Blessed + Bossed Up

In the previous episode, we were supposed to wrap up The Spirit-Filled Life by Charles Stanley. After waking up at 3 a.m. to record a full 57-minute episode, the final 17 minutes didn’t save. Rather than end abruptly, this episode finishes the discussion properly.We conclude our book club conversation by examining two final spiritual markers of the Spirit-filled life:The Word of GodWisdomWe also prepare for our next book club selection: The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry by John Mark Comer. We will begin in about two weeks after midterms, so go ahead and grab your copy now.Marker #3: The Word of GodCharles Stanley outlines three key reading principles that help believers live a Spirit-filled life.1. Look for Principles, Not Just PromisesMany believers are promise-centered, always searching for what God will do for them. But principles are more powerful for decision-making.A principle works like an equation:If you do A, expect B.If you ignore A, expect C.When you consistently study the Word, those principles become ingrained. You won’t need to pause life to search for answers. The Holy Spirit will bring truth to your mind in real time.For Christian entrepreneurs especially, this is critical. You must be able to:Make decisions quicklyMaintain spiritual accuracyMove without paralysisThat kind of discernment only comes when the Word is already in you.2. Read with Context — Remain NeutralOne of the most important themes of this episode is neutrality.Do not approach Scripture trying to get something out of it. Approach it to know Him.In an age of algorithms constantly feeding us what we already want to see, neutrality is difficult. But it is essential. Otherwise, we risk:Confusing digital marketing for confirmationConfusing algorithms for the Holy SpiritReading our desires into the text instead of receiving what it actually saysWhen you read neutrally, you allow the Word to confront you instead of you manipulating it to support what you already want.Neutrality produces peace, clarity, sensitivity, and maturity.If you approach Scripture asking, “How can I get God to work for me?” you will miss it.When you approach asking, “How can I be closer to Him?” everything changes.3. Look for General PromisesThere are promises given to all believers for all time, including:Jesus’ promise not to leave us as orphans (John 14:18)Grace and mercy when we approach God (Hebrews 4:16)Strength for the weary (Isaiah 40:31)While God still speaks, He has already spoken extensively through Scripture. Personal revelation should always be filtered through biblical truth.Approaching the Word strictly from a mystical or subjective lens is dangerous. Spiritual maturity requires emotional maturity, restraint, and accountability.Marker #4: WisdomThe final spiritual marker of a Spirit-filled life is wisdom.The defining question: What is the wise thing for me to do?Wisdom exposes hidden motives. It shines light on greed, selfishness, pride, and lust.Wisdom goes beyond right and wrong.Something may not be sinful — but it may still not be wise.The Holy Spirit does not merely pull us away from sin. He keeps us far from the edge.Walking in WisdomExamples discussed in this episode include:Disengaging instead of escalating when triggeredAvoiding environments that may not be sinful but are not wiseListening to internal promptings before temptation escalatesLeaving a social setting when wisdom says it is time to goThe Spirit-filled life is not about seeing how close you can get to the line without crossing it. It is about walking wisely and staying far from the brink.The Three-Dimensional Wisdom QuestionWhen making decisions, ask:What is the wise thing to do in light of my past experience?What is the wise thing to do in light of my present situation?What is the wise thing to do in light of my future hopes and calling?The Holy Spirit takes into account your history, your vulnerabilities, and your destiny. When He prompts you, it is for protection.Ignoring wisdom can have lasting consequences.Final ChargeIf you are not reading your Bible daily, start now.Buy a translation you understand. Read a little every day.Through daily reading, you give the Holy Spirit access to your mind and heart — access necessary for transformation.Next Book Club PickThe Ruthless Elimination of Hurry – John Mark ComerWe will begin in approximately two weeks. Grab your copy and begin reading so you are ready when we start.Additional Bible Study Resources Recommended by Charles Stanley30 