Jesus Calling: Stories of Faith
Millions have been encouraged and inspired by the words of the #1 best-selling 365-day devotional "Jesus Calling." Listen to real-life stories of faith as told by those who have experienced the power of living in His presence.
God finds great joy in us using our gifts to share His light in the world—there is no greater feeling than recognizing our purpose and fulfilling it to the best of our ability, giving voice to His faithfulness. Worship artist Kari Jobe began writing and singing songs of praise when she was only thirteen, paving the way for a lifetime of ministry. Now she pours blessings over her listeners and brings her family along for the journey, and feels honored that God has fulfilled her deepest desires to sing. British gospel singer Mica Paris was raised in the church, and got her start in music there. Over the years, Mica began to stray from her faith and got caught up in glittery fame. Looking back, she realizes that God was always there holding her steady, and her renewed hope in Him has changed her voice and her message.
Links, Products, and Resources Mentioned:
Past interview: Lacey Buchanan
Upcoming interview: Father James Martin
The Gospel According to Mica: The Story of Gospel Music in Six Songs
Interview Quotes:
“I brought everybody [my listeners] along that journey with me, because I realized there are people who probably have been through that or a similar thing. And it's like, ‘I need your wisdom and maybe anything I'm learning could be ministry to you.’” - Kari Jobe
“God is so faithful, we can look back and see similarities in our lives where we weren't sure what was going to happen. But God came through. God did a miracle. God changed our perspective. God brought healing. And so I just want to say, let's look to the future and realize that the same God that walked us through all those other things, is the same God that walks with us into our future.” - Kari Jobe
“If you don't have a little time with Him on your own, you kind of feel a bit disconnected if you don't do it for a bit. So you literally have to keep checking in.” - Mica Paris
“I feel like even the times when I did forget the faith, it was something that was always looking after me.” - Mica Paris
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Enjoy watching these additional videos from Jesus Calling YouTube channel:
Audio Playlist: https://bit.ly/2PrbuwH
Video Playlist: https://bit.ly/2PsmEkJ
What’s Good? Playlist: https://bit.ly/3i7VUlZ
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There is no better feeling than the moment you discover you are a part of something bigger than yourself—when you know God is there with a plan for you, and you realize that you have been soaked in His grace since the beginning of time. Comedian Michael Jr. had that moment after using his last few dollars to get to New Jersey to perform a show with iconic comedians George Wallace and Jerry Seinfeld. After performing, the manager invited Michael to church with him. Dejected about being completely broke and unable to get back to New York, Michael was gifted $200 and a napkin with a church address on it. That was a turning point, pushing Michael to read the Bible and use his gift of creating laughter to help spread the gospel. NFL player Jordan Matthews was trying desperately to navigate a performance-based world, but he was getting caught up in the highs and lows. Longing for consistency, Jordan looked to other guys in the NFL who had built a foundation of faith that allowed them to be okay no matter their circumstances. That’s when Jordan found Jesus, and began to walk in true relationship with Christ.
Links, Products, and Resources Mentioned:
Jesus Calling®: The Story of Easter
Past interview: Trevor Brazile
Upcoming interview: Mica Paris
Interview Quotes:
“All these people I never even knew before gave me all this love because I gave them a part of me.” - Michael Jr.
“It's just super exciting to be able to see this and notice and feel it—that heaven is real, that God gave me this gift not to serve me, not so I can do a bunch of shows and get a bunch of people and just laugh. It's so much more to do than just laughter. Comedy is the vehicle. It is not a destination.“ - Michael Jr.
“I know I'm called to help people understand their purpose.” - Michael Jr.
“I want to make laughter common in uncommon places.” - Michael Jr.
“Everything [humans make is], 100-percent, always going to be performance-based. If you don't meet this criteria, you're out, you're done.” - Jordan Matthews
“I realized that those pages in the Word, they weren't just words on a page. Those things meant something.” - Jordan Matthews
“And I was like, ‘Look, Lord, I know I haven’t been doing this thing right. I know that I'm probably still going to mess up at times, but I know this whole thing is about You. And I can't save myself, so it's up to You to do it, and I feel that happening right now.’” - Jordan Matthews
“I know that I have a foundation that I can stand on and a relationship that can't be taken away, no matter my performance. And that's something that's very freeing.” - Jordan Matthews
“I just felt like the gospel was able to give me perspective. I don't serve a God who sat on a throne and didn't know what suffering was. He came down, and He did the work, and He suffered. If He can go through that for me, I can go through this for somebody else.” - Jordan Matthews
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Enjoy watching these additional videos from Jesus Calling YouTube channel:
Audio Playlist: https://bit.ly/2PrbuwH
Video Playlist: https://bit.ly/2PsmEkJ
What’s Good? Playlist: https://bit.ly/3i7VUlZ
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It is so easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of life that we take for granted the little miracles that come together to form our very existence. If we learn to train our minds to sort out God’s miracle moments from the mundane, we will learn to live from a posture of reverence and awe—making our faith walk more wondrous than we could’ve thought. Life coach Tim Storey is a miracle himself—raised in a low income family, Tim relied on his understanding of God from a young age, and it led him to become a leader among some of Hollywood’s most successful names. Now, Tim seeks to point others to God by unifying them through universal principles straight out of the Bible, bringing healing where there was once hurt. Pianist Gordon Mote was born blind, but he was also born with immense musical talent, which took him to Nashville where he eventually became a first call studio keyboardist--performing on albums for the biggest names in country music. After 9/11, Gordon prayed deeply for one thing: to make a difference in the world. Each of us has the potential to be a miracle to someone else and to appreciate the miracles in the world around us—if only we ask God to let us see ourselves and His creation through His eyes.
Links, Products, and Resources Mentioned:
Past interview: Joyce and John Smith
Upcoming interview: Michael Jr.
Interview Quotes:
“I take time to really look at things through the eyes of faith on a daily basis.” - Tim Storey
”I believe that grace fills in the gaps.” - Tim Storey
“A lot of people say, ‘I used to be into faith, but I feel let down,’ or ‘Religion has become big business,’ and that's my opportunity to really talk more about Christ as the friend and Christ as the One who understands and Christ as the humanitarian.” - Tim Storey
“If you have sadness, He came to bring you joy. If you have dead things, He wants to exchange your ashes for beauty.” - Tim Storey
“No matter what you've been through, God is still there for you. God will still guide you, guard you, govern you.” - Tim Storey
“God is a miracle working God, that's part of what He does.” - Tim Storey
“We are walking miracles, even in our limitations, our setbacks, our frailties, our faults, our failures.” - Tim Storey
“If we could comprehend—which we can't—what it must be like for Jesus to have that kind of mercy and grace for us and then to look down on this earth He created and see how we treat each other...I just feel like we need to love and do our very best to love because He first loved us.” - Gordon Mote
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Enjoy watching these additional videos from Jesus Calling YouTube channel:
Audio Playlist: https://bit.ly/2PrbuwH
Video Playlist: https://bit.ly/2PsmEkJ
What’s Good? Playlist: https://bit.ly/3i7VUlZ
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Though times of pain and difficulty are hard to weather, they are often the seasons of life that bring the greatest spiritual reward, because it is often when we are desperate for healing and relief that we cry out to God, and those are the times that we can see great improvement by clinging to Him. Throughout her marriage, author and speaker Karen Ehman has been surprised by the difference in expectations and reality, and she’s learned that by looking for God in the little moments and continuing to show up in prayer, you can tackle any problem with your spouse. Kristina Kotlus had laid out a specific prayer to God: “Let me see you working.” She never imagined that her encounter with Him would come in the form of two cancer diagnoses, but she’s been amazed at how God took that opportunity to show her just what He was capable of.
Links, Products, and Resources Mentioned:
Past interview: Dawn Barton
Upcoming interview: Tim Storey
I Quit: Facing Cancer with Faith, Family, & Friends
Interview Quotes:
“It brings this little level of excitement when you watch God work while you two are forming a team and working together.” - Karen Ehman
“So often the way that we show love is not the way our spouse receives love.” - Karen Ehman
“I think that's just a real crucial way that we can keep showing up is to use our words to speak to God about our marriages and to speak to God about our own behavior.” - Karen Ehman
“I can look back in my life and see those exact difficulties, those problems, those pains, they were kind of the fertilizer for my faith. They’re when my faith grew the most.” - Karen Ehman
“It really wasn't until I was diagnosed that I really understood an actual really scary thing, and I actually saw God's ability to step into that huge void where I couldn't carry the load and I couldn't change my circumstances—but He could.” - Kristina Kotlus, on her cancer diagnosis
“I let myself have the emotions I was going to have, but I put a time limit on it. So I would literally set an egg timer or a timer on my cell phone and give myself fifteen minutes. I would have all of the negative thoughts. I would have all of the fears. I would just have them all and cry it out. And when my timer went off, I would literally out loud say, ‘Okay, you have been heard.’” - Kristina Kotlus
“I don't think that God gave me cancer, I don't think that He shot down a lightning bolt from heaven and put the tumor inside of my head, but I do think that He used that experience as an answer to that prayer for me to see Him.” - Kristina Kotlus
“I am choosing joy and I am deciding that I am going to go forward with confidence because I know my God has this.” - Kristina Kotlus
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Enjoy watching these additional videos from Jesus Calling YouTube channel:
Audio Playlist: https://bit.ly/2PrbuwH
Video Playlist: https://bit.ly/2PsmEkJ
What’s Good? Playlist: https://bit.ly/3i7VUlZ
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A beautiful element of Christianity is that when we allow ourselves to relax into the peace and grace that God offers, we experience true rest and healing that restores every part of our soul. Catholic recording artist Julie Carrick has seen God touch her life in the moments she was suffering the most—through infidelity, miscarriage, and cancer—and it’s led her to appreciate His unfailing grace and perfect love, which meets her in all of her brokenness and boosts her with the strength to carry on. Physician and author Dr. Saundra Dalton-Smith is an expert on rest in all of its forms, and knows how crucial it is that we give ourselves the type of rest our bodies, minds, and souls truly need. Because it is only when we are well-rested and energized that we can dedicate the best of ourselves to Christ—even the King rested on the 7th day.
Links, Products, and Resources Mentioned:
Past interview: Jana Kramer & Mike Caussin
Upcoming interview: Karen Ehman
Good Housekeeping Doctors’ Secrets
Sacred Rest: Recover Your Life, Renew Your Energy, Restore Your Sanity
Interview Quotes:
“God's unfailing grace. No matter what we go through, that grace is there.” - Julie Carrick
“The scripture—although it was written thousands of years ago—it wasn't written just for a thousand years ago. It was written timelessly. There is no beginning. There's no end. It was written for us today as much as it was back in the day.” - Julie Carrick
“We're in a position where we are working out of our exhaustion rather than working out of the fullness of all that we have to give. We're not fully being able to use our gifts and our talents and all that God's placed inside of us because we are always working out of that place of depletion.” - Dr. Saundra Dalton-Smith
“To give of our best, we have to be able to take the time to intentionally rest well.” - Dr. Saundra Dalton-Smith
“I always like to meditate on a characteristic of God or even a word that brings you back to think about who God is in your life. Peace, love, joy. Pick a word, a phrase that you will focus on as a way of calming your mind and keeping it from being able to just jump to whatever thought that it decides it wants to.” - Dr. Saundra Dalton-Smith
“I believe every one of us needs to have those people in our lives, whether it's a counselor or a therapist or a trusted friend, a family member, someone who knows at the very core of what's going on with you.” - Dr. Saundra Dalton-Smith
“We need to see the value in spending time with those people who can pour back into us. We can't always be the ones pouring out into others.” - Dr. Saundra Dalton-Smith
“Spiritual rest is the rest we experience when we have intimacy with God, when we take time to break away just to be with Him where we're not coming with our agenda. We're not coming with our prayer list. We're coming simply to just spend time in His presence and to enjoy being with Him.” - Dr. Saundra Dalton-Smith
“God's best for us is where we actually go back to the very beginning and we do it as He has modeled even from the very beginning of creation.” - Dr. Saundra Dalton-Smith
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Enjoy watching these additional videos from Jesus Calling YouTube channel:
Audio Playlist: https://bit.ly/2PrbuwH
Video Playlist: https://bit.ly/2PsmEkJ
What’s Good? Playlist: https://bit.ly/3i7VUlZ
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Think of a time when you were able to spread a little sunshine to others. What kind of happiness and fullness did that bring you? God calls us to be conduits of His joy, peace, and healing, but we can only do that once we develop our faith muscle enough to leave the stresses and pressures of the world and step into His calling for us. Artist and writer Ruth Chou Simons always had a love for art, but felt pushed into places the world deems more practical. Creativity and beauty continued to find its way into her life through cracks and crevices, and after Ruth became a mom, she started a blog, Grace Laced, as a way to muse on the way God’s faithfulness was showing up in the everyday, and it led to an artistic career that brought her fulfillment beyond her wildest dreams. Life coach and author Jess Connolly has made it her personal mission to help people discover what their God-given gifts are, because it’s not about what we can do with our lives, but who we can serve through our actions. Jess has learned over the years that on our own, we could never be enough, but by His grace, we are.
Links, Products, and Resources Mentioned:
Past interview: Jaci Velasquez
Upcoming interview: Julie Carrick
Beholding and Becoming:The Art of Everyday Worship
Interview Quotes:
“I thought my worth was so tied to what I could accomplish. And long story short, the Lord really did get a hold of me, and God in His kindness showed me that nothing I had to bring to the table, no matter how hard I tried, no matter what college I went, to what degree I graduated with, what job I landed, none of those things could earn me to favor with God.” - Ruth Chou Simons
“Those are truly just seasons that come about where God really breaks you of things that you think can save yourself. And He shows you what true salvation is.” - Ruth Chou Simons
“I was simply writing to faithfully document and see how God's faith, God's favor, and His grace intersects everyday life, even when life wasn't turning out the way I expected it to.” - Ruth Chou Simons
“I think anything, any dream you have, anything you want to do successfully in a big way, you need to do faithfully in a small way.” - Ruth Chou Simons
“There are lots of things we want to be in the presence of. And we forget that we were made to be in the presence of our Savior.” - Ruth Chou Simons
“Fullness of joy comes through Christ and through our knowing Him.” - Ruth Chou Simons
“We get to be rooted in the good news that though we are not enough, God is.” - Jess Connolly
“One of the best ways we can fight fear is saying true things about God.” - Jess Connolly
“I have learned that part of the beauty of prayer is that when I pray for certain things, for God to move in certain ways, I begin to look for and see the fruit of those things. And so I'm really praying to see His power and to see His presence and to see His peace manifested in people.” - Jess Connolly
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Enjoy watching these additional videos from Jesus Calling YouTube channel:
Audio Playlist: https://bit.ly/2PrbuwH
Video Playlist: https://bit.ly/2PsmEkJ
What’s Good? Playlist: https://bit.ly/3i7VUlZ
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In each of our lives, there will come a time that we face a season of hardship, of difficulty, even true suffering. But no matter how awful things may seem to be, God is right there to help carry you when you can’t walk on your own. Ministry leaders and authors Ruth & Patrick Schwenk went through a ten-year period in which they had nine pregnancies—five of which sadly ended in miscarriage. After having four healthy children and relocating to Ann Arbor, Michigan to launch a new church, Patrick was suddenly diagnosed with a rare blood cancer, and it sent their family into a tailspin once again. Clinging to God, the Schwenks found a way to cope and survive, trusting in the strength of Jesus to get them through. Former Army Captain Harold Earls and his wife Rachel know all about sacrifice—from a national perspective to a personal one. Early in their marriage, Harold felt called to climb Mt. Everest in support of veteran PTSD and suicide awareness, and in doing so, it terrified Rachel that she’d lose her husband before they could ever start a life together. By turning to God as reassurance that everything would be okay, they made it through the tumultuous climb. Then, as a guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Arlington, Virginia, Harold began a new mission each day of honoring the men and women who gave their all for their country and relied on his devotional ritual to help keep his mind on God’s purpose for his life. For each couple, looking to Jesus to help them through their toughest struggles helped them realize that God can bring forth good from pain and from sacrifice—and He can give you the strength to help you through the worst of it.
Links, Products, and Resources Mentioned:
Past interview: Jonathan Pitts
Upcoming interview: Ruth Chou Simons
In a Boat in the Middle of a Lake: Trusting the God Who Meets Us in Our Storm
Interview Quotes:
“I had to give up everything that I had been and I had to follow Him with my whole heart.” - Ruth Schwenk
“I feel like God used that suffering and that uncertainty and that fear to really deepen my faith because I had a choice. I could either trust Him or I couldn't. And there was literally no earthly thing that I could do to change my situation.” - Ruth Schwenk
“There are so many ways that chaos and pain and suffering and loss can be places of great anxiety, but they also can be places of great abundance where God is beginning to do something new and something powerful.” - Patrick Schwenk
“We believe that God hears our prayers. He loves us. He desires to take care of us just as His child. He desires to take care of us just like we as a mom or a dad desire to take care of our own child.” - Ruth Schwenk
“I am grateful and it helps me to see the good around me and all the blessings that God has just given me, which really carries me through those hard moments.” - Rachel Earls
“Everything that makes me proud to be an American, I would see on a daily basis [at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier]. And so for me to have the opportunity to serve there with an extraordinary group of young men and women honestly has been a highlight of my life so far and something that I am thankful for.” - Harold Earls
“This country, although we have our flaws, our flaws are still worth fighting for.” - Harold Earls
“Men and women that were so brave, that we don't even know who they are, made those sacrifices for you and I, so that we could have the religious freedoms that we have so that we can worship the God that we worship, so we can go to church on Sunday and say Jesus in public.” - Harold Earls
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Enjoy watching these additional videos from Jesus Calling YouTube channel:
Audio Playlist: https://bit.ly/2PrbuwH
Video Playlist: https://bit.ly/2PsmEkJ
What’s Good? Playlist: https://bit.ly/3i7VUlZ
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God has blessed each of us with a special gift, a talent, a unique way that we can spread His Word in the world. Our gifts are given to us for a reason—no one else can do what we do. It is the way we were formed, and it’s why it’s so crucial that we learn to hone into God’s voice and what He’s calling us to do, lest the world suffer from the lack of our obedience. Former Bachelor star and founder of Generous Coffee, Ben Higgins, had a moment in his childhood that made him realize that people’s stories are more complex than he ever thought possible, and that pain and suffering are interwoven with joy. After Ben’s following boomed from the publicity that being on national television brought, he realized he had an opportunity to use his platform for good, for change in the lives of those who desperately need it. That’s when he founded Generous Coffee, seeking to fulfill a purpose greater than himself and connecting with stories that truly mean something to us as humans. Author and speaker John Bevere had an encounter with God in 1991, when God told him to write. John laughed at God, thinking he was surely mistaken and calling on the wrong follower. After several nudgings, John gave in, and now his books are being used to build Christ’s kingdom worldwide. These two men show that when we harness our God-given abilities and surrender to His callings, lives and hearts can be changed, and we can have an impact greater than we ever thought possible.
Links, Products, and Resources Mentioned:
Jesus Calling for Armed Forces edition
Past interview: Cynthia Garrett
Upcoming interview: Patrick and Ruth Schwenk
ABC’s The Bachelor - 20th season
X: Multiply Your God Given Potential
Interview Quotes:
“I think the scariest thing that we could have in our life is experiencing pain and feeling alone in that pain. I don't know a scarier feeling than feeling alone.” - Ben Higgins
“What if pain is the connector? What if pain is the thing that we can look at each other and feel less alone? And what if pain is the place that we not only grasp for God, but that God enters into our pain?” - Ben Higgins
“I want to share empathy. I want to hear your story. I don't want to argue with you. I want to understand more than be understood.” - Ben Higgins
“The more I become vulnerable, the more I let people understand who I am, the more that I also believe that I want to understand who others are.” - Ben Higgins
“The callings on our lives are beyond our natural abilities.” - John Bevere
“Being faithful means multiply, even if you're working for somebody else. If you're a line worker at the factory, if you're a janitor, you multiply where God has placed you. Be faithful, believe for the supernatural gifting to multiply, to shine as a light in that arena.” - John Bevere
“God has called us to take what is uniquely gifted in us and multiply it to impact many. If you look at God's first commandment, it was be fruitful and multiply.” - John Bevere
“That gift on your life is not for you. It's for the people that in your world of influence that God is sending you to. So if you don't operate in your gift, then the people in your world of influence don't get what God intended them to get.” - John Bevere
God calls us to two highly important responsibilities: to love our Him with all of our being, and to treat our neighbors as we would want to be treated. By doing so, we can help turn our world into a better place, and appreciate the beauty of God’s creation. Travel expert Rick Steves has seen, tasted, and experienced many different cultures, and of all the memories he’s made and souvenirs he’s collected, he believes none are as important as the broadened perspective his adventures have helped him gain. Rick’s faith has deepened after seeing how God works in various cultures of humanity, and worshipping with different people has helped him see the true value of different communities and faith traditions. Thomas Morstead, a punter for the NFL’s New Orleans Saints, applied a mantra early on in life that no matter what, he would always give things his best shot, and leave the rest up to God. Following that principle has led Thomas to major success in the NFL, and has helped him use his influence to impact lives through his What You Give Will Grow Foundation.
Links, Products, and Resources Mentioned:
Past interview: Joanne Rogers
Upcoming interview: Ben Higgins
Rick's public television program
What You Give Will Grow Foundation
The Middle School Rules of Thomas Morstead
Interview Quotes:
“I think it carbonates your whole world when you get out there and you realize, Wow, different people find different truths to be self-evident and God-given. It makes you less fearful. It's a beautiful thing. “ - Rick Steves
“We're a great country, but we're four percent of this planet, and there's ninety-six percent of humanity out there. And it really makes sense to get to know the rest of the world.” - Rick Steves
“I love to meet other people of faith. And I love to share my faith with people who have no faith. Very fundamentally, we are children trying to figure out our relationship with God and trying to get close to our Heavenly Father.” - Rick Steves
“But once in a while, it's good for me to get out there and worship with people who don't have the same hymnal, who don't have the same accent, who don't have the same blonde hair. It's exciting. And it's a beautiful thing. It's a celebration. I would imagine God likes to see that, too.” - Rick Steves
”For me, the most beautiful souvenir is bringing home a broader perspective.” - Rick Steves
“Travel helps you appreciate how many people over how many centuries with how many styles of faith have praised God. We have a deep seated need to just to have quiet time to be with our creator, with our Heavenly Father.” - Rick Steves
“I've always attacked things and tried to do the best I can at whatever I'm doing, and that's just opened up other opportunities that you didn't even know would be out there.” - Thomas Morstead
“Accountability always, always rests on yourself and not on anybody else. And so I think when you start to live your life that way, it's a very quick way to get to some arbitrary thing called happiness when your life isn't dictated by others.” - Thomas Morstead
“I just think if you're surrounded by negativity all the time, you're going to be negative. And if you're surrounded by positivity, you're going to be positive. And so I think everyone should guard their heart.” - Thomas Morstead
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Enjoy watching these additional videos from Jesus Calling YouTube channel:
Audio Playlist: https://bit.ly/2PrbuwH
Video Playlist: https://bit.ly/2PsmEkJ
What’s Good? Playlist: https://bit.ly/3i7VUlZ
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Have you ever wished you’d made a different choice? Or imagined how different your life might have been if you’d taken a different path? No matter how bleak things might have been at one point, God can take your story and use it for good, and He can point you on the right path to healing. Nurse and author Tana Amen experienced more pain and chaos in her life than one person should ever have to face. She shoved all of the hurt deep down inside, building a façade to convince others she was okay, when she actually was about to crack. When she met her future husband, Dr. Daniel Amen, Tana learned some ways to heal herself and was loved so well by Daniel (and by God) that she began to find the restoration she so desperately needed. It was in that time that she realized God cares way more about where you’re going than where you’ve been. Cheryl Parks, Mila Brown, and Corday Rice join us from the Jobs Partnership organization in Peoria, Illinois, which seeks to help people transition from a life of incarceration back into society as healthy, healed individuals. These women share how they’ve seen the power of God operating in their lives, and how He rescued them from situations where they couldn’t escape of their own power. Now, they’re passionate about sharing about their pasts in hopes that they can change the lives of others the way they’ve been changed by God.
Links, Products, and Resources Mentioned:
Jesus Calling book
Jesus Always book
Jesus Calling for First Responders editions
Past interview: Dr. Daniel Amen
Past interview: Rebecca Bender
Upcoming interview: Rick Steves
Interview Quotes:
“If I only took fifty percent responsibility, it meant someone or something else had the other fifty percent. It meant I wasn't really in control. It wasn't me just relying on God. It was like me giving up control and being a victim.” - Tana Amen
“What I learned is that when I put myself out there and helped when I didn't want to, I just had no idea how much the help was for them, but the healing was for me.” - Tana Amen
“I think it's important to draw boundaries, but also understand when God's calling you to do something.” - Tana Amen
“God cares less about where you've been than where you're going. And I'm so grateful for that grace and that mercy.” - Tana Amen
“I feel like my life is so much better today not in spite of my struggles, but because of them.” - Tana Amen
“Meditation is when I listen to God and I listen for what He's saying to me. And prayer is when I'm talking to God and I tell Him my joy, my frustration, everything that there is, and I get it out of my head and it just really stills my soul and it's so helpful.” - Tana Amen
“If my story can help anybody, one person, I've done what I needed to do.” - Mila Brown
“The whole time that I was incarcerated, in my mind, I'm like, God, where am I going to go? I know no one. I have nobody. I have no family, no friends. No one has reached out to me for the four and a half years that I have been incarcerated. What am I going to do?” - Corday Rice
“People say that change is scary, but change is good.” - Corday Rice
“It was good to have women just look at me and just say that, “I love you.” And they didn't even know me. So I knew right then and there that that could only be the love of God that's working through them in the Jobs Partnership program.” - Corday Rice
“I feel like God knew that I didn't have the strength to get out of the situation that I was in, so He forced my hand.” - Mila Brown
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Enjoy watching these additional videos from Jesus Calling YouTube channel:
Audio Playlist: https://bit.ly/2PrbuwH
Video Playlist: https://bit.ly/2PsmEkJ
What’s Good? Playlist: https://bit.ly/3i7VUlZ
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We live in a world where achievement is largely used as a motivator, and much of our time is spent consumed, looking for the next win—whether it be personally or professionally. It would benefit each of us to remember that in the long term, the ultimate win for us is establishing a relationship with Christ. Tony Dungy, the first African-American head coach to win an NFL Super Bowl, learned from mentors early on in his career that football wasn’t all that mattered—what mattered was the kind of man he was and the kind of men he shaped. A trailblazer, Dungy found a way to coach that aligned with his Christian values, showing the world that you can hold strong to your beliefs and find value in who Christ says you are, rather than who the world wants you to be. NFL linebacker and author Sam Acho grew up in a faith-based home, forming a relationship with God early on. But as he got more integrated in his career, Sam began to separate from his foundational values, and he suffered an identity crisis—he looked happy on the outside, but he didn’t feel it on the inside. It wasn’t until he went through a reckoning of sorts that Sam realized God believed he was worth getting to know, and when he started placing value on what really matters, things started to turn around.
Links, Products, and Resources Mentioned:
Winter 2021 Jesus Calling Magazine
Jesus Calling for First Responders editions
Past interviews: Lolo Jones and Evander Holyfield
Upcoming interview: Tana Amen
NBC’s Football Night in America
Living Hope Bible Fellowship Church
Interview Quotes:
“Welcome to the National Football League. You're now getting paid to play football, so that makes it your profession. But please, please don't make football your whole life.” - Chuck Noll, to Tony Dungy
“I made a decision I was going to be different. And not everybody was ready for that.” - Tony Dungy
“You can honor the Lord and you can be openly expressive about your faith and still be excellent.” - Tony Dungy
“God takes you through things and you grow from them and then you look back and say, ‘Oh, that wasn't that big a deal.’ But at the time, it was monumental. God is giving you little trials to get you through, but you're going to keep your focus on Him.” - Tony Dungy
“Christ is so much a part of my life that if I can just help steer someone else, anyone towards Jesus, it's very important. Truth always wins. And we can't be afraid of sharing the truth.” - Tony Dungy
“We were created for relationship, we were created to love.” - Sam Acho
“You are worth getting to know. Your pains, your joys, your fears, your hurts, all of you. You're worth getting to know. Why? Because you're already fully seen, fully known and fully loved by Jesus.” - Sam Acho
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Video Playlist: https://bit.ly/2PsmEkJ
What’s Good? Playlist: https://bit.ly/3i7VUlZ
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Can you remember a moment when God washed your slate clean, and gave you the opportunity to start over? Think about the impact of second chances in your life—where would you be if it weren’t for His endless grace? South African farmer and evangelist Angus Buchan knows firsthand how much courage it takes to fall to your knees and say, “Help me, God.” Ever since he made the radical life change to Christianity, Angus has faced his fair share of heartache, including working himself to the bone on his farm, facing devastating fires, and coping with the tragic loss of his nephew. But even in hardship, Angus has experienced miracles that have infused him with a passion to share the Word of God all over Africa, lighting up the world with his energy and enthusiasm. Pie shop owner Tara Royer Steele grew up working hard in her family’s business, but all the focus on the business left her longing for affirmation of who she was—not just what she could do. After years in an abusive marriage, she was ready to give up, but felt God pushing her towards something better, assuring her that He would be enough for her. Tara found the courage to start over, ultimately leading her to reach her dream of creating a haven for people to connect at a warm, friendly place over slices of pie.
Links, Products, and Resources Mentioned:
Jesus Calling for First Responders editions
Interview Quotes:
“I knew in my heart that Jesus Christ was now the general manager of my life, my farm, my family.” - Angus Buchan
“Look, I've had some tragedies, as you probably know, like all of us, but miracles have taken place. Nobody will ever persuade me that Jesus Christ is not alive and the Son of God, never.” - Angus Buchan
“I had joy, I had peace, and I was ready for whatever God told me to do.” - Angus Buchan
“We are going to flood this beloved country of South Africa. We're going to preach the undiluted gospel of Jesus Christ, that that is what I'm praying for right at this very moment.” - Angus Buchan
“The cafe became a relational restaurant, and people that walked to the door felt safe and welcomed and loved and seen.” - Tara Royer Steele
“There is no way that I would be sitting here right now if God hadn't protected and provided through that whole season.” - Tara Royer Steele, on working in her family business
“God had to grab me and say, “Listen, this is your last chance. I love you. I see you. I am enough for you.” - Tara Royer Steele
“Someone asked me, ‘What's your business plan?’ I was like, ‘Well, God's my business plan.’” - Tara Royer Steele
“It's so easy for us in a world now where we quickly react and we don't step back and truly savor the moments that we have and these opportunities that we have to meet people exactly where they are and be the hands and feet of Jesus.” - Tara Royer Steele
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Enjoy watching these additional videos from Jesus Calling YouTube channel:
Audio Playlist: https://bit.ly/2PrbuwH
Video Playlist: https://bit.ly/2PsmEkJ
What’s Good? Playlist: https://bit.ly/3i7VUlZ
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No matter the trials that come your way, no matter how far gone you think you are, you are never alone in your suffering. God is beside you every step of the way, ready to rescue you when you reach for His hand. Professional skateboarder Ryan Sheckler was thrust into fame at the tender age of thirteen. Caught up in his wild success and a partying lifestyle, by the time he was eighteen Ryan started spiraling hard into alcoholism. And years later, when he finally checked into rehab, Ryan finally learned God had a bigger purpose for his life. Growing up in the Netherlands, pastor Henriët Schapelhouman always had open conversations with God. And as an adult, she knew that He placed her adopted son, Harrison, into her life for a reason. But when Harrison began to suffer from a drug addiction, Henriet questioned why God would let her family go through such a difficult trial. Henriët continued to pray faithfully, believing that God would rescue her son from those deadly grips—and after Harrison had a brush with death, she cried tears of joy when she watched her son leave his dark days behind him.
Links, Products, and Resources Mentioned:
Jesus Calling editions for First Responders
Past interview: The Next Door addiction treatment center
Upcoming interview: Angus Buchan
The Story Lives: Leading a Missional Revolution
Interview Quotes:
“The huge step for me was admitting that I was powerless and I couldn't do it without Him. I could not do anything else without Him.” - Ryan Sheckler
“It's not lame to be vulnerable. It's not bad to tell people how you're thinking or to really express emotion, or to cry. That's what we're supposed to do.” - Ryan Sheckler
“None of us are alone in this world. We're not alone. And we're supposed to go through pain to be able to teach this lesson.” - Ryan Sheckler
“Everyone's going to go through pain. We all go through pain. For me, pain is my teacher, my biggest teacher.” - Ryan Sheckler
“I'm a firm believer that the road home needs to stay open, just like the father of the prodigal son stood waiting for his son to return.” - Henriët Schapelhouman
“People thought it was enabling, but I was a firm believer that my job was to hang on to God and hang on to Harrison, that I basically was between them because Harrison wasn't connecting with God. So I felt like I was the conduit. And that was my job.” - Henriët Schapelhouman
“Without Jesus, I would not be standing. I mean, first and foremost, you need Jesus. And if you don't know Jesus, it's a great time to reach out to Him or at least reach out to someone who knows Him.” - Henriët Schapelhouman
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Audio Playlist: https://bit.ly/2PrbuwH
Video Playlist: https://bit.ly/2PsmEkJ
What’s Good? Playlist: https://bit.ly/3i7VUlZ
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Gifts come in all shapes and sizes, but there’s nothing greater than the gift of love, no matter its wrapping. As award-winning worship artist Chris Tomlin looked forward to welcoming his newest daughter in December, he was reminded of the miracle of Christ’s birth, and how Jesus was the greatest gift we could ever receive. Tom and Pam Banwart have been spreading love in a variety of ways in their Florida community since the start of COVID-19. Through acts of service and kindness like bagel deliveries, active prayer outside hospitals, and sharing worship music, the Banwarts are suiting up and showing up for our frontline responders and demonstrating a consistent, Christ-like love to those fighting every single day.
Links, Products, and Resources Mentioned:
Past interview: RaeLynn
Upcoming interview: Ryan Sheckler
Scripture: Birth of Jesus
Virtual Event - Christmas Songs of Worship: ChrisTomlin.com
New album: Miracle of Love: Christmas Songs of Worship
Tom & Pam Banwart
Interview Quotes:
“When I come to try to write songs, I'm always thinking, I want to write songs that bring worship to God, the reason that we have Christmas.” - Chris Tomlin
“Can you imagine what Mary must have felt when the angels came to Joseph and Mary in the tree and said, ‘Oh, by the way, you're about to have a baby and it’s going to be the Son of God.’” - Chris Tomlin
“I sat down and I thought, Here's a moment to write a song that's really personal to me, [because] my Christmas baby is coming, but [it] also has a parallel of Jesus coming at Christmas as well.” - Chris Tomlin
“Jesus is the greatest miracle that's ever happened to the world.” - Chris Tomlin
"When COVID-19 hit, we didn't know what to do, we were afraid. The thought that just kept coming to me was, What a wonderful opportunity for us as Christians, that God gave us this chance to fight the spiritual battle." - Tom Banwart
“The best thing for me in my life has been the consistency of Christ. And He has consistently been there, no matter what I'd done, where I'd been or anything. He's been there, and they need to know that they had that, too.” - Tom Banwart, on praying for first responders and patients outside their local hospital
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Enjoy watching these additional videos from Jesus Calling YouTube channel:
Audio Playlist: https://bit.ly/2PrbuwH
Video Playlist: https://bit.ly/2PsmEkJ
What’s Good? Playlist: https://bit.ly/3i7VUlZ
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Trying to follow God’s direction for our lives can feel a little intimidating. Are we sure we’re doing what He wants us to do? Are we on the path He’s charted out for us? Carlos Whittaker had built a successful and passion-filled career as a worship leader, so when he felt God’s nudge to go in a different direction, he took the plunge—only to be met with confusion and a bank account that was rapidly draining. But Carlos didn’t waver from his calling, and he was given a huge opportunity that changed the trajectory of his entire life. Pastor Sheryl Brady serves at a campus of Potter’s House in Dallas, TX, sharing God’s hope and goodness with the community. But when Pastor Brady experienced a dark season of loss, she struggled to share the message that once came with ease, and began to grow distant from God. But as she held onto the truth she knew deep down—that God loved her and she loved Him—Pastor Brady found the strength to be open and honest about her pain, and it led her to immense healing.
Links, Products, and Resources Mentioned:
Recommended interview: John Maxwell
Upcoming interview: Chris Tomlin
New Book: Enter Wild
First Bilingual Baptist Church
Song: ”What Can Wash Away My Sins? Nothing But the Blood of Jesus”
New Book: Don't Miss the Moment
Interview Quotes:
“I prayed about it one day, and I felt very clearly the Lord telling me, ‘They're right, you are supposed to be a speaker and an author next. That is the next thing I have for you.’” - Carlos Whittaker
“It doesn't matter how long you're in the wilderness. If the Lord has promised you something, He will come through with it.” - Carlos Whittaker
“When the Lord tells you to do something scary, I promise you the risk is worth it.” - Carlos Whittaker
“We're not called to become Christians and wait for heaven. We actually are called to become Christians and bring heaven. And that potential and opportunity with the power of the Holy Spirit in our lives is available to us.” - Carlos Whittaker
“Life to the full has nothing to do with the abundance of things and everything to do with accessing the King.” - Carlos Whittaker
“We've got the belt of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, the shoes of the gospel, the helmet of salvation, the shield of faith in the sword of the Spirit. And all of these things will allow us to be strong, not in our might, but in the strength of God.” - Carlos Whittaker
“I feel like so many times we underestimate and we undervalue the moments that God has given us. Moments are small enough to be missed, and yet there they are big enough that one minute can change your life forever.” - Sheryl Brady
“I realized that God is sovereign and I can't make Him do anything. But I also realized that if I would let Him, He would walk me through the decisions He makes that I don't understand.” - Sheryl Brady
“If you're grieving and you feel isolated and you feel like it's easier to isolate yourself, it might be easier to isolate yourself, but don't do it because somebody around you has what you need to help you get through this moment.” - Sheryl Brady
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Enjoy watching these additional videos from Jesus Calling YouTube channel:
Audio Playlist: https://bit.ly/2PrbuwH
Video Playlist: https://bit.ly/2PsmEkJ
What’s Good? Playlist: https://bit.ly/3i7VUlZ
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We all struggle with insecurities and feeling like we aren’t enough. But we serve a God who loves us regardless of how much we love ourselves. And He can still use us, even when we don’t feel equipped. Mike Weaver, lead singer of the Dove-Award winning group Big Daddy Weave, lived much of his life from a place of low self-esteem, always comparing himself to others and wishing he looked different. But he had a special and unexpected moment with God when he realized that God doesn’t just love him—He likes him, too. That realization helped Mike begin to appreciate himself and his own special gifts, refreshing his perspective and perception of God. Dr. James Merritt, pastor of Cross Pointe Church in Atlanta, knows that more than anything, our character counts, even more than what others might think about us. He shares how we can cultivate strong character, and why standing for what we believe in holds a greater reward than getting approval from someone else.
Links, Products, and Resources Mentioned:
Past interview: Chelsea Crockett
Upcoming interview: Sheryl Brady
I Am Redeemed book by Mike Weaver
Character Still Counts book by Dr. James Merritt
Interview Quotes:
“I just never felt like I belonged in front of people. However, worship would give me an opportunity to disappear and still do what I love.” - Mike Weaver
“The way I thought other people were accepting me is how I was able to accept me. The way I thought other people were liking me is how I gave myself permission to like me.” - Mike Weaver
"I was telling God this long list of things that I hated about myself, and then that still, small voice of the Holy Spirit interrupted: 'Michael, why don't you let Me tell you what I think about you for once?'" – Mike Weaver
“Jesus came in and He bailed me out again. He did it again. He broke through for me. And He always is the hero of my story. And so I was just like, ‘God, how amazing that You can bring this [song] out of self-hatred. That's how great of a Redeemer You are.’” - Mike Weaver, on the success of his song, “Redeemed”
“We have experienced Him in such incredible ways in that place of need, realizing, Jesus, we need You.” - Mike Weaver
“When God looks at us, He's not looking at our mistakes. He is looking at what Jesus has done on our behalf and our identity. Our entire identity is rooted not in our imperfection, but the perfection of Jesus Christ applied to our life.” - Mike Weaver
“At the end of the day, at the end of your life, character is everything.” - James Merritt
“Character is not taught, it's caught. And the best teachers of character are parents.” - James Merritt
“I think it all begins with saying, ‘You know what? Character is more important to me than my reputation. It really is the essence of who I am.’” - James Merritt
“At the end of your life, it really won't matter what anybody thought about you. The only thing that will matter is what God knew about you.” - James Merritt
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Enjoy watching these additional videos from Jesus Calling YouTube channel:
Audio Playlist: https://bit.ly/2PrbuwH
Video Playlist: https://bit.ly/2PsmEkJ
What’s Good? Playlist: https://bit.ly/3i7VUlZ
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Have you ever experienced the pain of reaching the end of something you loved—a relationship, a job, a phase of life? Looking back, how was God able to lead you from that loss into a new chapter? Entrepreneur and author Zim Flores is familiar with the pain of letting go. A few years ago, she gave up her highly successful company, Travel Noire, because she felt God calling her to move to a new place. Looking back, Zim can see how God worked all things together for her good, which she talks about in her new book called Dare to Bloom. Mental health advocate Kayla Stoecklein experienced the tragic loss of her young husband to suicide, just as he was hitting his stride as the lead pastor of a large church in California. Reeling from her new life as a widow with three young boys, Kayla began to reexamine the way she thought about mental health, and God helped Kayla use her story to begin helpful and healing conversations around this issue.
Links, Products, and Resources Mentioned:
Other Interview of Interest: Brett Swayn
Upcoming interview: Mike Weaver of Big Daddy Weave
New book: Dare to Bloom
New book: Fear Gone Wild
Interview Quotes:
“I don't think that it should be something that is a rarity for women and men of God to talk about God in a way that inspires people to think a little bit differently about God in their own lives.” - Zim Flores
“I would say that my time in India being away from everything that I knew, everybody that I knew, speaking a different language completely, that was where my faith in God was strengthened.” - Zim Flores
“Your sacrifice unto God is not for naught. He will honor that sacrifice, whether it is tomorrow, whether it's next month, whether it's five months or a year from now. God always makes good on His promises.” - Zim Flores
“I am an open vessel. I think the best thing that we can be for God is available.” - Zim Flores
“I believed with enough prayer that God would intervene, that God would save [Andrew]. I was willing to do whatever it took to beg God for that miracle, and we didn't get that miracle.” - Kayla Stoecklein
“Oftentimes there's so much shame and stigma with that word suicide. I think oftentimes the family that's left in the shrapnel is afraid to say that word, is afraid to admit that it was a suicide and tries to hide it up or tries to cover it or thinks it's their fault. And I knew right away that it wasn't anybody's fault.” - Kayla Stoecklein
“God was on the move and He handed me this microphone, and I couldn't look away. And so I kept sharing and I really, truly felt the presence of God like I had never felt in my entire life.” - Kayla Stoecklein
“We serve a God that can squeeze so much purpose out of our pain and that can turn really horrible, horrific, ugly things into beautiful redemption stories for others.” - Kayla Stoecklein
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Enjoy watching these additional videos from Jesus Calling YouTube channel:
Audio Playlist: https://bit.ly/2PrbuwH
Video Playlist: https://bit.ly/2PsmEkJ
What’s Good? Playlist: https://bit.ly/3i7VUlZ
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Many of us can think back on a moment—or many moments—that defined our lives for better or worse. But when we’re actually in that moment, it’s hard to see how it could potentially shape who we are down the road. It’s not usually until later that we can look back and see how God was working everything together for good. Academy Award-winning actor Matthew McConaughey recently pulled out thirty-six years of his journals, prepared to be ashamed and embarrassed by their contents. But when he flipped through the pages, he realized there was a through-line of beautiful moments, lessons, and experiences that all contributed to the man he is today. Author and speaker Rebecca Alonzo’s childhood was tainted by a member of her parents’ church who terrorized their family, ultimately leading to the tragic death of her mother and father. After years of wrestling with God, and being unable to see how He is good, Rebecca realized that she needed Him more than she needed to be mad at Him, and her anger dissolved into forgiveness, mapping out a new course for her future.
