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.
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- 121A Lifeline When We’re Drowning in Hurts: Joni Eareckson Tada and Dedee & Greg LhamonToday we talk with guests who have experienced and witnessed deep hurts and have helped others find hope and healing in Christ: Joni Eareckson Tada and Dedee & Greg Lhamon. Joni Eareckson Tada is the Founder and CEO of Joni and Friends International Disability Center, and an international advocate for people with disabilities. In 1967, when Joni was just 17, a diving accident left her a quadriplegic in a wheelchair, without the use of her hands. Today, she encourages us that even when we think there is no answer to our deepest hurts, we can find strength in Christ. Dedee and Greg Lhamon are the founders of The Covering House in the St. Louis area, a home for girls who have been involved in sexual trafficking or exploitation. Dedee and Greg recount how they have been used by God to reach many girls in their darkest moments and give them hope for a life free from the bonds of their hurtful pasts. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.
- 122Joy Belongs to Us All: Candace Payne and Ellie HolcombToday’s guests, author and internet sensation Candace Payne and singer/songwriter Ellie Holcomb, are invested in finding joy each day and showing others that they too can find joy, even during the most difficult seasons. Candace has a joy that is infectious. Her viral video of trying on a Star Wars Chewbacca mask is one of the most viewed Facebook videos of all time. Candace has written a new book called Simple Joys, where she helps readers connect with joy that is all around us. Today she tells us about the unlikely places she has found joy in her life, about her evolving faith, and how each of us can obtain the joy God has for us on a daily basis. Ellie began her musical career by touring the country with her husband in the Americana band, Drew Holcomb and the Neighbors. Her latest projects include a children’s book and music EP, both titled Who Sang the First Song? Ellie talks to us about how she tries to bring joy through her music to those who are hurting, and her heart for sharing the truths of God’s Word with others. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.
- 123When It’s Hard to Keep Going, God’s There: Rodney Atkins and Rope & Candice MyersRodney Atkins and Rope & Candice Myers join us to talk about their careers in music and Western sports, and why allowing God to guide their steps has help them celebrate success and heal from painful struggles. Rodney Atkins is a prolific artist who works to create music that connects with his fans. When we was just days old, Rodney was surrendered to the state by his birth mother. Today he tells us how he found his family, how he nurtured his love of music from a young age, and how his faith paved the long road to success in Nashville. Rope Myers came from a family of rodeo athletes and started competing at a young age. In 2001, Rope become the World Champion Steer Wrestler, breaking National Finals Rodeo records along the way. He and his wife Candice, a Christian singer and speaker, had the world at their feet until they were dealt a tough blow to their family and learned to rely on God new ways. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.
- 124Hearing God’s Voice In Unlikely Places: Aaron Watson & Anthony LuciaCountry artist Aaron Watson and rodeo broadcaster Anthony Lucia are entertainers dedicated to sharing their struggles openly, along with the faith that has carried them through. First, we catch up with Aaron Watson, a man of deep conviction who uses his music to spread hope and joy, whether through albums dedicated to hurricane relief or filling our hearts with Christmas cheer. He also tells us why he’s so transparent with his fans about the joys and heartaches he’s faced, and how he’s able to find God’s peace through it all. Rodeo star and broadcaster Anthony Lucia was born into a family well-known across the rodeo scene. His father was a rodeo performer, and Anthony began joining him in performances at age 8. As Anthony’s star began to rise, he moved out his father’s shadow and into his own identity. As a result, Anthony’s relationship with his father became strained, but he tells a beautiful story of reconciliation and healing between father and son. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.
- 125Gaining Confidence Through Christ: Susie McEntire Eaton and Trey JohnsonCountry gospel singer Susie McEntire Eaton and professional team roper and minister Trey Johnson grew up in the world of Western sports and are spreading the message of Christ’s love through music and speaking. First up, Susie McEntire Eaton grew up in rural Oklahoma, the youngest of four kids in a family who worked their ranch and competed in rodeos across the state. She recalls the stories of her early music days, touring with her sister Reba, and meeting her husband on the rodeo circuit. When she became pregnant with their first child, Susie’s marriage took a turn she never expected. She candidly shares how she struggled with years of abuse and shame. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.