Days to Understanding the Bible – Max AndersHow to Read the Bible for All Its Worth – Gordon D. Fee & Douglas StewartHow to Study the Bible – James BragaHow to Understand Your Bible – T. Norton SterrickTalk Through the Bible – Bruce Wilkinson & Kenneth BoaLiving by the Book: The Art and Science of Reading the Bible – Howard Hendricks & William HendricksOur Sponsors:* Check out BetterHelp and use my code betterhelp.com for a great deal: https://www.betterhelp.com* Check out Bilt and use my code joinbilt.com/blessed for a great deal: https://www.biltrewards.com* Check out IXL and use my code TODAY for a great deal: https://www.ixl.com* Check out Time4Learning: https://www.time4learning.comAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In this episode, Tatum shares a timely message about building spiritual muscle memory—the discipline of training your spirit to respond automatically to God, especially in seasons of pressure, warfare, and transition.Just as physical muscle memory develops through consistent repetition, spiritual muscle memory develops through daily prayer, studying the Word, obedience, and intentional separation from environments that weaken your spiritual strength.This episode serves as both an encouragement and a call to action for those who know they are being stretched, tested, and prepared for greater responsibility. Tatum explains why spiritual consistency—not emotional intensity—is what sustains you through seasons of elevation and opposition.If you have been feeling pressure in multiple areas of your life, this episode will help you understand what is happening, how to respond, and how to strengthen your spiritual posture so you can stand firm in what God has called you to do.In This Episode, You’ll Learn:What spiritual muscle memory is and why it mattersWhy spiritual disciplines must become automatic, not occasionalHow consistent prayer strengthens your spiritual resilienceThe difference between repetition and quality repetition in spiritual growthWhy studying and understanding scripture deeply increases its effectiveness in your lifeHow environments and habits can either strengthen or weaken your spiritual positionThe importance of accountability in maintaining spiritual disciplineHow to proactively prepare for seasons of elevation and oppositionKey Concepts DiscussedSpiritual Muscle Memory Training your spirit to respond to God automatically through consistent prayer, scripture study, and obedience.Quality Repetition Not just hearing the Word, but studying it, writing it down, understanding it, and applying it so it becomes embedded within you.Proactive Spiritual Discipline Building strength before crisis occurs so your response is rooted in truth, not emotion.Separation and Protection Removing yourself from environments and habits that weaken your spiritual clarity and authority.Accountability and Spiritual Covering Strengthening your spiritual consistency through prayer partnerships and community.Scripture ReferencedEphesians 6:13–17 — The Armor of GodJames 5:16 — “The prayer of the righteous is powerful and effective.”Ephesians 6:12 — Spiritual warfare is not against flesh and bloodPractical Ways to Build Spiritual Muscle MemoryPray daily and consistentlyStudy and write down scripture to deepen understandingPut on the armor of God intentionallyRemove yourself from environments that weaken your disciplineEstablish accountability through prayer partnerships or communityMeditate on the Word so it becomes your automatic responseReflection QuestionsWhat spiritual disciplines have become inconsistent in your life?Where is God calling you to strengthen your spiritual foundation?What environments, habits, or distractions may be weakening your spiritual clarity?What daily practices can you implement to build spiritual muscle memory?Resources MentionedBibleHub.comBibleStudyTools.comGotQuestions.orgA study Bible for deeper context and understandingOur Sponsors:* Check out BetterHelp and use my code betterhelp.com for a great deal: https://www.betterhelp.com* Check out Bilt and use my code joinbilt.com/blessed for a great deal: https://www.biltrewards.com* Check out IXL and use my code TODAY for a great deal: https://www.ixl.com* Check out Time4Learning: https://www.time4learning.comAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In this episode of Blessed + Bossed Up, we continue our book club discussion of The Spirit-Filled Life by Charles Stanley, wrapping up Part Three of the book. These final chapters focus on the spiritual markers