Rev. Michele Owes and Rev. Diana P. Cherry

Introduction

Welcome back to The Teachable Woman Podcast with Reverend Michele Owes and Reverend Diana P. Cherry—your faithful “Teachers of Good Things.” In this episode, our hosts dive deep into the spiritual condition of the heart. Building upon prior conversations about sin and righteousness, this episode calls us to examine what truly resides in our innermost being. Get ready for a rich conversation filled with biblical insight, transparency, and wisdom that speaks to both the head and the heart.

From Sin to Righteousness

Rev. Michele reminds listeners of the journey from studying sin to embracing righteousness—defined not by our own opinions or feelings, but by our alignment with God’s word and His ways.

God Wants the Heart, Not Just the Mind

The conversation emphasizes that our relationship with God begins in the heart. While we often offer God our intellect, He desires a deeper connection—a surrendered, unguarded heart.

Scriptural Foundations on the Heart

Several scriptures are shared, including Proverbs 3 and 4, and Deuteronomy 6, highlighting that the heart is where God’s commandments should be stored. These verses underline that the heart directs our life’s outcomes.

The Heart as the Core of Spiritual Life

Rev. Diana shares a teaching from 1992, explaining the Greek word cardia—the seat of thoughts, feelings, and spiritual life. She explains how, before salvation, the heart was the headquarters of sin, and after salvation, it becomes the home of righteousness and truth.

Cluttered, Hardened, and Bitter Hearts

Rev. Michele likens an unchecked heart to a hoarder's storage room—full of unforgiveness, hurt, and bitterness. She warns that over time, hearts can become hardened fortresses, resistant to both giving and receiving love—even from God.

Rot on the Inside—The Apple Analogy

Rev. Diana uses a powerful analogy of a beautiful apple that’s rotten inside to explain how defilement begins in the heart before it manifests externally. She cautions listeners not to let internal rot fester to the point of visible spiritual decay.

Thoughts Are Devices—Guard Your Mind

Quoting her late husband, Rev. Diana stresses that “a thought is a device designed to manipulate your intellect.” Listeners are reminded to guard their thoughts, as they originate from the heart and can either align with God's will or pull us away from it.

• Proverbs 3:1
• Proverbs 4:23
• Deuteronomy 6:5
• Jeremiah 17:9
• Psalm 51:10

This heartfelt episode calls us to do deep spiritual maintenance. Rev. Michele and Rev. Diana challenge us to not just look good on the outside, but to cleanse and care for the inner life where God does His greatest work. With wisdom, humor, and grace, the Teachers of Good Things remind us that a clean heart and right spirit are essential to a thriving relationship with God—and we must be intentional to guard, examine, and purify our hearts regularly.

Assignment Reminder:

Think about what you're thinking about. Examine your thoughts—because they reflect what's in your heart.

Get ready to learn, laugh, and live! In this exciting update, Reverends Michele Owes and Diana P. Cherry share all the details about the Second Annual Teachable Woman Retreat, happening July 17–19, 2025, with an optional stay through July 20th.

This year’s retreat promises powerful workshops, dynamic sessions on the transformative power of prayer, insightful discussions on women’s health and financial wellness, and an unforgettable dose of faith-filled laughter with a Christian comedian called and anointed by God.

Whether you're coming solo or bringing your husband along for the weekend (yes, husbands are welcome too!), you'll leave refreshed, equipped, and spiritually renewed.

And yes—it’s also Rev. Cherry’s 82nd birthday! 🎉 But as she and Rev. Owes humbly remind us, the true star of this retreat is Jesus Christ and Him crucified.