- 126No One’s Left Out in God’s Family: Kathie Lee Gifford and Andy StanleyKathie Lee Gifford and Andy Stanley are two gifted communicators. Today, they tell us about the ways they reach out to inspire people young and old with the love and gifts God has for them. Up first, Kathie Lee Gifford is a television host, singer, songwriter, and author. She is the co-host with Hoda Kotb of the fourth hour of NBC's TODAY Show. When we spoke with Kathie Lee about her various successes, she talked about how her faith has kept her grounded through it all. She also shared about a new project she has been working on: a children’s book called The Gift That I Can Give, which encourages kids to recognize the unique gifts God has given each of us. In 1995, pastor Andy Stanley founded Atlanta-based North Point Ministries. Andy is one of the world’s most influential pastors, and one of the most prolific: he’s written more than 20 books, including his latest, Irresistible: Reclaiming the New that Jesus Unleashed for the World. Today, we talk with Andy about why he has a heart for connecting in a relevant way with people who haven’t been to church or have left the church, and about why he feels it’s important to reach people the way Jesus did: by showing His love to others. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.
- 127When Holidays Hurt: Bo Stern and Justine FroelkerBo Stern and Justine Froelker have walked dark roads filled with grief and lost hope. Today, Bo and Justine share how God gave them strength during and in the aftermath of their personal heartaches, especially at the holidays. Author and pastor Bo Stern had a happy home filled with four children, lots of friends and a loving church family. After two decades of marriage, her husband Steve’s health gradually began to deteriorate and they came to learn he was battling the first signs of ALS. In her book When Holidays Hurt, Bo recalls how painful and disorienting the Christmas season was during Steve’s illness, and how she wrestled with how to hold sadness and joy in her heart during the holidays. As therapist and author Justine Froelker has grown closer to God and studied with shame and vulnerability researcher Dr. Brené Brown, she has learned how to share her painful journey so she can help others. One of Justine’s most painful battles has been her struggle with infertility, all the while witnessing her friends’ growing families. In an unlikely encounter with God on Christmas Eve, Justine realized He had been with her during every painful step of her journey, and He had great plans for her, though they might look different than Justine’s own plan for her life. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.
- 128Living Out a Family Legacy: Will Graham & Myquillyn SmithWill Graham, grandson of Billy Graham, and Myquillyn Smith have been blessed with rich family legacies, and honor the values and lessons they’ve been taught from previous generations. Today, Will Graham is the vice president of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association. Although he grew up under the legacy of his grandfather, Will was given freedom to follow any path he chose. Will shares what it was like growing up in the Graham family, about the winding path he followed as God led him to serve in his family’s ministry, and some stories from his first book, Redeemed: Devotions for the Longing Soul. When Myquillyn Smith grew up, she learned to embrace home as a place where rest, creativity, and hospitality could flourish. And for the past ten years, Myquillyn has been encouraging women to embrace their home—imperfections and all—on her blog, The Nester, and now in her new book Cozy Minimalist Home. Today Myquillyn tells us how she began to let go of perfection and be content with what she has, right where God put her, and how she’s been able to use her home to connect with others. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.
- 129Following the Unexpected Path: David Crowder and Francesca BattistelliDavid Crowder and Francesca Battistelli are Christian music artists trying their best to follow wherever God leads them to create, even if they end up somewhere unexpected. In 1996, while he was still a student at Baylor University, David and a few of his friends formed popular Christian rock and modern worship music group, The David Crowder*Band. The group went on to win numerous Gospel Music Association Dove Awards and were nominated for a GRAMMY. After 16 years together, and just having released the number 2 album in the world behind Adele,the band decided to part ways. Crowder went on to perform as a solo artist and has just released a new album called I Know a Ghost. Today David shares how his parents and growing up in church shaped his path, and how, through this latest album, he came to recognize the power of God’s spirit living inside each of us. Francesca Battistelli has been a recording artist for more than a decade, all the while touring and raising her young family. Today Francesca tells us about her Broadway musical background, how she strives to be a courageous example for her children, and why she’s thankful God sent her back to the drawing board more than forty times until she had written all the songs for her new album called Own It. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.