the Holy Spirit uses to confirm God’s will—and today’s conversation dives into the first two: peace and the conscience.Tatum unpacks why peace is often the first and clearest indicator that the Holy Spirit is either affirming or resisting a decision. Through a powerful story from Charles Stanley’s own ministry—where waiting on God led to a debt-free miracle—this episode challenges the tendency to panic, self-rely, or rationalize disobedience when God seems silent.The episode also includes several personal testimonies illustrating how the absence or presence of peace has guided major life decisions, from entrepreneurship and ministry to relationships and family choices. These stories highlight that spiritual maturity is not a prerequisite for the Holy Spirit to lead—He speaks from the very beginning of our walk with God.In the second half of the episode, the discussion turns to Stanley’s second marker: the conscience. While acknowledging the biblical framework presented in the book, Tatum offers honest reflection and thoughtful critique, questioning whether the conscience should be treated as a distinct marker separate from the Holy Spirit’s work of renewing the mind. This portion of the conversation invites listeners into deeper discernment, encouraging them to study Scripture, pray intentionally, and test what resonates with the Spirit.The episode closes with practical reflection questions from the book to help listeners evaluate decisions they may be facing—especially when peace seems unclear or external advice conflicts with inner conviction.This episode is an invitation to slow down, listen closely, and trust that the Holy Spirit is actively leading—even when His direction doesn’t make logical senseOur Sponsors:* Check out BetterHelp and use my code betterhelp.com for a great deal: https://www.betterhelp.com* Check out Bilt and use my code joinbilt.com/blessed for a great deal: https://www.biltrewards.com* Check out IXL and use my code TODAY for a great deal: https://www.ixl.com* Check out Time4Learning: https://www.time4learning.comAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In this episode of Blessed + Bossed Up, the host continues the book club series with The Spirit-Filled Life by Charles Stanley, covering Chapters 13 and 14, which focus on the Holy Spirit’s role in guidance, decision-making, sensitivity, and neutrality before God.The episode opens with an invitation to the Clarity Reset, a free two-week challenge inside The Society, designed to help participants realign their capacity, priorities, and spiritual focus by slowing down rather than adding more.Episode Highlights:Why many people struggle due to lack of clarity—not discipline or work ethicHow busyness and goal-driven living can dull spiritual sensitivityThe Holy Spirit as a guide, not a controllerFour key truths about the Holy Spirit:He guidesHe is trustworthyHe is God’s mouthpiece to believersThe Holy Spirit speaksReal-life examples of Spirit-led guidance in parenting, career decisions, and resisting distractionsWhy God cares about both major and seemingly small decisionsThe importance of recognizing and trusting how the Holy Spirit communicates personallyChapter 14 Focus: The Principle of NeutralityWhy God often remains silent when believers approach Him with fixed agendasThe danger of asking God to bless plans already madeHow emotional attachment can distort discernmentWhy worship helps cultivate neutrality and clarityHow misplaced faith in promises God never made leads to disappointmentThe connection between neutrality, obedience, and peaceKey Takeaway:Clarity comes from sensitivity, and sensitivity grows when believers approach God with a neutral heart—willing to release their own agendas and fully submit to His will.Resources Mentioned:The Spirit-Filled Life by Charles Stanley: https://amzn.to/45Jzcf6The Clarity Reset (free two-week challenge inside The Society): thesocietychallenge.comOur Sponsors:* Check out BetterHelp and use my code betterhelp.com for a great deal: https://www.betterhelp.com* Check out Bilt and use my code joinbilt.com/blessed for a great deal: https://www.biltrewards.com* Check out IXL and use my code TODAY for a great deal: https://www.ixl.com* Check out Time4Learning: https://www.time4learning.comAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In this bonus episode, we officially pick back up our book club read of The Spirit-Filled Life by Charles Stanley after pausing in Q4 due to major life transitions, including starting law school and