S3 Episode #23- Yodit Kifle Smith
THE ONE WITH YODIT KIFLE SMITH
This week, we are excited to welcome Yodit Kifle Smith to the podcast! Yodit is constantly inspired by her faith in Christ to serve and love with the measure of grace He's given her.
Her love to see women and girls living a life worthy of the gospel and calling in Christ led her to found WITHIN Ministry back in 2010. Since then, she has served women and girls through writing online devotionals, hosting Bible Studies and hosting a retreat, providing service opportunities, and teachings focused on biblical literacy (Within His Word) and gospel centered understanding of living out our faith.
She loves to write, teach and create in a variety of ways to make much of God. She believes that a life surrendered to the Lord is a life full of obedient adventures-a life filled with opportunities to use every gift God has given us to service His Kingdom in love and truth and make much of Christ in all that we do.
She is also a big fan of coffee and Chick-Fil-A! She lives in Davis,, CA with her husband Dwight Smith and fur-baby Skye!
LISTEN
READ
Obedient Adventure
Yodit describes life with the Lord as an “obedient adventure”... the more we obey and desire to please The Lord, the more we see His provision in new ways.
Our obedience might not make sense to other people, but there will be great fruit when we obey. It’s not always easy, it might be a lonely path, but it will be a great adventure to hear from God in new ways and see God meet you right where he has placed you.
Redefining Purpose
Purpose is not about being in a specific place doing a specific thing. Purpose not about what you do, it’s about who you belong to.
We are created by God-- we are image bearers. We are redeemed, sanctified and whole. Therefore, purpose is wherever we are. No matter the season, the purpose is intimacy with The Lord, staying in His Word, and leaning into who He uniquely created you to be.
What comes naturally to you?
What do you enjoy doing?
As you grow in the Lord-- no matter the season-- purpose is about what you are becoming, not just what you are doing.
The Steadfast Love of the Lord
Psalm 63:3
“Because your steadfast love is better than life, my lips will ever praise you.”
The more we grow in the love of God, the more we grow into who we were created to be. This will be a lifelong process, but it is the foundation for all things.
We have come to know and believe the love that God has for us. ..
1 John 4:18
“There is no fear in love. But perfect love casts out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.”
The love of God is truly perfect. There are no cracks. We must believe that the perfect love of God is not about punishment-- there is no need to walk on eggshells.
“There is no security in a love that has to be earned.” - Matt Smethurst
Are you exhausted from trying to earn something that God has already given to us for free? Ask the Holy Spirit to help you believe and give you an eye to see the things of Jesus. Spend time in The Word of God.
It is hard for us to be still and do the hard heart work. How are you projecting your own insecurities onto The Lord? Being still before The Lord can feel challenging, but it is the place where The Holy Spirit can do amazing things.
Psalm 73:25
“The nearness of God is my good.”
Psalm 119:25
“Revive me according to Your Word.”
We can often trust in the blessing more than in the God of the blessing. We cannot attach our identity to anything-- good or bad-- other than God. The hand of God on your life is NOT contingent upon people, places, or the job you do.
Saying Yes
If you have an idea-- run with it! Even if it only touches one person, it will not be wasted! Give God your “yes”, even if it seems small or silly, it’s not.
Saying “yes” to God might mean that others will not understand. You must release the idea that you have to be understood. We all say that we want God to have glory out of our life, but we then try to choose how God will do that. The way that we surrender is to get intimate with the character of God.
Rest in these words
You are loved.
You are loved-- not because of anything you’ve done, anything you can give others or The Lord.
You are loved because Christ died for you. Holy Spirit, help us know this beyond all questions.
You are redeemed. The way you once knew yourself is not how Christ knows you. In Christ, you are redeemed, you are made new.
You are called. You are called to the things of God. We are called to specific assignments, but more importantly, we are called to draw near to Him. You are called to obey, you are called to walk in light.
You are His child. He is your Father. Everything that is of God is ours. His hands are always wide open.
Come as you. Rest in Him.
WATCH
We were not able to record this week’s episode. We hope to have them up and running again soon!
Thank you, as always, for listening! Please remember that everything we do is funded by those who benefit from our ministry, whether they be Patrons or event attendees. Our ministry a 501(c)3, so your contribution is tax-deductible.
Our events are centered on worship, restorative creativity, and designated time for reflection, evaluation, and setting intentions.
We help you provide a safe environment for your community to practice low-stakes creative risk-taking that will spur them in their gifting + step further into their calling. Leaders will rise up, ministries and businesses will be born, and all will find a new connection with their true identity.
Imagine what a whole community of Believers who
know who they are in Christ + understand their purpose as Kingdom cultivators can do!
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The Collected Podcast is a production of Collected Ministries, a non-profit organization dedicated to helping disciples of Jesus discover and live from their true identity in Christ, recognize and walk in their divine purpose within the Kingdom of God, and experience growth in their capacity for mature, healthy relationships.
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The Collected Podcast is produced by Jes Biondo and edited by Jacob Early. Cover art designed by Ben Biondo.