In this powerful episode, we sit down with Brandon Shelby to explore what it truly means to walk in obedience to God, especially in leadership. We dive deep into the emotions that arise when God calls us to obey—reluctance, fear, and trepidation—and discover how surrender and trust transform our relationship with Him.

Brandon Shelby - @mr_brandondjshelby ; website: https://www.corporatefreeagency.com/

• Understanding obedience beyond simple compliance
• Our natural reactions to God's commands
• The heart behind our obedience

Reluctance - Brandon shares a personal story of being reluctant to obey God and what happened as a result

Fear - The paralysis of not wanting to make mistakes and second-guessing what we've heard from God

Trepidation - Wrestling with uncertainty when God requires something we don't understand

We explore the story of Thomas (John 20:24-29, Bible page 1434) and discover that asking questions doesn't disqualify us from God's calling. Brandon encourages listeners to explore their feelings when God requires something they don't understand.

• What Brandon has learned through his journey
• Common places where we get tripped up
• Obedience is surrender - and it's something we must do over and over again
• Being inside God's will is the best place to be

Hebrews 5:7-9 (NLT) "While Jesus was here on earth, he offered prayers and pleadings, with a loud cry and tears, to the one who could rescue him from death. And God heard his prayers because of his deep reverence for God. Even though Jesus was God's Son, he learned obedience from the things he suffered. In this way, God qualified him as a perfect High Priest, and he became the source of eternal salvation for all those who obey him."

Psalms 25:12 (NLT) "Who are those who fear the Lord? He will show them the path they should choose."

John Bevere - "Holy fear keeps us connected to the wisdom of our Creator—the only One who knows what enhances us and what undoes us." From: The Awe of God

• Spend intentional time with Him in prayer
• Read and study your Bible regularly
• Cultivate a lifestyle of listening

• Bible passage: John 20:24-29 (Doubting Thomas)
• Book: The Awe of God by John Bevere https://johnbevere.com/aweofgod/
• Deuteronomy 8:11-18 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Deuteronomy%208%3A11-18&version=NKJV
• Hebrews 5:7-9 - https://bible.com/bible/116/heb.5.7-9.NLT
• Psalms 25:12 - https://bible.com/bible/116/psa.25.12.NLT

Episode Takeaways

✓ Asking questions doesn't disqualify you from God's calling

✓ Obedience is about surrender, not perfection

✓ Even Jesus learned obedience through what He suffered

✓ Fear of the Lord connects us to divine wisdom

✓ Being in God's will is always the best place to be

Website: https://www.praywithoutceasingministries.com/

Merch: www.praywithoutceasingmerch.com

Email: hello@praywithoutceasingministries.com

Instagram: @AudreyTShelby

Have you ever made a costly mistake as a leader? One that made you question your worth or whether you were cut out for leadership?

In this episode, I'm getting real about the fear of making mistakes and the pressure to be perfect. I share a personal story about a costly mistake that could have cost me my job, and the biblical lessons God taught me through it.

If you've been beating yourself up over a mistake or carrying the weight of perfection, this episode is for you.

Biblical Wisdom on Mistakes

• Ecclesiastes 10:4 - A quiet spirit overcomes great mistakes
• 2 Timothy 3:16-17 - Scripture equips us through correction
• Why God's Word doesn't shame us for mistakes

What True Leadership Looks Like

• Authentic leadership embraces vulnerability and accountability
• The shift from proving worth to showing trustworthiness

Extending Grace to Yourself

• How to forgive yourself and remember you are God's workmanship
• "I don't have to be perfect. I have to be faithful."

Practical Steps Forward

• 5 steps for leading through and after mistakes

Colossians 3:23-24 - Work as for the Lord, not for men

1 John 3:16 - Real love requires sacrifice Read it here

Ecclesiastes 10:4 - "A quiet spirit can overcome even great mistakes" Read it here

Timothy 3:16-17 - Scripture corrects us with purpose to equip us Read it here

Know a leader who needs to hear this? Share it with them!

Remember: You don't have to be perfect to be a great leader. You just have to be willing to learn, grow, and keep showing up.

Website: https://www.praywithoutceasingministries.com/

Shop: Christian apparel designed to inspire prayer and intentional living praywithoutceasingmerch.com

Email: hello@praywithoutceasingministries.com

Have you ever felt attacked, undermined, or disrespected by someone on your team? Do you dread going to work because of one difficult colleague? You're not alone—and as a Christian leader, you don't have to choose between holding boundaries and showing grace.

In this episode, we dive into three biblical strategies that will transform how you lead difficult people. You'll discover why empathy doesn't mean agreement, how refusing to take offense protects your leadership, and why forgiveness is actually about YOUR freedom, not theirs.

Whether you're managing someone who openly opposes you or navigating a toxic team dynamic, this episode will equip you with practical, Christ-centered tools to lead with integrity while protecting your peace.

✅ How to use Psychological First Aid principles to support distressed colleagues in the workplace

✅ Why "What happened to you?" is more powerful than "What's wrong with you?" when dealing with difficult behavior

• The biblical truth about taking offense - and how it blocks your ability to lead with empathy
• Why forgiveness is the key to personal healing
• How to do your work "as unto the Lord" even when people don't deserve your best effort

Colossians 3:23-24 - "Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men."

Proverbs 19:11 - "A person's wisdom yields patience; it is to one's glory to overlook an offense."

1 Peter 4:8 - "Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins."

Matthew 6:14 - "For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you."

