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. Jesus Calling VIDEO podcast => https://apple.co/2oQ6jJo

The Power of Releasing Hidden Hurts: Joe Dobbins & Aimee Byrd 10/03/2024

The Power of Releasing Hidden Hurts: Joe Dobbins & Aimee Byrd This week, we’ll hear from two influential voices in the Christian community, and . Joe Dobbins, pastor of Twin Rivers Church in St. Louis, Missouri, and author of , shares he and his wife's painful experiences with their church and the healing process that followed. His insights provide a roadmap for those struggling with similar wounds, offering steps toward restoring faith and re-engaging with the church. Following Joe's story, our next guest is speaker, blogger, and podcaster Aimee Byrd. Aimee opens up about her lifelong journey of searching for belonging in the church, and how she learned through trials and painful hurts that God wants us to ask questions, and even though we might be scarred by those who twist truths to facilitate how they think we should live, we can find our way back to God and what He says about how we were meant to live. Links, Products, and Resources Mentioned: Past interview: Upcoming interview: Interview Quotes: “The season that followed that painful experience was one where we physically attended church, but we withheld our hearts, and the rejection we felt caused us to lose confidence in leaders. It created a distrust for people, and it did cause us to question our place in the community…God is omnipresent, meaning He's everywhere that we are at all times. But just because you are in His presence doesn't mean you have entered His presence. To enter God's presence, meaning to receive Him, your heart has to be open. And pain had caused my heart to close.” - Joe Dobbins “Healing begins by knocking your feelings off the throne of your heart and allowing Jesus to retake His proper place.” - Joe Dobbins “Forgiveness is never a one-time event. It's a daily exercise, that every time you remember how they hurt you, you're going to have to decide to release it and forgive it again. And eventually what happens is that practice causes the decision in your head to move into the feelings in your heart. And if you'll do it enough, you'll eventually find the pain you've been carrying from rejection is replaced with God's peace.” - Joe Dobbins “Jesus said, ‘Follow me,’ not follow my followers. And I believe that a lot of church hurt is wrapped up when our expectations are not met from a person we esteem, or see that they should be further along in their journey.” - Joe Dobbins “I think it's interesting today how Christians are really known more for the points they want to make. But yet Jesus was known for asking questions…the church would do well today to remember listening is loving, because often we too quickly jump to trying to tell people what they need to do before we understand the pain they've been through.” - Joe Dobbins “I still had this vigor to learn more about God and who He was. And I started learning like, Oh, there's a word for that. It's called theology, just the study of who God is. And that fascinated me.” - Aimee Byrd “I was traveling all over the place, meeting so many different women in the church, and realizing that there are many like me who are struggling as thinking women in the church who want to be more engaged theologically, who want to get into deeper Bible study, to be able to be invested in the whole heart of the church.” - Aimee Byrd “There were so many things I needed to die to myself in this process of disillusionment and healing. But you look to the left and you look to the right and you realize there's a whole crowded underground of people doing the same thing, and that's what church should be.” - Aimee Byrd “God wants us to come with our questions.” - Aimee Byrd “We're here to tell our stories, to hold one another's stories. And as we look at our wounds and the scars as they're healing, they bear testimony to where we've been, what we're going through, where Christ has met us.” - Aimee Byrd ________________________ Enjoy watching these additional videos from Jesus Calling YouTube channel! Audio Episodes: Bonus Podcasts: Jesus Listens: Stories of Prayer: Peace for Everyday Life: Peace in Uncertain Times: What’s Good? Enneagram: ________________________ Connect with Jesus Calling /episode/index/show/jesuscalling/id/33280907

Harmony and Hope: Facing Life’s Best and Worst Moments with Josh Baldwin and Diane Chew 09/26/2024

Harmony and Hope: Facing Life’s Best and Worst Moments with Josh Baldwin and Diane Chew Sometimes life hands us a situation, or an experience, that we never expected. Maybe it’s something exciting, like a new relationship or adventure, but sometimes it can be full of sorrow, too, like the loss of a job we loved or an unexpected illness that derails everything. But it’s in those moments that we find out who we are, and what God has made us capable of, giving us an opportunity to really show up for others. This week, we sit down with , a worship leader, songwriter, and artist with over two decades of experience. Josh opens up about walking through a challenging season of mental health in his family, and how he turned to music for comfort and direction from the Lord, which he now uses to bring comfort and peace to his listeners. Later, we’ll hear from , known as , a life coach and caregiver for her husband, Ben, who has . Diane shares practical tips for dementia care and emphasizes self-care for caregivers, drawing from her experiences of over fifty years with Ben and the challenges of his cognitive decline. She finds solace and community through social media and discusses the crucial role of faith in navigating these challenges. Links, Products, and Resources Mentioned: Past interview: Upcoming interview: by Song permission: Prince of Peace Josh Baldwin, Hank Bentley, Ben Fielding © 2023 Bethel Music Publishing (ASCAP) / Glory Ghost Publishing (ASCAP) (admin by Bethel Music Publishing). All Rights Reserved. Used by Permission. Interview Quotes: “Wherever He's given permission to reign in my life, then the peace just automatically is there because the peace follows Him.” - Josh Baldwin “I feel like it's hard for me to be anxious about things and grateful to the Lord for all He’s done at the same time.” - Josh Baldwin “I felt like all I could do was kind of react to one mini crisis after another. I was just responding and reacting to what felt like a constant emergency.” - Diane Chew “I needed somehow to process everything that was happening every day. I wanted to find the blessings, but I was often trapped in my own head, and I was isolated and alone and scared and I didn't know what to do.” - Diane Chew “We have three choices in life when we face circumstances that we didn't expect. We can change them, we can accept them, or we can suffer.” - Diane Chew “It takes constant practice to look for the blessings, and to stay connected to something bigger than my thoughts and feelings.” - Diane Chew “It takes stubbornness, I think, to not go down with the ship. I am not going to give up my life. Ben wouldn't want me to do that.” - Diane Chew “The Holy Spirit will give us the wisdom to know what I just need to let go of, and what I can act on, and to give me that strength and faith to act when I can and let go when I can't.” - Diane Chew ________________________ Enjoy watching these additional videos from Jesus Calling YouTube channel! Audio Episodes: Bonus Podcasts: Jesus Listens: Stories of Prayer: Peace for Everyday Life: Peace in Uncertain Times: What’s Good? Enneagram: ________________________ Connect with Jesus Calling /episode/index/show/jesuscalling/id/33169672

[JESUS LISTENS MONTHLY SERIES] Prayers for Healing: Petrina Pacheco 09/24/2024

Disconnecting to Reconnect: A Faithful Approach to Mental Health with Faith Broussard Cade & Hannah Brencher 09/19/2024

