The Christian Habits Podcast

Do you ever feel like you can’t change no matter how hard you try? On the Christian Habits Podcast, we’ll talk about biblical transformation through the renewing of the mind. This is a practical, hands-on podcast that will help you break free from the things that control you: things like bad habits, idolatry, overeating, and negative emotions such as worry, insecurity, anger, and stress. We'll also talk about how to develop a close relationship with God and how to pursue goals while still keeping God first in our lives.

10 Lies That Make Us Procrastinate 09/18/2025

How to Stop Procrastinating: Early Bird Enrollment Open 09/08/2025

Linda Dillow: Hope for My Hurting Heart 08/20/2025

Kristen Strong: How to Make and Keep Friends 07/30/2025

Whitney English: Organizing Your Home, Life, and Work 07/09/2025

Chip Ingram: Choosing Joy When Life is Hard 06/18/2025

Ann Wilson: How to Speak Life to Your Husband 06/04/2025

Charles Stone: Stress Less 05/21/2025

Kyle Idleman: Every Thought Captive 05/07/2025

Samantha Decker: Unhurried 04/23/2025

Rebecca George: Trusting God's Timing 04/09/2025

Dana K. White: Decluttering for Creatives (and Anyone Who Struggles) 02/26/2025

Tyler Staton: The Person and Work of the Holy Spirit 01/21/2025

7-Week Master Class on Transformation 01/11/2025

Jill Savage - How to Thrive as Empty Nesters 12/30/2024

Strahan Coleman: Thirsting for God 11/20/2024

Learning to Unplug with Hannah Brencher 10/23/2024

Christy Osborne: Love Life Sober 09/25/2024

Christy Osborne: Love Life Sober So many of us today are looking for ways to cope with the pressures of life. Instead of going to God, we turn to our phones, food, shopping, or even alcohol. Such was the case with , my guest on the Christian Habits Podcast. Christy talks about her journey to sobriety and the choice to live without alcohol in her new book Even if you do not struggle specifically with alcohol, you will hear many helpful ways to deal with any addiction. What We Discussed on the Podcast How Christy assigned alcohol different "jobs" in her life The many ways that becoming alcohol-free has changed Christy's life for the better Why Christy recommends the "experiment approach" when considering sobriety How to overcome addiction without willpower The surprising links between wine and disease Christy's defiance against "Mommy Wine Culture" How wine and alcohol addiction takes more than it gives Resources We Mentioned on the Podcast Christy's new book Christy's - Huberman Lab Podcast About Christy Osborne Christy Osborne, author of , is a graduate of the University of Southern California and attended law school at Pepperdine University. After passing the California bar exam, Christy relocated to London and assumed various roles in law, public relations, and business development. She founded a popular website for American expat women and became a royal commentator on SKY News in the UK. Christy discovered her true calling when she chose sobriety and began openly advocating for it on social media. As a highly trained senior sobriety coach featured in/by , , PBS, London Daily News, and more, she empowers women throughout the US and UK to redefine their relationship with alcohol. Visit her at Connect with How to Listen to the Podcast To listen or subscribe on YouTube: To listen or subscribe on Apple Podcasts:  To listen or subscribe on Android:  To listen or subscribe on Spotify:  Amazon Alexa: To listen on Amazon Alexa, say, “Alexa, play the Christian Habits Podcast.” /episode/index/show/christianhabits/id/33180052

Kirby Kelly: You Can Be Free: Overcoming Temptation and Habitual Sin by the Power and Promises of the Gospel 08/27/2024

