Yvette Walker's Blog, page 5
November 27, 2024
'Trial of the Heart' preorder sale
‘Trial of the Heart’ goes on sale Dec. 1, and you’ve got just a few days to sign up for the pre-order price of 99 cents!
‘Trial of the Heart’ is a Christian fiction, thriller-romance set in small-town Elmar, Oklahoma.
Torn between love, loyalty, and justice, Christian journalist Linda Radcliffe returns to Elmar, a town haunted by its dark past of serial killings. In this gripping sequel, Linda faces her greatest challenge yet: helping her old flame, Mark Dean, who’s behind bars for killing a disgraced officer in defense of his newly discovered daughter.
As Linda steps into her role as editor of the Elmar Chronicle, her professional instincts are tested when a chilling murder rocks the local church. Can she untangle the web of secrets threatening the community while navigating her own conflicted heart?
Trial of the Heart masterfully weaves thriller, suspense and romance, plunging readers into a story of resilience, justice, and the pursuit of truth. Perfect for fans of small-town mysteries with high-stakes emotions.
Pre-order your copy today! After the sale, the price will return to its normal price of $4.99.
Yvette Walker is a journalist, educator and the founder of Positively Joy Ministries. Her ministry supports this blog, a podcast, publishing her many books and opportunities to share the message of joy.
Consider giving to support the ministry. For as little as $7 a month, receive extras, like the video podcasts of my guests, early copies of my books and other video interviews exclusive to paying supporters of this newsletter.
Or if you are a Patreon member, you can subscribe that way, too!
Your support helps continue this ministry and you get exclusive content, like free copies of my books. Thanks!
Positively J.O.Y. - Just. One. Yes! is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.
November 20, 2024
Be grateful for patience
In this week’s newsletter:
Practicing gratitude and patience
The Podcast (it’s back and better than ever!)
The Bookshelf
Support the ministry
The above photo is the result of an hour’s work putting together a string bracelet during a women’s ministry event at my church. It read JOY. The bracelet was complete (I had not taken a photo) when the tape securing one end of the string popped off and the beads flew everywhere.
No joy for me. Or was there?
The jewelry-making had begun immediately after our co-pastor shared a message on gratitude. She said, “Gratitude = Great Attitude. Have an attitude of joy.”
And then she said, “Unless we activate, they are just words.”
When the jewelry accident happened, sure, I was upset, but her words hit me like a brick. Did I have an attitude of joy in that moment? Not at first, but I saw the irony. Thank you, Pastor Michelle, for sharing scripture to back up the brick.
Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. — 1 Thessalonians 5:18
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. — Phillipians 4:6
So, I gathered all the beads and put back them in their container. I kept three beads, the ones that spelled j-o-y. Maybe I’ll make another bracelet with them one day.
Thanks for reading! If you enjoyed this, consider listening to and following the Positively Joy podcast.
Read more about joy and listen to my podcast here.
Check out my speaking website here.
Your sister in Christ,
If you liked receiving this, like and comment!
THE PODCAST IS BACK!I NEED YOUR HELP! The Positively Joy Podcast has a NEW message: to help Christian women through separation and divorce. This is a tough subject for many women in Christian settings. God put it on my heart to talk about my divorce and help women find joy! This is NOT an anti-marriage podcast.
I need you to LISTEN AND SHARE this message and HELP my new audience find it! Let's amplify this message!
Listen on positivelyjoy.com, Spotify, Apple and wherever you listen!
THE BOOKSHELFSearching for your next Christian read?Look no further! These terrific authors have teamed up to offer an eclectic selection of books. Here are two promos running now:
Edgy, gritty Christian fiction!
Want news with a Christian perspective?
Try The PourOver. Each news report is followed by scripture or a Christian comment.
Support the ministry!Yvette Walker is a journalist, educator and the founder of Positively Joy Ministries. Her ministry supports this blog, a podcast, publishing her many books and opportunities to share the message of joy.
Consider giving to support the ministry. For as little as $7 a month, receive extras, like the video podcasts of my guests, early copies of my books and other video interviews exclusive to paying supporters of this newsletter.