Disconnecting to Reconnect: A Faithful Approach to Mental Health with Faith Broussard Cade & Hannah Brencher *This episode mentions suicide and depression and may not be suitable for all listeners.* In an era where the pressures of modern life can feel overwhelming, two remarkable stories offer a unique perspective in our increasingly digital world. Our first guest, mental health counselor and advocate , embarked on a path to self-discovery following a traumatic brain injury. Diagnosed with after a severe car accident, her journey underscored the critical importance of self-care and the necessity of prioritizing mental well-being in today’s fast-paced world. Later in the episode, we’ll hear from —an author and educator—who delves into the impact of constant digital connectivity on mental health and personal well-being, drawing from her own experiences. Hannah shares her journey toward unplugging, which began as a personal revelation on her birthday and led her to set a goal of 1,000 hours of disconnection over the course of a year. Links, Products, and Resources Mentioned: Past interview: Upcoming interview: Interview Quotes: “I had a decision to make. Do I keep up the facade that I've always kept of being the superwoman who can always do everything and be everything to everyone? Or do I give up that facade for the hope of being able to have a future?” - Faith Broussard Cade “What was supposed to be fifteen days of me kind of jump-starting my own healing journey has now turned into six and a half years of writing notes and encouraging this community collective healing journey for a lot of other people, not just myself.” - Faith Broussard Cade “I found my hero. She's been inside of me the entire time, and I am so proud of who she has become.” - Faith Boussard Cade “Just because it's not a good fit for someone else doesn't negate the goodness–the innate goodness–of who I am and who I try to be, and how I try to show up for others.” - Faith Boussard Cade “What I really wanted to do in that unplugged year was just be present to it for myself, for that part of myself that was exhausted, for that part of myself that needed to get back these vital parts of herself.” - Hannah Brencher “What would it really look like to check in with myself, and what would it really look like to take care of myself at the end of a long day?” - Hannah Brencher “I can actually experience peace just by taking these little ordinary moments throughout my day and seeing them as an opportunity to meet with God and hear from God.” - Hannah Brencher “He's a God of peace. He's a God of goodness. He's a God that wants good for your life, and He's a God that just wants you to be near. Not for any other motive, but the fact that He loves you and He wants to be with you, and He wants to show you daily life through a lens that maybe you haven't looked through before.” - Hannah Brencher ________________________ Enjoy watching these additional videos from Jesus Calling YouTube channel! Audio Episodes: Bonus Podcasts: Jesus Listens: Stories of Prayer: Peace for Everyday Life: Peace in Uncertain Times: What’s Good? Enneagram: ________________________ Connect with Jesus Calling /episode/index/show/jesuscalling/id/33079257

Reflecting The Hope God’s Given Us: Matt Forté & Jonnie W. 09/12/2024

Reflecting The Hope God’s Given Us: Matt Forté & Jonnie W. *This episode mentions violence and may be triggering for some listeners.* This week, we talk with , a former NFL running back who played ten years with the Chicago Bears and the New York Jets. Beyond his impressive career on the field, Matt has transitioned into roles as an entrepreneur, philanthropist, and ministry worker. Matt shares his inspiring story, from his early days in football to his work in gun violence prevention and support for at-risk families. Later in the episode, we’ll also be joined by comedian , who shares why he believes in the value of laughter. Known for his unique blend of stand-up comedy and music, Jonnie’s approach to comedy is not just about making people laugh, but also about bringing light and positivity into the world. Links, Products, and Resources Mentioned: Past interview: Upcoming interview: Interview Quotes: “I just knew I had a calling on my life to be an athlete.” - Matt Forté “Every day, marching up eight flights to get books and to go to practice and get back home, all of that really taught me never to complain about the luxuries that you get in life that we often overlook or take for granted. It taught me a lot.” - Matt Forté “Put in a lot of hard work, but also have faith in yourself and really have faith in God that He is a good God, that He has good plans for you as well.” - Matt Forté “Had it not been for Jesus coming down and dying for our sins and living a sinless life and paying the debt for what we've accumulated, there would be no hope. And in return, we have to reflect the hope that He's given us.” - Matt Forté “I think there's something formative about that that kind of clicks in a comedian's brain, that extra little bump of attention that you get from someone laughing or you kind of push someone's buttons in a way. There's something about that that is pretty remarkable.” - Jonnie W. “I like to think about the people that are coming to my shows and what private pain they might have, what they might need release from. My comedy comes from a place of faith. I feel like it's such a gift that I discovered that I could do this and that God's opened doors for me to go do it, so I never take it for granted.” - Jonnie W. “I think you're missing out on something that God wired inside of you if you're not laughing.” - Jonnie W. ________________________ Enjoy watching these additional videos from Jesus Calling YouTube channel! Audio Episodes: Bonus Podcasts: Jesus Listens: Stories of Prayer: Peace for Everyday Life: Peace in Uncertain Times: What’s Good? Enneagram: ________________________ Connect with Jesus Calling /episode/index/show/jesuscalling/id/32978337

Courage in Crisis: Michael Hingson & Eve Selis Lean on Faith To Survive 09/05/2024

Courage in Crisis: Michael Hingson & Eve Selis Lean on Faith To Survive *This episode contains content that may be triggering for some listeners.* Our guests this week went through circumstances that could potentially cause someone to want to give up. But instead of descending into panic, or utter hopelessness, they re-centered their focus on their faith, and trusted God that He would provide a way forward. faced the unimaginable as a survivor of 9/11, escaping from tower one with the help of his guide dog, Roselle, and the spirit of calm he inhabited became a beacon for others in the middle of the panic and chaos. openly shares about the tragic and devastating loss of her brother Pete, and what her journey of healing looked like. By journaling and praying her way through the darkness, Eve became her most vulnerable self, which resonated with others and helped her find a renewed sense of hope when she’d been hopeless for so long. Links, Products, and Resources Mentioned: Past interview: Upcoming interview: for the suicide and crisis lifeline Interview Quotes: “I knew that if Roselle wasn't feeling fear, whatever was going on wasn't such an imminent threat to us that we couldn't try to evacuate in an orderly way, because dogs have a very greatly heightened sense of those kinds of things.” - Michael Hingson “When we started to run, I remember the first thought I had was, God, I can't believe you got us out of a building just to have it fall on us. And when I thought that, I immediately heard in my mind a voice that said—as clearly as you're hearing me now—‘Don't worry about what you can't control. Focus on running with Roselle and the rest will take care of itself.’ I felt this absolute calm and certainty that if we worked together, Roselle and I would be fine.” - Michael Hingson “There are a lot of things that happen to us that we don't necessarily have any control over. But what we absolutely and totally have control over is how we deal with it and how we react to it.” - Michael Hingson “We need to learn how to listen to God, and we need to recognize that all the answers that we need are always available to us if we only really look for them.” - Michael Hingson “When something tragic happens, you are in shock. And your trauma… you can't breathe. You go into hiding. There's so much shame involved. And there's literally nobody to talk to.” - Eve Selis “If I did not believe in God and have my faith, I would not be here right now. It was the only thing that got me through.” - Eve Selis “It's a spiritual job to be a musician, and music connects us to something bigger than us, and I believe that it's the closest thing to the divine that we have.” - Eve Selis “I can tell you that there is nothing more powerful that you can do for somebody who is hurting than to pray for them or send them a positive thought or text them, ‘I love you.’ That's a prayer.” - Eve Selis ________________________ Enjoy watching these additional videos from Jesus Calling YouTube channel! Audio Episodes: Bonus Podcasts: Jesus Listens: Stories of Prayer: Peace for Everyday Life: Peace in Uncertain Times: What’s Good? Enneagram: ________________________ Connect with Jesus Calling /episode/index/show/jesuscalling/id/32458797

Healing Hearts: The Impact of Compassionate Service with Dr. Ming Wang & Raeanne Newquist 08/29/2024

