Hope for Right Now: A Walking with Purpose Podcast

Episode 21: The Helmet of Salvation

Join us for episode 21 in our eight-week series, Be Strong: The Armor of God. Lisa and Laura continue our deep dive into Ephesians 6:10–18, awakening us to the invisible battle that rages while encouraging us to reach for the weapons that keep us strong and steady. Today, Lisa and Laura introduce the fifth piece of armor, the helmet of salvation. This is the armor that protects our minds. Do you ever find that you get stuck in a pattern of thinking that you know is messed up, but you don’t know how to stop the thoughts? Yeah—us, too. It’s time we break this cycle. So what do you say we open our Bibles and get to work!

Open your Heart to our key Scripture. 
Ephesians 6:17: And take the helmet of salvation.

Open your Bible to other Scriptures referenced in this episode.
Genesis 3:24: He drove out the man; and at the East of the garden of Eden he placed the cherubim, and a flaming sword which turned every way, to guard the way to the tree of life.
Matthew 28:19–20: Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you.
Isaiah 26:3: You keep him in perfect peace whose mind stayed on you (ESV).
2 Corinthians 10:4: The weapons of our warfare are not worldly but have divine power to destroy strongholds.

Invite Him in with this episode’s question for reflection.
Download Our Inheritance in Christ, choose one benefit of being a daughter of God, and journal about why that particular aspect of being a daughter of God grabs your heart.

Show mentions.
Summer Bible study on the podcast! Lisa and Laura will be working through a six-week series based on the Walking with Purpose Bible study, Living in the Father’s Love. Using code BOGOHOPE, purchase one Living in the Father’s Love and get a second one at 50% off. Limit one use per customer. This offer ends July 15, 2024.
Lisa Brenninkmeyer, Walking with Purpose, Praying from the Heart: Guided Prayer Journal
Frank Sheed, Theology for Beginners

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Episode 20: The Shield of Faith

Join us for episode 20 in our eight-week series, Be Strong: The Armor of God. Lisa and Laura continue our deep dive into Ephesians 6:10–18, awakening us to the invisible battle that rages while encouraging us to reach for the weapons that keep us strong and steady. Today, Lisa and Laura introduce us to our fourth piece of armor, the shield of faith. We are all familiar with the word faith, but what exactly does it mean? Saint Paul is about to tell us, so grab your Bible and get ready to dive in; you do not want to leave home without this piece of armor!

Open your Heart to our key Scripture.
Ephesians 6:16: Besides all these, taking the shield of faith, with which you can quench all the flaming darts of the Evil One.

Open your Bible to other Scriptures referenced in this episode.
Luke 1:39: Mary set out and traveled to the hill country in haste.
2 Timothy 1:7: For God did not give us a spirit of cowardice but rather of power and love and self-control.

Invite Him in with this episode’s question for reflection.
God, where are you asking me to take a step of faith right now?

Show mentions.
Charles Blondin, French tightrope walker and acrobat
Saint Alphonsus Liguori, The Glories of Mary
Father Peter John Cameron, Mysteries of the Virgin Mary: Living our Lady's Graces

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We are committed to creating content that is free and easily accessible to every woman—especially the one looking for answers but unsure of where to go. If you've enjoyed this podcast, prayerfully consider making a donation to support it and other WWP outreach programs that bring women closer to Christ.

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Episode 19: The Shoes of the Gospel of Peace

Join us for episode 19 in our eight-week series, Be Strong: The Armor of God. Lisa and Laura continue a deep dive into Ephesians 6:10–18, awakening us to the invisible battle that rages while encouraging us to reach for the weapons that keep us strong and steady. Today, Lisa and Laura introduce us to our third piece of armor, the shoes of the gospel of peace. As we study peace in the whole of Ephesians, we start to see that there are two types of peace. And we need both. What are these two types of peace, you ask? Grab your Bible and get ready, because you are about to find out!

Open your Heart to our key Scripture.
Ephesians 6:15: And having shod your feet with the equipment of the gospel of peace.

Open your Bible to other Scriptures referenced in this episode.
Psalm 91:1–2: He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High, who abides in the shadow of the Almighty, will say to the Lord, “My refuge and my fortress; my God, in whom I trust.”
Ephesians 2:13–14: But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near in the blood of Christ. For he is our peace, who has made us both one, and has broken down the dividing wall of hostility.
Ephesians 2:17–18: [Jesus] preached peace to you who were far off and peace to those who were near; for through him we both have access in one Spirit to the Father.
John 14:6: I am the way, the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but by me.
Philippians 4:6–7: Have no anxiety about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which passes all understanding, will keep your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Isaiah 26:3–4: You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you. Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord God is an everlasting rock.