Links, Products, and Resources Mentioned:
Free sample of Jesus Calling: Note-Taking Edition
Past interview: Rebecca Bender and Patti Callahan
Upcoming interview: Zim Flores
Greenlights book
The Devil in Pew Number Seven book
Interview Quotes:
“I did go through an, ‘Okay, I need to figure out what matters and what doesn't’, because over one weekend my life changed so much.” - Matthew McConaughey, on the smash success of his film A Time to Kill
“My family, one of the best traits we have is resilience.” - Matthew McConaughey
"We need to take time where we stop and do inventory. That's what church is for me now . . . That's, Let's go back to our last week, who we were in it. How did we do?" - Matthew McConaughey
“The thing that really surprised me about writing is that I was writing about the exact same stuff, the same questions at fourteen is the same question that woke me up at 2:32 AM last night, it's essentially the same stuff. And going back and looking at [my younger self] and really diving into it has been extremely valuable my life.” - Matthew McConaughey, on keeping a journal for 36 years
“I can see myself in them and hear how they got back on the right track when they were on the wrong track. So that feels really good to me.” - Matthew McConaughey, on participants in his "just keep livin'" Foundation for youth
“Our hands are on the wheel, but God's laying out the highway.” - Matthew McConaughey
“I didn’t know if I was going to wake up in my bed, or if I was going to wake up in heaven.” - Rebecca Alonzo, on living through harassment as a child by a fellow townsperson
“When I lost my adoring father, oh, wow. It just spun me into two years of really being angry at God. And I said, ‘Lord, Mom, when she died, a man shot her and took her life. But when dad died, Lord, You took him.’” - Rebeca Alonzo
“I need God more than I need to be mad at Him. I need Him more than I need to blame Him, I need His wisdom, I need His direction, I need His comfort.” - Rebecca Alonzo
“It takes energy to hold on to anger.” - Rebecca Alonzo
“He knows everything that we've been through. He knows every thought that we struggle with. He knows every pain that we carry in our hearts. And every time God kept His promise.” - Rebecca Alonzo
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Enjoy watching these additional videos from Jesus Calling YouTube channel:
Audio Playlist: https://bit.ly/2PrbuwH
Video Playlist: https://bit.ly/2PsmEkJ
What’s Good? Playlist: https://bit.ly/3i7VUlZ
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From time to time, life has a way of making us feel that everything is crumbling down around us. Problems can shake us, and even break us. But what will still be there when nothing else is left is family: whether it’s the family you’re born into or the family you choose. Growing up in a remote Mennonite community in northern Alberta, Canada, Brad and Curtis Rempel of the country music duo High Valley cultivated a rich passion for music and tight-knit family. As they try to put music into the world that draws families together, Brad and Curtis have come to realize where their priorities lie—and that’s with raising their kids. Super Bowl-winning quarterback Trent Dilfer knows the value of appreciating your family, particularly since he tragically lost his son Trevin at a young age. Keeping faith as the foundation for his life, Trent has repurposed his pain into passion, and started saying yes to where God wanted him to go, which led to the unlikely decision to coach high school football and mentor young athletes in Nashville, TN.
Links, Products, and Resources Mentioned:
Jesus Calling Note-Taking Edition
Past interview: Ron Hall
Upcoming interview: Matthew McConaughey
Interview Quotes:
“I've been a dad for almost seven years, and I'm still just trying to always pray that God will keep me humble, and if I want my kids to own their own mistakes, I’ve got to own mine.” - Curtis Rempel
“We pray as a family all the time that God will work in our hearts, help us to be servants of each other, and be humble.” - Curtis Rempel
”You do all the things that you think are the right things to do, but God has this story that He's writing.” - Brad Rempel
“God has this amazing way of just doing what He wants with what you've got.” - Brad Rempel
“Football has this unique way of not just impacting the individual that's playing it, coaching it, but especially here in the south, it impacts communities.” - Trent Dilfer
“I've been asked this question a million times about how my faith has impacted my life, and I can always give the same answer. It is my life. It's the foundation. It's the starting point for everything.” - Trent Dilfer
“I still to this day can't understand how somebody can get through how hard life is without that peace that transcends understanding.” - Trent Dilfer
“As these wounds were being opened, as I was dealing with some of this pain, again, it was bringing out a passion in me that I hadn't had in years—maybe more than I had ever had. That passion surfaced as thought leadership, has surfaced as capacity, has surfaced as energy, has surfaced as compassion.” - Trent Dilfer, on coaching high school football
“Sometimes we stay in our pain because we think that's where we should live. And we'd feel guilty if that pain turns into something positive. I would just tell you from life experience that that pain repurposed into passion is an incredible, redemptive quality that only the Lord Jesus Christ can provide.” - Trent Dilfer
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Video Playlist: https://bit.ly/2PsmEkJ
What’s Good? Playlist: https://bit.ly/3i7VUlZ
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Can you remember praying for something with everything you had, but felt your pleas went unanswered? Maybe you’ve prayed a silent prayer, unable to find the words, and God moved everything into place better than you could’ve imagined. Regardless of how we perceive it or how we’ve experienced it, prayer is powerful, and it can change things—whether it’s your circumstances, or even you. Throughout his personal life and his forty-year ministry, Bishop T.D. Jakes has seen firsthand how the earth moves when women engage in prayer. And now that our world is facing battles on so many fronts, he urges everyone to pray both offensively and defensively, because it has the potential to change the world. Lieutenant Colonel Dan Rooney, a fighter pilot and PGA professional, considers himself a vessel of impact, noting that the only way he was able to achieve his goals was because God was on his side. By dedicating himself to 30 minutes of prayer a day, Lt. Col Rooney has learned how to engineer a life of fulfillment, noting that as a faith-based person, we often have to jump before we’re ready. Driven by his God-given purpose, Lt. Col Rooney’s organization Folds of Honor is assisting families of fallen and disabled veterans, showing that when we dedicate ourselves to the Lord, He will use you as an instrument for good.
Links, Products, and Resources Mentioned:
Past interview: Charles Billingsley
Upcoming interview: Trent Dilfer
Episode sponsor: Operation Christmas Child
Build a shoebox for a child online at Samaritan’s Purse.org/occ
When Women Pray book
Fly into the Wind book
Interview Quotes:
“This is a good time to amass women and challenge them to pray, because we are being attacked on so many fronts today: personally, nationally, medically, economically.” - T.D. Jakes
“Every woman has to use prayer both as offense and defense.” - T.D. Jakes
“Every choice you make follows a logical path. And it starts with, I won't do that. I can't do that. I'd like to. I'll try. I can. I will.” - Lt. Col. Dan Rooney
“I dedicated myself to thirty minutes of daily prayer. And it was a life changing gift that the Air Force, probably above all else, gave me.” - Lt. Col. Dan Rooney
“I would say the defiant thread of true greatness in faith-based people is you get to a place in your life and you’ve got to go before you're ready...This reckless faith that I've learned as a fighter pilot in an inherently very dangerous business is such a gift. Life is not a dress rehearsal.” - Lt. Col. Dan Rooney
“He picks the least among us, but He picks the willing.” - Lt. Col. Dan Rooney
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Video Playlist: https://bit.ly/2PsmEkJ
What’s Good? Playlist: https://bit.ly/3i7VUlZ
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The greatest gift we can ever give—or receive—is love. It’s the only thing that multiples when we give it away, whether we’re showing that love to family and pets, friends and strangers. Michael and Zina Goodin of Old Friends Senior Dog Sanctuary share how they began to care for older dogs who often got overlooked, providing for them in such a way that brings out their best. Over the years, Michael and Zina have learned a few life lessons from their canine friends, which they share in their new book, Homecoming Tales. Orphan care advocate Beth Guckenberger of Back2Back Ministries is familiar with small beginnings—and if you ask her, she’ll tell you just how amazing it is that God was ever able to use her to create such a ministry. Through the miracles she’s seen, and the amazing children she’s met along the way, Beth has seen the value of stepping out in faith, and how God works all things together for good as we shower others with His love.
Links, Products, and Resources Mentioned:
Past interview: Kristen Chenoweth and Joanne Rogers
Upcoming interview: Bishop TD Jakes
Episode sponsor: Operation Christmas Child
Build a shoebox for a child online at Samaritan’s Purse.org/occ
Book: Homecoming Tales
Old Friends Senior Dog Sanctuary
Middle Tennessee Golden Retriever Rescue
Simon and Garfunkel song, “Old Friends”
Michael and Zina’s feature in the October 2020 issue of Jesus Calling Magazine
Interview Quotes:
“That's our goal: for as long as the dogs are with us, to keep them as happy and comfortable as we can.” - Michael Goodin
“Because of Lucy-Lu's attitude, we realized that these senior dogs, no matter what terrible background they came from, could appreciate the rest of their life and leave the past behind them and have a good life.” - Zina Goodin
“One of the greatest things about older dogs, especially when they have been in the shelters, when we bring them out of that shelter, they don't even remember the past. They just live in the day, and they get so happy.” - Michael Goodin
“I had to try to understand what it looked like for God to be sovereign in stories that were hard.” - Beth Guckenberger
“We knew that we were taking small steps, and this was a small beginning. We had no idea what was going ahead. But there was a lot of comfort in believing that God was just rejoicing in our obedience.” - Beth Guckenberger
“Watching the power of love in the life of an adopted child and what it does to a child to feel known and loved and seen, it definitely birthed all the rest of the stories that happened in our family.” - Beth Guckenberger
“This is exactly why we sow truth into our hearts, so that in a moment we most need it, It's right there at the ready for us. So for me, when I get big feelings like fear or anger or anything that can threaten to steal the peace that I have, I just remind myself of what's true.” - Beth Guckenberger
“The faster we get to that space where we can trust God to be good and right, the less energy we spend fighting what He has for us.” - Beth Guckenberger
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Enjoy watching these additional videos from Jesus Calling YouTube channel:
Audio Playlist: https://bit.ly/2PrbuwH
Video Playlist: https://bit.ly/2PsmEkJ
What’s Good? Playlist: https://bit.ly/3i7VUlZ
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Have you ever felt pulled towards something, but you’re not sure what? Maybe God was nudging you to pursue the calling He has for you. Artist Anne Neilson, famous for her angel paintings, has felt those nudges all throughout her life, starting when she was a little girl and knew she was meant to be an artist. Now looking back, Anne can see God’s fingerprints all over her life, and how He shaped her art into a ministry beyond what she ever imagined, including the inspiration to write a new devotional called Anne Neilson’s Angels. Nikki Speer, founder of the nonprofit Redefined Courage, has watched many women in her family battle with breast cancer. When Nikki noticed that her mom—the woman she’d always seen as the most radiant in the room—no longer felt beautiful, she realized God was prompting her toward a new calling: to design clothing for women dealing with breast cancer that was not only comfortable and allowed them to heal, but also helped them feel confident in their fight.
Links, Products, and Resources Mentioned:
Jesus Calling: Stories of Faith television show
Past guest: Delilah
Upcoming guest: Michael and Zina Goodin of Old Friends Senior Dog Sanctuary
Episode sponsor: Operation Christmas Child
Build a shoebox for a child online at Samaritan’s Purse.org/occ
Anne Nielson's Angels: Devotions and Art to Encourage, Refresh, and Inspire
Interview Quotes:
“There were times that I really questioned, Is this what God has called me to do?” - Anne Neilson
“God has put these people in my path. He weaves us all together, and it's for a purpose that we might not even know.” - Anne Neilson
“Words are powerful—the words that come out of our mouth, the words that are spoken to our friends, our children, our colleagues, our employees, to ourselves.“ - Anne Neilson
“These angels do bring comfort and healing through the power and the presence of the Holy Spirit, through art. God is the master Artist. He is the master Creator.” - Anne Neilson
“We were walking out of the mall, and I made the bold promise that I would design clothing for [my mom] so that she could feel beautiful.” - Nikki Speer
“This is not a, ‘Man, I drew this sticky note, and this amazing thing was created.’ There were a lot of samples, and there was a lot of learning and growing and changing and mistakes, but a lot of God working.” - Nikki Speer
“When I was growing up, my mom would tell me, ‘You should always leave a conversation knowing more about the other person than they know about you.’” - Nikki Speer
“I have these What if? moments that well up inside of me. But in quietness and trust truly is my strength. And those What if? moments become my Even if... moments with God.” - Nikki Speer
“I really do believe that if you are feeling right now--a nudge or a calling or prompting from God, that you should go for it. I have always said that it was in the obedience I found the blessing.” - Nikki Speer
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Enjoy watching these additional videos from Jesus Calling YouTube channel:
Audio Playlist: https://bit.ly/2PrbuwH
Video Playlist: https://bit.ly/2PsmEkJ
What’s Good? Playlist: https://bit.ly/3i7VUlZ
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In times of hurt, sometimes our first instinct is to distance ourselves from God, because it’s hard to understand why He’d allow us to suffer. But what we don’t always realize is that He is a God of restoration. And when we turn to Him to find peace, He can bring good out of our brokenness. GRAMMY award-winning rhymist and activist Lecrae Moore’s early years were spent in a broken, abused environment, creating emotional trauma he had to learn to unpack. Curious about who God was, and terrified he would be responsible for his own destiny, Lecrae looked to Christianity for purpose. But as he began to find healing, the religious community turned their back on him because his views were different than theirs. In response, Lecrae turned his back on God, seeking affirmation in all the wrong places. Lecrae began seeing a therapist and was diagnosed with depression, and as he worked through his trauma, his heart was softened—and restored—by Jesus. Christian music artist Jeremy Camp’s first wife, Melissa, tragically passed away from cancer at only 21 years old. But through his grief, Jeremy knew God was still good, and he continued to pursue faith in all that he did. Eventually, God led Jeremy to find his wife Adrienne, and now they continue to build their faith as a family.
Links, Products, and Resources Mentioned:
Episode Sponsor: Samaritan’s Purse.org/occ
Past interview: John and Stasi Eldredge
Future interview: Anne Neilson
“Cry for You” song
Restoration album
I Am Restored book
“I Still Believe” song
I Still Believe movie
Interview Quotes:
“When you're neglected and abused, you can develop a massive sense of insecurity. And in order to deal with that insecurity, I performed because it was a way I could find affirmation.” - Lecrae Moore
“I had a friend tell me, “Well, since you're an atheist, Lecrae, you know that there's no hope or belief in anything except yourself.” And I never forgot how petrified I was, because I could barely tie my shoe, and now I was in control of my destiny and purpose.” - Lecrae Moore
“Even the toughest of people have a breaking point. I knew I had reached my breaking point, and I knew I needed professional help.” - Lecrae Moore
“The fear is that you're standing on the edge, the precipice of change, and you're afraid to jump because you just don't believe that change can really happen. But the reality is that the first jump is the evidence of change. You've already begun the process when you take the leap.” - Lecrae Moore
“That's one of the most beautiful realizations I came to is that even in my darkest place, God's there. If I return to that dark place, what's the worst thing that's gonna happen that I'm afraid of? God will be there with me.” - Lecrae Moore
“When we can see the massive length, the depth, the height of God's love, it's transforming. It transforms our views on everything.” - Lecrae Moore
“You're not gonna be able to change the world effectively until you own your story and allow it to turn you into someone amazing.” - Lecrae Moore
“When asked how she was doing, her response to me was, ‘I'm doing okay because I realized that if I die from this cancer, but if one person gives their life to Jesus, then it's all worth it.’” - Jeremy Camp, on his first wife Melissa as she battled cancer
“God definitely walked me through some grieving that was not easy.” - Jeremy Camp
“Okay, God, I'm going to acknowledge You in this. I’ll acknowledge You and acknowledge my pain. I’ll acknowledge my hurt, be real with You. And I know that You'll direct me.” - Jeremy Camp, on his faith after his wife Melissa's death
“I was blown away by somebody who could watch his wife suffer and die and still be standing up saying, ‘Lord, I believe. And even though I don't understand everything and even though this is hard, I'm choosing to trust You and I'm choosing to walk through this just clinging on to You.’” - Adrienne Camp, on her husband Jeremy
“This is just a story of someone who went through a hardship, went through pain, and realized that the only thing that got him through it was Jesus. And that is the only hope and the only true source of peace and joy. He's the answer to everything.” - Jeremy Camp
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Enjoy watching these additional videos from Jesus Calling YouTube channel:
Audio Playlist: https://bit.ly/2PrbuwH
Video Playlist: https://bit.ly/2PsmEkJ
What’s Good? Playlist: https://bit.ly/3i7VUlZ
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Often in life, unexpected changes can lead to new dreams. God has proven time and time again that He can use any moment—good or bad—to change the trajectory of our lives for His glory. Legendary entertainer Kathie Lee Gifford was born with dreams that unfolded as she pursued her passion to perform. As she’s moved through the entertainment world for the past fifty years, Kathie has followed where God has called her, including a new season where she’s helping kids pinpoint the dreams God has in store for them with her brand-new book children’s book Hello, Little Dreamer. NFL Hall of Fame quarterback Jim Kelly, and his wife, philanthropist Jill Kelly were living what they thought was the perfect life—Jim had just retired after a successful career with the Buffalo Bills, they had a beautiful daughter and had just welcomed their son Hunter into the world. But their world was rocked when Hunter was diagnosed with a rare disorder and projected not to live past his second birthday. The Kellys realized they couldn’t rely on the things they had before, like their own ability to make things happen, and had to instead reach for something greater. Both Jim and Jill came to faith because of a desperate need for hope, and when they realized how much healing God can bring, they started the Hunter’s Hope Foundation to provide that same light to others.
Links, Products, and Resources Mentioned:
Jesus Calling: Stories of Faith television show on Circle TV
Note-Taking edition of Jesus Calling
Past interviews: Matthew Barnett, Richard Cowdrey
Future interviews: Lecrae Moore
Interview Quotes:
“People asked me this my whole life: “What do you want to be when you grow up?” And I think that's the wrong question to ask children. I think it's not what they want to be so much as what does God want you to be?” - Kathie Lee Gifford
“I can't tell you how many people I was honored and privileged to lead to the Lord because I happened to be on a movie set, on a TV set, or in a recording studio or on location.” - Kathie Lee Gifford
“Preach the gospel at all times, and when necessary, use words. Love people. When you love people, that's when they sense Jesus.” - Kathie Lee Gifford
“I've never been confused at all about what I'm supposed to do. And I think that's because I was pursuing my dreams. I can't even imagine what God's got for me next.” - Kathie Lee Gifford
“In that moment of just tremendous fear and anguish and devastation, I knew that I was going to have to seek beyond what this world has to offer.” - Jill Kelly, on her son Hunter’s Krabbe leukodystrophy diagnosis
“We realized . . . that it was God using the suffering of our one and only son to point us to the suffering of His one and only Son, Jesus.” - Jill Kelly
“He is the reason, without doubt, that I've seeked the Lord and that I am where I am now in my walk with my faith.” - Jim Kelly, on his son Hunter
“God, through Hunter, taught us the greater hope. And that's eternal life. So that's our greater hope for the foundation as well.” - Jill Kelly
“As long as what I'm doing today is making somebody want to seek tomorrow, make them want to thank the good Lord for that tomorrow, that's what it's about. “ - Jim Kelly
“What an honor it is and so humbling to be a conduit of God and to be His ambassador and to allow Him to work through us.” - Jill Kelly
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Enjoy watching these additional videos from Jesus Calling YouTube channel:
Audio Playlist: https://bit.ly/2PrbuwH
Video Playlist: https://bit.ly/2PsmEkJ
What’s Good? Playlist: https://bit.ly/3i7VUlZ
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Losing someone you love is one of the most devastating, heart-breaking things we can go through—and the pain feels especially sharp when that person is taken from us by the hands of another. Even though we’ll always carry grief from losing our loved one, God offers us a chance to find life again as we reach for Him and remember He’s still there, leading us toward a hope and a future. Award-winning country music songwriter Casey Beathard, along with his sons—San Francisco 49ers quarterback C.J. Beathard and country music artist Tucker Beathard—share stories of a close-knit, loving family of seven surrounded by football and music. But tragedy struck the family in December 2019, when their son and brother Clay was the victim of a fatal stabbing in Nashville. In the days that followed, the Beathards dug deep into faith, finding hope in God and encouragement in the memories of Clay’s strong conviction and light. As they healed together, the Beathards found there’s freedom in forgiveness, and they take heart in knowing that one day, they’ll see Clay again.
Links, Products, and Resources Mentioned:
Jesus Calling: Stories of Faith television show on Circle TV
Past interview: Eddie Montgomery
Upcoming interview: Kathie Lee Gifford
Interview Quotes:
“If he didn't believe in something, if he didn't didn't agree with something, he was not going to get peer pressured into doing something he didn't think was right.” - C.J. Beathard on his brother, Clay
“He wanted to do what was right and fight for the people that were oppressed.” - Casey Beathard, on his son Clay
“The only thing that possibly got us through this is at the end of the day: our core foundation. We were all at least rooted with the mindset of knowing that the only way to get through this was diving in and asking Jesus and and relying on the Lord to handle it.” - Tucker Beathard
“We dug hard looking for hope...We were just feeding off each other about who God is and what He really has for you. And all sudden, the despair turned into a gigantic hope.” - Casey Beathard
“I literally used to pray, like, “God, please let me be the first one to go in my family, because I can't—I wouldn't be able to handle it.” But I'd totally underestimated the power of Jesus Christ. I mean, that's just the bottom line. That's all that really matters. And it's like with Him, this world can't faze you.” - Tucker Beathard
“I truly believe—I know [my brother Clay is in heaven]. And we'll be there someday, and I know I'm gonna get to see him again." - C.J. Beathard
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Audio Playlist: https://bit.ly/2PrbuwH
Video Playlist: https://bit.ly/2PsmEkJ
What’s Good? Playlist: https://bit.ly/3i7VUlZ
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The world is a noisy, chaotic place. At any given moment, there are countless voices shouting at us, trying to command our attention. But we can find peace when we train ourselves to mute those voices and listen to the only One who matters: God. Pop singer Ally Brooke rode a rollercoaster of highs and lows during her stint in the iconic girl group Fifth Harmony, and over time she felt her voice was drowned out by the demands of the music industry on the group. After branching out as a solo artist, Ally began to uncover her authentic self, thanks in part to the strong foundation of faith her tight-knit Mexican American family helped her build, which she talks about in her brand-new book Finding Your Harmony. Podcaster and author Jamie Ivey knows all about comparison culture, and how it always seems the grass is greener on the other side. But she’s learned a new phrase that’s set her free: You Be You. Now she shares how to utilize the gifts God has given you, and that it’s how you use your influence—not how large it is—that really makes a difference.
Links, Products, and Resources Mentioned:
Jesus Calling: Stories of Faith television show on Circle TV
Note-taking edition of Jesus Calling
Past guests: Morgan Harper Nichols, Kel Mitchell
Upcoming guests: Casey Beathard, CJ Beathard, Tucker Beathard
TV show host: Lauren Alaina
Interview Quotes:
“Number one in our house is God and Jesus. And having that type of foundation in my life has completely changed everything for me.” - Ally Brooke
“When I took a beating from the music industry, being in Fifth Harmony and the real challenges that came my way afterwards too, God was right there to say, ‘Trust me. I have a plan for you and I'm here with you. You're not alone. We're going to get through this together.’” - Ally Brooke
“I'll have my days where maybe I'm going through something or I'm sad or I have a ton of anxiety or I have a ton of worry or doubt. And Jesus Calling, through that devotion, I'm able to silence those thoughts and those worries and to help put them at ease.” - Ally Brooke
"It takes a lot of spiritual maturity to say, 'I'm very thankful for the people I'm having lunch with. And I'm going to spend my life doing whatever God wants for me right where I am, and not constantly look at the other table wondering what they're doing.'" - Jamie Ivey
“I started recognizing so many moments of people wishing that they had a different life, a “better” life, her life. And I noticed that they were missing the moments that God had created for them.” - Jamie Ivey
“There's this idea that you begin to matter and what you have to say begins to matter when a lot of people are listening. And I just want to encourage people that believing that lie keeps people paralyzed and not doing the things God's asked them to do.” - Jamie Ivey
“Every one that God's put in front of you matters. And we don't need to put our eyes on what we hope to happen five, ten years down the road, because we will waste a lot of time wishing for something we don't have.” - Jamie Ivey
“If the only thing I was looking at and noticing was other people's lives, then I would struggle to think that my life mattered and my voice was enough.” - Jamie Ivey
"We can yearn for the day we don't have to wear a mask and we can go back to 'normal.' But we can also be in the moment and go, 'What do You have for me right here where I am?'" - Jamie Ivey
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Audio Playlist: https://bit.ly/2PrbuwH
Video Playlist: https://bit.ly/2PsmEkJ
What’s Good? Playlist: https://bit.ly/3i7VUlZ
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We are human, which means we will make mistakes and never reach a standard of perfection. But we live in a world that constantly whispers, You can never come back from this mistake, or, You’ll never be good enough—but God’s grace and mercy say otherwise. Actor and singer Jana Kramer and her husband, NFL alum Mike Caussin, faced their own share of uphill battles in their young marriage. Facing her husband’s infidelity and addiction publicly, Jana had a choice to make: walk away, or work through it together. Jana and Mike chose to fight for their marriage, and now they’ve filled their toolbox with skills that they put into practice every single day, reminding us in their new book The Good Fight that while relationships are hard work, they’re worth it. Author Margaret Feinberg felt herself begin to believe lies that whispered, You’re a has-been, and, You’re a failure. Her overthinking began a negative thought spiral, so she began a practice of declaring God’s truths over her life daily, leading her to see her worth through His eyes and writing a book to encourage others called More Power to You. We serve a God of mercy, love, and healing. And though we may not live the picture-perfect life we want, He can redeem any mistakes we make so we can show the power He gives broken people.
Links, Products, and Resources Mentioned:
Jesus Calling: Stories of Faith television show
The Good Fight book
More Power to You book
Interview Quotes:
“I'm constantly praying for our family. I want us to stay together. I'm praying for his recovery. I'm praying for our recovery. I just hope that we always choose to stay in it. And so I just pray that we're always strong enough to continue to grow.” - Jana Kramer
“When we finally started praying out loud together, I'm doing my stuff spiritually, she's doing her stuff spiritually, then we started to see where we allowed Him in and we could feel that vulnerability in the room.” - Mike Caussin
“Owning your side of the street, it's controlling what you can control. And as much as we find us trying to convince each other to see things our way, to convince each other to have our opinion or our outlook or believe our truth, we can't control someone else's thoughts or feelings. Control what you can control.” - Mike Caussin
“Where we're at now is just remembering all the things that we've learned and how to continue to keep using our tools and to continue to grow. We have the tool box filled with stuff, we continue to go to therapy. We continue to learn. And so I just pray that we're always strong enough to continue to grow.” - Jana Kramer
”We have a lifetime full of tools in our tool box. And we just need to use them, because we've learned them for a reason. They have helped us. They've helped us get this far. And so for the next five years and so on, we need to continue to implement them because that'll help us avoid some of these moments of disconnect.” - Mike Caussin
“God ultimately has control over the situation and we need to give Him more power.” - Mike Caussin
“What's incredible is God has given us the ability to literally renew our mind through the power of the Holy Spirit and scripture, and we can begin doing it today.” - Margaret Feinberg
“I began just carving out ninety seconds a day or so, just to begin declaring these and to declare them out loud. And they’re declarations like this: ‘Jesus is king of my life. I am who Christ says I am.’” - Margaret Feinberg
“There is something that happens when we begin declaring the truth of who we are and who were called to be.” - Margaret Feinberg
“When those lies start to enter in and try to tell us these things that just simply aren't true, we rise up with the truth embedded in us about our beauty, about the way that we're made, about how God is and the power of God guarding our thoughts.” - Margaret Feinberg
“Joy is the weapon that we use to fight life's battles.” - Margaret Feinberg
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Audio Playlist: https://bit.ly/2PrbuwH
Video Playlist: https://bit.ly/2PsmEkJ
What’s Good? Playlist: https://bit.ly/3i7VUlZ
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Join us in celebrating 5 Million Downloads of the Jesus Calling Podcast!
Knowing that we have God on our side enables us to find the courage to overcome any fear. Lauren Akins—philanthropist, author, mom, and wife to country music superstar Thomas Rhett—longed to find her purpose. When she turned to God for help, He opened doors that led to a life of service and loving the ones in front of her, expanding her life to reach more than she ever hoped for. Now as a mom to three little girls, Lauren reflects back on her life, thankful for the many types of love she’s experienced, and recognizes “God-winks” woven into the fabric of who she is. Guinness World Record-holding tightrope walker Nik Wallenda comes from seven generations of performers. Through all the daring feats and dazzling challenges that he’s faced in his lifetime, he’s always kept his eye on the One who could get him through. But when one terrifying moment happened right in front of his eyes—when his family members fell off the wire—he faced a fear that almost crippled his career. After coming to terms with that fear and realizing God still needed to use him to inspire others, Nik found the courage to get back on the wire, and show the world the power of God.
Links, Products, and Resources Mentioned:
Bear Grylls and Rhonda Vincent
Upcoming Guests
One Tree Hill star Jana Kramer
Live in Love book by Lauren Akins
Facing Fear book by Nik Wallenda
Guinness World record setting “King of the High Wire”
Interview Quotes:
“It felt like I was just kind of tagging along wherever Thomas Rhett went. I love being his cheerleader and supporting him, and I love watching him do what he loves. But I felt like I had more of a purpose.” - Lauren Akins
“I can see, looking back, where the Lord has shut doors and open doors, and I tried to have the motto of, ‘Where He opens the door, I'll walk through it, regardless of what I can see on the other side.’” - Lauren Akins
“There were times where I felt like I just couldn't pray another prayer, or when I felt the weakest in those moments, that is where I could just feel Jesus was carrying me on the backs of my friends spiritually and on His back.” - Lauren Akins
“Loving one at a time and doing what you can right just for the one, and then moving on to another one, and then another one—that's how Jesus works. Those are His hands and feet.” - Lauren Akins
“The Lord puts people in front of us to love.” - Lauren Akins
“That is the most important thing, inviting Him into your world so that you're able to see the world through His eyes and you're able to love the way that He loves.” - Lauren Akins
“To think that we still can't grasp just quite how much He loves and how good His love is something that is so hard for my mind to try to wrap around.” - Lauren Akins
“My great-grandfather said it best: ‘Life is on the wire, and everything else is just waiting.’" - Nik Wallenda
“I know for a fact that God has opened doors for me to get to where I am in order to bring glory to His name” - Nik Wallenda
“What I didn't realize was that was a seed of fear, of negativity, of doubt, implanted in my head right after that accident happened, and I just wouldn’t acknowledge it.” - Nik Wallenda
“I think that's what so many people do as they continue to water that seed of doubt, seed of negativity, that seed of I'm not good enough and I'm not smart enough and I will not make it through this, I'm not healthy enough, and people continue to water them. I think that's what holds people back from their greatness and often holds people back from their calling.” - Nik Wallenda
“I would much rather go to heaven knowing that I was bold in who I was and what I believed in, that some people were upset and offended by that, then offend those people and they not ever get the knowledge of who God really isn't and how much you really love them.” - Nik Wallenda
“I think we have such an amazing, gracious God. And He acknowledges that even to those who don't believe in Him, His Word still applies. His Word cannot return void.” - Nik Wallenda
“As my relationship with God has grown more and more, it took those valleys in order for me to get to those peaks.” - Nik Wallenda
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Audio Playlist: https://bit.ly/2PrbuwH
Video Playlist: https://bit.ly/2PsmEkJ
What’s Good? Playlist: https://bit.ly/3i7VUlZ
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Sometimes before we know it, darkness can wrap itself around our hearts and minds. But when we feel ourselves lost and without hope, God is always there to lead us toward a new way of living, where we can find forgiveness for others—and ourselves. Beth Nimmo is the mother of Rachel Joy Scott, the first victim of the 1999 Columbine High School shooting. Beth didn’t know she’d ever see light again after the loss of her precious daughter, but God used Rachel’s strong faith and spirit of joy to guide Beth to help troubled teens. TJ Stevens was one such teen—after an abusive childhood and several suicide attempts, TJ walked into his Virginia high school with a gun, filled with a darkness driving him to do things he’d have never thought possible. But when TJ was on his knees in desperation, he felt God moving him toward a different outcome. As TJ says, “It’s never too late to turn around and do the right thing.” Beth and TJ’s paths crossed along parallel lines, and together, they share how God has met them in their lowest points, and how pain doesn’t have to be a life sentence.
Links, Products, and Resources Mentioned:
National Suicide Prevention line
Columbine School shootings in 1999
Interview Quotes:
“What we give focus to, we give strength to--I gave focus to nothing but darkness, and darkness filled me to a point where there was an abyss of nowhere to turn.” - TJ Stevens
“When the heart isn't changed, even if you have modified behavior and there's a certain amount of control there, eventually what's in the heart will manifest itself on the surface.” - Beth Nimmo
“It's never too late to turn around and do the right thing.” - TJ Stevens
“One of the things that we have a responsibility for to the next generation coming up is; we have to show them what you're in right now doesn't have to be your life sentence and it doesn't have to define the rest of your life.” - Beth Nimmo
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Audio Playlist: https://bit.ly/2PrbuwH
Video Playlist: https://bit.ly/2PsmEkJ
What’s Good? Playlist: https://bit.ly/3i7VUlZ
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Fear and anxiety often worm their way into our lives, and it is easy to give into them. But we have a mighty God on our side, who replaces fear with a beautiful peace that reminds us everything will turn out exactly the way He intends it. Country music artist Sara Evans knew as a young girl that she was “Born to Fly,” because God had called her to a music career. And as Sara looks back on defining moments of her career and her journeys with family and faith, she can trace the moments when fear would try to take over but God gave her the resilience to push through. Growing up in Los Angeles with a passion for helping others, actor and singer Caitlin Crosby learned early on that real beauty and character are found in our flaws. As she prayed for God to show her how to give to others, Caitlin met a talented couple who helped turn her heart for helping into a real-life mission: a jewelry-for-good business called The Giving Keys, which helps people transition out of homelessness. Caitlin believes that embracing the things that scare us can help us uncover our purpose. And as she shares in her new book You are the Key, she’s seen that paying forward a word of encouragement, whether you sleep in a mansion or a cardboard box, can go a long way in helping others—and ourselves—keep reaching for faith and courage.
Links, Products, and Resources Mentioned:
Vocalist of the Year by the Academy of Country Music
Born to Fly memoir
You are the Key book
Flawz album
Invisible Children documentary
Interview Quotes:
“We just have so many people to love and so many people to take care of. That is such a blessing.” - Sara Evans, on her blended family
“I really, really, really believe in a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, and I believe that God understands our hearts and He knows where we are.” - Sara Evans
“God is the potter and I'm the clay, so I just need to trust Him every day, and really just have no fear.” - Sara Evans
“There's nothing more comforting than having a relationship with Jesus.” - Sara Evans
“The whole premise [of The Giving Keys] is you get a word that you need in your life, you embrace it, you own it, but then you're supposed to pass it on to somebody you feel needs it more than you.” - Caitlin Crosby
“Our model [at The Giving Keys] is the more products we sell, the more jobs we can create, and the more people we can try and get off the streets.” - Caitlin Crosby
“Everyone needs help. Everyone needs love. Everyone needs strength.” - Caitlin Crosby
“The things that they feel kind of secretive or shameful about, those are the things that really can bring your purpose alive and bring it to another level.” - Caitlin Crosby
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Enjoy watching these additional videos from Jesus Calling YouTube channel:
Audio Playlist: https://bit.ly/2PrbuwH
Video Playlist: https://bit.ly/2PsmEkJ
What’s Good? Playlist: https://bit.ly/3i7VUlZ
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With each new day, God is blessing us with another chance—a chance to say yes to the things we might’ve said no to before, and a chance to embrace the people we love. Lori Allen, star of the TLC reality show Say Yes to the Dress: Atlanta and owner of Bridals by Lori, is adamant that the best days of her life are still ahead of her. From conquering challenges to keep her store open, to battling breast cancer and being the best working mom and grandma she can be, Lori has consistently said yes to savoring every moment, and grounding her life in her faith. Country music artist Raleigh Keegan was given a poignant second chance—a chance at life itself—when his mom gave birth to him while she was in prison, and then allowing him to be adopted into a loving family. Now, Raleigh seeks to demonstrate the love of God daily, thanking Him for the life he was given then, and the one he has now—which included eventually meeting and thanking his birth mom, too.
Links, Products, and Resources Mentioned:
Life in His Presence: A Jesus Calling Guided Journal
TLC reality show Say Yes to the Dress: Atlanta
Interview Quotes:
“I've always had my faith, and I've always had a very strong will and conviction that I would succeed.” - Lori Allen
“What for women after age forty-five motivates us? We are very smart women that have a lot of life ahead of us . . . I plan to savor every last crumb, and I want to motivate other women to do the same.“ - Lori Allen
“I think that God wants us to live ‘till our very last day with meaning and hope.” - Lori Allen
“Life's never easy, but with your attitude and showing your faith and your fortitude, you can make it a wonderful life.” - Lori Allen
“I don't think the fact that I was adopted and came from a really hard start ever made me question God's love for me, that specific thing, because I always viewed it as, I had a chance.” - Raleigh Keegan
“On my worst day and on my best day, because of what Jesus did for me, I'm viewed the same. That just changed me.” - Raleigh Keegan
“My life's mission is just to be a Christian in whatever I'm doing.” - Raleigh Keegan
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Enjoy watching these additional videos from Jesus Calling YouTube channel:
Audio Playlist: https://bit.ly/2PrbuwH
Video Playlist: https://bit.ly/2PsmEkJ
What’s Good? Playlist: https://bit.ly/3i7VUlZ
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God puts people in our lives for a reason: to teach us, to inspire us, to allow us to be a blessing to them. There are no accidental encounters, only ones that shape us into who we were created to be. Victoria Damone grew up in a family of entertainment royalty, as the daughter of ‘50s crooner Vic Damone and actress Judy Rawlins. But show business wasn’t always kind to Victoria and her sisters, and they had to learn to survive by relying on each other through their parents’ absence and their mother’s struggle with addiction. As she grew older, Victoria forged her own path by working for a faith-based organization, OneShare Health, as a way to combine her love of people and God. Catherine Wood has always kept faith at the heart of her life, but that faith has been tested through the financial ups and downs she’s faced throughout her investing career. After Cathie tried to navigate the financial peculiarities leading up to the 2008 economic crash, a member of her church introduced her to Jesus Calling, which Cathie’s read every day since. In 2014, Cathie founded her own company called ARK Invest, to find and fund transformative technologies that could change lives and make the world a better place.
Links, Products, and Resources Mentioned:
Interview with country music artist Josh Turner and NASCAR driver Michael McDowell
Upcoming guest: Trent Shelton
Interview Quotes:
“I know that God was watching over me in my younger years.” - Victoria Damone
“Even though we all fail miserably, we can aspire to do the best we can. But I think that's when God walks in.” - Victoria Damone
“I love what I do, but I also love the thought that we're part of something that can really help people emotionally with their health care needs, but also that we can help other organizations and we can make a difference.” - Victoria Damone, on working at OneShare Health
“When I think of Jesus, I think of Him sitting at the table and ministering and teaching people that were perhaps the unsavory characters, the people that were abandoned. And yet those are the individuals that need the most love and understanding.” - Victoria Damone
“I never felt that God was leaving me or deserting me. I felt like I had to hold on a little tighter.” -Catherine Wood
“I would kneel down and say, ‘Okay, God, You're in control. Even if this company fails, I know I've done the right thing. This is a walk of faith for me. Your will be done.’” - Catherine Wood
“I believe that in starting ARK Invest, I was fulfilling His will for me here on Earth and that if I had not done it, that I would have died an unhappy woman not having not fulfilled my promise here.” - Catherine Wood
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Enjoy watching these additional videos from Jesus Calling YouTube channel:
Audio Playlist: https://bit.ly/2PrbuwH
Video Playlist: https://bit.ly/2PsmEkJ
What’s Good? Playlist: https://bit.ly/3i7VUlZ
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Our stories are a combination of pain and beauty, of grief and love, of despair and wonder. In the moments when pain and isolation threaten to engulf us, God is there to lift us up and, as our guest Mattie Jackson Selecman says, sprinkle “tidbits of joy” along our darkest paths. Growing up, Mattie watched her dad, country music superstar Alan Jackson, sing songs that connected with people across the country, and she knew she was born to tell stories just like him. But Mattie never could’ve imagined one of the stories she’d tell would be a tragic story of her own: losing her newlywed husband Ben in an accident. With God’s help, and with her Jesus Calling devotional by her side, Mattie began to put the pieces of her life back together and found healing in the very ministry that she co-founded to heal others, NaSHEville. Music journalist Deborah Evans Price passionately chased her dream to tell stories behind some of country and Christian music’s biggest stars, becoming a full-time journalist at Billboard Magazine. But Deborah learned firsthand that just because part of your dream works out doesn’t mean your whole life will fall into place. As Deborah tackled an unexpected cancer diagnosis, she learned there’s true joy in allowing others to come alongside us and care for us when we’re at our lowest.
Links, Products, and Resources Mentioned:
Jesus Calling devotional
Jesus Calling Peace for Everyday Life video series
Jesus Calling Magazine [FREE!]
Jesus Calling Podcast Episode with Dawn Barton: Joy: God’s Antidote to Pain
LSU [Louisiana State University]
1950’s Big Band crooner Vic Damone
Interview Quotes:
“Jesus is the only hope, not because He's the only thing left to turn to, but because He's the only thing that will bring light in the dark.” - Mattie Jackson Selecman
“You kind of take [faith] for granted until you have real reason to buckle down and understand and evaluate, Why is this my faith, and why is this not just what I've been told and taught?” - Mattie Jackson Selecman
“Don't feel like it's your job to plan out every step of your life—go live it. And what happens to you will be the story that you'll end up telling.” - Mattie Jackson Selecman
“He walked the way Jesus walked. He saw people for who they were, and not for what they did, or for something that he expected or wanted from them.” - Mattie Jackson Selecman, on her husband Ben
“On paper, we did all the things we were supposed to do, you know, to “get the miracle.” But we didn't. And part of understanding and processing and finding joy amidst the pain doesn't come from having that question answered.” - Mattie Jackson Selecman
“Wherever you are in your faith, He'll find you.” - Mattie Jackson Selecman
“God will bring tidbits of joy. That's what I've learned above all else. And I tell people, pain and joy are not mutually exclusive. They can dance in the same scene together.” - Mattie Jackson Selecman
“God's put me here to help tell people stories. That's a privilege.” - Deborah Evans Price
“It’s hard to be vulnerable and let people see when you're when you're hurting.” - Deborah Evans Price
“I just wake up every day thinking, You just don't know what God’s going to bring in your life or what exciting door He’s gonna be opening. Every day is a new adventure.” - Deborah Evans Price
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Enjoy watching these additional videos from Jesus Calling YouTube channel:
Audio Playlist: https://bit.ly/2PrbuwH
Video Playlist: https://bit.ly/2PsmEkJ
What’s Good? Playlist: https://bit.ly/3i7VUlZ
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We all value connection: to our loved ones, to the world around us, to the principles that matter to us. And our most important connection is with God, which can feel so powerful through our praise. Worship leader Matt Redman shares how music became his escape from the darkness he endured in his youth—his father’s suicide early in his life, then abuse in his teen years. But when Matt was introduced to Steven Curtis Chapman’s music in college, he found a path that would draw him near to God through living in a state of constant wonder. Singer/songwriter Mark Schultz was struggling to make it big in the Nashville music scene when he met a youth pastor who would change his life. After working with kids and singing songs from the heart, Mark landed a record deal, and today, he’s built a beautiful life by putting praise for Jesus above everything. Plus, after being adopted in his childhood, Mark finally understood the heavenly meaning of that word when he adopted his own little one.
Links, Products and Resources Mentioned:
Jesus Calling devotional
Jesus Calling Kids/Childrens
Jesus Calling Podcast Episode with Steven Curtis Chapman: "A Father's Love Is Special"
BibleGateway.com Psalms
10,000 Reasons song
Let There Be Wonder album
If you or someone you know is contemplating suicide, there’s help. Please call the National Suicide Prevention Hotline at 1-800-273-8255.
