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EXCITING NEWS
I was hoping to post an update last week, but my son got married this past weekend and I was in the middle of wedding preparation when iTunes sent me the official “your podcast is live” email. It took a little longer than expected to post to iTunes after going through their submission and approval process. You will notice that it was posted on March 27th, but it took over a week to go live. BUT ….
I am happy to announce that in addition to my son getting married!! YAHOO! (if you follow me on social media you can see the few pictures I posted which I happened to take before things got really crazy) BUT Dare 2 Hear The Podcast is is now Officially Launched !!!! Double Yahoo!!! :
“Dare 2 Hear The Podcast” Episode #001 How to Hear the Voice of God is now live on iTunes and other locations listed below for your listening pleasure. Do to the wedding I am still working on getting a landing page on my website with all the ways you can subscribe, and I will be adding some more platforms like spotify.
Would you please consider subscribing to my podcast on the platform of your choice, sharing it on your social media with friends and if you like what you hear, would you leave a review so others can know what you think.
For those who like to watch and not just listen, I will also be posting new episodes on my YouTube Channel. You can find it by clicking here.
New episodes will be released every Thursday. Next week Episode #002: Permission Granted!
Can I ask for a HUGE Favor?
Would you Please Listen & LEAVE A REVIEW ON iTunes…
It know it may seem like a lot to ask, because it takes time. However, if you can leave an honest review after listening, it would really be a HUGE blessing. Each review helps the podcast rank higher and get more eyes. If you’re interested, here’s how you do it:
- Go to the iTunes podcast page for my show – CLICK HERE
- Click on the blue button that says “View in iTunes.” (If you are prompted to launch iTunes, you’ll need to do so)
- Listen to Episode 1 How to Hear the Voice of God
- Click on the “Subscribe” button
- Click on “Ratings & Reviews” tab (if on your computer) or “Reviews” (on your phone)
- Under the title “Customer Reviews” click “Write a Review”
- Leave a simple and honest review then click “Submit” and you’re done!
Thanks again for helping spread the news about the podcast!
With Much love and Appreciation,
Debbie
Dreamers Beware
Dreamers Series: Lessons gleaned from the life of Joseph
“Do you think God has called me to do what you do?” I blurted out.
Her quick response caught me off guard. “No, not at all. It’s not what He has for you!”
I was taken back, but by now I had grown bold enough to question her. “Why not?” I asked.
She explained I indeed had a gift. I was a good speaker and could minister, but I was not called to do what she was doing. I felt discouraged and needed to escape the room for a while, so I went down the hall to the hotel’s breakfast room.
When I was asked to travel and speak at retreats with my boss, I began to wonder if this was the calling God had for me as well. As I sat there, that morning, I struggled internally. Her words didn’t sit well with me. I was not searching for a title or position; I just wanted to know my purpose.
As I rehashed the conversation, the Lord whispered to me, What about Elisha and Elijah? It came out of the blue. I knew the story but not enough to know what God might be trying to tell me. I began reading the scriptures
After I finished reading, I went back to our room, and I sat on the edge of my bed. It took me a moment to work up my courage and share what God showed me during breakfast. When I finally spoke I explained how the Lord reminded me of the story of Elijah and Elisha. Isn’t our relationship like theirs? I asked.
Her response was immediate. “No. Why are you bringing this up?”
I swallowed hard and explained but she held her ground, and I could tell that was the end of the conversation. I was hurt by the strength of her words and how adamant she was that this was not what God had for me. She was my mentor and employer, and I trusted she spoke on behalf of the Lord. [1]
Sometimes when God speaks or reveals things to us, others can’t or don’t see it. When this happens, it can lead to them not handling it properly and they become jealous, angry or upset. This is what I have come to see about my situation above and others like it. Sadly, this is not the only time I experienced something like it, and I am sure it won’t be the last. I have also observed it in myself toward others, not something I like to admit but it’s the truth.
In Genesis 37, we see Joseph’s brothers were not just jealous of him, but in verse 11 it says:
Joseph’s brothers had become extremely jealous of him (Genesis 37:11 The Voice).
Even though it’s wrong, this extreme jealousy the brothers felt towards Joseph is understandable. Their frustration with Joseph and his attitude wasn’t completely unfounded. Adding to that the favoritism their father out rightly showed and it is easy to follow the path to them jumping on board the jealously train.
… So Joseph hurried off and followed his brothers to Dothan.
They saw him coming even though he was still a long way off. Before he was near enough to hear them, they conspired to kill him.
Joseph’s brothers are tired of his arrogant pretense. Each and every one of them has a bill of complaint against Joseph.