Or, you can subscribe through Patreon, too!
Your support helps continue this ministry and you get exclusive content, like free copies of my books. Thanks!
November 12, 2024
TODAY! Need help navigating the holidays?
TODAY IS THE DAY! I’ll be sharing the Holiday Strategies Summit along with 14 other speakers.
I hope you’ll be able to join us! My session is TODAY, November 12, at 2:15-2:30 p.m. ET on the topic:
Finding Joy Amidst Family Drama: A Guide to Surviving the Holidays with Yvette Walker
You don’t want to miss this virtual summit full of encouragement, engagement, and best-kept secrets. You’ll learn to take the holidays back from stress and overspending so you can keep Jesus central in this joyous season.
Attendance at the live event is free, so register today and start selecting which sessions you may want to attend.
All sessions are going to be amazing.
I’m so excited for you to experience this virtual training event. You’ll discover keys to a wonderful, peaceful, and God-honoring season.
These godly speakers, including me, are here to help you grow in your faith and have a transformational experience featuring holiday tips that work.
To join me on Tuesday, November 12, register now.
If you’re ready for the most enjoyable holiday yet, join us! Hope to see you there!
PS - If you can’t join us live, but want to benefit from these training sessions, make sure to grab the replay set available for a small investment here.
Holiday Strategies Summit Schedule Tuesday, November 12, 2024
2:00-2:15 ET Opening Session: Maximize Your 2024 Holiday Season with Marnie Swedberg
2:15-2:30 ET Powerful Techniques to Nurture Your Spirit, Mind & Body with Jen
Nix
2:30-2:45 ET 5 Strategies for Stress-Free Holiday Hospitality with Ava
Pennington
2:30-2:45 ET 3 Strategies for Responding vs. Reacting with Billie Jauss
2:45-3:00 ET Family, Friends, Faith, Holidays & Chaos! With Kate Decker
2:45-3:00 ET The Secret to Surviving the Holidays with Robbie Gring
3:00-3:15 ET Practical Steps for Beautiful Spaces with the Prince of Peace with
Barbara Ann Holmes
3:00-3:15 ET Holiday Harmony: Lovingly Navigate Family Gatherings with
Connie Durham
3:15-3:30 ET God's Perspective on Hospitality & Easy Tips! With Nicki White
3:15-3:30 ET Making New Traditions and Finding Peace No Matter What with
Michelle Bader Ebersole
3:30-3:45 ET Managing Relationship Expectations vs. Reality with Kristi Laskie
3:30-3:45 ET Save Money & Stress with "Major Mom" with Angela Cody
3:45-4:00 ET 10 Keys to Navigating Grief During the Holidays with Katherine\Barner
Do you dread the holidays? Do family gatherings stir up anxiety, anger, or angst? Join me on Tuesday, November 12, from 2-4 PM ET.
The Holiday Strategies Summit includes specific tactics and stress-busters to take your season to a whole new level of peace and joy.
Register here at for this 100% virtual event. Free registration. Lots of swag gifts. Invite your friends. Sign-up today! #HolidayStrategiesMarnie
Positively J.O.Y. - Just. One. Yes! is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.
November 11, 2024
Dread holiday gatherings?
TOMORROW, I’ll be sharing the Holiday Strategies Summit along with 14 other speakers.
I hope you’ll be able to join us! My session is on Tuesday, November 12, at 2:15-2:30 p.m. ET on the topic:
Finding Joy Amidst Family Drama: A Guide to Surviving the Holidays with Yvette Walker
You don’t want to miss this virtual summit full of encouragement, engagement, and best-kept secrets. You’ll learn to take the holidays back from stress and overspending so you can keep Jesus central in this joyous season.
Attendance at the live event is free, so register today and start selecting which sessions you may want to attend.
All sessions are going to be amazing.
I’m so excited for you to experience this virtual training event. You’ll discover keys to a wonderful, peaceful, and God-honoring season.
These godly speakers, including me, are here to help you grow in your faith and have a transformational experience featuring holiday tips that work.
To join me on Tuesday, November 12, register now.
If you’re ready for the most enjoyable holiday yet, join us! Hope to see you there!
PS - If you can’t join us live, but want to benefit from these training sessions, make sure to grab the replay set available for a small investment here.
Holiday Strategies Summit Schedule Tuesday, November 12, 2024
2:00-2:15 ET Opening Session: Maximize Your 2024 Holiday Season with Marnie Swedberg
2:15-2:30 ET Powerful Techniques to Nurture Your Spirit, Mind & Body with Jen
Nix
2:30-2:45 ET 5 Strategies for Stress-Free Holiday Hospitality with Ava
Pennington
2:30-2:45 ET 3 Strategies for Responding vs. Reacting with Billie Jauss
2:45-3:00 ET Family, Friends, Faith, Holidays & Chaos! With Kate Decker
2:45-3:00 ET The Secret to Surviving the Holidays with Robbie Gring
3:00-3:15 ET Practical Steps for Beautiful Spaces with the Prince of Peace with
Barbara Ann Holmes
3:00-3:15 ET Holiday Harmony: Lovingly Navigate Family Gatherings with
Connie Durham
3:15-3:30 ET God's Perspective on Hospitality & Easy Tips! With Nicki White
3:15-3:30 ET Making New Traditions and Finding Peace No Matter What with
Michelle Bader Ebersole
3:30-3:45 ET Managing Relationship Expectations vs. Reality with Kristi Laskie
3:30-3:45 ET Save Money & Stress with "Major Mom" with Angela Cody
3:45-4:00 ET 10 Keys to Navigating Grief During the Holidays with Katherine\Barner
Do you dread the holidays? Do family gatherings stir up anxiety, anger, or angst? Join me on Tuesday, November 12, from 2-4 PM ET.
The Holiday Strategies Summit includes specific tactics and stress-busters to take your season to a whole new level of peace and joy.
Register here at for this 100% virtual event. Free registration. Lots of swag gifts. Invite your friends. Sign-up today! #HolidayStrategiesMarnie
Positively J.O.Y. - Just. One. Yes! is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.
November 8, 2024
Everything is going to be OK
Photo by Clay Banks on UnsplashIn this week’s newsletter:
Post-election reflections: Trusting that God is where he’s meant to be
The Bookshelf
Support the ministry
As we take in the results of another election season, it’s easy to feel a mix of emotions—relief, disappointment, joy, or even uncertainty. Politics, by nature, can stir up a lot of feelings and leave us wondering what’s next. Yet, in the midst of it all, there’s an underlying truth that brings peace:
God is where He is, and we are where we are meant to be.
Trust in God’s sovereigntyIn times of change and uncertainty, it’s important to remember that God’s sovereignty isn’t swayed by election results. He is, as always, the ultimate authority, unmoved by our shifting human landscapes. While the election may shape policies, it doesn’t alter His plans for each of us. As Christians, we can rest knowing that He has placed us exactly where we are for a reason.
Jeremiah 29:11 – "For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."
Finding purpose in our placeWherever we find ourselves today—whether encouraged or disheartened—let’s focus on why God has us here at this moment. Each of us has a purpose that extends beyond political events. We’re called to love others, serve our communities, and build His kingdom. It’s often through our everyday interactions, in the lives we touch and the compassion we show, that we have the greatest impact.
Romans 8:28 – "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose."
Looking to the future with hopeGod is present in our day-to-day lives, and He promises to guide us through all circumstances. We can take comfort in knowing that His plans are for our good, even if they don’t always align with what we hoped for. Embracing this truth can turn our focus away from worry and onto a life of joyful service. Whether our candidate won or lost, God’s love for us remains unwavering, and we are called to love one another as He loves us.
Psalm 46:10 – "Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth."
Let’s move forward togetherAs we look ahead, let’s do so with unity, humility, and grace. In every season, we are encouraged to be salt and light, to lift others up, and to be a source of hope. Holding tightly to the assurance that it’s going to be okay, we can make a positive difference—right where we are meant to be.