Interview Quotes:
“I needed to talk to God. I needed to cry out to God. Music seemed like a really powerful way to do that.” - Matt Redman
“I loved that we weren't just singing about Him, but we were singing to Him.” - Matt Redman
“One of the challenges of trying to portray God through music is to do with trying to paint the biggest picture of Him that you can.” - Matt Redman
“He's the lion and the lamb, He is the God who thunders and whispers. He's a God who terrifies, and yet He befriends. He's the one who knelt down, washed the feet of His disciples, even though He's the one whose footstool is the earth.” - Matt Redman
“There's something special about hearing a father's words speak over you, that they believe in you, and cast a vision for you, and I think there's something about that that you kind of grow into that as your story unfolds.” - Mark Schultz
“That would be one of those moments that I look back on that I feel like it was a dad's vision and a belief in me, just following that.” - Mark Schultz, on a dream fulfilled to play at Ryman Auditorium
“God doesn't want something from us—He wants something for us.” - Mark Schultz
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Enjoy these videos on Jesus Calling YouTube channel:
Audio podcast: https://bit.ly/2uCnNM0
Original Series video podcast: https://bit.ly/2WzFY0O
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We have a tendency to see black and white in our stories. We believe we’re doing the right things because we don’t seem to be encountering many problems. We think we’re loving others well because we don’t see any evidence that says otherwise. But the truth is that no matter how hard we try, we will face hard problems and tough situations. We will face division and anger. But God will equip us with the tools we need to navigate life with profound faith and great love. Pastor and author Scott Sauls asks us to think about what our world would be like if we approached others with compassion and gentleness like Jesus, to try and heal a hurting world. Advocates Jay and Katherine Wolf faced the unimaginable when Katherine, a twenty-six-year-old mother of a six-month-old son, suffered a brain stem stroke that turned their world upside down. Now a full-time caregiver, Jay shares how God brought them closer to Him through each other, and how sometimes healing and despair go hand in hand.
Links, Products and Resources Mentioned:
Jesus Calling devotional
Jesus Calling: What’s Good? (YouTube video series)
Jesus Calling Podcast Episode - The Broken Road to Joy: Ann Voskamp & Emily Stroud
A Gentle Answer: Our Secret Weapon in an Age of Us Against Them book
Christ Presbyterian Church (Nashville, Tennessee)
BibleGateway.com (Luke 7)
Fred Rogers (Jesus Calling podcast interview with wife Joanne Rogers)
Jay and Katherine Wolf
Suffer Strong: How to Survive Anything by Redefining Everything
Samford University (Birmingham, AL)
Pepperdine Caruso School of Law
Bel Air Presbyterian Church (Los Angeles, CA)
CaringBridge
BibleGateway.com (Isaiah 45:3)
Interview Quotes:
“What could it look like for followers of Christ, especially, to give ourselves to a gentleness movement or a kindness movement in a climate where kindness is so scarce?” - Scott Sauls
“Cynicism and negativity are very contagious, but so are love and kindness.” - Scott Sauls
“Every single square inch of the universe—people, places, and things—belongs to God, is created by God, and is entrusted to our care.” - Scott Sauls
“Everybody's job is an opportunity to serve God in the same way that a pastor's job is an opportunity to serve God.” - Scott Sauls
“Christians have that resource to be more difficult to offend, because Christ chose not to be offended by us. He chose instead to love us and to forgive us and to draw us into His family and adopt us.” - Scott Sauls
“Looking back on your story, it's important and it's profound to see some things you didn't see in the moment because it was up close, and to see how God was putting those pieces together.” - Jay Wolf
“The idea that God had spared her life was the beginning of hope for me.” - Jay Wolf
”We thought [Katherine’s being on life support] was really just a sign and a little sort of glimmer that God was saying, ‘I'm still here. I haven't abandoned you, even if I'm silent.’” - Jay Wolf
“I think we want to say it's one or the other, ‘Oh, you're in this healing mode,’ or, ‘You're in this despairing mode.’ Sometimes they're right in the same place together.” - Jay Wolf
“‘You get to put into practice everything you believe, and I'm going to supernaturally supply you. My divine power will give you everything that you need to do this. And it is going to be hard. It's going to be good’.” - Katherine Wolf speaking how she believes God rallied her husband Jay
“We knew the presence of God would sustain, and His power would make a way for us to move forward.” - Katherine Wolf
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Enjoy these videos on Jesus Calling YouTube channel:
Audio podcast: https://bit.ly/2uCnNM0
Original Series video podcast: https://bit.ly/2WzFY0O
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Dreaming, planning, preparing for the future—it’s in our nature to map out where we’d like our lives to go. But in the midst of our dreaming, it’s important to take a step back and ask God, “What do You want for my life?” Because He might have a different—and better—answer for us. When Christian music artist Jaci Velasquez was pregnant with her son Zealand, she knew he’d have a ministry of his own one day. But when Jaci discovered Zealand had autism, she wondered how he’d ever spread God’s love if he couldn’t communicate. Over time, Jaci learned to shift her perspective from “Why me?” to “Why not me?” and she began to see how God can use anyone or anything for good. Worship pastor Andy Harrison was raised in a Christian home, but never really felt connected to God. After attending a youth camp and a Planetshakers conference, Andy was struck by how passionate the people around him were, and he wanted to discover this Jesus that had everyone so shaken up. Today Andy’s a mentor to youth and shows them how to be strong in faith while growing up, and how, even when we don’t know where to turn, we can find everything we need in Jesus.
Links, Products and Resources Mentioned:
Jesus Calling devotional
When God Rescripts Your Life: Seeing Value, Beauty, and Purpose When Life is Interrupted book
IEP—Individualized Educational Program
Autism Spectrum Disorder - pervasive developmental delay
Jesus Over Everything album
Jesus Over Everything: Notes for the Next Generation of Planetshakers book
BibleGateway.com (Psalms 139 & Matthew 6:33)
Interview Quotes:
“I stopped asking the question, ‘Why me?’ And I started asking the most important question, which was ‘Why not me?’” - Jaci Velasquez
“Sometimes what He wants for our lives and what He wants for our families looks different than what we had pictured.” - Jaci Velasquez
“We have to continuously dive into what God is trying to show us.” - Jaci Velasquez
“He forgives you sooner than you forgive yourself. So why do we continue putting ourselves on the cross? “ - Jaci Velasquez
“Listen for His interpretation. Our dreams and God's calling are not always the same thing.” - Jaci Velasquez
“[Growing up] I knew a lot of things about God, but I didn't know Him for myself.“ - Andy Harrison
“I'm really passionate about seeing young people encounter Jesus, because that was the season in my life where I came to know Him, and I want to see other young people come to know Him, too.” - Andy Harrison
“Everything that we need is found in Jesus.” - Andy Harrison
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Enjoy these videos on Jesus Calling YouTube channel:
Audio podcast: https://bit.ly/2uCnNM0
Original Series video podcast: https://bit.ly/2WzFY0O
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If there’s one thing our world needs at this moment, it’s love—the kind of 1 Corinthians 13 love God asks us to show each other. TBN host Cynthia Garrett walks us through how to understand that love is not found only in words—love is an action. She explains how, when we learn to release society’s distractions, we can truly listen to the hearts of those around us, learn from their experiences, and work together for what is good and right. MMA fighter Paige VanZant turned to fighting as a coping mechanism for the horrific bullying she faced in high school. And when fighting turned into her career, Paige began to use her platform to help others facing emotional trauma, letting love heal both her heart and theirs.
Links, Products and Resources Mentioned:
Jesus Calling devotional
Jesus Always devotional
The Joy of Spreading Love, One Heart At A Time: Delilah and Gary Thomas episode
Cynthia Garrett
Cynthia Garrett Ministries
The Sessions with Cynthia Garrett on TBN
Cynthia Garrett Ministries YouTube
BibleGateway.com - 1 Corinthians 13
Rise: Surviving the Fight of My Life book
Interview Quotes:
“One of the things that I think that we can all do is to listen. We have to listen more. I think we are here because we stopped listening to each other.” - Cynthia Garrett
“There's someone you know who’s different from you, and the best way to have understanding and wisdom is to ask them questions about their experience in life and to listen.” - Cynthia Garrett
“When you love your neighbor, racism does not exist.” - Cynthia Garrett
“If we examine our hearts and seek righteousness in our hearts, we can make a difference.” - Cynthia Garrett
“Love is an action. Love is messy. Love is inconvenient. But love is also the most powerful word in the Bible.” - Cynthia Garrett
“I know that I can stay positive because it's all in God's plan.” - Paige VanZant
“God's given you all these talents. Why waste them?” - Paige VanZant
“I think it says, “Do not be afraid,” 365 times in the Bible. So that means every single day you need to be reminded, don't be afraid.” - Paige VanZant
“I'm still working every day to try to use my platform to connect to people and help people grow and help people through these emotional times.” - Paige VanZant
“In every fight I go through, both in the cage and outside of the cage, I know that there is somebody who is on my side and is fighting with me the entire time, and that's God.” - Paige VanZant
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Enjoy these videos on Jesus Calling YouTube channel:
Audio podcast: https://bit.ly/2uCnNM0
Original Series video podcast: https://bit.ly/2WzFY0O
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There comes a point when our faith has grown strong enough that we can turn outward and put it to work serving those who need it most. Gary Sinise comes from a long legacy of supporting the military, from brave family members who served as far back as World War I, to portraying wounded Vietnam vet Lt. Dan Taylor in the iconic movie Forrest Gump. After the events of 9/11, Gary was inspired to find more ways to serve those who sacrificed for our nation, which he details in his book Grateful American. Dr. Derwin Gray created a successful life for himself in the NFL, desperate to escape the dysfunction that surrounded him in childhood. But after achieving his career dreams, Derwin realized he wouldn’t ever be satisfied without a greater purpose. He bravely stepped into God’s calling for his life and founded Transformation Church, a multi-ethnic church seeking to help others live a Jesus-centered life—what Dr. Gray calls in his new book The Good Life. These two men have grown their faith and been encouraged by the people they serve, and they demonstrate the beautiful things that can happen when we use our gifts and talents to bless those around us.
Links, Products and Resources Mentioned:
Jesus Calling devotional
Courage to Use Your Voice: Mark & Danielle Herzlich episode
Grateful American: A Journey from Self to Service book
Disabled American Veterans Organization
Battle of the Argonne
Steppenwolf Theater in Chicago
The Good Life: What Jesus Teaches About Finding True Happiness book
Interview Quotes:
“September 11th, 2001, our country is attacked and our men and women start raising their hands to deploy in reaction to that terrible event. And I just felt compelled and called in a certain way to serve. And so you go from this singular focus on self to this broader focus on serving others.” - Gary Sinise
“I am a grateful American. I'm grateful for so many things.” - Gary Sinise
“Having veterans in my family, having been involved with supporting Vietnam veterans, I just knew where I was going to employ my services, and it was going to be to help our men and women get through the next phase of deploying to the war zones and helping them and their families get through that. And that just that lit a fire under me.” - Gary Sinise
“The more I got active, the more I gave, the more I healed, the more I wanted to do.” - Gary Sinise
“I've seen the needs in all these different places and I want to try to continue to help fill those needs.” - Gary Sinise
“When Jesus called me, when Jesus loved me, when Jesus met me, He literally put things in me and brought gifts out of me that I didn’t even know was possible.” - Dr. Derwin Gray
“By my third year in the NFL at age twenty-five, I said ‘There's got to be more to life than this.’” - Dr. Derwin Gray
“It was like I was chasing my shadow and I finally caught it, but realized it went right through my hands, and I was looking for things that only Jesus can give.” - Dr. Derwin Gray
“He gave me unconditional love. He gave me a new identity: beloved child of God. He gave me a new purpose, and that is to know Him and to make Him known through every facet of my life.” - Dr. Derwin Gray
“Jesus's blood not only forgives our sins, but He gives us a family with different colored skins.” - Dr. Derwin Gray
”So often we are so self-sufficient that we can't be God sufficient. So often we're so centered upon ourselves that we can't be Jesus-centered.” - Dr. Derwin Gray
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Enjoy these videos on Jesus Calling YouTube channel:
Audio podcast: https://bit.ly/2uCnNM0
Original Series video podcast: https://bit.ly/2WzFY0O
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We spend so much time trying to choose a path for our futures, and it’s easy to get wrapped up in what *we* want versus what *God* wants. Artist, musician, writer, and creator Morgan Harper Nichols struggled to find her purpose, her identity, and her place to belong. By pushing herself to go deeper into connection and following God’s nudges to use her artistic gifts, Morgan found hope in showing up for others, and she realized the true definition of “grace.” Actor and producer Kel Mitchell spent most of his childhood in the Nickelodeon spotlight on shows like All That and Kenan & Kel. As he suffered through mistakes in his young adulthood, Kel realized he needed to discover who he was outside of television—and that instead of leading his own way, he needed to let God show him the way forward. Kel came back to his spiritual roots, where Jesus showed him his true calling: youth ministry. Today, Kel reminds us that we can never be too busy for God, because it’s only when we hand over our time and our plans that we see our lives begin to fall into place.
Links, Products and Resources Mentioned:
Jesus Calling devotional
Jesus Calling by Sarah Young products at Target.com
When Dream Are Far From Reach, Trust God’s Vision: Matthew Barnett and Richard Cowdrey
Morgan Harper Nichols’s Pinterest
All Along You Were Blooming book
Interview Quotes:
“What does it mean to serve and to love and to give to others while also simultaneously feeling like you're not enough?” - Morgan Harper Nichols
“But all along, [my purpose] was just about how I can be present to other people with what I have, with what I've been given, even though I don't feel good enough.” - Morgan Harper Nichols
“We're still being called to go deeper. We're still being called to come out on the water and to not be afraid of engaging with what's bigger than us.” - Morgan Harper Nichols
“One single word can really, really impact someone in a way that matters in their life, whether they tell you or not. Connection happens through the imperfections and it happens through the broken places.” - Morgan Harper Nichols
“I decided to say, ‘Hey, I'll figure this out on my own. I'll figure this out.’ And when I did that, it put me on the wrong path a lot of times.” - Kel Mitchell
“As Christians, there are troubles you're going to go through, because we live in a sinful world. But at that same time, you have to know that God knows the way of getting you out of trouble.” - Kel Mitchell
“It's awesome to be an ambassador of Christ and lead [kids] to the Lord as they see the light within you.” - Kel Mitchell
“I feel like you have to learn and you have to go through those setbacks so you can have an amazing and beautiful, divine comeback.” - Kel Mitchell
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Audio podcast: https://bit.ly/2uCnNM0
Original Series video podcast: https://bit.ly/2WzFY0O
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Fathers play a lasting role in our lives, and we learn countless lessons from them, like who we want to be and how we want to lead. Master communicator and motivational speaker Dr. Rick Rigsby grew up with a father who, despite being a third-grade dropout, sailed across the world, learned multiple languages, and instilled in a young Dr. Rigsby the basic life lessons that profoundly impacted the way he viewed himself and his potential. Above all, Dr. Rigsby’s father helped him see how living with faith and keeping our word can grow our influence to impact other people for the better. From the time he was a young boy, Jerrad Lopes couldn’t wait to be the dad he never had. But as an adult, when Jerrad hit a wall of professional setbacks that sent him into depression, he knew he wasn’t being the best dad and husband he could be. After a bitter fight with his wife, Jerrad turned to God to help show him how to lead. Now, Jerrad ministers through his organization Dad Tired to other men who face shame and a lack of confidence, so they can become dads and husbands who help their families grow more rooted in faith.
Links, Products and Resources Mentioned:
Jesus Calling devotional
Dr. Meg Meeker: Seeking the Love of a Father
Jesus Calling Large Deluxe Orange, available exclusively at Barnes & Noble
Jesus Calling Small Deluxe Blue, available exclusively at Barnes & Noble
California Maritime Academy in Vallejo, CA
Chuck Noll, Pittsburgh Steelers NFL football coach
John Wooden, UCLA basketball coach
Dad Tired: Stumbling Your Way to Spiritual Leadership book
BibleGateway.com Psalm 1
Interview Quotes:
“How you do anything is how you do everything. It's never wrong to do the right thing. You tell somebody you're gonna get there at five, get there at four. Be ready to work.” - Dr. Rick Rigsby quoting his father
“[My parents constantly raising the bar was] something I hated as a kid, something I couldn't stand as a teenager, but something that brings water to my eyes as an adult.” - Dr. Rick Rigsby
“If you don't learn character in the trenches, if you don't learn the basics in the trenches, what in the world makes us think that when we get to the big stage, it's all of a sudden going to happen?” - Dr. Rick Rigsby
“Faith encourages me to go beyond my comfort zone and to have a visceral reaction for the people of Jesus and encourage them.” - Dr. Rick Rigsby
“Your ability to influence people within the sphere of your periphery will determine the impact that you make.” - Dr. Rick Rigsby
“Think for a moment about the person who led you to the Lord. Was it that person's words, or was it that person's lifestyle?” - Dr. Rick Rigsby
“I’m going to have a bunch of titles on my business card one day, [but] the thing that will go with me to the grave are the titles of husband, father, and disciple.” - Jerrad Lopes
“If you believe you're too sinful or you're not equipped or you're not spiritual enough to lead your family, you're not believing in the God of the Bible.” - Jerrad Lopes
‘I'm just reminded that for me to be filled with life, to give life, to see the goodness of God used and fruit come out of it, I just have to be in the Living Water, which is the Word and Jesus Himself.” - Jerrad Lopes
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Audio podcast: https://bit.ly/2uCnNM0
Original Series video podcast: https://bit.ly/2WzFY0O
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Everyone is placed in our lives for a reason. God intentionally chooses to put people in our path to teach us and to mold us into who He created us to be, and sometimes those relationships are not what we would expect. Dr. Dharius Daniels was studying to be a lawyer, until a mentor in college helped him realize that his true calling was ministry. As he began to study the Bible more intently, Dr. Daniels realized how we as individuals (and our relationships) have the ability to change lives, and that adding value to someone’s life is a calling of the highest kind, which he shares in his book Relational Intelligence. Ron Hall had one goal in life: to get out of poverty and create a life that matched his definition of success. He worked hard and achieved his goals, but his pursuit of success led to challenges in his relationship with his wife, Debbie. After reexamining his priorities, Ron committed himself to pursuing God the way Debbie did, and it led him to work with the homeless. On the streets of Fort Worth, Texas, Ron met a remarkable man named Denver, who would teach Ron more about life than he ever expected, as chronicled in the movie and New York Times bestselling book, Same Kind of Different as Me.
Links, Products and Resources Mentioned:
Jesus Calling devotional
Jesus Always devotional promotion at Lifeway.com
Same Kind of Different as Me book
Same Kind of Different as Me movie
Ecclesiastes 9:15 (BibleGateway.com)
Interview Quotes:
“What I began to see is the need for an expression of the gospel that did more than address people's morals, but addressed people's lives.” - Dr. Dharius Daniels
“You cannot have a high quality of life without doing relationships well.” - Dr. Dharius Daniels
“There is no area of our life that is not directly or indirectly impacted by our relationships: our physical well-being, our financial well-being, our relational well-being, our spiritual well-being.” - Dr. Dharius Daniels
“God knew what He was doing when He put [my wife Debbie] in my life.” - Ron Hall
“I told people that my wife and I at the time, we were both living purpose-driven lives. My purpose in life was chasing the almighty dollar and her purpose in life was chasing the Almighty God.“ - Ron Hall
“‘God is checking you out to see what kind of person you really are,’ Denver said, ‘because most of you folks look at the homeless as a problem. But through God's eyes, He sees this as an opportunity for the faithful to show the love of Christ. We’re all homeless. We’re just working our way back home.’“ - Ron Hall
“I witnessed the miracle of a homeless ex-con known as Suicide, who did not know how to read and write, become a number-one New York Times bestselling author . . . My good friend Denver, who was my homeless mentor, taught me more about life than anyone.” - Ron Hall
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Audio podcast: https://bit.ly/2uCnNM0
Original Series video podcast: https://bit.ly/2WzFY0O
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It’s a hard truth that none of us is exempt from the pain of losing loved ones. And while Jesus tells us that, “In this world, you’ll have trouble,” He also promises that no matter what, He will never leave our side, and that He’ll remain a rock we can lean on through the pain of loss. Our two guests, country music artist Eddie Montgomery and Jesus Calling reader Kacie Clousing, have experienced tragic losses. But as they reached for God, He paved the way to survival and healing. Eddie Montgomery, of the award-winning duo Montgomery Gentry, talks about the deep bond he had with his music partner of three decades, Troy Gentry. When he lost Troy in a devastating helicopter crash, Eddie learned how to cope with his pain by remembering the good memories they made together, and turned to “the Man Upstairs” for strength. After battling infertility and having two healthy miracle babies, Kacie Clousing was thrilled when she and her husband discovered she was pregnant again. At a routine twenty-week ultrasound, Kacie learned that although she could feel her son kicking and moving within her, he wouldn’t survive the pregnancy. As she grieved the shattered dreams of what could’ve been, she kept reaching for God during her darkest days and held on to the belief that He would take care of her and her family, no matter how difficult the outcome.
Links, Products and Resources Mentioned:
Jesus Always devotional promotion at Lifeway.com
Jesus Calling podcast episode: God Brings Life After Loss: Jonathan Pitts and John Hill
Kacie Clousing
Interview Quotes:
“Me and Troy put this duo [Montgomery Gentry] together, Nashville did not. And I think that’s why it was different, because we’d get each other in and out of trouble, we had each other's back. We knew who we were.” - Eddie Montgomery
“There’s not a day that goes by I don’t think about [Troy].” - Eddie Montgomery
“Before we go on stage, we get together and thank the Man Upstairs that He’s let us live this long and let us do what we do.” - Eddie Montgomery
“That's how you get through [loss]. You remember all the smiles and the good times.”- Eddie Montgomery
“In a second, our life went from, Oh, my goodness, things are fine. We're having a boy. We're so excited, to just nothing but complete sorrow and grief.” - Kacie Clousing
“I started to have a mantra, where when I would start to think about the bad, I would just say, ‘I trust in you, Lord, to stop my negative thoughts and to not fall into the dark hole again.’” - Kacie Clousing
“God will take care of you and your family, and bring to your life what is meant to be.” - Kacie Clousing
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Audio podcast: https://bit.ly/2uCnNM0
Original Series video podcast: https://bit.ly/2WzFY0O
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Through all the highs and lows that life throws our way, there is one constant: God. Despite uncertainties, despite pain, and despite hurt, God is always there, longing for us to rely on Him to become our source of Joy. Author and joyologist Dawn Barton has faced more fall-to-your-knees pain and loss than most can imagine. And after every setback, Dawn shares she found the secret to moving forward: choosing to stand back up and look for joy. Singer/songwriter Ashlyn Grayce was raised in a home filled with music and faith, and now she’s branching out into a career of her own. Ashlyn dedicates every performance to the One who got her there, and shares her faith and life story to write songs that she hopes will bring healing to people of all ages from the inside out.
Links, Products and Resources Mentioned:
Jesus Calling devotional
Jesus Calling for Kids
Jesus Always
Jesus Calling and Jesus Always available exclusively at Costco.com
Peace in Uncertain Times YouTube Series with Alena Pitts
Mary Kay Cosmetics
Laughing Through the Ugly Cry: And Finding Unstoppable Joy book
Alan Jackson
Lifeway Christian
BibleGateway.com, Isaiah 41:10
Interview Quotes:
“I've had so much that I think gives me every excuse in the world to be not joyful. But I really want to scream from the mountaintops why we should be joyful and why it's a choice.” - Dawn Barton
“It’s no one's job to make you feel better but yours.” - Dawn Barton
“I think it's important to have a friend that will say, ‘This is enough. It's time for you to get up.’” - Dawn Barton
“I think that's that little gift God gives you, sometimes just that feeling of, ‘Don't let go. Hold on a little tighter, a little longer, this time.’” - Dawn Barton
“I'm so glad that I used tragedy as the fuel for something that was beautiful.” - Dawn Barton
“It's just so powerful that one three-minute song can really change the life of a listener or someone writing it.” - Ashlyn Grayce
“I just think that it's so important to not be afraid and know that Jesus is right there with you every step of the way.” - Ashlyn Grayce
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Audio podcast: https://bit.ly/2uCnNM0
Original Series video podcast: https://bit.ly/2WzFY0O
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In observance of Memorial Day, veteran and country music artist Craig Morgan and the First Lady of Louisiana, Donna Edwards, join the Jesus Calling Podcast to share how their faith, families, and a dedication to public service have shaped their lives in incredible ways. Craig Morgan served in the Army for 17 years before pursuing a country music career, which now allows him to serve military members via USO shows and special tours. After losing his 19-year-old son Jerry in a tragic accident, Craig felt moved by God to share his pain through a song called “The Father, My Son, and the Holy Ghost,” which has touched countless lives. First Lady Edwards shares why she and her husband, Governor John Bel Edwards, were inspired to dedicate their lives to serving the public. As part of that service and in devotion to God, First Lady Edwards felt led to share Jesus Calling with incarcerated women in her state, and visited them in person to deliver the books, which had an enormous impact on her and women in the facility.
Links, Products and Resources Mentioned:
Jesus Today devotional
Sarah Young products at Target
Jesus Calling Podcast episode: Becoming an Everyday Hero: Neal McCoy & Rodney D. Bullard
Craig Morgan
Grand Ole Opry
Video: The Father, My Son, and the Holy Ghost
Craig’s World on Circle TV
Louisiana First Lady Donna Edwards
See Donna at Work: Governor’s Mansion
Interview Quotes:
“It was when I left home and joined the military, I think that's when I developed the aspirations for writing. Being away from home, creating a sense of appreciation for all the things that I had left and got away from.” - Craig Morgan
“I thought I was exempt from something like that [when my son died], because our faith was so strong. We were a good Christian family, and I thought that something like this would never happen to us.” - Craig Morgan
“When I lost Jerry, I felt like I didn't know enough about God because I needed to know more to understand what was going on.” - Craig Morgan
“God wrote this song. I did not write this song.” - Craig Morgan, on his song "The Father, My Son, and the Holy Ghost"
“I can't hug people that aren't standing before me, but I still very much feel their presence. Everybody talks about these God moments, you know, where you feel something and you feel the presence of God. That's what that is. I still feel that I have those moments with my son.” - Craig Morgan
“We’ve always been firm in our direction and what we felt were our morals and values.” - Louisiana First Lady Donna Edwards
“We don’t necessarily have to agree — but I’m called to love you regardless.” - Louisiana First Lady Donna Edwards
“150 women who were imprisoned stood up and applauded the fact that I stepped into their life that day,” - Louisiana First Lady Donna Edwards
“Only with God’s help and praying and asking for God to help you, can one truly forgive.” - Louisiana First Lady Donna Edwards
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We don’t have to be perfect to receive God’s love. He longs to meet us in our brokenness so that He can be a part of our healing. Olympic gold medal gymnast Shawn Johnson East and her husband, NFL player Andrew East, share their love story that’s now blossomed into parenthood. And in their young marriage, Shawn and Andrew have weathered highs and lows, including a painful miscarriage, and they remember how sharing with their online community and hearing stories from thousands who had experienced the same pain helped them heal. Jewelry designer Lisa Leonard was juggling so much—a loving marriage, being a mom to two sons (one with special needs) and a passion for her burgeoning business—that she worked herself into a burnout, which took a toll especially on her marriage. As she began to work through these hard feelings, Lisa realized God didn’t require her to be perfect and put together all the time. Slowly but surely, Lisa’s zest for life returned, and she began to build a peaceful life that allowed her to keep creating new resources and loving others the way she always wanted.
Links, Products and Resources Mentioned:
Jesus Calling devotional
Jesus Today
Jesus Calling exclusives from Barnes & Noble online
The Next Door Treatment Facility interviews on Jesus Calling podcast
Andrew & Shawn Johnson East
YouTube channel, The East Family
Shawn Johnson East website
Andrew East website
Be You book
Brave Love book
Your Spark book
IMDB - Gary Sinise as “Lieutenant Dan” in the film Forrest Gump,
Interview Quotes:
“I remember going to the Olympics, winning an Olympic gold medal, standing on the medal podium with a gold medal around my neck and feeling almost empty.” - Shawn Johnson East
“Shawn's career was just kind of ending when we met, and my career was about to begin in the NFL. It's such a unique position, and I'm so thankful that Shawn is very uniquely qualified to be a part of the ups and downs of the NFL.” - Andrew East
“[Sharing about my miscarriage with my online community] helped me heal so much, just seeing how many thousands of stories came back of people who had gone through the same thing.” - Shawn Johnson East
“There's so much power in the community.” - Andrew East
“I'm excited about the marriage aspect of parenting, but I'm also excited about the responsibility of what it means to be a thoughtful parent and how you do that well.” - Shawn Johnson East
“I felt like I wanted to do something different and bring beauty into the world.” - Lisa Leonard
“I felt like as a mom with two boys, one with special needs, and my husband and my friends and my extended family, the easiest way to simplify things was to take my needs and wants and put them way up high on a shelf.” - Lisa Leonard
“God can handle our brokenness. He is not surprised by it. He's not scared of it. He's enough to fill that space.” - Lisa Leonard
“This is a journey. We don't have it all figured out. And there's grace, so this is love, right? We don't do everything perfectly, but we're in it together.” - Lisa Leonard
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Original Series video podcast: https://bit.ly/2WzFY0O
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God is the restorer of all, and He often works through us to rebuild lives, to touch hearts, and to transform people here on earth. Stars of HGTV’s “Restored by the Fords” brother-and-sister-duo Leanne and Steve Ford share how their supportive parents paved the way for their creative careers, encouraging their kids to try new things, even if they made mistakes along the way. When they understood failure is a normal part of life, Leanne and Steve learned to push their creativity to new heights, and today they inspire others to create homes that help them feel safe and loved. Dr. David Vanderpool has also taken part in rebuilding, but in a different way: by living in Haiti and serving others through his relief organization Live Beyond, Dr. Vanderpool has discovered that living simply and focusing on connecting with others has brought his family closer to God and allowed him to share God’s love with those in need.
Links, Products and Resources Mentioned:
Jesus Today devotional
Jesus Calling, the new botanical edition
HGTV Show Restored by the Fords (Leanne & Steve Ford)
Work in Progress book
Country Living Magazine
Dr. David Vanderpool
Live Beyond relief organization
Britannica, 2010 Haiti Earthquake
Olympic gold medal gymnast Shawn Johnson East
Interview Quotes:
“I realized that it was our family and our faith that created this life where we didn't care what anyone else thought.” - Leanne Ford, remembering her childhood
“We are in a society where if you mess up, it's looked down upon. And the problem with that is that the fear of failure kills creativity.” - Leanne Ford
“I really believe that when you love your home, it really translates into the rest of your life.” - Leanne Ford
“The ability to bring joy and happiness to people, whether it be a giggle or a laugh or a house they're proud of or an idea that gets them inspired, what an awesome gift that we’re able to do that.” - Leanne Ford
“Jesus came to fill the gap between this disparity.” - Dr. David Vanderpool
“When you divest yourself of material things and Plan B starts to fade away a little bit, I think what happens is the Lord becomes nearer and He becomes a whole lot more apparent.” - Dr. David Vanderpool
“There's nothing that is more gratifying or supporting than knowing that you're walking exactly where God wants you to walk.” - Dr. David Vanderpool
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Audio podcast: https://bit.ly/2uCnNM0
Original Series video podcast: https://bit.ly/2WzFY0O
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Whether or not we see Him, whether or not we feel Him, God is always near, walking beside us no matter where we go. YouTuber and mother of eight Angela Braniff shares how she checked all the boxes to gain a “perfect” life, until she realized Jesus’ life was about far more than giving her what the world considered “perfect.” By warily trusting God’s plan, and learning that she didn’t have to please others, Angela stepped out in faith and discovered a life more fulfilling than she’d ever imagined for herself. Jennifer Greenberg was a victim of abuse for twenty-one years, and in her darkest moments, she cried out to God, wanting to know if He was there. When she clearly heard God say that He would never forsake her, it all changed for Jennifer. She learned to trust God with her anger, moving forward into freedom and healing.
Links, Products and Resources Mentioned:
Jesus Calling devotional
Jesus Calling Prayer Call
Angela Braniff, founder of the popular YouTube channel This Gathered Nest
Love Without Borders book
Jennifer Greenberg
BibleGateway.com (Hebrews 13:5)
Not Forsaken book
PTSD, post-traumatic stress disorder
National Suicide Prevention Hotline: 1-800-273-8255
HGTV Show Restored by the Fords (Leanne & Steve Ford)
Work in Progress book
Interview Quotes:
“I just thought that if I did all the right things, then my life would turn out how everyone told me, and it would be happy and fulfilled and everything would be great.” - Angela Braniff
“I cried out to God and said, ‘I need you to give me Your eyes. Break my heart for what breaks Yours. If there's more to this life, I need You to show me.’” - Angela Braniff
“They will grow up and have questions, things I can't answer, things I can, and wounds that I, in my humanness, no matter how much I love them as their mother, cannot fix or heal. But the one thing I can do is point them to Jesus, who loves them and who can heal those wounds for them.” - Angela Braniff, on her adoptive children
“Trust that the plan He has is just so much better than any plans we could have ever made for ourselves.” - Angela Braniff
“I knew that no matter what happened, God would never forsake me. He would never abandon me.” - Jennifer Greenberg
"When you grow up with abuse, that is your normal. And so when you start to leave that environment, you're going to come to new realizations for how dysfunctional your past environment was." - Jennifer Greenberg
“I was able to come to a place in my life where I realized that the reason I was angry at my abuser was because I was angry at evil...I realized that I could trust God to be angry for me.” - Jennier Greenberg
“I realized at one point that sometimes we talk about clinging to faith in God, but really, it's God who clings to us.” - Jennifer Greenberg
”Not only do we have a Savior who redeems us from our sins, we have a Savior who can relate with us in an extraordinarily personal and profound way.” - Jennifer Greenberg
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Audio podcast: https://bit.ly/2uCnNM0
Original Series video podcast: https://bit.ly/2WzFY0O
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One of God’s greatest gifts is the healing we can find in forgiveness, whether we’re learning to to love and accept others or even ourselves. April 19, 2020 marked the 25th anniversary of the Oklahoma City Bombing, when Bud Welch’s 23-year-old daughter Julie was tragically killed in the blast. Bud shares how he turned his grief into compassion for Bill McVeigh, father of the bomber Timothy McVeigh. Bud is joined by Jeanne Bishop, who recounts how these two fathers shared losses and became the unlikeliest of friends in her new book Grace from the Rubble. After years of struggling to find her way as a young adult, Christine Carter found herself trying to fill the hole in her heart with food. After a heartbreaking encounter with a family member, Christine embarked on a journey to learn how to change from the inside out. Along the way, Christine learned God loved her just as she was, she began to love herself too—and now she’s striving to help others learn to love themselves and cultivate a healthier mindset and lifestyle in her brand-new book Weight-Loss Hero.
Links, Products and Resources Mentioned:
Jesus Calling devotional
Jesus Always devotional
Jeanne Bishop, Author
Change of Heart book
Grace From the Rubble book
Bud Welch
25th anniversary of the Oklahoma City Bombing
Timothy McVeigh
Marquette University
St. Charles Borromeo Church in Oklahoma City
Communicant at her Catholic Church,
Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building, Oklahoma City OK
Christine Carter, founder and CEO of Weight Loss Hero
Weight-Loss Hero: Transform Your Mind and Body with a Healthy Keto Lifestyle
Mayo Clinic, weight loss surgery
Angela Braniff, founder of the popular YouTube channel This Gathered Nest
Love Without Borders book
Interview Quotes:
“What I learned that day about Bill McVeigh was that he and I had the exact same thing in common: we had both buried our children.” - Bud Welch
“There’s such a hunger out there for these stories of people who found a way to get out from under that burden of hate and bitterness, and found this freedom and the grace and mercy and compassion.” - Jeanne Bishop
“I wanted to uplift these two men, these extraordinary men, these two fathers who should have been enemies and instead became these unexpected friends precisely because they were willing to see in one another that they had this common ground.” - Jeanne Bishop
“When your parents die, you go to the hilltop and you bury them. When your children die, you bury them in your heart. It’s forever. It never goes away.” - Bud Welch
“To have that redemption come from such tragedy is just a way of doing what God calls us all to do, which is to forgive others as we've been forgiven.” - Jeanne Bishop
“I thought I had a weight problem, and I didn't know the weight I was carrying was a symptom of what was lurking beneath the surface.” - Christine Carter
“I think that if you've ever overcome something in your life, I feel that part of what God calls us to do is to help someone else, even if it's just one person, help somebody else do the same.” - Christine Carter
“I think a lot of our habits that we have and a lot of our mindsets are really what's holding us hostage.” - Christine Carter
“We put ourselves last—and certainly there's something to be said about having a servant's heart—but you can never pour from an empty cup.” - Christine Carter
“It's easy to fall into that temptation of picking the things that satisfy in the moment. But those things rarely satisfy for a lifetime. I've learned to put my eyes on Christ, put my eyes on God, to say, ‘What does He want for me?’” - Christine Carter
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Audio podcast: https://bit.ly/2uCnNM0
Original Series video podcast: https://bit.ly/2WzFY0O
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Sometimes we have to take a step back and reevaluate, taking a different approach to the things we can control—such as nutrition and wellness—in order to open our hearts and minds to spiritual connection with God. HGTV’s Christina Anstead shares how her stressful career and crumbling marriage took a toll on her emotional, mental, and physical health, and how she fought her way back to wellness by seeking God’s help. Food Network’s Melissa d’Arabian has always seen food as a base for connection, realizing that God has always held space at the table for every single one of us, no matter our differences. By pursuing a higher calling than just being the next Food Network Star, Melissa has discovered the power of seeking daily time with God, and the realization that we can never be fully whole and at peace without connection to the Father.
Links, Products and Resources Mentioned:
Jesus Calling Family Devotional
Jesus Calling®: 365 Devotions for Kids
Jesus Calling Peace in Uncertain Times Series (YouTube)
The Wellness Remodel: A Guide to Rebooting How You Eat, Move and Feed Your Soul book
Mayo Clinic: Hashimoto's thyroid
Food Network’s Melissa d’Arabian
Next Food Network Star (Melissa d’Arabian - Winner of Season 5)
Tasting Grace: Discovering the Power of Food to Connect Us to God, One Another, and Ourselves book
Christine Carter, the founder and CEO of Weight Loss Hero
Interview Quotes:
“I was able to mentally refocus and know there was a bigger purpose in all this, which was huge for me.” - Christina Anstead, on growing closer to God
“Every night before bed, I just pray that doors that need to be shut, that don't bring me something to my greater good, shut them and lock them. Doors that need to be open, that are better for my spirit, then open those up.” - Christina Anstead
“When you go back and focus on the Lord and focus on peace, joy will come.” - Christina Anstead
“Food saved me, which is not something I say lightly.” - Melissa d’Arabian
“That school cafeteria was that first peek into the compassion and the unifying and the equalizing power of food.” - Melissa d’Arabian
“I think our life mission statement is a bigger thing, that we might be called to show up for and be open to the details of how that plays out.”- Melissa d’Arabian
“I love the beauty of us trusting God and getting our daily bread, our daily fill. I love how generous that God is.” - Melissa d’Arabian
“What if all of these features of the food system aren't flaws, but actually invitations into a greater joy and into a greater connection with our Maker and with each other?” - Melissa d’Arabian
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Audio podcast: https://bit.ly/2uCnNM0
Original Series video podcast: https://bit.ly/2WzFY0O
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Sometimes our dreams seem so far out of our reach, we don’t know if we’ll ever achieve them. And sometimes we’ve been chasing dreams for so long, we need to remember why we began the chase in the first place. Matthew Barnett, pastor of the Dream Center, shares how the organization is serving the people of Los Angeles during the COVID-19 pandemic. He talks about how, over the course of the center’s twenty-five year legacy, he’s learned God has placed the Dream Center in LA as a steady force for change in the community, and how little things we do for others have a big impact. With a few strokes of his pencil, Richard Cowdrey can bring to life whimsical children’s book characters like Marley from “Marley & Me” and Fiona the Hippo. Richard shares how, during a troubled adolescence, two teachers helped unveil the artistic dreams he’d always held in his heart and even led Richard to faith. Today Richard is paying it forward by speaking to students and helping them reach for their own passions.
Links, Products and Resources Mentioned:
Jesus Calling: The Story of Easter on special at Books-A-Million.com
Jesus Calling episode, God’s Perfect Purpose for Our Imperfect Lives: Rita Wilson and Lisa Osteen Comes
Los Angeles Dream Center
Coronavirus epidemic
Queen of Angels Hospital
One Small Step: The Life-Changing Adventure of Following God's Nudges book
Fiona, It's Bedtime children’s book
Fiona books
Gray's Anatomy books
Columbus College of Art and Design
Bad Dog, Marley children’s book
Melissa D’Arabian (Food Network)
Interview Quotes:
“Just staying in the neighborhood, not leaving, and being there for people is one of the best things you could do at a time of crisis. [Let them] know that you're not going to run, you're not going to leave. You're still going to be a steady force of change in the community.” - Matthew Barnett
“In the twenty-five years of feeding fifteen hundred hot meals every day, we really believe that we were born for this era that we're facing right now.” - Matthew Barnett
“Every program that we build at the Dream Center is one year, and the reason why it's one year is because we want to give people the luxury of time to change.” - Matthew Barnett
“You're doing the urgent, but you're not responding to the important.” - Matthew Barnett, on times we wander away from God
"I still cannot actually come up with the words to describe what happened. I knew the answers. I knew who I was, why I was." - Richard Cowdrey, on reading the Gospel of John in college
"I have a real love for nature . . . even at a young age, I was aware there must be a God who created the animals and the woods." - Richard Cowdrey
“I'm looking for the ones that look like me, who weren't the straight-A students, who weren't the quarterback, who weren't the star students. They're the ones on the edges, on the fringe. I try to encourage them that they have a gift.” Richard Cowdrey, on speaking in schools
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Audio podcast: https://bit.ly/2uCnNM0
Original Series video podcast: https://bit.ly/2WzFY0O
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In our weakest hour, when all hope is lost and we don’t feel like we can pick ourselves back up, God is there, waiting for us to release our burdens and ask for help. Writer and speaker Lisa Bevere had to overcome a hurt she didn’t even realize was holding her back: a difficult relationship with her mother. Lisa spent years trying to find a female mentor, only to discover God wanted Lisa to be the mentor to other young women she’d always wanted. Lisa had to learn that God had given her strength, and as she let go of the excuses she had made for herself, she stepped into the strength that was always there. Former WWE wrestler and Olympic gold medalist Kurt Angle had it all—he was in the spotlight on the world’s stage. But Kurt struggled as he followed a pattern of drugs and alcohol his dad set before him. He realized that he would never be strong enough to break the cycle on his own: he needed Jesus.
Links, Products and Resources Mentioned:
Jesus Calling: The Story of Easter on special at Books-A-Million.com
Jesus Calling episode, A Pilot & a POW Cling to Faith During Crisis: Tammie Jo Shults & Carlyle “Smitty” Harris
Strong: Devotions to Live a Powerful & Passionate Life book
Interview Quotes:
“I have such a heart to see women empowered, to be strong, and to understand they don't have to take their strength from somebody else—they get their strength from God.” - Lisa Bevere
“God said to me, ‘I don't want a mentoring of pride. I want mentoring of brokenness. I want you to pour out of your longing, because this is what is going to actually bring healing.’” - Lisa Bevere
“When we think in the back of our mind that being a woman is a weakness, being a woman is a problem, when we think, I could be more powerful if I was a man, then we're actually buying into the enemy's lie, and we're devaluing who God created us to be.” - Lisa Bevere
“I didn't know how to do the, "I'm upset. I'm going to step back so that we can sit down together." What I did is I attacked people instead of problems. I attacked character instead of the crisis.” - Lisa Bevere, on her struggle with anger
“There are a whole lot of reasons that people can give on why they're broken, why they are wounded, why they are hurt. And I have so much compassion for that, but I have good news: what Jesus did for you is more powerful than what anybody did to you.” - Lisa Bevere
”I think it's important for women to have friendships with women that are older than them, women that are their same age and in the same season, and then women who are younger.” - Lisa Bevere
“Too many people think that God has somehow gone mute, and yet Jesus still speaks. He speaks love. He speaks redemption. He says, “I do not condemn.” He says, “I am your light. You don't have to walk in the realm of shadow anymore.” - Lisa Bevere
“One thing I did think about was, I don’t want to become that guy. And, you know, twenty-five years later, I was much of the same guy, my father in every aspect.” - Kurt Angle, on his father
“I had this love affair on the side with alcohol and drugs. And I also had my relationship with God, but I never mixed it. So I was like, “God, I'm going to turn off right now. I'm going to go to my drinking and my drugs and I'll get back to You in a few hours.’” - Kurt Angle
“So every day in rehab, I kept praying, ‘God, please, I don't want to be a screw up. I don't want to come out of here and go back to where I was. I want to progress. I want to move forward.’” - Kurt Angle
“I'm always changing and always asking, ‘What's the next step for me? Where do I go from here and how do I make it?’ And, you know, a lot of it is prayer and my relationship with Jesus, and asking Him, ‘Where do I go?’ I listen to Him quite a bit.” - Kurt Angle
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The more we work and serve alongside people who are different from us, the more readily we see the image of God in everyone. Former San Diego Chargers player Miles McPherson shares how he got mixed up in drugs and the wrong lifestyle in the NFL, but was saved by God when he called out to Him in his lowest moment. Today Miles pastors the Rock Church in San Diego shares that we all have one very important thing in common: God made us in His image, which means we’re all neighbors regardless of skin color. Since he was a little boy, Derek Evans knew he wanted to lend a helping hand to many. After a series of obstacles led him to question his purpose, God helped Derek discover how a small t-shirt company he’d started called Project 615 could change the lives of not only his neighbors at home, but across the world.