Single Today with Ryan Wekenman (for Singles & Marrieds) 05/07/2024

Single Today with Ryan Wekenman (for Singles & Marrieds) Many singles today spend their lives regretting past mistakes, relationship failures, or worrying about what their future may (or may not) hold. However, God's plan for every single - actually, married people, too - is to live their lives for Him, right now, in the present! My guest today, , has a beautiful yet very real perspective on his own singleness, as well as the needful spiritual formation of those he ministers to. This episode is for all Christians! We will be discussing Ryan's new book, . What We Discussed on the Podcast Two enemies of singleness The "Tomorrow Trap" How to show up with a win at events where you might struggle with your current station in life The power of "naming it" A grounding strategy when we find ourselves getting too self-focused How to be present in every day, where you are, right now Ways to be intentional about building your community I'd also like to invite you to our online Philippians Bible study, which begins May 15. We'll be covering the following lessons in that Bible study. Wednesday mornings classes: 9 am PST, 10 am MST, 11 am CST, 12 pm EST May 15 – Lesson 2: Loving When It’s Hard to Love May 29 – Lesson 6: People Pleasing, Self-Pleasing, and God-Pleasing June 12 – Lesson 15: Letting Go of Anxiety Tuesday evenings classes: 5 pm PST, 6 pm MST, 7 pm CST, 8 pm EST May 21 – Lesson 4: Letting Go of Idols June 4 – Lesson 11: Finding Your Identity in Christ June 18 – Lesson 16: Learning to Be Content Click here for more info on the study and to sign up for it: Resources We Mentioned on the Podcast Ryan's podcasts: , , and is a storyteller and pastor who is passionate about finding creative ways to help people explore life’s biggest questions. He has a master’s degree from Talbot School of Theology. He is the co-host of two podcasts, , a show that brings the Bible to life for people all around the world, and , a weekly conversation about faith, culture, and the church. Ryan is the teaching pastor of , a young, vibrant church he helped start with a few of his best friends. He lives in Austin, Texas. Connect with Ryan at his , or on . How to Listen to the Podcast: To listen or subscribe on YouTube: To listen or subscribe on Apple Podcasts:  To listen or subscribe on Android:  To listen or subscribe on Spotify:  Amazon Alexa: To listen on Amazon Alexa, say, “Alexa, play the Christian Habits Podcast.” /episode/index/show/christianhabits/id/31079258

Bonus Episode: Letting Go of Anxiety 04/17/2024

Closer to God Bible Studies with Barb Raveling 04/09/2024

Healing What You Can't Erase with Christopher Cook 03/13/2024

Healing What You Can't Erase with Christopher Cook In today's culture, there is a mental health crisis. So many are looking for answers, yet much of the advice given does not provide sustainable relief. However, we know that the only way to true and lasting peace is to know the Prince of Peace! On the Christian Habits Podcast today (links below), my guest, discusses this very topic and his new book . What We Discussed on the Podcast The culture's current mental health crisis Common advice that simply doesn't work "Anxiety is just an alarm." What does this statement mean? What is true peace? What are practical ways to fix our focus on Jesus? How the process of transformation happens Christopher's S.E.E.D. strategy for dealing with intrusive thoughts Resources Mentioned on the Podcast - pre-order today! Christopher Cook is a leadership coach, author, and podcast host focused on transformation and wholeness. With an aptitude for strategy and execution, his ability to unearth clarity out of complexity drives his mission to help individuals and organizations thrive in their true identity. His work has appeared in outlets such as SUCCESS Magazine, and he has spent over a decade coaching leaders in both the marketplace and non-profit sectors. His weekly podcast, , equips wellness-minded listeners to move beyond the limitations of self-help, and instead, toward an integrated life of wholeness from the inside out. Pulling from his own experiences with adversity and personal transformation, these efforts, embodied by his passion for mental health, emotional health, and spiritual maturity, along with his educational credentials in business administration, leadership, and ministry, have led to helping people experience healing and transformation in their spirit, mind, and body. How to Listen to the Podcast To listen or subscribe on YouTube: To listen or subscribe on Apple Podcasts:  To listen or subscribe on Android:  To listen or subscribe on Stitcher:  To listen or subscribe on Spotify:  Amazon Alexa: To listen on Amazon Alexa, say, “Alexa, play the Christian Habits Podcast.” /episode/index/show/christianhabits/id/30282683