Invite Him in with this episode’s questions for reflection.
Who is someone you know who has inner peace despite being in the midst of difficult circumstances? 

Consider calling and asking him or her how this has been possible. How has he or she activated peace? If you do this, you’ll probably learn something new and encourage this person at the same time. 

Show mentions.
Lisa Brenninkmeyer, Walking with Purpose, Praying from the Heart: Guided Prayer Journal
Saint Alphonsus de Liguori, Uniformity with God’s Will
Jonathan Ogden, “Psalm 91”

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We are committed to creating content that is free and easily accessible to every woman—especially the one looking for answers but unsure of where to go. If you've enjoyed this podcast, prayerfully consider making a donation to support it and other WWP outreach programs that bring women closer to Christ.

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Episode 18: The Breastplate of Righteousness

Join us for episode 18 in our eight-week series, Be Strong: The Armor of God. Lisa and Laura continue the deep dive into Ephesians 6:10–18, awakening us to the invisible battle that rages while encouraging us to reach for the weapons that keep us strong and steady. Today, Lisa and Laura introduce us to our second piece of armor, the breastplate of righteousness. Why is putting this piece of armor on so important? What is righteousness? Grab your Bible, notebook, and pen, and find out! This episode is not to be missed.

Open your Heart to our key Scripture.
Ephesians 6:14: Stand therefore, having girded your loins with truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness.

Open your Bible to other Scriptures referenced in this episode.
Proverbs 4:23: With all vigilance guard your heart, for in it are the sources of life.
Proverbs 3:1–2: My son, do not forget my teaching, but let your heart keep my commandments; for length of days and years of life and abundant welfare will they give you.
John 14:15: “If you love me, you will keep my commandments.”
Philippians 3:9: Not having a righteousness of my own, based on law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God that depends on faith.
Romans 5:19: For as by one man’s disobedience many were made sinners, so by one man’s obedience many will be made righteous.
1 Peter 2:24: He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness.
2 Corinthians 5:21: For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.
Daniel 3, The Prayer of Azariah in the Furnace, 1: And they walked about in the midst of the flames, singing hymns to God and blessing the Lord.

Invite Him in with this episode’s questions for reflection.
What is your loose board?

What comfort or benefit does it give you that makes it difficult for you to part with it?

What sort of detriments has it brought to your life?

What would be the first step you could take this week to make a different choice?

Show mentions.
E. Stanley Jones, theologian.
The four kinds of righteousness are performative righteousness, comparative righteousness, infused righteousness, and practical righteousness.
CCC 1814: Faith is the theological virtue by which we believe in God and believe all that he has said and revealed to us.
CCC 539: The evangelists indicate the salvific meaning of this mysterious event: Jesus is the new Adam who remained faithful just where the first Adam had given in to temptation. Jesus fulfills Israel's vocation perfectly: in contrast to those who had once provoked God during forty years in the desert, Christ reveals himself as God's Servant, totally obedient to the divine will. In this, Jesus is the devil's conqueror: he "binds the strong man" to take back his plunder. Jesus' victory over the tempter in the desert anticipates victory at the Passion, the supreme act of obedience of his filial love for the Father.
Priscilla Shirer, writer.

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Stay in the know. Connect with us today. 

We are committed to creating content that is free and easily accessible to every woman—especially the one looking for answers but unsure of where to go. If you've enjoyed this podcast, prayerfully consider making a donation to support it and other WWP outreach programs that bring women closer to Christ.

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Episode 17: The Belt of Truth

Join us for episode 17 in our eight-week series, Be Strong: The Armor of God. Lisa and Laura will dive into Ephesians 6:10–18, awakening us to the invisible battle that rages while encouraging us to reach for the weapons that keep us strong and steady. Today, Lisa and Laura introduce us to our first piece of armor, the belt of truth. If you struggle to believe God’s truth is ordered toward your happiness, this episode is for you. Grab your coffee and get ready to open your heart, open your Bible, and invite Him in.