Links, Products and Resources Mentioned:
Jesus Calling for Easter
Jesus Calling episode, Heavenly Connections: Kristin Chenoweth, Joanne Rogers, & Montell Jordan
Rock Church in San Diego, CA
The Third Option: Hope for a Racially Divided Nation book
Pop Warner football
The Good Samaritan story
Project 615
The Bridge Ministry
Made to Change the World book
Interview Quotes:
“Every NFL team has a Christian contingent. They all have chapels. They all have chapel before the game. They all have Bible study during the week. And so there was a group on our team, and I watched them and knew that what they had, I wanted.” - Miles McPherson
“The big difference for me was having people in my life to hold me accountable and just be there to be an example.” - Miles McPherson, on life after becoming a Christian
”Every race conversation is about us vs. them. And the third option is that we honor what we have in common.” - Miles McPherson
“Every time you see someone, rename them neighbor. You know, the greatest commandment is to love God with your heart, mind, and soul. And the second is just like it, to love your neighbor as yourself . . . If we would just start there and talk about people through the lens of a neighbor or brother or sister, we wouldn't say a lot of the things we say.” - Miles McPherson
“Anytime there's change in my life, I'm more excited than fearful because I know that God always uses those opportunities to really strengthen us.” - Derek Evans
“The beautiful thing about being at rock bottom is that God truly uses that time to mold you, to really speak to you, to really transform your life.” - Derek Evans
"As we're praying over [this homeless man], for the first time in my life, I felt God say, 'You're no different than this man you're praying for.'" – Derek Evans
“God calls us to different things, and not only does He call for different things, He plants different gifts and talents inside of us that He uses to further His kingdom.” - Derek Evans
“We must be the light, as Jesus calls us to be.” - Derek Evans
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Audio podcast: https://bit.ly/2uCnNM0
Original Series video podcast: https://bit.ly/2WzFY0O
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In our darkest moments, when we’re searching for hope and healing, we can take comfort in this: we serve a God of restoration, and His greatest desire is to heal our hearts. And all around us, we can see God’s handiwork in the living testimonies of lives restored by Him. Husband-and-wife ministry team John and Stasi Eldredge share how they help others discover (and, for some, remember) the life-changing power of turning your focus back to God, which John outlines in his devotional Restoration Year. Chris Norton was a young college football player when he suffered a devastating injury that left him paralyzed below the neck. With grit and faith, he worked hard to overcome negative diagnoses and met the goal of walking across the stage at his college graduation. Chris and his wife Emily share how they’ve weathered some of their toughest times.
God works in mysterious ways. When we have the road mapped out, He can take us in an entirely different direction than where we thought we were headed. Auntie Anne’s Pretzels founder, Anne Beiler, shares how she was striving to keep up the pretense of a perfect life, but when her daughter was tragically killed and Anne was manipulated and abused by someone who should’ve been a counselor, Anne buried herself in secrets. Eventually Anne discovered the power of confession, and she decided to let go of guilt and live with transparency. And today God has taken Anne’s pain and used it to help her lead a life of compassion. Starting her entertainment career as a professional singer, Nancy Hicks felt God pulling her away from music to become a host at QVC, where she ministered to others on and off screen. As her life changed, Nancy felt God guiding her to a life in ministry, and today Nancy’s mission is to share God’s love with the world.
Links, Products and Resources Mentioned:
Lifeway’s $5 Promotion on Jesus Always
Jesus Calling episode, “Women Leading through Forgiveness and Grace: Nona Jones & Alex Seeley”
Auntie Anne’s Pretzels
Anne Beiler’s new book, “The Secret Lies Within: An Inside Out at Overcoming Trauma and Finding Purpose in the Pain
Bible Gateway
Bobcat Equipment
QVC Broadcast Programming
Nancy Hicks’s new book, “Meant to Live: Living in Light of the Good News”
Parsons Institute (Fashion)
FIT in New York (Fashion)
Wheaton College (Chicago, IL)
Mayo Clinic (Colon Cancer)
Interview Quotes:
“Secrets leave you powerless, they keep you in a place of darkness, keep you defeated. These secrets that talk to us inside do not allow us to live in freedom.” - Anne Beiler
“Confession can change the trajectory of your entire life and your family.” - Anne Beiler
“I had to experience all this pain so that I could be compassionate with those who are suffering in our world today. “ - Anne Beiler
“Guilt says, ‘I did something wrong.’ Shame says, ‘I am something wrong.’ So in our pain, we believe lies.” - Anne Beiler
“When I feel decisions are tough, and things don’t always turn out the way I prayed for or believed that they should turn out, that's my go to: Life is hard, God is good. ” - Anne Beiler
“I was like, Where am I going here? At the end of this one event that I was singing at, I sensed the Lord saying, “Continue to use the gift to honor me.” - Nancy Hicks
“If you call yourself a follower of Christ, you don't get to pick whether or not you get to be a minister of the gospel, or whether you're in ministry. Everything is ministry.” - Nancy Hicks
“It didn't matter what time, I was in my car, I'd be praying and saying, “Abba, use me today. Use me in the green room. Use me in the makeup chair. God, use me as light and salt.“ - Nancy Hicks, on ministering while she was at QVC
“I remember holding my arms wide out, tears streaming down my face, and just saying, ‘God, what are we gonna do with the next chapter of this one life? I am all in for the kingdom, and I don't have anything holding me back.’ I just begged God, ‘Spend me. Just spend me.’” - Nancy Hicks
“I think there is no substitute for an authentic relationship which takes time with God.” - Nancy Hicks
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Original Series video podcast: https://bit.ly/2WzFY0O
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God will always be with you, supporting you in times of joy and carrying you through times of despair. This week’s guests tell how, after weathering success and loss, sharing their artistic talents with others have brought hope and healing: country music artist Lauren Alaina and hospitality pioneer Kreis Beall. Lauren traces her path as a young singer from the American Idol stage to Dancing with the Stars and beyond. After American Idol, Lauren remembers how, as a 15-year-old, the sudden pressure in the spotlight alongside horrific social media comments about her appearance spawned an eating disorder, and how her faith and family helped her through that dark time. And Lauren shares why she knows God is real, after her beloved stepfather described heaven as he slipped away from the earth. In the foothills of the Smoky Mountains, Kreis Beall and her husband Sandy slowly built a luxury destination resort called Blackberry Farm, where Kreis’s talents soared as she shared her gifts for design and hospitality. Though she’s won considerable success, it wasn’t until she developed a relationship with God later in life that she truly felt successful—and she recalls how her new-found faith helped her through the devastating loss of her son, Sam, which she shares in her memoir called The Great Blue Hills of God.
Links, Products and Resources Mentioned:
Lifeway’s $5 Promotion on Jesus Always
American Idol (Season 10)
Dancing with th Stars (Season 28)
Mayo Clinic (Melanoma Cancer)
“The Other Side” lyric video
Blackberry Farm
The Great Blue Hills of God: A Story of Facing Loss, Finding Peace, and Learning The True Meaning of Home book
Bible Gateway (Matthew 10:25)
Anne Beiler, the founder of Auntie Anne’s Pretzels
Interview Quotes:
“There are always going to be people who are going to have something to say that is not nice. But if I feel good about myself, and I have people around me that lift me up, that takes the power away from them.” - Lauren Alaina
“We turn our back on Him, but He never turns his back on us. And [if] we're willing to go back to Him, He's always there.” - Lauren Alaina
“I don't want some young girl out there looking at me and thinking that I'm just the most confident person in the world, because I choose to be confident. . . . I was very insecure for a long time, and I've had to work really hard on learning to love myself.” - Lauren Alaina
”I think the most important thing we can do is lift people up and love others and and know that someday we're all going to be reunited in the kingdom of heaven.” - Lauren Alaina
“I'm constantly thinking about the next step, where we're going, what we're going to do. I love to set goals, but I think it's also really important to count your blessings where you are right now.” - Lauren Alaina
“It's super important to find what God means to you. He means something different to everyone. He is my best friend and my Father and all of these things, but for me, He is just a source of strength, and someone that I can talk to when I'm weak.” - Lauren Alaina
“I think having someone who totally believed in me fueled the fire. And it kept pushing me to dream and create.” - Kreis Beall
“Sometimes the role of success can put a blinder on the things that are really important in life.” - Kreis Beall
”As I slowed down, I could experience more than in all the busyness and success that ruled my life.” - Kreis Beall
“Once you uncover the joy that God provides for you, joy is always deep within. And it remains, whether happenings are good or bad.” - Kreis Beall
“I don't know what I would have done without my faith if Sam had died five years earlier, if either one of my children had.” - Kreis Beall
“I have had a lot of sorrow and loss in my life, but it's important for me to look at all the joy.” - Kreis Beall
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Original Series video podcast: https://bit.ly/2WzFY0O
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“Why me, God?” Sound familiar? We’ve all questioned why God has allowed bad things to happen in our lives, but this week’s guests, musician Dave Pittman and home designer Rachel Van Kluyve, have faced serious trials that caused them to question their purpose and how to move forward. Growing up, Dave faced bullies because of his Tourette’s Syndrome. After a deep, dark battle, Dave learned to embrace what made him different. As he’s built his music career post-American Idol, today Dave uses his music and experiences to help others find their reason to live. After Rachel had her first child, she grappled with postpartum depression that isolated her. As she began to post online about her decorating hobby, she began to build a supportive, close-knit online community that now helps women and girls around the world. Today Rachel shares her book She Built Herself a Home and how people can easily create spaces to build closer connections to God and to each other.
Links, Products and Resources Mentioned:
Jesus Calling ‘What’s Good’ YouTube series featuring Dave Pittman
Jesus Calling podcast episode with Elisabeth Hasselbeck and Jeremy Cowart
Davd Pittman
“Crazy Brave’ song
“Different Kind of Love” album
Tourette Syndrome
ABC’s American Idol
Neil Patrick Harris
Bible Gateway
Rachel Van Kluyve
CrateandCottage.com
She Made Herself a Home: A Practical Guide to Design, Organize, and Give Purpose to Your Space book
Facebook Marketplace
Interview Quotes:
“I was more afraid of living through that again than I was of dying.” - Dave Pittman, on being bullied as a child with Tourette Syndrome
”My mom—both my parents—just drilled into my head and my heart the importance of accepting yourself for who you are, and not just who you are, but who you are in Christ, your identity, who you've become in your walk with Christ.” - Dave Pittman
“I think it's okay to ask why, even now, because Job did. We look at Job in the Bible, he asked God, ‘Why? Why is this happening to me?’” - Dave Pittman
“Anyone can accept something they have to do, but when you can embrace something that you get to do, it’s different. It changes things.” - Dave Pittman
”After I had my first baby, it just kind of all fell apart. I got postpartum [depression]. I lost myself. You know, I was a smart magna cum laude graduate, and I just didn't know what I wanted to do or who I wanted to be, and it spiraled quickly out of control.” - Rachel Van Kluyve
“When I started my Instagram journey, I felt the Lord specifically saying, ‘Everyone knocks social media for not being a good thing for this generation. But I want to use it for good.’” - Rachel Van Kluyve
“We have the power to do so much as moms, as women. [We can] sit at home with a touch of a button and some ingenuity, and we can put together this great thing for people around the world.” - Rachel Van Kluyve
“When we built this house, I prayed specifically that we'd always be hospitable. And it's really the home that's never closed. So because of that, our why has become hospitality, and letting people see Christ at all times, and that they're welcome here.” - Rachel Van Kluyve
“It's all about creating that space that gives security and peace so that you can give it to others.” - Rachel Van Kluyve
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Original Series video podcast: https://bit.ly/2WzFY0O
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Fear of the unknown and fear of change are some of the greatest struggles we will ever face. How can we possibly leave behind what’s familiar to us? How will we know where to go next? What will happen to us and our loved ones? It can be terrifying, lonely, and confusing. Today’s guests share how they found the courage to make a change, which led them to freedom and joy like they had never experienced. Human trafficking survivor and activist Rebecca Bender opens up about the life she was manipulated into and how, by listening to God’s voice and the strong spirit that He gave her, she found a way out. Novelist Patti Callahan Henry shares how she left her job as a nurse to become a writer, and the story she wrote about C.S. Lewis’ wife, Joy, who also took a leap of faith that led her to a love that she never could’ve imagined for herself. If you’re considering making a change in your life, remember this: it is in the uncomfortable and the unfamiliar that we grow and have an opportunity to depend on God like never before. And He has plans for hope and a future for each one of us.
Links, Products and Resources Mentioned:
Jesus Calling: The Jesus Calling Magazine
Jesus Calling for Kids at Barnes & Noble (PINK and BLUE versions)
Rebecca Bender Initiative
In Pursuit of Love: One Woman’s Journey from Trafficked to Triumphant book
National U.S. Trafficking Hotline: 1 (888) 373-7888 to get help today
Becoming Mrs. Lewis: The Improbable Love Story of Joy Davidman and C.S. Lewis book
Behind the Scenes of Becoming Mrs. Lewis [Podcast]
C.S. Lewis
Yale Younger Poets Award
American Idol finalist Dave Pittman
Tourette’s Syndrome
Interview Quotes:
”I felt like an outsider, which pushed me, I think, even further away from wanting to be a part of a community of faith.” - Rebecca Bender
”You can't imagine going back to hopelessness, so you choose to look the other way because you really want the dream that's being dangled in front of you.” - Rebecca Bender
“I was so, so filled with knowing that I could hear the voice of the Lord, the voice of the Creator of the universe who chose to talk to me, and that really kept me through some of my darkest times.” - Rebecca Bender
“This is my favorite part about God: how He breaks off chains, He breaks up shame. He can completely redo our lives.” - Rebecca Bender
“You have to be real with God. He knows what you're thinking, and He knows even more than you do what's happening in your brain and in your mind and your heart. So just crying out to Him helps really shift and give you some revelation and helps you take your eyes off of your circumstance to see what He has in store.” - Rebecca Bender
“What I love about the work that God allows me to do today is not only do we get to bring justice for the victim . . . but I love that it's also creating constant change in the community.” - Rebecca Bender
”You know, Jesus loves girls like me—we’re all over the Bible. Put the shame on who should own the shame, which is the perpetrators.” - Rebecca Bender
“[My faith] transforms, and it transforms me. As long as it's always about the indwelling God, I feel fairly safe in my faith.” - Patti Callahan Henry
“I do believe that it was the first time Joy ever truly loved, and it's because she first found her true self in God.” - Patti Callahan Henry
”We might need to pack up everybody's expectations and everybody's demands and everybody's definitions of us.” - Patti Callahan Henry
“My favorite quote by Joy is, ‘If we should ever grow brave, what on earth would become of us?’" - Patti Callahan Henry
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Original Series video podcast: https://bit.ly/2WzFY0O
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We’re able to share our hearts and to love others because God chose to love us first. Today’s guests, Joseph “Rev Run” Simmons of RUN-D.M.C. and his wife Justine, along with evangelist and founder of Think Eternity Matt Brown share how they’ve learned to develop qualities of pure, selfless love and how this love has profoundly changed their lives. When he was at the height of his music career, Rev Run couldn’t ignore the void inside him, and it wasn’t until he discovered Jesus that he finally felt whole. He and Justine share their marriage secrets and what it takes to make a relationship work (spoiler alert: put God first!). There’s one nagging thought that keeps Matt Brown up at night: how will the world ever feel God’s love if Christians don’t accurately represent it? If we want to experience the full love that God has for each of us and spread that love to others, we need to set our intentions of seeking that love daily.
Links, Products and Resources Mentioned:
Jesus Calling book
Jesus Calling for Kids, Girls Edition devotional
Becoming Mrs. Lewis book
Rev Run & Justine Simmons
Old School Love: And Why It Works book
Joseph "Rev Run" Simmons
God, Can You Hear Me? Children’s book
Rolling Stone Magazine
Matt Brown
Truth Plus Love: The Jesus Way to Influence book
Interview Quotes:
”It's just funny how you can visualize and set your intentions, and things just come to pass.” - Rev Run
“There's this void that success and money can't fill.” - Rev Run
“You’d think that making hit records or money or cars or fame or people saying, "Oh, you're the greatest," people praising you for making your music would do it. But actually, when you start praising God, that's when you get happy.” - Rev Run
“I love [my husband] so much, but I love God more.” - Justine Simmons
“Spending and dedicating time with God leads to a better hearing ear.” - Rev Run
“Enjoying each other's company is probably a big part of staying together.” - Rev Run
“God has a way of making it clear to us where He wants us to go and what He wants us to do. . . . To grow in the Lord, and to reflect God to the world around us, we need both truth and love.” - Matt Brown
“How is the world supposed to see the grace of God if the people of God are not gracious?” - Matt Brown
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Original Series video podcast: https://bit.ly/2WzFY0O
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Jesus didn’t come for perfect people—He came to heal the broken and the hurting. Today’s guests, artist and author Amy Kavelaris and Christian music artist Austin French, share how God met them in their broken places and healed their lives and hearts. Amy draws inspiration from the awe-filled way her three little girls see the world, and it reminds her of the light God is in her life. When she gets overwhelmed by demands on her time or struggles to navigate life’s changing seasons, Amy remembers that God is creating opportunities for her. Austin French faced an internal battle with Christianity for years, only to realize he wasn’t hurt by a broken God, but by broken people. He finally found peace and healing when he learned that Jesus wants every piece of us. We are not defined by our scars—we’re defined by His.
Links, Products and Resources Mentioned:
Jesus Calling App
Jesus Calling® for Easter. With 50 Jesus Calling devotions
Jesus Calling interview with Mercy Me’s Bart Millard
Amy Kavelaris
Harper Collins / Thomas Nelson / Tommy Nelson
Good Night, My Darling Dear book
Interview Quotes:
“I just had this innate feeling that God existed and that I just wanted to follow Him with my life.” - Amy Kavelaris
”I think it's so important that we celebrate God's creation. It's fun to add a little whimsy and sparkle into the everyday, because our kids see the everyday as wonderful and extraordinary.” - Amy Kavelaris
”I get so much more from watching [my girls] and seeing how they react to [the world]. It's just this beautiful relationship that we have, where it 100 percent inspires what I do every day.” - Amy Kavelaris
”This is all about Him. He’s the only reason I'm doing any of this.” - Amy Kavelaris
“I find that the only joy and freedom is when we gaze upon His light and His truth. It's then that we find that true, indescribable joy, and stop chasing after what the world tells us we need.” - Amy Kavelaris
“I didn't understand why we had to change who we were at church and why we couldn't be who we were all the time. As an eight-year-old kid, I wrote down: I never want to be a Christian.” - Austin French
“I realized that I had been hurt by broken people, not Jesus. Jesus is what He told me He was—He was the Healer of broken people.” - Austin French
“We're very needy people, all of us. We need people. We need a God who's with us and working with us.” - Austin French
”I think the only way to find a relationship with Jesus and truly find freedom in Jesus is to understand that brokenness is a part of this story.” - Austin French
“We're not defined by our scars or the scars that you're walking through right now— we're defined by His. - Austin French
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Life will give us our share of dark times, but we can choose to be the light. Today’s guests share how they use the power of story to share messages of hope and purpose. Award-winning ABC News correspondent Linsey Davis shares how she has taken lessons from her childhood in church, her time as a reporter, and the values she’s trying to instill in her young son to show that what’s important is loving people, not focusing on our differences. After several miscarriages, when Angela Rodgers discovered she was pregnant again, she was told the baby would have several health issues—but Angela loved her little girl and knew God had a plan for her life. Dynamic mother-daughter duo Angela and Grace Anna Rodgers are now sharing nine-year-old Grace Anna’s gift of singing with the world, spreading happiness and reminding others that what matters about people is who they are on the inside, not the outside.
Links, Products and Resources Mentioned:
Jesus Calling Family Devotional
Jesus Calling: 365 Devotions for Kids
Jesus Calling App
ABC’s World News Tonight
ABC’s Good Morning America
ABC’s Nightline
The World is Awake: A Celebration of Everyday Blessings book
One Big Heart: A Celebration of Being More Alike Than Different book
Angela and Grace Anna Rodgers
Grace Anna Sings: A Story of Hope Through a Little Girl with a Big Voice book
Who Do You See When You Look at Me? book
Grace Anna singing the National Anthem (Facebook video)
Contemporary Christian Music artist Austin French
Interview Quotes:
“[My mom was] very much responsible for my falling in love with storytelling and with writing and with the English language.” - Linsey Davis
“When I look back now, I think [my time in church as a child] was so important to who I am today.” - Linsey Davis
“I can see God's hand in other people's lives, for sure. But when truly catastrophic things happen, I don't know how to explain it. But I have to believe that God has a plan.” - Linsey Davis
“My son's five, and when he comes home and he's met a new friend, he doesn't tell me about their race or their background or religion or culture. He just says what they have in common.” - Linsey Davis
“Let's say, ‘Hey, we have different color skin and hair and features and likes and dislikes. But guess what? God gave us all this one unique gift. He gave us all one big heart and that's the most important part, because that's where love starts.’” - Linsey Davis
“From the very beginning, we wanted Grace Anna, even when the doctors didn't give us a whole lot of hope.” - Angela Rodgers
“What would touch my heart so deeply is you would see these colonels and these generals with all these medals be brought to tears when Grace Anna would sing the national anthem.” - Angela Rodgers
“Sometimes you go through things that change who we become.” - Angela Rodgers
“I think God made each of us with unique gifts. We’re all different in some way. So we can show love by being kind and trying to learn from each other.” - Grace Anna Rodgers
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Our planet holds more than seven billion people, and each one reflects who God is—because He created every one of us in His image. Today we hear from two women who have learned the value of who God created them to be and now lead others into finding their own worth as they carve out new spaces to foster connection. Nona Jones, head of faith-based partnerships at Facebook, shares how she overcame years of abuse and trauma to learn that she’s more than what happened to her, and chose forgiveness as a way out of her shame. Today she connects with churches all over the world and people searching for God’s purpose for their own lives. Pastor Alex Seeley shares how difficult it was to uproot her life in Australia to follow God’s calling for her family in America, only to discover that churches in the US didn’t seem to have a place for her. Alex shares how she and her husband Henry created The Belonging Co as a place to help artists and musicians in Nashville without a church home to experience God’s presence, and the life-changing power of discovering His presence in our own journeys.
Links, Products and Resources Mentioned:
Jesus Calling Weekly Prayer Call
Success From the Inside Out: Power to Rise from the Past to a Fulfilling Future Book
The Belonging Co Church
The Opposite Life: Unlocking the Mysteries of God’s Upside-Down Kingdom Book
Interview Quotes:
“The reason I was acting out [was] because of so much chaos at home. I was responding and reacting to trauma, and nobody ever asked me why I was acting that way. They just assumed I was a bad kid.” - Nona Jones
“I have this scar on one of my wrists that's a constant reminder of what I tried to do [to end my life], but it's also a reminder of God's grace, because He determined that my life was worth living, even when I didn't see it.” - Nona Jones
“Trauma really changes the way you see yourself. The thing I would like to encourage other people to know is you are not what happened to you.” - Nona Jones
“Twenty-five minutes after I resigned from my job in faith, Facebook called me out of the blue.” - Nona Jones
“If you look at the life of Jesus, He didn't tell people, ‘Hey guys, come see me at the temple on Sunday at 11:00, I have this amazing series that's coming up.’ He didn't do that. He ministered to people wherever they were.” - Nona Jones
“Just like a healthy family needs both parents to bring balance to home life, I think a church so needs the balance of male and female attributes of the father heart of God.” - Alex Seeley
“There are so many people that are hungry for an encounter with God, but they're being given a religious experience, but not this amazing encounter with the Holy Spirit and Jesus.” - Alex Seeley
“To have an encounter where Jesus changes your life, and then people take note of the change that's happening.” - Alex Seeley
“I think the world is confused, because people who call themselves Christians are not acting in an opposite spirit. They're acting like everybody else.” - Alex Seeley
“I've been a Christian for thirty-five years, and I can't get past the fact that He loved me while I was a broken mess.” - Alex Seeley
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Audio podcast: https://bit.ly/2uCnNM0
Original Series video podcast: https://bit.ly/2WzFY0O
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None of us is guaranteed a pain-free life. But when we can’t see the right way to move forward, that’s where God steps in to take us by the hand and leads us out of the dark. On today’s episode, Army veteran and Bachelorette contestant Luke Pell and author/speaker Jack Deere share some of their painful moments—an unexplainable, near-death experience; watching a spouse slip into an alcohol addiction; losing a child—events that almost caused them to give up. But each man reminds us: when it feels like we have nothing left to cling to, God is there. And He’s ready to guide us through those experiences so that later, we can support others who may not be able to find their way out, either.
Links, Products and Resources Mentioned:
Jesus Always Family Prayer Calendar
West Point - United States Military Academy
Even in Our Darkness: The Story of Beauty in a Broken Life book
Nona Jones, Facebook’s Global Faith-Based Partnerships
Interview Quotes:
“As you become an adult, you have to figure out what your faith really means to you.” - Luke Pell
“If you're not growing and getting stronger and [going in] the direction of your goals, you're going to be digressing in the wrong direction.” - Luke Pell
“One of the biggest victories in my faith was that I came back to a spot where I was completely surrendering my plans and my expectations back to God, and what purpose I was put on this earth for, instead of [wondering] what I could get out of this world and what people thought of me.” - Luke Pell
“Only one thing does matter: it’s the legacy that you left, the inspiration that you left in the world, the people that you inspired, your faith that you were able to show to the rest of the world around you, and the lives that you were able to change.” - Luke Pell
“Then God shows up and comes alongside you through somebody [who] gives you inspiration, or however that message comes, ‘You're gonna be okay. You're gonna make it through.’” - Luke Pell
“I've really learned to appreciate those moments of uncertainty, when you're feeling more alone and you're feeling like you don't know what tomorrow holds. . . . Those are the times when I get the most direct purpose from God in my life.” - Luke Pell
“We have to really stay true to ourselves and true to our faith, and keep that faith walk intact, regardless of what the rest of the world is throwing at you every day. The more we're thinking about the rest of the world and what they're thinking about us, the less we're thinking about what God has for us and where our faith walk should be.” - Luke Pell
“[My] childhood produced this desire to keep really tight control in my life. I blocked out some of the stuff and thought, Feelings are bad. Stay in your mind. Don't go to your feelings. That was the hardening effect that my childhood had on me.” - Jack Deere
“When you're seventeen years old and everybody you've ever loved has left you, to hear that God won't leave you is just too good to be true.” - Jack Deere
“The only Person who never needed any help chose twelve helpers. Why? For the pleasure it gave Him to love those twelve apostles and to teach them to love what He loved.” - Jack Deere
“Although I had plenty of my own shame, I didn't even think in those categories. I just thought, You have an unpleasant feeling. Just get rid of it. I lived out of my mind, not out of my feelings.” - Jack Deere
“I began to see that the most important thing in life is feeling the affection of God, actually being friends with Him. We love Him because He first loved us.” - Jack Deere
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Ever wonder exactly who you are and what you were made for? Today’s guests tell how, as they pursued ways to know God and themselves a bit more, He’s helped them understand their true selves—not what other people say they are. Enneagram coach Beth McCord shares how she and her husband, Jeff, used this popular personality test to understand each other and improve their marriage, finding out the attributes God gave them both along the way. Author Esther Fleece Allen explores the power behind the names that God gives us, and how this can help us shed labels others might give us so that we can hear who God says we are while discovering His purpose for our lives.
Links, Products and Resources Mentioned:
Jesus Calling Weekly Prayer Call
True Connection with God and Each Other: Darlene Zschech and Margaret Feinberg episode
Beth McCord
The Enneagram Collection Book Series
Becoming Us: Using the Enneagram to Create a Thriving Gospel-Centered Marriage book
No More Faking Fine: Ending the Pretending book
Your New Name: Saying Goodby to the Labels that Limit book
Interview Quotes:
“If we learn why people do what they do, we can have more empathy, understanding, grace, mercy, compassion, and love in ways that really reflect the heart of Christ.” - Beth McCord
“God created us all differently, and each of the personality types have a beautiful way that we reflect in it.” - Beth McCord
“So often my heart wants to do it myself, to figure it out myself, to pull myself up by my bootstraps. But only Christ can fix me. Only Christ can love me. Only Christ has everything accomplished for me.” - Beth McCord
“Something that is very sacred and important to God is names.” - Esther Fleece Allen
“[I ask myself,] ‘Who does He say that I am and how can I begin to believe the new names He's given me, apart from the labels that I've associated with for far too long?’” - Esther Fleece Allen
“God does not speak to me in a condemning way like these labels are doing. God speaks to me in a new way, a language that I'm not even really familiar with, because we're so used to criticism in this life.” - Esther Fleece Allen
“There's power in a name. There's power in what we name others, what we name future generations, and there's power in the name we take on for ourselves, of who we're going to become.” - Esther Fleece Allen
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No matter where we grow up, no matter who our parents are or which zip code we live in, each of us will meet challenges. And in those moments, we have a choice: do we give up, or do we keep going? Today we talk with two athletes who, with God by their sides, have endured the sting of defeat and the joy of victory. Lolo Jones is one of only ten athletes who have competed in both the Summer and Winter Olympic games. Lolo shares how some of the hardest moments of her childhood helped her to compete on the world stage. When he was growing up in Atlanta, Evander Holyfield found community (and a hint at his athletic future) at the Boys Clubs of America. He shares how his mother and his faith guided him into a storied boxing career, and why sometimes our defeats are more instructive than our wins.
Links, Products and Resources Mentioned:
Jesus Calling Weekly Prayer Call
Jesus Calling app
Serving Our Savior in the Spotlight: Josh Turner and Michael McDowell episode
Salvation Army
Hurdles of Hope Foundation
London Olympics
Atlanta’s Boy’s Clubs of America
Interview Quotes:
“I definitely think that my hardships molded me for the life that I would have to go through later.” - Lolo Jones
“This statistic of kids that have incarcerated parents—it tremendously increases their chance that at one point in their life, they will be incarcerated as well. I wanted to break that chain.” - Lolo Jones
“I know my childhood strengthened me for a time to stand on the world stage and compete.” - Lolo Jones
“If I go through hardships, I know to say, ‘Okay, this really, really hurt me. This is frustrating. I wanted this so bad, and it was ripped away,’ instead of being like, ‘How could you, God?’”- Lolo Jones
“As Christians, we try to predict how God's going to use us, and when He doesn't use us in that manner, we become hurt.” - Lolo Jones
“I became who I am because I really wanted to please my momma. My mom was so disappointed so much her life, and I wanted to be that joy.” - Evander Holyfield
“Having setbacks paves the way to show you how good God is.” - Evander Holyfield
“Every time you mess up, you've got to have Somebody who will give you another opportunity.” - Evander Holyfield
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Some of God’s greatest miracles come when He brings good out of dark places. In Ogden, Utah, pastor Matt Roberts felt he didn’t feel comfortable inviting his friends and neighbors to church as it didn’t feel like a place where people could be vulnerable, so he decided to create an open community he thought they—and he—would feel like they belonged. When his former youth pastor, Rob Cowles, came for a visit, Rob knew The Genesis Project was something special and decided to plant his own location in Fort Collins, Colorado—in, of all places, a former strip club. Carrie Stuart Parks was a young woman with a flair for art when her father, the head of the School of Law Enforcement in northern Idaho, decided to invite Carrie to use her talents on crime scenes. Carrie became enamored with the work, helping victims close the chapter on some of the darkest moments of their lives. She even began a second career as a thriller novelist—not knowing her mentor was a wildly successful author himself—and work to help reach not knowing her mentor was a wildly successful author himself—now reaches the world through stories and emotions we all can relate to.
Links, Products and Resources Mentioned:
Jesus Calling Large Text Cloth Botanical Cover
God Can Redeem Your Struggles: Joel & Luke Smallbone and Sandi Patty
Lolo Jones Olympic athlete
The Genesis Project, Ogden, UT
The Genesis Project, Fort Collins, CO
The God of New Beginnings: How the Power of Relationship Brings Hope and Redeems Lives book
Gary Haugen International Justice Mission, founder
FBI Academy in Quantico, Virginia
Secrets to Drawing Realistic Faces book
Frank Peretti author
HarperCollins Christian Publishing
Interview Quotes:
"It was really hard to invite [my friends and community] to church with me. It was such a cultural gap . . . " - Matt Roberts
“That time in Portland was very monumental for us, really learning what it meant to be an embedded church in the middle of a culture that desperately needed a Savior.” - Matt Roberts
“What does it mean to live bravely in the way of Jesus?” - Rob Cowles, on Gary Haugen
“There was an authenticity about their worship [at The Genesis Project], because they really knew what it was to be brought back from darkness, brought back from death into new life.” - Rob Cowles
“Community doesn't happen by accident. We have to actually cultivate and create a space where people can come in and be real, be open, and be honest.” - Matt Roberts
“What happens is if you create a culture where it's not safe to talk about your brokenness, to talk about your failure, to talk about your pain, that then you naturally create a culture where you have to be fake.” - Rob Cowles
“I pray that I will be salt and light to them as I speak to them. I wear a cross, I let them know, just by having that cross on the outside, where I'm coming from. I don't say anything to them. I just let the presence of that and my words be, hopefully, helpful.” - Carrie Stuart Parks
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Whether our friends walk on two legs or four, connection gives meaning to our lives. God often uses these bonds to show how we can care for others, but what we don’t often realize is that those opportunities help us learn how to care for ourselves, too. Bull rider Cody Nance talks about how his faith and career blossomed through his family and through friends he met on the rodeo circuit. HIS Haven Ranch mentors Laurie Baer and Janice Larsen share how they serve kids who are hurting in their community through horse therapy by providing an additional support system to their lives, reminding us all how God's creatures, big and small, can bring joy to our lives.
Links, Products and Resources Mentioned:
Jesus Calling Weekly Prayer Call
God’s Gift of Pets: Animal Rescue Advocate Lavonne Redferring and Country Singer Irlene Mandrell
Interview Quotes:
“I've been able to be used on a platform like I've never imagined before, and I'm just thankful that God is allowing me to do that.” - Cody Nance
“I do believe that God saved me when I was young, but I believe I lost track of the most important thing, and that was being faithful in my love for Him and His worship.” - Cody Nance
"[When] I'm strapped to the back of a [2,000 lb. bull] jumping in the air and kicking . . . sometimes it gets a little wild. But He's always there and He's always taking care of me." - Cody Nance
“Our four-legged friends gave us a picture and a model of something that God could do on a greater level.” - Laurie Baer
“Our mission was to make a place that would empower and transform lives through healing and the Savior.” - Laurie Baer
“We pray that the perspective that [our riders] have will be an eternal perspective, so we'll use a horse and we use the Word of God. And they seem to work really well together.” - Laurie Baer
“It's not our job to judge the growth. It's not our job to judge the fruit. It's our job to sow the seed, to water the seed, and that means giving God's Word and dispensing it freely.” - Janice Larsen
“We're all at risk for something, if we're being honest with ourselves. We all have vulnerabilities.” - Laurie Baer
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God never leaves our side, no matter what. On today’s episode, 24-time PRCA rodeo champion Trevor Brazile shares how bull rider Cody Custer helped him rededicate his life to Jesus, and why he is instilling strong cowboy values of honor, respect, and faith into his children. Christian music artist Zach Williams shares how God reclaimed his story as a struggling rock star and transformed his life toward creating a different kind of music, touching more lives than Zach could have ever imagined—thanks, in part, to a surprise collaboration with Dolly Parton. Both Trevor and Zach show how God stuck by them in good times and bad, even if they didn’t feel His presence, and how they honor Him by using their platforms to spread His love to others.
Links, Products and Resources Mentioned:
Jesus Calling Textured Gray Leathersoft with Full Scriptures
Trusting God to Fill the Gap: Rodeo Stars Tyson Durfey (w/ wife Shea Fisher) and Cody Custer
Dolly Parton Believes in God, All Things are Possible
Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association
Rescue Story album
Rescue Story video
“There Was Jesus” Live CMA Performance with Dolly Parton
Redeemed by Big Daddy Weave
Interview Quotes:
"[My son] may not choose to be a rodeo cowboy . . . but I wanted him to grow up in a culture of respect, not only for people, but for animals." - Trevor Brazile
”Philippians 4:13—I like that [verse]. ‘I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.’ Because we can't do everything under our own power. We need God's help sometimes—all the time.” - Treston Brazile
”Unconditional love is perfected when we love Him back, and that's why it's so important to spend that time in the Word and just build on that relationship.” - Trevor Brazile
“The success that we've had has given me a platform to let people know that it wasn't all me. It was my Savior.” - Trevor Brazile
“I just fell in love with this idea that I could start writing these songs and telling these stories in this season of life that I was going through.” - Zach Williams
“I was thinking that I should be happy for all the things that I have, but nothing I was doing was filling this hole in my life.” - Zach Williams
“My wife invited me to go to a prison with her and share some of these songs. And for me, that was like the first time that God had really spoken to me and said, ‘These are the songs. These are the people. These are places. This is the music that I have for you to write.’” - Zach Williams
“To hear people share a story with me and be like, 'Hey, man, I heard your song, "Fear's a Liar," and it saved my life' . . . it's better than any award you're going to get or any kind of recognition." - Zach Williams
“God has been doing some pretty amazing things in my life over the last few years.” - Zach Williams
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As we walk unexpected paths in our lives, we’re joined by a God who never leaves our side and is involved in every step of our journey. On today’s episode, John Maxwell shares the joy of understanding the God who speaks in Jeremiah 29:11, who has “plans to prosper us and not to harm us, plans to give us a hope and a future.” He also shows us that we all have leadership qualities if we’re positively influencing others’ lives.
When he was a young husband, pastor Nate Pyle never imagined he’d have to face the “for worse” part of his marriage vows so early. As he and his wife experienced infertility and struggles with mental health, Nate began to think about the difference between giving up and letting go, and how God helps us move through grief and times of suffering.
Links, Products and Resources Mentioned:
Jesus Calling weekly prayer call
T. D. Jakes and Don Moen: Where Is God When Our Dreams Are Crushed?
Leadershift: The 11 Essential Changes Every Leader Must Embrace book
The Leader's Greatest Return: Attracting, Developing, and Multiplying Leaders book
More Than You Can Handle: When Life's Overwhelming Pain Meets God's Overcoming Grace book
Interview Quotes:
“Everything I know about leadership is from the Bible.” - John Maxwell
“I think God's Word is the ultimate leadership book.” - John Maxwell
“God’s incredibly interested in all your junk.” - John Maxwell
“If I'm 1000 steps from God, He takes 999 steps to my door.” - John Maxwell
“The moment I ask questions, I start connecting with people, because now I'm valuing their opinion and I'm starting to influence and lead them from where they are, not from where I am.” - John Maxwell
“This idea that God won't give you more than you can handle, I think, is a way in which we try to shelter ourselves from the world, because the world is more than you can handle.” - Nate Pyle
“We read through the Bible, what we see, more often than not, is that the way God chooses to save His people is not to save them from the negative experience, but rather to save them through it.” Nate Pyle
“We have to remember that sometimes God shows up through the people who show up next to us as we're walking through something difficult.“ - Nate Pyle
“Suffering is the common denominator for all humans. It's the thing we have in common.” - Nate Pyle
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One of God’s greatest blessings to us are friends and neighbors. And in fact, God designed us to care for each other, to learn from each other, and to support each other in life’s most difficult moments. In today’s episode, entertainer Kristin Chenoweth shares how good friends have mentored her and shaped her—and how actor/producer Rita Wilson sharing a copy of Jesus Calling strengthened her faith. As the wife of Fred Rogers, Joanne Rogers saw firsthand how an open heart and a soft word can change a relationship, and she shares how important reconciliation and being a good neighbor was to her husband. R&B sensation and now-pastor Montell Jordan tells how, even in the midst of worldwide music success, a family friend saved him from the brink of losing everything he loved, including his marriage, by sitting him down to have a painful discussion. More than ever, we need connection with others who will walk alongside us through thick and thin—and God wants us to be that friend to others as well.
Links, Products and Resources Mentioned:
Jesus Calling weekly prayer call
God’s Perfect Purpose for Our Imperfect Lives: Rita Wilson and Lisa Osteen Comes
The Joy of Spreading Love, One Heart at a Time: Deliliah and Gary Thomas
Kristin Chenoweth Arts and Education Fund
Hallmark’s A Christmas Love Story
Kristin Chenoweth’s Christmas Concert with the Tabernacle Choir
Joanne Rogers
A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood movie
Interview Quotes:
“Work hard, play hard, love what you do. Life's short. Don't live beyond your means. All those things—stay humble. A smile goes a long way. Don't sweat the small stuff. Those kinds of things that I heard growing up helped me a lot.” - Kristin Chenoweth
“A lot of people say you should do your prayer or meditation or your quiet time, whatever that is for you, in the morning. But for me, it's a nighttime thing.” - Kristin Chenoweth
“I believe that sometimes things happen to you so that God can speak, because sometimes you can't hear when you get too busy.” - Kristin Chenoweth
“I think it's important, when you have been given opportunities and had success, you need to give it to the people behind you.” - Kristin Chenoweth
“[Fred and I] did have a very good friendship, which I think is very important for young married people.” - Joanne Rogers
“His program was his ministry.” - Joanne Rogers
“Everything is so divisive right now. Someone said to me, ‘He would be on his soapbox,’ and I said, ‘Oh, no, I don't think so. He would just be walking the walk and trying to do what he could with reconciliation.’“ - Joanne Rogers
“A lot of times I was in church, but church wasn't always in me.” - Montell Jordan
“Everything changed for me, having a number-one record as your first record out of the box. I didn't recognize that great success did not come with an instruction manual.” - Montell Jordan
“[My wife Kristin and I] are still regularly recovering to make sure that that we maintain what God restored.” - Montell Jordan
”When God closes the door, no man can open it. And when he opens the door, no man can close it.” - Montell Jordan
“Maybe this is something that people need, and our story is something that makes sense to people who are navigating through landmines and fields that we've already crossed.” - Montell Jordan, on sharing his story
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We were not designed to be perfect; we were designed to be uniquely us. Today’s guests, authors Sally Clarkson and her son Nathan, and writer Hayley Morgan share their stories of struggling to accept their differences and imperfections. Though Nathan was discouraged because he didn’t fit into society’s mold, and Hayley feared she wasn’t perfect enough, God revealed His purpose for their lives and has helped them utilize their gifts in ways they never knew possible. Their stories remind us even if we can’t see it, God has a bigger plan ahead for each one of us, and He can use our differences to do all kinds of good.
