Key components of the episode include:

Prayer Doesn’t Have to Be a Production

• Prayer is not about long, formal, perfect words
• Overcomplicating prayer can lead to paralysis
• God desires connection, not performance

“Pray Without Ceasing” Is Practical

• Connection can be moment-by-moment awareness of God
• Quick, heartfelt prayers matter (“Lord, help me”)
• We are always one moment away from connecting with Him

Both Short & Extended Prayer Matter

• Quick prayers sustain us throughout the day
• Intentional, longer prayer times help center and align our hearts
• We need both types for a healthy spiritual life

Letting Go of Control Through Prayer

• Prayer helps shift us from survival mode to surrender
• We are not in control—God is
• Trying to manage everything is exhausting and not our role
• Prayer allows us to hand over burdens and receive God’s rest

God’s Grace in Our Weakness

• God is patient, merciful, and understanding
• He does not shame us for inconsistent habits
• Even the disciples struggled and had to learn to pray
• God desires our hearts—not perfection

Looking at examples from Scripture, we see that trusting God doesn’t mean the path will be easy. It means believing that God is present, powerful, and faithful—no matter what the path looks like.

Throughout Scripture, God repeatedly made a way where there seemed to be none:

• The Red Sea opening for Israel (Exodus 14)
• Provision in the wilderness (Exodus 16–17)
• Crossing the Jordan River (Joshua 3)
• The fall of Jericho (Joshua 6)
• David defeating Goliath (1 Samuel 17)
• Deliverance from the Assyrians (2 Kings 19)

Most importantly, God made a way for salvation through Jesus Christ. God’s history of faithfulness reminds us that no problem we face is greater than His power.

What It Means to Wholly Follow the Lord

1. Trusting God Over Opposition

Caleb believed no obstacle was greater than God’s power — not fortified cities, not giants, not fear. When others saw impossibility, Caleb saw God’s provision.

We are reminded:

• The One who is in us is greater than the one in the world.
• Jesus has overcome the world.
• We do not follow in fear — we follow in faith.

2. Standing Firm — Even Among God’s People

Sometimes opposition doesn’t come from the world, but from fellow believers.

Caleb stood against the majority report — even when it came from men who should have trusted God.

Wholly following may look like:

• Refusing to join gossip.
• Questioning unbiblical teaching with humility.
• Choosing obedience over popularity.
• Living differently than other families.
• Saying no when others say yes — and yes when others say no.We follow the Lord — not the crowd.

3. Serving Faithfully for a Lifetime

In Joshua 14:6–12, Caleb is 85 years old and still asking for the hill country filled with giants.

He declares he is just as strong and ready for battle as he was at 40.

Wholly following the Lord means:

• No spiritual retirement.
• No “I did my time” mentality.
• No slowing zeal because of age or experience.
• Lifelong faithfulness.As long as we have breath, we serve.

A Warning Example: Solomon

Not everyone finishes well.

Solomon is described in 1 Kings 11:6 as one who “did not wholly follow the Lord.” Despite wisdom and blessing, Solomon allowed divided loyalties.

In contrast, David — though imperfect — is remembered as one who wholly followed the Lord:

• He repented when confronted.
• He fought when called.
• He waited for God’s timing.
• He aligned his heart with God’s.Wholly following is not about perfection — it’s about direction.

In a culture that:

• Celebrates following your heart
• Rewards popularity
• Competes for your attentionBe a Caleb.

Stand firm when it’s hard.
Trust God when it’s unpopular.
Serve Him when no one else does.

There is no such thing as a sideline Christian. The wilderness generation shows us where that leads. But stepping up in faith? That’s a Caleb move. A David move.

And that’s the heart God desires.

Drawing from Psalms 111–112, this episode challenges us to examine where our attention, affection, and appetite truly lie — and how our delight in God directly impacts our steadiness in life.

Key Takeaways

• Delight precedes discipline.
• Deep study produces steady faith.
• Reverence for God transforms obedience into joy.
• Remembering God’s covenant strengthens us to uphold ours.
• Blessed is the one who wholly delights in Him.