14 Practical Ways to Get Closer to God 02/14/2024

14 Practical Ways to Get Closer to God Do you ever feel distant from God? Do you long to be close to Him? In today's episode of the Christian Habits Podcast we'll talk about 14 practical things you can do to get closer to God. Before we look at ways to get closer to God, though, I thought it might be helpful to give some questions we can use to think about our relationship with Him: What would it look like to have a close walk with God? Is a consistently close walk with God possible? Why do you want a close walk with God? What is one thing that keeps you from having a close walk with God? What is one step you could take to have a close walk with God? The more intentional we are about our relationships, the better those relationships will be. Let's look at some practical things we can do to get closer to God. 14 Practical Ways to Get Closer to God We'll go more into depth in the podcast, but I wanted to include some of the resources below that we talked about on the podcast also the 10 ways to get close to God in case you don't have time to listen to the podcast. Find something you enjoy doing with Him. If you dread your quiet time, you won't want to do them. In the past, I didn't feel like doing quiet times because I thought they were boring. I found something I enjoyed doing, though, and all of a sudden I wanted to do my quiet times. Some of the ideas we talk about on the podcast are , , the , , and any of these . Don't worry about beginning with something simple, as you can always progress later to more Bible reading, etc. The key in the beginning is to establish the habit. Meet with God each day during the time of day that you're most alert. The advice we usually hear on this topic is to have your quiet time as soon as you wake up. That works for me and for many others, but it doesn't work for everyone. If you're a person who has more energy or self-control later in the day, it may be better to schedule your devotional time for that time of day. If you struggle with discipline in quiet times like I did for twenty years, try journaling through. Do a "closeness check" at the beginning of your time together. In the past, I used to begin each quiet time with a closeness check. I'd ask, "Am I feeling close to God?" If the answer was no, I'd think back to the previous day to see if there was anything I needed to talk to God about. I'd confess any sin that I needed to confess (often heart sin such as bad attitudes) and work through anything I needed to work through with Him. We'll talk more about the reasons for not feeling close (sin, idolatry, and not accepting what you need to accept) in the podcast and what you can do about it. Believe that He loves you. Have you ever been in a relationship in which the person actually loved you, but for some reason you felt like they didn't love you? When this happens to us, it makes us not trust that person or feel close to them. The same thing happens when we feel like God doesn't love us. If you feel like He doesn't love you right now, try praying through the following Bible verses and picture God doing the things He says He'll do in those verses. The first couple of times I tried this, it was transformative: , . Work on letting go of your idols and sin. When we feel like we have to have certain things to be happy, it interferes with our relationship with God. So does sin. It's impossible to completely get rid of sin and idols, but the more progress we make in those areas, the closer we'll feel to God. Here are a couple of posts/blog series that will help: and . Carve out a weekly (Sabbath) and/or monthly "date time" with Him. I don't know about you, but it's easy for me to get so caught up in life that I forget that life is really about God, not the other things I'm caught up in! Having a weekly Sabbath where I don't do any work and a monthly (or every two months) "date time" with God (which I explain more fully on the podcast) both help me keep Him first in my life and feel close to Him. Be thankful. Do you remember when the Israelites were grumbling in the desert after Moses led them out of Egypt? All of their grumbling distanced them from God and it does for us as well. The more we dwell on the good of God Himself and the blessings He has already given us, the more thankful we'll be--and the closer to God we'll feel. This has some verses to help with thankfulness! Spent time listening to God. John Mark Comer talked about this in his new book, , and we also visit about that on the 1/16/24 episode of the Christian Habits Podcast. Develop a prayer rhythm throughout the day. We see Daniel doing this in the Bible when he prayed three times a day. Meeting with God throughout the day will help us be aware of His presence and make us feel closer to Him. Go to God for help with negative emotions each day. I talk about this more on the podcast and give some examples of what that looks like. Don't spend too much time on social media, news, Netflix, or phone surfing. When we're constantly on our phones or watching television, we're often filling our minds with both a cultural perspective and negative emotions as we feel anger, worry, envy, and all sorts of things when we see what's happening in the world or what others are doing. The problem is that these emotions and message enter at lightening speed and we don't process them. It's easy for them to draw us away from God if we're not careful. Join a home group or Bible study. This is another tip I discovered after beginning a lifestyle where we didn't live in places long enough to have a home group or Bible study. (My husband is a travel physical therapist so we move every three months.) I didn't realize how important our home groups were for building me up in my faith. Go to church each week. I'll talk more about this in the podcast but I discovered this tip after being thrown into a lifestyle where we didn't go to church every week. If we miss out on church regularly, we can still be in the Word and listen to sermons online and even watch church online. But here's what we can't do: join other believers in person as we worship God together. There is power in worshipping God together through song and prayer. Not to mention being encouraged by others (Hebrews 10:25) and hearing some great teaching. Go to God for help with major life changes. Learn how to be content in this new life, love well in this new life, and be close to God in this new life. Why? Because when you enter into a new life stage you discover new weaknesses, new tendencies toward idolatry, and new reasons to be discontent - even if they're GOOD life changes. My prayer for all of us is that God will help us have the discipline and desire to do some of the things that will draw us closer to Him. He loves us and wants to be in a relationship with us. That's such a huge blessing. Does one of the above steps stand out to you as something you'd like to try doing? If so, I hope you'll give that a try. Additional Resources Mentioned on the Podcast How to Listen to the Podcast To listen or subscribe on YouTube: To listen or subscribe on Apple Podcasts:  To listen or subscribe on Android:  To listen or subscribe on Stitcher:  To listen or subscribe on Spotify:  Amazon Alexa: To listen on Amazon Alexa, say, “Alexa, play the Christian Habits Podcast.” /episode/index/show/christianhabits/id/29882513

John Mark Comer: Practicing the Way 01/16/2024

Living with Joy in a Stressful World with Brant Hansen 01/02/2024

Living with Joy in a Stressful World with Brant Hansen It's easy to feel stressed, overwhelmed, and anxious when we focus on the turmoil in the world (or our own lives). Media and culture don't help because they are constantly feeding us worrisome things. However, there is hope! My guest on the podcast today, , (links below) has an encouraging new book set to release in just two weeks: . Brant reminds us that we truly can have peace and abiding joy - no matter our circumstances - if Jesus is the center of our lives. What We Discussed on the Podcast How to become joyful when that isn't your natural bent How to "outsource" our worries What it truly means to be a disciple How God's ways always lead to the best life A technique beyond list-making to increase our gratitude The importance of choosing the attitude of our heart Resources Mentioned on the Podcast Brant's newest book, - publishing January 16, 2024 BRANT HANSEN is a bestselling author, syndicated radio host and advocate for healing children with correctable disabilities through . His award-winning radio show, , airs on top stations in the U.S. and Canada. His podcast, , has been downloaded more than 15 million times. He has been named "Personality of the Year" multiple times by Christian Music Broadcasters and is called "Christian music 's most beloved radio personality" by Christian Voice Magazine. Brant writes about varied topics related to faith, including masculinity in his book, , and forgiveness in , about which he was recently interviewed on ABC's Good Morning America. Brant speaks often about being diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder as an adult. Brant also proudly refers to himself as a “toast-obsessed nerd’ who was no less than president of the Illinois Student Librarians Association in high school. He also plays the accordion, “in spite of popular demand.” Connect with Brant at his , , , and . How to Listen to the Podcast To listen or subscribe on Google Podcasts: To listen or subscribe on Apple Podcasts:  To listen or subscribe on Android:  To listen or subscribe on Stitcher:  To listen or subscribe on Spotify:  Amazon Alexa: To listen on Amazon Alexa, say, “Alexa, play the Christian Habits Podcast.” /episode/index/show/christianhabits/id/29205033

Memorizing Scripture with Glenna Marshall 11/21/2023

Practicing the Presence of Jesus with Joni Eareckson Tada 10/24/2023

Practicing the Presence of Jesus with Joni Eareckson Tada Do stressful situations steal your peace? Have you allowed the disappointments in your life to keep you from feeling close to Jesus? Do you wish to experience the calm you feel in your quiet moments with God all throughout your day? In my interview on the Christian Habits Podcast (links below), Joni Eareckson Tada shares wisdom from her personal life experiences about learning to stay close to Jesus all throughout the day. We also discuss her newest book, What We Discussed on the Podcast How a tragic accident early in Joni's life began to change her relationship with Jesus Why Joni can be grateful for the suffering that she has endured How to put up our spiritual antennae each day How practicing the presence of Jesus takes the edge off of our pain The pathway to joy in any situation How learning to rely on the Lord is a rewarding discipline - but it takes practice Resources Mentioned on the Podcast About Joni Eareckson Tada is an esteemed Christian stateswoman and respected global leader in disability advocacy. Although a 1967 diving accident left her a quadriplegic, she emerged from rehabilitation with a determination to help others with similar disabilities. Mrs. Tada serves as CEO of , a Christian organization which provides programs and services for thousands of special needs families around the world. President Reagan appointed Mrs. Tada to the National Council on Disability, then reappointed by President George H.W. Bush. During her tenure, the ADA was passed and signed into law. Mrs. Tada served as advisor to Condoleezza Rice on the Disability Advisory Committee to the U.S. State Department. She served as Senior Associate for Disability Concerns for the Lausanne Committee for World Evangelization. The Colson Center on Christian Worldview awarded Joni Tada its prestigious William Wilberforce Award, and she was also inducted into Indiana Wesleyan University’s Society of World Changers. Joni Eareckson Tada has been awarded several honorary degrees, including Doctor of Humanities from Gordon College and Doctor of Divinity from Westminster Theological Seminary. She is an effective communicator, sharing her inspirational message in books, through artwork, radio, and other media. Joni Tada served as General Editor of the Beyond Suffering Bible, a special edition published by Tyndale for people affected by disability. Joni and her husband Ken were married in 1982 and reside in Calabasas, California. How to Listen to the Podcast To listen or subscribe on Google Podcasts: To listen or subscribe on Apple Podcasts:  To listen or subscribe on Android:  To listen or subscribe on Stitcher:  To listen or subscribe on Spotify:  Amazon Alexa: To listen on Amazon Alexa, say, “Alexa, play the Christian Habits Podcast.” /episode/index/show/christianhabits/id/28384232

Susie Larson: Staying Strong in Battle 09/26/2023

Susie Larson: Staying Strong in Battle Has the joy and peace in your life been replaced by stress and strife? Is your inner narrative filling you with thoughts of despair? Do you find yourself questioning God's goodness? If you answered yes to any or all of these questions, you may be in the midst of a spiritual battle. My guest today on the Christian Habits Podcast (links below), , shares such valuable wisdom from her very personal experiences in spiritual warfare, and from her book . What We Discussed on the Podcast How to discern the schemes of the enemy The negative effect of apathy and passivity in the Christian life Why it truly is that the "poor in spirit" inherit the Kingdom How Susie's trials have taught her to aggressively contend for the promises of God How to discern the signs that you may be in a spiritual battle How the disappointments of life can lead us to believing lies about God Three questions to ask when you are disappointed Resources Mentioned on the Podcast - Susie Larson - Susie Larson - Susie Larson - Radio Broadcast & Podcast SUSIE LARSON is a national speaker, a bestselling author, and the host of the daily talk show Susie Larson Live, heard on the Faith Radio Network. Susie has written twenty books and many articles. She’s been a guest on Focus on the Family, the Life Today show, FamilyLife Today, as well as many other media outlets. Twice voted a top-ten finalist for the John C. Maxwell Transformational Leadership Award, she is also a veteran of the fitness field. Susie has been married to her dear husband, Kevin, since 1985, and together they have three wonderful sons, three beautiful daughters-in-law, three beautiful grandchildren, and one adorable pit bull named Memphis. Susie’s passion is to see people everywhere awakened to the value of their soul, the depth of God’s love, and the height of their calling in Christ Jesus. Connect with Susie on , or at . How to Listen to the Podcast To listen or subscribe on Google Podcasts: To listen or subscribe on Apple Podcasts:  To listen or subscribe on Android:  To listen or subscribe on Stitcher:  To listen or subscribe on Spotify:  Amazon Alexa: To listen on Amazon Alexa, say, “Alexa, play the Christian Habits Podcast.” /episode/index/show/christianhabits/id/28032723

Dannah Gresh: Finding Healing for Your Marriage 08/22/2023

Dannah Gresh: Finding Healing for Your Marriage Marriage is hard, we all agree. And when a spouse has an addiction to pornography, a marriage can be stretched to its breaking point. However, when God is involved, there is always hope! On today's episode of the Christian Habits Podcast (links below), my guest, shares about this particular struggle in her own marriage which was the inspiration for her newest book, What We Discussed on the Podcast The painful cycle of pornography addiction How the effects of sexual sin are different than other sins The essential action that is the doorway to healing in a marriage The two choices we are faced with when confronting destructive addiction in marriage How compassion for the addicted spouse begins the healing process Dannah's recommendations regarding therapy for marriages in crisis Resources Mentioned on the Podcast Dannah's newest book, Article about that I referenced DANNAH GRESH is a best-selling author and sought-after speaker. Her best-selling titles include , co-authored with Nancy Leigh DeMoss, and . Dannah is the co-host of , a daily podcast for women, and the founder of True Girl, which provides mom+daughter connection tools including the podcast. Dannah has sold over 2 million books and reaches women and girls in more than 100 countries. She and her husband Bob live in State College, Pennsylvania on a small farm that could be confused as a petting zoo. Horses, llamas, peacocks, chickens, goats, dogs and cats abound. The family pastime is chasing whoever—or whatever—might be loose. Find Dannah online at . How to Listen to the Podcast To listen or subscribe on Google Podcasts: To listen or subscribe on Apple Podcasts:  To listen or subscribe on Android:  To listen or subscribe on Stitcher:  To listen or subscribe on Spotify:  Amazon Alexa: To listen on Amazon Alexa, say, “Alexa, play the Christian Habits Podcast.” /episode/index/show/christianhabits/id/27802671

The Christian Habits Podcast

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