Links, Products and Resources Mentioned:
Jesus Calling weekly prayer call
When Your Purpose Seems Unclear, Seek God: Jeremy Cowart & Elisabeth Hasselbeck
“Only You Can Be You: What Make You Different Makes You Great” book
“Different: The Story of an Outside-the-Box Kid and the Mom Who Loved Him” book
The Twig Goes Out On a Limb blog
Interview Quotes:
“Even in the midst of my adolescent angst, I found a God who says He loved me as I was, and I found a God who said I was made for a purpose, and that all these differences could be used for His glory and for the story that He wanted to tell with my life.” - Nathan Clarkson
“Let's rejoice in this place and find out how we can bring light to any of our dark corners, but also to learn to be content within the story that we've been given.“ - Sally Clarkson
“Every single personality, whether they're loud or or whether they're shy, whether they like adventure or they like sitting at home reading—we wanted to give a book to parents that would imprint the minds of their children to say, ‘All of us are an incredible, magnificent reflection of the fingerprints of God as He made us each individually for His own glory.’“ - Sally Clarkson
“I started to untangle the idea of grace and grace for every day, not just grace as a one time event.” - Hayley Morgan
“Once I really understood grace, I had to apply the gospel to my life every day, to myself every day. I'm never going to grow out of needing it. That freed me up so much to then walk with the Lord, not just try to please Him and try to impress Him.” - Hayley Morgan
“The Lord has used my failures in equal or greater measures than He has used my successes to draw me closer to Him.” - Hayley Morgan
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There is always light, even in the darkest times. Today’s guests faced the most unimaginable circumstances, but by clinging to faith, they survived and protected others. Southwest Airlines pilot Tammie Jo Shults saved the lives of 148 passengers when she safely landed a plane after an engine exploded mid-flight. In the middle of chaos, Tammie Jo’s conversation with God gave her peace during the crisis and helped reveal a solution to landing the plane. Retired Air Force pilot and former Vietnam POW Col. Smitty Harris spent years in prison teaching others a method of communication called the tap code, which helped boost morale and spread information among other prisoners. Smitty shares powerful stories of secret church services and moments that helped prisoners survive mentally, physically, and spiritually. Through the uncertainty of survival, Tammie Jo and Smitty realized that God will never forsake us—He will always provide a way.
Links, Products and Resources Mentioned:
Jesus Calling weekly prayer call
Becoming an Everyday Hero: Neal McCoy & Rodney D. Bullard
Nerves of Steel (Young Readers Edition) book
Jungle Pilot Book (Nate Saint)
Tap Code: The Epic Survival Tale of a Vietnam POW and the Secret Code That Changed Everything book
Tap Code, Chapter 1 on audiobook
Interview Quotes:
“Whenever I dreamed about what I wanted to do in life, I dreamed without fences.” - Capt. Tammie Jo Shults
“There are some times when we just have to take what's not fair and and work around it.” - Capt. Tammie Jo Shults
“He asks us to pray for people that don't treat us very well, because He'll deal with them. But dealing with us, in our own heart, in that situation, is really the first step to overcoming it.” - Capt. Tammie Jo Shults
“Hope doesn't have to change our circumstances to change us.” - Tammie Jo Shults
“Our communication [with the tap code] became so fast and so good, and we were interested in so many things, between each other and trying to find out information. . . . We talked about God, religion, and how important it was, especially now. It turned out that we were all Christian.” - Col. Carlyle “Smitty” Harris
“We used our time [as POWs] productively. We had classes in almost anything you'd want. There would be someone in that group—it was pretty educated group, everyone had at least a Bachelor's degree and [there were] quite a few Masters.” - Col. Carlyle “Smitty” Harris
“The hardest part about those eight years being away from my family was just that—being away from my family.” - Col. Carlyle “Smitty” Harris
“And I knew, even in the darkest times, when things were at their lowest, lowest ebb, I knew I could always pray and I knew someone was listening, they could do something about it.” - Col. Carlyle “Smitty” Harris
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Some days, it feels like we’re facing battles alone. But the truth is, God is always with us. And He shows His presence through the connections we have with others. Today’s guests share how cultivating strong friendships over time have transformed their lives. TV actor Jeremy Miller (best known as Ben Seaver on Growing Pains) and pediatric cardiologist Brandon Lane Phillips met when they were kids, and eventually, Brandon’s fight for Jeremy would end up saving his life. Indiana friends and contractors Josh Arnett and Aaron Gray were propelled to fame when they put aside their tools to record a spontaneous hymn of worship—and one Facebook video later, the viral singing sensations “The Singing Contractors” were born. With these stories, we remember that when we step outside our comfort zone and reach out to others, God can use those people and those moments for His purpose.
Links, Products and Resources Mentioned:
Jesus Calling weekly prayer call
The Unfailing Kindness of Christ: Candace Cameron Buré and Kristin Fry
Jeremy Miller & Brandon Lande Phillips
When I Wished Upon a Star book
IMDB: Jeremy Miller, ‘Ben Seaver on Growing Pains’
Starlight Children’s Foundation
Interview Quotes:
“If I could go from my little town in Louisiana to meet these people in Hollywood, then as far as I was concerned, I could do anything.” - Brandon Lane Phillips
“I started running from God. I wasn't angry at God, I was just ashamed. I knew I was doing everything wrong. I quit going to church. I quit praying. I quit everything. I just ran the other direction. And it was a miserable way to live, I can tell you that. “ - Jeremy Miller
“My family, my faith, and my recovery are the center of my life every single day.” - Jeremy Miller
“[I am] able to utilize all the hurts, all the problems, all the horrors that I went through in my addiction, and even growing up, to help others.” - Jeremy Miller
“The fact that God gives us that opportunity to take that pain and those struggles and use them for something good and give them a purpose is such a blessing. And in my mind, it makes all of it worth it.” - Jeremy Miller
“God's plan—good, bad, or indifferent as it's affecting our life at that moment—is exactly how He meant it to be. So wherever we are, whatever we're dealing with right now, at this moment, is exactly perfect.” - Jeremy Miller
“What did Jesus do? He equipped the unequipped . . . I feel it's what He's doing with us. We're unequipped, but He's helping us every step we take.” - Aaron Gray, The Singing Contractors
“What keeps us going is when we know that something as little as what we're doing can encourage somebody else—that encourages us to keep going and to keep pressing on. That's why we do it.” - Josh Arnett, The Singing Contractors
“The ultimate friend and the ultimate encourager is Jesus himself.” - Josh Arnett, The Singing Contractors
“When tools, beards, Jesus, and our music collide—it's fun to talk about the tools and beards and everything. But at the end of the day, we just want to uplift Jesus’ name.” - Aaron Gray, The Singing Contractors
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Many of us spend our lives trying to match our talents with the world’s need. We want to feel useful, after all. But when we’re hustling to get dinner on the table, or shuttling loved ones to doctor’s appointments, or rushing to meet a deadline, “finding our purpose” feels like a task that’s way too big to check off the list. But even if we don’t feel it, God has a purpose for our lives, and is doing great things, even through imperfect humans. Our guests, actor/producer Rita Wilson and pastor Lisa Osteen Comes, remind us that God has put greatness inside each of us, and as we travel through our lives, He reveals new gifts we can use to reach others.
Links, Products and Resources Mentioned:
Jesus Calling weekly prayer call
Jesus Calling podcast - “Using Our Gifts for Good: Musciaian RaeLynn & Writer Kristy Cambron
My Big Fat Greek Wedding movie
You Were Made for More: How to Become All You Were Created to Be book
The Singing Contractors’ “How Great Thou Art”
Interview Quotes:
“We're works in progress. We're not really finished, and we are constantly trying to be better.” - Rita Wilson
“But at the end of the day, you want to be remembered for making someone's life better.” - Rita Wilson
“Having been blessed with an extraordinary life, you almost become more thankful. You can't take credit for it. In a way, I feel like everything that I do—anything good that is coming out of it, I believe—is from a higher power.” - Rita Wilson
“Creativity is time independent.” - Rita Wilson
“All these things come against us in life, and sometimes it looks like we're not gonna make it, we're not going to live out our dreams. But with God's help, we can.” - Lisa Osteen Comes
“What did God put in you naturally? What are your gifts, what are your talents? Because whatever He puts in you, He's going to use for your destiny, for His purpose, for His glory.” - Lisa Osteen Comes
"I am God's child and He has a plan for me. He will help me if He calls me. He will equip me and help me to do whatever He has called me to do." - Lisa Osteen Comes
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Sometimes we picture our lives going one way, until we encounter impossible choices and painful struggles we never saw coming. But no matter your past, your pain, or your mistakes, when we give our stories over to God, He can write a new ending for us—one filled with potential and purpose. On today’s episode, author and activist Cyntoia Brown-Long is joined by her husband Jamie Long as she shares her redemptive story of an adolescence marred by trafficking and drug use that led to a murder conviction and a life sentence in prison. Despite the walls around her and no guarantee of freedom, Cyntoia determined to expand her horizons and better herself personally in prison. But Cyntoia found it was when she began to give her life back to God that a new chapter really started to unfold. Cyntoia’s husband Jamie tells how God miraculously brought the couple together, and how He’s using them to not only strengthen each other, but to help others find justice and mercy. Interior designer Liz Marie Galvan tells the story of a life seemingly filled with joy and opportunity. Married to the love of her life, she had a budding career in design and dreams of a family—until she was confronted with the harsh reality of infertility. Hesitant to share her pain with others, she eventually found community with those who were walking through the same issues. Now, through the work she does to create cozy homes and being open about her personal story, Liz Marie sees how God can be a light during our darkest of hours and how He can redeem our stories for a greater good.
Links, Products and Resources Mentioned:
Jesus Calling weekly prayer call
Jesus Calling: Stories of Faith [Original Video Series] featuring Rita Wilson
Cyntoia Brown-Long
‘Free Cyntoia: My Search for Redemption in the American Prison System’ book
PBS Documentary: Me Facing Life
#FreeCyntoia hashtag (Twitter)
Bill Haslam (Tennessee Governor)
Cozy White Cottage: 100 Ways to Love the Feeling of Being Home
Interview Quotes:
“I knew that there was some way that I could live some type of meaningful life [in prison].” - Cyntoia Brown-Long
“Jesus is always calling. He has a word for you 365 days every year. It doesn't stop. He's always there. He's there when you need Him. He's there just to say, "Hey, thank you." - Jamie Long
“But to experience true freedom—whether in prison or out of prison—it comes through Him.”- Cyntoia Brown-Long
“He is a God of second chances.” - Cyntoia Brown-Long
“Even though I was in a physical prison, I was in prison within prison. I was in a prison of anger. I was in a prison of my past, constantly letting that anxiety hold me captive.” - Cyntoia Brown-Long
“No matter what your prison is, you just have to submit to Him and cast all your cares on Him and let Him do what He does. That's who He is. He's God.” - Cyntoia Brown-Long
“I was able to meet an entire community of people that were going through the same struggle [through my blog]. It was so helpful to be able to rally together and give each other hope and pray for each other.” - Liz Marie Galvan
“I was starting to stumble a little bit and wonder why I was going through this. And I was looking to God, wanting to know why I was not able to bear a child. It was one of the darkest seasons of my life.” - Liz Marie Galvan
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Audio podcast: https://bit.ly/2uCnNM0
Original Series video podcast: https://bit.ly/2WzFY0O
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When we’re mired in shame, it’s hard to believe we could ever be worthy of God’s grace. But when we step aside and allow God into the pit, He can pull us out of our mess and use our lives to show His glory in ways we could never imagine. Today we hear from Lauren, Aja, and Natalie—three women who have traveled through The Next Door, a nonprofit, faith-based organization that helps women coming out of incarceration to rebuild their lives. With vulnerability and strength, these women remind us there is nothing we can do that can separate us from God’s love.
Links, Products and Resources Mentioned:
Sarah Young, author of Jesus Calling
Jesus Calling weekly prayer call
Jesus Calling interview with Next Door graduates Janie & Tammy
The Next Door non-profit organization
Interview Quotes:
“The Next Door has completely changed my life. I had to find me again.” - Lauren, The Next Door
“There’s a difference between guilt and shame. Guilt is, ;I feel bad for something I've done,” but shame is, “I feel bad because of who I am.’” - Lauren, The Next Door
“God really shows up when we get out of the way and let Him.” - Lauren, The Next Door
“[The Next Door] took me in. And I'll never forget walking in the building and taking the biggest deep breath, because it was like coming home again. You know, I didn't have a home. And that's what they've become for me.” - Lauren, The Next Door
“When I finally stop trying to save myself, to let Him save me, He does it's much bigger than I could have ever done for myself.” - Lauren, The Next Door
“You have no idea what you'll do until you're in the grips of [addiction]. It was really hard. But because it was so hard, it helped someone else, and it qualifies me to speak life into other women. That, to me, is all the hope I need.” - Lauren, The Next Door
“When I came to The Next Door, I found a greater relationship with God.” - Aja, The Next Door
“We would read Jesus Calling at the beginning of group every day, and it would just fall right in line with what was going on in my life. And today, it is still falling in line with what is going on in my life, right in the middle of my struggles.” - Aja, The Next Door
“There is a God and He is real. AlI you have to do is hold onto His hand and He will do the rest. Hold on to Him. He will lead you where you need to go.” - Aja, The Next Door
“I found that not only does He know broken people, but He loves broken people that can help broken people.” - Natalie, The Next Door
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Original Series video podcast: https://bit.ly/2WzFY0O
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We humans love to feel powerful and in control. But each of us has a handful of weaknesses, and we try desperately to hide them from the rest of the world. But time and again, God tells us when we’re weak, He is strong. And when we turn over our weakness to Him and make Him the hero of our lives, He can transform that weakness into our greatest strength for His glory. Our guests this week, pastor Derek Grier and publisher Wayne McKay, share how God’s used some of their pain points to reach others. As an introvert, Dr. Grier never expected to be a pastor. With God’s help, he’s learned how to refuel so he can lead the rapidly-growing Grace Church and reach others through new book When God Stops. When he was a child in Sunday School, Wayne McKay had a hard time understanding the Bible. As an adult, he developed BibleForce, a graphic novel brand that would help kids engage with the life-changing messages of God’s Word and show them heroes to look up to.
Links, Products and Resources Mentioned:
Sarah Young, author of Jesus Calling
Jesus Calling (Textured Gray Leathersoft): Enjoying Peace in His Presence (with Full Scriptures)
Jesus Calling interview with David Crowder & Francesca Battistelli
When God Stops: Faith That Gets God’s Attention
Wayne McKay (Founder of BibleForce)
The Next Door ministry organization
Interview Quotes:
“The way I have learned to describe it is that introversion versus extroversion is about how you refuel.” - Dr. Derek Grier
“What captured me was [Jesus’] character. He became my hero, even before He became my Lord.” - Dr. Derek Grier
“I don't really think I grew my church as much as my church grew me.” - Dr. Derek Grier
“If you begin to really communicate God's truth caringly, consistently, and clearly, hungry people will beat a path to your door, because people want to know God.” - Dr. Derek Grier
“Sometimes, we just stay in that place where God revealed Himself to us twenty years ago, and that's it.” - Dr. Derek Grier
“We have to continue to step out in our faith journey and do things that we have not done before, in order for us to continue to get a growing revelation of who God is.” - Dr. Derek Grier
“I wasn't a very good student of the Bible when I was a kid, because I just didn't understand it. If I'd had a picture story where I could’ve looked at something, then I would have been far more interested when I was younger.” - Wayne McKay
“I think heroes should be displaying good moral code, standing up for others, unafraid to take on confrontation, and should be a good member of the community.” - Wayne McKay
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Our journey of faith can be a long, slow process, or one where a single life event can jar us into discovering our true relationship with God. Singer Gloria Gaynor, the voice behind one of the world’s most powerful anthems, “I Will Survive,” knows what it’s like to be moved into a space where she needed to know about “this Jesus” she had heard about all her life and if she really believed who He said He was. Former physician Jeff Huxford also knows, all too well, what it was like to have a “comfortable” faith, until a devastating accident turned his world upside down and caused him to reassess everything. Through both their stories, we’ll see how they arrived at a place of deep trust in Jesus—when everything else was going awry in their lives—and how God’s grace, mercy and faithfulness helped them survive their toughest moments.
Links, Products and Resources Mentioned:
Sarah Young, author of Jesus Calling
Jesus Calling (Textured Gray Leathersoft): Enjoying Peace in His Presence (with Full Scriptures)
Jesus Calling interview with NFL Mark Herzlich and his wife Danielle
Gloria's new gospel album, "Testimony"
Jason Crabb, Bart Millard, & Yolanda Adams
“He Won’t Let Go” ft. Bart Millard
“Why Do Fools Fall in Love” by Frankie Lymon
“Save Your Love For Me” by Nancy Wilson
Finding Normal: An Uninvited Change, An Unexpected Outcome
“Traumatic Brain Injury” – The Mayo Clinic
Interview Quotes:
“Children don't know they're poor, as long as they're loved. So we didn't know we were poor, because we were very much loved.” - Gloria Gaynor
“I just wanted somebody to hear me sing. I didn't care about accolades or applause, I just wanted somebody to hear me sing.” - Gloria Gaynor
“So I was just leaving [my problems] up to Him. I was fully assured that God would do something, I just didn't know what.” - Gloria Gaynor
“I like songs that are meaningful, that have lyrics, that touch people's hearts, and that have good melodies.” - Gloria Gaynor
“My pastor AR Bernard says, ‘If you want to be successful in life, find out what God is doing and get in on it.’” - Gloria Gaynor
“He is so faithful. It is incredible how He is always there for you.” - Gloria Gaynor
“When God has a timetable, and you run out ahead of God, you end up out there by yourself.” - Gloria Gaynor
“Hold on. Stay on the path. Keep the faith, and know that He won't let go.” - Gloria Gaynor
“My head went through the open window, slammed against the concrete pole, and I suffered a traumatic brain injury.“ Jeff Huxford
“After a brain injury, the [affected] person essentially becomes a new person. Who they were before is a thing of the past.” - Jeff Huxford
“My faith was based more on the don'ts rather than the do's.” - Jeff Huxford
“I like the way Jesus Calling seems to make you slow down, rest, and think about what Jesus is trying to tell you right now.” - Jeff Huxford
“I grew up believing that it makes you uncomfortable, don't do it. But the truth is, there's a lot of things in the Bible that God calls us to do. And it's not always going to be comfortable, because He knows that when we do things that are uncomfortable, that's when we grow, and our faith gets stronger.” - Jeff Huxford
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Even after we know Jesus, many of us struggle with mistakes from our past. It seems like those memories will always haunt us and influence decisions we make. How do we learn to let go of the past and let God guide our future? This week’s guests, pastor Robert Morris and singer/songwriter Matt Maher, share how we can use our experiences and the constant presence of a supporting, loving God to become a blessing to others, whether we’re sharing our resources or learning to forgive our parents (and ourselves). In this episode, we’re reminded that God believes in us and He can help us peel back the layers of our souls; using our present to heal our past.
Links, Products and Resources Mentioned:
Sarah Young, author of Jesus Calling
Jesus Calling (Textured Gray Leathersoft): Enjoying Peace in His Presence (with Full Scriptures)
Jesus Calling interview with Jay DeMarcus & Kim Walker-Smith
Beyond Blessed: God's Perfect Plan to Overcome All Financial Stress book
The Blessed Life: Unlocking the Rewards of Generous Living book
Echoes album
Interview Quotes:
“Even though I believed in Jesus, I'd never given Him my will. I'd never given Him control, and I wanted to. I wanted to more than anything.” - Robert Morris
“There's a different direction in my heart.” - Robert Morris
“I teach that we get to give, we don't give to get.” - Robert Morris
“For us to truly live a life of blessing, or a life that blesses others, we've got to be generous. But we've also got to be good stewards of what God gives us.” - Robert Morris
“One of the most important things that I learned in growing up in Newfoundland, you treat everyone as if you are encountering the face of God.” - Matt Maher
“I think there were plenty of times when I didn't realize how much God believed in me.” - Matt Maher
“When it comes to the psychology of faith and how faith develops, a lot of us end up having very stunted experiences of growth. And we don't even realize that subconsciously, we're still praying and talking with God the same way that we did when we were four or five years old.” - Matt Maher
“There was just a lot of undoing that God needed to do. He needed to peel back a lot of layers, there was a lot of inner monologues where I was speaking for Him.” - Matt Maher
“I've always said that songwriting comes out of the overflow of the human heart that [comes from] spending time with God. And that's how I express. That's how God made me, to express life and process the things that I see or the things that I'm going through.” - Matt Maher
“For me, fatherhood has been one of the ways in which God has brought a lot of healing into my life, as I've been able to lean into faith and grace and extend that to my kids. God uses those moments in the present. He repairs the past.” - Matt Maher
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Original Series video podcast: https://bit.ly/2WzFY0O
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We live in a world that’s more connected than ever but, ironically, more isolated. We disappear into our smartphones and tablets, ignoring the the people God placed us with right in our own living rooms, schools, workplaces and out in the world. Perhaps it’s easier to tap “like” on a screen than ask someone about their day or how we can help them—but that’s not the kind of relationship God called us to have with others. Today we talk with four women—Laurie Crouch, Victoria Osteen, and Dr. DeeDee Freeman of TBN’s Better Together, and novelist Rachel Hauck—to learn how they’re intentionally cultivating their relationships with others, especially their friendships, and how taking time to nurture those relationships with love reaps lasting rewards for everyone.
Links, Products and Resources Mentioned:
Sarah Young, author of Jesus Calling
Jesus Calling weekly Prayer Call
Jesus Calling Interview Candace Cameron Buré
Spirit of Faith Christian Center
Laura Ingalls Wilder “Little House” book series
Once Upon a Prince (Hallmark Channel)
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle
Interview Quotes:
“One of the biggest lies that the enemy put in the church is what we have taken from the world to say, ‘Women can’t get along.’ But we can get along. We can be here for one another. We can encourage each other” - Dr. DeeDee Freeman
“When you hear someone's story, their challenge, what they've been through, it causes you to understand that person better.” - Victoria Osteen
“I believe the diversity of how we are is a representation of what Christ is. And so we have to learn how to come together, bring our differences together, and really share and look like what God intended for us to look like.” - Dr. DeeDee Freeman
“It's so important to find people you can pray with, and that can agree with you to lift each other up.” - Laurie Crouch
“If women knew their worth, if they really understood their value in the eyes of God—and that's where it starts. It's not in the eyes of man, but it's in the eyes of God—I believe we tap into a superpower.” - Victoria Osteen
“You know, you can hear scriptures all your life. You can read a scripture a hundred times, but sometimes a friend or someone close to you can read it to you and bring out something that you have never, never thought of.” - Laurie Crouch
“I believe God is so awesome with the creativity of how He made us so unique, if you will, to bring our strengths and our talents together to make the whole picture of what God truly looks like.” - Dr. DeeDee Freeman
“Love is in everything. Is there any story where there's not a love angle, be it parental or sibling or friendship?” - Rachel Hauck
“About the time I started going into full-time writing, I was also on this journey of understanding this amazing love story in scripture.” - Rachel Hauck
“When you're confident you're doing the thing that God designed you to do, then you can endure the hard times, or the disappointments, or the ups and the downs.” - Rachel Hauck
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Original Series video podcast: https://bit.ly/2WzFY0O
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The farther we get into our faith journeys, the more difficult and complex they seem to be. Obstacles block our paths, daylight dims and the road grows hard to see. But after a while in the dark, the light of dawns breaks through the night, warming the world and showing the way forward. God’s love is that light for our paths, and our guests this week—adventurer Bear Grylls and musician Rhonda Vincent—remind us that even when challenges barrage our faith, we can choose to stay on the road and follow the path He laid for us.
Links, Products and Resources Mentioned:
Soul Fuel daily devotional
Live at the Ryman with Bluegrass Legends
“Where I Come From” song
Interview Quotes:
“But the great message of grace is that through all of that, somehow despite ourselves, despite our fallenness, we're actually still held, and we're still forgiven.” - Bear Grylls
“If I ever sense the presence of God, it’s actually in relationships,” - Bear Grylls
“The journey of faith can be sort of a difficult one to navigate.” - Bear Grylls
“The moments you think would be the greatest triumphs have often been in my place of real doubt and struggle.” - Bear Grylls
“Somehow through the fog of being a human being, I choose to trust in this message of grace and this message of love.” - Bear Grylls
“I have seen so many blessings and miracles that God has given us.” - Rhonda Vincent
“I am so thankful that I have that faith, and I got to have the Bible as a guide and as a road map of life.” - Rhonda Vincent
“I love the connections that that music brings.” - Rhonda Vincent
“[When you’re an artist] there becomes a responsibility and expectation to make sure, number one, that you are representing yourself [well. I think], How does God perceive me? “ - Rhonda Vincent
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When life brings us to our knees, it’s nearly impossible to remember that one day the pain won’t feel as sharp, and somehow we’ll find new life beyond the sorrow. In fact, God can redeem our darkest moments by bringing love and joy and newfound purpose to our days. That’s what He’s done for our guests this week: pastor and author Jonathan Pitts, who recently lost his 38-year-old wife author Wynter Evans Pitts, and entrepreneur John Hill, who struggled to find his way in life until He trusted God for each moment.
Links, Products and Resources Mentioned:
Church of the City, Franklin TN
Emptied: Experiencing the Fullness of a Poured-Out Marriage Book
For Girls Like You organization
Anthony Evans, Jr. singer & artist
Mitral Valve Prolapse (Mayo Clinic)
Factor V Lieden (Mayo Clinic)
Urban Alternative (Tony Evans)
Interview Quotes:
“Our identity, although it included our race, had nothing to do with our race. Our identity was much deeper than that.” - Jonathan Pitts
“It would take me years to discover just the level of woman that I married.” - Jonathan Pitts
“The beautiful thing of our marriage wasn't that it was perfect, but it was progressional.” - Jonathan Pitts
“Wynter accomplished her mission and God called her home.” - Jonathan Pitts
“[Slowing down] allows my girls to grieve even better, because with me being present, that allows me to be there for them.” - Jonathan Pitts
“As hard as it's been [to lose a wife and mother], there's been a lot of sorrow, but there's been a ton of joy coupled with it.” - Jonathan Pitts
“As a teenager, I started falling away from God, realizing, If it's black or white, there's no way I'm ever gonna make it to heaven.” - John Hill
“I just want to love You like I loved You when I was a kid, before I knew what sin was, before I knew what all this stuff was.” - John Hill
“I want to live every day--not just be alive.” - John Hill
“We get way too involved in trying to help God. God doesn't need our help. He needs our obedience.” - John Hill
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Life can be a long, difficult ride and there are times that fill us with despair, especially when giving our best isn’t enough to help us change our circumstances. While we wrestle with fear and uncertainty, God works quietly in the background, filling the gaps in our efforts, carefully nudging us forward so we can keep going. Our guests have held onto their faith as they’ve traveled the winding roads of Western sports: world champion rodeo athlete Tyson Durfey and his wife, country music artist Shea Fisher, and former champion bull rider Cody Custer.
Links, Products and Resources Mentioned:
Central Park by the Bethesda Fountain,
Interview Quotes:
“I go in 100 percent with whatever I decide to go after. I picked up the Bible, and it grabbed hold of my heart. It was just that transition, and it was truly amazing for me.” - Tyson Durfey
“When you hear the word of the Lord that vivid and that audible, it shakes you to your core, it really does.” - Tyson Durfey
“Where you don't see the way, God sees the way.” - Tyson Durfey
“It's important to remember that if you can't do it, God will fill in the gap.” - Tyson Durfey
“I don't know if everything happens for a reason, but I believe there's a reason in the middle of what happens.” - Cody Custer
“I don't believe that God ever takes His hand off any of us, no matter what we're doing, no matter what's going on in our lives.” - Cody Custer
”I think people get too wrapped up in circumstances and forget [success is] not the end all.” - Cody Custer
“I learned a lot more from my boy than I ever thought I did.” - Cody Custer
“[Jesus Calling] is just a book with words until the Spirit hits it, and then it's life.” - Cody Custer
“Everybody grieves their own way. Grieve how you grieve. There's no there's no cookie cutter way to grieve.” - Cody Custer
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No matter how careful, each of us will go through life with bumps, bruises and scars. Behind each wound we receive is a story of how we tried, failed, and persevered through hardship. And one of the ways God can redeem our scars is to help us share those experiences with others so they feel less alone. Our guests this week—pastor and writer Mark Eaton, and country music singer/songwriter Kelsey Lamb—come from different places and circumstances. But Mark and Kelsey have each rolled up their sleeves to do the hard work of sharing their scars with others, helping them walk through or avoid pain in their own lives.
Links, Products and Resources Mentioned:
Jesus Always July 2019 Family Prayer Calendar
Interview Quotes:
"[When I became a Christian], I somehow had the impression that life was going to get better the next day." - Mark Eaton
"I met the Lord when I was 14 because of a church that cared enough to . . . bring a youth pastor onto their staff." - Mark Eaton
"What was a tool became an addiction and later became a compulsion. 'I have to be popular. I have to be liked.' . . . And there's a point when those tools fail." - Mark Eaton
"What a gift [my dad] gave me by stepping off his platform and being willing to change and adjust our relationship." - Mark Eaton
"To me, every day not not divided up into good and bad, but easy and hard . . . because what's a bad thing one day might be the thing that saves you the next." - Mark Eaton
“I want to be around people who have scars, who are willing to talk about them and not afraid to show them.” - Mark Eaton
“Almost all of my songs come from personal experiences: my break ups, moving to Nashville, college. All of that is in my music, hoping to help someone else get through it.” - Kelsey Lamb
"When you jump back into [Jesus Calling] you start to realize that every devotion ends up being completely applied to what you're going through." - Kelsey Lamb
"I don't think [my career] will ever just be handed to me. I think [God] puts opportunities in my path to help me work to get to the next step." - Kelsey Lamb
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While we may not realize it at the time, struggle is a blessing because down the road, remembering the struggles we have endured helps us empathize with others going through the same hardship. Our guests—country and gospel music legend Jimmy Fortune and US Army veteran and dragon boat racing champion Jess Key—have used their lives to spotlight this truth: no matter what you’ve been through, God is not done with you yet. He can use anything in your life, the good and the bad, and make it beautiful.
Links, Products and Resources Mentioned:
Jimmy Fortune’s new album God and Country
Jimmy Fortune, I Believe music video
Jimmy Fortune, Meet at Arlingon video
JESS KEY
Interview Quotes:
“[My dad’s true character] came to the forefront when he let God have his life.” - Jimmy Fortune
”The Statler Brothers were a safe place for me because they were all about God and family and their country.” - Jimmy Fortune
“Whatever I do with my music, I want it to be in a positive way to help people in their lives.” - Jimmy Fortune
“God works through us. And in His love for us, He works through people and He works through books like this Jesus Calling.” - Jimmy Fortune
“So we [need to] all work together to accomplish the goal that God wants us to accomplish, and that's to help the downtrodden and the people of this world who need to hear about Him.” - Jimmy Fortune
“It's so important that we acknowledge our soldiers and thank them for what they did for us. They gave, they sacrificed their lives for us.” - Jimmy Fortune
“God is where you need to turn to and give your life, because He's going to be the one that's going to help you through all this, because it is no secret what God can do." - Jimmy Fortune
“I grew up seeing this abuse, and I was abused myself. I thought it was normal thing, but come to think of it, I was becoming the abuser. I would get drunk and ballistic with an uncontrollable kind of anger. If you imagine an MMA fighter, that's the kind of rage I had inside and I didn't know why.” - Jess Key
“One night I got drunk, and I attempted suicide. I was not in my right mind. I thought that was the way out. I had suffered so much that I didn't know how to cope.” - Jess Key
“As a kid, I always said to myself I would never grow up and be my mom. Yet I was living that same life, choosing the same path that she did.” - Jess Key
“Through it all, God worked these miraculous things out.” - Jess Key
“Your story is not over. It's just beginning. God will use any circumstance, whether it be good or bad, and He'll turn it into something beautiful.” - Jess Key
“The waves of adversity crashed over me all throughout life, but God is simply saying, ‘Keep your focus on My presence, and be in the present.’” - Jess Key
“You can find freedom once and for all, and it's through Christ. He is our freedom. He is our hope. He is our everything. You’ve just got to trust in that.” - Jess Key
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One of the hardest parts of our Christian walk is to make that walk consistent, especially in the storms of life. But today’s guests, pastor Rich Wilkerson, Jr. and entertainers David & Tamela Mann, have found when they draw near to God, especially when they’re in the valley, He remains faithful to us. And in fact, God’s presence gives us the strength to keep going so we can perform one of our highest callings: to nurture relationships with the people around us and fill them with His love.
Links, Products and Resources Mentioned:
Jesus Calling June Prayer Calendar
Rich Wilkerson, Jr. (Facebook)
Rich Wilkerson book, Friend of Sinners: Why Jesus Cares More About Relationship Than Perfection
David Wilkerson book, The Cross and the Switchblade
The Cross and the Switchblade movie trailer
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
David and Tamela Mann (Facebook)
David and Tamela Mann book, Us Against the World: Our Secrets to Love, Marriage, and Family
The Manns television reality show
Interview Quotes:
“[Our time at VOUS church] has been an amazing three years, getting to see people's lives changed and transformed by the message of Jesus.” - Rich Wilkerson, Jr.
“I'm just thankful for the heritage [to] know so many things that have happened in my life are because I stand on the shoulders of the giants in the faith [who] have gone before me.” - Rich Wilkerson, Jr.
“From a young age, I was always very sensitive towards God. I knew I loved God, and I knew that God loved me. I don't think I was always sure how I fit in. I didn't really see how I was going to play my part.” - Rich Wilkerson, Jr.
“I think so often in church, we're so good at talking about things after the miracle happens. I think we need more people to be open when they're actually in the midst of pain.” - Rich Wilkerson, Jr.
“Many times we don't allow ourselves to be honest with God in our pain, in our worry, in our fear to ever discover that He's actually right there with us.” - Rich Wilkerson, Jr.
“When it comes to God, there are certain things you can't learn on the mountaintop. You actually have to learn it in the valley.” - Rich Wilkerson, Jr.
”Storms either have a way of pushing you away from God, or you can choose to allow your storm to push you towards God.” - Rich Wilkerson, Jr.
“Ultimately the way that you view God is going to dictate how you receive and communicate with God.” - Rich Wilkerson, Jr.
“I want people to hear the truth, that the gospel is good news, that God is not mad at you. He’s madly in love with you.” - Rich Wilkerson, Jr.
“In any marriage you're gonna have some challenges, [but] you have to make up your mind that you love each other enough to fight for each other.” - Tamela Mann
“Singing was our passion, it was our heart.” - Tamela Mann
“I'm just so happy to be able to share my gift and to be where we are today. We take no credit. All glory goes to God.” - Tamela Mann
“[Jesus Calling] gives you some practical things I can take home [and go,] ‘Oh okay, I can do that.’” - David Mann
“People won't judge you on your perfection. They'll judge you on your consistency.” - David Mann
“We just want to let people know there is still hope. Our Savior still lives.” - David Mann
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We all have seasons when we feel crushed by the weight of our problems. A job loss. A loved one grows seriously ill. An unexpected bill in the mail. In the middle of overwhelming anxiety, it’s hard to remember, let alone believe, the promise God gives us in Romans 8:28: “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose.” But today’s guests, Bishop T. D. Jakes and worship leader Don Moen, remind us that in the middle of our problems, we can take a step back and remember that “God will make a way,” and He can redeem everything, even our darkest moments, for His glory.
Links, Products and Resources Mentioned:
T. D. Jakes’ book, Crushing: God Turns Pressure Into Power
Don Moen’s book, God Will Make A Way: Finding His Hope in Your Story
Interview Quotes:
“The cross itself was a horrific emblem of suffering and shame. It was not something that Jesus enjoyed. The Bible says He despised the shame of it, but for the joy that was set before Him, He endured the suffering of the cross.” - T. D. Jakes
“There may be some things that are bad that still work together for [our] good.” - T. D. Jakes
“You have to be gentle with people that are hurt. You have to be empathetic.” - T. D. Jakes
“I'm at that stage of my life now that I really want to leave footprints behind about what it really costs to be who you are and how to survive crushings that people don't see.” - T. D. Jakes
“God develops us through the crushing. God develops the world around us. . . . There will be something good that comes out of it, if you can resist the temptation to become bitter and take the more difficult choice of becoming better.” - T. D. Jakes
“I did not ever try to be an artist. I never wanted to be an artist.” - Don Moen
“And as human vessels, we need to just get out of the way and let God do what He wants to do.” - Don Moen
”God will make a way where there seems to be no way.” - Don Moen
“We look at setbacks in our lives sometimes as way too permanent, but God uses these setbacks to bring us to the place where He wants us to be, to help transform us into the men and women He wants us to be.” - Don Moen
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Enjoy these videos on Jesus Calling YouTube channel:
Audio podcast: https://bit.ly/2uCnNM0
Original Series video podcast: https://bit.ly/2WzFY0O
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Dads hold a tender place in our hearts. Like our heavenly Father, they have a unique way of showing they see us, we matter, and we are loved. And as we become parents, we want to shower our children with the same kind of love and provision a good father graciously gives. Our guests are Christian singer/songwriter Steven Curtis Chapman and his daughter Emily Chapman Richards, and Sawyer Brown frontman and Christian music producer Mark Miller and his daughter, TV host Madison Brown. These dads and daughters talk about special moments they had with their own fathers, along with the faithful legacies they’re working to pass on to their children today.
Links, Products and Resources Mentioned:
Jesus Calling: 365 Devotions for Kids
Deeper Roots: Where the Bluegrass Grows, Steven Curtis Chapman’s latest album
Mark Miller, frontman to Sawyer Brown
Madison Brown, host of Chasing Down Madison Brown
Interview Quotes:
“My dad, even if he's not here in physical presence, I know that I'm in his heart and I'm on his mind. I'm in his prayers and his thoughts. He's got my back, and he sees with me." - Steven Curtis Chapman
“I love my dad. Dad has always, and continues to remain to this day, always very intentional with every moment he has.” - Emily Chapman Richards
“There's nothing sweeter to the heart of a dad than to hear his children bless him.” - Steven Curtis Chapman
“That’s what’s so beautiful about Jesus Calling, I think. It's just the approach of speaking in a language where you feel like Jesus is speaking these things to you and right into your situation.” - Steven Curtis Chapman
“There were several other things throughout my career that were crossroads that really challenged my faith. I always went in the direction of my faith, and it always was the right thing to do.” - Mark Miller
“I want [my kids] to grow up the way that I did, to know that if you're willing to work, you can achieve anything you want to. But you have to work to get it.” - Mark Miller
”[Jesus Calling has] become not only a great way for all of us to have a good daily devotional, but at the same time a great way to stay together as a family.” - Madison Brown
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Enjoy these videos on Jesus Calling YouTube channel:
Audio podcast: https://bit.ly/2uCnNM0
Original Series video podcast: https://bit.ly/2WzFY0O
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Sometimes we look at the path before us, and we can’t see the way ahead. But there are two things that bolster our courage and help us take a step forward: a God we know will see us through, and family standing by our sides. Country superstar Randy Travis and his wife Mary, and country artist John Berry have seen their share of highs and lows: humble beginnings, family tragedies, award-winning songs and medical trials. And through it all, they’ve made it to the other side thanks to the love of their God and the unwavering faith of their families.
Links, Products and Resources Mentioned:
Randy Travis memoir: “Forever and Ever Amen”
Randy Travis, Rise & Shine album
Randy Travis, Three Wooden Crosses video
Randy Travis, When Mama Prayed video
Randy Travis, On the Other Hand video
John Berry, Saddle in the Wind
John Berry, You Love Amazes Me video
Inspirational movie, Beautifully Broken on DVD
Interview Quotes:
“The more [Randy] heard [his music] touched somebody, the more inclined he was to sing a new song, write a new song. So I think that's why now . . . we have such a beautiful catalog of Randy Travis music straight from the heart.” - Mary Travis
“Randy’s life and music has had an impact on millions of people.” - Mary Travis
“I think the great thing about love is that you know the worst about each other, but you only see the best.” - Mary Travis
“To watch [my dad] grieve and watch him to lean on Christ and to get up in the morning to deal with face and every day, it was quite a lesson to see my father cling to Christ throughout that time of his life [after my mom’s death].” - John Berry
“I found out later every time I was off the bus, the guys in the band would go rummage through the back room, trying to find the drugs they knew I had to have been on.” John Berry
“I have to think our Heavenly Father every day for the love [my wife Robin] has for me.” - John Berry
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Enjoy these videos on Jesus Calling YouTube channel:
Audio podcast: https://bit.ly/2uCnNM0
Original Series video podcast: https://bit.ly/2WzFY0O
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Every year, the women of Brookland Baptist Church in Columbia, South Carolina hold an annual Women’s Day for the community, where they endeavor to lift each other up in Christ. We were honored to listen to mothers, daughters, and friends discuss the importance of community and talk about their weekly prayer call, where they read Jesus Calling together, pray for each other and pray for the women attending their event.
Links, Products and Resources Mentioned:
Jesus Calling: 365 Devotions for Kids
Interview Quotes:
“Jesus Calling really helps prepare me for that workday because it asks me to get in His presence and go to Him and not to try and carry all of it with me.” - Angela, Brookland Baptist Church
“[Jesus Calling] has really brought my daughters and I together.” - Johanna, Brookland Baptist Church
”Jesus Calling book has shown me that God loves us, no matter what. No matter what. Through it all, He loves us. - Josephine, Brookland Baptist Church
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Enjoy these videos on Jesus Calling YouTube channel:
Audio podcast: https://bit.ly/2uCnNM0
Original Series video podcast: https://bit.ly/2WzFY0O
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Altar'd State is a faith-based retail company that gives back and works with organizations to help people around the world. One of their partners is Compassion That Compels, who provides hope and emotional support to women fighting cancer, one compassionate act at a time.
Links, Products and Resources Mentioned:
Interview Quotes:
“One of the things I love about Altar’d State is I'm able to do what I'm passionate about and what I really love, but also live out my faith and give back to my community.” - Aaron Walters, Altar’d State
“I am a living testimony of if you follow God's plan, He will take care of you.” - Aaron Walters, Altar’d State
“We provide hope and emotional support to women fighting any type of cancer, one compassionate act at a time.“ - Kristianne Stewart, Compassion That Compels
“Instead of telling people we're Christians, we just show them that we're Christians.” - Mary Beth Fox, Altar’d State
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Enjoy these videos on Jesus Calling YouTube channel:
Audio podcast: https://bit.ly/2uCnNM0
Original Series video podcast: https://bit.ly/2WzFY0O
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Olympic runner Ryan Hall and inspirational thought leader Holly Dowling have found their true worth comes from God, not the world.
Links, Products and Resources Mentioned:
Ryan Hall’s book, Run the Mile You’re In: Finding God in Every Step
Young Life organization
Girl Up organization
Interview Quotes:
“God was telling me that He gave me a gift to run with the best guys in the world, but He gave me that gift so that I could help other people.” - Ryan Hall
“I started seeing myself how God sees me, and that was a really, really powerful shift for me.” - Ryan Hall
“I want to extract all these lessons that God's taught me, all the things I feel like He's told me along the way, and I want to share those with people so I can help them on their journey.” - Ryan Hall
“I believe that it's in our imperfections that we're beautiful. When we're broken, we’re beautiful.” - Holly Dowling
“I think the greatest gift we can give to ourselves is permission to love ourselves for who we are.” - Holly Dowling
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Enjoy these videos on Jesus Calling YouTube channel:
Audio podcast: https://bit.ly/2uCnNM0
Original Series video podcast: https://bit.ly/2WzFY0O
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It’s a great privilege to make an impact on others by leading a life worth emulating—and having mentors in our lives who once gave us the same gift. Motivational speaker Trent Shelton grew up in a family of faith who supported his dreams of becoming a professional athlete. After Trent worked his way to the NFL, he realized he was sacrificing his future by chasing temporary fulfillment. When he hit rock bottom, Trent decided to make God the rock of his life, and after his son Tristan was born, Trent worked hard to become a father his son would be proud of. And now, as he shares in his new book Straight Up, Trent tries every day to become the best version of himself so that he can impact his family and show them how to live well. Author Peggy Rowe—mom to Mike Rowe of Dirty Jobs—was raised by loving parents who sacrificed time, money, and energy so Peggy could explore who she wanted to be. Now, Peggy seeks to impact others the way her parents inspired her through writing and sharing stories with millions of readers.
Links, Products, and Resources Mentioned:
Jesus Calling Podcast episode ft. The Bachelorette’s Luke Pell and pastor Jack Deere
Lori Allen, founder of the shop Bridals by Lori
TLC reality show Say Yes to the Dress: Atlanta
"About My Mother" by Peggy Rowe
'About Your Father" by Peggy Rowe
Interview Quotes:
“What I realized, once I hit rock bottom, was I never really built a solid relationship with God for myself.” - Trent Shelton
“Oftentimes I feel like we place blame on God for situations we put ourselves in.” - Trent Shelton
“If my son follows my footsteps, where is my life leading him? What's the path that I've created? What's the mindset? What's the faith? And I wasn't happy with the answers that I told myself.” - Trent Shelton
“My prayers used to be asking God for things, and now my prayers are, ‘God, what do you need from me?’ And that has brought more clarity in my life.” - Trent Shelton
“I feel like God leaves a void in each and every one of us that can only be filled by Him. And until He fills that void, you will never feel that overwhelming internal peace in your life.” - Trent Shelton
“The most important work that you ever will do is the work that you do on yourself.” - Trent Shelton
“Maybe that light that comes from my life, because I did the work on myself, could be the light that they need to light up their dark world or their dark times.” - Trent Shelton
“We can't change the world if we don't change our households. We can't change our households if we don't change the way we think, if we don't renew our mind, if we don't renew our heart. And so it all starts with you. So, be the reflection of the change that you wish to see.” - Trent Shelton
“I think probably the greatest gift my mother gave me was an ability to treat people the way that I would like to be treated.” - Peggy Rowe
“[Mike Rowe] unfailingly respected and continues to respect the people that he worked with, the people that get up every day and do those less-than-desirable jobs. He treats those people and has treated them with the same respect that he would like to be treated.” - Peggy Rowe, on her son, Dirty Jobs host Mike Rowe
“I think that we human beings need constant reminders that we are not alone.” - Peggy Rowe
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Enjoy watching these additional videos from Jesus Calling YouTube channel:
Audio Playlist: https://bit.ly/2PrbuwH
Video Playlist: https://bit.ly/2PsmEkJ
What’s Good? Playlist: https://bit.ly/3i7VUlZ
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[Special Series] Las Vegas Raiders kicker Daniel Carlson and his wife Katherine join us as we search for Peace in Uncertain Times to share how they’re rediscovering what matters most in this trying season: rest, reflection, connecting with one another, and trusting God with the future. They remind us that when we look back on times of trial, we’ll often see where God’s light was shining through.
Links, Products and Resources Mentioned:
Jesus Calling Social Media
Daniel & Katherine Carlson
See more videos around finding Peace for Uncertain Times on YouTube.com/JesusCalling Book
Interview Quotes:
“One of the best things that's come out of this [time of quarantine] is that we were able to sit back and just really enjoy each other's company and enjoy growing together and learning together and learning from our Lord and learning about our Lord and, you know, spending time on word and spending time worshiping.” - Daniel Carlson
“If we really press into God and begin to hand over our worries and our concerns to our Lord and Savior, He will sustain us and that He will be faithful.” - Daniel Carlson
[Special Series] TV host Cynthia Garrett joins us as we search for Peace in Uncertain Times to discuss why it’s so important for Christians to listen to and love their neighbors. Cynthia reminds us to “turn your love into an action, into a verb.”
Links, Products and Resources Mentioned:
Jesus Calling Social Media
Cynthia Garrett
1 Corinthians 13; BibleGateway.com
See more videos around finding Peace for Uncertain Times on YouTube.com/JesusCalling Book
Interview Quotes:
“Turn your love into an action - into a verb and do something, stand up when you need to stand up.” - Cynthia Garrett
“We can’t really call ourselves Chrsitians if we don’t seek to love - to love our neighbor.” - Cynthia Garrett
“I’ve learned how to choose victory every day, and that is a daily choice” - Cynthia Garrett
“One of the things that we can all do is listen. We can listen more….Listen to people because you’ll hear their heart” - Cynthia Garrett
“I believe there is hope. When you love your neighbor, racism does not exist.” - Cynthia Garrett
“Love is messy, but it gets involved with other people. Love stands up for right.” - Cynthia Garrett
“Love is the most powerful word in the Bible. It is the most powerful lesson that we learn from Christ, the most powerful command that we’re given because Jesus said that all the law and all the commandments are summed up in one simple word, love.” - Cynthia Garrett
[Special Series] Musician Adam Hambrick joins us as we search for Peace in Uncertain Times to share his experience as the spouse of a front line worker, the fear in facing the unknown, and the inspiration he’s found in his wife’s bravery. He reminds us to look for a source of hope and to find peace in knowing that God is in control. Adam also shares his touching new song, “Between Me & The End of the World,” written for his wife and other first responders who are battling the coronavirus on the front lines.
[Special Series] Actor, singer and podcaster Dennis Quaid shares about the faith that was instilled into his life at any early age by his mother, and the special song he wrote for her that appeared in the film “I Can Only Imagine.” He also gives us a peek into his routine while confined at home during the Pandemic, including taking the opportunity to be present with God through prayer, Bible reading and connection with friends and loved ones.
Links, Products and Resources Mentioned:
Jesus Calling Social Media
See more videos around finding Peace for Uncertain Times on YouTube.com/JesusCalling Book
Interview Quotes:
“We are Americans. We're going to get through these times [of the COV-19 pandemic]...We're going to remember these times...for the rest of our lives. And we might even be grateful.” - Dennis Quaid
“I keep coming back to the Red words of Jesus; and every time I read the Bible, which is now going on my fourth time in my life, it reveals itself to me in a very different, incredible way that it's always bringing something new and something that is just the truth.” - Dennis Quaid
“You have to be present in the present moment to talk with God; because there, you will find God's presence when something wonderful happens.” - Dennis Quaid
“God is right there in this moment to help you through it.” - Dennis Quaid
“Try to use this time to pray to really deal with what's going on inside you.,,And know that you're all right and that there is going to be an end to this”- Dennis Quaid on this time of COV-19 quarantine
[Special Series] Neuropsychologist and author Dr. Michelle Bengtson joins us as we search for Peace in Uncertain Times to discuss how we can learn to break anxiety’s grip on us and manage it by turning to God. Dr. Bengtson reassures us that God has already provided us with the weapons we need to defeat fear, and that “worry, fear and anxiety are not our portion, but God's peace is.”
Links, Products and Resources Mentioned:
Jesus Calling Social Media
2 Timothy 1:7 (BibleGateway.com)
See more videos around finding Peace for Uncertain Times on YouTube.com/JesusCalling Book
Interview Quotes:
“What I've learned is that worry, fear and anxiety are not our portion, but God's peace is.” - Dr. Michelle Bengtson
“Worry, fear and anxiety are really a misappropriation of our trust. We have a tendency to trust in people or circumstances, and when we do, it's a slippery slope into worry, fear or anxiety.” - Dr. Michelle Bengtson
“You can know that you were praying God's will when you were praying His words back to Him because He has already spoken them. That’s a prayer He delights in answering.” - Dr. Michelle Bengtson
”If you want to trade your worry, fear and anxiety for God's peace today. Be in His word, be in His will and ask Him to replace that worry, fear and anxiety with his everlasting peace. I promise you He wants to do so.” - Dr. Michelle Bengtson
[Special Series] Parenting expert Dr. Meg Meeker joins our Peace in Uncertain Times series to share ways we can give our fears about COVID to Christ and guide our children well, despite the turmoil of this season. Meg reminds us that we can be free of the pressure to be a perfect parent and instead be one that our kids truly need: by seeking ways to be peaceful and finding the simple joys in this time. (PLUS some handy tips on how to handle the kids when they are fighting!!)
Links, Products and Resources Mentioned:
Jesus Calling Social Media
See more videos around finding Peace for Uncertain Times on YouTube.com/JesusCalling Book
Interview Quotes:
“Trusting God and giving God our fears so that we can be relaxed enough and laugh is a tough thing to do.” - Meg Meeker
“I think it's important just to be honest with your kids...sit down and talk to your kids very truthfully...it's your job as a mom or dad to sort of take charge and make everything OK for them.” - Meg Meeker speaking in regards to parents working together to calm a child’s concerns during the COV-19 pandemic
“It's really important when you see your kids fighting to give them a plan, an alternate plan to fighting and let them know that anger and frustration is what triggers the fighting. So whenever they feel that anger and frustration, they now know what to do instead of fighting with their sibling. ” - Meg Meeker
“Parents, guilt will rob you of your joy.” - Meg Meeker
[Special Series] Olympic softball player and mom of three Jennie Finch shares her prayer of making the most of the time we have together; as many of us continue to shelter at home. Her hope is that God will reveal dreams we never knew we had before. She also gives tips on how her family has coped during the pandemic and how the ups and downs of a career in softball prepared her for this experience. Jennie encourages us to cling to God’s promises and through calmness and stillness, discover the joy He provides.
Links, Products and Resources Mentioned:
Jesus Calling Social Media
See more videos around finding Peace for Uncertain Times on YouTube.com/JesusCalling Book
Interview Quotes:
“As a family were appreciating this time of just being still and being calm and being in His Word and trusting and ultimately focusing on what we're here to focus on, and that's our purpose, our mission and what God is doing through us through this time and through this tragedy [of the COV-19 pandemic].” - Jennie Finch Daigle
“I want to be pruned in this time [of the COV-19 quarantine]. I want to come out stronger and be a better mother, a better wife, a better teacher through this trialing time that we're embracing. And so I just say hold tight, cling to His promises. We don't know what's to come, but He does promise that He'll be with us in those times. And that's where my peace lies.” - Jennie Finch Daigle
“I'm so thankful that we have the peace that surpasses all understanding, and we can look to Him and His word for the promises and the hope for what is to come.” - Jennie Finch Daigle
“No matter what storms we're gonna face, we can find our peace and hope and joy in Him. Our circumstances don't determine our joy. Our joy is in the Lord and his promises.” - Jennie Finch Daigle
[Special Series] Dad, pastor, author, and president of For Girls Like You Jonathan Pitts shares 4 Ways to Weather the Storm Well as we search for Peace In Uncertain Times. Jonathan shares how we need to give ourselves a little grace in this season, how saying yes to family time can bring us joy, and how being transparent about our struggles can help us lead effectively and grow our relationship with God.
Links, Products and Resources Mentioned:
Jesus Calling Social Media
Jonathan Pitts:
Church of the City (Franklin, TN)
See more videos around finding Peace for Uncertain Times on YouTube.com/JesusCalling Book
Interview Quotes:
“This life in the kingdom is just a crazy adventure where we can't expect anything, but we can trust that God is in control regardless.” - Jonathan Pitts
“Family has been a thing for me that God has reminded me is really where most of my joy comes from.” - Jonathan Pitts
“Living in the presence of Jesus is really critical to our relationship with God.” - Jonathan Pitts
:I really just try to practice being in God's presence because it's not necessarily easy. It's like any other relationship. Sometimes they can be difficult to be with people, to relate to people. And so I just practice showing up to him and I ask that when I show up to him, he shows up to me and he never fails me.” - Jonathan Pitts
[Special Series] Brett Swayn, Executive Chef of the Cookery in Nashville, TN is one of the people on the front lines, helping others during times of crisis. He shows us what can happen when we invest in each other, invest in our world, and invest in prayer; using this time to strengthen our hearts and come closer together as God’s people.
Links, Products and Resources Mentioned:
Jesus Calling Family Devotional
Jesus Calling Social Media
See more videos around finding Peace for Uncertain Times on YouTube.com/JesusCalling Book
Interview Quotes:
“The spirit in the Cookery cafe has blossomed because [the team] know that they are doing God’s work, and they can feel His Spirit encouraging them.” - Brett Swayn speaking on behalf of his team members working without pay to serve others during the pandemic.
“I’ve encouraged the men here to look for places to invest; and from the beginning, they have. They’ve invested in each other, they’ve invested in time in the Word, they’ve invested in time in prayer, they’ve invested time in those that needed help, and they’ve become richer.” - Brett Swayn speaking on behalf of his team serving each other and those in need during the pandemic.
“People can help right now with prayer and pursuing the things that matter on a deeper level.” - Brett Swayn
“Some of us are being taken care of with salary, so now is the time for us to look to those who may be in need and help them with your gift, with your acknowledgement, by your compassion, by your love.” - Brett Swayn
[Special Series] Children’s book author and musician Ellie Holcomb (and her kiddos!) join our Peace in Uncertain Times series to share some ways they are connecting as a family while staying at home, including reading stories, making music together, and having family devotional time. Ellie reminds what we might be able to take away in this season, sharing that, “there's so much that we always have to be grateful for, because God is always faithful and He's always near.”
Links, Products and Resources Mentioned:
Jesus Calling Family Devotional
Jesus Calling Social Media
Don’t Forget to Remember children’s book
See more videos around finding Peace for Uncertain Times on YouTube.com/JesusCalling Book
Interview Quotes:
“God is in the business of making all things new. And so I am so grateful for those tangible reminders of God's faithfulness.” - Ellie Holcomb
“Something that's really helpful during this season [of quarantine] is to name our losses rather than spending the energy, just burying them or trying to just stuff them down.” - Ellie Holcomb
“It helps us anytime we think about other people, it helps us get out of just our own selves and our own story.” - Ellie Holcomb
“[I am] so grateful for God's truth that can ground us and anchor our hearts down during a very uncertain and crazy storm that we are riding through.” - Ellie Holcomb speaking in reference to living life during COV-19 pandemic
[Special Series] Dawn Barton is author of Laughing Through the Ugly Cry, and her personal journey through traumatic experiences have led her to believe that the obstacles in our lives should not beat us down, but give us reasons to more fully embrace joy wherever we can find it. In this edition of Peace for Uncertain Times, Dawn gives us tips on how to create joy in lives--even during difficult seasons.
Links, Products and Resources Mentioned:
Laughing Through the Uglly Cry: ..and Finding Unstoppable Joy
Jesus Calling Social Media
See more videos around finding Peace for Uncertain Times on YouTube.com/JesusCalling Book
Interview Quotes:
“I am a woman who loves to spread the message of joy.” - Dawn Barton
“It was in those seasons of heartache that I learn what joy felt like.” - Dawn Barton
“Even though I turned from Him [God], He never turned away from me..He had me always in the palm of His hand.” - Dawn Barton
“Great things can come from horrible, traumatic times.” - Dawn Barton
“There’s a moment, a pivot point, when we come out of any situation where we get to make a choice of what’s the next part of the story.” - Dawn Barton
“Positivity and joy do not just happen...they are something we have to work at day by day, hour by hour, minute by minute sometimes.” - Dawn Barton
“I promise you wherever there is heartache, there are immeasurable amounts of joy.” - Dawn Barton
“Joy is a choice. Joy is God, God is joy.” - Dawn Barton
[Special Series] Lady Antebellum’s Hillary Scott and husband Chris Tyrrell share 4 Ways to Find Balance When Life Is Turned Upside Down. The musicians share how balancing routine with flexibility, checking in with each other to stay in the right mindset, juggling responsibilities and goals, and maintaining our relationships with others and God can help us achieve Peace In Uncertain Times, and the answer to an important question: Who do we want to be when this is all over? Includes a live at home performance of the beloved hymn “Great Is Thy Faithfulness!”
Links, Products and Resources Mentioned:
Bible Gateway (Ecclesiastes 9:10)
Jesus Calling Social Media
See more videos around finding Peace for Uncertain Times on YouTube.com/JesusCalling Book
Interview Quotes:
“Just because the world is shut down for a few months or few weeks, it doesn’t mean God’s stopped calling us to things It doesn’t mean He’s stopped working through us--on behalf of others and others on behalf of us.” - Chris Tyrrell
“We want to give our kids the peace and calm that can come from having routines and healthy habits.” - Chris Tyrrell, speaking in regards to how the pandemic has tossed so many priorities of life into the air.
“The healthy perspective is to try to find the balance of looking at what is in front of you & prayerfully looking at who God has placed within your grasp right now.” - Chris Tyrrell
“Lord, who do you want me to be, how do you want me to grow at the end of all this [pandemic].” - Hillary Scott
“Let that be our prayer, that we worry less and walk alongside the path of peace with our Lord.” - Hillary Scott
[Special Series] Beloved GRAMMY Award winning and platinum album selling singer Sandi Patty announced in early March that she and her husband had contracted the Coronavirus while traveling. Sandi shares how, along with following the protocol for self isolating, she and her husband coped with having to be separated from family in the early days of the crises, the pain of missing important family events like the birth of a grandchild, and how she created new routines to heal her body and her spirit--intentionally connecting with her family in new ways and connecting with God through music, prayer and devotional time.
Links, Products and Resources Mentioned:
Jesus Calling Social Media
Sandi Patty Social Media
See more videos around finding Peace for Uncertain Times on YouTube.com/JesusCalling Book
Interview Quotes:
“It's a time to see God at work and it's a really hard time.” Sandi Patty discussing the current COVID19 pandemic
“There’s power in reading God’s word out loud in the Psalms, which really gives voice to our own feelings.” - Sandi Patty
“I have been reading Jesus Calling for a very, very, very long time, and it is amazing to me how it is so spot on for what we're going through.” - Sandi Patty
“I ask God that you continue to guide us. That you continue to be a lamp so we can see just what the next step should be. You've given us faith, Father, but You've also given us wisdom. So may we exercise Your wisdom in this season, and may we remember the best place to start is just centering our hearts in Your presence.” - Sandi Patty, prayer
[Special Series] Sixteen year old actress and author Alena Pitts shares how she’s seeking joy as we search for Peace In Uncertain Times. Alena shares what it’s like for teens whose lives have been upended by the quarantine, how she finds comfort in family time and knowing that God’s got this, and how prayer and devotion time is bringing her hope, including an encouraging passage from Jesus Calling for Teens.
Links, Products and Resources Mentioned:
Jesus Calling Social Media
Alena Pitts
Lena in the Spotlight book series
Alena Pitts Social Media
See more videos around finding Peace for Uncertain Times on YouTube.com/JesusCalling Book
Interview Quotes:
“The God I serve Who loves me and everyone on this earth, He’s in control. So that definitely gave me a lot of peace,” Alean Pitts discussing her faith in the midst of the COVID19 pandemic.
“God will do anything it takes to disrupt our daily lives so that we all will depend on Him.” - Alena Pitts
[PEACE FOR UNCERTAIN TIMES SERIES - Eps 2] As we seek to find peace during uncertain times, psychologist and best-selling author of Boundaries Dr. Henry Cloud shares some practical ways to take care of ourselves and re-adjust our lives during difficult times.
Links, Products and Resources Mentioned:
Boundaries Book by Dr. Cloud
Dr. Cloud’s Website
Jesus Calling Social Media
See more videos around finding Peace for Uncertain Times on YouTube.com/JesusCalling Book
Interview Quotes:
“The foundation of a house--like you pour a slab--and the foundation of a human being is our sense of connectedness; how connected we feel to God and to other people.” - Dr. Henry Cloud
“When you’re thinking about getting those connections rewired and making sure you have a list of the people you're going to reach out with and connect with, you know, regularly, almost like a dosage of a medicine, because it is medicine.” - Dr Henry Cloud
“When we don't have control, then we start to feel powerless. And so when that sets in, and then depression can set in, anxiety can set in, and fear can set in.” - Dr Henry Cloud
“If you’ve never been a to-do list maker, think about the three or 4 things that are most important each day and every day, make a daily list of “this is what I do have control of.” That will move the needle and move the ball forward and help.”- Dr Henry Cloud
[PEACE FOR UNCERTAIN TIMES SERIES - Eps 1] As we search for peace while navigating uncertain times, financial planner Emily Stroud shows us how to look at our finances while going through tumultuous life events.
Links, Products and Resources Mentioned:
Stroud Financial Management Website
Faithful Finance Book by Emily Stroud
Jesus Calling Social Media
See more videos around finding Peace for Uncertain Times on YouTube.com/JesusCalling Book
Interview Quotes:
“I want you to look at [the COVID-19 Pandemic] as a storm. The rain will eventually stop. This will not go on forever. I know it's very unsettling when you don't know what the endgame is and how long it's gonna go on for. But you have to remember that this is temporary. “ - Emily Stroud
“Do not let your emotions drive your investment decisions.” - Emily Stroud
“God's still in control. He is not surprised by what is going on in the world right now. We were surprised. He is not surprised. He has good plans for you.” - Emily Stroud
“He knows exactly what your situation is. True wealth really does come from God--and blessings may not look like financial blessings.” - Emily Stroud
Emily Stroud, Registered Representative
Securities offered through Cambridge Investment Research, Inc., a Broker/Dealer, Member FINRA/SIPC.
Investment Advisor Representative Cambridge Investment Research Advisors, Inc., a Registered Investment
Advisor. Cambridge and Stroud Financial Management, Inc. are not affiliated.
Jesus Calling and Stroud Financial Management, Inc. are not affiliated.
Christmas can be a time for joy, but also for reflection—and for many, a reminder of lost moments and loved ones. This week’s guests, musicians Dailey & Vincent and Ernie Haase, remind us this season is filled with hope, because God loved us so much that He sent Jesus into the world. These artists tell us how they fell in love with music (from bluegrass to gospel) and why they center their songs and shows around positive messages. Dailey & Vincent recently released The Sounds of Christmas project, and share their warmest (and most hilarious) Christmas memories and family traditions. Ernie Haase gives a behind-the-scenes look at the way his new album with Signature Sound, A Jazzy Little Christmas, was born out of a fun-filled holiday trip to New York, and how we can still celebrate the holiday while honoring those who are no longer with us at Christmas.
Links, Products and Resources Mentioned:
Dolly Parton Belives with God, All Things Are Possible episode
Celebrating the Power of Jesus’ Love: Mark Lowry and CBD President Ray Hendrickson episode
Choosing Christ Through Doubt & Fear: Bear Grylls & Rhonda Vincent episode
Lifting Up Others Through Service: Country Singer Jimmy Fortune and US Army Veteran Jess Key episode
Shining God’s Light Through Music: Oak Ridge Boys & Aaron Watson episode
The Sounds of Christmas album
The Dailey & Vincent show on RFD Television
“Jingle Bells” video
International Bluegrass Music Association
“A Jazzy Little Christmas” album
The Message Bible, Eugene Peterson
New York Cares (Winter Wishes program)
Interview Quotes:
“The most important part about all the music, just boiling it down to the bare bones, is the way you speak to other people. The songs that we pick and the way the songs speak to their hearts and give them such peace and joy.” - Darrin Vincent
“It's a universal language—music speaks to everybody.” - Darrin Vincent
“We don't know what all these people are going through. But many people in that audience are going through something. It is our job to go out there and take them on a 90-minute ride that will make them forget whatever they're dealing with, and hopefully leave there feeling a lot better.” - Jamie Dailey
“My testimony is that a perceived no might be just a not now from God.“ - Ernie Haase
“What Sarah has done with the Jesus Calling book, for me, she’s made Jesus very personal, very relatable.” - Ernie Haase
“Hopefully, by people listening to our music and enjoying our music, it'll make the season a little bit brighter for some people.” - Ernie Haase
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Audio podcast: https://bit.ly/2uCnNM0
Original Series video podcast: https://bit.ly/2WzFY0O
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As people of faith, we can talk about some of life’s hardest moments openly, knowing when we share our struggles, our friends and family will rally around us. But what do we do when we have questions and doubts about our faith? Where will we find acceptance when we question the tenets of our faith or even the presence of God? God promises He is always near to us, no matter what—and that includes our questions and doubts. This week’s guests, pastors and writers Erwin McManus and Dominic Done, talk about the battles we fight to find hope and answers. And they remind us when we seek God, even in the midst of our hardest moments, we can find His peace, which passes all understanding.
Links, Products and Resources Mentioned:
Sarah Young, author of Jesus Calling
Jesus Calling weekly Prayer Call
Jesus Calling interview with Bishop T. D. Jakes & worship leader Don Moen
Mosaic Church (Los Angeles, CA)
The Way of the Warrior: An Ancient Path to Inner Peace
When Faith Fails: Finding God in the Shadow of Doubt
Existential Nihilism vs. Atheism Worldviews
Interview Quotes:
“The reason there are wars that rage all around us is that there are wars that rage within us.” Erwin McManus
“The battle for peace is exactly that: it's a struggle, it's a battle, it's a daily engagement for peace within your soul.” - Erwin McManus
”For hope to exist, it has to be in the future. When our hope is placed in the past, it turns into regret.” - Erwin McManus
“I'm convinced the reason we're created in the image of God is that we're imagined by God to create” - Erwin McManus
“Anyone who ever aspires to do anything meaningful is going to have the loss of a dream. One huge challenge is to not put your identity in the dream, because if your value as a human being is based on the dream you're pursuing, then your value is really fragile.” - Erwin McManus
“Many of us can identify and relate to a guy like Doubting Thomas. We want a deeper form of faith, but we also don't know what to do with our struggles and our questions.” - Dominic Done
“I think it takes wisdom to learn how to live in the tension of an unresolved faith.” - Dominic Done
“I would actually argue that God designed [us] in such a way that questions are born and that questions can lead us into a deeper, richer, more meaningful relationship with God.” - Dominic Done
“I would argue that the mystery in a relationship is actually what makes a relationship beautiful.” - Dominic Done
“We get so obsessed with wanting all the answers. But it's not about having every single answer. It's about the wrestle. It's about the struggle. It's about intimacy with God.” - Dominic Done
“I'm learning that God is speaking, but I'm not always listening.” - Dominic Done
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Some moments feel like you’re playing in a big game. It’s the 4th quarter, your team is down by 6, and you’re the quarterback—the outcome rests on your shoulders. You’ve spent hours watching your opponent on film, and you’ve played against them for nearly 60 minutes. You’ve been watching their patterns and strategies, and you come up with a play you’re certain will outsmart them and lead you to victory—but your Coach doesn’t agree. He gives you another play to run, one you don’t quite understand. So you’re faced with a dilemma: should you run your own play, the one you understand? Or do you trust your Coach’s wisdom and run with His strategy, leaving the game in His hands? Our guests this week, NFL Hall of Fame quarterback Kurt Warner and CBS Sports broadcaster James Brown, decided to live according to God’s playbook. And each of their journeys is a testament to the amazing things that happen when we lean on God’s wisdom and trust His timing.
Links, Products and Resources Mentioned:
Sarah Young, author of Jesus Calling
Jesus Calling weekly Prayer Call
Jesus Calling interview with Mark Herzlich
Jesus Calling interview with Erwin McManus
Kurt Warner, NFL Hall of Fame quarterback
James Brown, Sportscaster
The Cove (Billy Graham Training Center)
Interview Quotes:
"When I finally did get to the NFL, it was so much bigger than [people wearing my jersey]. It was, 'How can I use this to inspire and impact other people?'" - Kurt Warner
“[I have] this unique story that has a chance to impact more people because of the journey [itself] than anything accomplished on the field.” - Kurt Warner
“Every time something goes against us, the first thing we want to do is scream out to God, or blame God, or blame someone else. And [now I] have that constant reminder: Hold on, we've been here before. And you've seen how God has taken something that you think is horrific and [He has] made it into something unique, special, and impactful.” - Kurt Warner
"My [high school basketball coach] stressed those of us playing for him had to have four priorities in place: God had to be first. Family second. Then school, then your sport." - James Brown
“Many things that are very simple are really profound and leave an indelible impression, a life-changing influence.” - James Brown
“So even though in the work environment, you may not find me running around beating people over the head with the Bible, I pray that I am modeling God's word with all the characteristics being displayed in what I do.” - James Brown
“God has got each of us right where He wants us, so let's maximize that lean, that sphere of influence where we are.” - James Brown
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In our world, it’s easy to let others define our worth. After all, we interact with people and get feedback on our performance all day long at work, at school, in communities online and off. We feel great when other people compliment us or “like” our posts—but what happens when people don’t like what we’re doing? What happens when we try to chase that affirmation from people and fail to live up to their ever-changing standards? This week, we talk with two actors in the spotlight—Priscilla Shirer and Jeremy Ray Taylor—who try diligently to remember God defines their worth, not the world, and that our days are so much better when we live for His glory and not our own.
Links, Products and Resources Mentioned:
Sarah Young, author of Jesus Calling
Jesus Calling weekly Prayer Call
Jesus Calling Interview with Tony Evans
Jesus Calling Interview with country singer Josh Turner and NASCAR driver Michael McDowell
Priscilla Shirer
Overcomer Movie (official website)
Overcomer Movie (IMDB)
Overcomer Movie trailer (YouTube)
NFL Hall of Fame quarterback Kurt Warner
Interview Quotes:
“Sometimes we are wishing away the very things about our uniqueness that are designed to be used for a purpose we can't even comprehend.” - Priscilla Shirer
“Each and every one of us have to decide who or what we're gonna give permission to identify us, to label us, to name us.” - Priscilla Shirer
“Who you are in God can still anchor you even when there is chaos swirling around you.” - Priscilla Shirer
“What [defines] you? Who have you given that authority to? And in the end, it better be God, because everything else is up one day and gone tomorrow. But what God says about you remains, no matter what happens in this life.” - Priscilla Shirer
“I've just enjoyed the creative outlet of doing something different, and yet the same, in the sense that it's an opportunity to still share the love of Jesus just in a different way.” - Priscilla Shirer
“That's what overcoming is. It's having a peace that literally passes your understanding. You literally don't understand how you have peace in the midst of the storm that you are suffering and struggling through.” - Priscilla Shirer
“Life on a farm definitely has prepared me for acting. It definitely built a work ethic, I’d say.” - Jeremy Ray Taylor
“I recognized [him] and I was like, “Oh gosh, that’s Harrison Ford,” and he's just a normal guy, too. That was one crazy thing that I realized is that everybody [in Hollywood] is just normal.” - Jeremy Ray Taylor
“The more we're around people [in the film industry], the more we love it, and the more we're just able to love on people.” - Tracy Taylor
“For us, staying connected to God, that’s important as a conversation. And it’s just trying to keep that focus, to keep that the center of what you do and where you are.” - Tracy Taylor
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Every one of us is fighting a hard battle. Day in and day out, we try our best to care for loved ones and spread a little of God’s goodness in the world—and sometimes that load feels heavier than others. But as we stumble around with the weight of our burdens, we forget we don’t have to carry them alone. Our guests this week, author and speaker Matthew Kelly and nonprofit leader Tammy Bullock, remind us that despite the burdens on our backs, we can choose to view our world through the lens of joy. And that joy helps us remember no matter what we’re carrying, God is always by our side, helping to lighten the load.
Links, Products and Resources Mentioned:
Sarah Young, author of Jesus Calling
Jesus Calling weekly Prayer Call
Jesus Calling Interview Candace Payne
Rediscover the Saints: Twenty-Five Questions That Will Change Your Life book
Tammy Bullock
Bible Gateway – Philippians 4:13
Interview Quotes:
“Humanity is broken and messy.” - Matthew Kelly
“I still believe the gospel of Jesus Christ is the best way to live." - Matthew Kelly
“I think it's very important that we monitor our joy, that we stay attentive to our joy.” - Matthew Kelly
“If we're mindful that everyone we meet is carrying a heavy burden, we treat people with a different gentleness or with a different respect.” - Matthew Kelly
“We talk about having a personal relationship with God, but it's hard to connect to that sometimes, and I think [Jesus Calling] effortlessly creates that connection and creates a bridge.” - Matthew Kelly
“In any situation we turn to God and say, ‘God, what do you want me to do right now?’ And if we just set aside self-interest, what we feel like doing, what we want to do, and we just do what we feel God is calling us to do in that moment, we've created a holy moment.” - Matthew Kelly
“The saints didn't live holy lives. They lived holy moments, and between the holy moments.” - Matthew Kelly
“But we all are called to be saints in the way Paul envisioned in his letters. I think that’s a concept that needs to be rediscovered, because it leads us to understand that we have a part to play in the revitalization of our society and the renewal of our world.” - Matthew Kelly
“As Christians and as a society, we need to give our leaders permission to be human, because we'll see an astounding new authenticity if we do.” - Matthew Kelly
“The spirit of God's relationship with [humanity] throughout the Judeo-Christian tradition has always been one of collaboration.” - Matthew Kelly
“At nine years old, I understood [the meaning of] faith: a hope for something I cannot see, but I can believe it.” - Tammy Bullock
“If You will save me, I will use this voice You have given me. I will use my voice, my speaking voice, all that I am to bring You glory." - Tammy Bullock
“Some of her last words I can remember [my mom] saying to me are, ‘Tammy, don't scratch with the chickens. You were made to soar.’” - Tammy Bullock
“I have seen so many women feel loved, feel embraced, and feel as if Jesus is talking to them. [Jesus Calling] is very personal, and they need to feel loved because perhaps each woman, depending upon her life story, has never felt loved unconditionally.” - Tammy Bullock
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Original Series video podcast: https://bit.ly/2WzFY0O
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When God created our world, the first thing He said was, “Let there be light.” And since then, the people of God have been beating back the darkness by shining His glorious light. This week, three music artists—Anthony Evans and duo Jenny & Tyler—tell us how they came to the realization of their calling, and why it’s so meaningful to them to spread Christ’s light to others.
Links, Products and Resources Mentioned:
Unexpected Places book
Press Release: Anthony Evans as ‘Beast’ in Beauty & the Beast Live Tour
JC Interview with Another Artist Spreading God’s Light: Ellie Holcomb
Official Music Video: Waters Roll
Interview Quotes:
“I have never tried to take on the identity of my parents or siblings, because I know that God has created me with a very unique build, and [it’s] the same thing with you.” - Anthony Evans
“I believe that my faith and my abilities were not just built for inside of the four walls of a church.” - Anthony Evans
“I'm always challenged to make sure I'm not compromising my faith in order to connect.” - Anthony Evans
“I define success by, Am I at peace internally? Because you can't go out and write a check for peace after you do the biggest thing in the world.” - Anthony Evans
“I have people in my life here in LA, in Hollywood who don't know church, but [Jesus Calling] has impacted their life.” - Anthony Evans
“When you step boldly into the unknown, God is always faithful to light up the next step.” - Anthony Evans
“When we know that we have been crucified with Christ and it's no longer us who live but Him who lives in us, it's a lot easier to live beyond our circumstances and live in hope and in victory.” - Tyler Summers
“I think we'll never get past that message of ‘Abide in Me.’” - Tyler Summers
“It's so easy to hide behind the artist facade, or to look at ourselves as artists instead of as children of God who are loved deeply.” - Tyler Summers
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Audio podcast: https://bit.ly/2uCnNM0
Original Series video podcast: https://bit.ly/2WzFY0O
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There are 7 words that can change the way we worship. Today, Christian music songwriter Chris Tomlin and pastor Darren Whitehead let us in on a few and explain how we can revolutionize our relationship with God when we learn the true meaning of worship.
Links, Products and Resources Mentioned:
Chris Tomlin & Darren Whitehead book: Holy Roar: Seven Words That Will Change the Way You Worship
Chris Tomlin, How Great Is Our God song
Chris Tomlin, Good, Good Father book
Church of the City (Franklin, TN)
Watoto Children’s Choir of Uganda
Ocean Way Studio (Nashville, TN)
Interview Quotes:
“Toldah is the idea of lifting your hands in praise...thanking God for what He has done, but it's also thanking God for what He has not yet done.” - Darren Whitehead
“This is the essence of Toldah. It is, ‘I will trust You when I'm uncertain. I will trust You when I'm afraid. I will worship You when I'm anxious. I will lift my hands to You for that which has happened and that which has not yet happened. I will trust You.’” Darren Whitehead
“When we make praising God a lifestyle, He guides us in ways that we are aware of and ways that we are not aware of.” - Darren Whitehead
“Worship is, it's universal. It is a universal language. And just to play a small role in that has been an incredible journey in my life.” - Chris Tomlin
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Rascal Flatts’ Jay DeMarcus and Jesus Culture’s Kim Walker-Smith remind us how God can use the shattered pieces of our lives to create a beautiful mosaic that shows His glory.
Links, Products and Resources Mentioned:
Jesus Calling: 365 Devotions for Kids
Jay DeMarcus’s book, Shotgun Angels: My Story of Broken Roads and Unshakeable Hope
Max Lucado’s book, Grace for the Moment: Inspirational Thoughts for Each Day of the Year
Kim Walker-Smith’s book, Brave Surrender: Let God’s Love Rewrite Your Story
Interview Quotes:
“I'm grateful I had a mom who cared enough to really lay the groundwork for me for later on in life.” - Jay DeMarcus
“[My mom] kept pushing me and telling me that I was right where God wanted me to be and that I didn't need to let the enemy defeat me.” - Jay DeMarcus
“As long as you keep your ears and your eyes and your heart open, you also can recognize those God moments.” - Jay DeMarcus
“You have to be very deliberate about making time for everything that's important to you in your life.” - Jay DeMarcus
“The thing I love about Jesus Calling is I feel like He's speaking right to me when I'm reading it.” - Jay DeMarcus
“Man makes his plans, but the Lord aligns his steps.” Proverbs 16:9
“I feel Jesus constantly pulling me back and reminding me to live in that moment with Him.” - Kim Walker-Smith
“Freedom and authenticity and vulnerability in worship is something that I have contended for in my life.” - Kim Walker-Smith
“I poured out my heart into this book with as much vulnerability and honesty as I could, because I wanted people to see the reality of Jesus in our circumstances, our pain, our mess, whatever it is we're facing.” - Kim Walker-Smith
“One thing that I have learned in my journey with Him is that it's really easy to surrender when you feel beatdown, broken, at the end of yourself. “ - Kim Walker-Smith
“[God] is a kind and loving Father that comes to us and meets us where we are and answers when we call out to Him.” - Kim Walker-Smith
“As I surrender to Him and [am] present with Him in the moment, He can transform that and create something beautiful out of that.” - Kim Walker-Smith
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For decades, Melinda Gates and Dr. Tony Evans have empowered women and men to reach for lives of dignity and hope. Since she and her husband Bill began their foundation in 2000, Melinda has been working tirelessly to improve the lives of women and children worldwide. And in that time, she’s seen when you lift up a woman, she lifts up everyone else. She’s written about her experiences in her new book The Moment of Lift. Dr. Evans believes God wants every man to be a world changer, and in order to do so, he needs to take responsibility for his life and his actions. He shares how an ordinary man can become extraordinary in his new film Kingdom Men Rising.
Links, Products and Resources:
- Melinda Gates book, The Moment of Lift
- Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation
- Tony Evans documentary film, Kingdom Men Rising
- Tony Evans’ The Urban Alternative
Interview Quotes:
“We have this need as human beings to connect to one another.” - Melinda Gates
“If you lift up a woman, she lifts up everyone else.” - Melinda Gates
“I spend quiet time every morning. That's where I find my soul and my inspiration, and where I focus closely on who is it that I want to be in the world.” - Melinda Gates
“Men have to be willing for God to tell them what to do in their personal life, in their family life, their church life, and in their civic life.” - Dr. Tony Evans
“The way a man leads his family best is around the table—praying and blessing, guidance, correcting—he does all that at the table.” - Dr. Tony Evans
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Today we hear the miraculous true story of one mother’s belief in the power of prayer that not only brought her son back to life, but continues to inspire people around the world in a new inspirational movie called Breakthrough, starring Chrissy Metz from NBC’s This Is Us. On a cold winter’s day in Missouri, John Smith was a 14-year-old boy playing on a frozen lake with two of his best friends. But a carefree day soon grew dire as the ice gave way and boys fell into the lake. While John’s friends were able to escape, John remained underwater for fifteen minutes. And by the time he was pulled out by first responders, he didn’t have a pulse. John’s mother Joyce was summoned to the hospital, and when she saw her son’s lifeless body on the hospital bed, she turned to God for a miracle. Later, we hear how the Smiths’ story traveled from a Missouri hospital room to a Hollywood studio, and how the cast and crew of Breakthrough were able to see God’s hand throughout the creation of the film.
Links, Products and Resources Mentioned:
Interview Quotes:
“I had drowned and was underwater for 15 minutes.” - John Smith
“I lay lifeless. They did everything medically, scientifically that they could do.” - John Smith
"I believe God is who He says He is. I believe God can do what He says He can do. And I believe in God." - Joyce Smith
“Anybody would be [upset] when they tell you that you know they've just pulled your son out of the lake and he doesn't have a heartbeat. . . . But my first go-to was God to pray. That was what I had been prepared to do over the weeks beforehand.” - Joyce Smith
“[God], You say we can come to You with the things going on in our lives, and You're there to be faithful to us and answer our prayers." - Joyce Smith
“Holy Spirit, please come and bring me back my son." - Joyce Smith
“When [Mom] prayed, something so powerful rushed up my body that it pushed three nurses searching for a pulse physically back, and they can't explain it.” - John Smith
“Because God is omnipotent, and we are created in His image, our words have potency to them, they have power.” - Joyce Smith
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Original Series video podcast: https://bit.ly/2WzFY0O
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We’re celebrating one of God’s most special gifts: our pets. Animal rescue advocate Lavonne Redferrin and musician Irlene Mandrell have been deeply touched by God’s creatures and share sweet stories of how animals have impacted their lives. Lavonne Redferrin is the founder and executive director of Proverbs 12:10 Animal Rescue, which not only matches animals up with loving families, but works with local organizations, like prison ministries, to provide the therapeutic benefits of being around animals. Lavonne tells us about the earliest days of the organization and why she thinks God blessed us with the gift of pets. Growing up, Irlene Mandrell saw her fair share of miracles as she watched her sister Barbara rise to country music fame, then saw her sister Louise’s star rise alongside her own as the three formed the group Barbara Mandrell and the Mandrell Sisters. Irlene reflects on everyday miracles and special relationships she’s had with her family, her pets, and with God.
Links, Products and Resources Mentioned:
“6 Things Pets Teach Us” download
Davidson County TN Second Chances (Offender Dog Program)
Irlene Mandrell’s “God Rains Miracles” book
Interview Quotes:
“Proverbs 12:10 is an organization dedicated to saving as many of His helpless as we can.” - Lavonne Redferrin
“[The] animal has blessed [inmates] or taught them patience or given them something to wake up for inside those bars.” - Lavonne Redferrin, on the Second Chances program with the Davidson County Sheriff’s Office
“[Proverbs 12:10 is] at the point that we place an average of a thousand animals a year.” - Lavonne Redferrin
“We truly are dedicated to all [animals] in our care.” - Lavonne Redferrin
“The best way to show your animals that you love and care for them is to give them a proper home in which to live.” - Lavonne Redferrin
“We've had animals surrendered to us, and they will literally sit and watch for hours and days for that person to come back.” - Lavonne Redferrin
"Push back the demands pressing in on you, and create a safe space around you, a haven in which you can rest in Me." - Jesus Calling
“I truly believe that [animals are] everything God meant for us to be.” - Lavonne Redferrin
“You’d wish God would just slow down time a little bit because everything's so wonderful. And I just find myself thanking Him.” - Irlene Mandrell
“God rains miracles all around us—we just have to look for them!” - Irlene Mandrell
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Former WWE wrestlers Ted DiBiase and Marc Mero learned just how powerful our choices could be: they can either leave us empty, or allow us to be used by God for His good. Wrestling fans may know Ted DiBiase as “The Million Dollar Man,” but today, we get a look at the man behind the persona. Ted looks back on how his father, who was also a wrestler, influenced Ted to pursue the sport he loved. As Ted rose through the ranks and became a world-famous wrestler, he reveals how he got caught up in a destructive lifestyle that led him to the brink of losing everything that really mattered to him. A talented athlete from an early age, Marc Mero always had dreams of being in professional sports. As he acquired all the things he had dreamed of since he was a little boy—fame, wealth, status—he quickly realized his choices had consequences. After he recognized he’d been dreaming of the wrong things, Marc took a long, hard look at what he was living for.
Links, Products and Resources Mentioned:
Jesus Calling devotional by Sarah Young
Million Dollar Man Ted DiBiase
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
Interview Quotes:
“But before you can commit your life to Christ, you have to surrender it first. And you're either all in or you're not in.” - Ted DiBiase
“Be a leader, not a follower. Be the head, not the tail. If you're willing to sacrifice, if you're willing to pay the price, you can be anything you want to be in life.” - Mike DiBiase, Ted’s father
“I had been so faithful to my convictions until God gave me what I wanted.” - Ted DiBiase
“I want to tear up and cry because of the realization that there's a God that big who could love me that much.” - Ted DiBiase
“I'm at the height of my career. I've got everything I ever dreamed, I ever wanted. Plus I've got this unbelievable wife and these three beautiful children, but I have no character. I have no integrity. I don't have the stuff that counts. And wow, that was a wakeup call.” - Ted DiBiase
“God, I don't know where we're going. All I know is this: I don't ever want to feel like this again. I don't ever want to feel this lost, this low. I know You have a plan for me, and I know You’ll help me figure it out. . . . You take the helm of the ship. . . . I'm giving You my world to take care of.” - Ted DiBiase
“You always want to be a part of things. You always want to be liked. You want to be a good teammate or a good person. And I think because I wasn't good at first in sports, it made me work that much harder.” - Marc Mero
“I often tell kids that failure's not aiming high and missing. Failure's aiming too low and hitting. And I just say, ‘Dream big, aim high.’” - Marc Mero
“When you realize it's you that has to change, everything around you starts to change.” - Marc Mero
“We all go through hard times. We all go through storms in life. . . . Don't give up because I promise you, after every storm, the sun will eventually shine brighter than you could ever imagine.” - Marc Mero
“Many people are guilty of just being too hard on themselves. And when you're hard on yourself, you have to learn to love and value yourself because you can't give away what you don't have.” - Marc Mero
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Jeremy Cowart and Elisabeth Hasselbeck are driven by their faith to find a greater purpose for their lives, and use their talents to help others and reflect God’s glory in our world. Jeremy is a renowned photographer and the founder of The Purpose Hotel. As an artist, he endeavors to use his creativity to spotlight situations of need. Today Jeremy discusses his mission to create an intersection between empathy and creativity, and finding his true purpose. Elisabeth rose to prominence as a contestant on the second season of the reality television show Survivor, where she finished in fourth place. In July 2002, she joined the daytime talk show The View, and after ten years, she went on to join Fox & Friends. Elisabeth shares her experiences in each of her roles in television and relates how, in looking for her “calling,” she found herself running ahead of God. During these seasons of change, she related how she’s learned to wait for God’s guidance as He’s helped her identify her unique purpose in the world.
