Joy In Every Step

Sarita Bernadette

Joy In Every Step is a Scripture-centered podcast hosted by Elder Sarita Bernadette, a Bible teacher, preacher, and retired elementary educator. Through warm, practical teachings rooted in God’s Word, Sarita encourages listeners to trust God through every season of life. Each episode offers biblical wisdom for navigating fear, grief, uncertainty, forgiveness, emotions, faith, and spiritual growth. Whether you are walking through a mountaintop season or a difficult valley, Joy In Every Step is here to remind you of one enduring truth: God cares about you, He is present, and His joy can meet you in every step.

  1. 1d ago

    How to Recognize God's Guidance: Discerning the Holy Spirit | Part 3

    Episode 68 | Joy In Every Step with Elder Sarita Bernadette Have you ever felt a quiet nudge in your spirit and wondered, “Is God trying to tell me something?” Sometimes God's guidance doesn't come through a dramatic moment. It may be a persistent thought, a gentle conviction, or a quiet prompting that encourages us to pause, pray, and pay attention. But how can we recognize the Holy Spirit's leading and know when it's time to act? In Part 3 of God's Guidance, Elder Sarita Bernadette continues exploring what she calls the divine or holy nudge.  Through Scripture, she shares practical questions we can ask to discern whether what we're sensing truly aligns with God's character, His Word, and His will for our lives. Because not every feeling is a direction from God, learning to recognize His guidance requires prayer, spiritual discernment, and a willingness to listen. Featured Scripture — Isaiah 30:21 (VOICE) Your ears will hear sweet words behind you: “Go this way. There is your path; this is how you should go” whenever you must decide whether to turn to the right or the left. Key Takeaway God's guidance will never contradict His character or His Word. God doesn't leave us to navigate life's decisions without direction. Through His Word, prayer, and the leading of the Holy Spirit, He helps us recognize the path we should take. But recognizing His guidance requires discernment. When you sense a holy nudge, take time to pray, examine what you're hearing against Scripture, and seek wise counsel. As Elder Sarita reminds us, recognizing the Holy Spirit's guidance takes practice. Quiet the noise, spend time in God's Word, and trust Him to direct your steps. In This Episode Recognizing the Holy Spirit's guidance: Understanding how a holy nudge may appear as an inner conviction, persistent thought, or quiet prompting.Testing what we sense against God's character: Asking whether a prompting reflects His love, mercy, justice, truth, holiness, light, and faithfulness.Turning to Scripture for direction: Why God's Word must remain our foundation when discerning His will.Examining our motives: Does the prompting glorify God, or does it bring attention to ourselves?Finding peace through prayer: Understanding the peace of God that surpasses human understanding.Seeking confirmation and wise counsel: Recognizing that God can guide our steps through Scripture, prayer, and the wisdom of others. Scripture References Romans 8:14 — Led by the Spirit of God1 John 4:8 — God is loveLamentations 3:22–23 — God's mercies are new every morningDeuteronomy 32:4 — God's ways are justPsalm 33:4 — The truth and faithfulness of God's WordJohn 16:13 — The Spirit of truth1 Samuel 2:2 — The holiness of GodJohn 8:12; John 1:5 — God is lightPsalm 36:5 — God's steadfast love and faithfulnessPsalm 119:160 — The truth of God's Word1 Corinthians 10:31 — Doing everything for God's gloryMatthew 5:16 — Letting our light shineHebrews 4:12 — The living and active Word of GodPhilippians 4:6–7 — Prayer and God's peacePsalm 37:23–24 — The Lord directs our stepsProverbs 11:14 — The importance of wise counselIsaiah 30:21 — Hearing God's directionA Moment for Reflection Is there something you've been sensing in your spirit lately? Before deciding what to do next, ask yourself: Does this align with God's Word? Does it reflect His character? Does it bring Him glory? Sometimes the next step begins with simply making room to listen. Stay Connected Thank you for spending time with us at Joy In Every Step, where we believe God's Word offers wisdom, encouragement, and direction for everyday life. If this teaching encouraged you, share it with someone who may be seeking God's guidance, and follow the podcast so you never miss an episode. New episodes every Friday. Website: https://www.joyineverystep.org YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@JoyInEveryStepPodcast Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61577893053121 Instagram: @joyineverystep.org1 Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/joyineverystep.bsky.social Support the Ministry: https://www.patreon.com/c/JoyInEveryStep Joy In Every Step — with Elder Sarita Bernadette ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

  2. Oct 16

    God's Guidance: Learning to Trust and Follow God's Direction Part 2

    Episode 67 | Joy In Every Step Have you ever sensed a quiet prompting to do something, change direction, or reach out to someone? Could that be God's guidance? Elder Sarita Bernadette continues her teaching on God's guidance by exploring what she calls the divine nudge — that quiet prompting of the Holy Spirit that can lead us toward faithful action. Through the biblical accounts of Philip and the Ethiopian official, and Paul's journey toward Macedonia, Sarita reminds us that God's direction doesn't always follow our original plans. She also offers practical questions to help us discern whether a prompting aligns with God's Word, reflects His character, and leads us toward obedience. In This Episode: Understanding the divine or holy nudgeRecognizing the Holy Spirit's guidanceLearning from Philip's obedience in Acts 8Understanding closed doors and redirected plans in Acts 16Discerning God's guidance through Scripture, prayer, peace, and wise counsel Scripture References: Isaiah 30:21; Psalm 32:8; Acts 8:26–40; Acts 16:6–10; Matthew 24:14 Key Takeaway: God's guidance calls us beyond simply knowing what is right. It invites us to trust Him enough to act. Enjoying Joy In Every Step? Follow the podcast on Apple Podcasts or Spotify so you never miss a new teaching from Elder Sarita Bernadette. For Scripture-centered encouragement throughout the week, join our free Weekly Steps of Joy email community at joyineverystep.org. Stay Connected Website: https://www.joyineverystep.org Instagram: @joyineverystep.org1 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61577893053121 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@JoyInEveryStepPodcast Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/joyineverystep.bsky.social New episodes every Friday. ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

  3. Oct 9 ·  Bonus

    Hope Is Alive — From the Joy In Every Step Archive

    There are seasons when circumstances can make hope feel distant. In this special episode from the Joy In Every Step archive, Elder Sarita Bernadette reminds us that biblical hope is not wishful thinking or simple optimism. It is a confident expectation rooted in the character, promises, and faithfulness of God. Beginning with Psalm 42:5, Sarita explores what it means to speak hope to our own souls when life feels uncertain. She distinguishes between false hope and true hope and reminds us why believers are called to move beyond positive thinking toward a hope that remains steady even when circumstances and emotions change. Through the story of Joseph in Genesis, we see what that kind of hope looks like in real life. Joseph experienced betrayal, slavery, false accusation, imprisonment, waiting, and uncertainty. Yet again and again, Scripture tells us that the Lord was with him. What appeared hopeless was never outside the purposes of God. Looking back on Joseph’s story, we can see God working in the background through every difficult chapter, ultimately using what others intended for harm to accomplish something good. If you are walking through a difficult or uncertain season, this message is an invitation to remember God’s faithfulness, hold tightly to His promises, and place your confidence in Him. In this episode: • What Psalm 42 teaches us about encouraging our own souls• The difference between no hope, false hope, and true biblical hope• Why hope in God is more than optimism or positive thinking• How God’s promises give us strength, encouragement, and clarity• What Joseph’s story teaches us about trusting God when circumstances appear hopeless• Why we can believe God is still working even when we cannot yet see the outcome Scripture References:Psalm 42:51 Corinthians 3:11Romans 15:13Genesis 37–50Genesis 39:21–23Genesis 41:16Genesis 46:2–4Genesis 50:20 This teaching originally appeared as Episode 11 of Joy In Every Step. Key Takeaway:There may be moments when life appears hopeless, but our hope remains alive because the God we serve is living, faithful, and always at work. Learn more and listen to Joy In Every Step at joyineverystep.org. ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

  4. Oct 2

    God's Guidance

    Have you ever asked God for guidance, then tried to grab the steering wheel yourself? Elder Sarita Bernadette admits her hand is up, too. In this episode of Joy In Every Step, Sarita reflects on Noah’s story and the trust it takes to follow God’s instructions. We may want control over the direction and the outcome, but God calls us to listen to His Word and put it into practice. With warmth and a little humor, Sarita encourages us to trust God’s authority, follow His guidance, and stay the course—even when His instructions don’t make sense to us. New episodes every Friday at 6 AM Eastern. In this episode:• Recognizing our tendency to ask for guidance and then take control.• What Noah’s obedience teaches us about trusting God.• Moving from hearing God’s Word to acting on it.• Staying faithful to the direction God gives us. Scripture Reference:James 1:22, NRSVue But be doers of the word and not merely hearers who deceive themselves. Key Takeaway:Trusting God’s guidance means putting His Word into practice. A Moment to Reflect:Where have you asked God for direction but hesitated to follow? Consider one step of obedience you can take today. Stay Connected:Website: https://www.joyineverystep.orgInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/joyineverystep.org1/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Joy-In-Every-Step/61577893053121/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@JoyInEveryStepPodcastBluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/joyineverystep.bsky.socialPatreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/JoyInEveryStep Continue Your Journey:Read the full God’s Guidance transcriptListen to God’s Gift of WisdomContinue with God’s Gift of Wisdom Part 2Join Weekly Steps of Joy ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