Joseph’s Brothers (to each other): Oh, here comes the great dreamer. Let’s kill him and throw his body into one of the pits. Then we can tell everyone a wild animal killed and devoured him. We’ll see then what becomes of his stupid dreams.
When Reuben heard the plan, he tried to help Joseph.
Reuben: Let’s not kill him. We don’t need to shed any blood to be free of him. Let’s just toss him into some pit here in the wilderness. We don’t need to lay a hand on him.
Reuben thought perhaps he could secretly come back later and get Joseph out of the pit and take him home to their father before any more harm came to him.
The brothers agreed. When Joseph arrived, they ripped his robe off of him—the fancy, colorful robe he always wore that his father had made for him, and they threw him into the pit. Now this pit happened to be an empty cistern; there was no water in it. (Genesis 37:17-24 The Voice)
I’m sure you’ve heard the saying: Comparison is the thief of joy. But we also need to understand and be aware that comparison can lead to jealousy. When we focus on what we don’t have and look to what others do have it opens the door for jealousy.
#Comparison is not only a thief to joy it can lead to #jealousy. Share on X
Jealousy is not a pretty thing; in fact, it is a terrible emotion that grips the heart and mind and causes individuals to not see clearly. Jealousy is triggered when people feel threatened by another and they become insecure or even fearful that they will no longer be needed or replaced. Jealously occurs when we become envious of someone who has something we do not have or we think we deserve. Jealousy is a sin and great destroyer of relationships.
There is a warning in this for both the dreamer and the non-dreamer (the onlooker). Dreamers beware of non-dreamers’ jealousy. In other words, if God has placed a dream in your heart, be careful who you share it with. Share it with those who love you, are for you and will support you no matter what.
At any given time, we are either the dreamer pursuing what God has placed in our heart, or the non-dreamer. The non-dreamer isn’t someone without a dream, or a purpose, it just means the dream being discussed or highlighted isn’t currently theirs.
This is the case with Joseph and his brothers. I am sure the older brother Rueben had dreams and knew his purpose would one day be to lead the family. That was until his father Jacob made it clear that Joseph was the favorite son and choice to be the leader and priest of the family.
#Jealousy is a destroyer of relationships. Share on X
Rueben and his brothers had boarded the jealousy train long before this fateful moment near Dothan. Yet, we see that Rueben has a moment of clarity, or rather it was more than likely self-preservation. He knows he can’t really stop the train, but he tries to slow it down a bit and derail it before it fully crashes and burns leading to the death of his brother Joseph.
Rueben had a plan. Yes, he took a ride on the jealousy train but now he was he ready to exit the train, purely for selfish reasons and self-preservation but still, he had one foot on and one foot off. Before he could implement his secret plan, and fully get off the train, it continued to speed down the track and left him behind.
I can recount numerous times where I jumped on board the jealousy train both knowingly and inadvertently. Once on board, the train barrels full steam ahead like a runaway train bent on destroying relationships and leaving them in its wake. When our hearts and minds are filled with envy, jealousy and comparison, we can’t fully walk in the plans God has for us.
We must be diligent to catch ourselves if we start to step on board the jealousy train. Jealousy can derail dreams faster than anything. It is sin which leaves us open to attack from the enemy and taints our hearts and minds from pursuing all God has for us. If or when you find yourself falling prey to the jealousy trap, repent and ask God for forgiveness. Then remember and focus on the dream God placed in your heart and what He has specifically called you to do.
#Jealousy can derail dreams faster than anything. Share on X
[1] Excerpts of this story are taken from chapter 10 in my book The Gift of Prophetic Encouragement
This weeks Spotlight Post
This weeks spotlight post is from the bloggers over at insta encouragements. They also have a link up party on Tuesday’s too. So if you are look for another place to linkup, check them out. Several of you clicked on through last week to check them out making them last weeks most clicked on post as well. To visit the site, just click on the picture to the left, or click here!
Again Welcome and Thank you for joining me for #TuneInThursday it is an honor to have you here!
Here’s a badge/button to display on your blogs. I would absolutely be honored if you would display it, or link back here in some way. Thank you!