Open your Heart to our key Scripture.
Ephesians 6:13–14: Therefore, take the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having fastened the belt of truth around your waist. (ESV)

Open your Bible to other Scriptures referenced in this episode.
Ephesians 4:14: So that we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the cunning of men, by their craftiness in deceitful wiles.
2 Timothy 3:6–7: Swayed by various impulses, [people] who will listen to anybody and can never arrive at a knowledge of the truth.
Genesis 3
John 8:44: You are of your father the devil, and your will is to do your father’s desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, and has nothing to do with the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks according to his own nature, for he is a liar and the father of lies.
Proverbs 3:5: Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not rely on your own insight.
Matthew 12:34: Out of the abundance of our hearts the mouth speaks.
Ephesians 4:26–27: Be angry but do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, and give no opportunity to the devil.
Ephesians 6:14: Stand therefore, having girded your loins with truth.
John 8:32: And you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free.
Psalm 106:13-15: But they soon forgot his works; they did not wait for his counsel. But they had a wanton craving in the wilderness, and put God to the test in the desert; he gave them what they asked, but sent a wasting disease among them.

Invite Him in with this episode’s question for reflection.
Which of my emotions or decisions do I need to gather up and tuck into the truth?

Show mentions.
Walking with Purpose, Fearless and Free
CCC 397: Man, tempted by the devil, let his trust in his Creator die in his heart and, abusing his freedom, disobeyed God's command. This is what man's first sin consisted of. All subsequent sin would be disobedience toward God and lack of trust in his goodness.
Father Chad Ripperger, https://www.catholicarena.com/latest/rippergeranger052121
Thomas à Kempis, The Imitation of Christ
Matthew Kelly, Dynamic Catholic

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We are committed to creating content that is free and easily accessible to every woman—especially the one looking for answers but unsure of where to go. If you've enjoyed this podcast, prayerfully consider making a donation to support it and other WWP outreach programs that bring women closer to Christ.

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Episode 16: The Spiritual Battle, Part 2

Join us for episode 16 in our eight-week series, Be Strong: The Armor of God. Lisa and Laura will be diving into Ephesians 6:10–18, awakening us to the invisible battle that rages, while encouraging us to reach for the weapons that keep us strong and steady in any circumstance. Today, Lisa and Laura continue to unpack the spiritual battle, focusing on the importance of being aware. If you’re not sure what spiritual warfare looks like, today’s episode was recorded for you! Open to Ephesians, stand strong, open your heart, open your Bible, and invite Him in.

Open your Heart to our key Scripture.
Ephesians 6:10–13: Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we are not contending against flesh and blood, but against the principalities, against the powers, against the world rulers of this present darkness, against the spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore take the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. 

Open your Bible to other Scriptures referenced in this episode.
John 5:6: Do you want to be healed?
2 Kings 6:8–12
2 Kings 6:15–17
Luke 18:41–42: “What do you want me to do for you?” He said, “Lord, let me receive my sight.” And Jesus said to him, “Receive your sight; your faith has made you well.”

Invite Him in with this episode’s question for reflection.
Which of my wounds is the enemy trying to exploit right now? 

Show mentions.
ACTS XXIX, The Rescue Project, https://www.actsxxix.org/
ACTS XXIX, Come to Me: Spiritual Conversations for Healing, https://www.actsxxix.org/storestock#discernment-booklets. This week's journaling question is based on the way the Lord has taught ACTS XXIX to pray and is in this small but mighty booklet! Grab one for yourself, or buy in bulk for your friends, family, or parish.
Fr. John Riccardo and Mary Guilfoyle, You Were Born for This Podcast
Saint Joan of Arc, “I am not afraid…I was born to do this.”
Ralph Abernathy, “I don't know what the future may hold, but I know who holds the future.”

 

Let’s stay connected.
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We are committed to creating content that is free and easily accessible to every woman—especially the one looking for answers but unsure of where to go. If you've enjoyed this podcast, prayerfully consider making a donation to support it and other WWP outreach programs that bring women closer to Christ.

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Episode 15: The Spiritual Battle, Part 1

Join us for episode 15, in our brand new eight-week series, Be Strong: The Armor of God. Lisa and Laura will be diving into Ephesians 6:10–18, awakening us to the invisible battle that rages, while encouraging us to reach for the weapons that keep us strong and steady in any circumstance. If you’re tired of feeling depleted and defeated, this series is for you. Open to Ephesians and grab a notebook and pen, because you are going to want to write every word down. Then, stand strong, as you open your heart, open your Bible, and invite Him in.

Open your Heart to our key Scripture.
2 Corinthians 10:3–5: For though we live in the world we are not carrying on a worldly war, for the weapons of our warfare are not worldly but have divine power to destroy strongholds. We destroy arguments and every proud obstacle to the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ.