• Dates: July 17–19 (Stay over July 20 if you like!)
• Location: Houston, Texas
• Kickoff: Thursday, July 17 @ 7 PM with dinner & reception

Workshops & Sessions:

• The Power and Practice of Prayer
• Women's Health with a Medical Expert
• Financial Wisdom from a Specialist
• Laughter & the Word with a Christian Comedian

Live Podcast Recording

• Special Session with Husbands + Prayer Send-Off

Five Meals Included (Thursday Dinner through Saturday Lunch)

• Dinner is on your own
• Evenings Free for You & Your Spouse

• Retreat Registration: [Insert Retreat Registration Link]
• Hotel Booking: Use our special hotel link to receive the discounted rate (Separate from retreat registration)

We are so grateful for those of you who have already registered! Keep spreading the word—don’t decide for someone else whether this is for them. Share the retreat, share the podcast, and let’s grow together in faith and sisterhood.

See you in July! Get ready, get set—GO!

Episode Title: "Why Should I Be Righteous?"

Hosted by: Rev. Michele Owes & Rev. Diana P. Cherry

In this powerful and heartfelt episode of The Teachable Woman Podcast, Reverends Michele Owes and Diana P. Cherry dive deep into the topic of righteousness—not self-righteousness, but the true righteousness that aligns us with the will and word of God. This dynamic duo, affectionately known as “teachers of good things,” invite listeners into a soul-searching conversation that challenges, encourages, and equips women to walk upright before the Lord.

Coming off a series on sin, Rev. Michele and Rev. Diana turn the focus toward the redemptive and empowering path of righteousness. Through biblical teaching, personal testimony, and spiritual encouragement, they discuss what it really means to live right with God. This episode isn’t just theory—it includes a practical assignment for listeners and a call to action that extends beyond Sunday sermons.

1. Righteousness Is More Than a Concept—It’s a Calling
2. Rev. Michele emphasizes that the teachings shared on the podcast are meant to have a tangible, beneficial impact on listeners' lives. Righteousness isn't just a church word—it’s a way of life aligned with God’s heart.
3. Your Zeal Needs Knowledge
4. Drawing from Romans 10, the hosts explain how many have a zeal for God but lack biblical understanding. True righteousness requires submitting to God’s righteousness, not defining our own.
5. Assignment: Seek Scripture on Righteousness
6. Rev. Diana gives a new spiritual assignment—search for scriptures on righteousness during personal Bible study. This exercise is meant to deepen understanding and personal accountability.
7. Beware of Self-Righteousness

The episode addresses the difference between righteousness and self-righteousness. True righteousness is not about looking holy—it’s about being aligned with God's word and led by His Spirit.

Righteousness Is a Moment-by-Moment Choice

Rev. Michele shares a powerful story about choosing peace and silence over pride in a conflict situation, illustrating how righteousness often looks like self-restraint in real-time.

Be Do Right Christians: Thinking Right Leads to Living Right. Rev. Diana reminds listeners that thoughts precede actions. To be right, do right, and speak right, you must think right. Monitor your thoughts to guard your spiritual direction.

Be a 'Do-Right' Christian - With warmth and wisdom, Rev. Diana encourages listeners to be what she calls a “do-right Christian”—someone who consistently strives to live upright before God in a world that’s always changing, even though God never does.

Righteousness is not perfection, but it is a pursuit. In this episode, Rev. Michele and Rev. Diana challenge listeners to grow deeper in their relationship with God through obedience, spiritual discipline, and the daily decision to walk in truth. As Rev. Michele says, "The word of God is nourishment for our souls."

The Teachable Woman Podcast

Reverends Michele Owes and Diana P. Cherry

The Rewards of Righteousness - Part 1

Revs. Michele and Diana kick off a new series, "The Rewards of Righteousness," leaving behind the heaviness of sin to embrace the blessings of living rightly before God. They reflect on how God's righteousness is not just moral but protective, favor-filled, and identity-defining.

Key Themes:

• Shift from sin to righteousness
• God’s justice and favor
• Living out biblical righteousness daily
• Scriptures: Genesis 18:16-33, Romans 3:10

Using Abraham's intercession for Sodom, the hosts explore how one righteous person can shift outcomes for an entire community. The righteousness of a single person holds immense power and can stand in the gap.