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Links, Products and Resources Mentioned:
Jeremy Cowart’s I'm Possible: Jumping into Fear and Discovering a Life of Purpose
book
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Elisabeth Hasselbeck’s Point of View: A Fresh Look at Work, Faith, and Freedom book
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Interview Quotes:
“Greatness should serve a greater purpose.” - Jeremy Cowart
“In every failure, we still learn.” - Jeremy Cowart
“My mission is to explore the intersection of creativity and empathy.” - Jeremy Cowart
“I just love trying to figure out how to be an innovator in times of need.” - Jeremy Cowart
“I just crave to see more people trying to help with their tools, use their [social media] accounts to do good things, to showcase others, to tell others’ stories.” - Jeremy Cowart
“My greatness should serve a greater good, and that is our greater God. It's His purpose.” - Jeremy Cowart
“I just grew up knowing that prayer was not something for one time a day, but something that was essential all times of day.” Elisabeth Hasselbeck
“God does not need you as His attorney.” - Bob Goff
“Understanding someone's point of view requires being next to them and with them, and just kind of like snuggling up behind their lens.” - Elisabeth Hasselbeck
“Only God can change your heart, and He still had work to do in my heart.” - Elisabeth Hasselbeck
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Parenting expert Dr. Jim Burns, along with husband-and-wife ministry team Dave and Ann Wilson teach us about caring for our loved ones through all seasons of life. As a father to three grown daughters, Jim has been through every stage of parenting. But when his daughters reached their adult years, Jim and his wife Cathy realized their parenting style needed to evolve with their changing relationship with their children. Jim took what he learned through the experience and shared it through his latest book, Doing Life with Your Adult Children. In 1990, Dave Wilson was traveling with the Detroit Lions as their chaplain. And when he was home, he and his wife Ann were building their young family and a new church, Though Dave and Ann seemed to be living the life of their dreams, on their 10th anniversary, Ann made a revelation that put their marriage into a spin and would forever change their relationship.
Links, Products and Resources Mentioned:
Jim Burns’ Doing Life with Your Adult Children book
Dave and Ann Wilson: daveandannwilson.com
Dave and Ann Willson’s Vertical Marriage book
Interview Quotes:
“I heal broken hearts . . . and broken relationships.” –Jesus Calling
“The book is called Doing Life With Your Adult Children. We say ‘Keep your mouth shut, keep the welcome mat out.’” - Dr. Jim Burns
“The bottom line in parenting—they could be a five-year-old or an adult—is not that you raise obedient children, but that you raise responsible adults.” - Dr. Jim Burns
“When kids stray, whether it be lifestyle choice or whether it be faith issues, I think what we do is we still stand by them, and we have to understand where they're coming from.” - Dr. Jim Burns
“I think Jesus had some disagreements with people. No doubt He said it. He was verbal about it, but then He still showed love to people that within His generation—you know, tax collectors—shouldn't have been at the party. The prostitutes shouldn't have been wiping her tears on His feet because that was not happening with the rabbis. But 2hat Jesus did was He didn't tend to agree with how they lived their life, but He did show love and acceptance.” - Dr. Jim Burns
“Tough love says that you surround [your children] with love, and while you surround them with love, you don't bail them out. And you don't dump your anger and frustration on them.” - Dr. Jim Burns
“You're overwhelmed by the evidence that says this really did happen and Jesus died for me, forgave me, rose from the dead to give me a new life and power.” - Dave Wilson
“I want to use what God's done in our lives to reach other people.” - Dave Wilson
“Dave was fulfilling this dream and this call—I felt like we were both called, but as a mom, I kind of felt left in the dust.” - Ann Wilson
"God, I have made my marriage and my husband an idol, and I put you back on the throne of my life...I confess that I haven't put you first. And I put you first now and make our marriage and our family what you want it to be." Ann Wilson
“We kind of put some things in place that could help us restore our marriage, my feelings, our relationship.” - Ann Wilson
“In time, my feelings for [Dave] came all the way back to a 10, and I feel like that was only because of God's mercy and grace, but also putting it into practice my walk with God [and] really fighting for it and making it a priority.” - Ann Wilson
“You didn't marry the wrong person, you're looking in the wrong place. Only God can give you what you’re really looking for.” - Dave Wilson
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Entrepreneur Helena Cho and radio host Susie Larson were devastated by different events that rocked their worlds and found themselves with nowhere to go—except to their knees in prayer. Helena Cho immigrated to the United States when she was just eight years old. Through hard work and the strong faith of her mother, Helena eventually began building a successful company at age 25. But in the 2008 financial crash, Helena lost everything. In the days that followed, she began to realize God had a much bigger plan for her life than she could’ve ever dreamed of. Through her radio show Live the Promise and now her new book Fully Alive, Susie Larson speaks as a survivor of physical traumas to encourage women everywhere that they are loved, they are strong, and through Jesus they can overcome.
Links, Products and Resources Mentioned:
Helena Cho's Website: Good Work(s) Make a Difference
Jesus Calling (September 18th)
Interview Quotes:
“With God all things are possible.” - Helena Cho
“[The September 18 entry of Jesus Calling reminds me,] Where is my focal point? It is not to please man. It is to please God.” - Helena Cho
"Lift your eyes to the mountain. Where does my help come from? It comes from above, the maker of heaven and earth." - Psalm 121
“Just because you have this joy, just because God gives you this amazing joy and peace, that doesn't mean everything just gets solved.” - Helena Cho
"The storms reveal the lies we believe and the truth we need.” - Susie Larson
"When you're a sufferer, to hear from someone who's suffered is just a great, great gift." - Susie Larson
"[God said to me] 'You rest while I work. You feast while I fight. You wait to take flight.'" - Susie Larson
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Tim Tebow and the cast of the new inspirational movie Run the Race, and Josh Enck of Sight and Sound Theatres share the powerful way God works through stories to change our lives.
With locations in Lancaster, Pennsylvania and Branson, Missouri, Sight and Sound welcomes more than a million people each year to their immersive productions that feature stories from the Bible. Over the years, Josh Enck has seen the countless ways the Bible’s timeless characters continue to connect with audiences and how the stories hold tremendous power to change lives.
The Jesus Calling team had a chance to connect live with the cast and creators of the inspirational movie Run the Race during a special premiere of the film. Tim Tebow and his brother Robby are the producers of the film, and each were drawn to the story of two brothers who defied all odds to achieve a better life for themselves, and strengthened their faith in God and each other along the way. Tim and cast members Tanner Stine, Evan Hoffer, and Kristoffer Polaha talk about why it was so important to them to bring this story to life on the big screen.
Pastors Joel and Nina Schmidgall and writer Darlene Brock are finding balance in their lives by they committing their closest relationships to prayer and giving their worries and expectations to God.
Joel and Nina Schmidgall live in Washington, D.C. and minister to couples at National Community Church. Over the years, they have learned how to include God’s love and guidance in their marriage by praying to Him. Joel and Nina have collaborated with their friends, Mark and Laura Batterson, and put their discoveries into a new book called Praying Circles Around Your Marriage.
After spending 20 years in the Christian music business, Darlene Brock felt God leading her in a new direction: beginning a ministry to help women join together and support each other to become the best version of themselves. Today, she explains why this support and community is so needed by women as they face unique challenges in our current society.
Radio host Delilah and author Gary Thomas are two gifted communicators who spread the joy of God’s love to others and show us different ways we can nourish our closest relationships.
Every night on her show, Delilah hears stories of the heart from her listeners which she in turn shares with millions of other listeners around the world. Today we learn about the woman behind the microphone as Delilah tells us about her growing-up years and how she broke into broadcasting. Despite her broad reach, Delilah has discovered that the easiest way to change the world is by touching the lives of your own neighbors and friends, which she talks about in her new book, One Heart at a Time.
Gary is a teaching pastor who often counsels couples before their wedding day, and this journey has led to his latest book, Preparing Your Heart for Marriage: Devotions for Engaged Couples. Today he shares insights for couples looking to begin their marriages with God at the center, and tells us about the surprising blessings of Gary’s own stage of marriage: empty nester.
Authors Brenda Minton, Marta Perry, Lee Tobin McClain, and Shirlee McCoy write for Love Inspired, a line of books that shows how faith, forgiveness, and hope have the power to lift our spirits and change our lives. Through the books they create and the stories they tell us from their own lives, each author reminds us that love takes many forms, from love between parents, friends, partners, pets, children, and more. God gives us many kinds of relationships that bless our lives—all we have to do is look for them.
Kerri Rawson, had her identity ripped from her at 26 years old, when authorities arrested her father, Dennis Rader, who plead guilty in 2005 to being the notorious BTK serial killer. Through her tremendous faith, Kerri found the strength to forgive the man who ruined eight families, including her own, and the courage to tell her story, first through ministry and now in her book A Serial Killer’s Daughter: My Story of Faith, Love, and Overcoming.
NFL Hall of Fame wide receiver Tim Brown and Super Bowl champion quarterback Jeff Hostetler achieved amazing success in their sport, and have witnessed the power of God in their personal and professional lives.
Tim Brown’s career spanned a record-breaking 17 years in the NFL. His motivation to succeed in life and in football was driven by a desire to reconcile with his father, after a misunderstanding when Tim was only 12 years old drove them apart for years. Tim recalls the life-changing moment with his father that would define his path for over a decade.
We welcome back Jeff Hostetler for the continuation of his amazing story. Jeff led the New York Giants to their win in Super Bowl XXV some 1 ½ months after starting quarterback Phil Simms went out for the season with a broken foot. He tells us about his rocky start in the league, the family crises he endured during that time, and how he was able to realize the purpose for years of hard waiting as he learned to trust God’s timing in his life.
Darlene Zschech and Margaret Feinberg have seen God’s presence woven into the fabric of their lives and realized He’s closer to us in ways we might have never imagined.
First up, Darlene Zschech grew up in Australia and found commercial success in music at age 10, but decided to leave a career as an entertainer to seek a life in worship and ministry. During In 1993, during a stressful time in her life Darlene found herself at her piano, prayerfully singing her heart to God. The words that flowed out eventually became one of most recognized praise and worship songs of the modern era: “Shout to the Lord.” She shares about the joys and heartaches of being a pastor, and writes candidly about her cancer journey and reconciling the disease with her faith in her new book The Golden Thread.
Beloved Bible teacher Margaret Feinberg has been writing for more than 20 years. She tells us about her early experiences growing up with parents who moved around quite a bit, and how that shaped Margaret’s curiosity and love of exploring different people and cultures. Margaret uses that curiosity in her new book Taste and See: Discovering God Among Butchers, Bakers, and Fresh Food Makers, where she shares a culinary exploration of Scripture that profoundly changed the way she viewed gatherings around food forever.
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Surfer Bethany Hamilton and Switchfoot frontman Jon Foreman both believe that by being open to others with their experiences, whether triumphant or tragic, God can use them to have a mighty impact. First up, A surfing prodigy at just 13 years old, Bethany’s future in the sport looked promising, but in one tragic incident, her life was changed by a shark attack that resulted in the loss of her left arm. With faith and courage, she refused to be a victim, and her story of survival and her return to competitive surfing has inspired millions. Today Bethany tells us how her faith carried her through her darkest days, and about her reluctance to share her story until a sudden realization changed her mind. For more than 20 years, GRAMMY-winning recording artist Jon Foreman has been the lead singer of the alternative band Switchfoot, inspiring legions of fans across the world with guitar riffs and contemplative lyrics in songs like “Dare You to Move” and “Meant to Live.” Jon tells us about the band’s earliest days and the story behind their breakout moment when their music was featured in the movie A Walk to Remember. He shares about the band’s new album Native Tongue, and why they blur the lines between secular and sacred as they try to reach a broad audience with Christ’s love and life-giving purpose.
Devon Still and Keni Thomas have braved life-or-death moments. Now they strive to set an example for others and show them how they trusted God for His life-giving presence. First up, Devon Still is an All-American defensive end who spent his NFL career playing for the Cincinnati Bengals, Houston Texans, and New York Jets. In 2014, just weeks after his faith in God was re-ignited, Devon discovered Leah was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer. He recounts a pivotal moment in a hospital chapel that changed the way he viewed his new faith and his daughter’s disease. Our next guest, country music artist and former Army Ranger Keni Thomas, was impressed with a strong sense of duty to serve in the military. In 1993 he was deployed to Somalia, where he found himself entrenched in the horrific events portrayed in the book and movie Black Hawk Down. Today Keni is a motivational speaker who draws on his military experience to inspire audiences worldwide. He reflects on the fateful day in Mogadishu and describes the work he does now to help veterans transition back into civilian life, while demonstrating how gratitude can drastically change your perspective.
David Crowder and Francesca Battistelli are Christian music artists trying their best to follow wherever God leads them to create, even if they end up somewhere unexpected. In 1996, while he was still a student at Baylor University, David and a few of his friends formed popular Christian rock and modern worship music group, The David Crowder*Band. The group went on to win numerous Gospel Music Association Dove Awards and were nominated for a GRAMMY. After 16 years together, and just having released the number 2 album in the world behind Adele,the band decided to part ways. Crowder went on to perform as a solo artist and has just released a new album called I Know a Ghost. Today David shares how his parents and growing up in church shaped his path, and how, through this latest album, he came to recognize the power of God’s spirit living inside each of us. Francesca Battistelli has been a recording artist for more than a decade, all the while touring and raising her young family. Today Francesca tells us about her Broadway musical background, how she strives to be a courageous example for her children, and why she’s thankful God sent her back to the drawing board more than forty times until she had written all the songs for her new album called Own It.
Will Graham, grandson of Billy Graham, and Myquillyn Smith have been blessed with rich family legacies, and honor the values and lessons they’ve been taught from previous generations. Today, Will Graham is the vice president of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association. Although he grew up under the legacy of his grandfather, Will was given freedom to follow any path he chose. Will shares what it was like growing up in the Graham family, about the winding path he followed as God led him to serve in his family’s ministry, and some stories from his first book, Redeemed: Devotions for the Longing Soul. When Myquillyn Smith grew up, she learned to embrace home as a place where rest, creativity, and hospitality could flourish. And for the past ten years, Myquillyn has been encouraging women to embrace their home—imperfections and all—on her blog, The Nester, and now in her new book Cozy Minimalist Home. Today Myquillyn tells us how she began to let go of perfection and be content with what she has, right where God put her, and how she’s been able to use her home to connect with others.
Bo Stern and Justine Froelker have walked dark roads filled with grief and lost hope. Today, Bo and Justine share how God gave them strength during and in the aftermath of their personal heartaches, especially at the holidays. Author and pastor Bo Stern had a happy home filled with four children, lots of friends and a loving church family. After two decades of marriage, her husband Steve’s health gradually began to deteriorate and they came to learn he was battling the first signs of ALS. In her book When Holidays Hurt, Bo recalls how painful and disorienting the Christmas season was during Steve’s illness, and how she wrestled with how to hold sadness and joy in her heart during the holidays. As therapist and author Justine Froelker has grown closer to God and studied with shame and vulnerability researcher Dr. Brené Brown, she has learned how to share her painful journey so she can help others. One of Justine’s most painful battles has been her struggle with infertility, all the while witnessing her friends’ growing families. In an unlikely encounter with God on Christmas Eve, Justine realized He had been with her during every painful step of her journey, and He had great plans for her, though they might look different than Justine’s own plan for her life.
Kathie Lee Gifford and Andy Stanley are two gifted communicators. Today, they tell us about the ways they reach out to inspire people young and old with the love and gifts God has for them. Up first, Kathie Lee Gifford is a television host, singer, songwriter, and author. She is the co-host with Hoda Kotb of the fourth hour of NBC's TODAY Show. When we spoke with Kathie Lee about her various successes, she talked about how her faith has kept her grounded through it all. She also shared about a new project she has been working on: a children’s book called The Gift That I Can Give, which encourages kids to recognize the unique gifts God has given each of us. In 1995, pastor Andy Stanley founded Atlanta-based North Point Ministries. Andy is one of the world’s most influential pastors, and one of the most prolific: he’s written more than 20 books, including his latest, Irresistible: Reclaiming the New that Jesus Unleashed for the World. Today, we talk with Andy about why he has a heart for connecting in a relevant way with people who haven’t been to church or have left the church, and about why he feels it’s important to reach people the way Jesus did: by showing His love to others.
Country gospel singer Susie McEntire Eaton and professional team roper and minister Trey Johnson grew up in the world of Western sports and are spreading the message of Christ’s love through music and speaking. First up, Susie McEntire Eaton grew up in rural Oklahoma, the youngest of four kids in a family who worked their ranch and competed in rodeos across the state. She recalls the stories of her early music days, touring with her sister Reba, and meeting her husband on the rodeo circuit. When she became pregnant with their first child, Susie’s marriage took a turn she never expected. She candidly shares how she struggled with years of abuse and shame.
Country artist Aaron Watson and rodeo broadcaster Anthony Lucia are entertainers dedicated to sharing their struggles openly, along with the faith that has carried them through. First, we catch up with Aaron Watson, a man of deep conviction who uses his music to spread hope and joy, whether through albums dedicated to hurricane relief or filling our hearts with Christmas cheer. He also tells us why he’s so transparent with his fans about the joys and heartaches he’s faced, and how he’s able to find God’s peace through it all. Rodeo star and broadcaster Anthony Lucia was born into a family well-known across the rodeo scene. His father was a rodeo performer, and Anthony began joining him in performances at age 8. As Anthony’s star began to rise, he moved out his father’s shadow and into his own identity. As a result, Anthony’s relationship with his father became strained, but he tells a beautiful story of reconciliation and healing between father and son.
Rodney Atkins and Rope & Candice Myers join us to talk about their careers in music and Western sports, and why allowing God to guide their steps has help them celebrate success and heal from painful struggles. Rodney Atkins is a prolific artist who works to create music that connects with his fans. When we was just days old, Rodney was surrendered to the state by his birth mother. Today he tells us how he found his family, how he nurtured his love of music from a young age, and how his faith paved the long road to success in Nashville. Rope Myers came from a family of rodeo athletes and started competing at a young age. In 2001, Rope become the World Champion Steer Wrestler, breaking National Finals Rodeo records along the way. He and his wife Candice, a Christian singer and speaker, had the world at their feet until they were dealt a tough blow to their family and learned to rely on God new ways.
Today’s guests, author and internet sensation Candace Payne and singer/songwriter Ellie Holcomb, are invested in finding joy each day and showing others that they too can find joy, even during the most difficult seasons. Candace has a joy that is infectious. Her viral video of trying on a Star Wars Chewbacca mask is one of the most viewed Facebook videos of all time. Candace has written a new book called Simple Joys, where she helps readers connect with joy that is all around us. Today she tells us about the unlikely places she has found joy in her life, about her evolving faith, and how each of us can obtain the joy God has for us on a daily basis. Ellie began her musical career by touring the country with her husband in the Americana band, Drew Holcomb and the Neighbors. Her latest projects include a children’s book and music EP, both titled Who Sang the First Song? Ellie talks to us about how she tries to bring joy through her music to those who are hurting, and her heart for sharing the truths of God’s Word with others.
Today we talk with guests who have experienced and witnessed deep hurts and have helped others find hope and healing in Christ: Joni Eareckson Tada and Dedee & Greg Lhamon. Joni Eareckson Tada is the Founder and CEO of Joni and Friends International Disability Center, and an international advocate for people with disabilities. In 1967, when Joni was just 17, a diving accident left her a quadriplegic in a wheelchair, without the use of her hands. Today, she encourages us that even when we think there is no answer to our deepest hurts, we can find strength in Christ. Dedee and Greg Lhamon are the founders of The Covering House in the St. Louis area, a home for girls who have been involved in sexual trafficking or exploitation. Dedee and Greg recount how they have been used by God to reach many girls in their darkest moments and give them hope for a life free from the bonds of their hurtful pasts.
These two men of faith strive every day to use their platforms for good: multi-platinum country artist Josh Turner and NASCAR driver Michael McDowell. Throughout his career, Josh Turner has spoken frequently about his Christian faith, and he just released his first gospel album called I Serve a Savior. Josh tells us about his deep roots in the church and gospel music, how he and his family joined Bill and Gloria Gaither to produce the album, and why he feels compelled to be a good example for his fans. Michael McDowell has been racing since he was three years old, and always dreamed of becoming a NASCAR driver. He achieved this dream, but not without challenges along the way. He tells us about the ups and downs throughout his career, and how, through it all, he’s learned to surrender control and rely on God for true success.
Today we talk with two women whose lives were touched by painful struggles and can now see, despite their pain, that God has a plan to use their stories for good: author Rachel Hollis and cancer activist Gil Schaenzle. Rachel Hollis is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of Girl, Wash Your Face. Rachel is a top motivational speaker and CCO of The Hollis Company, a media and lifestyle company, plus a mother of four. She shares some deeply personal tragedies and triumphs along her journey to success, and why she challenges women to reach for a better version of themselves every day. Gil Schaenzle is a tireless advocate for cancer awareness. When Gil’s daughter Anna was just 20, she was diagnosed with an aggressive form of neuroendocrine cancer and passed away just nine months later. To raise awareness for the horrific disease, Gil decided to run through all fifty U.S. National Parks in just nine months, a dream she and Anna shared together. Today, Gil tells us about her daughter and their dream, and how she finds the strength every day to press on in her memory.
Our guests this week have experienced what it’s like to be made whole through Christ: Christian musician Russ Taff and Proverbs 31 author and speaker Wendy Pope. Russ Taff is a GRAMMY and Dove Award-winning vocalist who has been hailed by Billboard magazine as “the single most electrifying voice in Christian music.” Russ shares harrowing experiences from growing up in an abusive and alcoholic home, his own battle with alcoholism, and his lifelong battle with shame. His experience and musical journey has been dramatized in the new film Russ Taff: I Still Believe. Wendy Pope has a heart for speaking to women and helping them step boldly into the lives that God has designed for them. Today, Wendy tells us about her newest book Yes, No, and Maybe: Living with the God of Immeasurably More. She shares how we can see past our disappointments and unfulfilled dreams and instead how we can discover treasures in our lives we may not be able to see at the surface.
Today’s guests discuss how families can work together to do good in the world and leave a legacy that will have impact for years to come: author and speaker Bob Goff and his daughter Lindsey Goff Viducich and businesswomen and philanthropists Jackie Green and her daughter Lauren Green McAfee. Bob Goff is author of the New York Times bestseller Love Does, and is daughter Lindsey is a schoolteacher. Together, they talk about their new book Love Does for Kids and why they’re passionate to help kids all over the world. Jackie Green and Lauren Green McAfee’s family runs the Hobby Lobby chain of stores. As co-authors, earlier this year Jackie and Lauren released the book, Only One Life: How a Woman's Every Day Shapes an Eternal Legacy. Today the mother-daughter team tell us what legacy means to them, and why every person is equipped to leave behind a life that can reach countless generations into the future.
Today’s guests show us the power of relying on God in our darkest moments and staying connected with Him so that He can see us through our struggles: Joel and Luke Smallbone of the band, for KING & COUNTRY, and gospel music legend Sandi Patty. Joel and Luke Smallbone are part of a musical heritage, but earning their path to success was certainly not easy. Today they talk to us about their new album, Burn the Ships, how they’ve created their own musical legacy, and why it’s so important for them to carve out moments to be still with God. Sandi Patty came to fame in the 1980s as she sang alongside Bill and Gloria Gaither and wowed crowds with her stunning rendition of “The Star-Spangled Banner.” After four decades in the music industry, Sandi talks to us about how she fell in love with music at an early age, what it took for her to discover her voice, both personally and professionally, and why she believes showing up is the first step to having a deeper relationship with God.
Join us as we celebrate the release of two new Jesus Calling books for Christmastime! On this special episode, we talk with Christian singer/songwriter Mark Lowry about his favorite Christmas traditions and get a behind-the-scenes look at how he wrote one of the most beloved Christmas songs of all time, “Mary, Did You Know.” During the second half of our show, we continue the celebration as we talk with the president of Christian Book Distributors, Ray Hendrickson, and his staff as they commemorate 40 years of ministering to the world with Christian products. Ray and the CBD staff share how they take great joy in sharing products that help their customers through tough times and grow their faith—products like our very own Jesus Calling.
Welcome to the Jesus Calling Podcast. Today we talk with two women who channel their artistic gifts into messages of hope that they use to inspire the world: country music star RaeLynn and Christian writer Kristy Cambron. RaeLynn believes in the power of music to tell stories and help others who are struggling feel they are not alone. After she was a contestant on NBC’s The Voice in 2012, RaeLynn saw her career skyrocket. RaeLynn shares how her passion for music was born in church, the winding road she traveled to launch her music career, and how God has helped her overcome personal and health struggles. Since she was a child, Kristy Cambron has loved telling stories. She tells us how one art history class in college inspired her to write first novel more than a decade later, why she decided to quit her Corporate America job after 15 years and begin writing books, and why a book on her desk at work inspired her to make that leap.
Today we talk with three guests who have dedicated their lives to ministry by bringing others closer to God, even when they themselves couldn’t always see the way forward: pastor and New York Times bestselling author Craig Groeschel, and husband-and-wife author and publisher team Jack & Marsha Countryman. Recently, Craig Groeschel released his newest book, Hope in the Dark: Believing God Is Good When Life Is Not. Today Craig tells us why asking God questions can create a stronger relationship with Him, and how we can endure challenges without losing our faith. Jack and Marsha Countryman have been married for 52 years, and have worked side by side each day of their marriage. They started their publishing company, J. Countryman, at their kitchen table almost forty years ago. Today they describe how they’ve been able to use their talents to connect millions of people to the promises of God, how they’ve been able to keep their marriage strong after five decades, and why they’ve decided to keep going to work every day, even in their later years.
Today’s guests, author and speaker Kay Warren and UFC fighter Cody Garbrandt, know firsthand what it’s like to help people they care about face circumstances that are too tough for them to face alone. Kay Warren is the co-founder of Saddleback Church with her husband, Rick. For more than ten years, Kay has been a tireless advocate for those living with mental illness. She shares how she and her husband Rick met, the beginnings of Saddleback Church, and her fight for her son’s life as he dealt with mental illness. When UFC World Champion fighter Cody Garbrandt was a young boy, he dreamed of becoming a champion. His family was filled with generations of fighters, and while growing up in a blue-collar town in central Ohio, his dream to become a champion seemed nearly impossible. After years of struggle, when Cody was 20, his brother introduced him to someone who would change Cody’s life forever.
Welcome to the Jesus Calling Podcast. Today we visit with Mark and Danielle Herzlich. Mark is a Super Bowl-winning NFL linebacker with the New York Giants. Danielle is a new mom and a captain in the U.S. Army. By the time Mark and Danielle met in college, each had faced difficult battles in their young lives. Mark was a football star, destined for the NFL, when he found out he had a life-threatening cancer. And as Danielle began college, she was putting a life of domestic abuse behind her and recovering from the terror that her abusive father brought into her home. As they were seeking God to sort out their lives, God brought them together and showed them how they could use the pain of their experiences to help others find courage through similar challenges.
Welcome to the Jesus Calling Podcast. Today’s guests, Scott Hamilton and Rhonda Hodge, are both cancer survivors and teach us the power of resilience when it comes to facing trials in their lives. Scott Hamilton is an Olympic gold medalist and champion figure skater. After losing his mother to cancer, then becoming a cancer survivor himself, Scott became an activist against the disease. Scott talks to us today about his journey to skating stardom, how his wife led him to a close relationship with God, and how surviving cancer gave him purpose. Rhonda Hodge is a wife, mom, and cancer survivor. Rhonda faced cancer in her family over the years—with her husband, her best friend, and even with her own college-aged daughter—only to find out she too had the disease. She describes how she faced the diagnoses of family members and friends, and how she clung to God through her own diagnosis.
Today’s guests, multi-platinum country star Hunter Hayes and drummer Jen Ledger from the Christian supergroup Skillet, have battled with dark feelings of inadequacy and anxiety. They have each found hope through these feelings by remembering how God views them. Hunter Hayes is a five-time GRAMMY nominee and one of the youngest solo male artists to top the Hot Country Songs chart. Hunter discusses how he grew into a singer/songwriter and how he works out the answers to hard questions through his songs, like his latest single “Dear God.” Hunter is candid about his insecurities; despite his monumental success at such a young age, he deals with feelings of not being good enough. Over the last ten years, Jen Ledger has been the drummer for Skillet as they’ve been nominated for GRAMMYs and played live for hundreds of thousands of people all over the world. Jen trusted God as He opened doors for her career, even when she didn’t believe in herself. Now she is releasing her first solo record that features a very personal song called “Not Dead Yet” that Jen describes as a song borne from a time when struggled with and battled internal fear and anxiety.
Today’s guests help us see that even when life gets hard, we can keep going, knowing that God’s plans for us will always bring us exactly where we need to be: Fox News anchor Ainsley Earhardt and author Andy Andrews. Ainsley Earhardt is the co-anchor of Fox & Friends. Ainsley has a robust background in broadcast journalism. She recounts her journey up to network television, and tells us how she has been able to trace God’s hand through her life, and how her faith has sustained her during some of her darkest moments. Andy Andrews is a New York Times bestselling author, speaker, and consultant for the world’s most successful teams and fastest growing organizations. Andy encourages us to keep going, even when life gets hard, by using our imagination and trusting God’s timing to help us move toward the life God has planned for us.
Our guests today address the key to finding hope in a sometimes dark world with an encouraging message for every generation; from teenagers to Baby Boomers. Pastor Max Lucado is a New York Times bestselling author who has a new book called Unshakeable Hope, in which he offers guidance for overcoming sadness and despair, renewing a sense of purpose, and triumphantly facing our fears of the future. Christian musician Phil Joel is best known for his long-standing role as bass player and vocalist for the multi platinum-selling band Newsboys. Phil shares his journey to becoming a part of the Newsboys, and how, with his new band Zealand, he brings hope to young people, enabling them to draw closer to God through worship.
Today’s guests, doctors Henry Cloud and Daniel Amen, help us see how science and scripture can be connected in ways that explain our hurts and heal our pain. Dr. Henry Cloud is a clinical psychologist and New York Times bestselling co-author of Boundaries. He shares Biblical and scientific support that show how healthy emotional boundaries honor God, ourselves and others. Dr. Daniel Amen is one of America’s leading psychiatrists and brain health experts. He has helped countless people change their brains and lives through his clinics, public television programs, and books, including the New York Times bestseller The Daniel Plan and his latest book, Memory Rescue. Today he tells us how taking care of our physical health helps us take care of our brain and spiritual well-being.
Our guests today have experienced first hand the faithfulness of God--even in difficult times--pastor and author Dr. David Jeremiah and cancer survivor Tracy Layman. Dr. David Jeremiah is the pastor of Shadow Mountain Church and the founder of the popular radio ministry Turning Point. Dr. Jeremiah speaks to us about God’s faithfulness—-even through the difficult seasons of our lives. Tracy Layman is a wife, mother and cancer overcomer who volunteers with Compassion That Compels, an organization dedicated to bringing hope and comfort to women who have been diagnosed with cancer. Tracy Layman shares how she faced the grim news from her doctors about her cancer and how God was faithful to bring people into her life to support her and how she also felt inspired to encourage and support others facing similar battles.
Sadie Robertson has appeared on ABC’s Dancing With the Stars and also A&E’s Duck Dynasty. Sadie shares her journey of finding freedom through being real and vulnerable to God and to others. Her book, Live Fearless: A Call to Power, Passion & Purpose is now available.
As followers of Christ, we all have the opportunity to treat others with integrity and love, making a difference in a sometimes unkind world. Full House and Dancing with the Stars actress Candace Cameron Buré is putting this into practice in her daily life by seeking ways to show little kindnesses to the people around her daily--even if only through a smile. Author and speaker Kristin Fry knows the challenges of being a single Christian woman in a community that prizes marriage and family. She gives her perspective on how to date with compassion and integrity--never forgetting that despite our marital status--God has chosen us for His purposes and loves us just as we are.
It’s easy to find heroes in history books or on the screen. But we can also find heroes in smaller moments, quietly leading others through service. Today’s guests, country music star Neal McCoy and Air Force Veteran and Chick-fil-A Foundation Executive Director Rodney D. Bullard, talk to us about service and why they feel it’s important they give back to their communities, their country, and their God. Neal tells us about his family’s legacy of service and why he thinks getting involved in your local community can have a huge impact. And Rodney D. Bullard, author of the new book Heroes Wanted, shares powerful ways we can reach out to others to become everyday heroes and create a life of service.
Dr. David Jeremiah is a writer, teacher and pastor of Shadow Mountain Community Church. Dr. Jeremiah speaks to us about God’s faithfulness—-and how even through the challenges of life, God remains faithful. Sharing from his own experiences, Dr. Jeremiah encourages people to seek God daily and to look for His faithfulness in their own lives.
Today we visit with two men who have experienced the healing power of sharing with others the pain of their personal struggles. Pastor Johnny Baker is the Pastor of Celebrate Recovery at Saddleback Church. As an adult child of an alcoholic who experienced addiction to alcohol, Johnny is passionate about breaking the cycle of dysfunction and pain by sharing his story and helping others find freedom through Christ. Jason Crabb is a GRAMMY and Dove Award winning singer. Jason and his wife Shellye learned the healing power of sharing their struggles with others after they experienced two devastating miscarriages. Jason connects others to God through his music, helping them to see how God has chosen them and that they are loved.
Our guests today have experienced the power of prayer in their lives and want to share with others what they can gain by talking to God. Holly Shivers is the author of I Can Learn the Bible and I Can Learn to Pray. Holly has served as a staff wife for over a decade at Prestonwood Baptist Church, where she stays involved in women's and children's ministries. Holly is passionate about encouraging both kids and adults to communicate with God through prayer. Erin Lundmark is a wife, mother and business owner. During a standard physical Erin received some devastating news—the diagnosis of stage 4 colorectal cancer and was given just weeks to live. Erin shares how she faced this news and how her relationship with God and the prayers of others carried her through this difficult time.
Author and Pastor Max Lucado shares his thoughts on how to combat anxiety during fearful times. Max has written two books on this topic—one for adults called “Anxious for Nothing,” and another one for Children called “I’m Not A Scaredy-Cat.” Max tells us about why it was important to him to write on the topic of anxiety, which afflicts so many of us in a tense world.
Today’s guests share with us how they dealt with difficulties in their life, and with God’s help, ultimately achieved their dreams: former NFL football player and Dancing with the Stars winner Rashad Jennings and Christian artist Ryan Stevenson. Rashad Jennings is a former NFL football player and winner of Dancing With the Stars in 2017. Against all odds, Rashad overcame several obstacles in his early years (including a difficult relationship with his father) that might have crushed his dreams, but when one person believed in him, it changed the course of his life. Ryan Stevenson is a contemporary Christian artist who started his career as a paramedic. Seeing stories of people’s most tragic moments played out in front of him shook him, but a pivotal moment saving a woman’s life would eventually end up saving his and leading him to his true calling--music.
Today’s guests are allowing themselves to be used by God to bring a message of hope and light through their music--The Oak Ridge Boys and Aaron Watson. The Oak Ridge Boys have dozens of Country hits and a Number One Pop smash, and have earned them Grammy, Dove, CMA, and ACM awards. The roots of the group and for each man individually are steeped in Gospel music and faith in God. Aaron Watson Aaron started chasing his dream of becoming a country singer/songwriter while still in college. Through perseverance, a work ethic instilled in him by his father, and the grace of God, Aaron has seen his career come to life over the last 18 years, and as his audience grows, he is determined to let use his music and his words glorify God.
We continue our series about country music and faith with today’s guests Marty Raybon & Mike Maguire from legendary country music group Shenandoah, and the long-admired country vocalist Gene Watson. Marty & Mike share about the beginnings of their band and how grateful they are to God to be able to bring music to the world for over 30 years. Gene shares about his humble beginnings and how he wanted to honor God and his parents for their faithfulness in all the good and challenging things that have happened in his life by recording his first Gospel record.
Today’s guests are two young women who have faced the typical challenges that girls deal with in our culture today--self confidence, peer pressure, criticism and authenticity. Chelsea Crockett started making videos as a teenager just for fun, which eventually morphed into her highly popular YouTube channel Beautylicious Insider. Chelsea’s mission is to show girls how to be authentically beautiful--mirroring the love of Christ to encourage their self worth. Kaylee Rutland is an upcoming country music singer/songwriter who, before performing and singing, battled shyness. Her songs have a message for young women everywhere, including a very special song she wrote for her 13-year old sister who was dealing with self-confidence issues.
We continue a special series focusing on country music and faith as we countdown to the Country Music Association’s CMA Fest, held in Nashville from June 7-10. Our guests today are the legendary duo The Bellamy Brothers and emerging country music artist, Zach Seabaugh. The Bellamy Brothers broke onto the scene with a smash hit on both the pop and country charts with the classic song “Let Your Love Flow,” and continue to tour all over the world. They share a little about their roots growing up in the church, about a new reality show that gives a glimpse into their family’s life in Florida and their new autobiography, "Let Your Love Flow: Life and Times of the Bellamy Brothers. Zach Seabaugh is an up and coming country artist who competed on Season 9 of the NBC show The Voice when he was just 16 years old-- where he placed 5th in the overall competition. Zach discusses what it’s like to be thrust into the spotlight at such an early age, and what motivates him to share his faith journey with his fans.
Our guests today have both experienced encouragement from someone who believed in them—their mothers. Our first guest is Jeff Hostetler, a Superbowl champion quarterback who led the New York Giants to their win in Super Bowl XXV some 1 1⁄2 months after the starting quarterback went out for the season with a broken foot. Jeff shares the ups and downs, frustrations and rewards of his football career and celebrates the woman who never stopped reminding him “whose he was,” and that “God had a plan for his life,” --his mom. Shaunti Feldhahn is a researcher, a speaker and a writer who has studied the effects of rest on the lives of stressed out moms--and women in general. Her new devotional, "Finding Rest: A Woman’s Devotional For Lasting Peace,” guides women in the practice of recharging emotionally, physically and spiritually through finding rest.
This week’s episode features two women who have grappled with the hard questions we all ask of God. Lysa TerKeurst is an author and speaker and Dorothy Ruelas works in prison ministry in Texas. Lysa candidly shares her journey to realizing that she was “good enough” when she stopped letting her circumstances define her and began believing in who God says she is.
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Today’s episode touches on themes of acceptance and how God loves us just the way we are. Lisa Harper is a Bible Teacher and a speaker. She shares about how she moved past the shame and trauma associated with early sexual abuse in her life by being able to view herself as worthy in God’s eyes. Shelley Breen, Leigh Cappalino and Denise Jones join us from award winning contemporary Christian singing group Point of Grace. They share their joy and honor at being able to bring messages of hope and acceptance to the world through music for over 20 years; plus their thoughts on favorite hymns and worship songs that are part of their new record “Beautiful Name.”
Melanie Shankle & Marshawn Evans Daniels have both learned how to move beyond what they thought “should” happen for their lives, and develop willing hearts to allow God to move them to a place beyond what they could ever have imagined. Melanie Shankle is a writer and a speaker, who in her past, tended to “limit” herself, based on her fears, insecurities and what others thought of her. When she learned to dispel these lies, she learned to never again underestimate what God could do with a willing heart. Marshawn Evans Daniels, author, speaker, Miss America finalist and participant on “The Apprentice,” was the picture of a successful woman. She shares about what she calls her “split rock moment,” after finding out the day before her “dream wedding,” that her fiance had been unfaithful, and how she had to let go of her plans, and allow God to take over.
This episode of The Jesus Calling Video Story features Donna Edwards, the First Lady of the state of Louisiana. Donna shares a little about her life and background, including partnering with her husband, Governor John Bel Edwards, in public service. As part of that service and in devotion to God, Donna felt led to share Jesus Calling with women inmates in her state, and visited them in person to deliver the books. She talks about that experience and the effect that gesture had on her and the women she encountered that day. We also interview two women from the Louisiana Correctional Institute for Women who received Jesus Calling books from The First Lady that day. They candidly share heart wrenching stories of their past and the hope Christ has given them for their futures.
Roma Downey and Jenn Gotzon Chandler are both actresses who are committed to shining the light of their faith in Hollywood. In addition to being an actress, Roma Downey is an author and producer. She is probably best known as the star of the iconic television show “Touched By An Angel.” In her newest book, Box of Butterflies, she talks about how important it is to recognize the blessings in front of us each day. She also shares about the special relationship she had with her Touched By An Angel Co-star Della Reese, who passed away last year, and the comfort she has in knowing that we’ll all be together one day in heaven. Jenn Gotzon Chandler aspires to inspire and uplift through the medium of film and storytelling. In her latest movie, “My Daddy Is In Heaven,” she plays the role of a young woman her loses her husband in a tragic accident, and how she comes to terms not only with his passing, but with raising her daughter alone and explaining to her why Daddy isn’t coming home. Her powerful portrayal of this role, and how God gives us the hope of heaven amidst our suffering, gave her strength when she was facing her own personal crisis.
Today’s guests exemplify excellence in their sports and a desire to honor God for their talents. Michael Chandler is a professional mixed martial artist who has garnered many wins since he came on the MMA scene in 2010. Michael is determined to use his platform to show the world that his strength comes from following Christ. Steel Lafferty has been wakeboarding since he was 12 years old and is considered to be one of the best in the world. His commitment to give God all of the glory for any accolades or achievements he receives in his sport is an example to young people everywhere.
Today’s guests feature a pair of brothers who have been pursuing excellence in the world of golf and also pursuing their relationship with God: The Bryan Brothers. Our second guest is Craig Johnson, a minister at Lakewood Church in Houston, Texas. Craig shares the story about how, when his son was diagnosed with autism, he trusted God’s purpose for his life and was inspired to write a book about that journey called “Champion.”
This week’s guests both have a legacy of inspiring and moving people through entertainment, one through music and both through film--Bart Millard and Jim Caviezel. First we have Bart Millard who is a GRAMMY nominated singer/songwriter and the lead vocalist for the band MercyMe. His mega-hit “I Can Only Imagine,” has inspired millions of listeners with its joyful anticipation of heaven. Bart has written a book about his life, which has now become a major motion picture that released this month in theaters. Our second guest is Jim Caviezel, a highly acclaimed actor who came to prominence after his groundbreaking performance as Jesus in the blockbuster movie The Passion of the Christ. Jim has gone on to choose thoughtful and inspirational roles that speak to his deep faith as a Christian, and has had commercial success in both the faith-based and mainstream entertainment world. He speaks to us today about a new movie he stars in called “Paul….” and gives us some background on his faith filled journey through hollywood.
This week’s episode features two women who have grappled with the hard questions we all ask of God. Lysa TerKeurst is an author and speaker and Dorothy Ruelas works in prison ministry in Texas. Lysa candidly shares her journey to realizing that she was “good enough” when she stopped letting her circumstances define her and began believing in who God says she is.
[VIDEO STORY] Country superstar Dolly Parton was raised to believe that “Jesus loves her, and that with God, nothing is impossible.” Dolly never forgot her roots, and as massive success came her way over the years, she always looked for ways to give back. In 1995, inspired by her father's struggles with reading, she launched the Imagination Library, providing books monthly to children during their first 5 years of life--they have given away over 100 million books to foster a love of reading. Now, 50 years from the release of her first record, Dolly continues to speak encouragement into the lives of families and children with her first ever children's album titled “I Believe In You,” for which all proceeds go to The Imagination Library.