- 130Faith to Tackle Life’s Biggest Challenges: Devon Still and Keni ThomasDevon Still and Keni Thomas have braved life-or-death moments. Now they strive to set an example for others and show them how they trusted God for His life-giving presence. First up, Devon Still is an All-American defensive end who spent his NFL career playing for the Cincinnati Bengals, Houston Texans, and New York Jets. In 2014, just weeks after his faith in God was re-ignited, Devon discovered Leah was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer. He recounts a pivotal moment in a hospital chapel that changed the way he viewed his new faith and his daughter’s disease. Our next guest, country music artist and former Army Ranger Keni Thomas, was impressed with a strong sense of duty to serve in the military. In 1993 he was deployed to Somalia, where he found himself entrenched in the horrific events portrayed in the book and movie Black Hawk Down. Today Keni is a motivational speaker who draws on his military experience to inspire audiences worldwide. He reflects on the fateful day in Mogadishu and describes the work he does now to help veterans transition back into civilian life, while demonstrating how gratitude can drastically change your perspective. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.
- 131Reflecting Our Maker’s Love: Surfer Bethany Hamilton and Switchfoot’s Jon ForemanSurfer Bethany Hamilton and Switchfoot frontman Jon Foreman both believe that by being open to others with their experiences, whether triumphant or tragic, God can use them to have a mighty impact. First up, A surfing prodigy at just 13 years old, Bethany’s future in the sport looked promising, but in one tragic incident, her life was changed by a shark attack that resulted in the loss of her left arm. With faith and courage, she refused to be a victim, and her story of survival and her return to competitive surfing has inspired millions. Today Bethany tells us how her faith carried her through her darkest days, and about her reluctance to share her story until a sudden realization changed her mind. For more than 20 years, GRAMMY-winning recording artist Jon Foreman has been the lead singer of the alternative band Switchfoot, inspiring legions of fans across the world with guitar riffs and contemplative lyrics in songs like “Dare You to Move” and “Meant to Live.” Jon tells us about the band’s earliest days and the story behind their breakout moment when their music was featured in the movie A Walk to Remember. He shares about the band’s new album Native Tongue, and why they blur the lines between secular and sacred as they try to reach a broad audience with Christ’s love and life-giving purpose. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.
- 132True Connection with God and Each Other: Darlene Zschech & Margaret FeinbergDarlene Zschech and Margaret Feinberg have seen God’s presence woven into the fabric of their lives and realized He’s closer to us in ways we might have never imagined. First up, Darlene Zschech grew up in Australia and found commercial success in music at age 10, but decided to leave a career as an entertainer to seek a life in worship and ministry. During In 1993, during a stressful time in her life Darlene found herself at her piano, prayerfully singing her heart to God. The words that flowed out eventually became one of most recognized praise and worship songs of the modern era: “Shout to the Lord.” She shares about the joys and heartaches of being a pastor, and writes candidly about her cancer journey and reconciling the disease with her faith in her new book The Golden Thread. Beloved Bible teacher Margaret Feinberg has been writing for more than 20 years. She tells us about her early experiences growing up with parents who moved around quite a bit, and how that shaped Margaret’s curiosity and love of exploring different people and cultures. Margaret uses that curiosity in her new book Taste and See: Discovering God Among Butchers, Bakers, and Fresh Food Makers, where she shares a culinary exploration of Scripture that profoundly changed the way she viewed gatherings around food forever. ___ ___ ___ ➤ LIKE us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JesusCalling/ ➤ FOLLOW us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jesuscalling/ ➤ FOLLOW us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/jesus_calling ___ ___ ___ ➤ SUBSCRIBE on iTunes: https://apple.co/2Pxa7eS ➤ LISTEN on Spotify: https://spoti.fi/2E2C1vA Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.
- 133Learning to Trust God’s Timing: Tim Brown and Jeff HostetlerNFL Hall of Fame wide receiver Tim Brown and Super Bowl champion quarterback Jeff Hostetler achieved amazing success in their sport, and have witnessed the power of God in their personal and professional lives. Tim Brown’s career spanned a record-breaking 17 years in the NFL. His motivation to succeed in life and in football was driven by a desire to reconcile with his father, after a misunderstanding when Tim was only 12 years old drove them apart for years. Tim recalls the life-changing moment with his father that would define his path for over a decade. We welcome back Jeff Hostetler for the continuation of his amazing story. Jeff led the New York Giants to their win in Super Bowl XXV some 1 ½ months after starting quarterback Phil Simms went out for the season with a broken foot. He tells us about his rocky start in the league, the family crises he endured during that time, and how he was able to realize the purpose for years of hard waiting as he learned to trust God’s timing in his life. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.