Key Themes:

• Power of intercession
• Righteousness as spiritual influence
• God’s willingness to relent for the sake of the righteous
• Scripture: Genesis 18:22-33

Summary:

Rev. Michele calls attention to how the righteous are often overlooked. Righteousness may not make headlines, but it makes an eternal impact. God sees, honors, and responds to righteous living.

Key Themes:

• Visibility vs. spiritual impact
• The righteous as God's preservation agents
• warning not to overlook quiet obedience
• Quote: “Just because you don't see them doesn’t mean they’re not there. God has His righteous ones.”

Rev. Diana deeply delves into 1 John 3, explaining how righteousness reveals spiritual lineage. Those who are truly born of God do not continue to practice sin. A lifestyle of righteousness is evidence of sonship.

Key Themes:

• Identity through righteousness
• Spiritual inheritance
• Freedom from the power of sin
• Scripture: 1 John 3:4 10
• Quote:

What does righteousness look like in practice? Rev. Michele encourages listeners to examine the fruit of their lives. Holiness, obedience, and love are visible signs of right standing with God.

Key Themes:

• Visible fruit of righteousness
• Daily discipline and obedience
• Holiness as a lifestyle
• Scripture: 1 John 3:7, Matthew 7:16–20 (referenced indirectly)

Show Note 6: Favor That Surrounds Like a Shield

Rev. Diana shares Psalm 5:12 to highlight one of the most tangible rewards of righteousness: divine favor. The righteous don’t have to chase blessings—favor follows and surrounds them.

Key Themes:

• Divine favor
• Righteousness and protection
• Unseen blessings for godly living

Scripture: Psalm 5:12

Sin: Fun for a Season - Part 5 Sin Series

Teachable Woman Podcast

Reverends Michele Owes and Diana P. Cherry

Introduction: Reverends Michele Owes and Diana P. Cherry discuss the Sin Series. Listeners are encouraged to think more on the righteousness afforded us by Jesus Christ than the lure or pull of sin.

1. Sin is Sin to God - God does not grade sin. The grading or classing of sin was created for the legal system to punish the abusers.
2. Sin Pays a Wage - The wages of sin is death. It may not be physical death. It can be death of a trust, relationship, or an opportunity.
3. Sin is a Choice - Man makes the decision to do they want rather that what God allows.
4. Sin is Pleasure for a Season - Hurt, disappointment, and pain are the result.
5. Sin means to miss the mark, trespass, and to choose evil over good.
6. God's love provides a way of escape from sin.
7. All have Sinned and come Short of the Glory of God - We were born in sin and shaped in iniquity. Jesus saves us from our sin.

Podcast Notes: "All Have Sinned" Part 4 Sin Series

Reverends Michele Owes and Diana P. Cherry

Introduction:

Welcome back to The Teachable Woman Podcast! Rev. Michele Owes and Rev. Diana P. Cherry lead a powerful discussion on the universal impact of sin and the greater, redemptive power of righteousness through Jesus Christ. With a mix of heartfelt teaching, personal reflections, and biblical truth, this episode encourages every listener to embrace God's grace and walk boldly in forgiveness and restoration.

1. The Relevance of God’s Word Over Trends

Rev. Cherry reminds us that, though language and culture evolve, God’s word remains timeless and unchanging. As believers, we don’t have to conform to cultural expressions or trends to stay relevant—we’re called to stay rooted in truth.

2. Understanding Sin: Missing the Mark

Rev. Owes emphasizes that sin is defined as "missing the mark"—falling short of the high calling of God. Sin separates us from God, but righteousness restores us. Every person has sinned, but there's redemption through Jesus.

3. One Man’s Sin, One Man’s Righteousness

Through Adam, all inherited sin, but through Jesus Christ, all can receive righteousness. The hosts challenge listeners to consider not just the damage sin causes, but the powerful impact their personal obedience can have in their families, communities, and nation.

4. Forgiveness: A Gift We Must Accept and Extend

Rev. Cherry speaks passionately about the importance of forgiving ourselves once God has forgiven us. Lingering guilt can keep us from moving forward, but grace is available—every single day. Start each morning fresh with a resolve to live right.