  5. Sep 25

    When Life Feels Unsettled: Grace, Direction, and God’s Peace

    When life feels unsettled, even familiar decisions can feel heavy. We put pressure on ourselves to get everything right, struggle when plans change, and wonder how to quiet the worry. In this special episode of Joy In Every Step, Elder Sarita Bernadette brings us back to God’s Word through a collection of three previously released teachings on grace, direction, and peace. First, Sarita considers the pressure of perfectionism and the assurance that God’s power meets us in our weakness. Then she explores what it means to follow His leading when it’s time to change direction. Finally, through Elijah’s experience and the promises of Scripture, she invites us to make room for quiet and bring our worries to the Lord. Whether you’re facing a change or simply carrying more than usual, take a few minutes to pause, listen, and be encouraged. In this episode: Releasing the pressure to do everything perfectlyTrusting God’s grace in moments of weaknessStaying anchored in faith when plans changeFinding quiet so we can listen for God’s voiceBringing our worries to Him in prayer and receiving His peaceScripture References 2 Corinthians 12:9Isaiah 43:18–19Joshua 1:9Proverbs 16:9Proverbs 3:5–61 Kings 19 — Elijah’s encounter with GodPhilippians 4:6–7John 14:27Psalm 29:11 Key Takeaway You can bring your weakness, your changing plans, and your worries to God. His grace is sufficient, His direction is trustworthy, and His peace can meet you right where you are. Featured Teachings Episode 59: Change Your HeartEpisode 60: There’s Power In The PivotEpisode 61: God’s Peace This special episode brings together excerpts from these previously released teachings. If someone came to mind while you listened, share this episode with them. Follow Joy In Every Step on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or Amazon Music. New episodes every Friday. Stay Connected Website: joyineverystep.orgInstagram: @joyineverystep.org1Facebook: Joy In Every StepYouTube: @JoyInEveryStepPodcastBluesky: @joyineverystep.bsky.social ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

  6. Sep 18

    God's Gift Of Wisdom Part 2

    Knowing the facts is one thing. Knowing how to apply them takes wisdom. In God’s Gift of Wisdom Part 2, Elder Sarita Bernadette continues her teaching on the wisdom God offers to those who seek Him. Beginning with reverence for the Lord, she explores how His truth shapes our choices, our relationships, and the way we respond when life doesn’t go as planned. Through Proverbs 8 and the story of Joseph, Sarita reflects on integrity in unfair circumstances, humility in positions of responsibility, and the grace to forgive. Joseph’s example brings the teaching into everyday life: God’s wisdom guides both our hearts and our actions. Featured Scripture — Proverbs 1:7, NRSVue“The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction.” In this episode: The difference between knowledge and godly wisdomReverence for God as the foundation for learningJoseph’s example of integrity, preparation, and forgivenessAsking God for wisdom—and listening for His guidanceA thought to carry with you: Ask God for wisdom about everything. No concern is too small to bring to Him. This episode continues the teaching from Episode 62. Listen and explore more teachings at joyineverystep.org.  Follow Joy In Every Step on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or Amazon Music, and share this episode with someone who could use encouragement. New episodes every Friday. Stay Connected Website: joyineverystep.orgInstagram: @joyineverystep.org1Facebook: Joy In Every StepYouTube: @JoyInEveryStepPodcastBluesky: @joyineverystep.bsky.social Continue Your Journey:Begin with God’s Gift of Wisdom — Part 1Read the full episode transcriptJoin Weekly Steps of Joy ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

About

Joy In Every Step is a Scripture-centered podcast hosted by Elder Sarita Bernadette, a Bible teacher, preacher, and retired elementary educator. Through warm, practical teachings rooted in God’s Word, Sarita encourages listeners to trust God through every season of life. Each episode offers biblical wisdom for navigating fear, grief, uncertainty, forgiveness, emotions, faith, and spiritual growth. Whether you are walking through a mountaintop season or a difficult valley, Joy In Every Step is here to remind you of one enduring truth: God cares about you, He is present, and His joy can meet you in every step.