Emily reflects on how Jesus consistently showed others that He saw them personally—whether it was Peter’s empty fishing nets, Nathanael under the fig tree, or the outcasts and grieving people He welcomed with compassion. That same attentive care is true for us today.

The episode centers on the beauty of Psalm 139, where David marvels at the intimate knowledge God has of each individual life: our thoughts, words, paths, and even the days written for us before we were born. God’s knowledge is not distant or impersonal—it is loving, detailed, and constant.

Emily also shares her own experience of grief, depression, and losing her mother, offering a powerful reminder that God meets His children in the darkest moments. Through a meaningful “God moment” involving a necklace inscribed with John 14:18 (“I will not leave you as orphans”), she highlights how God’s comfort often comes in deeply personal ways.

Ultimately, this episode invites wives to rest in the truth that God knows every part of us—our struggles, our fears, our sins, and our sorrow—and still loves us completely. Being wholly known by God is not something to fear, but a source of strength, comfort, and hope.

Using encouragement from 1 Peter 4, this episode challenges believers to rethink suffering, endurance, and wholehearted devotion. True investment in Christ means we don’t quit when following Him becomes uncomfortable — we stay faithful all the way to the end.

Using Lot’s gradual move toward Sodom as a warning, Emily reminds us that sin rarely overtakes us all at once. Instead, it creeps in as our hearts grow comfortable with what God calls us to flee. This episode is a call to daily self-examination, renewed focus on Jesus’ sacrifice, and a deeper hatred of sin in all its forms.

Though perfection is not possible this side of eternity, faithful striving is. Through Christ’s continual cleansing, we can walk in freedom and choose separation from sin again and again.

From motherhood and homeschooling to work schedules and everyday chaos, Emily reminds us that full lives aren’t bad lives—but they do require intentional centering. Rather than trying to “fit Jesus in,” we’re challenged to place Him at the center and let everything else fall into place around Him.

In this episode of Wifey Wednesdays, we shift the focus from external definitions of womanhood and marriage to the heart of it all: being wholly devoted to Jesus. Using 1 Peter 3:15 as our foundation, we explore what it looks like to honor Christ as holy in our hearts and allow that devotion to shape every decision, relationship, and priority—especially within our homes.

Whether you work outside the home or stay at home, homeschool or not, love cooking or struggle with it, this episode is a reminder that faithfulness isn’t about checking boxes. It’s about loving the Lord first—and letting that love transform how we live, serve, and love our families.

As we begin a new direction for this season, join us as we pursue a deeper, undivided love for Jesus—and discover how that devotion strengthens our marriages along the way.

Be sure to check out the link below for The Light Network conference.
https://thelightnetwork.tv/conference

Be sure to check out the link below for The Light Network conference.
https://thelightnetwork.tv/conference

Giving bits and pieces of detail about some of the prophets, Emily directs the listener’s attention to the blessing we have of living in a time that the prophets dreamed about — having the complete revealed will of God and knowing the scheme of redemption in full. This episode, while meant to round out our survey of the Old Testament, is hopefully going to encourage us to spend more time pouring over their words and basking in the goodness of God’s plan and the blessing of living in a time where we can benefit from the work of Christ in our own lives! 

There are many great attributes of this king that are discussed in today’s episode of Wifey Wednesdays. Many applications can be made from the life of Asa for a Christian seeking to wholly follow after the Lord. 

In 1 Kings 14, King Rehoboam is facing a familiar enemy. This episode explores why this enemy has been allowed back into the lives of the tribe of Judah and how we might be able to keep ourselves from our enemy’s advances by heeding the words of Rehoboam’s father, King Solomon.

Unfortunately, Jeroboam continues down the path of following his own desires instead of following God, and this episode explores the message he is given from God’s prophet Ahijah. This news is going to be awful and affect everyone in Jeroboam’s family. And while it is often more palatable to learn the positive lessons we can learn from positive examples, this account helps us to appreciate the severity of God and the holiness and sovereignty He shows in the life of this rebellious king.

Follow along this season for an overview of the Old Testament. To start “in the beginning,” be sure to listen to season 20.

Through God’s selection and preparation of a young shepherd, we are able to see a glimpse into the future King of kings, and find peace and hope in His eternal kingdom.

This episode concludes by looking at a different time that God is rejected as King, and the blessings that we have in knowing that this King is eager to forgive this rebellion and unfaithfulness when we turn to Him.

This episode focuses on our own inabilities to stay faithful to our own covenants, and encourages us to stay faithful to our mighty, amazing, holy God!

Continue joining us on Wifey Wednesdays this season as we explore the Old Testament storyline while making applications to our lives today. 

On episode one of this season, Emily looks at Adam and Eve, the fall, and the flood to see what it can teach us about the consequences of a life lived in self-gratification and self-glorification.

God alone deserves all glory, and as His people, we ought to learn the lessons of the past to help us become the people He has called us to be. This season of Wifey Wednesdays is meant to encourage us all to grow closer to our loving Father and our Savior!

The Daily Discipline Planner by Wifey Wednesdays

• Purchase your copy here.

Looking to Philippians and Paul's example, Emily addresses the need to seek to see Jesus and the influence He is having as we go about our daily lives. To train our minds for this kind of task, we must discipline ourselves to look!

Get your copy of the Daily Discipline Planner here: https://amzn.to/3HZqtZT

🔗 - Get your copy of the Daily Discipline Planner here: https://amzn.to/42j0Bl8

As the season progresses, Emily aims to discuss other spiritual disciplines at length, including but not limited to meditation, fasting, prayer, Bible study, and more.

A Daily Discipline Planner is also available through The Light Network for those who are interested. Learn more about it here: https://amzn.to/3HZqtZT

As the season progresses, Emily aims to discuss different spiritual disciplines at length, including meditation, fasting, prayer, Bible study, and more.

A Daily Discipline Planner is also being made available through The Light Network for those who are interested: https://amzn.to/3HZqtZT

The main focus for episode one is the subject of grief. How can you continue to function after loss? What does it look like to be a wife while grieving? This episode talks in depth about trauma and loss, while giving hope in Jesus to those who may be struggling.

Helpful resources:

• https://canopy.us/2020/10/19/what-viewing-pornography-does-to-your-brain/ 
• https://www.christianbook.com/shattered-healing-women-been-sexually-betrayed/debra-laaser/9780310273943/pd/7394X (recommended by Christian counselor)
• https://endsexualexploitation.org/about/ https://www.covenanteyes.com/blog/

Accountability Services:

• https://start.truple.io/ 
• https://www.covenanteyes.com/ 
• https://www.accountable2you.com/ 
• https://www.everaccountable.com/ 
• https://www.x3watch.com/ 
• https://conquerseries.com/accountability-software-right

OTHER EPISODES ABOUT ABIGAIL:

• “When Husbands Are Wrong” (Wifey Wednesdays S5E3)
• “Abigail: A Humble Wife” (Wifey Wednesdays S3E10)

1. What is the best advice you’ve ever received from someone else about marriage?
2.  What are some ways you’ve found that show honor to your husband?
3. In what ways is a marriage that is Christ-centered hard work?
4. Did you have misconceptions about how marriage might be before you were married vs. now?
5. What would you say is the most important part of marriage and why?
6. If you had to give young woman who aren’t married one piece of spiritual advice, what would it be?
7. What in your walk with Christ specifically helps you to be a better wife?
8. Are there people in your life who help you have a better marriage? If so, how do they encourage you? 
9. What is something your husband has said he values about you and our relationship or your role in the home? 
10. Is there something you wish you’d implemented at the beginning of your marriage that you know or practice now?

Here are the 10 questions:

1. What is the best advice you’ve ever received from someone about marriage?
2. What are some ways you’ve found that show honor to your husband?
3. In what ways is a marriage that is Christ-centered hard work?
4. Did you have misconceptions about how marriage might be before you were married vs. now?
5. What would you say is the most important part of marriage and why?
6. If you had to give one piece of spiritual advice to a young woman who wasn’t married, what would it be?
7. What in your walk with Christ specifically helps you to be a better wife?
8. Are there people In your life who help you to have a better marriage?  If so, how do they encourage you?
9. What is something your husband has said he values about you or your relationship or your role in the home? Don’t be afraid to ask!
10. Is there something you wish you’d implemented at the beginning of your marriage that you know or practice now?

