Taking the Tov Way

Getting Back to the Good Life
  • 5.0 (11)
  • Christianity
  • Updated Weekly

Taking the Tov Way is a Christian podcast about traveling the road toward the good life.. the life that God wanted us from the very beginning of time, when He first planted us a living, vibrant, functional seed in the Garden. In this podcast, Maya will be talking about what it means to live a life that is good, according to the scriptures and how we can translate to every area of our life -- physically, mentally, emotionally, relationally and of course, spiritually. thetovway.substack.com

  1. a legacy of faith.

    May 22

    a legacy of faith.

    What does it look like to live a life of faith that outlives you? In this episode of Taking the Tov Way, we explore the pace of promise through the lives of Abraham, Sarah, Caleb, and Joshua. From the importance of pacing to the first purchase of the promised land, this conversation unpacks how God develops enduring faith through seasons of waiting, testing, grief, obedience, and perseverance. Sarah’s life became a living testimony of God’s faithfulness, and even in her death, the promise of God continued forward. Abraham’s purchase of a burial site in the promised land became the first seed of inheritance for future generations. Generations later, Caleb would inherit that very land because he chose to walk in the same faith. This episode is a reminder that: * Not every promise will fully mature during our lifetime. * God’s pace is purposeful. * Faith is often developed beneath the surface. * The seeds we plant today may become someone else’s breakthrough tomorrow. * A true legacy is built through obedience, endurance, and trust in God’s promises. If you are in a season that feels slow, stretching, uncertain, or painful, this episode will encourage you to trust the pace God has set before you and keep running your race faithfully. Scriptures Mentioned Sarah’s Death & Abraham’s Faith * Genesis 23:1–20 * Genesis 17:15–19 * Genesis 21:1–7 Caleb & Joshua’s Faith * Numbers 13:1–33 * Numbers 14:6–9 * Numbers 13:30 * Joshua 14:6–14 Faith, Endurance & Legacy * Hebrews 11:8–16 * Hebrews 11:13 * Hebrews 12:1–2 * Romans 5:3–5 * James 1:2–4 * Galatians 6:9 * 1 Corinthians 3:12–14 * 2 Corinthians 4:16–18 Hope Beyond This Life * 1 Thessalonians 4:13–18 * Revelation 21:1–5 * John 14:1–3 Reflection Questions * What season of pacing am I currently in with God? * Am I trusting God’s timing or trying to force my own? * What seeds of faith am I planting today? * What kind of spiritual legacy do I want to leave behind? * Where is God asking me to trust Him beyond what I can currently see? Connect with The Tov Way Join the community for devotionals, reflections, wellness content, Bible studies, and encouragement for the journey of faith. Follow & subscribe to Taking the Tov Way to stay connected with new episodes each week. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thetovway.substack.com

    42 min
  2. God's gotta be up to something...

    May 9

    God's gotta be up to something...

    What do you do when God asks you to trust Him beyond what makes sense? In this episode, we walk through one of the most challenging and powerful moments in Abraham’s journey — Genesis 22, where God tests Abraham’s faith by asking him to surrender Isaac, the very promise he waited years to receive. Together, we unpack what it means for faith to be confirmed through testing, how God uses trials to reveal where our trust truly lies, and why confidence in God’s character matters more than confidence in outcomes. This conversation explores: * Why Genesis 22 feels like Abraham’s “final exam” of faith * The many ways God revealed Himself to Abraham throughout his journey * What confirmation really means and how faith acts as assurance of a future reality * Why testing exposes and strengthens genuine faith * The difference between faith in God’s promises and faith in God’s character * Holy fear: trusting and revering God above every other fear * Abraham’s confidence that “God will provide” even before he saw the ram * How our faith impacts the people around us — just as Abraham’s faith influenced Isaac * Why surrender is often the pathway to deeper revelation of who God is * The beauty of God’s provision and the foreshadowing of Christ in Genesis 22 If you are in a season where life feels uncertain, confusing, painful, or stretched beyond your understanding, this episode is a reminder that God is faithful even in the fire. Sometimes the greatest act of faith is simply believing: “God’s gotta be up to something.” Key Scriptures * Genesis 12:1–3 * Genesis 15 * Genesis 17 * Genesis 21 * Genesis 22:1–14 * Hebrews 11:1 * 1 Peter 1:6–9 * James 1:2–4 Connect with The Tov Way Join the community for devotionals, reflections, Bible study resources, wellness content, and deeper conversations about pursuing the good life God designed. The Tov Way Substack This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thetovway.substack.com

    41 min
  3. a million little opportunities.

