Moments to Ponder

Betsy Marvin
  • 4.9 (12)
  • CHRISTIANITY
  • WEEKLY SERIES

Pondering is a lost practice today.  The idea that we might actually take a few moments  to think deeply about anything seems indulgent in our busy, full schedules.  Yet, our souls crave rest  and space to breathe, process our lives, choices, and walk with Jesus.  I invite you to join me fora few moments to take in Scripture and take away a few thoughts to ponder throughout your day.

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  1. EPISODE 161

    Episode 161: It Begins With Prayer

    Thought to share? Send me a text... We trace the road from Israel’s fracture to Nehemiah’s grief and see why broken walls meant a vulnerable people. We connect Jerusalem’s gates to the boundaries that guard our hearts and start the rebuilding with prayer. • setting a new series on Nehemiah and why it matters now • timeline from Solomon to exile, Persia, and return • the temple rebuilt but walls in ruins and why that matters • Nehemiah’s response of lament, fasting, and prayer • prayer as first response, not last resort • our hearts as God’s temple and the need for gates • practical reflection on breaches, boundaries, and renewal • invitation to write prayers and watch for restoration This week, I encourage you to begin to pray over any area of your life that needs God's intervention and renewal. Then write it down, bring it before God, and let's see how God works in that over the next few weeks. Welcome And New Series Launch 0:37  Why Nehemiah And Why Now 1:35  Israel’s Split And Exile Timeline 3:14  Persia’s Role And Temple Rebuild 5:06  Ezra’s Return And Setup For Nehemiah 6:54  Nehemiah’s Report And Grief 8:15  Why Broken Walls Truly Matter 9:26  Prayer As First Response 11:18  Your Heart As God’s Temple 13:05  Guarding Gates Without Shutting Out 14:42  A Weekly Practice Of Prayer 16:00  Ponder Prompt And Closing Prayer To find out more about me, or to book a speaking engagement, head to https://betsymarvin.com/ For access to past podcasts and transcripts, head to https://betsymarvin.com/podcasts/ You can follow me on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/betsyjmarvin/ and Facebook https://www.facebook.com/betsy.marvin.98

    17 min

  2. EPISODE 162

    Episode 162: The Quiet Work of Prayer

    Thought to share? Send me a text... We trace Nehemiah’s journaled prayer from praise to yielding and show how this pattern brings clarity and courage for big decisions. Betsy shares her own yearlong discernment and invites prayer requests as we practice asking God for favor and walking in step with his promises. • praise that reframes fear and centers on God’s character • confession that owns sin and breaks shame • remembering God’s promises that fuel resilient hope • asking boldly for specific favor and next steps • yielding control while acting in faith • Nehemiah’s role as cupbearer and timely influence • praying together for endurance and open doors Is there something that I could be praying for in your life? You can use the text link through the podcast notes, or if you're watching, you can leave a note below. And I will pray. Welcome And Purpose 0:41  Wrestling With Big Decisions 2:33  Reading Nehemiah’s Prayer 5:10  Praise And Perspective In Prayer 7:16  Confession And Freedom 9:16  Remembering God’s Promises 11:20  Asking For Favor With The King 13:29  The Role Of The Cupbearer 16:00  God’s People In Places Of Influence To find out more about me, or to book a speaking engagement, head to https://betsymarvin.com/ For access to past podcasts and transcripts, head to https://betsymarvin.com/podcasts/ You can follow me on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/betsyjmarvin/ and Facebook https://www.facebook.com/betsy.marvin.98

    18 min

  3. EPISODE 163

    Episode 163: Two Wings To Fly (Neh. 2:1-8)

    Thought to share? Send me a text... We explore how faith and effort work together through Nehemiah’s bold request to rebuild Jerusalem, showing how prayer fuels practical planning. Along the way we unpack convergent faith, journaling for clarity, and choosing open doors over closed ones. • Two wings of progress: faith and human effort • Nehemiah’s courage in the king’s court • Specific asks: letters, timber, timelines, and travel • Preparation as evidence of trust and character • Convergent faith: gifts, calling, and prayer aligned • Journaling to remember lessons and track God’s provision • Discernment: not every good thing is your thing • Practical questions to identify gifts and passions • Looking for open doors instead of closed ones • Blessing to rebuild from the inside out To find out more about me, or to book a speaking engagement, head to https://betsymarvin.com/ For access to past podcasts and transcripts, head to https://betsymarvin.com/podcasts/ You can follow me on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/betsyjmarvin/ and Facebook https://www.facebook.com/betsy.marvin.98