Open your Bible to other Scriptures referenced in this episode.
Ephesians 6:10–18
Isaiah 14:12–15: How you are fallen from heaven, O Day Star, son of Dawn! How you are cut down to the ground, you who laid the nations low! You said in your heart, “I will ascend to heaven; above the stars of God I will set my throne on high; I will sit on the mount of assembly in the far north; I will ascend above the heights of the clouds, I will make myself like the Most High.” But you are brought down to Sheol, to the depths of the Pit.
Ezekiel 28:11–19
Matthew 4:3: And the tempter came and said to him, “If you are the Son of God, command these stones to become loaves of bread.”
Matthew 12:24: But when the Pharisees heard it they said, “It is only by Be-el’zebul, the prince of demons, that this man casts out demons.”
2 Corinthians 4:4: In their case the god of this world has blinded the mind of the unbelievers.
1 John 5:18: We know that anyone born of God does not sin, but He was born of God keeps him, and the evil one does not touch him.
1 Peter 5:8: Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.
John 8:44: He was a murderer from the beginning, and has nothing to do with the truth.

Invite Him in with this episode’s questions for reflection.
We mentioned three lies that the enemy loves to whisper to mess with our minds:

I am alone.
I am unlovable.
I am powerless and hopeless. 

Do you find that any of these lies take up space in your head? Or is it a different lie?

Write the lie in your journal, then take some time to journal the truth you know about God. 

Show mentions.
Priscilla Shirer, “Sizing Up the Enemy”
CCC 2851: In this petition, evil is not an abstraction, but refers to a person, Satan, the Evil One, the angel who opposes God. The devil is the one who “throws himself across” God’s plan and his work of salvation accomplished in Christ.
Laura Phelps, Victorious Secret: Everyday Battles and How to Win Them
Richard F. Lovelace, Dynamics of Spiritual Life
J.I. Packer, Quote.
Walking with Purpose, Fearless and Free

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We are committed to creating content that is free and easily accessible to every woman—especially the one looking for answers but unsure of where to go. If you've enjoyed this podcast, prayerfully consider making a donation to support it and other WWP outreach programs that bring women closer to Christ.

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Episode 14: When He Calls You by Name

Join us for Episode 14, in our seven-week series, The Psalms of Ascent: A Lenten Pilgrimage. In this week’s episode, Lisa and Laura celebrate the resurrection of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, by unpacking John 20:11–18. If you struggle with your identity and believe the lie that you have to earn God’s love, we pray you will listen to Lisa and Laura’s conversation with an open heart. Grab your Bible and join us as we stand beside Mary Magdalene at the open tomb. You won’t be disappointed!

 

Open your Heart to our key Scripture. 
John 20:11–18

 

Open your Bible to other Scriptures referenced in this episode.
Luke 8:1–2: And also some women who had been healed of evil spirits and infirmities: Mary, called Magdalene, from whom seven demons had gone out. (ESV)
Isaiah 43:1: Thus says the Lord, he who created you, and he who formed you: “Fear not for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name. You are mine.”
John 15:15: No longer do I call you servants, for the servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends.
1 Thessalonians 1:4: For we know, brethren, beloved by God, that he has chosen you.
Ephesians 2:10: For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus, for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.
1 Corinthians 6:19: Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, which you have from God?
Acts 1:8: But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samar’ia and to the end of the earth.
Galatians 3:26: For in Christ Jesus, you are all sons of God, through faith.
Romans 5:8: But God shows his love for us, that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.
John 8:36: So if the Son makes you free, you will be free indeed.
2 Corinthians 5:17: Therefore, if any one is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has passed away, behold, the new has come.
Jeremiah 31:3: I have loved you with an everlasting love; therefore I have continued my faithfulness to you.
Psalm 103:12: As far as the east is from the west, so far does he remove our transgressions from us.
John 15:16: You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should abide; so that whatever you ask the Father in my name, he may give it to you.
Psalm 27:13: I believe I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living.
Psalm 27:14: Wait for the Lord, be strong and let your heart take courage; yea, wait for the Lord.
Joel 2:25: I will restore to you the years which the swarming locust has eaten. 

 

Invite Him in with this episode’s questions for reflection.
In which ways am I tempted to root my identity in something other than being God’s beloved daughter?
What is something concrete I can do to shift from a focus on “doing” to that of “receiving”?

 

Show mentions.
The Chosen. Season 1, Episode 3
Walking with Purpose, Sisters of Strength
Studs Terkel, Working: People Talk About What They Do All Day and How They Feel About What They Do
Lisa Brenninkmeyer, The Litany of Identity 

 

Let’s stay connected.
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Stay in the know. Connect with us today. 

We are committed to creating content that is free and easily accessible to every woman—especially the one looking for answers but unsure of where to go. If you've enjoyed this podcast, prayerfully consider making a donation to support it and other WWP outreach programs that bring women closer to Christ.

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Our Shop. 

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