    Apr 17

    a million little opportunities.

    What if the most transformative moments in your life aren’t the loud, obvious ones—but the quiet, painful, in-between spaces? In this episode of Taking the Tov Way, Maya walks through the tension of grief, surrender, and trust as seen in Abraham’s story in Genesis 21. Together, we explore what it means to release what we’ve held onto, how God meets us in unexpected ways, and why even the hardest seasons are filled with opportunities to trust Him. From the grief of letting go of Ishmael… to the unexpected reminder through Abimelech… to the act of worship in planting a tamarisk tree… This episode is an invitation to recognize the “million little opportunities” in your life to surrender, trust, and worship—even in the middle of pain. God is with you in all that you do. Scripture References: Genesis 21:22–34 (ESV) Genesis 20:17-18 (ESV) Romans 12:1 (ESV) John 4:13–14 (NLT) Reflection Questions: * What is God asking you to release in this season? * Have you been overlooking the quiet ways God is reminding you that He is with you? * What would it look like for you to plant a “tamarisk tree” in your current season? * Are you taking hold of the “million little opportunities” to trust, surrender, and worship? Key Takeaways: * The in-between seasons are not empty—they are full of opportunities to trust God. * Grief and obedience often go hand in hand. * God may use unexpected people to remind you of His promises. * Worship is not just words—it’s how we respond to remembrance. * Faith is not sustained by our strength, but by God’s everlasting nature. * You can flourish in every season because God is faithful. If this episode encouraged you, share it with someone who may be in their “in-between” season. Be sure to subscribe, rate, and review Taking the Tov Way so we can continue reaching more people with the truth of God’s Word. And if you want to go deeper, join the Tov Way community for devotionals, Bible studies, and more. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thetovway.substack.com

    27 min
  4. the part we want to skip.

    Apr 10

    the part we want to skip.

    We often celebrate the promise—but overlook the process it takes to get there. In this episode, we take a deeper look at the tension in Abraham and Sarah’s story after Isaac is born. What happens when what God promised finally comes… but what we produced in our own strength is still present? This conversation explores the contrast between faith and striving, promise and performance, and Spirit and flesh—and invites you to consider what in your life may have been built apart from God. More importantly, it reminds us that conviction is not condemnation—it’s an invitation to surrender, trust, and allow God to fulfill what only He can. Key Themes * The difference between God’s promise and human effort * Why we often want the blessing but resist the process * The tension between flesh and Spirit * Recognizing the “Ishmael” in our own lives * Letting go as an act of faith—not failure * God’s grace in correction and redirection * Moving from striving to surrender Scriptures Referenced * Genesis 21 * Galatians 4:23 * John 3:6 * Galatians 5:17 * Romans 7 * 2 Corinthians 7:10 Closing Encouragement You don’t have to have it all figured out. Even in the places where you moved ahead of God… even in the things you built without Him… There is still grace. Nothing is wasted in His hands. And maybe today is your invitation to let go— and trust Him again. Subscribe: Don’t forget to follow Taking the Tov Way on your favorite podcast platform and subscribe to the substack newsletter. Share: If this episode blessed you, share it with a friend. Leave a Review: Your support helps others discover the message of The Tov Way. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thetovway.substack.com

    24 min
  5. from laughter to joy.

    Apr 3

    from laughter to joy.