5. Rebellion as Sin: A Spiritual Reflection

Using the image of a rebellious child, Rev. Owes explains how our disobedience mirrors rebellion against God. Instead of rationalizing sin, we're encouraged to humbly confess and seek God's cleansing.

6. God’s Forgiveness Is Greater Than Any Sin

No sin—no matter how severe—is beyond God's ability to forgive. Rev. Cherry reminds us that guilt and shame aren’t from God. They keep us from approaching Him, when in fact, repentance brings us right back into fellowship.

7. Move On and Walk in Purpose

Rev. Cherry shares a personal testimony about how God used her season of loss to birth new purpose in her life. She encourages others not to linger in grief or guilt—staying in a place of regret leads to stagnation. God wants us to move forward, forgive ourselves, and pursue our calling.

Summary:

This episode offers a deep dive into the nature of sin, the promise of forgiveness, and the power of righteous living. Rev. Owes and Rev. Cherry share spiritual insight and practical wisdom, urging listeners to let go of guilt, embrace grace, and walk in the fullness of God's plan. No matter your past, there's a new day, a clean slate, and a call to righteousness waiting for you.

Episode Focus: Exploring how sin separates us from God and instills fear, and how God's grace empowers us to overcome.

Introduction:

In this third installment of the Sin Series, Reverends Michele Owes and Diana P. Cherry dive deeper into the spiritual consequences of sin, particularly how it causes fear and separation from God. While many avoid discussing sin, this episode encourages listeners to confront it honestly, understand its spiritual implications, and walk boldly in the power of grace and obedience.

Podcast Notes:

1. Sin Separates Us From God

Rev. Owes revisits foundational definitions of sin: it is anything that separates us from God's will. Whether through omission (not doing right) or commission (doing wrong), sin creates distance between us and the Lord, pulling us off the path of righteousness.

2. Expanded Understanding of Sin

New insights are shared from Bible study, including additional definitions: rebellion, yielding to evil, impurity, trespassing, and the condition of the heart. These reinforce the idea that sin is more about posture and motive than mere behavior.

3. The Daily Acknowledgment of God as a Guard Against Sin

Rev. Cherry emphasizes beginning each day by acknowledging God—thanking Him for breath, movement, and strength. Simple acts of gratitude and awareness set the tone for God-directed living and help us resist temptation.

4. Obedience Is a Daily Choice

Sin may be tempting, but choosing not to sin is a sign of spiritual maturity. The reverends discuss how acknowledging God, staying in His word, and reflecting on teachings help guide believers in truth and obedience.

5. The Hidden Cost of Sin: Fear

Using Adam's response to sin in Genesis as an example, the episode illustrates how sin leads to fear—fear of exposure, judgment, and consequences. Fear causes us to hide from God and others, further deepening separation.

6. The Importance of Forgiving Yourself

After sin, self-forgiveness is essential. The devil thrives in secrecy and shame, but God’s forgiveness is immediate. Rev. Cherry reminds listeners that even wrong thoughts, if not acted upon, are not who we are. Grace covers us, and we must extend that grace to ourselves.

7. Obedience Leads to Righteousness

Obedience to God brings a powerful reward—righteousness. Not material wealth or earthly accolades but right standing with God. This cherished relationship becomes the strength we need to resist sin and walk in freedom.

Summary:

Sin is more than just wrong behavior—it is a heart condition that leads to fear, shame, and separation from God. Reverends Michele Owes and Diana P. Cherry encourage us to resist sin by acknowledging God daily, staying grounded in His word, and valuing the reward of obedience: righteousness. Even when we fall, God’s grace restores us. By forgiving ourselves and walking in renewed commitment, we maintain our fellowship with God and overcome fear.

Episode Focus: Exploring how sin separates us from God and instills fear, and how God's grace empowers us to overcome.

Reverends Michele Owes and Diana P. Cherry discuss the upcoming Women's Retreat July 17-20, 2025 in Houston, Texas.