Healing Hearts: The Impact of Compassionate Service with Dr. Ming Wang & Raeanne Newquist This week, we explore stories of service from two guests who have made it their life’s work to help others. is a renowned, cutting-edge laser eye surgeon who grew up with a dad in medicine, so it was ingrained in him from an early age to help people. Dr. Wang shares his incredible life experiences—including how he narrowly escaped a life of hard labor while living in China—how his atheist worldview was shaken while in medical school, and how he now helps people living in darkness see light for the first time. works in marketing for , an international charity which consists of two state-of-the-art hospital ships that bring hope and healing to the people of Africa who lack access to safe and reliable healthcare. Raeanne shares the transformations she’s seen in patients not only physically, but emotionally and spiritually as well. Links, Products, and Resources Mentioned: Past interview: Upcoming interview: Interview Quotes: “In 1982, with $50 borrowed from a visiting American professor, with a Chinese English dictionary, I came to America, even though I did not know the language, and even though I did not know anyone, even though I was very poor. But I was happy because I was free.” - Dr. Ming Wang “From a very young age, I was imprinted [with] the attitude of working hard, studying hard for knowledge, and also the heart to help others.” - Dr. Ming Wang “I realize that science is still important and necessary, but not sufficient. I realize there's science giving me the tools. But a faith in Christ gives me a purpose for what I'm going to use the tools for.” - Dr. Ming Wang “[Mercy Ships] is really an extraordinary community to be a part of because our crew come from all over the world. At any given time, there's over fifty nations represented on board our vessels. So it is this multicultural, Jesus-loving community that all come together with one purpose, and that is to bring hope and healing to the world's forgotten poor.” - Raeanne Newquist “I think the healing oftentimes comes through the surgery, but it also comes through the emotional healing that these people who've been outcasts receive when we look them in the eye and we hug them and touch them and tell them they're valuable and they're worthy.” - Raeanne Newquist _______________________ Enjoy watching these additional videos from Jesus Calling YouTube channel! Audio Episodes: Bonus Podcasts: Jesus Listens: Stories of Prayer: Peace for Everyday Life: Peace in Uncertain Times: What’s Good? Enneagram: ________________________ Connect with Jesus Calling /episode/index/show/jesuscalling/id/32502132

[JESUS LISTENS MONTHLY SERIES] A Prodigal Son's Return Through Prayer: Daniel Maritz 08/27/2024

Experiencing Joy in All Our Circumstances: Tahj Mowry & Melvin Crispell III 08/22/2024

Experiencing Joy in All Our Circumstances: Tahj Mowry & Melvin Crispell III This week, we talk with . Known for his roles in beloved TV shows like , , and Disney's , Tahj shares his journey from a child actor to an adult in the industry, how he stays grounded in a sometimes chaotic environment, and the joy and gratitude he taps into through his faith. Later in the episode, we’ll hear from , a remarkable gospel recording artist who grew up immersed in the church and followed in the footsteps of his talented gospel music singing parents. He opens up about losing his mom and dad, how prayer became his solace and strength, and how he continues to honor his parents' legacy and spread joy to others through music. Links, Products, and Resources Mentioned: Past interview: Upcoming interview: by CeCe Winans by Melvin Crispell III Interview Quotes: “Acting has always been that comfort for me and that is the true passion for me that I don't think I'll ever get away from or stop. And I'm thankful that I still love it to this day and that I'm able to continue to do what I love to do.” - Tahj Mowry “That's one of the reasons why I do what I do, to make people smile, to make people feel, to make people see themselves in me. And that's beautiful. That's one of the most beautiful parts of my job.” - Tahj Mowry “We're called to die every day to our flesh, to ourselves, and to surrender to Christ daily, to take up our crosses daily. It's not just like a one time thing. It's a choice that we should make every day.” - Tahj Mowry “I think an attitude of gratitude, a heart of thankfulness, is where worship begins. If we stay thankful, we're never ungrateful.” - Tahj Mowry “God didn't fail me. He literally answered my prayer and He placed so many people around me to make sure I was good, to make sure that I stayed on my feet, to make sure I didn't go without. That's just one example of God's goodness.” - Melvin Crispell III “People are listening to music and it is really changing lives. And I'm grateful that God saw fit to use me because I'm nowhere near perfect. I really have such a long way to go in my walk, in my journey. But I'm grateful. And I'm honored that God decides to use me in the way He does.” - Melvin Crispell III ________________________ Enjoy watching these additional videos from Jesus Calling YouTube channel! Audio Episodes: Bonus Podcasts: Jesus Listens: Stories of Prayer: Peace for Everyday Life: Peace in Uncertain Times: What’s Good? Enneagram: ________________________ Connect with Jesus Calling /episode/index/show/jesuscalling/id/32587222

Transform Your Mindset and Elevate Your Outlook: Dr. Alan Weissenbacher & Carolyn Weber 08/15/2024

Transform Your Mindset and Elevate Your Outlook: Dr. Alan Weissenbacher & Carolyn Weber This week, we have the privilege of hearing from , the managing editor of the journal and a teaching pastor in Berkeley, California. Deriving from his work with those who struggle with addiction, he illustrates how we can harness the power of neuroscience to change our habits, emphasizing the importance of replacing negative thoughts with positive ones, and how our focus can reshape our brain's pathways, which includes the disciplines of prayer and studying Scripture. Later in the episode, we'll hear from , an acclaimed author, speaker, and professor who experienced a profound spiritual awakening during her time at . Initially an agnostic, Carolyn's encounters with diverse Christian communities and her thorough reading of the Bible led her to embrace Christianity. Her memoir and its subsequent film adaptation chronicle her journey from skepticism to faith. Links, Products, and Resources Mentioned: Past interview: Upcoming interview: Interview Quotes: “If I didn't have those years at the Denver Rescue Mission, I wouldn't have been inspired to research the brain and how God designed that brain to learn and grow. And then by knowing that, how I could improve rehabilitation programs and help people improve their spiritual lives in the church as a whole.” - Dr. Alan Weissenbacher “Replacing unhealthy thoughts with healthy ones impacts the brain's structure and function. Replace the problem thoughts with good ones, turning yourself in that direction.” - Dr. Alan Weissenbacher “Don't pray to the problem. Pray to get the solution.” - Dr. Alan Weissenbacher “In a way, I didn't realize how much that template of my earthly father influenced any concept of a heavenly one.” - Carolyn Weber “I think that those earlier life experiences in which I had felt very cherished and loved—but that the rug had been pulled out from under me—shaped my earlier initial views of faith in that it was very difficult to trust anyone but myself. I think sometimes we don't want to admit the things that hurt the most.” - Carolyn Weber “I began to realize that faith and intellect are not opposites. They're not incompatible.” - Carolyn Weber “Our souls are restless, our hearts are restless, until they find their home in God, and I identified with that longing.” - Carolyn Weber “His love for us, it just endures. And that's still incredibly mind-blowing and soul-filling.” - Carolyn Weber ________________________ Enjoy watching these additional videos from Jesus Calling YouTube channel! Audio Episodes: Bonus Podcasts: Jesus Listens: Stories of Prayer: Peace for Everyday Life: Peace in Uncertain Times: What’s Good? Enneagram: ________________________ Connect with Jesus Calling /episode/index/show/jesuscalling/id/32501927

Finding God in Our Spiritual Deserts: Sarah Kroger & Clare McCallan 08/08/2024

Finding God in Our Spiritual Deserts: Sarah Kroger & Clare McCallan This week, we are delighted to have , a talented singer/songwriter and worship leader from Nashville, Tennessee. Sarah shares the early days of her creative exploration while facing bullying, and how when she attended a transformative youth conference, she realized that faith could be something that was alive in your life, not just a box to be checked off on Sundays. Later in the episode, we’ll hear from , an accomplished author and creative director of . Clare shares her experience of taking a leap of faith, banding together with the local artist community, and restoring an old convent to become a vibrant place that nurtures and cultivates young artists. Links, Products, and Resources Mentioned: Past interview: Upcoming interview: Interview Quotes: “I refused to sing in front of my family for years. I just kind of locked away this gift and threw away the key and was like, I will never, ever sing in front of anybody. It'll just be something that I do for myself.” - Sarah Kroger “I felt like God was lovingly tapping me on the shoulder and just saying, ‘Sarah, I gave you this gift not just for yourself. I gave you this for my kingdom. I gave you this gift for my glory. And by you hiding it, it's not doing anyone any favors. So will you step out in faith? Will you say yes to me?’” - Sarah Kroger “In a lot of ways, it's like being being able to create spaces where people feel safe enough to come to God just as they are, and feel safe enough to bring their questions and whatever they're walking through into a worship set, into a session that we're having, into whatever it is that we're doing, to be able to foster that kind of environment through music.” - Sarah Kroger “If we can't be brutally honest with God, then who can we be honest with?” - Sarah Kroger “We are never alone. He says, ‘I am with you always.’ That's a promise of God, even in the midst of the darkness.” - Sarah Kroger “My life has been much happier ever since I've decided to just go all in on the way God made me and just live in pure creativity, both in my personal life and in my professional life.” - Clare McCallan “Everybody wants the product, nobody wants the process. We serve a God born in a manger. Humble beginnings are not a bad thing.” - Clare McCallan “God has equipped you with a unique set of gifts and a power for prolific love to create things that will change your world, the world around you, and the world as a whole. And your gifts as a craftsman, your ability to create, has the power to save souls around you. Your witness matters. Your gifts—even if you aren't aware of them—matter, and the world needs what only you can create.” - Clare McCallan ________________________ Enjoy watching these additional videos from Jesus Calling YouTube channel! Audio Episodes: Bonus Podcasts: Jesus Listens: Stories of Prayer: Peace for Everyday Life: Peace in Uncertain Times: What’s Good? Enneagram: ________________________ Connect with Jesus Calling /episode/index/show/jesuscalling/id/32441077