Ann Voskamp is a mom, writer, teacher, speaker. Her book 1000 Gifts explored what it would be like to be grateful every day. Her newest book, the Way of Abundance talks about how joy can still spring from brokenness and suffering. She shares stories from her own life and urges us to drop our masks of perfection and embrace our scars, as our scars identify us with Jesus. Our second guest is financial planner Emily Stroud. Emily helps people think about their future not in terms of wealth, but in terms of living to our fullest potential. She helps us sift through being faithful in our finances and offers up hope for any of us who struggle with financial challenges
Today’s guests know what it’s like to seek God as a refuge and strength in times of trouble. Kevin and Sam Sorbo are Hollywood actors whose greatest desire is to bring light to the world through the medium of film. Kevin starred as the hero “Hercules” in the popular television series and movies, and Sam, is an actress in her own right and also hosts her own radio show. In the height of his career, Kevin suffered a series of strokes that would change everything, and put him in a place of deep dependence on God. Together, Kevin and Sam battled for his recovery and came back determined to give God the glory, starting by creating meaningful films that would reach people for Him. Currently, both Sam and Kevin star in the movie “Let There Be Light” which is now available on DVD. Pastor Robert J. Morgan served alongside Billy Graham early in his ministry and dreamed of one day being able to reach people like Rev. Graham did. He eventually became the pastor of his own church and has written a book that shows people how spending time meditating on the words of Scripture can have a life changing effect. He and his wife Katrina, have faced her diagnosis of multiple sclerosis with the assurance that God has been their “refuge and strength; a very present help in trouble.”
Today’s guests have had both fame and beauty, but ultimately came to realize that God’s definition of their value is far greater than how they’re seen by others, or viewed in their own mirrors. Deana Carter is an award winning country music star who is grateful for successful career in music, and even more grateful to know the truth of who she is as a daughter of Christ. Leah Darrow is a writer, speaker and a finalist on “America’s Next Top Model.” Leah’s view of beauty was shaped by a nearly impossible standard that left her feeling unworthy and defeated. It was only when she realized that authentic beauty comes from wholeness in God that her outlook began to change.
Songwriters and authors Mark Lowry and Andrew Greer are the hosts of the film series and podcast “Dinner Conversations: Turning the Light On, One Question At A Time.” They each share their backgrounds and their shared love for music and storytelling. They also discuss why they think conversations are an important facet of building our faith and deepening our knowledge of Christ and others.
[VIDEO STORY] Emily Ley has a very interesting story to share about how God transformed her life and how she "started over.” Emily is a mom, business owner and author. Emily found the demands of her job and her own tendency to seek “perfection” in all that she did was taking away from time from what was really important—time with God and time with her family. Emily shares how she pared back and started simplifying in order to enjoy what really mattered in her life.
Today’s episode features two sets of guests who have similar perspectives on life and marriage and how they get through the rough times every relationship faces. Clayton & Ashlee Hurst are marriage pastors at Lakewood Church in Houston, Texas. They share personal stories of communication pitfalls in marriage and how they keep Christ at the center of their relationship. Alli Worthington is an author, business coach and the co-founder of Blissdom, who, with her husband, faced job losses, homelessness and chronic illness. She shares how she was able to loose the grip fear had on her during these difficult seasons, and where she found the courage to overcome her anxieties.
This week’s episode features an interview with Donna Edwards, the First Lady of the state of Louisiana. Donna shares a little about her life and background, including partnering with her husband, Governor John Bel Edwards, in public service. As part of that service and in devotion to God, Donna felt led to share Jesus Calling with women inmates in her state, and visited them in person to deliver the books. She talks about that experience and the effect that gesture had on her and the women she encountered that day. We also interview two women from the Louisiana Correctional Institute for Women who received The First Lady’s gift that day. They candidly share heart wrenching stories of their past and the hope they now have in their futures.
This week’s episode features 2 guests who discuss how they found authenticity and wholeness in God. First, we speak with Sadie Robertson, star of ABC’s Dancing With the Stars and also A&E’s Duck Dynasty. Sadie shares her journey of finding freedom through being real and vulnerable to God and to others. She is passionate about speaking and writing in the hopes of encouraging others to embrace who they really are. Her latest book is entitled Live Fearless and Walk in Confidence of Freedom. Our second guest is Toure’ Roberts, pastor of The Potter’s House. Toure’ shares his background growing up with a single mom in an at-risk area of Los Angeles, and discusses how we can overcome our limitations and begin the journey to becoming whole in Christ.
[VIDEO STORY] Reba McEntire is a country music legend who has had over 35 #1 singles and over 56 million albums sold worldwide. Reba has become a beloved household name who has made her mark in film, television, theater and retail. Her last project, a Gospel double CD entitled “Sing It Now; Songs of Faith and Hope,” has been nominated for a 2018 Grammy Award for best Roots Gospel Album. Reba’s faith has carried her through the ups and downs of life as a country superstar. She often turns to the pages of Jesus Calling and Jesus Always during her quiet times, and finds strength and inspiration there during every season of life.
Paul Teutul, Jr. was just 27 years old when American Chopper: Jet Bike premiered on the Discovery Channel, featuring “Paulie” and his father, Paul Sr., That show sparked a full series following the Teutuls and their business, Orange County Choppers, that aired in 2003,. Six years of family ups and downs ensued, culminating in 2009 with Senior firing Junior. Today, Paul Jr. has gone on to start his own very successful business, and has written a book entitled “The Build: Designing My Life of Choppers, Family and Faith.” Paul details the tumultuous time working with his Dad and his difficult home life as a child, and how his faith kept him going during all of it. Father Mark Keene has been the Pastor of the Church of St. Agnes since 1999. He describes how Jesus Calling has been meaningful to his church; a community of believers sharing their daily walk together.
Our first guest is Donna Barrett. While working in as a missionary in Nicaragua, Donna’s life was affected not only by the systemic poverty she witnessed in this country, but the relationships she formed by working alongside the team who accompanied her on the trip; in particular a gregarious young woman who God placed in her path, who would have an impact on her life for years to come. Our second guest is writer Kristen Kill. Kristen was exhausted, depressed and desperate for a change. Something sparked in her when she read the Psalms and discovered the true meaning of “selah” – the pause, rest or interlude between the notes in song. Kristen discovered the secret of finding selah in her own life, and shares how others can also find this rest.
Our guests today share stories of the hope and transformation that has happened in their lives as they were pursued by God and daily started following Him. From a young age, Lisa Delgado experienced trauma and abuse in her life. As she grew older, she pushed away from her family’s strict religious upbringing, but always knew something was missing. Struggling with depression and darkness, Lisa shares a pivotal moment where a friend’s kindness and compassion showed her something that would change her life forever. Lisa Whittle isthe daughter of a pastor, Lisa wasn’t interested in a life of ministry until she found herself being pursued by God for that very thing. Lisa has dedicated her life to writing and speaking about the truth of Jesus Christ and shares the joys and challenges of what happens when you let God lead you to the places He would have you go.
Josh & Sean McDowell are writers and teachers who are passionate about bringing the truth of the Gospel to a world hungry for the knowledge of Christ. As a young man, Josh McDowell considered himself an agnostic. Because of a troubled and hurtful home life, he truly believed that Christianity was worthless. However, when challenged to intellectually examine the claims of Christianity, Josh discovered evidence for the reliability of the Christian faith. Dr. Sean McDowell is a gifted communicator with a passion for equipping the church, especially young people, to make the case for the Christian faith. They each share about their early years and what motivates them to bring evidence for the veracity of Scripture to those who need the freedom truth brings.
Emily Ley & Shannon Rozenburg have two very different stories to share about how God transformed their lives and how they “started over.” Emily Ley is a mom, business owner and author. Emily found the demands of her job and her own tendency to seek “perfection” in all that she did was taking away from time from what was really important—time with God and time with her family. Emily shares how she pared back and started simplifying in order to enjoy what really mattered in her life. Shannon Rozenburg is the daughter of Steve and Donna Rozenburg, who appeared on Episode 2 of the podcast to share how their family had been shattered by addiction. Shannon now comes to the podcast to talk about her road to recovery and how “tough love” played a part in her turnaround. Ultimately, she credits God for restoring her life, her relationship with her family, and for giving her hope for a new season.
David Green is the founder and CEO of the country’s largest chain of arts and crafts stores, Hobby Lobby. David’s philosophy in life revolves around his faith and his family. His view of “wealth,” is not tied to how much money a person makes, but their relationship with the Lord, their relationship with others, and teaching others about God. His son Steve, who is the president of Hobby Lobby and Steve’s wife Jackie share these godly principles. They all discuss why it’s important to them that others know about the Bible and how to live generously.
Six-time Vocal Group of the Year Diamond Rio has been one of the most successful bands in country music history. They won a Grammy for their first Christian Record “The Reason,” and have also produced a Christmas album called “The Star Still Shines.” Currently, they are the artists in residence at Gaylord’s Opryland Hotel Resort in Nashville and have been bringing joy to audiences through their Christmas show “Holiday & Hits.” Lead singer Marty Roe and guitarist Jimmy Olander visit with us on the podcast to share what Christmas meant to them growing up and what it means to them now.
Reba McEntire is a country music legend who has had over 35 #1 singles and over 56 million albums sold worldwide. Reba has become a beloved household name who has made her mark in film, television, theater and retail. Her last project, a Gospel double CD entitled “Sing It Now; Songs of Faith and Hope,” recently won a Gospel Music Association Dove Award for Bluegrass/Country/Roots Album of the Year. Now Reba has gone on to record a new Christmas record called “My Kind of Christmas.” She shares her thoughts on Christmas, and why, for many of us, Christmas can be a difficult time of year, but also why she thinks it’s important to find joy, and to remember the Reason for this season.
O.S. Hawkins is the President and Chief Executive Officer of GuideStone Financial Resources of the Southern Baptist Convention. Hawkins also served as senior pastor of the historic First Baptist Church in Dallas, Texas, and is the author of more than 25 books, including the best-selling The Joshua Code: 52 Scripture Verses Every Believer Should Know. He talks to us about his journey to becoming a pastor and a writer, and also about his new books, The Believer’s Code and The Christmas Code. Rick Smith is the founder of Rock Bottom Outreach, an organization the meets people at the time of their need. As a successful coach, Rick had it all, until a prescription drug addiction took over his life and he lost everything that mattered to him. After reaching his own “rock bottom,” through faith and determination, Rick rebuilt his life and is committed to help others who are facing their own “rock bottom” situations.
As the First Lady of Tennessee, Crissy Haslam believes in the power of second chances. Her priorities have been focused on working with change making organizations who are empowering families, women, and orphans. Crissy shares why it’s important to her to serve others, and how thankful she for the influence she has to make a difference in many people’s lives. Our second guest is Brenda Wilson from Thistle Farms. Brenda’s was devastated after the death of her grandmother who was her biggest caretaker and advocate. Left alone in an unfamiliar, she lost her way. After 20 years of wandering, she walked through a door that God opened for her at Thistle Farms. Given the chance to begin again, Brenda shares how the love of God and others showed her she could live differently.
Aaron Watson is a rising country music star who began chasing his dream of becoming a singer/songwriter over 18 years. Though faced with countless disappointments, family tragedy and rejection, Aaron trusted God for the path that he would take and is celebrating the release of a new hit record, Vaquero. Carlos & Joy host WAY-FM Christian radio network’s popular afternoon show. They share how a love for Christian music and a desire to spread the hope of Christ to others through the air-waves, inspired them to pursue their careers in Christian radio.
Christine Caine is a writer, speaker and activist. Her story of healing came over many years as she lived in faith to recover from sexual abuse that happened in her childhood. Her latest book, a 365-Day devotional, called “Unshakeable,” provides daily reminders that even in an unstable world, God is always stands firm. Jennifer Clinger is a graduate of Thistle Farms, a social justice enterprise. Jennifer describes how she gave up on life after being a victim of abuse and tragedy, and traded herself on the street to support the drug habit that numbed her pain. After years of unsuccessfully trying to fill the void in her life, she realized that when her heart became hard toward God, He never turned away from her.
Becca Stevens is the founder and president of Thistle Farms, a beautiful justice enterprise for women who are survivors of trafficking, addiction and prostitution. After experiencing abuse and trauma in her own childhood, Becca longed to open a sanctuary for survivors offering a loving community. Twenty years later, the organization is thriving and continues to welcome women and provides housing, medical care, therapy and education for two years. She has written a book called “Love Heals” that details her experiences. One of the beneficiaries of the Thistle Farms program also talks about her experience with the program, Dorris Walker’s childhood was happy, until the day she witnessed her own father’s fatal shooting. She went from a happy family life to a life in the streets of Nashville, trading herself to support the addictions that numbed her pain. A concerned friend reached out to Dorris and brought her to Thistle Farms. Dorris shares the life-changing experience she had there, and how love truly does heal.
Our guests today are writer and speaker Annie F. Downs and crisis counselor and writer Jamie Blaine. Both guests have experienced challenges in their lives that left them feeling scared and alone, but through the power of God’s word, they found strength to “show up,” for what God would have them do. Each shares their life stories and how they found the courage to keep moving ahead and the mercy to not look back.
Gloria Gaither is a lyricist, educator and speaker, who with her husband Bill, has written some of the most enduring and beloved songs of our time including “Because He Lives,” and “He Touched Me.” Gloria shares some of her early years and how she came to the point in life where she has decided to spend as much time as possible nurturing her most important relationships and finding something eternal in the “daily-ness” of life. Please also enjoy a rebroadcast of our interview with Dr. Emerson Eggerichs about love and respect in marriage. Dr. Eggerichs has also included a personal message to our listeners about his new book “Before You Hit Send: Preventing Headache and Heartache,” which shows us how we can prevent misunderstanding and allow for understanding in our communication with others.
[JESUS CALLING VIDEO STORY] Kathie Lee Gifford is an Emmy Award winning host of the Today Show. She is a singer, songwriter and author who brings her vivacious spirit to everything she does. Behind the public personality is a “truth-seeker,” who relentlessly pursues the deeper meanings of God’s Word in her spare time. She is working on a new book that details her many visits to the Holy Land to study the origins of Scripture entitled “The Rock, The Road and the Rabbi” which comes out in Spring of 2018. Kathie Lee discusses the passion she has for God’s Word, how she faces life after losing her husband, Frank Gifford, and what gives her joy and purpose every day.
Wild at Heart author John Eldredge is a counselor and teacher who is devoted to helping people through their recovery process. He shares how he himself “cried out to God,” as a young man, looking for hope wherever he could find it. This lifelong search for hope came to a pinnacle when he realized how many people he knew also lacked hope in their lives. He wrote a book about his findings, observations and inspirations called “All Things New: Heaven, Earth and the Restoration of Everything You Love.” Our second segment features country music singer Bradley Walker, whose latest album, “Blessed,” reflects his attitude toward his life. Born with muscular dystrophy, Bradley’s story has not been without heartache, but he reflects how God can bring joy even in the midst of pain.
Country superstar Dolly Parton was raised to believe that “Jesus loves her, and that with God, nothing is impossible.” Dolly never forgot her humble beginnings, even as she went on to achieve great success in her career and has received the highest awards for her music, songwriting, acting and other creative endeavors. Dolly is grateful for what she has been given and seeks ways to give back and bless others. In 1995, she had vision to foster a love of reading with preschool children and launched the Imagination Library, providing books monthly to children during their first 5 years of life. Now, 50 years from the release of her first record, Dolly continues to speak encouragement into the lives of children by releasing her first ever kid’s album titled “I Believe In You,” for which all proceeds go to The Imagination Library.
Welcome to the Jesus Calling Podcast. Today, we speak with Lisa Bevere who is a New York Times bestselling author, a teacher, as well as a wife, mother and grandmother. She and her husband John co-founded the ministry organization Messenger International.
Roma Downey is best known for her role as an angel named Monica on the beloved television series “Touched By An Angel.” She has earned multiple Emmy® and Golden Globe nominations as an actress and producer, and is now at the helm of new venture called Lighworkers.com. Andrea Logan White is a wife, mother, actress, producer, writer and speaker. Coming up as an actress in Hollywood, Andrea has walked through discouraging valleys, and emerged with an enduring passion to encourage people like herself who have struggled with issues of self-image and self-worth. Both of these women have a strong desire to bring stories of faith to the world through the mediums of film, television, books, and digital, radiating hope and light to those who are experiencing darkness in their lives.
Chrystal Evans Hurst is a writer, speaker and worship leader and the daughter of respected pastor and teacher Dr. Tony Evans. Chrystal’s upbringing was rich in love and God’s teachings, but even with that foundation, she still experienced uncertainty, fear and pain in her life. She describes how God was always the author of her story, even though the times that were difficult, and how she has been shaped for the better by those experiences. Our second segment features author Edie Sundby-- a woman who was given 3 months to live--and how she overcame this death sentence by her faith in God and a determination to start walking to keep living.
Pastor Max Lucado discusses how we can face anxiousness in an increasingly tense world by focusing on gratitude. Max has written two books on this topic—one for adults called “Anxious for Nothing,” and another one for children called “I’m Not A Scaredy-Cat.” Max encourages everyone, adults and children alike, to engage with God in a deeper way as a refuge against anxious thoughts.
John Cooper, is the lead singer of the band Skillet, one of the 21st century’s most successful rock bands, having received two Grammy nominations and 11 million records sold. John talks about some of the joys and struggles of his early years, and how Jesus became a friend to him through it all.
Kathie Lee Gifford is an Emmy Award winning host of the Today Show. She is a singer, songwriter and author who brings her vivacious spirit to everything she does. Behind the public personality is a “truth-seeker,” who relentlessly pursues the deeper meanings of God’s Word in her spare time. She is working on a new book that details her many visits to the Holy Land to study the origins of Scripture entitled “The Rock, The Road and the Rabbi” which comes out in Spring of 2018. Kathie Lee discusses the passion she has for God’s Word, how she faces life after losing her husband, Frank Gifford, and what gives her joy and purpose every day.
GregAlan Williams is an author and actor who stars in the Pure Flix motion picture “All Saints,” based on the true story of salesman turned pastor Michael Spurlock. GregAlan shares the ups and downs of his career as a performer and how a pivotal moment in the streets of L.A. made him an unexpected hero. Pastor Mark Batterson shares how men can achieve their greatest potential by living according to seven virtues, which he writes about in his book “Play The Man: Becoming the Man God Created You to Be.”
Ginny Owens is a Dove Award singer/songwriter whose latest record, “Love Be the Loudest,” chronicles her battle with her own doubts and fears, and how she learned to let God’s voice be the loudest in her life. Shauna Shanks is a wife, mother and the author of “A Fierce Love: One Woman’s Courageous Journey to Save Her Marriage.” Shauna’s world was rocked by her husband’s infidelity and subsequent request for a divorce. Shauna shares how God showed her how to live through the words of I Corinthians.
Nichole Nordeman is a singer-songwriter whose song “Slow Down,” and the accompanying video, touched millions of viewers everywhere with its theme of cherishing every moment we have in raising children. She has recently written a book inspired by the song called "Slow Down: Embracing the Everyday Moments of Motherhood. Jen Hatmaker is an author, a speaker and a mom to 5. Jen’s latest book “Of Mess and Moxie; Wrangling Delight Out of This Wild and Glorious Life” is a collection of stories from Jen’s own life that encourages women to “live in the moment, undaunted, no matter what the moments hold.”
Jennie Allen is a Bible teacher and the author of Nothing to Prove: Why We Can Stop Trying So Hard.” Jennie shares how her need for approval from others led to emptiness, and how she found fulfillment in the affirming words of Christ. Kristen Hatton is a Bible teacher, author and mom whose latest book is called “Face Time: Your Identity in a Selfie World.” Through teaching a Bible study to teen girls, Kristen began to see a destructive pattern of comparison; a standard of trying to live up to an unrealistic ideal of perfection. Kristen’s desire, through her book, is to help young women see their identity in Christ, to live for Him, and to let go of trying to be something they’re not.
Today’s episode features two guests who know what it’s like to lose everything. They share with us how their hope was restored through God’s promise that He will never leave us or forsake us. Our first guest is Brett Swayn who shares how his journey through homelessness brought him to a place where he is now able to share the hope he found in Christ with others going through the same situation. Our second guest is Sherry Taylor, a graduate of The Next Door, a faith based rehabilitation center. Sherry. She shares how she lost everything in the throes of addiction, and how God restored her from brokenness to wholeness in Him.
Today we visit with two guests who give us their unique perspectives on living honestly and fearlessly as women of God. Kelly Balarie, author of Fear Fighting: Awakening Courage to Overcome Your Fear, learned how to fight fear by stopping the cycle of fear in her life, and turning her darkest moments over to God. Esther Fleece, the author of No More Faking Fine: Ending the Pretending, realized that she could be honest with God and others about the trauma she faced as an orphaned child, through Scripture and trusting God with her laments.
Lee Greenwood and Charlie Daniels are legendary country entertainers and strong men of faith. With a deep love for our country and admiration for the service of our military personnel, they both endeavor to speak about their faith openly and are each deeply involved in Veteran relief organizations.“ Lee’s song “God Bless The USA,” has been voted the most recognizable patriotic song in America. In our first segment, we catch up with Lee by phone to talk about his faith, his career and the song that became one of our country’s most beloved anthems.
Kristin Schell, (author of the Turquoise Table) and Rick Rusaw and Brain Mavis (authors of The Neighboring Church) give us insight into what it really means to live out Jesus’ great commandment to “Love your neighbor as yourself,” with practical and life-changing ways we can create community where we live and expand God’s kingdom from our own front yards.
CeCe Winans is the best-selling female gospel artist of all time, as of 2015. She has sold over 12 million records worldwide and won ten Grammy Awards.. CeCe talks about taking a break from music to start a church with her husband, and how her life has been a series of saying “yes” to God whenever He has called on her.
Dr. Meg Meeker the author of Hero: Being the Strong Father Your Children Need. Dr. Meeker is a pediatrician, a mother and has become a leading authority on parenting, teens and children’s health, having appeared on the Today Show, Dateline, and more. Dr. Meg gives us insight into the special relationship between a father and his child, and encourages those who are striving to be good fathers, and those who are making peace with the way they were fathered.
Shane Owen is an up and coming artist who has had a love for traditional country music that began years ago, due to the influence of his grandmother. He talks about those early years, and how the belief his grandparents had in him kept him going when he wasn’t sure he was going to make it in the music world.
Jessi Colter is a singer, songwriter, and entertainer whose influence continues to echo across musical genres. In 1969, she married Waylon Jennings and their partnership yielded wonderful music along with personal triumphs and heartaches. She writes about their story in her latest book: An Outlaw and a Lady: A Memoir of Music, Life with Waylon and the Faith that Brought Me Home.
Collin Raye is a country hit maker with over 24 top ten records to his credit. Always thankful to God for the blessings in his life, Collin shares how he how accepted both the triumphs and the heartaches, including the devastating loss of his 10- year-old granddaughter, trusting God through the good and the bad.
T. Graham Brown is a legendary country music artist who has recorded over thirteen studio albums and charted more than twenty singles on the Billboard charts. He talks candidly about his life and his struggles with addiction, and the song that became a prayer that changed everything.
Walk with Me in the freedom of forgiveness. The path we follow together is sometimes steep and slippery. If you carry a burden of guilt on your back, you are more likely to stumble and fall. At your request, I will remove the heavy load from you and bury it at the foot of the cross. When I unburden you, you are undeniably free! Stand up straight and tall in My Presence, so that no one can place more burdens on your back. Look into My Face and feel the warmth of My Love-Light shining upon you. It is this unconditional Love that frees you from both fears and sins. Spend time basking in the Light of My Presence. As you come to know Me more and more intimately, you grow increasingly free.
Chonda Pierce is an author, actress and the RIAA’s most-awarded female comic in history. With 10 successful albums to date, she has also authored eight books, including Laughing In The Dark, which inspired a documentary by the same name. While Chonda spent years bringing joy to others through laughter, behind the scenes she experienced great challenges and loss. She shares about her battle with depression and her resolution to always live in the truth, no matter how hard it might be.
Cheryl Karpen is best known as the author of the “Eat Your Peas” Collection, a series of books dedicated to helping others communicate love, hope, and encouragement when they can’t find the words themselves. “Eat Your Peas for Mothers is a special title in the series that was inspired by Cheryl’s own mother. Cheryl recalls her early years and the moment she recognizes as her “beautiful broken heart” season and how her mom encouraged her all along the way.
Andrea Lucado, is a writer from Austin, Texas. Her new book “English Lessons: The Crooked Path of Growing Toward Faith,” describes what it was like to come from a family with a strong heritage of Christian faith; only to wrestle with doubts and her identity as she ventured away from home.
Ernie Johnson, Jr. is a three-time Sports Emmy Award-winner and popular host of TNT's, Inside the NBA, He is also author of a new book about his life; “Unscripted: The Unpredictable Moments That Make Life Extraordinary.” Ernie discusses his early life and how unexpected moments along the way led him to trust God in every situation.
Maria-Jose Tennison is the Vice President of Brand and Production for Sight and Sound Theaters. The purpose of their business is to present the Gospel of Jesus Christ and sow the Word of God into the lives of those who attend their shows, which are inspirational and visually stunning. Maria shares about the early years of her career rise, and how during a season of brokenness, God gave her strength.
Caz McCaslin is the founder of Upward Sports, the world’s largest Christian sports provider for youth. Upwards Sports mission is to promote the discovery of Christ through sports. Caz had a vision to create the best sports experience possible for every child, while providing an environment to nurture kids’ faith. Trusting God for direction, Caz has lead the program’s growth from several hundred children playing in a few church basketball leagues to over half a million children playing in 47 states and 72 countries.
Atheist-turned-Christian Lee Strobel is the former award-winning legal editor of The Chicago Tribune and best-selling author of The Case for Christ. Lee and his wife Leslie share the struggles and joys of finding faith at different times in their marriage and discuss "The Case for Christ" movie, which released to theaters in April 2017.
Understanding will never bring you Peace. That’s why I have instructed you to trust in Me, not in your understanding. Human beings have a voracious appetite for trying to figure things out, in order to gain a sense of mastery over their lives. But the world presents you with an endless series of problems. As soon as you master one set, another pops up to challenge you. The relief you had anticipated is short-lived. Soon your mind is gearing up again: searching for understanding (mastery), instead of seeking Me (your Master).
The wisest of all men, Solomon, could never think his way through to Peace. His vast understanding resulted in feelings of futility, rather than in fulfillment. Finally, he lost his way and succumbed to the will of his wives by worshiping idols.
My Peace is not an elusive goal, hidden at the center of some complicated maze. Actually, you are always enveloped in Peace, which is inherent in My Presence. As you look to Me, you gain awareness of this precious Peace.
Lee Ann Mancini is the author of the “Adventures of the Sea Kids” book series and a teacher of theology. Lee Ann’s mission is to teach young children about the love of Jesus and how to show love for others as well.
"I am with you and for you. You face nothing alone—nothing! When you feel anxious, know that you are focusing on the visible world and leaving Me out of the picture. The remedy is simple: Fix your eyes not on what is seen but on what is unseen. Verbalize your trust in Me, the Living One who sees you always. I will get you safely through this day and all your days. But you can find Me only in the present. Each day is a precious gift from My Father. How ridiculous to grasp for future gifts when today’s is set before you! Receive today’s gift gratefully, unwrapping it tenderly and delving into its depths. As you savor this gift, you find Me."
Lee Ann Mancini is the author of the “Adventures of the Sea Kids” book series and a teacher of theology. Lee Ann’s mission is to teach young children about the love of Jesus and how to show love for others as well.
"I am with you and for you. You face nothing alone—nothing! When you feel anxious, know that you are focusing on the visible world and leaving Me out of the picture. The remedy is simple: Fix your eyes not on what is seen but on what is unseen. Verbalize your trust in Me, the Living One who sees you always. I will get you safely through this day and all your days. But you can find Me only in the present. Each day is a precious gift from My Father. How ridiculous to grasp for future gifts when today’s is set before you! Receive today’s gift gratefully, unwrapping it tenderly and delving into its depths. As you savor this gift, you find Me."
Long time friends Marty Roe (lead singer of Grammy® Award winning country music group Diamond Rio), and J.T. Olson (founder and executive director of Both Hands Foundation and author of the book The Orphan, The Widow and Me) share how God led them to guide a ministry that is bringing help and hope to both orphans and widows.
Alan Graham is the founder, CEO and President of Mobile Loaves & Fishes. Sixteen years ago, a desire to help the homeless led Alan and 4 friends to purchase a catering truck. With this, he began to go straight to those in need and provide them with food and clothing. Since that time, the organization has grown to 20 trucks in multiple cities and serves over 1200 people daily. Alan shares a little about his background and the life-changing moment that led him to want to make a difference in the lives of others.
Man looks at the outward appearance, but I look at the heart. The ability to see is a great gift. I grant glimpses of My Glory via visual beauty in nature. Great paintings, sculptures, and cinematography can also help awaken your soul. Rejoice in these glorious gifts, but do not become enslaved to appearances. I am primarily interested in the condition of your heart, and I work to create beauty in it.
It is vital to set aside time for nourishing your heart. Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the well- spring of life. A wellspring is a source of abundant supply. Since you belong to Me, My own Life flows through you! However, to keep this Life flowing abundantly, you must protect your heart from evil influences and nourish it with Bible study and prayer.
Aligning your priorities with My teaching can be very freeing. When you don’t like the way things look in your world, close your eyes and gaze at who I am. Remember that I am Immanuel—God with you.
Josh Turner, is one of Country Music’s most successful artists. The multi-Platinum-selling singer has just released his sixth studio album, Deep South. Josh shares his heart about the music, about the challenges of being a Christian today, and what inspires him to be a better man.
"Relax in My healing Presence. As you spend time with Me, your thoughts tend to jump ahead to today’s plans and problems. Bring your mind back to Me for refreshment and renewal. Let the Light of My Presence soak into you, as you focus your thoughts on Me. Thus I equip you to face whatever the day brings. This sacrifice of time pleases Me and strengthens you. Do not skimp on our time together. Resist the clamor of tasks waiting to be done. You have chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from you." - Jesus Calling
Sheila Walsh is a Bible teacher and best-selling author with over 5 million books sold. Her international ministry has reached millions of women by combining honesty, vulnerability, and humor with the transforming power of God's Word. Sheila candidly shares some of the joys and heartache of her early family life and how she struggled to prove herself worthy of God’s love.
Joey + Rory are a GRAMMY nominated country music duo whose music weaves beautiful stories that are important to them. Life drastically changed for the couple when Joey was diagnosed with cancer, but they continued to share their painful and beautiful journey with the world. Rory Feek gives us a glimpse into his new book about his life with Joey and the greatest love story he would ever know.
“My rays of Light will reach you through the darkness.” - Jesus Calling
Lacey Buchanan, a wife and mother of two children. Lacey’s first child, Christian, has a rare syndrome that presented itself before his birth. Lacey shares the journey of his life, from finding out the diagnosis, to dealing with limited treatment options and ultimately learning to see God through the entire process. She has written a book about her son’s journey called “Through the Eyes of Hope.”
Reba McEntire is a country music legend with over 56 million albums sold worldwide. Reba’s faith has carried her through the ups and downs of life as a country superstar. Reba says that the Lord is “the Fortress that you lean upon when things go wrong.” She often turns to the pages of Jesus Calling and Jesus Always during her quiet times, and finds strength and inspiration there during every season of life.
Janie is a graduate of The Next Door, a faith-based rehabilitation and re-entry program in Nashville, Tennessee. Janie spent most of her life looking for real love, and due to a background of abuse, she felt as if she mattered to no one. After years of toxic behavior and relationships, Janie found the one Love that was there all along.
If you or someone you know needs help with a substance abuse problem, please call 1-855-TND-HOPE or go to https://wwwTheNextDoor.org.
We follow up with Paul Shol after completing his bike trip across America, where he gave away thousands of copies of Jesus Calling to people all along the way. Raising over $50,000 for at-risk children in his community, Paul shares how God worked with him and through others for the entire 4000-mile trek.
Kari Kampakis’ mission is to reach young girls and their parents with a message about true worth. In today’s social media saturated culture, many girls start early, seeking approval through how many “likes” they receive on their social media pages. Kari endeavors to show girls that God gives the only approval that really matters, and He loves them just as they are.
Jason and David, The Benham Brothers, are successful business entrepeneurs with the heart of missionaries. They discuss their new book “Living Among Lions” and the notion of giving your best for God, no matter what kind of work you do.
Do not search for security in the world you inhabit. You tend to make mental checklists of things you need to do in order to gain control of your life. If only you could check everything off your list, you could relax and be at peace. But the more you work to accomplish that goal, the more things crop up on your list. The harder you try, the more frustrated you become.
There is a better way to find security in this life. Instead of scrutinizing your checklist, focus your attention on My Presence with you. This continual contact with Me will keep you in My Peace. Moreover, I will help you sort out what is important and what is not, what needs to be done now and what does not. Fix your eyes not on what is seen (your circumstances), but on what is unseen (My Presence).
Christy Nockels, a Dove Award-winning singer/songwriter, shares how God led her to spend a year studying the beauty of Advent and how she has found “The Thrill of Hope” in every season of her life.
I am Christ in you, the hope of Glory. The One who walks beside you, holding you by your hand, is the same One who lives within you. This is a deep, unfathomable mystery. You and I are intertwined in an intimacy involving every fiber of your being. The Light of My Presence shines within you, as well as upon you. I am in you, and you are in Me; therefore, nothing in heaven or on earth can separate you from Me!
Amy Parker has written more than thirty books for children, teens and adults, including the best-selling “A Night Night Prayer.” Amy reflects on what first inspired her love for writing and how she came to realize her mission bring Christ’s love to kids through the gift of the written word.
Diane Cunningham is the president and founder of the National Association of Christian Women Entrepreneurs and the author of the book series “Rock Bottom Is a Beautiful Place.” Diane shares her journey through depression, job loss, alcoholism, infertility, and divorce, and how she found courage and restoration from God to keep going, and to help others who face similar challenges.
I am a God who heals. I heal broken bodies, broken minds, broken hearts, broken lives, and broken relationships. My very Presence has immense healing powers. You cannot live close to Me without experiencing some degree of healing. However, it is also true that you have not because you ask not. You receive the healing that flows naturally from My Presence, whether you seek it or not. But there is more—much more—available to those who ask.
The first step in receiving healing is to live ever so close to Me. The benefits of this practice are too numerous to list. As you grow more and more intimate with Me, I reveal My will to you more directly. When the time is right, I prompt you to ask for healing of some brokenness in you or in another person. The healing may be instantaneous, or it may be a process. That is up to Me. Your part is to trust Me fully and to thank Me for the restoration that has begun.
I rarely heal all the brokenness in a person’s life. Even My servant Paul was told, “My grace is sufficient for you,” when he sought healing for the thorn in his flesh. Nonetheless, much healing is available to those whose lives are intimately interwoven with Mine. Ask, and you will receive.
Hear more great stories about the impact Jesus Calling is having all over the world. Be sure to subscribe to the Jesus Calling Podcast on iTunes. We value your reviews and comments so we can reach even more people with the message of Jesus Calling. And if you have your own story to share, we’d love to hear from you. Visit JesusCalling.com to share your story today.
Zachary Bell is a husband, father, and veteran. He served as an infantry rifleman in the United States Marine Corps, and did two combat tours in Afghanistan. Zachary discusses his time in service to his country, how it affected his family, and how the Journey Home Project helped him successfully navigate his post-military life.
"Come to Me for rest and refreshment. The journey has been too much for you, and you are bone-weary. Do not be ashamed of your exhaustion. Instead, see it as an opportunity for Me to take charge of your life.
Remember that I can fit everything into a pattern for good, including the things you wish were different. Start with where you are at this point in time and space, accepting that it is where I intend you to be. You will get through today one step, one moment at a time. Your main responsibility is to remain attentive to Me, letting Me guide you through the many choices along your pathway.
This sounds like an easy assignment, but it is not. Your desire to live in My Presence goes against the grain of “the world, the flesh, and the devil.” Much of your weariness results from your constant battle against these opponents. However, you are on the path of My choosing, so do not give up! Hope in Me, for you will again praise Me for the help of My Presence."
Hear more great stories about the impact Jesus Calling is having all over the world. Be sure to subscribe to the Jesus Calling Podcast on iTunes. We value your reviews and comments so we can reach even more people with the message of Jesus Calling. And if you have your own story to share, we’d love to hear from you. Visit JesusCalling.com to share your story today.
Grammy Award-winning singer/songwriter Amy Grant shares how she finds God in times of stillness and tells us about the joy of making music with her new project “Tennessee Christmas.”
Meet Me in morning stillness, while the earth is fresh with the dew of My Presence. Worship Me in the beauty of holiness. Sing love songs to My holy Name. As you give yourself to Me, My Spirit swells within you till you are flooded with divine Presence.
The world’s way of pursuing riches is grasping and hoarding. You attain My riches by letting go and giving. The more you give yourself to Me and My ways, the more I fill you with inexpressible, heavenly Joy.
Hear more great stories about the impact Jesus Calling is having all over the world. Be sure to subscribe to the Jesus Calling Podcast on iTunes. We value your reviews and comments so we can reach even more people with the message of Jesus Calling. And if you have your own story to share, we’d love to hear from you. Visit JesusCalling.com to share your story today.
Pastor, teacher, and writer, Dr. David Jeremiah shares his thoughts on how God is still accomplishing His purposes in our world, even during tumultuous times. He also discusses his new book, People Are Asking, Is This The End?
To find out more about Dr. Jeremiah’s new book: “People Are Asking, Is This The End?” please click here.
I am your Refuge and Strength, an ever-present Help in trouble. Therefore, you don’t need to be afraid of anything—not even cataclysmic circumstances. The media are increasingly devoted to fear-inducing subject matter: terrorism, serial killers, environmental catastrophes. If you focus on such dangers and forget that I am your Refuge in all circumstances, you will become increasingly fearful. Every day I manifest My grace in countless places and situations, but the media take no notice. I shower not only blessings but also outright miracles on your planet.
As you grow closer to Me, I open your eyes to see more and more of My Presence all around you. Things that most people hardly notice, like shifting shades of sunlight, fill you with heart-bursting Joy. You have eyes that see and ears that hear, so proclaim My abiding Presence in the world.
Tammy Arnold spent her tender years in an abusive household, abandoned by her mother, and then by her father as well. Rejection left her searching for love, and eventually to numbing the pain with drugs and alcohol. At her most desperate, Tammy drew from the tiny spark of faith her grandmother had instilled in her long ago, and began her journey back to the one thing that had never abandoned her: God’s love.
"Together, We can handle anything." - Jesus Calling
Kristianne Stewart is a self-proclaimed “missionary to the cancer world.” She is the founder of Compassion That Compels, an organization that brings tangible items of encouragement to women currently battling cancer through the gift of “Compassion Bags” and spiritual support through the words of Jesus Calling.
"Draw near to Me with a thankful heart, aware that your cup is overflowing with blessings. Gratitude enables you to perceive Me more clearly and to rejoice in our Love-relationship. Nothing can separate you from My loving Presence! That is the basis of your security. Whenever you start to feel anxious, remind yourself that your security rests in Me alone, and I am totally trustworthy. You will never be in control of your life circumstances, but you can relax and trust in My control. Instead of striving for a predictable, safe lifestyle, seek to know Me in greater depth and breadth. I long to make your life a glorious adventure, but you must stop clinging to old ways. I am always doing something new within My beloved ones. Be on the lookout for all that I have prepared for you."
Millions have been impacted by the words of Jesus Calling, Now, 10 years later, Sarah Young returns with her first new 365-day devotional entitled Jesus Always; based on her exploration of the promises of joy in Scripture. Take a peek behind the scenes to hear how Jesus Always came to life.
Women who have struggled with addiction and incarceration are finding hope for a new life through the work of The Next Door. The first in a 4-part series of moving stories from this group of courageous women, they also share how Jesus Calling has been a key part of their restoration and healing.
Chuck Wallington is the co-founder of the Covenant Group and owner of Christian Supply in Spartanburg, South Carolina. Chuck tells the story of what led him to work in the world of Christian products and shares his thoughts on the new book from Sarah Young, Jesus Always.
Emily Ley seemingly has it all—she’s a wife, a mother, a successful business owner and now an author. Emily shares how she gave up always striving for perfection and found grace instead.
Emily Ley is the author of Grace Not Perfection (October 4th, HarperCollins Christian Publishing) and creator of the Simplified Planner®, a tool that helps busy women everywhere simplify their lives, organize their days, and prioritize what’s truly important to them in life.
With hopes to give back to local children, Fargo teacher, Paul Shol is cycling across the country, raising money for education, and sharing Jesus Calling along the way.
The Jesus Calling excerpt for this podcast comes from the Audiobook for June 13th:
"I am creating something new in you, a bubbling spirit of joy that spills over in others’ lives. Do not mistake this joy for your own, or try to take credit for it in any way. Instead, watch in delight as my spirit flows through you to bless others. Let yourself become a reservoir of the Spirit’s fruit.
"Your part is to live close to me, open to all that I am doing in you. Don’t try to control the streaming of my spirit through you. Just keep focusing on me as we walk through this day together. Just enjoy my presence, which permeates you with Love, Joy and Peace."
Charlie Daniels shares his journey of faith, his long-standing commitment to the military, and his passion for Jesus Calling.
The excerpt from this episode comes from the April 19th entry: "
Stay conscious of My loving Presence...and I will direct your steps."
Visit JesusCalling.com to read, watch, and listen to more inspiring Jesus Calling stories.
Dr. Emerson Eggerichs is an internationally known public speaker on the topic of male-female relationships. Dr. Eggerichs and his wife Sarah present Love and Respect conferences around the world. Sarah, an avid intercessory prayer warrior, loves to share Jesus Calling with others as part of her ministry as well.
The excerpt from this episode comes from the July 24th entry: "My plan for your life is unfolding before you."
Visit http://JesusCalling.com to read, watch, and listen to more inspiring Jesus Calling stories.
Deborah Jentsch and her husband practiced the habit of saying "I trust you, Jesus," daily. This faith would be put to the ultimate test as they faced their son's devastating accident. See other inspirational Jesus Calling stories at www.JesusCalling.com/blog/category/podcast/
Author and Speaker Sherri Gragg reflects on her daughter's upcoming graduation, and the unique challenges and joys a mother faces as she and her daughter embrace a new season of life.
Sherri Gragg is the author of Arms Open Wide - A Call to Linger in the Savior's Presence. She shares her heart as a mother who is preparing herself and her daughter for graduation; and her thoughts on what it means to "let go."
Find out more about Jesus Calling for Graduates here http://www.jesuscalling.com/books/jesus-calling-for-graduates/
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The excerpt from this episode comes from the Dec 21st entry: "My plan for your life is unfolding before you."
Visit http://JesusCalling.com to read, watch, and listen to more inspiring Jesus Calling stories.
Happy Mother's Day!
Mike Huether, the Mayor of Sioux Falls, South Dakota shares the walk of faith that led him to public service and the touching story of how he honored his only daughter with a very special wedding gift.
For more Jesus Calling inspired stories, visit & subscribe at http://JesusCalling.com/Blog
The Community of Grapevine United Methodist Church was in turmoil. After the sudden loss of their pastor, Associate Pastor Cindy Ryan set about to put the pieces back together for their flock. It was then that she was faced with another, very personal crisis; an unexpected cancer diagnosis.
For more stories of the impact of Jesus Calling visit the Jesus Calling Blog
Lina Finau exemplified the heart of a servant, even as she struggled with health challenges. Her life has inspired her daughter, Utther Finau, to take a similar road in pursuit of service and bringing joy to others.
For more stories of the impact of Jesus Calling visit http://JesusCalling.com
Brent and Monica Wicke discuss their mother's cancer journey; remembering her strength and determination, and talk about what they are doing today to honor her legacy.
To read more about how Jesus Calling is impacting communities visit JesusCalling.com
The Rozenburg's discuss their daily struggle as parents to a child suffering through substance abuse.
For more on the Rozenburg's and other Jesus Calling stories visit JesusCalling.com
In today's Experience Jesus Calling Podcast, we'll tell the amazing story of one church and the collective impact that has been made by sharing Jesus Calling within its community. In the coming weeks, we'll be sharing the incredible personal stories of members of this church, and many other Jesus Calling readers around the world...readers who have had their lives transformed.