- 134A Father's Betrayal, a Daughter's Path to Forgiveness: Kerri RawsonKerri Rawson, had her identity ripped from her at 26 years old, when authorities arrested her father, Dennis Rader, who plead guilty in 2005 to being the notorious BTK serial killer. Through her tremendous faith, Kerri found the strength to forgive the man who ruined eight families, including her own, and the courage to tell her story, first through ministry and now in her book A Serial Killer’s Daughter: My Story of Faith, Love, and Overcoming. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.
- 135Countless Ways God Shows Us Love: the Authors of Love InspiredAuthors Brenda Minton, Marta Perry, Lee Tobin McClain, and Shirlee McCoy write for Love Inspired, a line of books that shows how faith, forgiveness, and hope have the power to lift our spirits and change our lives. Through the books they create and the stories they tell us from their own lives, each author reminds us that love takes many forms, from love between parents, friends, partners, pets, children, and more. God gives us many kinds of relationships that bless our lives—all we have to do is look for them. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.
- 136The Joy of Spreading Love, One Heart at a Time: Delilah and Gary ThomasRadio host Delilah and author Gary Thomas are two gifted communicators who spread the joy of God’s love to others and show us different ways we can nourish our closest relationships. Every night on her show, Delilah hears stories of the heart from her listeners which she in turn shares with millions of other listeners around the world. Today we learn about the woman behind the microphone as Delilah tells us about her growing-up years and how she broke into broadcasting. Despite her broad reach, Delilah has discovered that the easiest way to change the world is by touching the lives of your own neighbors and friends, which she talks about in her new book, One Heart at a Time. Gary is a teaching pastor who often counsels couples before their wedding day, and this journey has led to his latest book, Preparing Your Heart for Marriage: Devotions for Engaged Couples. Today he shares insights for couples looking to begin their marriages with God at the center, and tells us about the surprising blessings of Gary’s own stage of marriage: empty nester. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.
- 137Transforming Relationships Through Prayer: Joel & Nina Schmidgall and Darlene BrockPastors Joel and Nina Schmidgall and writer Darlene Brock are finding balance in their lives by they committing their closest relationships to prayer and giving their worries and expectations to God. Joel and Nina Schmidgall live in Washington, D.C. and minister to couples at National Community Church. Over the years, they have learned how to include God’s love and guidance in their marriage by praying to Him. Joel and Nina have collaborated with their friends, Mark and Laura Batterson, and put their discoveries into a new book called Praying Circles Around Your Marriage. After spending 20 years in the Christian music business, Darlene Brock felt God leading her in a new direction: beginning a ministry to help women join together and support each other to become the best version of themselves. Today, she explains why this support and community is so needed by women as they face unique challenges in our current society. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.
- 138God Writes the Stories of Our Lives: Tim Tebow and Josh EnckTim Tebow and the cast of the new inspirational movie Run the Race, and Josh Enck of Sight and Sound Theatres share the powerful way God works through stories to change our lives. With locations in Lancaster, Pennsylvania and Branson, Missouri, Sight and Sound welcomes more than a million people each year to their immersive productions that feature stories from the Bible. Over the years, Josh Enck has seen the countless ways the Bible’s timeless characters continue to connect with audiences and how the stories hold tremendous power to change lives. The Jesus Calling team had a chance to connect live with the cast and creators of the inspirational movie Run the Race during a special premiere of the film. Tim Tebow and his brother Robby are the producers of the film, and each were drawn to the story of two brothers who defied all odds to achieve a better life for themselves, and strengthened their faith in God and each other along the way. Tim and cast members Tanner Stine, Evan Hoffer, and Kristoffer Polaha talk about why it was so important to them to bring this story to life on the big screen. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.
