158. Finding Harmony When You Live For Others: Jess Ray
The Jesus Storybook Bible Podcast
Release Date: 09/12/2024
169. Our Home Is Found in Who God Says We Are: Rev. Chris Lee
The Jesus Storybook Bible Podcast
Reverend Chris Lee unexpectedly found himself with an online platform where he shares short, encouraging messages that authentically reflect what he’s facing in any given moment. The messages have resonated with thousands, bolstering Chris’s belief that people are longing for an understanding of their identity and who God says they are. Quotes “I felt just the whisper of God say, ‘I want you to be on this platform and give a message of the gospel to a younger generation—to young people who were searching.’” - Rev. Chris Lee “I think a lot of people online are...
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168. A Gift of Hope in the Midst of Fear: Peter Martin from Hope Lebedyn
The Jesus Storybook Bible Podcast
Hope Lebedyn is a nonprofit organization in Ukraine providing aid and hope during a time of war, chaos, fear, and uncertainty. Co-founder Peter Martin shares the realities of what Ukrainian families are currently facing, and how God’s love has shown up as a lifeline. Quotes “My family hasn’t been asked to leave their home because a bomb might come through their roof. I haven't had to abandon all my things. So I see love in the blessing of God, in the things that I have around me, which so often I take for granted.” - Peter Martin “About twenty-five years ago, I...
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167. Ordinary People Becoming Extraordinary Believers: Dandi Daley Mackall
The Jesus Storybook Bible Podcast
Dandi Daley Mackall is an award-winning writer whose most recent work is a devotional called Women Who Followed Jesus, which honors ordinary women who were early church believers and key figures in the life of Christ. Dandi shares how God showed up in the lives of these women and what lessons we can draw from their extraordinary faith. Quotes “God lets me write, and then He takes it and touches hearts and works His grace in other people. I get to be a little part of it.” - Dandi Daley Mackall “I don't know how people get through life without our Refuge and our Helper. I just...
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166. You’re Never Too Far Gone for God: Molly Stillman
The Jesus Storybook Bible Podcast
Author and speaker Molly Stillman was raised by a Vietnam veteran Army nurse, who acted as the hands and feet of Jesus when chaos and pain and terror were all around. As Molly grew up, she watched her mom trailblaze for veteran’s rights, so when she passed away, Molly was devastated and confused and hurt. As she spiraled into a deep, dark place, she found herself looking for hope—and she realized that no one is ever so far gone that God’s love can’t bring them back. Quotes “My mom's death, in a lot of ways, was the catalyst for the rest of my life. Growing up the daughter of...
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165. The Difference Between Happiness & True Joy: Tara Dew
The Jesus Storybook Bible Podcast
Tara Dew is an educator, author, and mother of four. Tara discusses the difference between joy and happiness, and the importance of cultivating intentionality versus balance. Her insights offer a refreshing perspective on finding lasting peace and contentment through faith, even amidst life's daily challenges. Quotes “I have learned that your circumstances do not determine joy.” - Tara Dew “Happiness is a state of being that often is equated with our circumstances. Joy is not. Joy described all through the Bible as being something that is like an anchor. It's this hope that we...
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164. Deep Learning and Deep Faith: Homeschool Mom Monica Swanson
The Jesus Storybook Bible Podcast
At first, Monica Swanson wasn’t excited about the possibility of educating her kids at home. Sparked by her eldest son's request, Monica began to see the unique benefits of personalized education and how it has helped her sons flourish. She debunks some common myths about homeschoolers, and gives practical tips for parents considering this path. Quotes “Over time as you homeschool, the confidence builds. As you see their character developing and you see their faith growing, you start to realize this is so much more than just scratching things off a list that they would get if...
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163. Connecting People to Hope: Christopher Beth
The Jesus Storybook Bible Podcast
Before his current position, Christopher Beth, director of The Bucket Ministry, didn’t know what he didn’t know. Unaware of how severe the world’s water crisis is, and how many people are affected by a seemingly hopeless situation, his eyes were opened on a mission trip to the Amazon. Christopher felt moved to show love through tangible help and got involved in ways to provide clean, safe drinking water for those who need it—opening a door to hope and connection. Quotes “I thought I was just going to be chaperoning my child on this trip, but what happened on that trip changed...
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162. God Will Give You Strength In The Storms: Jay Hewitt
The Jesus Storybook Bible Podcast
Jay Hewitt is a pastor, author, and motivational speaker. At the age of thirty-seven, he was diagnosed with terminal brain cancer, but despite the prognosis, he drew strength from his faith in God and embraced his calling as a storyteller—sharing his remarkable journey of striving to participate in the Ironman Triathlon while fighting cancer. Together with his wife and daughter, he continues to inspire others with his resilience, unwavering faith, and empowering messages, reminding us of the limitless strength we possess. Quotes “I've always used story as a driving force in my...
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161. We All Have Opportunities to Change the World: Tim Ross
The Jesus Storybook Bible Podcast
Raised in a family deeply rooted in ministry, Tim Ross's path to preaching and leadership was not a part of his own plans, but unfolded naturally through deep searching and examination of his convictions. Through his podcast, speaking engagements, and writing, Tim speaks to the power of small acts of kindness in changing lives and reflects on the true measure of success—finding the peace that passes all understanding. Quotes “I like to remind people that we can all change the world around us.” - Tim Ross “We have an opportunity on a daily basis—our proximity...
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160. Holding Sorrow and Joy Together: Gabe and Keely Scott
The Jesus Storybook Bible Podcast
When musician and restaurant owner Gabe Scott unexpectedly contracted a brain infection, he and his wife Keely knew they’d have a long road back to their normal lives. But what they didn’t anticipate was his continued memory loss, and how their story would become both beautiful and hard at the same time, even as they put the worst behind them. The Scotts share how they’ve learned to hold sorrow and joy together, and how to find happiness in the smallest of victories. Quotes “My prayers were just give me a date to just expect [Gabe’s memory loss] to be gone. We quickly...
info_outlineThrough the ups and downs of working in the music industry, singer/songwriter Jess Ray has seen God’s grace most exemplified to her in other people who’ve lent her a hand along the way. By choosing to take a people-centered approach to life, Jess has found how friendships can open doors and how they also inspire a truer and deeper aspect to her music.
Quotes
“Music and my relationship with God was very intertwined.” - Jess Ray
“It's really the kindness of so many people over a long time, giving me a shot, getting to learn from them, and honing my craft—learning from people who are so good and have walked this road in front of me.” - Jess Ray
“At this point, I'm just continuing to try to make art that is compelling to me, that feels true and authentic, and that's not afraid to push against the boundaries of what we might say. I see God in everything.” - Jess Ray
“I realize literally there is no greater job than our part to play here. I'm like, I don't want to be playing for thousands of people. I would rather be writing music for people to play on their very worst days and helping them get through that.” - Jess Ray
“When it comes to seeing God's love in the things around me, it normally starts with accepting today as a gift and not being in such a hurry with my own plan that I'm only frustrated when things don't go the way I want—instead having this heart that is open to what God will bring into my day.” - Jess Ray
“Honestly, a big shift for me the past few years has been a change to being people-centered, to shape my life around caring for people and what they need is something that does not necessarily come naturally for me. But when I've shifted my heart around that, I'm flooded with the love of God in the people around me.” - Jess Ray
Guest’s Links
Jess Ray’s website
Resources Mentioned in This Episode
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*Episode produced by Four Eyes Media*