Now let’s get this party started, feel free to link 1-3 posts:
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Debbie Kitterman is a natural born encourager who is on fire for God. She is passionate about equipping individuals, so they can go deeper in the relationship with God, reach their God-potential and claim their Kingdom inheritance. Debbie is a wife, mother, author, pastor, speaker and the founder of “Dare 2 Hear,” a ministry that trains individuals to hear the voice of God. She travels to churches internationally and is the founder and teacher of d2htraining.com, an online course designed to equip the believer in releasing God’s heart. Her writing and teachings inspire faith and build bridges for people to believe and expect the impossible. She is also an ordained Foursquare pastor, currently serving with her husband, John, as senior pastor of Restoration Church in Lacey, Washington. Learn more at: www.debbiekitterman.com
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YouVersion 7-Day Devotional
I am blessed and honored to have a 7-day devotional on the YouVersion Bible App. YAY!!! It is a great way to kick start the 7- days before my on-line Bible Study starts next week. I would be so blessed if you would check it out and share it with your friends. You can find it here: Be The Gift Someone Needs Today!
Have you had the opportunity to read my new book “The Gift of Prophetic Encouragement: Hearing the Words of God for others.” ? This book is about learning to hear the voice of God in our own life so we can respond to those God bumps and little nudges He gives us on a daily basis. God is calling us to be agents of encouragement and to be the gift the worlds needs today.
We live in a time, where those around us are in desperate need of a real encounter with Jesus and in need of encouragement. We are called to encourage one another daily (Hebrews 3:13), and to build each other up (1 Thessalonians 5:11). My book will teach you how to step out and do just that.
To order your copy today: You can find it at Barnes & Noble, Amazon, OR your favorite online retailer, Plus, newly added, you can now get a signed copy from me. Click Here to order yours today!
We all have the opportunity to #BeTheGift of encouragement others need today.
This Wee
Do you wonder if God still speaks today? Do you wonder if He would ever speak to you personally? Do you long to hear the voice of God in your life?
Have your read other books on hearing from God, but long for hands on practical application? or are you looking for ways to move you forward hearing from God?
If you answered YES to any of those questions, then I have exactly what you need. I now have an online e-course designed to equip you in understanding that God still speaks today, and He longs to speak directly to you, through His word, and others. He longs to encourage you, strengthen you and comfort you. The training on this site, is fully based on Scripture, and taken from my training manual Releasing God’s heart through Hearing His Voice.
God is speaking, Can you Hear Him?
d2htrainging.com membership site is open, I invite you to check it out today, and develop a deeper relationship with the Lord, as you learn to hear Him speak to your heart.
Looking for other Great Inspirational Parties. Click Here to see where I Link-Up weekly.
Several Submissions have been featured at Blessed Transgressions, an Online Magazine:
Balancing the Warrior & the Princess We’re Called to Be
Trusting God When it Seems Illogical
Will You Sit with Me? (Jesus is Calling.)
My Post: The Reluctant Encourager was featured here:
My Posts: The Most Wonderful Time of the Year & And So Do We! & Know Your Why & Jesus in Us! were featured here:
My Post #BeTheGift was featured here:
My Post “Climb Every Mountain” was featured in the August monthly link-up at : Life on Intention Link-up Party
My Posts: “Will You Sit with Me?” & New Mercies Everyday & Wait for it were featured here:
My Post: The Power of your Story, The Reluctant Encourager and #TeamJesus were featured here:
My Post “What’s in a Name?” was featured here:
My Post: “The Journey through Change” was featured here:
Again, I have been know to link to the following Inspirational Parties:
Debbie,
Congrats’ on the wedding AND the Podcast!! Will have to listen in! Nothing steals joy like comparison. I have found that less time on Facebook and comparing my life with the spruced up versions of others’ highlight reels is a deadly game. I want to be able to truly celebrate others’ accomplishments and be content in God’s calling on my life. If I feel the green-eyed monster creeping up – it’s a reminder to run to the Lord for my identity and calling.
Blessings,
Bev xx
Thank yo Bev. It feels like a huge week for me with the wedding just happening and now the Podcast finally going live!! I am overjoyed. Thanks for listening, I would love to hear what you think once you have a chance to listen. I like your thoughts about less time on FB and how it lessons the need to compare. It is a deadly game for sure. Yes, I agree, running to the Lord is the only solution when the green-eyed monster creeps up on us…Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts and comments today! Blessings
Debbie, congrats and blessings in abundance to Jesse and Jessie! (How cool is it that their names are the same!) I’ve ridden the jealousy/envy train and it never ends well. The Lord was gracious and kind and showed me how to de-board the train before the destruction came. I am grateful. Beware of the J.E.T. (Jealousy Envy Train)
Thank you so much Susan! and get this – Jesse and Jessie now live on Jessica Loop!!! LOL I too am so very grateful that when I have gotten caught up and been on the J.E.T. as you so well put that God has graciously helped me get off. Thanks for sharing and I totally love the acronym.
I loved seeing joyful pictures of the wedding on FB.
And this post about jealousy is such a warning alarm! Joseph’s life demonstrates the danger of jealousy!
Ahhhh, Thanks Michelle. I would have had more pictures to share, but I sat my phone down and tried to unplug some and enjoy the moment. 🙂 so glad you got to see some of the pictures, I can’t wait to see what the photographer captured.
Double congratulations on being the mother of the groom and launching a new podcast! Lots for this dreamer to be thankful for this week!
Thank you Laurie! It is such an awesome feeling to see my son marry a beautiful woman of God and to have a love time dream finally come to fruition!
Congrats on the podcast! Praying God’s continued blessings on your ministry. And congrats on gaining a daughter. laurensparks.net
Thank you so much Lauren!
Congratulations on the podcast! I recently have started listening to podcasts, so I will definitely check it out.
Jealousy is a terrible thing. Joseph’s brothers personify what can happen when jealousy is allowed to rule in lives – but I’ve always thought Jacob was to blame as well. When you show obvious favoritism, it never ends well. (And then, of course, you have to remember what favoritism did when Jacob’s own parents were both guilty of it!
I’m glad you persevered even though your mentor fell prey to jealousy. No one gets to decide our calling but the Lord!
Thank You Jerralea! I look forward to hearing what you think of the podcast.
Also, yes, you are so right, jealousy is a terrible thing. I love your comments and thoughts on this as well… and thanks for the reminder that Jacob learned favoritism from his parents… so true! Love and appreciate you sharing your perspective.
Congrats, Deb!! So exciting!
Thank you so much Sue – it is a very exciting time for sure!
Thank you so much for the shoutout and feature Debbie! I too am about to do the wedding thing! In just 2 weeks we marry off our youngest! 🙂 Will be checking out that podcast! THANKS!
You are most welcome Patsy. I was glad to be able to spotlight you this week. I will be praying for you as you head into the wedding week(s) My son is my oldest, so it was a first for us having one of our children married. and YAY thanks for checking out the podcast too!!! Blessings
Congratulations on your son getting married and congratulations on your Podcast!
Blessings,
thank you so much Karen! It’s a fun and doublely blessed week for sure!
So happy about this since I am the ultimate podcast listener lol.
Adding it to my Stitcher now!
Oh yay! thank you so much Meg. I am so glad you enjoy podcasts 🙂 I look for to hearing what you think since you are the ultimate podcast listener. 🙂
This week I am sharing a Creme Brulee, Creme Brulee French Toast Casserole and Creme Brulee Waffles. Thanks for hosting. Have a lovely evening!
Oh my word, creme brulee everything! delish
Heading right over to find your podcast!
Yay! Thank you so much Elizabeth 🙂
I will take a listen to your podcast. Beautiful words. Thanks for hosting and I hope that you have a wonderful week.
Thank you so much Patrick! I so appreciate you taking the time to listen to the podcast. I am excited for the coming episodes, the first one was good, but I think they improve with each one we recorded. You have a wonderful week too.
It’s so true how jealousy and covetousness can just sneak up on you, especially when pride starts whispering in your ear that you are too spiritually “mature” to fall into envy. I have been blindsided many times by my own desire to compare or be like others — even the size and reach of other ministries similar to mine. Thank you, Debbie, for this convicting and encouraging post.
Kim, you are most welcome for the post and I too have been blindsided. I so appreciate you stopping by to take the time to read and comment. Thanks for being here.
Debbie, you make such a good point about jealousy negatively impacting the work of the kingdom and the kingdom workers. I find it so sad that so many people can struggle with encouraging and supporting one another, because there is just so much kingdom work to be done that we need every part of Christ’s body to use their gifts and contribute. Many hands at work, lighten the load and ensure that what needs to be accomplished gets done. We all have been endowed with gifts that need to be identified and used for God’s glory. I pray that we can all encourage and cheer each other on so that we further God’s work and kingdom.
Thank you Anne, and you make some great points yourself and I agree with you. I too wish jealousy wasn’t an issue, but it is. If we could all understand that there is plenty of ministry to go around and many of us need to cooperate and partner with each other. Blessings
What resonated most with me about this article is what you wrote in the beginning: “Sometimes when God speaks or reveals things to us, others can’t or don’t see it.” This happened to me when I announced to my local church that God had called me to Guatemala as a missionary. The idea was rejected by a dear friend. It shocked me in the moment. Weeks later they repented, but it was I was reminded that when God calls you he will speak to you personally.
Oh wow. Summer, I am so sorry your dreams and ideas were rejected by those closest to you. I am so glad it didn’t keep you down for long though. Thanks for sharing. Blessings