welcoming a new baby. The goal now is simple: finish the book together and apply it practically as we move into a new year.If you are new to the book club, all previous episodes are linked in the show notes, along with the link to purchase the book. This remains one of my top Christian books of all time and one I believe should be reread regularly, especially at the beginning of the year.Today’s Focus: Chapter 11 — Doing God’s Work God’s WayWhile this episode technically covers Chapters 11 and 12, the primary focus is Chapter 11. Chapter 12 largely reiterates themes already covered earlier in the book regarding the Holy Spirit, so today’s discussion centers on what it truly looks like to build, work, and live by God’s Spirit rather than our own strength.The chapter opens with Zechariah 4:6–7: “Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit, says the Lord of hosts.”Using the story of Zerubbabel rebuilding the temple, Charles Stanley reminds us that:God knows we will face oppositionGod does not always remove obstaclesGod prepares us insteadSelf-sufficiency is often the greatest oppositionThis scripture is a critical anchor for anyone building a business, pursuing goals, or stepping into God-ordained work.No Separation Between Spiritual and Secular WorkColossians 3:23–24 reminds us that “whatever you do” is service to the Lord. God does not divide life into sacred and secular categories. Your job, business, career, and daily responsibilities are all part of your calling.Even in environments where faith cannot be openly expressed, excellence, humility, integrity, and Spirit-dependence still glorify God. Your work ethic and posture can be a bridge to someone who may never step into a church.Two Ways to Approach God’s WorkDoing God’s work in the flesh looks like:relying on skill, experience, influence, and strategyplanning first and asking God to bless it latermeasuring success by numbers, money, or visibilityoperating in stress, pressure, and controlDoing God’s work by the Spirit looks like:beginning with dependencyhearing from God before planningremaining flexible and surrenderedallowing God to receive the gloryGod’s work done God’s way carries an unmistakable mark. It produces transformation, not just emotional stimulation or surface-level success.Five Indicators You’re Doing God’s Work God’s WayAccording to Charles Stanley, Spirit-led work is marked by:Knowing the work will fail if God does not interveneSeeing God as your only true sourceLooking for evidence of the Spirit’s interventionLiving without chronic stressSpending more time thanking God than asking HimIf these are not currently descriptive of you, that is not condemnation—it is an invitation to course-correct.Final EncouragementThis episode is especially timely for the beginning of the year, when many of us are setting goals and making plans. If you started the year operating in the flesh, now is the time to bring those plans back to God, repent of self-sufficiency, and realign your posture.Write these five indicators down. Keep Zechariah 4:6 somewhere visible. Check yourself often and intentionally choose to do God’s work God’s way.We have two more bonus episodes to finish the book before moving on to our next book club pick.Thank you for listening to another episode of the Blessed + Bossed Up podcast.Previous episodes:https://www.blessedandbossedup.com/podcast/episode/39405540/the-joy-youve-been-missing-starts-with-the-holy-spirithttps://www.blessedandbossedup.com/podcast/episode/3255ebb2/the-holy-spirit-is-not-an-it-or-a-ghosthttps://www.blessedandbossedup.com/podcast/episode/20f3c1c7/faith-over-formulahttps://www.blessedandbossedup.com/podcast/episode/4df616ba/abiding-over-achievinghttps://www.blessedandbossedup.com/podcast/episode/2213e340/the-faith-factorhttps://www.blessedandbossedup.com/podcast/episode/28425033/keeping-in-step-with-the-spiritOur Sponsors:* Check out BetterHelp and use my code betterhelp.com for a great deal: https://www.betterhelp.com* Check out Bilt and use my code joinbilt.com/blessed for a great deal: https://www.biltrewards.com* Check out IXL and use my code TODAY for a great deal: https://www.ixl.com* Check out Time4Learning: https://www.time4learning.comAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