To Be Loved Is To Be Known: Ainsley Britain & Ali Gilkeson 08/01/2024

To Be Loved Is To Be Known: Ainsley Britain & Ali Gilkeson If there is one thing we all desire as human beings, it is to be known—truly, deeply known—and loved just as we are. says “You have searched me, Lord, and you know me… you are familiar with all my ways,” reminding us that we can experience the joy of being known to our core when we look to the Lord. is an who delves into how we were individually and uniquely made by God, and how we can apply the knowledge of how we were created to our relationships with others—especially while navigating the challenges of high school. is a member of the beloved band , which was initially designed as a welcoming place for people who didn’t always feel like they belonged in the church. Through recognizing our individual roles in life, Ali shares how a raw, honest relationship with God can help us find our way home. Links, Products, and Resources Mentioned: Past interview: Upcoming interview: Interview Quotes: “One of the things I love about the Enneagram, specifically how it relates to teens, is that not only do you understand your strengths and weaknesses, but you understand the motivations behind your actions.” - Ainsley Britain “If we can have the knowledge and understanding that all of the root fears, the root motivations, the root trauma, all of these wounding childhood messages can be healed with the Lord. And I believe that the Enneagram is just that helpful tool to kind of uncover that.” - Ainsley Britain “I think it's so important to connect with God daily because just like any of your other relationships, that's where the depth is. That is where the intimacy is. It's how you maintain and foster a friendship with the Lord.” - Ainsley Britain “All we care about is connection with God and connection with each other in a real, authentic way.” - Ali Gilkeson “Authentic worship isn't really even about the sound of a song. It's about the state of your heart.” - Ali Gilkeson ________________________ Enjoy watching these additional videos from Jesus Calling YouTube channel! Audio Episodes: Bonus Podcasts: Jesus Listens: Stories of Prayer: Peace for Everyday Life: Peace in Uncertain Times: What’s Good? Enneagram: ________________________ Connect with Jesus Calling /episode/index/show/jesuscalling/id/32334702

[JESUS LISTENS MONTHLY SERIES] There’s Power In Our Prayers: Lydia McLaughlin 07/30/2024

Shattered But Unbroken: Patsy Clairmont & Gil Schaenzle 07/25/2024

Shattered But Unbroken: Patsy Clairmont & Gil Schaenzle Our first guest, , is a renowned author, speaker, and one of the founding speakers for . Patsy’s early years were marked by severe anxiety and depression. Whispering prayers of desperation for anything to help her through this time, she was surprised by the small, simple steps God gave her that helped her emerge from the darkness. The surprises would continue to come as she moved from barely being able to leave the house to speaking to millions of people—inspiring them with her humor, wisdom, and stories of overcoming. Later in the episode, we’ll hear from , known as the National Park Mom. After her daughter, Anna, passed away from at the young age of twenty-one, Gil embarked on a heartfelt mission to raise awareness for this rare disease. Through her campaign to run in all the national parks, and her more recent journey of cycling along America’s historic canals, Gil honors Anna's memory and brings hope to others facing similar battles. Links, Products, and Resources Mentioned: Past interview: Upcoming interview: Interview Quotes: “God brought me to a point of desperation where I realized that if something didn't change, I wouldn't survive myself. And it was at that point that I cried out from the depths of my being, ‘Lord, I'll do whatever you ask of me.’” - Patsy Clairmont “I became hungry for saying God's Word. And then I became absolutely committed to walking in and understanding the truth as it was laid out in His council.” - Patsy Clairmont “Finding a way to use my words that were constructive and helpful gave me a personal sense of dignity. It gave me an understanding that I could be worth something, I could be of value to another human life.” - Patsy Clairmont “Know that God has a divine plan. And if you will listen carefully to what other people say you do well, you have probably found a gift that is placed within you that is so common to you, because you've lived with that ability, that you didn't even recognize it for what it is and what it could be under His tutelage.” - Patsy Clairmont “God had kind of given me enough humility to understand it's never been about who I was. It's always been about who He is and wants to be for us all.” - Patsy Clairmont “I don't know what I would have done without God throughout this whole thing.” - Gil Schaenzle “I like to say that grief is just the other side of the coin of love. We get to live with the head side, the love side, for as long as God deems right. And then the other side of that coin is tails, and that’s grief. And I think that we just have to learn to sit and recognize that when grief comes to sit with us, we have to start looking at it differently.” - Gil Schaenzle “We depend on God for our perspective in life. And when we don't talk to God, we tend to lose that perspective. We need His eyeglasses, if you will. He has His glasses on our face to be able to see the world and treat people the way that He would treat them.” - Gil Schaenzle ________________________ Enjoy watching these additional videos from Jesus Calling YouTube channel! Audio Episodes: Bonus Podcasts: Jesus Listens: Stories of Prayer: Peace for Everyday Life: Peace in Uncertain Times: What’s Good? Enneagram: ________________________ Connect with Jesus Calling /episode/index/show/jesuscalling/id/32243067

By His Scars, We Are Healed: John Michael Talbot & John Andrew Bryant 07/18/2024

By His Scars, We Are Healed: John Michael Talbot & John Andrew Bryant In this week’s episode, we have the opportunity to listen to , a legendary musician and founder of the . He shares the intense evolution of his faith: from expressing himself through music, to finding his community in Catholicism, to a moment in a hospital room where he experienced a forgiveness so deep it changed him forever. Later in the episode, we’ll hear from , a chaplain and author. Bryant shares his battle with a mental health condition that not only revealed the inner workings of his mind, but a deeper understanding of his faith. Links, Products, and Resources Mentioned: Past interview: Upcoming interview: (OCD) Interview Quotes: “I was reading my revised standard Bible that my grandma had given me. And those red letters of Jesus seemed to be jumping out. He seemed to be able to say so much more by saying less.” - John Michael Talbot “Suddenly I could see all of my sins. Not just the number, but the depth of them, in a flash. And in that same flash, I could see all of God's forgiveness, all of His mercy. And my response to that was to weep.” - John Michael Talbot “Taking a good twenty to thirty minutes of prayer once or twice a day is vital to our spiritual life. We eat two or three meals every day. It's vital to our physical bodies to stay healthy. Well, our spiritual body is just as important.” - John Michael Talbot “As you get older and stressors compound and there's more stuff to be worried about, or there's more things that feel unmanageable, your brain can just say, ‘Look, timeout. I can't handle this.’ And I think that's what my brain was telling me.” - John Andrew Bryant “As much as your mind and body may feel like they're your enemies, you have to love these enemies you have now. Your mind is turning on you, your body is turning on you, and you have to love them back to health because they're yours and because you're shepherding your body and mind.” - John Andrew Bryan ________________________ Enjoy watching these additional videos from Jesus Calling YouTube channel! Audio Episodes: Bonus Podcasts: Jesus Listens: Stories of Prayer: Peace for Everyday Life: Peace in Uncertain Times: What’s Good? Enneagram: ________________________ Connect with Jesus Calling /episode/index/show/jesuscalling/id/32163982

A Hope That Erases Our Shame: Darren Mulligan and Joseph Habedank 07/11/2024

A Hope That Erases Our Shame: Darren Mulligan and Joseph Habedank This week, we’ll visit with two musicians who found their love for music early on, but took some devastating detours along the way to their dreams of full-time music careers. is songwriter and lead singer for the . Early in his music pursuits, Darren found himself indulging in other things that caused damage to himself and to those he loved—admitting that he was, “manipulative and just very broken.” He shares the story of attending a little church in his hometown in Monaghan, Ireland, and what happened that altered his course—and his music—forever. is a two-time time Grammy nominated singer and songwriter who traveled for many years with the legendary . Dealing with an ailment on the road, Joseph unexpectedly fell into addiction and found himself trading his dreams of singing for the pursuit of his next high. He shares what reaching rock bottom meant to him, and how he sought help in prayer, rehabilitation, and therapy. Links, Products, and Resources Mentioned: Past interview: Upcoming interview: Interview Quotes: “I remember selling all my guitars because I assumed that guitars were the things that had led me into all of this sin in my life. It was a very small view of God that He couldn't use the gifts He had given me, and He couldn't keep me from my sin.” - Darren Mulligan “Misery loves company. But what I later found out in life is that joy needs a friend too, you know?” - Darren Mulligan “There's a lot of areas in my life that I've messed up, nearly every area—being a father, being a husband, being a follower, being a man. And it's the grace of God that I rely on so heavily.” - Darren Mulligan “My joy could only be found in walking close enough to Jesus that I learn to love what He loves.” - Darren Mulligan “I was a Christian music artist, and I was chasing dope. That was my full time job, and I was exhausted. It was probably the darkest time in my life. I really thought I'd never sing again.” - Joseph Habedank “When I lost my job doing what I've always wanted to do, which is sing about Jesus, that was my rock bottom. I thought, "If I can no longer do what God put me on this earth to do, I need help.” - Joseph Habedank “So much of our addiction is tied up in lies. And once we bring something from the darkness into the light, it loses its power.” - Joseph Habedank “It's so amazing to me that we base our whole Christianity on this word called faith. And the reason we do that is because we literally have to talk to someone that we have never seen. We have to lean on that word, faith, and believe that not only is He there, but He's listening and He cares and He loves us.” - Joseph Habeank ________________________ Enjoy watching these additional videos from Jesus Calling YouTube channel! Audio Episodes: Bonus Podcasts: Jesus Listens: Stories of Prayer: Peace for Everyday Life: Peace in Uncertain Times: What’s Good? Enneagram: ________________________ Connect with Jesus Calling /episode/index/show/jesuscalling/id/32051512

Walking In Faith Through Leadership Challenges: Ricky Dickson & Mark Tappan 07/04/2024

Walking In Faith Through Leadership Challenges: Ricky Dickson & Mark Tappan In this week’s episode, we delve into the remarkable journey of , a man whose faith has guided him through a fulfilling career and the trials of leadership. Throughout his forty-three years with , the beloved ice cream maker, Ricky rose to become the president and CEO, navigating the company through both successful and challenging times. Later in the episode, we’ll hear from , a police officer whose life took an unexpected turn through his bond with a remarkable police dog named Mattis. Mark shares how his lifelong connection to dogs has taught him lessons in faith, loyalty, and unconditional love. Links, Products, and Resources Mentioned: Past interview: Upcoming interview: Interview Quotes: “My prayer growing up was, ‘God, wherever you want me, I want to not only be open and recognize your call, but also put within me the passion to do whatever that is and to be the best I can be at it.’” - Ricky Dickson “My prayer was consistently like, ‘Please God, give me the strength and the wisdom to walk and to lead in the way you would want me to lead.’” - Ricky Dickson “Faith seems easy until it gets hard.” - Ricky Dickson “God was in control of it all. Even though I couldn't see the end.” - Mark Tappan “Colossians 3:23 says, ‘Everything you do, do with all of your heart, as if working for the Lord, not for men.’ And when I looked at my dog, I saw that in everything he did and the work that he did as a police dog and the friendship that we had. He gave everything to it.” - Mark Tappan ________________________ Enjoy watching these additional videos from Jesus Calling YouTube channel! Audio Episodes: Bonus Podcasts: Jesus Listens: Stories of Prayer: Peace for Everyday Life: Peace in Uncertain Times: What’s Good? Enneagram: ________________________ Connect with Jesus Calling /episode/index/show/jesuscalling/id/31968957

Breaking Free From Habits That Hold Us Back: Erin Loechner & Dusty and Erin Stanczyk 06/27/2024

Breaking Free From Habits That Hold Us Back: Erin Loechner & Dusty and Erin Stanczyk Old habits can be hard to break, whether it’s the foods we eat, the media we consume, or any pattern that may not serve us in the way that gets us where we want to be. Our guests this week took a look at their lives and found that doing the hard work of change was key to breaking unhealthy patterns and through faith and prayer, they kept at it, which ultimately produced lasting and rewarding results. Our first guest, , discusses how we can reverse engineer some of the ways that social media and technology hold our undivided attention and how she personally applied these principles to her own life and to the lives of her children, resulting in more connectivity with each other and the world around them. Later, we'll hear from , of , who discuss what it means to be more intentional in our approach to the foods that we eat, and how they overcame troubling health issues and found physical and spiritual healing. Links, Products, and Resources Mentioned: Past interview: Upcoming interview: Interview Quotes: “We kind of made this very intentional decision that we as a family were going to be more engaging than the algorithm, and we were going to not only say no to devices, but we were going to say yes to something better. And if we were going to do that, we were going to need to model that for our kids.” - Erin Loechner “Something we started really early on with our children was looking around and looking in our community and finding those natural influencers in our lives, and recognizing that they offer and hold deep experience that we might never encounter otherwise.” - Erin Loechner “Everyone holds a story. Everyone holds so much knowledge and wisdom at their fingertips just through lived experience, and we are constantly pointing our kids to people in real life, rather than Google or Siri or Alexa.” - Erin Loechner “Let's learn from the best. Let's grow from the best. Let's find those people in our lives that have things to share that will add value in a way that screens really can't.” - Erin Loechner “Rather than filling our medicine cabinet with orange vials, we started stocking up on new superfoods every time we'd come home from the grocery store and figuring out how we could implement them. And realizing every colored food has a different benefit. It was just really exciting for us.” - Erin Stanczyk “We only have one body. And God created us in His image, in His likeness. So why would we not do everything within our power to nurture it and nourish it? So eat, move, rest your best, essentially.“ - Erin Stanczyk ________________________ Enjoy watching these additional videos from Jesus Calling YouTube channel! Audio Episodes: Bonus Podcasts: Jesus Listens: Stories of Prayer: Peace for Everyday Life: Peace in Uncertain Times: What’s Good? Enneagram: ________________________ Connect with Jesus Calling /episode/index/show/jesuscalling/id/31869012

[JESUS LISTENS MONTHLY SERIES] Experiencing Joy After Facing Darkness: Chonda Pierce 06/25/2024