- 139When the World Brings Us to Our Knees, God Lifts Us Up: Helena Cho and Susie LarsonEntrepreneur Helena Cho and radio host Susie Larson were devastated by different events that rocked their worlds and found themselves with nowhere to go—except to their knees in prayer. Helena Cho immigrated to the United States when she was just eight years old. Through hard work and the strong faith of her mother, Helena eventually began building a successful company at age 25. But in the 2008 financial crash, Helena lost everything. In the days that followed, she began to realize God had a much bigger plan for her life than she could’ve ever dreamed of. Through her radio show Live the Promise and now her new book Fully Alive, Susie Larson speaks as a survivor of physical traumas to encourage women everywhere that they are loved, they are strong, and through Jesus they can overcome. Links, Products and Resources Mentioned: Helena Cho's Website: Good Work(s) Make a Difference Jesus Calling Prayer Calendar Jesus Calling (September 18th) Jesus Today (Day 33) Susie Larson's Website Susie Larson's Radio Show Fully Alive by Susie Larson Interview Quotes: “With God all things are possible.” - Helena Cho “[The September 18 entry of Jesus Calling reminds me,] Where is my focal point? It is not to please man. It is to please God.” - Helena Cho "Lift your eyes to the mountain. Where does my help come from? It comes from above, the maker of heaven and earth." - Psalm 121 “Just because you have this joy, just because God gives you this amazing joy and peace, that doesn't mean everything just gets solved.” - Helena Cho "The storms reveal the lies we believe and the truth we need.” - Susie Larson "When you're a sufferer, to hear from someone who's suffered is just a great, great gift." - Susie Larson "[God said to me] 'You rest while I work. You feast while I fight. You wait to take flight.'" - Susie Larson Connect with Jesus Calling Instagram Facebook Twitter Pinterest Jesus Calling Website Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.
- 140Navigating Relationships Through Every Storm: Dr. Jim Burns and Dave & Ann WilsonParenting expert Dr. Jim Burns, along with husband-and-wife ministry team Dave and Ann Wilson teach us about caring for our loved ones through all seasons of life. As a father to three grown daughters, Jim has been through every stage of parenting. But when his daughters reached their adult years, Jim and his wife Cathy realized their parenting style needed to evolve with their changing relationship with their children. Jim took what he learned through the experience and shared it through his latest book, Doing Life with Your Adult Children. In 1990, Dave Wilson was traveling with the Detroit Lions as their chaplain. And when he was home, he and his wife Ann were building their young family and a new church, Though Dave and Ann seemed to be living the life of their dreams, on their 10th anniversary, Ann made a revelation that put their marriage into a spin and would forever change their relationship. Links, Products and Resources Mentioned: HomeWord Jim Burns’ Doing Life with Your Adult Children book Dave and Ann Wilson: daveandannwilson.com Kensington Church Dave and Ann Willson’s Vertical Marriage book Interview Quotes: “I heal broken hearts . . . and broken relationships.” –Jesus Calling “The book is called Doing Life With Your Adult Children. We say ‘Keep your mouth shut, keep the welcome mat out.’” - Dr. Jim Burns “The bottom line in parenting—they could be a five-year-old or an adult—is not that you raise obedient children, but that you raise responsible adults.” - Dr. Jim Burns “When kids stray, whether it be lifestyle choice or whether it be faith issues, I think what we do is we still stand by them, and we have to understand where they're coming from.” - Dr. Jim Burns “I think Jesus had some disagreements with people. No doubt He said it. He was verbal about it, but then He still showed love to people that within His generation—you know, tax collectors—shouldn't have been at the party. The prostitutes shouldn't have been wiping her tears on His feet because that was not happening with the rabbis. But 2hat Jesus did was He didn't tend to agree with how they lived their life, but He did show love and acceptance.” - Dr. Jim Burns “Tough love says that you surround [your children] with love, and while you surround them with love, you don't bail them out. And you don't dump your anger and frustration on them.” - Dr. Jim Burns “You're overwhelmed by the evidence that says this really did happen and Jesus died for me, forgave me, rose from the dead to give me a new life and power.” - Dave Wilson “I want to use what God's done in our lives to reach other people.” - Dave Wilson “Dave was fulfilling this dream and this call—I felt like we were both called, but as a mom, I kind of felt left in the dust.” - Ann Wilson "God, I have made my marriage and my husband an idol, and I put you back on the throne of my life...I confess that I haven't put you first. And I put you first now and make our marriage and our family what you want it to be." Ann Wilson “We kind of put some things in place that could help us restore our marriage, my feelings, our relationship.” - Ann Wilson “In time, my feelings for [Dave] came all the way back to a 10, and I feel like that was only because of God's mercy and grace, but also putting it into practice my walk with God [and] really fighting for it and making it a priority.” - Ann Wilson “You didn't marry the wrong person, you're looking in the wrong place. Only God can give you what you’re really looking for.” - Dave Wilson Connect with Jesus Calling Instagram Facebook Twitter Pinterest Jesus Calling Website Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.