**Disclaimer** We are currently on our annual winter break. This is a replay of an episode that aired earlier in 2025. In this continuation of the Bible on Business series, Tatum walks through Acts 16:6–10 to illustrate how critical it is for Christian entrepreneurs to embrace mobility and flexibility when building a business God’s way. Using Paul’s second missionary journey as a framework, this episode explores what it looks like to make strategic plans while remaining fully open to divine redirection.If you’re someone who knows you’re called but keeps facing closed doors, delays, or redirections that don’t make sense, this message is for you. Tatum speaks to the emotional and spiritual tension of following God with excellence while trusting Him to guide every step—even when plans change.She also shares a personal story about obeying the Holy Spirit with no confirmation and how that decision ultimately protected her and her family. This episode will shift your mindset around delays, reframe how you view closed doors, and help you move forward with peace and confidence.Key TakeawaysA closed door is not failure—it can be divine redirection.The Holy Spirit often leads us as we move, not before.Flexibility and mobility are vital for kingdom entrepreneurs.Being spiritual is not the same as being Spirit-led.Obedience does not always come with external confirmation.The people God is calling you to serve are already prepared to receive you.Scripture FocusActs 16:6–10 (ESV and The Message)Proverbs 16:9Romans 8:14Galatians 5:25This Episode is For You If:You are clear about your calling but uncertain about next steps.You’ve experienced unexpected closed doors and felt discouraged.You struggle to distinguish between faith and fear in business decisions.You are tired of waiting for external confirmation before obeying God.You want to operate in peace rather than anxiety as you build your business.Topics CoveredStrategic planning vs. spiritual discernmentWhat to do when you face delays, pivots, or redirectionsThe importance of maintaining spiritual rhythm in businessHow over-attachment to your vision can block divine movementThe role of fear and anxiety in clouding discernmentHow obedience leads to favor and alignment with your ideal clientsOur Sponsors:* Check out BetterHelp and use my code betterhelp.com for a great deal: https://www.betterhelp.com* Check out Bilt and use my code joinbilt.com/blessed for a great deal: https://www.biltrewards.com* Check out IXL and use my code TODAY for a great deal: https://www.ixl.com* Check out Time4Learning: https://www.time4learning.comAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

**Disclaimer** We are currently on our annual winter break. This is a replay of an episode that aired earlier in 2025. In today’s episode of Blessed + Bossed Up, we continue our Bible on Business series with a deep dive into what it looks like to make strategic business decisions led by the Holy Spirit. Drawing from Acts 8:26–40, Tatum unpacks the story of Philip and the Ethiopian eunuch to reveal how obedience to God—even when it seems illogical—can produce generational and global impact.Tatum also shares a powerful testimony about Anchored Media Studios being awarded the 2025 Peerspace Open Doors Award and reflects on the importance of celebrating wins, even when they don’t directly reflect financial gain. With personal insight and biblical application, this episode gives you practical tools to discern God's voice, remain obedient in seasons of uncertainty, and be led by the Spirit in every decision you make.What You’ll Learn:Why Spirit-led strategy always outperforms worldly business tacticsThe biblical context and business application of Acts 8How to know if what you're hearing is truly from GodWhat to do when your platform, profits, or progress feel like they’re shrinkingThe power of journaling and intentional reflection in building spiritual sensitivityWhy one act of obedience can change nationsHow Tatum is applying these lessons in her own businesses and platformResources Mentioned:Book Club Pick: The Spirit-Filled Life by Charles Stanley: https://amzn.to/4ji32MGEpisode referenced: Testimony of building Anchored Media Studios https://www.blessedandbossedup.com/podcast/episode/24590588/faith-endurance-and-eight-years-of-gods-graceVisit: www.blessedandbossedup.com to search episode topics and listen to past showsOur Sponsors:* Check out BetterHelp and use my code betterhelp.com for a great deal: https://www.betterhelp.com* Check out Bilt and use my code joinbilt.com/blessed for a great deal: https://www.biltrewards.com* Check out IXL and use my code TODAY for a great deal: https://www.ixl.com* Check out Time4Learning: https://www.time4learning.comAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy