Navigating the New Testament: Episode 2

As most of you know, I am currently the host for a women's only podcast on The Light Network, a network of podcasts designed to teach and admonish Christians, and better equip them for service in the Lord's kingdom. Today, the latest episode of my podcast, Navigating the New Testament, came out. You can check it out here, or you can subscribe to the podcast via iTunes!

This week's episode is all about Rome and the Mamertine Prison. Tradition holds that the Apostle Paul was held in the Mamertine prison right before he was executed for being a follower and proclaimer of Christ. Were this the exact prison Paul was held, this was the place where the books of 1 & 2nd Timothy and Titus were penned.

Upon my first (and only) visit to Rome, the Mamertine Prison immediately became one of my favorite places. It was so solemn and serious--quite a different mood than the rest of our travels had been. Knowing that you were standing in the place where an apostle of the Lord had been (if not in the exact spot, definitely within the same city!) was a humbling, moving experience to say the very least. The one picture that I have from the Mamertine prison with me in it, I'm not smiling (you're welcome for not using that on the podcast!). I just didn't feel right smiling and having a good time while hanging out in a place where so many Christians were tortured and beaten and treated with such senseless hate and rudeness.

It is so easy for me to get discouraged sometimes. Sometimes, it just seems that there are people that are out to get you and make your life more difficult. Sometimes, your entire day goes amiss. In those moments, I urge all of us to think of the Apostle Paul. In the midst of what could have been the roughest time in his life (though he had quite a few to choose from -- 2 Cor. 11:24-27), Paul chose to be joyful and anticipate heaven. He didn't get down and sit in his cell and wait to die. He didn't even have a pity party! Instead, he sat in a cold, damp prison cell and wrote letters of encouragement and exhortation to young evangelists. He urged them (and consequently hundreds of thousands of other Christians) to be better and to continue in the work of the Lord.

When we are having down days, truly the Apostle Paul is an incredible example to us. Had he chosen to just give up, we wouldn't have such wonderful sentiments as these, written from his final days in prison:

"All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work." (2 Tim. 3:16-17) 

"For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure is at hand. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only, but also to all who have loved His appearing."(2 Tim. 4:6-8)

The book of 2nd Timothy holds such beautiful words and more encouragement than you can probably take in a single sitting; and yet, the book is so short that I urge you to go and read it in its entirety now. How blessed are we to be able to have the Word of God, preserved through the ages so that we could be encouraged, enlightened, and empowered!

It's Finally Here!

If you have been keeping up with me for a couple of months, you know that the day we have highly anticipated is finally here! The Light Network (TLN) officially launches tomorrow, at 2 PM CST. If you'll hop on over to my husband's blog, he'll tell you a few more details about it all.

I would like to personally invite all of you to tune in live at some point tomorrow, and join us via our chat room to take part of the day! We would love to have as many as possible, not because we are attention hungry, but because we want everyone to be encouraged by the amount of people who love the Lord and want to see His borders increased!

If you would like more information about the podcasts that we offer exclusively on TLN, please check out this previous post. If you have any other questions, please feel free to leave me a comment, or email me at emily@thelightnetwork.tv

I am so excited about all that is The Light Network. Please continue in prayer on behalf of this effort, that God will receive all the glory, and that souls will be added to His kingdom because of these efforts.

Thanks, and see you tomorrow!

*Don't know how to get to The Light Network? Click the links on the right hand side of this page!

Want Some Encouragement?

The Light Network was designed to encourage, enlighten, and empower Christians across the globe. While the official 'launch party' isn't scheduled until January 5th, pilot episodes of most programs have already been released.

In case you haven't checked out the website, I wanted to give you a few details about each of the shows that have released:

1: Preachers in Training. This is a paneled podcast hosted by my husband, Robert Hatfield, and is specifically designed for younger preachers. Each podcast will have different guests (some younger preachers, some older), and will serve to encourage younger ministers in their work, as well as answer some questions that a lot of them have. If you or someone you know is a preacher, or is thinking of becoming a preacher, send them to this podcast.

2: Culture Shock. This podcast is hosted by Torrey Clark, a MSOP grad and a minister in LaGrange, Georgia. The purpose of this podcast is to bring Christians' attention to current matters going on in the world, and put a Christian spin on them. If you are interested in current events, politics, our government, and the like, check out this podcast. Really, all Christians should arm themselves with knowledge of the world around them, and I would encourage you to check out this podcast weekly.

3: Biblical Manliness. The world defines manliness in some pretty silly ways. Chris Clevenger takes a look at what the Bible has to say, and presents the message in a clear and concise way. All Christian men should avail themselves to this podcast! We need more biblically manly leaders in the world!

4: The Salvation Podcast. As the name suggests, this podcast is all about salvation. Perhaps you have some tech-savvy family members who aren't faithful to the Lord. Maybe you have questions yourself about what constitutes true salvation. Whatever the need, this podcast will serve as a means of teaching the simplistic truth of gospel salvation.

