizing who we are in You, and understanding what You have entrusted to us. Teach us to value preparation as much as accomplishment. Help us understand that sometimes You call us to build, and sometimes You call us to prepare someone else to build.
Give us the humility to serve when we are not receiving recognition.
Give us the wisdom to prepare when the results are not yet visible.
Give us the courage to lead with integrity and the discipline to remain faithful in the small things.
Help us remember Your faithfulness in our past so that we can trust You with our future. Show us anything in our lives that needs to be realigned.
Help us place You at the center of our priorities, our relationships, our work, our leadership, and our purpose.
May our lives become an offering of worship to You.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Support Resources: Books & Resources:

Understanding and Acting on Behaviors that lead to Christ-Filled Relationships: Designed to uncover the key behaviors that influence how you relate to Christ-Awareness, Discernment, Emotion, and Renewal.

Situational Meditation Theory and Practice: Finding this space and learning to engage in meditation, contemplation and reflection.

Situational Meditation Journal: A companion to the book, cultivating a lifestyle of presence and full engagement in the moment.

Emotional Intelligence in Christ Project: Book, 6-Week Study Guide & Course

Bible Study, biblical wisdom, Christian, confidence, courage, Edge God In, Emotional Intelligence in Christ, Faith, faith and purpose, Freedom in Christ, how to, inner peace, Inspiration, personal excellence, prayer, spiritual growth, Stress relief

Do Less Surrender More

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Edge God In Podcast 335: Do Less Surrender More

EdgeGodIn.com | Host: Lauren E Miller

Championing Human Potential in Christ

Download Bible Study Template

Learning Objective: Learn the power of doing less and surrendering more. Freedom comes when we release our need to control, know and figure it out.

Scriptures:

  • Luke 5:1-11

Prayer: Dear Lord show me how do let go of my attachment to doing more and replace it with the ability to surrender more.

Previous Podcast in this series by Lauren: How to Walk on Water When the Winds are Blowing

Support Resources: Award Winning Books:

Hearing His Whisper, with Every Storm Jesus Comes Too  https://amzn.to/3nNxdya

99 Things You Want to Know Before Stressing Out! 

Emotional Intelligence in Christ Project: Book, 6-Week Study Guide & Course Now Launched

Stress Relief Video Techniques: Click Here https://laurenemiller.com/stress-relief-coaching-expert/

Bible Study, Edge God In, Edge God In Podcast, EIC, Uncategorized

The Book of 2 Kings: When Faith is Tested

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Edge God In Podcast 334:

The Book of 2 Kings: When Faith is tested

EdgeGodIn.com | Host: Estella Chavous

Championing Human Potential in Christ

Download Bible Study Template

Learning Objectives

By the end of this podcast and Bible study, participants will be able to:

  • Understand the biblical context and major themes of 2 Kings, including leadership, spiritual decline, prophetic ministry, judgment, and God’s faithfulness.
  • Recognize how fear, cultural influence, and spiritual compromise can affect our ability to trust and follow God.
  • Identify behaviors, attitudes, and influences that may gradually move them away from their relationship with God.
  • Apply the EIC (Encounter–Identified Behavior–Course Correct) Framework to examine their faith, choices, and responses to difficult circumstances.
  • Develop greater spiritual discernment, courage, and trust in God when facing uncertainty, opposition, or circumstances they cannot control.

Five key areas of understanding:

  1. What We See Is Not Always the Whole Story
  2. Spiritual Compromise Happens Gradually
  3. God Remains Faithful Even When People Are Not

Scriptures:
2 Kings 6:16-17 | Deuteronomy 31:8 | Joshua 1:9 |2 Corinthians 5:7 | James 1:14–15 | 2 Timothy 2:13 | Psalm 34:7 | Proverbs 4:23 | Hebrews 11:1

Heavenly Father,

Thank You for reminding us that what we see is not always
the complete picture.
When fear surrounds us, open our eyes.
When uncertainty overwhelms us, strengthen our faith.
When we are tempted to compromise, give us discernment and
courage.
When we drift away from You, draw our hearts back.
Help us recognize that Your presence is greater than our
circumstances and Your faithfulness is greater than our fears.
Teach us to pause before reacting, to seek Your wisdom
before making decisions, and to trust You even when we cannot see what You are doing. Open our spiritual eyes so that we may see Your presence, Your protection, and Your purpose.
Help us walk by faith and not by sight.

In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Support Resources: Books & Resources:

Understanding and Acting on Behaviors that lead to Christ-Filled Relationships: Designed to uncover the key behaviors that influence how you relate to Christ-Awareness, Discernment, Emotion, and Renewal.

Situational Meditation Theory and Practice: Finding this space and learning to engage in meditation, contemplation and reflection.

Situational Meditation Journal: A companion to the book, cultivating a lifestyle of presence and full engagement in the moment.

Emotional Intelligence in Christ Project: Book, 6-Week Study Guide & Course