    18 min

  4. EPISODE 164

    Episode 164: Rebuilding Starts in the Dark (Nehemiah 3)

    Thought to share? Send me a text... We trace Nehemiah’s careful plan to rebuild Jerusalem’s walls and draw out a simple pattern for change: pray, prepare, expect pushback, and keep moving. From quiet night inspections to bold public resolve, we map how faith and strategy work together to rebuild from the inside out. • planning before action as wisdom for big goals • royal support and the political stakes around Jerusalem • why opposition rises when good work begins • the night inspection as model for honest assessment • rallying people with clarity and conviction • confronting ridicule without losing focus • practical cues for daily prayer and Bible reading • rebuilding habits as a long game with small steps Thanks for spending these few moments with me in God's Word. And as you go into this week, may God continue the work He has begun in you, rebuilding from the inside out. You are loved. You can do this, and the God of heaven walks with you. Amen. To find out more about me, or to book a speaking engagement, head to https://betsymarvin.com/ For access to past podcasts and transcripts, head to https://betsymarvin.com/podcasts/ You can follow me on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/betsyjmarvin/ and Facebook https://www.facebook.com/betsy.marvin.98

    18 min

  5. EPISODE 165

    Episode 165: More Than A List (Nehemiah 3)

    Thought to share? Send me a text... We walk the perimeter of Jerusalem through Nehemiah 3 and discover how a list of gates and names becomes a living map for discipleship. From Sheep Gate to East Gate, we trace how Jesus meets us, grows us, and calls us to build together with willing hearts. • why Nehemiah 3 honors ordinary people and work • how each gate pictures a stage of spiritual growth • the role of valleys, trash, and renewal in formation • Scripture and the Spirit as cleansing and power • spiritual opposition and the call to stand ready • community strategy: build opposite your house • the freedom and weight of voluntary service • why every name and contribution matters to God If you learned something new today or just enjoyed this podcast, I encourage you to subscribe so that you can stay with us as we journey through the book of Nehemiah, Rebuilding from the Inside Out To find out more about me, or to book a speaking engagement, head to https://betsymarvin.com/ For access to past podcasts and transcripts, head to https://betsymarvin.com/podcasts/ You can follow me on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/betsyjmarvin/ and Facebook https://www.facebook.com/betsy.marvin.98

    26 min

  6. EPISODE 166

    Episode 166: Half the Wall Built...and the Opposition Gets Loud (Neh. 4)

    Thought to share? Send me a text... We explore how opposition often shows up when the work is halfway done and how Nehemiah models a blend of prayer, courage, and wise action. We share practical ways to discern helpful critique from harmful pushback and how to keep building with the armor of God. • welcoming honest leadership that accepts disagreement • Nehemiah 4 as a guide to resilience under pressure • prayer as first response, not last resort • discerning constructive criticism from opposition • setting guards at exposed gaps and sharing the load • leading through fear, fatigue, and real threats • practical readiness paired with deep trust in God • the armor of God for steady minds and firm steps • taking one more faithful step when you want to quit To find out more about me, or to book a speaking engagement, head to https://betsymarvin.com/ For access to past podcasts and transcripts, head to https://betsymarvin.com/podcasts/ You can follow me on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/betsyjmarvin/ and Facebook https://www.facebook.com/betsy.marvin.98

    17 min

  7. EPISODE 167

    Episode 167: The Hat You Can't Take Off (Neh. 5)

    Thought to share? Send me a text... In Nehemiah 5, the threat isn’t coming from outside the walls — it’s rising from within. As the people rebuild Jerusalem, famine, debt, and injustice begin to fracture the unity they fought so hard to protect. And Nehemiah is forced to wear a different hat — not warrior, but governor. Not military leader, but mediator. In this episode of Moments to Ponder, we explore: What happens when pressure reveals cracksThe kind of leadership that restores unityWhy integrity matters more than authorityAnd the one “hat” we can never take offNehemiah models sacrificial leadership rooted in the fear of God — even when no one else is watching. If you’ve ever wondered whether your unseen sacrifices matter, this conversation is for you. 📖 Scripture: Nehemiah 5  ✨ Cross references: Matthew 10:40–42, Hebrews 6:10 Take a few moments. Let God meet you in the quiet. To find out more about me, or to book a speaking engagement, head to https://betsymarvin.com/ For access to past podcasts and transcripts, head to https://betsymarvin.com/podcasts/ You can follow me on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/betsyjmarvin/ and Facebook https://www.facebook.com/betsy.marvin.98

    20 min

  8. EPISODE 168

    Episode 168: Stay On The Wall (Neh. 6)

    Thought to share? Send me a text... Have you ever wanted to shout at someone on a screen, “Don’t believe that!” Deception has always been one of the enemy’s favorite tools. In Nehemiah 6, opposition intensifies—from distraction to slander to intimidation and even spiritual manipulation. And yet Nehemiah refuses to come down from the wall. In this episode of Moments to Ponder, we explore: How opposition escalates when the work of God is advancingThe difference between discernment and fearWhy not every “spiritual word” is from GodHow Jesus faced similar tactics—and stayed faithfulWhat it looks like to remain steady when your integrity is questionedNehemiah’s response is simple and powerful:  “I am engaged in a great work, so I can’t come.” If you’ve ever faced criticism, gossip, false accusation, or pressure to compromise, this conversation is for you. The wall was finished in 52 days—not because the opposition disappeared, but because Nehemiah refused to step away from what God called him to do. Let’s take a few moments in God’s Word and walk away strengthened. To find out more about me, or to book a speaking engagement, head to https://betsymarvin.com/ For access to past podcasts and transcripts, head to https://betsymarvin.com/podcasts/ You can follow me on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/betsyjmarvin/ and Facebook https://www.facebook.com/betsy.marvin.98

    20 min

  9. EPISODE 169

    Episode 169: What's the Truest Thing About You? (Neh. 7)

    Thought to share? Send me a text... We trace a personal lie about belonging to the deeper truth of identity in Christ, then open Nehemiah 7 to see why names, roles, and boundaries mattered for a restored people. From census lists to Matthew’s genealogy, we follow the thread from exile to Jesus and land on a secure identity that frees us from comparison. • adoption story exposing a belonging lie • roles versus identity and why labels fail • modern identity pressures and their cost • Nehemiah’s appointments, delegation, and security • census purpose, family lines, and priestly proof • royal priesthood and identity in Christ • gifts, generosity, and shared rebuilding • Jeremiah’s promise fulfilled and hope restored • genealogy from Zerubbabel to Jesus • practices to replace lies with Scripture truth If this episode encouraged you, please share it with someone who may be wrestling with who they are and I encourage you to spend some time this week writing down what Scripture says is true about you - Just Google what does Scripture say is true about me? If you would like to continue this walk with me through Nehemiah because you've learned something or already discovered more about what your Bible has to say, just subscribe to Moments to Ponder, and I'd love to have you join me To find out more about me, or to book a speaking engagement, head to https://betsymarvin.com/ For access to past podcasts and transcripts, head to https://betsymarvin.com/podcasts/ You can follow me on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/betsyjmarvin/ and Facebook https://www.facebook.com/betsy.marvin.98

    28 min

  10. EPISODE 170

    Episode 170: Why Worship Feels Empty (Neh. 8:1-12)

    Thought to share? Send me a text... Why does worship sometimes feel empty? In Book of Nehemiah chapter 8, the people of Israel experience something powerful—true, joyful worship. But it doesn’t begin with music, singing, or even celebration. It begins with God’s Word. As the people gather during the Jewish feast known as Rosh Hashanah, they listen to the Law for hours. The Word convicts their hearts, leads them to repentance, and ultimately fills them with joy. And only then does worship overflow. In this episode of Moments to Ponder, Betsy explores what this moment teaches us about worship today—and why many churches may be missing the very thing that brings worship to life. You’ll also hear reflections from:  • a mission trip in Mexico  • a worship night that looked like a failure—but wasn’t  • the revival at Asbury University in 2023 Each story points to the same truth: Worship is not the beginning.  It’s the response. If you’ve ever wondered why worship can feel dry—or how it can come alive again—this episode will encourage you to prepare your heart before you ever walk into church. Take a few moments in God’s Word…  and discover the joy that leads to real worship. To find out more about me, or to book a speaking engagement, head to https://betsymarvin.com/ For access to past podcasts and transcripts, head to https://betsymarvin.com/podcasts/ You can follow me on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/betsyjmarvin/ and Facebook https://www.facebook.com/betsy.marvin.98

    26 min

  11. EPISODE 171

    Why Are We so Bad At Obeying God?

    Thought to share? Send me a text... If someone described you as “obedient,” would you feel proud or offended? That single word can carry a lot of history, especially when you’ve seen obedience used as control or when independence feels like the highest good. Today we slow down in Nehemiah 8:13-18 and watch a community do something rare: they hear God’s Word, discover a long-neglected command, and respond right away, even though it is inconvenient and uncomfortable. And somehow, their obedience leads to great joy. We walk through a simple four-question Bible study method you can use anytime you feel stuck when reading the Bible: what the passage says about God and people, what stands out or confuses you, what to obey or follow, and how to apply it right now.  We also name the motives that often drive behavior: fear-based obedience, reward-based, duty-based, and the kind that transforms everything, love-based obedience. The goal is not rule-keeping for its own sake, but a life shaped by relationship with God, where remembering his faithfulness fuels gratitude, and gratitude makes obedience a chosen, joy-filled response. If this encouraged you, subscribe, share it with a friend who wrestles with obedience, and leave a review. What area of your life is God nudging from disobedience to obedience? To find out more about me, or to book a speaking engagement, head to https://betsymarvin.com/ For access to past podcasts and transcripts, head to https://betsymarvin.com/podcasts/ You can follow me on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/betsyjmarvin/ and Facebook https://www.facebook.com/betsy.marvin.98

    22 min

  12. EPISODE 172

    Episode 172: The Path Back to God We'd Rather Skip (Neh. 9)

    Thought to share? Send me a text... Sin isn’t something we like to sit in for very long. But if you follow Jesus… it matters more than we often admit. So let me ask you—  When was the last time your sin actually bothered you? In Nehemiah 9, we encounter a moment that stops us in our tracks. The people don’t rush past their sin. They don’t minimize it or explain it away. Instead, they slow down long enough to truly see it—through the lens of who God is. And that changes everything. As God’s Word is read, they are reminded of His faithfulness, His mercy, His justice… and in contrast, they see their own patterns more clearly. What follows is one of the most powerful pictures of repentance in Scripture—marked by humility, confession, and a renewed commitment to God. In this episode, we explore:  Why repentance begins with seeing God rightly  What it looks like to truly acknowledge our sin  How God’s mercy meets us—even in our repeated failures Because this isn’t just their story… it’s ours too. And when we finally see both who God is and who we are—  repentance stops feeling heavy… and starts becoming holy. To find out more about me, or to book a speaking engagement, head to https://betsymarvin.com/ For access to past podcasts and transcripts, head to https://betsymarvin.com/podcasts/ You can follow me on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/betsyjmarvin/ and Facebook https://www.facebook.com/betsy.marvin.98

    28 min
See All Season 17 (12)

Ratings & Reviews

4.9
out of 5
12 Ratings

About

Pondering is a lost practice today.  The idea that we might actually take a few moments  to think deeply about anything seems indulgent in our busy, full schedules.  Yet, our souls crave rest  and space to breathe, process our lives, choices, and walk with Jesus.  I invite you to join me fora few moments to take in Scripture and take away a few thoughts to ponder throughout your day.

Information

  • Creator
    Betsy Marvin
  • Episodes
    172
  • Seasons
    17
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Moments to Ponder
  • Show Website
    Moments to Ponder