WOMEN'S PODCASTS

5: Navigating the New Testament. I am the host of this podcast specifically geared toward women. Because of the generic nature of some of our other shows (salvation, current events, etc), this podcast will zoom in on one area of the Bible, namely geography. Because I have traveled to numerous countries and cities mentioned in our New Testaments, this podcast will feature geographically specific content designed to help women of the 21st century appreciate the biblical text more. Through pictures and a study of the 1st century culture, the aim of this women's podcast is to help us draw out lessons from the New Testament that we may have previously overlooked.

6: Under the Juniper Tree. Melissa Clevenger hosts this timely and much-needed women's podcast. Depression and anxiety run rampant in our society, and Melissa sheds biblical light on the shadows of life. If you or any lady you know struggles with these issues, please point her to this podcast. As sisters in Christ, we are all here to help and encourage one another. Or, perhaps you know of a women who is outside of Christ but struggles with these things. This podcast serves to point people with real problems to the true source of comfort.

The 100th Post

What do you for the 100th post on your blog? I feel like it's quite a milestone! Now sure, I've been blogging regularly since August 2008, but the fact that I've reached 100 posts on this blog is still a huge deal to me. While I was blogging away on my mildly (ok full blown) ridiculous 'emuhleem' blog, I had a dream. Sure, I would throw in some religious posts every now and then, but I wanted my blog to be less silly and more spiritual. I wanted to incorporate my Christianity into my real life--not just 'preach' and throw out devotionals every day (which, I'll admit, a lot of days it seems that way on here even still). Regardless, this blog was born and I love it. It has made me more spiritually minded. It has made me look at the Bible in a different way. It has encouraged me to put myself out there and teach others. It has truly been a blessing to my life. So, if it isn't beneficial to anyone else, that's fine, because it's worth it to me.

BUT, for my 100th post, I want to do something special, and so I will do a list (because those are my absolute favorites) of my favorite (favorites are also my favorite) verses and people, and let's be real-- that will probably be all the time we need to spend, since you probably don't want to be reading my post for 30 minutes. So sit back, strap in, and get ready. And thanks in advance for reading it. These are some really important things in my life.

1: My favorite verse. For such a long time (6 years!!) Psalm 34:18 has been my favorite verse. It reads, "The Lord is near to those who have a broken heart, and saves such as have a contrite spirit." The reason this verse was my favorite was because of what characterized my life: hurt and brokenness. This verse lifted me out of spiritual apathy and into a life dedicated to pleasing God. Had it not been for this verse I may not have gotten out of the mires of sin.

Now, though, I'm not in that place. I don't feel broken or hurt. Instead, I constantly feel the love of God in my life. It helps that I have a husband who exhibits a Christ-like love for me on a daily basis. In which case, a verse about hurting doesn't cut me to the core like it once did. Which is why I've been on a quest to find a new favorite verse. It's been difficult, though, because there are so many to choose from! For the moment, I have decided on 1 John 1:7 - "But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin."

While I may not be broken and hurting and apathetic anymore, I am still a sinner. On a daily basis I think or say or do something that I shouldn't, or perhaps don't do something that I should. How reassuring to know that, so long as I am trying (and oh, I am), Jesus' blood continually cleanses me. And that's the tense of the greek word: Jesus' blood doesn't just cleanse me when I am baptized--it continually cleanses me as I try to walk in the light and remain in fellowship with Him.

I will never be perfect, but I am oh so thankful for a Savior whose blood makes me spotless and blameless before Almighty God.

2: My favorite people. First and foremost, you have to know that my husband is my favorite person on this planet. Without a doubt, he has made the most difference in my life. From the moment I met him (ok, so maybe a few months later when he actually started liking to be around me), he made me better. He has challenged me and encouraged me and exhorted me since the very early days of our friendship. He has counseled me and comforted me and cared for me for the last five years. Had Robert only made an appearance in my life, my life would have been abundantly better. The fact that I get to spend every single day with him makes me the most blessed girl in all the world. He is my best friend, and the one who motivates me to be the best I can be for God. I would not have the assurance of heaven were Robert not in my life, because I wouldn't be the person I need to be. I thank God daily for the wonderful gift I've been given.

But that just says a lot about who Robert is to me, not who Robert is. Robert is an amazing preacher. He is an incredibly talented graphic designer (hello Light Network logos), and he has such a vision when it comes to doing God's work. Several months ago, Robert came up with the idea of launching a network of podcasts about Christianity. Now, that idea is a reality. What an amazing husband I have, who dedicates his life and his time to doing the most he can for God!!

I'm sure he's shaking his head, disagreeing with all of this praise, but that's only because he's one of the most humble people I know. He has so many talents, and the church at large is beyond blessed because he chooses to use them in God's service. I pray that I can be an encourager to him so that he will keep on in God's Kingdom, because he is truly using all that has been given to him to glorify our Father.