- 141When Your Purpose Seems Unclear, Seek God: Jeremy Cowart & Elisabeth HasselbeckJeremy Cowart and Elisabeth Hasselbeck are driven by their faith to find a greater purpose for their lives, and use their talents to help others and reflect God’s glory in our world. Jeremy is a renowned photographer and the founder of The Purpose Hotel. As an artist, he endeavors to use his creativity to spotlight situations of need. Today Jeremy discusses his mission to create an intersection between empathy and creativity, and finding his true purpose. Elisabeth rose to prominence as a contestant on the second season of the reality television show Survivor, where she finished in fourth place. In July 2002, she joined the daytime talk show The View, and after ten years, she went on to join Fox & Friends. Elisabeth shares her experiences in each of her roles in television and relates how, in looking for her “calling,” she found herself running ahead of God. During these seasons of change, she related how she’s learned to wait for God’s guidance as He’s helped her identify her unique purpose in the world. _______ Links, Products and Resources Mentioned: Jeremy Cowart The Purpose Hotel Jeremy Cowart’s I'm Possible: Jumping into Fear and Discovering a Life of Purpose book _______ Elisabeth Hasselbeck Elisabeth Hasselbeck’s Point of View: A Fresh Look at Work, Faith, and Freedom book _______ Interview Quotes: “Greatness should serve a greater purpose.” - Jeremy Cowart “In every failure, we still learn.” - Jeremy Cowart “My mission is to explore the intersection of creativity and empathy.” - Jeremy Cowart “I just love trying to figure out how to be an innovator in times of need.” - Jeremy Cowart “I just crave to see more people trying to help with their tools, use their [social media] accounts to do good things, to showcase others, to tell others’ stories.” - Jeremy Cowart “My greatness should serve a greater good, and that is our greater God. It's His purpose.” - Jeremy Cowart “I just grew up knowing that prayer was not something for one time a day, but something that was essential all times of day.” Elisabeth Hasselbeck “God does not need you as His attorney.” - Bob Goff “Understanding someone's point of view requires being next to them and with them, and just kind of like snuggling up behind their lens.” - Elisabeth Hasselbeck “Only God can change your heart, and He still had work to do in my heart.” - Elisabeth Hasselbeck _______ Connect with Jesus Calling Instagram Facebook Twitter Pinterest Jesus Calling Website Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.
- 142God’s Power Over Wrong Choices: Million Dollar Man Ted DiBiase and WWE’s Marc MeroFormer WWE wrestlers Ted DiBiase and Marc Mero learned just how powerful our choices could be: they can either leave us empty, or allow us to be used by God for His good. Wrestling fans may know Ted DiBiase as “The Million Dollar Man,” but today, we get a look at the man behind the persona. Ted looks back on how his father, who was also a wrestler, influenced Ted to pursue the sport he loved. As Ted rose through the ranks and became a world-famous wrestler, he reveals how he got caught up in a destructive lifestyle that led him to the brink of losing everything that really mattered to him. A talented athlete from an early age, Marc Mero always had dreams of being in professional sports. As he acquired all the things he had dreamed of since he was a little boy—fame, wealth, status—he quickly realized his choices had consequences. After he recognized he’d been dreaming of the wrong things, Marc took a long, hard look at what he was living for. Links, Products and Resources Mentioned: Jesus Calling devotional by Sarah Young Million Dollar Man Ted DiBiase Heart of David Ministry Marc Mero Champion of Choices Ministry National Suicide Prevention Lifeline Crisis Text Line Interview Quotes: “But before you can commit your life to Christ, you have to surrender it first. And you're either all in or you're not in.” - Ted DiBiase “Be a leader, not a follower. Be the head, not the tail. If you're willing to sacrifice, if you're willing to pay the price, you can be anything you want to be in life.” - Mike DiBiase, Ted’s father “I had been so faithful to my convictions until God gave me what I wanted.” - Ted DiBiase “I want to tear up and cry because of the realization that there's a God that big who could love me that much.” - Ted DiBiase “I'm at the height of my career. I've got everything I ever dreamed, I ever wanted. Plus I've got this unbelievable wife and these three beautiful children, but I have no character. I have no integrity. I don't have the stuff that counts. And wow, that was a wakeup call.” - