Welcome back to another episode of Mornings with the Monticues! In today's heartfelt episode, titled "A Safe Place to Recover," we open up about a recent personal tragedy and share how God's comfort and refuge sustained us through a difficult time. Life is unpredictable, and sometimes we face challenges that seem insurmountable. Join us as we explore the theme of loss, seeking hope and restoration in the arms of our loving God.

📖 In this devotional, we reflect on the biblical concept of cities of refuge from the book of Joshua and draw parallels to finding refuge in God during times of crisis. We discuss unhealthy refuges people often retreat to and emphasize the importance of seeking God, trustworthy counsel, and supportive communities.

🙏 We also share our own recent experience of losing a baby and how God's presence and comfort carried us through. Our hope is that this episode serves as a source of encouragement for anyone going through a challenging time.

🤔 Have you faced a crisis in your life? Where do you turn for comfort and support? Share your experiences and thoughts in the comments below.

Today’s Bible Verses:

Full Devotional: Joshua 20:1-9

Main Verse: "Then the Lord said to Joshua: “Tell the Israelites to designate the cities of refuge, as I instructed you through Moses, so that anyone who kills a person accidentally and unintentionally may flee there and find protection from the avenger of blood." (Joshua 20:1-3)

Today’s Questions: 1. What unhealthy or unhelpful refuges do we retreat to in marital crisis? What are some healthy and or helpful refuges?

2. How can we be patient with each other during a crisis? How can we support each other?

3. Who are some people we can trust for counsel during a family tragedy? In what ways are they safe and what ways are they not safe?

TIMESTAMPS:

00:00 - Introduction

00:26 - Challenges in recording the episode

00:54 - Devotional on loss and God's restoration

01:23 - Personal experiences and testimonies

02:20 - Reading Joshua 21:3 and discussing the verses

03:14 - Principles for enriching a marriage after tragedy

05:08 - Importance of time and patience in healing

06:06 - Turning to God in times of trouble

07:34 - Battling the lies of the enemy

09:02 - Personal testimony of pregnancy loss

10:28 - Trusting God and finding comfort

11:53 - Perspective on life and eternity

14:15 - Focus on raising their living child in godliness

15:39 - Unhealthy and healthy refuges in marital crises

17:33 - Being patient and supporting each other during crises

18:54 - Choosing trustworthy people for counsel during tragedy

19:54 - Closing remarks and prayer

20:53 - Final prayer and conclusion

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In this episode of Mornings with Monticues, we explore the theme of keeping promises. We're reminded of God's faithfulness as the ultimate promise keeper, way maker, and miracle worker. Join us in reflecting on the story of Caleb's patient wait for God's promise and how we, as a couple, strive to keep our promises to each other. We also discuss the importance of recognizing God's promises in our own lives. How has God been a promise keeper for you? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below.

Today’s Bible Verses:

Full Devotional: Joshua 14:6-15

Main Verse: “Now give me this hill country that the Lord promised me that day.” (Joshua 14:12)

Today’s Questions: 1. What promises did we make to each other before we got married? What promises did we make in our wedding vows? 

2. How have we lived up to those promises? Which one have been the most difficult to keep? Which ones have been the easiest to keep? Which ones are still being tested?

3. How have we seen God keep His promises to us in our life together?

TIMESTAMPS:

00:00 - Introduction to the devotional on keeping promises.

00:28 - Discussion about God as a promise keeper and a song in Portuguese.

01:27 - Introduction to the story of Caleb and Joshua 14.

02:24 - Caleb's faith and his age when entering the promised land.

03:22 - The importance of keeping promises in marriage and relying on God's promises.

04:20 - The idea that God doesn't operate on our timetable but on His perfect one.

05:20 - Reflection on the wedding vows and promises made in marriage.

05:59 - Assessing how the promises made in marriage have been kept.

06:29 - Promises made to be each other's helper.

07:19 - Marcelle’s desire to follow God and serve together in marriage.

08:19 - The challenges and successes in keeping promises in marriage.

09:18 - The challenge of loving unconditionally as Christ loves the church.

10:14 - Recognizing when one is not on the right path and providing correction in love.

11:07 - Marcelle’s personal growth in recognizing and responding to spiritual attacks.

12:04 - The importance of God as a source of comfort and hope.

13:01 - Waiting for promises and the role of the Bible and faith.

13:57 - The process of God preparing individuals during the waiting period.

14:23 - Gratitude for learning during the training phase.

14:48 - The value of waiting and being prepared.

15:17 - Trusting in God's promises and remaining faithful.

15:46 - Encouragement to ask God and remember His promises.

16:13 - A closing prayer for the fulfillment of God's promises and guidance.

17:10 - A prayer for those expecting God's promises to be fulfilled.

Subscribe on YouTube: ⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@themonticues⁠⁠

Subscribe on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4A2oclYfgy4AMltNRX3M6m⁠⁠

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Welcome back to another episode of Mornings with the Monticues! In today's episode, we dive deep into the importance of addressing even the "little sins" in our lives, and how they can lead to more significant disobedience. We discuss the story of Achan and the consequences of hidden sins on not just one's own life but also on marriages and families.

Today’s Bible Verses:

Full Devotional: Joshua 7:1-26

Main Verse: “God says, Joshua, stand up. What are you doing down on your face? Israel has sinned, for they have violated my covenant, which I commanded them to keep. They have taken some of the devoted things they have stolen. They have lied. They have put them with their own possessions. This is why the Israelites cannot stand against their enemies. They turn their backs and run because they have been made liable to destruction. I will not be with you anymore unless you destroy whatever among you is devoted to destruction.” (Joshua 7:10-12)

Today’s Questions: 1. What steps will we take to stay honest with each other about money, friends, recreational activities? And what areas have we been less than fully honest?

2. What effect might hidden sins have on our marriage if we continue doing them for several months or even years? 

3. What no big deal sins are we willing to overlook in our relationship? If we continue doing them, what or who might then bring them to light?

TIMESTAMPS:

00:00 - Introduction

02:22 - Reading Scripture: Read Joshua 7:10-12, where God is displeased with Israel's disobedience

03:42 - Halloween Example: Discusses the cultural practices of Halloween and questions why some Christians defend it

04:41 - Sin in Marriage: Emphasizes the impact of small sins in marriage on families and society

08:20 - Small Sins Lead to Death

09:19 - God's Perspective: Encourages considering how God would feel about one's actions

11:08 - Setting a Good Example

13:03 - Transparency in Marriage: Emphasizes the value of honesty and openness in marriage.

14:13 - Confession and Freedom: Stresses the importance of confessing sins for spiritual freedom.

16:45 - Consequences of Hidden Sins: Discusses the long-term consequences of hidden sins

17:45 - Caution and Choices

18:42 - Honesty and Forgiveness

20:00 - The Power of Confession

21:52 - Closing Prayer: Offers a prayer for the audience to confess their sins, seek forgiveness, and align with God's will

Subscribe on YouTube: ⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@themonticues⁠⁠

Subscribe on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4A2oclYfgy4AMltNRX3M6m⁠⁠

Subscribe to Apple Podcast: ⁠⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/mornings-with-the-monticues/id1704233788⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Follow Dallas on Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/dallasmonticue/⁠⁠

Follow Marcelle on Instagram: ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/marcelle_monticue/⁠⁠

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