    What if the hardest season of your life… is actually training? In this episode, I share the story of completing my first marathon—and how God used every mile to teach me what real faith looks like. From setbacks and doubt to breakthrough and joy, this journey became more than a race… it became a revelation. Through the story of Abraham and Sarah in Genesis 21, we unpack what it means to trust God’s promises, endure the process, and surrender to His will—even when we don’t understand it. If you’re in a season of waiting, stretching, or questioning God’s plan… this episode is for you. Because faith isn’t about perfection. It’s about staying positioned. What You’ll Learn in This Episode * Why God’s promises often require a long process * The difference between doubt and unbelief * How faith is strengthened through testing (Romans 12:2, James 1:2–4) * What it means that “God keeps His word” (Genesis 21:1) * Understanding God’s sovereign will vs. His moral will * How God transforms doubt into joy (Genesis 21:6) * Why your current season is training—not punishment Key Scriptures * Genesis 12 * Genesis 21:1–7 * Romans 4:18–21 * Romans 12:1–2 * James 1:2–4 * Genesis 15:1 * Matthew 26:39 * 1 Peter 3:17 * Matthew 10:29 * Proverbs 16:1, 16:33, 21:1 * Matthew 7:21 * 1 Thessalonians 5:18 * Isaiah 55:8–9 * 1 Corinthians 13:12 * Hebrews 12:1–2 * Hebrews 11 * 2 Corinthians 12:9 * Romans 8:34 * Hebrews 7:25 * Ephesians 1:19–20 Key Takeaways * God always keeps His word—even when it takes longer than expected * faith is not about perfection—it’s about posture * the process is where transformation happens * testing strengthens your ability to trust God * God is not distant—He is attentive to every detail of your life * what feels like delay is often divine preparation * the goal isn’t just the promise—it’s knowing God more deeply If this episode encouraged you: * Share it with someone who’s in a hard season * Leave a review—it helps this message reach more people * Join The Tov Way community for deeper conversations This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thetovway.substack.com

    33 min
  6. half truths, full lies.

    Mar 27

    half truths, full lies.

    Fear doesn’t always look like fear. Sometimes it sounds wise. Logical. Responsible. Sometimes it even sounds true… just not the whole truth. In this episode, we’re unpacking how fear often shows up as half-truths—subtle thoughts that feel right but quietly pull us out of trusting God. Through the story of Abraham in Genesis 20, we explore how fear led him back into a familiar pattern, even after experiencing God’s promises. And if we’re honest… we do the same thing. This conversation dives into both the spiritual and practical side of fear—what’s happening in our minds, how it impacts our thinking, creates patterns, and keeps us stuck in cycles of control and hesitation. Maya also shares a personal, real-time reflection as she prepares to run her first marathon—navigating injury, doubt, and the tension between fear and faith. This episode will help you: * Recognize fear when it sounds like “wisdom” * Break free from fear-based patterns * Learn how to finish fear with truth * Move forward in faith—even when it feels uncomfortable Because fear may speak…but it doesn’t get the final word. God does. So whatever He’s calling you to, do it afraidbut do it with Him. 📖 Scripture References * Genesis 12 * Genesis 20 * Genesis 18:10, 14 * 2 Corinthians 5:7 * Deuteronomy 31:6 * Isaiah 41:10 * Isaiah 43:1, 5 * Psalm 23:4 * Psalm 27:1 * Psalm 118:6 * Zephaniah 3:16–17 * John 14:27 * Acts 18:9–10 * Romans 8:31 * Hebrews 13:5–6 * Proverbs 9:10 📲 Stay Connected If this episode encouraged you, share it with a friend, leave a review, and join The Tov Way community for deeper conversations, devotionals, and resources to help you live the good life God designed. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thetovway.substack.com