Isaiah 55:8-9 – "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the Lord. “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts."
So, let’s take a deep breath, trust God’s plan, and move forward in faith.
Thanks for reading! If you enjoyed this, consider listening to and following the Positively Joy podcast.
Read more about joy and listen to my podcast here.
Check out my speaking website here.
Your sister in Christ,
If you liked receiving this, like and comment!
THE BOOKSHELFSearching for your next Christian read?Look no further! These terrific authors have teamed up to offer an eclectic selection of books. Here are two promos running now:
Edgy, gritty Christian fiction!
Want news with a Christian perspective?
Try The PourOver. Each news report is followed by scripture or a Christian comment.
Support the ministry!Yvette Walker is a journalist, educator and the founder of Positively Joy Ministries. Her ministry supports this blog, a podcast, publishing her many books and opportunities to share the message of joy.
Consider giving to support the ministry. For as little as $7 a month, receive extras, like the video podcasts of my guests, early copies of my books and other video interviews exclusive to paying supporters of this newsletter.
Or, you can subscribe through Patreon, too!
Your support helps continue this ministry and you get exclusive content, like free copies of my books. Thanks!
November 4, 2024
Vote. Obey Jesus.
In this week’s newsletter:
Pre-election: A Q&A with Curtis Chang of The After Party.
(shirt image from joaDESIGN. Available here. I get no fees from this promotion.)
The Bookshelf
Support the ministry
Q&A with Curtis Chang of Redeeming BabelThis is an edited excerpt of a conversation I had with Curtis Chang, founding executive director of Redeeming Babel and a former senior pastor of a local church.
Yvette Walker: Hi Curtis, thanks so much for speaking with me. Tell us about Redeeming Babel and The After Party.
Curtis Chang: We produce content to help Christians navigate the world in a faithful fashion and we have a project called the After Party. It actually began out of a friendship with David French, New York Times columnist. He and I are friends that go back over 30 years. We are both Christians and we have been both deeply disturbed by (how) the Evangelical Church has been hijacked by partisan forces. We wanted to do something about that. And we really realize that it needed to be a Christian voice to speak to other Christians.
Yvette Walker: Why?
Curtis Chang: Christians have not been taught about the connection between their faith and democracy. So simply saying ‘protect democracy,’ for many Christians that's not actually compelling. There's nothing particularly appealing to their faith about that because they have not been taught the connections between Christianity and democracy.
Yvette Walker: What does the After Party do?
Curtis Chang: We're trying to call Christians back to place their ultimate allegiance to Jesus, not a partisan identity. And so the project at the heart of it is a six-session video-based course designed for small groups, Bible study, Sunday schools, prayer breakfast. And we designed that very specifically because we believe that political polarization is best addressed in the context of in-person embodied communities.
So if you're going to talk politics and you're going to talk with somebody who is on the the red or blue team, the conversation, just sounds different if that other person is the same person who baked a casserole for you when your wife was sick. And so we want to locate the conversation politics in that relational context.
Yvette Walker: Okay, so this is for this election year?
Curtis Chang: I want to be very clear. It is released this year because we know there's a deep need and hunger and we're just under so much political pressure but it's not geared for the election. The curriculum does not tell people who to vote for, we don't even mention any of the political candidates. It's meant to get the deeper level of formation of our identities and address the ways which those identities are getting deformed by politics. So we anticipate this will roll on after the election because we didn't get into this problem overnight and we're not going to get out of it and overnight, we're not gonna get out of it over just a few months of work.
Yvette Walker: Why do you think this is needed? And What do you think is the biggest reason that faith seems to have come to the forefront of conversation in political discussion? Is it abortion?
Curtis Chang: I think it's bigger than that. I think it is Christians wrestling, with a changing society, in which their voice and their influence is not as strong as it was the past. I think it is larger than just a particular issue. It's the turmoil, the anxiety understandably that is conveyed, when Christians increasingly view society as not conforming to their values on certain key things. I've had numerous conversations with conservative evangelicals and when you really talk about what's driving them they're afraid that their kids are not going to grow up Christians. But it's understandable. I'm a parent myself, I hear some of those same anxieties and fears and it's easy to be tempted. And so the After Party is trying to reground ourselves and that ultimate faith.
Read the Sermon on the Mount. Jesus says, for instance, don't call each other “fool,” “idiot,” “moron.” Don't call your opponent names and prioritize reconciliation over winning. Those are political postures that we can adapt.
Imagine if Christians of all different viewpoints said, “we're going to obey Jesus.” You can draw a straight line from those words of the Sermon on the Mount to political behavior today. That would be radical and beautiful.
Yvette Walker: Thanks, Curtis.
Check out the After Party here.
Thanks for reading! If you enjoyed this, consider listening to and following the Positively Joy podcast.
Read more about joy and listen to my podcast here.
Check out my speaking website here.
Remember to vote Tuesday if you haven’t already! I’ll be in line first thing in the morning!
Your sister in Christ,
If you liked receiving this, like and comment!
THE BOOKSHELFSearching for your next Christian read?Look no further! These terrific authors have teamed up to offer an eclectic selection of books. Here are two promos running now:
Books by Yvette Walker
Want news with a Christian perspective?
Try The PourOver. Each news report is followed by scripture or a Christian comment.
Support the ministry!Yvette Walker is a journalist, educator and the founder of Positively Joy Ministries. Her ministry supports this blog, a podcast, publishing her many books and opportunities to share the message of joy.
Consider giving to support the ministry. For as little as $7 a month, receive extras, like the video podcasts of my guests, early copies of my books and other video interviews exclusive to paying supporters of this newsletter.
Or, you can subscribe through Patreon, too!
Your support helps continue this ministry and you get exclusive content, like free copies of my books. Thanks!
October 22, 2024
Seeking a true, authentic marriage
In this week’s newsletter:
Relationships are hard … but God!
Positively Joy podcast playlist on marriage and relationships
The Bookshelf
Support the ministry
Editor’s note: This is an excerpt of a column originally published on Medium in Jan. 2024 and updated.
Divorce can be difficult, but getting dumped by your next significant other can be toxic to your spirit.
Finding joy after divorce and in marriage and relationships is the new focus of my podcast, Positively Joy. The podcast continues, but we are pivoting to a topic the Lord has laid on my heart. The new season begins in November.
I’ve tackled this topic before on the podcast from time to time. So in the meantime, listen to several previous episodes on marriage and relationships on the playlist below. But for now, let me tell you a true story.
I divorced in 2003 and became friends with a great guy. He was charming, handsome and funny. He liked the same things I did. He understood my work. We spent six committed years together. It was a match made in …
Not heaven. I’m Christian and this fellow was an Atheist.
I fell in love with an Atheist. How was that even possible? Well, I’ll tell you how. In my younger years, I was strongly attracted to men who did not share my faith.
I was raised Catholic, and went to Catholic Church the first 28 years of my life. I eventually started going to Episcopalian Church and was officially “received” into that faith. I never converted from Catholicism, and I have fond memories of my childhood church on Chicago’s South Side. I went to Catholic elementary and high school. I was a church girl, but finding suitable dates proved difficult.
Before my first marriage I dated Christians who were not committed to their beliefs. After a divorce, I dated a scientist non-believer, then a man who had fallen away from the church. Much later, I dated a man who literally lived across the street from a church but did not believe.
My first husband called himself an Agnostic. That, according to dictionary.com, is “a person who holds that the existence of the ultimate cause, as God, and the essential nature of things are unknown and unknowable, or that human knowledge is limited to experience.” I say called himself because he never professed to that dictionary reference, but said he believed in a supreme being but not in organized religion.
You know, it would make sense that I would find my true love in church. I spent enough time there, at events, in meetings, serving. But it just didn’t happen.
Even when I did find a guy in a singles group at my church many years ago, he cheated on me with another girl at a church overnight camp. That added insult to injury.
A Christian counselor I started seeing when my first husband and I began having troubles told me we were “unequally yoked.” That is a phrase from the Bible. In 11 Corinthians 6:14–16 it says:
“Do not be yoked together with unbelievers. For what do righteousness and wickedness have in common? Or what fellowship can light have with darkness? What harmony is there between Christ and Belial? Or what does a believer have in common with an unbeliever?
When I divorced and found the next man — the atheist — I just knew I would marry him. I went all in. I think that is why the fall was so hard. I knew, deep down, I would never change him and he would never become the Christ-led man I needed. But we were so compatible in every way … except what was most important. While we had fun, enjoyed each other’s company, loved talking to each other and even read books together, it didn’t last.
It didn’t last because it wasn’t built on a stable foundation. That foundation is loving God.
I think — no, I know — I was running to relationships after my divorce. It took an 18-month sabbatical away from men and toward Christ that helped me see what was important.
It’s a long story, but I remarried in 2017 on Good Friday. Read about that here. My man is Godly and shares my faith.
Today we are the epitome of a happy older couple, even though we’ve only had seven years together. What’s the lesson?
Be equally yoked in relationships, especially in marriage.
Opposites do attract. My goodness, they do. I can tell you from experience. But a strong foundation in whatever faith you share is the glue that can keep you together.
Thanks for reading! If you enjoyed this, consider listening to and following the Positively Joy podcast.
Read more about joy and listen to my podcast here.
Check out my speaking website here.
Your sister in Christ,
If you liked receiving this, like and comment!
THE BOOKSHELFSearching for your next edgy/gritty read?
Look no further! These terrific authors have teamed up to offer an eclectic selection of books for sale. Here are two promos in October:
Books by Yvette Walker
Want news with a Christian perspective?
Try The PourOver. Each news report is followed by scripture or a Christian comment.
Support the ministry!Yvette Walker is a journalist, educator and the founder of Positively Joy Ministries. Her ministry supports this blog, a podcast, publishing her many books and opportunities to share the message of joy.
Consider giving to support the ministry. For as little as $7 a month, receive extras, like the video podcasts of my guests, early copies of my books and other video interviews exclusive to paying supporters of this newsletter.
Or, you can subscribe through Patreon, too!
Your support helps continue this ministry and you get exclusive content, like free copies of my books. Thanks!
October 11, 2024
The Proverbs 31 woman
Isn’t it interesting that Proverbs has 31 books, and Proverbs 31 has 31 verses?
I think so. That’s why I’ve been studying a verse a day from Proverbs 31 over on Facebook for the 31 days of this month. Join me and follow me there!
Proverbs 31 is known as the book of the Bible that explores how Godly women are defined. Here are the first seven posts: Make sure to join me on Facebook so you don’t miss a single one!
Verse 1: “The sayings of King Lemuel—an inspired utterance his mother taught him.”
Who is King Lemuel? According to Christianity Today, there are three theories (link in the comments):
Theory 1: King Lemuel Is King Solomon, son of King David and author of his own book of the Bible
Theory 2: King Lemuel Is King Hezekiah, a rare godly king of Judah
Theory 3: King Lemuel Is a fictional king
The verse speaks about the king's mother giving him the words of advice that will follow about choosing a good woman.
Proverbs 31 does not describe a meek, mealy-mouthed woman, but rather a strong business-headed woman who loves her family and works hard for them.
Verse 2: Listen, my son! Listen, son of my womb! Listen, my son, the answer to my prayers!
Mother-son relationships are shown throughout the Bible. A verse from Proverbs 10:1 written by King Solomon seems fitting, because some experts believe Lemuel is Solomon.
“A wise son brings joy to his father, but a foolish son brings grief to his mother.”
Mothers have a strong place in the Jewish family, according to the Tikvah Fund:
“It is Jewish women rather than men who serve as the foundation of our familial faith. … the Almighty guarantees, to paraphrase Isaiah, that a mother cannot forget her child, nor refrain from having mercy on the child she bore, and that God, therefore, will not forget Israel either. Anyone born to a Jewish mother is bound, by her motherly love, and by God’s motherly love, to the Jewish family and to every other Jew. The centrality of mother-love in Judaism thus means that all Jews are linked by familial ties that can never be undone. Born into a Judaism that is not just a faith but a family, we are all joined for eternity to God—and to each other.”
Verse 3: Do not spend your strength on women, your vigor on those who ruin kings.
BibleRef speaks about other Proverbs that warn about the dangers of lust, adultery, and distraction (Proverbs 6:24–25, 32; 23:27; 25:28). In this passage, the mother cautions about the dangers of inappropriate relationships and making desires or distractions a weakness.
“This is not an idle threat, by any means. Lemuel's mother notes that this exact mistake has ruined kingships. David's involvement with Bathsheba brought pain and misery to the rest of his life (2 Samuel 12:9–10). Ahab's marriage to Jezebel (1 Kings 16:31) added only idolatry and corruption (1 Kings 21:7–10). Even Solomon, who recorded so much biblical wisdom, was pulled away through his weakness for women (1 Kings 11:1–4). Human history overflows with examples of kings, emperors, rulers, and politicians ruined by adultery and ‘weakness’ for sexuality. Many others have failed due to other vices, such as greed or a lust for power.”
Cross references from BibleHub show scripture examples in context:
Deuteronomy 17:17
He must not take many wives for himself, lest his heart go astray. He must not accumulate for himself large amounts of silver and gold.
Nehemiah 13:26
Did not King Solomon of Israel sin in matters like this? There was not a king like him among many nations, and he was loved by his God, who made him king over all Israel--yet foreign women drew him into sin.
Verse 4: It is not for kings, Lemuel — it is not for kings to drink wine, not for rulers to crave beer …
There is some confusion over this and the following verse, especially if you believe King Lemuel to be King Solomon. Solomon, in Proverbs, Ecclesiastes and Song of Solomon, talks about enjoying alcohol. But in Song of Solomon, he calls such people foolish. Today, here are verses on the pro side.
From Theology in the Raw: Under the old covenant, wine is a blessing (Deut 7:13; 11:14) and the absence of wine a curse (28:39, 51). When Israel looked to the future, God promises to flood them wine flowing from the mountaintops (Amos 9:14; Joel 3:18) and vats brimming with fresh wine (Joel 2:19, 24).
From the Rev. Clyde Talley at telegram.com: Ecclesiastes 3:13, "And also that every man should eat and drink, and enjoy the good of all his labor, it is the gift of God."
Verses 5-7
lest they drink and forget what has been decreed,
and deprive all the oppressed of their rights.
Let beer be for those who are perishing,
wine for those who are in anguish!
Let them drink and forget their poverty
and remember their misery no more
We talked about the benefits of drinking alcoholic beverages mentioned in the Bible. Today, we’ll talk about verses that encourage practicing restraint, as King Lemuel’s mother does here.
From Knowing Jesus Ministries: “Drinking is not a sin, and it is often a God-given blessing. However, Scripture’s overwhelming testimony is that drinking alcohol can be spiritually dangerous. Christians are allowed by God to drink alcohol, but we are forbidden to get drunk.” (Ephesians 5:18; also see Proverbs 20:1, 23:20, Isaiah 5:22).
From the Center for Faith and Culture: “Ancient wine was normally diluted. Even ancient pagans considered drinking wine full strength to be a barbaric practice.”
Even Solomon discourages too much of it. From Burden4Souls: “Solomon calls all people who drink wine, beers and all forms of alcohol as foolish.” (Proverbs 20:1).
So these four verses, while mentioning the concerns of drinking, in my mind is about moderation. My daily household is alcohol-free, but I do offer wine and spirits to my guests if they would like.
Make sure to follow and like the Positively Joy Facebook page to see the rest of the verse study.
Your sister in Christ,
If you liked receiving this, like and comment!
Read more about joy: visit Positively Joy here. And visit my speaking page if your church or women’s ministry would like to explore real joy in marriage or after divorce!
The Bookshelf
Searching for your next edgy/gritty Christian read?
Look no further! These terrific authors have teamed up to offer an eclectic selection of Christian books. Available all month long.
Less than a dollar! Get your 99 cent Christian books here.
Redemptive Love: Get a variety of novels on redemptive here.
Books by Yvette Walker
Want news with a Christian perspective?
Try The PourOver. Each news report is followed by scripture or a Christian comment.
Support the ministry!Yvette Walker is a journalist, educator and the founder of Positively Joy Ministries. Her ministry supports this blog, a podcast, publishing her many books and opportunities to share the message of joy.
Consider giving to support the ministry. For as little as $7 a month, receive extras, like the video podcasts of my guests, early copies of my books and other video interviews exclusive to paying supporters of this newsletter.
Or, you can subscribe through Patreon, too!
Your support helps continue this ministry and you get exclusive content, like free copies of my books. Thanks!
September 28, 2024
NEW Joy after heartache
Photo by Kelly Sikkema on UnsplashWe're taking a powerful new direction at the Positively Joy podcast, diving into a subject that touches so many hearts: relationships. God has placed it on my heart to share my own journey through a difficult divorce and my path back to joy—a path where God became my everything. I remember the overwhelming hurt and confusion, but I also remember the freedom that came through Jesus.
In this new season, we’re going to get real. We’ll talk about the deep pain, the loss, but also the healing and liberation found in Christ. After 13 years of marriage to a man with bipolar depression, I was left broken, questioning my worth. But Psalm 91 became my anchor.
“He will cover you with His feathers, and under His wings, you will find refuge.”
— Psalm 91: 4
It was through faith, self-discovery, and God’s protection that I learned joy isn’t tied to life’s circumstances—it’s a choice. By leaning into His promises, I found love for myself, peace in His presence, and joy in the everyday moments I once overlooked.
I invite you to join us on this journey. Share it with those who need these conversations. Positively Joy is evolving, and we’re stepping into something even greater. Stay tuned for Season 6 in October!
Your sister in Christ,
If you liked receiving this, like and comment!
Read more about joy: visit Positively Joy here. And visit my speaking page if your church or women’s ministry would like to explore real joy!
Books by Yvette Walker
Want news with a Christian perspective?
Try The PourOver. Each news report is followed by scripture or a Christian comment.
Support the ministry!Yvette Walker is a journalist, educator and the founder of Positively Joy Ministries. Her ministry supports this blog, a podcast, publishing her many books and opportunities to share the message of joy.
Consider giving to support the ministry. For as little as $7 a month, receive extras, like the video podcasts of my guests, early copies of my books and other video interviews exclusive to paying supporters of this newsletter.
Or, you can subscribe through Patreon, too!
Your support helps continue this ministry and you get exclusive content, like free copies of my books. Thanks!
September 11, 2024
Join my new subscriber chat
Today I’m announcing a brand new addition to my Substack publication: Positively J.O.Y. - Just. One. Yes! subscriber chat.
This is a conversation space exclusively for subscribers—kind of like a group chat or live hangout. I’ll post questions and updates that come my way, and you can jump into the discussion.
How to get startedGet the Substack app by clicking this link or the button below. New chat threads won’t be sent sent via email, so turn on push notifications so you don’t miss conversation as it happens. You can also access chat on the web.
Open the app and tap the Chat icon. It looks like two bubbles in the bottom bar, and you’ll see a row for my chat inside.
That’s it! Jump into my thread to say hi, and if you have any issues, check out Substack’s FAQ.
One more thing: LIVE CHAT WHILE WATCHING 'THE CHOSEN'
To kick off the chat, I'd love to know this: Would you like to LIVE CHAT about an episode of "The Chosen" one evening?
What would it look like? Download "The Chosen" app and at an appointed time, we'd watch it and post live comments on here. I think it would be fun and insightful. It's something I used to do on a certain other platform that changed it's name to a letter of the alphabet.
Let me know if you're in by commenting, "I'm In!" and your favorite episode from Season 4. I'll follow up with the day and time.
I'm excited! Are you?