But notice I said favorite people, so obviously this list must continue. I am also so very thankful for the introduction of two remarkable people into my life this year. Chris and Melissa Clevenger are amazing on so many levels. Chris started taping a program for GBN here in Pulaski, and so we got to know him first. But it wasn't until I met Melissa that I really felt the connection to the two of them. They are both such wonderful servants of God, with the tenderest hearts you will find. They are passionate about serving God and telling others about Christ. One of the most encouraging days I've spent with them was when we went to Ironaton to film a campaign, and they took us to a public high school where Chris teaches a Bible class most Thursday mornings. How remarkable to go into a public high school arena and proclaim Christ! I was so encouraged by both of them, and it was at that point that I felt like my soul was knit to theirs. It is so thrilling to work with people who are so like-minded.

On top of all of that, though, Chris is serving as the co-director with Robert at The Light Network. Chris and Melissa are both doing podcasts, and that just goes to show yet again how dedicated they are to doing God's will. I am better for knowing these two godly individuals, and I am encouraged by them daily.

I would also be remiss if I didn't mention my long-lost college BFF Emily Nelson. While we were in college, Emily was my RA (and briefly my roommate). We had our ups and downs, but I know that God's providence was working in our lives. Had we not met (and had a brief falling out) we wouldn't be where we are today, and that is best friends. Emily is such an encouraging, positive person, and her bright and cheery attitude is exactly what I need most days. She is my biggest supporter, and never ceases to shower me with (undeserved) compliments and praise. She is such a beautiful person, both inside and out, and is the most talented writer I have ever personally known. She is one of my role models for sure. She is constantly trying to do what is right, even when it's the hardest thing on earth to do. She is constantly trying to keep her attitude in check and remain positive, even when things are incredibly trying and difficult. She is such a bright spot in my life and I am so thankful that God brought her back into my life. She is the reason that I can teach the teenage girls class on Sunday mornings (because let's be real--a lot of times I steal her material!). She is the reason that I feel like I can make it through trying things, because she is always there to listen and give amazing advice. It is so remarkable to have a confidant, especially in the line of preacher wifedom.

Thanks be to God for the amazing people He has brought into my life. And these are just four of them!! I am blessed immeasurably more than this, with a supportive family, incredible best friends and a loving church family. God has been too good to me.

Hear Ye, Hear Ye

Today is the official release of the pilot episode of my podcast Navigating the New Testament on The Light Network. If you are interested in checking it out, please visit TLN's website. Don't forget to mark your calendars for January 5th, either!! That's The Light Network's official launch party. We will have a live stream going and will debut a new podcast that day titled "Ready to Worship". You will get to meet the directors (one of which is my amazingly talented husband) and hosts of each of the shows.

Following the official launch party, my podcast (and all of them) will be released once a week (on a designated day). We are beyond excited about this network of podcasts. We feel that we will be able to reach an audience that perhaps isn't being reached with the gospel at this point in time. Please continue to pray for our efforts and for the hearts of all those who will be listening/viewing the podcasts.

I would also like to note that while my podcast is specifically designed for women, the podcast that was released yesterday is for men! So if you're a women and you're reading this, please check out my pilot episode, but be sure to send your husband over to the Biblical Manliness podcast.

Coming in 2013!

2012 has been an amazing year for us! We have been giving opportunities to serve at East Hill and various other places, and get to know some amazing people along the way. One of my favorite things about this year has been the friendships I have made, and the old ones I have rekindled. Out of one of those new friendships, a project has arisen. 

A while back, Robert came to me with an idea. Then, it was a simple, though remarkable idea that didn't have a lot of shape. When we met and subsequently got to know Chris and Melissa Clevenger, this idea starting becoming a reality. With the help and ingenuity of a few others, this project is coming to fruition in January 2013. 

The Light Network is "a group of netcasts dedicated to the truth of the Bible. We have three goals: to encourage, enlighten, and empower" (the rest of the quote is available here). In January, we will be launching a series of podcasts (several for men and two--initially--for women) that we hope will be a bright light for Christ in this dark and sin-ridden world. 

The reason we are telling everyone now (instead of simply launching in January) is this: we hope that you will give us your prayerful support. The world we live in is lost and dying, and with the resources we have available to us in the 21st century, we must do more things to spread the Good News. It is our aim to bring others to Christ and encourage those who are already in Him to remain faithful. We hope that you will get behind this effort of evangelism and edification, and that you'll point others to it. 

On the website (www.thelightnetwork.tv) you will find all of the information you need, such as host bios and descriptions of each of the initial shows we will be launching. If you have any questions or comments, we have an email address and telephone number where you can reach us. 

I will be hosting a show called Navigating the New Testament and I am extremely excited about it! As many of you may be aware, I absolutely love traveling. This show will walk through the places, people and problems of first century cities. If you have any questions or comments about my show, you can email me directly at emily@thelightnetwork.tv (and I hope you will!). 

As previously stated, we hope that you will support this effort to reach our technologically savvy world. Our aim is to be pleasing to God, and we know that with all of your help and support, The Light Network can do much good to His glory. 

Please check out our website and share this post and others on whatever form of social media you may be on. Also, please "Like" The Light Network on Facebook and follow us on twitter (@LightNetworkTV).

Oh! One last thing! We will be having our official launch party LIVE on January 5th! Please mark your calendars to tune in that Saturday afternoon for interviews and a live taping of one of the podcasts! 

Thank you again!