    23 min
  7. A Note to Self

    Mar 7

    A Note to Self

    Can I be honest with you for a second? There may be a version of your name that you’ve been answering to for years — maybe even decades — that God never gave you. The version that says you’re too far behind. Too broken. Too late. Too much of your past to have much of a future. And here’s the wild thing… You’ve probably been saying it out loud. Maybe not in those exact words. But in the way you introduce yourself. In the story you tell when people ask how you’re doing. In the quiet narrative that plays on repeat every morning before you even get out of bed. Your brain has been listening. And it has been building a road toward exactly what you keep declaring. But so has God. And He is about to interrupt the whole thing with a new name. In this episode, we dig into Genesis 17, where God renames Abram and Sarai… giving the new names before He changes their circumstance. We also look at what neuroscience has discovered about the power of spoken declaration, and why what you say out loud about yourself matters more than you realize. This is not about manifesting. This is about aligning your voice with what God has already said and letting your brain build the road —The Tov Way— toward it. IN THIS EPISODE * Why God renamed Abram to Abraham before a single piece of evidence existed * The neuroscience of neuroplasticity — and a running trail that explains it all * The Production Effect: why speaking out loud creates deeper memory than thinking silently * Genesis 2 and Adam naming the animals — and what verbal labeling has to do with your brain * The moment God put Adam into a deep sleep — and what that means for us when we’ve named the need * Why Abraham laughed at God (and why we’ve all done the same thing) * 6 Notes to Self rooted in Scripture and neuroscience * Spoken declarations to say out loud — today SCRIPTURES REFERENCED · Genesis 17:5 — Abram renamed Abraham · Genesis 17:15-17 — Sarai renamed Sarah; Abraham laughs · Genesis 15 — God’s covenant with Abram; the deep sleep · Genesis 2:19-20 — Adam names the animals · Romans 10:9-10 — Belief in the heart, confession with the mouth · Romans 12:2 — Transformed by the renewing of your mind · Proverbs 18:21 — Death and life are in the power of the tongue · Joshua 1:8 — This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth · Philippians 4:8 — Whatever is true… think on these things What is one declaration, rooted in Scripture, that you need to speak out loud over your life this week? Write it down. Say it out loud. Then keep repeating it until it becomes truth. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thetovway.substack.com

    44 min
  8. mastering the pivot well.

    Feb 27

    mastering the pivot well.

    Life doesn’t always go according to plan—and faith doesn’t exempt us from pressure, resistance, or unexpected change. In this episode, we explore what it means to pivot well when life throws defenses our way. Using a basketball analogy, we talk about how God shapes our faith through opposition, setbacks, and pivots—not to break us, but to prepare us. Just like in the game, pivoting well requires anticipation, grounding, humility, discernment, and perseverance. God is the ultimate Pivot Master. His plans prevail—even when the enemy applies pressure. In This Episode, We Talk About: * Why opposition and disappointment are not signs you’re failing—but often signs you’re right where God wants you * How anticipating resistance helps us stay steady instead of shaken * What Jesus teaches about shallow faith and the danger of unplanted roots * Why being grounded in truth is essential for discernment and wise movement * How humility looks like “looking for the pass” instead of forcing a play * Lessons from Abram, Sarai, and Hagar on trust, waiting, and perspective Key Takeaways: * You don’t pivot well by reacting—you pivot well by staying rooted * Deep roots in God’s Word and character create stability under pressure * Humility invites God’s perspective; pride limits it * Pivots aren’t punishment—they’re preparation * The slow build is still God’s work * Faith isn’t about perfect movement—it’s about faithful obedience Scripture Referenced: * Matthew 7:24–25 – Building on a firm foundation * John 15 – Remaining in Christ * Jeremiah 17:7–8 – Trees planted by water * Mark 4:16–17 – The parable of the sower Reflection Questions: * Where am I experiencing resistance right now—and how am I responding to it? * What areas of my life feel ungrounded or reactive instead of rooted in truth? * Where might God be inviting me to trust His timing instead of forcing a solution? * Am I running God’s play—or defaulting to what feels familiar and comfortable? Closing Encouragement: Learning to pivot well— grounded in truth, submitted to God’s timing, and faithful in the slow build—isn’t optional for the life of faith. It’s essential. It’s what is necessary to get us back to the good life God designed. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thetovway.substack.com

    35 min
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5
out of 5
11 Ratings

About

Taking the Tov Way is a Christian podcast about traveling the road toward the good life.. the life that God wanted us from the very beginning of time, when He first planted us a living, vibrant, functional seed in the Garden. In this podcast, Maya will be talking about what it means to live a life that is good, according to the scriptures and how we can translate to every area of our life -- physically, mentally, emotionally, relationally and of course, spiritually. thetovway.substack.com

Information

  • Creator
    Getting Back to the Good Life
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    56
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Maya Andrea Johnson
  • Show Website
    Taking the Tov Way