In this episode of Put God First, chaplain and Bible teacher Celeste Casey addresses a universal human experience that we all face at some point: rejection. Whether dealing with difficult transitions, harsh words, or closed doors, it is easy to fall into discouragement and feelings of inadequacy. Drawing from scripture, Chaplain Casey reminds listeners that Jesus Himself experienced deep rejection, proving that we are never alone in our suffering. Tune in to discover how to stop seeking approval from others, lean into God's unfailing love, and walk in the victory of being "more than conquerors".

Key Takeaways

• Everyone Experiences Rejection: Rejection is a universal struggle—even Jesus was hated, despised, and rejected, meaning He intimately understands our hurt.

• Guard Against Distraction and People-Pleasing: When facing criticism or harsh words, it is easy to fall into the trap of becoming a people-pleaser instead of seeking to please God.

• God Never Abandons Us: Even if human relationships fail or family abandons us, the Lord holds us close and fights our battles while we remain still.

• We Are More Through Christ: Through Christ's love, believers gain an overwhelming victory and are equipped with a sound mind, power, and love rather than a spirit of fear.

Featured Bible Passages & References

• Proverbs 3:6: In everything you do, put God first and He will direct your paths.

• Isaiah 53:3: Prophesying that Jesus would be despised and rejected by men.

• John 15:18: "If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first."

• Psalm 41:7: David's reflection on adversaries whispering and imagining the worst.

• Psalm 27:10: "Even if my father and mother abandon me, the Lord will hold me close."

• John 1:11: Jesus came to His own, but His own did not receive Him.

• Romans 8:31: "If God be for us, who can be against us?"

• Galatians 1:10: Seeking to please God rather than trying to please men.

• Romans 8:37: Being more than conquerors through Him who loved us.

• 1 Peter 5:7: Giving all worries and cares to God because He cares for you.

• Psalm 94:14: The Lord will not forsake His people.

• 1 Corinthians 3:16: Recognizing that we are God's temple and His Spirit dwells within us.

• Exodus 14:14: "The Lord will fight for you; you only need to be still."

• Psalm 34:17-19: The Lord hears the cries of the brokenhearted and rescues them from troubles.

• Romans 15:13: A prayer that the God of hope fills you with joy and peace through faith.

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Episode Notes... Being teachable means embracing humility, attentiveness to GOD’S voice, and a willingness to learn from both Scripture and others. Being teachable leads to wisdom, growth, and deeper fellowship with GOD. Many times it leads to open doors as well.

SEEK WISDOM

Proverbs 4:5 Get wisdom; get understanding. Don’t forget and don’t turn away from my words.

John 14:26 “But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you.”

VALUE WISE COUNSEL

Proverbs 15:22 Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed.

LISTEN AND RECEIVE INSTRUCTION

Proverbs 19:20 “Listen to advice and accept instruction, that you may gain wisdom in the future.”

Psalm 32:8 “Now teach me, and I will be silent; make me understand how I have gone astray.”

PRAY FOR UNDERSTANDING

Psalm 25:4-5 Make me to know your ways, O LORD; teach me your paths. Lead me in your truth and teach me, for you are the GOD of my salvation; for you I wait all the day long.

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Episode Notes… Step away from limited strategies and embrace God's perfect guidance. Human planning often falls short. GOD'S PLANS ALWAYS SUCCEED. When we rely on our own ideas, ambitions, and counsel, human wisdom is limited compared to God's complete and certain plans. True success comes when we bring our daily plans and decisions to God first rather than jumping ahead in our own strength. GOD'S PLANS ALWAYS SUCCEED.

Proverbs 19:21 [ICB] People can make many different plans. But only the Lord’s plan will happen.

Proverbs 16:9 [NLT] We can make our plans, but the Lord determines our steps.

Proverbs 21:30 [ AMP] There is no [human] wisdom or understanding or counsel [that can prevail] against the Lord.

Isaiah 55:8 [NLT] “My thoughts are nothing like your thoughts,” says the Lord. “And my ways are far beyond anything you could imagine.”

Proverbs 16:3 [NLT] Commit your actions to the Lord, and your plans will succeed.

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Episode notes: What does God’s Word say about true worship?

• W – Way of Life: True spiritual worship extends beyond music; it’s presenting your life as a living, daily sacrifice to GOD. (Romans 12:1).
• O – Obedience: GOD calls us to step out in faith and execute His will, His way, rather than making excuses or waiting for someone else to answer the call (Matthew 4:10).
• R – Read & Study Bible Daily: Daily immersion in GOD'S Word builds spiritual maturity, offering wisdom and strength right when we need it most.
• S – Serve GOD By Serving Others: Loving GOD means loving our neighbors through simple acts of kindness, generosity, and meeting practical needs (Luke 4:8).
• H – Humble Ourselves: Worship requires laying down our pride, need for control, and self-will at the foot of the cross (John 4:23–24)
• I – In Everything Put God First: Seek GOD and His kingdom before our own ambitions or desires (Matthew 6:33).
• P – Pray Without Ceasing: Keeping an open, ongoing, and honest line of communication with God throughout every moment of the day (1 Thessalonians 5:16–18).

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Episode Notes: During life's transitions, have faith, patience, and complete trust in GOD’S divine plan. Every season—whether filled with joy, intense trial, or quiet reflection—serves an intentional purpose in GOD’S design. Let go of past burdens, embrace the renewing work of the HOLY SPIRIT, and step boldly into the new blessings and harvest GOD has prepared for your life.

Trust GOD’S Timing: GOD orchestrates every season of our lives, and every trial or joy occurs according to His divine purpose and timeline.

Refresh in the New Season: Just as autumn brings relief after intense heat, GOD uses new seasons to refresh, rejuvenate, and restore us.

Faithful service and acts of kindness align with GOD’S will; even when results aren't immediately visible, we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.

Ecclesiastes 3:1,11 – To everything there is a season and a time for every purpose under heaven; He has made everything beautiful in its time.

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."

Galatians 6:9 – Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.

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Episode Notes: Stubbornness affects everyone. Every human struggles with resisting correction, clinging to plans, or insisting on doing things "my way." Clinging to "my way" instead of God's way holds us back from true spiritual growth. It moves us backward instead of forward into where God wants us to be. It opens the door to rebellion and causes us to resist the leading of the Holy Spirit. Stubbornness breeds rebellion. Humbling ourselves before God opens the door to His wisdom, grace, and guidance. When we humble ourselves, repent of pride, and trust in the Lord rather than leaning on our own understanding, God pours out His Spirit and wisdom.

Proverbs 3:5 “TRUST IN THE LORD WITH ALL YOUR HEART, and DO NOT LEAN ON YOUR OWN UNDERSTANDING.”

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Episode notes: GOD sees and knows the "real you," including private struggles, silent tears, pain, and even unseen victories that no one else witnesses. Remember specific moments in your past where only GOD rescued you from hardship, isolation, or despair. Times that GOD protected and provided for you and even made a way when there seemed to be NO WAY. GOD sees our quietest struggles, holds our hands in times of distress, and steadies our feet on solid ground. Take a moment today to reflect on His faithfulness, remember the situations He has brought you through, and make the daily choice to PUT GOD FIRST!!!

Psalm 139:1-4 O LORD, YOU HAVE SEARCHED ME AND KNOWN ME! YOU KNOW WHEN I SIT DOWN AND WHEN I RISE. YOU DISCERN MY THOUGHTS FROM AFAR. YOU SEARCH OUT MY PATH, AND MY LYING DOWN, AND ARE ACQUAINTED WITH ALL MY WAYS. EVEN BEFORE A WORD IS ON MY TONGUE, BEHOLD, O LORD, YOU KNOW IT ALTOGETHER.

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Episode Notes: While many people wait expectantly for breakthroughs and miracles—sometimes even growing impatient with God—they fail to address the hidden blockages within their own lives.

• Unclogging the Heart: Breakthroughs and answered prayers often require us to first examine and clean out the hidden anger, offense, and hurt stored in our hearts.

• Hasty Tempers vs. Understanding: Rapid, unmanaged anger leads to foolish choices, whereas remaining slow to anger reflects divine wisdom and self-control.

• The Danger of Bitterness: Holding onto past offenses turns unresolved anger into a "bitter root" that damages our spiritual growth and relationships.

• The Example of Joseph: Despite betrayal by family, false accusations, and imprisonment, Joseph refused to harbor hatred, ultimately recognizing that what was meant for evil, God intended for good.

• Forgiveness and Vengeance: Forgiveness is an immediate command rather than an optional feeling; believers are called to leave justice and vengeance to God while actively praying for those who cause harm.

Scripture References:

• Ephesians 4:26 – "Be angry, and do not sin: do not let the sun go down on your wrath."

• Psalm 103:8 – "The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in mercy."

• Leviticus 19:17–18 – Commands against hating others in your heart, taking vengeance, or bearing grudges.

• Ephesians 4:32 – Being kind, compassionate, and forgiving to one another as God in Christ forgave us.

• Romans 12:19 – "Beloved, do not avenge yourselves... 'Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,' says the Lord."

• Luke 6:28 – "Bless those who curse you, and pray for those who spitefully use you."

• Hebrews 12:14–15 – Warning against allowing a root of bitterness to spring up and cause trouble.

• Psalm 51:10–12 – Praying for a clean heart, a renewed spirit, and the restoration of joy.

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