Moments to Ponder

Betsy Marvin
  • 4.9 (12)
  • CHRISTIANITY
  • BIWEEKLY 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
See All Season 17 (5)

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
    165
  • Seasons
    17
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Moments to Ponder
  • Show Website
    Moments to Ponder