• 1: Am I leaning on God for my strength or looking elsewhere (husband, friend, self, etc.)?
• 2: Am I giving my loved ones the same consideration I want them to extend to me?
• 3: Am I trying or am I giving up and letting my mental illness defeat me?
• 4: Am I truly not in a place to handle/do this, or do I just not feel like doing it?

Links

• Ready to Worship Podcast
• Jesus Calling My First Storybook Bible
• Jesus Board Book
• My Great Big God
• The Big Book of Bible Stories for Toddlers
• The Biggest Story ABC
• Apologetics Press Kids Books

Links

• Come Fill Your Cup
• Dating Divas Website

Links

• Come Fill Your Cup
• Dating Divas Website

Links

• You can email Christy at bountiful@thelightnetwork.tv to receive one of her new congregation questionnaires.

Links

• Her Life His Way
• Art by Chantelle Facebook Page
• Art by Chantelle Instagram

Links

• The Ultimate Prayer Journaling Guide to Ignite Your Prayer Life!

Links

• Does the Bible Teach Calvinism? 

Links

• SHOPKICK (walk in stores and get free gift cards!) – Use the link gets.co/kind117554 (Or just use code KIND117554) to get 250 free kicks!
• EBATES (if you shop online, get cash back!) – use this link to get a $10 bonus: go.ebat.es/imsk/kLBxkqqTlI 

This episode covers an outline of Philippians that Emily created and was adapted for this podcast. It is not at all comprehensive, but it all based on an exegetical approach to the book.

Emily is joined by Tammy Bear for this episode of Wifey Wednesdays. Tammy has over 30 years of experience as a wife and brings that knowledge and wisdom to the podcast to discuss her greatest joys, most needed lessons, and advice for the rest of us.

On this episode of Wifey Wednesdays, Emily is joined by veteran Wifey guest, Renita Archey. Renita leads us in a discussion from Joshua 1 about Joshua’s leadership and his call to be strong and very courageous.

MICAH’S RECOMMENDATIONS:

• The Calm – Meditation App
• The Mother Like a Boss Podcast by Kendra Hennessy
• The Purpose Show with Allie Casazza

Ashley is one of the brains behind Our Heavy House and has a daily podcast call Wake Up Call. You can find it here or search on your favorite podcast platform. You can also follow her on Pinterest (and Emily, too) to find healthy recipes.

For more information about upcoming episodes, join the Wifey Wednesdays Facebook Group and be sure to subscribe to this podcast for new, weekly content to brighten your life and enrich your marriage.

Cindy lives in Mississippi, has been married for nearly 25 years, has two nearly grown children, and is a Senior Director for 31 Gifts.

For more information about upcoming episodes, join the Wifey Wednesdays Facebook Group and be sure to subscribe to this podcast for new, weekly content to brighten your life and enrich your marriage.

So often, when people talk about “working” on their marriage, others assume something in wrong in marriage. But good things come to those who work for them. Just because you are “working” on your marriage doesn’t mean something is wrong-  it means you want to prevent something wrong from happening. So, these five Proverbs will help us strengthen our marriages and become better wives.

Links

• You can find a transcript of this podcast in blog form at emilyhat.com/i-love-him-too-much 

Links

• https://thelightnetwork.tv/aiohs5e4/ 
• https://thelightnetwork.tv/aiohs5e5/
• http://www.flylady.net

Scriptures to Study:

• Ephesians 4:31-32
• Proverbs 17:14
• Proverbs 13:10
• Proverbs 18
• James 1:19
• Colossians 1:9
• Proverbs 17:1
• Philippians 2:14-15
• Colossians 3:13

TIPS:

1. Listen to sermons/podcasts together
2. Have an extended discussion about current events
3. Read books together:
   • Do You Take God? by Eric Owens
   • A Study Guide to Greater Bible Knowledge by Wayne Jackson
   • Living by the Book by Hendricks and Hendricks