Cultivate with Kelly Minter

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During the Christmas season it’s easy to get lost in the holiday swirl and lose sight of the promises that God has kept through Jesus. That’s why in this episode we’re looking at Zechariah’s song of praise. His words will give us hope and perspective no matter what we’re going through. As Zechariah recounts the history of Israel and the dawning redemption, our spirits will be lifted.

As we go into a new year, remember that our God is a promise keeper and He is not forgetful of us or His promises. While this season may carry both joy and difficulty, we have good news! God kept His promise in sending a Savior into the world, Immanuel, God with us.

Don’t forget to sign up here for the Encountering God Online Bible study, starting January 13, 2022.

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Today, we’re unwrapping the story of Anna, the prophetess in Luke’s Gospel. She has a special place in God’s story of redemption, and she serves as a representative for all of us in seasons of waiting and longing. Widowed for 84 years, a woman of modest means, and from an exiled people group, we see God’s favor and grace shine through her life.

Perhaps you feel disqualified from God’s grace. Or you’re struggling to keep sight of Jesus in a season of unmet longing. Anna’s story will remind you that God’s redemption is on offer for everyone. I hope her story finds and refreshes your soul today amid the craziness of this and every season. If you’re longing and waiting in the midst of hardship, allow Anna to be a reminder of what to do when you wait. And more importantly, who to trust in the waiting.

Don’t forget to sign up here for the Encountering God Online Bible study, starting January 13, 2022.

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I don’t know about you, but I’m fully invested in the Christmas season. Today, we’re diving into a series of Christmas episodes and to kick it off, we’re starting in the book of Matthew. Matthew spends most of the first chapter outlining the genealogy of Jesus. While a genealogy may not seem like the most show stopping opener, the cultural and historical implications of this chapter are deeply impactful.

The genealogy of Jesus is countercultural. It is rare to find women listed in genealogies and the women highlighted here are not classified by their squeaky clean lives or heritages. The effects of shame, prejudice, disobedience, loneliness all permeate the lives of the women in Jesus’ line. As we look at these women, we can’t help but see reflections of our own hearts and stories. And in that reflection I pray we will see the all-encompassing salvation gift given to us through the life and death of Jesus.

Don’t forget to sign up here for the Encountering God Online Bible study, starting January 13, 2022.

Order the Encountering God Bible study

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We’re celebrating Thanksgiving this week with the spiritual discipline of thankfulness! (Look at how that worked out). The Cultivate podcast is back at my kitchen table, and I’m ready for you to pull up a chair. As we prepare our Thanksgiving menus, this is a week to also prepare our hearts.

We’re looking at 1 Thessalonians and how Paul specifically gives thanks to God for the PEOPLE in his life and ministry. And also his reminder for us to give thanks in all situations. As we approach this holiday season surrounded by friends and family, how much more meaningful it will be if we give thanks for how the Gospel is working in those we love.

Sign up here for the Encountering God Online Bible study, starting January 13, 2022.

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We’re looking at a life of goodness in today’s Cultivate podcast. If you already feel disqualified or like you’ve totally missed that “good” mark you’re exactly who I hope will join me. Scripture is really interesting on the topic of goodness because in Romans Paul quotes the Old Testament by saying that no one is good, not even one. And yet he’s also the one who teaches us that we’re to display the fruit of goodness and that we’re created for good works. So which is it?

In today’s episode we’re going to find out that it’s both. While we’re not saved by our good works, we’re definitely saved for good works. And the very grace that saves us is the same grace that fuels a life of goodness that doesn’t always come naturally to us. You were created for good works, and not only that, God prepared certain good works for you to do! I’m so excited about this episode as we dive into Ephesians 5:8-9, Ephesians 2:1-5, and Ephesians 2:8-10. My prayer is that you’ll find freedom from guilt and discouragement, and lean into God’s grace for the all the good He has in store for you.

If you’d like to go deeper into Bible study, check out Kelly’s brand new study releasing Nov 1, 2022 on the book of Ruth called Ruth: Loss, Love & Legacy.

Cultivate is brought to you in part by the Dwell Bible App. Save 30% at dwellapp.io/Cultivate.