1 Corinthians 13:7 (AMP) - Love "bears all things, hopes all things, endures all things."

Galatians 6:2 (ESV) - "Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ."

1. EMPATHY: Approach with Curiosity, Not Judgment

• Shift from "What's wrong with you?" to "What happened to you?"
• Create psychological safety using the 5 principles of Psychological First Aid
• Remember: Empathy doesn't mean agreement

1. DON'T TAKE OFFENSE: Protect Your Peace

• Taking offense is a choice that blocks empathy
• Let God be your vindicator instead of fighting your own battles
• Bear one another's burdens without letting bitterness take root

1. LOVE & FORGIVENESS: Kill Them with Kindness

• Show Agape love even when it's not reciprocated
• Forgive for YOUR healing, not just theirs

1. Identify one difficult person or situation you're facing at work
2. Choose ONE strategy to implement: Empathy, Not Taking Offense, or Love & Forgiveness
3. Pray for that person daily this week
4. Remember: Do your work as unto the Lord, not unto people

Where have I been holding offense?

Who do I need to forgive?

How can I be a safer space for my team?

Am I doing my work for people's approval or for God's glory?

• Psychological First Aid Principles for workplace distress
• Biblical principles on forgiveness and loving your enemies
• Leadership mindset: Teammate vs. Subordinate

📧 Email: hello@praywithoutceasingministries.com

📱 Instagram: @AudreyTShelby

🌐 Website: www.praywithoutceasingministries.com

💬 Leave a Review: If this episode helped you, please leave a 5-star review and share it with another Christian leader who needs to hear this message!

Do you feel the weight of leadership responsibility? Struggling to lead effectively while honoring God? You're not alone.

In this powerful episode, we explore what it means to lead at full capacity—not by relying on your own strength, but by inviting God into every aspect of your leadership journey. Whether you're leading in ministry, business, community organizations, or your own family, this episode will transform how you view and practice leadership.

You'll discover that leadership isn't about titles or positions—it's about influence. And if you're a follower of Jesus Christ, you're called to influence others, which means you're called to lead.

In This Episode, You'll Learn:

• Why leadership is influence and what that means for you
• The dangerous mindset that keeps leaders stuck in self-focused performance
• Three practical, biblical ways to invite God into your daily leadership
• How to shift from "What do I want?" to "What does God want through me?"
• The one question that changed everything about how the host approaches leadership
• Practical steps to move from wherever you are to leading more effectively

Stop carrying the weight alone. Stop performing and start partnering with God. This episode will help you understand that when you seek God first, pray without ceasing, and walk in obedience, everything changes.

Perfect For: Christian leaders, ministry workers, business professionals, emerging leaders, parents, church volunteers, small group leaders, entrepreneurs, and anyone who wants to honor God in their leadership role.

Featured Scripture: Romans 12:8, Matthew 6:33, James 1:22, Deuteronomy 30:11, Proverbs 8:12, 1 Thessalonians 5:17

"If your gift is to encourage others, be encouraging. If it is giving, give generously. If God has given you leadership ability, take the responsibility seriously. And if you have a gift for showing kindness to others, do it gladly."

📖 Read Full Chapter

Application: Whatever gifts God has given you, use them seriously AND gladly. Leadership is a gift to be stewarded, not a burden to carry alone.

"Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need."

📖 Read Full Chapter

Application: When we prioritize God first—before our leadership, before our success, before our programs—He promises to provide everything we need. This is the foundation of leading at full capacity.

"But don't just listen to God's word. You must do what it says. Otherwise, you are only fooling yourselves."

📖 Read Full Chapter

Application: Effective Christian leadership requires obedience, not just knowledge. Hearing God's voice is important, but acting on what He says is what transforms our leadership.

"Never stop praying."

📖 Read Full Chapter

Application: Prayer isn't just a morning or evening activity—it's an ongoing conversation with God throughout your day. Every decision, challenge, and opportunity is an invitation to pray.

"This command I am giving you today is not too difficult for you, and it is not beyond your reach."

📖 Read Full Chapter

Application: What God is calling you to do as a leader isn't too hard for you. He equips those He calls. Step out in obedience with confidence.

"I, Wisdom, live together with good judgment. I know where to discover knowledge and discernment."

📖 Read Full Chapter

Application: When we seek God's wisdom, He gives us creative solutions and "witty inventions"—innovative ideas that only come from Him.

Books Mentioned:

• • Pray Without Ceasing: 31 Days in Prayer by Audrey Shelby. https://www.praywithoutceasingministries.com/books
  • Spiritual Leadership by J. Oswald Sanders
  • The Maxwell Leadership Bible by John C. Maxwell

We'd love to hear from you!

📧 Email: hello@praywithoutceasingministries.com 📱 Instagram:@AudreyTShelby 🌐 Website: www.praywithoutceasingministries.com 🎙️ Leave a Review: Apple Podcasts

In this episode, I open up about my early days in leadership and the struggles I faced when fear and anxiety were driving my decisions. I reflect on what it was like to lead from that place, the impact it had on my team and myself, and the lessons I learned along the way.

Whether you're a new leader finding your footing or a seasoned one looking back on your journey, this honest conversation about the messy reality of leadership might resonate with your own experience.

Resources mentioned

https://stefaniegass.com/

We'd love to hear from you!

📧 Email: hello@praywithoutceasingministries.com 📱 Instagram:@AudreyTShelby 🌐 Website: www.praywithoutceasingministries.com 🎙️ Leave a Review: Apple Podcasts