The negative voice in your head doesn't have to win. That persistent inner critic—whispering doubt, planting seeds of fear, and questioning your worth—can be silenced through a divine blend of scripture and scent.

Many believers struggle with this internal dialogue while simultaneously finding it challenging to maintain consistent spiritual practices in their busy lives. Drawing from personal experience, including my journey through seminary while serving congregations and later transitioning into retirement, I share how the Aroma Freedom Technique provided a breakthrough that removed layers of old wounds and brought clarity to my path forward.

Scripture offers profound guidance for managing our thoughts. Proverbs 23:7 reminds us that "as he thinks in his heart, so is he," while 2 Corinthians 10:5 encourages us to "take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ." These verses underscore the importance of recognizing and actively managing the negative voice within us. Through awareness, journaling, challenging thought validity, and replacing negativity with scriptural affirmations, we can transform our mental landscape.

Biblical boundaries serve as spiritual scaffolding that protects our inner peace and aligns our minds with God's will. Even Jesus modeled boundary-setting by withdrawing for personal renewal. The Aroma Freedom Technique, developed by clinical psychologist Dr. Benjamin Perkus, offers a unique approach that combines essential oils with focused reflection. This technique works with the brain's limbic system—responsible for emotions and memories—to support mood regulation and build resilience against negative thoughts.

By integrating natural aromas (as God created them) into prayer, journaling, and worship, we create sacred spaces where God's presence is felt more profoundly. Through these holistic strategies, you can silence the negative voice, embrace your worth, and walk confidently in faith. Subscribe to continue discovering how to live on purpose in Christ, and join our community at BiblicalBoundariesForWomen.com to connect with others on this journey.

👉👉👉 Grab your Freebies here > bit.ly/faithfulfamily

Tune in to Episode 3 > Are we Underestimating the Power of Oils in Biblical Teachings? >>> https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/3-challenging-traditions-are-we-underestimating-the/id1748454615?i=1000658362480

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New PRINTABLE Resources every month! > FaithBuildingClub.com

Unlock your FREE Coaching Call with me > WhyEssentialOils.com#FreeCoachingCall

Plug into our Community here > https://www.facebook.com/groups/faithcollective

Find my favorite Essential Oils here > WhyEssentialOils.com

Get a copy of my study > A New Heaven and New Earth: The Book of Revelation Revisited >>> https://amzn.to/3xRp0DI

Feeling uncertain about God's call on your life? Gideon's journey from fearful wheat thresher to mighty warrior reveals powerful truths about how God works through our weaknesses to achieve His purposes.

This episode opens with a story from my early ministry days—standing in the pulpit for the first time, legs shaking, praying desperately not to throw up or pass out. That terrifying moment laid the foundation for over twenty years of pastoral service, demonstrating how embracing God's calling requires leaning on His strength when fear threatens to overwhelm us.

The heart of this episode explores Gideon's transformation as recorded in the book of Judges. We examine Israel's oppression under the Midianites, Gideon's humble beginnings hiding in a wine press, and God's surprising greeting: "Mighty warrior!" Despite Gideon's doubt and requests for confirmation through the fleece tests, God patiently affirms His calling. Through obedience in tearing down Baal's altar and following God's counterintuitive battle strategy, Gideon witnesses a miraculous victory with just 300 men against a vast Midianite army.

This biblical account offers profound applications for today's believers: God sees potential in us beyond our self-perception, our doubts can become opportunities for growth, faithfulness in small matters precedes greater responsibilities, God's strength shines through our weaknesses, and His unconventional wisdom surpasses human understanding. The episode provides rich discussion questions and journaling prompts to deepen your personal reflection on these timeless truths.

For additional resources to enhance your Bible study experience, visit faithbuildingclub.com, where you'll find printable prayer journals, devotionals, comprehensive study guides, reading plans, as well as the printable resource for this study, designed to nurture your spiritual growth and enrich your group's faith journey.

👉👉👉 Grab your Freebies here > bit.ly/faithfulfamily

Tune in to Episode 3 > Are we Underestimating the Power of Oils in Biblical Teachings? >>> https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/3-challenging-traditions-are-we-underestimating-the/id1748454615?i=1000658362480

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New PRINTABLE Resources every month! > FaithBuildingClub.com

Unlock your FREE Coaching Call with me > WhyEssentialOils.com#FreeCoachingCall

Plug into our Community here > https://www.facebook.com/groups/faithcollective

Find my favorite Essential Oils here > WhyEssentialOils.com

Get a copy of my study > A New Heaven and New Earth: The Book of Revelation Revisited >>> https://amzn.to/3xRp0DI

The weight of ministry can feel crushing—every congregation member's need resting on your shoulders, every spiritual crisis demanding your immediate attention. But what if God already provided natural remedies to help you manage this unique burden?

Get the full episode here: Soothe Your Soul - Natural Remedies for Stress >>> https://paulabehrens.com/blog/40904/sooth-your-soul-natural-remedies-for-stress

That's exactly what I discovered during COVID-19 while pastoring two East Texas congregations. When most churches remained closed, I felt called to reopen our doors after just seven weeks, knowing many members lacked internet access for virtual services. Guided by biblical wisdom, we diffused frankincense throughout our sanctuaries—the same essence Aaron used to halt a plague in Numbers 16—and employed immune-supporting oil blends to sanitize between services. The results were remarkable: everyone stayed healthy, and hospital visits plummeted during this challenging time.

In this episode we delve into how essential oils can transform clergy stress into renewed spiritual vigor. Lavender promotes restful sleep after those late-night emergency calls. Frankincense grounds your prayers and meditation. Bergamot lifts your spirits after difficult pastoral encounters, while Ylang-Ylang helps you release work thoughts at day's end. These aren't just pleasant scents—they're powerful tools created by God on the third day specifically to support our emotional and spiritual well-being.

Remember Jesus' words about the birds of the air? "They do not sow or reap, yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?" The same God who provides for these creatures has given us natural remedies for the unique challenges of ministry. By embracing these aromatic gifts, we experience the abundant life Christ promises while becoming more effective servants. Self-care isn't selfish—it's essential to sustainable ministry. Your congregation deserves a pastor who's grounded, present, and spiritually vibrant. Discover how God's natural remedies can help you become exactly that leader.

👉👉👉 Grab your Freebies here > bit.ly/faithfulfamily

Tune in to Episode 3 > Are we Underestimating the Power of Oils in Biblical Teachings? >>> https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/3-challenging-traditions-are-we-underestimating-the/id1748454615?i=1000658362480

---

New PRINTABLE Resources every month! > FaithBuildingClub.com

Unlock your FREE Coaching Call with me > WhyEssentialOils.com#FreeCoachingCall

Plug into our Community here > https://www.facebook.com/groups/faithcollective

Find my favorite Essential Oils here > WhyEssentialOils.com

Get a copy of my study > A New Heaven and New Earth: The Book of Revelation Revisited >>> https://amzn.to/3xRp0DI