The Sustaining Kindness of God: Chris & Lindsey Wheeler & Bryan Crum 06/20/2024

The Sustaining Kindness of God: Chris & Lindsey Wheeler & Bryan Crum When kindness is shown to us—whether it’s as small as a smile from a stranger, or as big as someone meeting a need at a desperate time in our lives—we see and feel goodness that is often unexplainable. If we look for them, we can find these divine kindnesses each day, those big and little nods from God that bring us hope and comfort, even in the darkest of hours. These moments are powerful reminders of the sustaining force of divine kindness and the enduring faith it nurtures. Founders of the Chris and Lindsey Wheeler share the challenges they faced after adopting their daughter, Eliana, from Guatemala, all while navigating Lindsey's development of a rare autoimmune disease, and how the kindness of God kept them from despairing. Later in the episode, we’ll hear from , a hospice chaplain, who shares what he has learned from spending time with people in their final days and how God shows up in their last moments to demonstrate His sustaining kindness. Links, Products, and Resources Mentioned: Past interview: Upcoming interview: Interview Quotes: “I remember at the beginning of my diagnosis, just really fighting with the Lord, honestly, and going, God, why? Why is this my story? Why have you chosen us to be Eliana’s parents? We are not capable of this. Why did you choose me to have a disease at the same time? It just felt so unfair.” - Lindsey Wheeler “I laid on my bed crying and asking God, ‘How do I do this? How do I run this race when I am homebound?’” - Lindsey Wheeler “God was so cool that I got a front row seat to watch people comfort their friends and family, and I was able to read their letters of encouragement and hope to their friends and family, and it gave me encouragement. It helped me to push forward.” - Lindsey Wheeler “My body continues to fail me, but God hasn't. He has not failed me. And I feel just more confident and more alive than I have in a long time, knowing that He is using me still in the midst of my pain.” - Lindsey Wheeler “My prayer in those moments is, ‘Jesus, Jesus, Jesus, Jesus, Jesus, Jesus, Jesus.’ Because sometimes that's all you got.” - Chris Wheeler “It's humbling just to be invited into people's homes, into their lives at a time when each moment, each minute is just more valuable because you know they're the final ones.” - Bryan Crum “We let unsaid words hold us in place. And it's almost like this ancient, heavy anchor that ties us down. I've learned that we often need a little nudge to remind us we can untie our boats from that anchor and float away at any time.” - Bryan Crum “We don't have to wait to see what our lives will be like at the end of our stories. Imagine now what you think that final scene of your life is going to be like. And if you don't like what it looks like, make course corrections today. Make the changes now. There's a welcoming home waiting for us.” - Bryan Crum ________________________ Enjoy watching these additional videos from Jesus Calling YouTube channel! Audio Episodes: Bonus Podcasts: Jesus Listens: Stories of Prayer: Peace for Everyday Life: Peace in Uncertain Times: What’s Good? Enneagram: ________________________ Connect with Jesus Calling /episode/index/show/jesuscalling/id/31789132

Shattering Doubt and Believing in Yourself: Taraji P. Henson & Sope Aluko 06/13/2024

Shattering Doubt and Believing in Yourself: Taraji P. Henson & Sope Aluko When we face self-doubt, we may find ourselves not believing in our own innate abilities, or we might even decide to turn away from our aspirations in the belief that we’re not “good enough” to get where we want to be. When we willfully stop listening to the voices that tell us we can’t do it, and replace our fears with faith, a transformative effect takes place that allows us to believe in ourselves again and realize that our dreams are worth chasing. Our first guest is the multi-talented . Taraji is not only a renowned actress but also a dedicated mother, philanthropist, author, director, and producer. Though Taraji had dreams of becoming an actress, early rejection caused her to question herself, and move in a different direction. It took the words of her trusted father to remind her what she was made for, and to find the courage to chase her dreams. Later in the episode, we’ll hear from . For over two decades, Sope built a successful corporate career. However, the passion for acting never left her. After the loss of her parents, and a time of personal reassessment, she awakened the dream in her heart and decided to pursue her first love of acting. Links, Products, and Resources Mentioned: Past interview: Upcoming interview: Interview Quotes: “I could go anywhere and make friends with anyone, because I came from a great foundation of love. And when you have that foundation, you can turn negatives into positives.” - Taraji P. Henson “God did an amazing thing by putting us on this earth. We're all humans and we all look different. And it is our charge, as humans on this earth, to learn how to get along.” - Taraji P. Henson “I keep God close to me at all times, and I'm constantly in communication with God at all times. I'm nothing without God, like, the fact that I'm here? I'm blessed and I know why.” - Taraji P. Henson “These roles that I booked, every single time I would pray to God, I said, ‘Lord, let it be a role that really speaks to me, that resonates with me.’” - Sope Aluko “It's amazing how God works because He is a planner and He planned every single detail ahead of me.” - Sope Aluko ________________________ Enjoy watching these additional videos from Jesus Calling YouTube channel! Audio Episodes: Bonus Podcasts: Jesus Listens: Stories of Prayer: Peace for Everyday Life: Peace in Uncertain Times: What’s Good? Enneagram: ________________________ Connect with Jesus Calling /episode/index/show/jesuscalling/id/31697977

Navigating Life’s Dark Valleys: Jesse Hutch & Randy Frazee 06/06/2024

Navigating Life’s Dark Valleys: Jesse Hutch & Randy Frazee The most valuable life lessons often emerge from our most difficult circumstances. While these experiences give us insight into our own lives, they also provide meaningful stories to share with others and point them towards God, who can ultimately give them comfort through their darkest moments. This week, we’ll hear from , a Canadian-born American film and television actor, who recalls how a near-death experience taught him the peace that comes from fully trusting in God’s control and the importance of using scripture and prayer to ground your beliefs. Later in the episode, we’ll hear from , author of , which arranges the Bible chronologically so that readers can experience it as one, whole narrative. He shares how his journey through depression deepened his empathy and reliance on God, and how he now uses this experience to support others facing similar struggles. Links, Products, and Resources Mentioned: Past interview: Upcoming interview: Interview Quotes: “It really is a miracle that I'm alive, and I owe all that to God.” - Jesse Hutch “You still have an option. If you're still breathing, if you're still above ground, you have an option, and that option is to completely give it all over to God, because that honestly is the most peaceful place you can be.” - Jesse Hutch “I'm very interested in the human heart. I think God made it very unique and it's awesome and it's amazing and special. And so I can go play a character that I've never done in real life, and yet I can understand hurt and pain and sadness, joy, jealousy, and all these different emotions that we all go through at times, and you bring that to the table.” - Jesse Hutch “God has this beautiful way of never taking you back on the same trail you walked on. He always brings you back to Him in a new, fresh way.” - Jesse Hutch “I really am mindful to stop and to speak into the life of somebody, whether it's a kid or an adult, a person who is discouraged, because that speaking vision into them, what you see, could really change the outcome of their life.” - Randy Frazee “I think it's important for people to realize that the feelings of anxiety or depression are not sinful. These are emotions that God has given us to alert us and to allow us to go through seasons of difficulty.” - Randy Frazee “He is going to carry us along. He's going to encourage us. He's going to walk us through it. And He factors in our weakness in selecting us.” - Randy Frazee “God offers us in our relationship with Jesus, a joy that's despite our circumstances, despite other people, despite our past, and a level of joy that can actually defeat worry in our lives.” - Randy Frazee “God is writing a story. And you are a character in that story, He deeply loves you and He wants you to look up. And if you look up, He promises that everything is going to turn out just all right for you, it’s going to turn out great for you, and He wants to give you His joy.” - Randy Frazee ________________________ Enjoy watching these additional videos from Jesus Calling YouTube channel! Audio Episodes: Bonus Podcasts: Jesus Listens: Stories of Prayer: Peace for Everyday Life: Peace in Uncertain Times: What’s Good? Enneagram: ________________________ Connect with Jesus Calling /episode/index/show/jesuscalling/id/31541722

Finding Stability and Peace in the Shifting Sands of Change: Emily P. Freeman and Stephanie May Wilson 05/30/2024

Finding Stability and Peace in the Shifting Sands of Change: Emily P. Freeman and Stephanie May Wilson There is an intricate dance between the difficulty of making changes in our lives and a profound trust in God to guide us through. When we have to make the decision to leave something behind and start anew, there is an emotional toll and a fear of the unknown. However, there is much to be learned from endings and new beginnings, and how sometimes we end up finding peace in the midst of our turmoil. is a spiritual director and author who hosts . Emily shares practical thoughts on how to navigate change, taken from her new book, . is a Tedx speaker, author, and podcaster who speaks to young adults who are facing crucial years where they will make some of their biggest life’s decisions, and advises them on how they can faithfully move forward by trusting God with their questions and their fears. Links, Products, and Resources Mentioned: Past interview: Upcoming interview: Interview Quotes: “I have a lot of compassion for anyone who is standing in the threshold of a room that they have been in for a really long time, and maybe feel a really deep sense of belonging, to walk out of that room into something that could be amazing and beautiful, but something that also might come with some risk.” - Emily P. Freeman “In reality, there is both beautiful and terrible in probably every space that we're in. And so if we decide to walk away, I think it's so good to do it with our eyes wide open, not just at the hesitations, but also to the gifts, so that we're having a truer experience of not only the room, but also our leaving of it.” - Emily P. Freeman “I truly believe God is always aware of us, that God is fully love and fully attentive and and God will not let us miss our own future. Which means that as I make my decisions, I'm not making them in a room by myself.” - Emily P. Freeman “Even if I make a move in a direction that turns out terrible and I learn something from it, God was still with me. And in that move, I am becoming someone. Because what is infinitely more important than the decision that I make, ultimately, is the person who I am becoming as I make my decisions.” - Emily P. Freeman “True peace is not the absence of discomfort or conflict, but it is an inner brokenness and an inner wholeness and an inner knowing that even though chaos may be all around me, I can still be aligned with what I know and who I am, I can live in congruence with my own core values, with my true identity, with the common good, with my life and God.” - Emily P. Freeman “The ‘everything era’ really is this super tricky period of time where a bunch of different forces are pushing and pulling us in different directions, and where I think it leaves us constantly feeling like we're falling short and falling behind.” - Stephanie May Wilson “I don’t know that I knew that I got to participate in my life. I felt like there was one exact right way to do it, and I had to figure it out. And if I couldn't figure it out, then I was going to mess it all up. And I think that that's a really big lie that I had to combat.” - Stephanie May Wilson “I started to learn that a beautiful life isn't one size fits all, and that there are a whole bunch of different ways that life can be lived, that are all right and beautiful and good and God-approved.” - Stephanie May Wilson ________________________ Enjoy watching these additional videos from Jesus Calling YouTube channel! Audio Episodes: Bonus Podcasts: Jesus Listens: Stories of Prayer: Peace for Everyday Life: Peace in Uncertain Times: What’s Good? Enneagram: ________________________ Connect with Jesus Calling /episode/index/show/jesuscalling/id/31503332

[JESUS LISTENS MONTHLY SERIES] Prayers To Be Used By God: Evan Craft 05/28/2024

Through Prayer Comes Healing: Lauren Green and Carrie Sheffield 05/23/2024

Through Prayer Comes Healing: Lauren Green and Carrie Sheffield *Content Warning: This episode mentions suicide and depression and may not be suitable for all listeners.* We all carry scars, both visible and invisible, that life's challenges leave behind. Far from permanently marring us, our scars can become sites of incredible healing and strength when we open ourselves to faith.This faith doesn't erase the pain or revert the past, but transforms our relationship with our scars. It encourages us to see them not as symbols of hurt but as markers of healing and resilience: vibrant signs of what we've overcome through faith. is a seasoned journalist and the chief religion correspondent for . Exploring the intricate intersection of religion and journalism, Lauren found herself reporting on stories ranging from everyday news to the profound mysteries of faith that shaped her perspective on communication and human connection. Later in the episode, we’ll hear from , whose troubled, nomadic childhood eventually gave way to a season of academic success and achievements, where her agnostic beliefs were challenged by a quest for deeper meaning. Links, Products, and Resources Mentioned: Past interview: Upcoming interview: Interview Quotes: “When I became a journalist, it was as if I was trying to translate from one language to another. I was trying to find words to communicate something that I only felt in music.” - Lauren Green “That is one of the challenges for living in a very secular world, is understanding and seeing God in the everyday.” - Lauren Green “Everyone is made in God's image. So first and foremost, whoever they are, whatever they've done, you have to see them first as someone made in God's image.” - Lauren Green “You cannot know God's will for your life unless you read His words.” - Lauren Green “I kind of took pride in what I thought was being humble about being a shoulder shrugger, but part of why I did not believe in God was because I just felt anger toward if there was a God, why would He put me in such a horribly abusive family that eventually led three of my siblings to attempt suicide? That I would think about suicide and have depression and PTSD and anxiety for many years? Why would God do that?” - Carrie Sheffield “Mathematically and statistically and probabilistically, it actually takes a lot more faith to believe in random chance than in some type of divine order.” - Carrie Sheffield “I think trusting that God can help us to do differently and to choose differently, and to know that He wants differently for us, that takes faith.” - Carrie Sheffield ________________________ Enjoy watching these additional videos from Jesus Calling YouTube channel! Audio Episodes: Bonus Podcasts: Jesus Listens: Stories of Prayer: Peace for Everyday Life: Peace in Uncertain Times: What’s Good? Enneagram: ________________________ Connect with Jesus Calling /episode/index/show/jesuscalling/id/31338127

Coming Together In Our Weaknesses: Willie Robertson & Ben Fuller 05/16/2024

Coming Together In Our Weaknesses: Willie Robertson & Ben Fuller When things get tough, and it feels like hope is barely hanging on, it always helps to remember we’re not alone. Haven’t we all benefited from a friend or a loved one who reached out, was able to lend an ear, or who was just there for us when we were going through a rough patch? It's amazing how a little kindness and understanding can bring us back to life. In Ephesians from the Bible, we are instructed to “Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you. []” We might never know how the smallest kindnesses we show could have a life-changing impact on those who receive it. Our first guest is , the CEO of and a familiar face from the . Willie shares a story about the transformative power of being there for one another—about a minister who showed up for his father, Phil, in one of his darkest hours—and how it inspired a new found faith that would eventually turn his life, and the lives of his family, in a new direction. We’ll also hear from , a Nashville-based singer/songwriter, who faced addiction in his youth and early twenties. When he lost a close friend to addiction, Ben’s future seemed destined for a similar, dismal outcome. But a family who’d known Ben as a child decided to take him under their wing, invited him to church, and Ben found the hope he’d been looking for all his life. Links, Products, and Resources Mentioned: Past interview: Upcoming interview: Interview Quotes: “If you talk to someone and they change their lives, all that could be generational change for them, for their children, for their grandchildren. And all that could take place just by telling someone a story.” - Willie Robertson “Whether I'm studying the Bible with someone and trying to teach someone, or if I'm just literally trying to figure out some of the answers to life, I always just go into the Bible and see what it says.” - Willie Robertson “What I find is when you share your faith, when you do that a lot, it starts fixing a lot of the other problems that you may have in life anyway.” - Willie Robertson “In a moment [during my first time at church] hearing music and worship and seeing everyone's hands in the air and just feeling the Holy Spirit tangible in the room, it was like, This is what I've been looking for.” - Ben Fuller “My Savior, His last few days on earth, He's washing filthy feet and He's spending His night with a leper. That's the Savior that saved my life.” - Ben Fuller “It's amazing how when I don't open the Word of God, or if I'm not constantly seeking His presence, if I'm not constantly asking Him to guide me, to lead me, to just walk with me, it's amazing how upset I'll get, how short tempered I'll get, how quick I am to forget.” - Ben Fuller ________________________ Enjoy watching these additional videos from Jesus Calling YouTube channel! Audio Episodes: Bonus Podcasts: Jesus Listens: Stories of Prayer: Peace for Everyday Life: Peace in Uncertain Times: What’s Good? Enneagram: ________________________ Connect with Jesus Calling /episode/index/show/jesuscalling/id/31304187

Wherever Life Takes You, God Is There: Stephanie Quayle & Anna Broadway 05/09/2024

Wherever Life Takes You, God Is There: Stephanie Quayle & Anna Broadway Traveling far from home can reframe our perspectives on the world, ourselves, and our faith. But more than the places we go, the people we surround ourselves with, and the stories we share with one another, will profoundly shape our lives. Country singer/songwriter and author shares her journey from growing up in Montana to traveling to Switzerland and California before settling in Nashville. Tragic loss in a plane crash compelled her to confront grief and forgiveness, shaping both her life and her music and ultimately, strengthening her faith. We’ll also hear from , an author who traveled the globe to gain new perspectives on singleness in the church, advocating for a more inclusive and understanding approach. Links, Products, and Resources Mentioned: Past interview: Upcoming interview: Interview Quotes: “I had so many questions of God; why? Why would You let this happen to me?” - Stephanie Quayle “I went into the water one way and I came out different. It was immediate. I'd already been forgiven by God; I didn't get that forgiveness of myself until that moment.” - Stephanie Quayle “What I love about country music is its storytelling and it’s a very simple version when it comes to complex conversations. I think that sometimes in the way I structure my songs, I can take something that's very heavy and give it a little bit more softness around the edges.” - Stephanie Quayle “Forgiveness, that is such a powerful word. Because you only get forgiveness through faith.” - Stephanie Quayle “We need each other to be different, but we have to figure out how to love and support each other in our differences.” - Anna Broadway “When you do study the Bible for yourself, I think that's the first and most important place to see, Wow, singleness is not necessarily what I make of it.” - Anna Broadway “When we reshape our narrative for life from one that's about finding a relationship or not, and having children or not, to one that's about following Jesus and seeking first God's kingdom, it really changes how we think about singleness.” - Anna Broadway “God can show up where you think it's almost impossible. There is no limit to how and where God can meet us.” - Anna Broadway ________________________ Enjoy watching these additional videos from Jesus Calling YouTube channel! Audio Episodes: Bonus Podcasts: Jesus Listens: Stories of Prayer: Peace for Everyday Life: Peace in Uncertain Times: What’s Good? Enneagram: ________________________ Connect with Jesus Calling /episode/index/show/jesuscalling/id/31175867

Your Pain and Your Story All Make Sense to God: Dr. Josh Axe & J.S. Park 05/02/2024

Your Pain and Your Story All Make Sense to God: Dr. Josh Axe & J.S. Park The content in this episode is for informational purposes only, and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Please consult your physician to see what works best for you. During times of pain, loss, and grief, faith and a close relationship with God can serve as a profound source of comfort, strength, and hope. Prayer, meditation, and the study of scripture can be vital practices in nurturing our spiritual resilience, offering a refuge and a sense of peace. In these ways, our faith acts not only as a beacon of light amidst the shadows, but also as a foundation upon which we can rebuild and heal. , a functional medicine doctor, shares his personal health experiences that have shaped his approach to health and wellness. He recounts his mother's battle with cancer and her successful remission through natural approaches. When Josh had a back injury that turned into a serious infection, his connection to God provided faith and hope that he would make a full recovery. , a hospital chaplain, discusses the importance of being present for people in their most difficult moments and the profound impact of grief support and crisis assistance. J.S. also opens up about his struggle with faith and finding comfort in difficult times. Links, Products, and Resources Mentioned: Past interview: Upcoming interview: Interview Quotes: “One of the things I know that God always does is He can turn pain into purpose.” - Dr. Josh Axe “I've found that sometimes if people just break through one limiting belief, it can radically change their life.” - Dr. Josh Axe “If we're having right and positive thinking, it's a major, major contributor to us healing and achieving our optimal level of health.” - Dr. Josh Axe “It was the love of this small, little church that invited me–despite us believing different things, despite the life that I was living at that time–and just kept loving me. And that's how I came to understand God and God's love.” - J.S. Park “It's such a rare thing in life to be in a room where suddenly all the pieces—your experience, your pain, your story, your gifting, your calling, all of it—somehow clicks into place. What a rare and beautiful thing that is.” - J.S. Park “Chaplains fit the space between the sacred and the system, between the medicines and the machines. And so I do my best to be there for anything that my patient needs.” - J.S. Park “Can we pause to take a moment to sit with someone? I think if we paused and offered empathy and compassion–really listening–and then maybe ask that question, ‘What do you need right now?’ we'd hear [others’] stories and be able to connect.” - J.S. Park “Being a loving presence through grief makes the unbearable a little bit more bearable…I don't want a faith that I need to hold up, but a faith that holds me—not one where I feel like I need to prove that it's right, but instead rather one that is going to be able to wrap around my questions and continue to hold me.” - J.S. Park _______________________ Enjoy watching these additional videos from Jesus Calling YouTube channel! Audio Episodes: Bonus Podcasts: Jesus Listens: Stories of Prayer: Peace for Everyday Life: Peace in Uncertain Times: What’s Good? Enneagram: ________________________ Connect with Jesus Calling /episode/index/show/jesuscalling/id/31051438

[JESUS LISTENS MONTHLY SERIES] Prayers for the Middle Of Your Life: Dawn Barton 04/30/2024

God Is Listening and He Cares For Us: Andre Ward & John Burke 04/25/2024

God Is Listening and He Cares For Us: Andre Ward & John Burke It’s often said that hindsight is twenty-twenty, and our guests this week look back on how God has shaped their own lives in profound ways—though it might’ve been hard to see at the moment. shares his life story, both inside and outside the ring, marked by struggles with family addiction and a sense of aimlessness. He reveals how he turned his life around and reignited his faith after the passing of his father, and became determined to become a warrior for God. shares insights he gained from researching over a thousand near-death experiences. These firsthand accounts convinced him—as an agnostic at the time—of the existence of God, and of the notion that God hears us and is answering our prayers. Links, Products, and Resources Mentioned: Past interview: Upcoming interview: Interview Quotes: “Instead of me trying to lean into my faith and let God be my outlet and communicate with Him, I shut down, I went inward. I didn't speak to Him, I didn't speak to the ones around me.” - Andre Ward “It's just amazing to me that God will take people and put them in these different spheres and use them even in spite of where they are, and what the atmosphere is calling for.” - Andre Ward “My rags were filthy, I was dirty, I was in the thick of my mess. But the fact that I called out and said, ‘Can you help me?’—that's when my life started to change for the better.” - Andre Ward “We love putting God in a box and saying, ‘He will do this. He won't do that.’ He can do what He wants to do. And if He’ll take someone like me who's flawed, messed up, and is no good without Him, and put me in a flawed sport like boxing, and say, ‘I want to use this for my purpose. I want to use you as a light,’ He not only can do it, but He will do it.” - Andre Ward “I'm really focused on helping people understand how God is raising up near-death experience testimonies all over the world that are pointing not only to the reality of the life to come shown in the scriptures, but also the reality of this amazing God of light and love who is personal and who revealed Himself through Jesus.” - John Burke “We learn to listen to those quiet, prompting thoughts, and the way we know we're hearing is when we act in faith.” - John Burke “You are unique and you have a unique purpose. And it has to do with love, with loving God, and following His voice throughout the day to love and serve others with all that you've been given.” - John Burke ________________________ Enjoy watching these additional videos from Jesus Calling YouTube channel! Audio Episodes: Bonus Podcasts: Jesus Listens: Stories of Prayer: Peace for Everyday Life: Peace in Uncertain Times: What’s Good? Enneagram: ________________________ Connect with Jesus Calling /episode/index/show/jesuscalling/id/30933183

Jesus Calling: Stories of Faith

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