You might have heard of Revelation because of the popular "Left Behind” book series written in the late 90’s to early 2000’s by Tim LaHaye. Or maybe by the many predictions and prophesies made about the end of the world at Y2K. Maybe you’re hesitant of growing technology, computer chips, wars in the Middle East, or accusations of “the beast.” But before we start getting sidetracked—let’s take a look into what Revelation really is…
Read MoreThe book of Jude reminds us to “show mercy to those whose faith is wavering.” (Jude 1:22) We stand on truth not only for ourselves, but for others too. This is why Equipped by Faith exists. We are a community of faith, dedicated to equip and inspire one another with the truth of God’s Word, the power of our testimonies, and the strength of His love. Simply put—we need one another to stand firm in our faith.
Read More"I often struggle with my purpose and significance. Equipped by Faith encourages me to walk in my giftedness for God’s kingdom. This month, in the EBF daily readings, a verse stuck out to me so I printed it and keep it at my desk: 1 Peter 2: 9-10, ‘But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.’ EBF reminds of God’s blessing on my life and how important it is to gather with other women who believe the same. As soon as I walk out of EBF, I feel filled up by the Holy Spirit, motivated to spend time with the Lord, and love His people.” - Katie Rodriguez.
Read MoreThese three books are known as the letters of love. John understood something that a lot of people miss out on and he wrote about it in these books. He understood the importance of having a deep, authentic relationship with Christ. And he understood the power of living in God’s LOVE. No other book in the Bible so clearly describes this truth: God is love!
Read MoreThese letters really remind us that when we decide we are going to be followers of Christ, our lives should reflect that. When you truly experience God’s love, mercy, and grace through salvation in Jesus—you will never be the same. Your life will look different, you won’t act like you used to act, and you will have a desire to please and obey God. So these are the things we need to pursue: faith, moral excellence, knowledge, self-control, patient endurance, godliness, brotherly affection, and love for ALL people.
Read MoreHilary Kennedy is beautiful and talented—but above all, she has a heart of gold. She is an Emmy Award winning TV host on Eye Opener and the Four Minute Buzz as well as being a contributing host to The Country Network. She has appeared on Access Hollywood, Extra, The Rachel Ray Show, and has even published her own book, Career Diary of a TV Host: 30 Days on the Job. Outside the TV studio, she is a style blogger, a big UFC fan, a wife, and a new mother to an adorable baby boy.
Read MoreIt can be so easy to compare ourselves to others these days—especially as women. We compare the way we look, the way we dress, where we live, where we work, what we drive… the options to be envious of others are truly endless. But comparison leads to jealousy…and James Ch. 3:13-16 says, “For jealousy and selfishness are not God’s kind of wisdom. Such things are earthy, unspiritual and demonic. For wherever there is jealousy and selfish ambition, there you will find disorder and evil of every kind.” Yikes!
Read MoreOur #wcw is a double feature this week with double the love for these two incredible ladies. Founders of @ianticipatejoy, Dr. Veronica and Dr. Karla are on a mission to inspire and empower those who have been defeated by life. Anticipate Joy is an innovative mental wellness company that supports personal growth and healing through online professional counseling and training—and we can’t get enough of the impact these two are making!
Read MoreThis book of the Bible is short, with only one simple chapter. But the call to live in generosity and kindness toward others is clear. Paul was creating an atmosphere of forgiveness and unity in the body of Christ. “I am praying that you will put into action the generosity that comes from your faith as you understand and experience all the good things we have in Christ.” Philemon 1:6
Read MoreWe can learn so much about what it looks like to live a godly life from these men. This book is full of practical application for living out the gospel in everyday life. And for all my single ladies—it even has a great list of character qualities you should look for in a man. That’s right—Paul is describing what “elders” (or male leaders in the church at that time) should be like. Let’s take a look…
Read MoreThe major reason Paul wrote this letter to the Colossians was to equip the church to be aware of false, worldly teaching. At that time, a lot of empty philosophies and humanistic beliefs were starting to seep into the church. False teachers began to minimize Christ by mixing and exalting other teachings over the simple gospel: Jesus.
Read MoreJennifer Watson is a dynamic author, speaker, and pastor’s wife from Dallas, Texas. But she’s also our #wcw this week because of her passionate desire to inspire and motivate others through her life and writing. "I'm all about women supporting other women, especially when it's centered around our faith. I cannot think of a better mission than to equip, inspire, and gather women around our table to invest in them. My passion is connection and community and I love that this is with EBF is all about!”
Read MoreGoing through a few really hard things early in life caused me to do something fairly risky for a young woman in ministry starting out: I stopped wearing the plastic smile and faking it. I was wrapped in so many insecurities from feeling like I needed to be perfect and good at everything. I was miserable walking that tightrope, but I wanted freedom and believed with all my heart that a breakthrough would happen if I kept going…
Read MoreGalatians is most known for the famous verse about the fruits of the Spirit written in Chapter 5:22, “But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.” Paul explains that when we are true followers of Christ, there should be evidence of some kind of transformation in our lives. That physical transformation is often referred to as “fruit” in the Bible.
Read MoreSuzy is an Executive Producer, Television Host, wife, and mother from Dallas, Texas. She studied divinity at Christ For The Nations and Business at Dallas Baptist University. Suzy is married to Jonathan Lamb and they have two children, Israel and Arielle. Together, they host “The Green Room” which airs around the world on Daystar TV.
Read MoreAs I was looking through Romans to share some of my favorite verses with you, I noticed that I had highlighted nearly every page. This is one of my favorite books of the Bible because Paul is writing from a place of understanding the constant struggle between obeying the "law" and leaning on God’s grace.
Read MoreJoanna Lopez is the perfect combination of strength and beauty. An Executive Assistant, single mother, and the bona fide representation of what servanthood truly looks like lived out. Joanna is loyal, faithful, and strong. But when we sat with her in this interview, we got to see the depth of where this inner strength comes from. You don’t want to miss this #wcw feature.
Read MoreThe book of Hebrews explains that because Jesus sacrificed Himself for us, we have unrestricted access to God. We can now have a relationship with God because there is nothing standing between us—no sin, no mistake, nothing. His grace gives us the power to overcome every problem we face in life so we can discover our purpose through knowing Him.
Read MoreI love the books of 1 and 2 Timothy. Many biblical scholars consider these to be a "manual for the church" because they answer all kinds of questions about worship, church leadership, faithfulness, contentment, purpose, and caring for the elderly and widows. But I love these books because they are a personal letter written from the Apostle Paul to his spiritual son, Timothy. These are Paul’s final words before he passed away, writing Timothy about how he should live a godly life. If your friend and mentor had something to tell you before they died, you would lean in closely and remember everything they had to say. That’s how we should read 1 & 2 Timothy.
Read MoreFounder of The Clad Life, a fashion icon & stylist, mom to Isaiah, and a total boss babe—Kristin Smith is our #wcw today and always. Kristin is the stunning kind of beautiful, but the depth of her spirit is what causes you to linger in conversation, laughter, and complete awe of who she is. “I am a work in progress. I’m always questioning where I am and if I’m pursuing my destiny, but I also know God has always put me right where I’m supposed to be. If trusting the Lord and His plans for me is my destiny, then consider it fulfilled!” - Kristin Smith
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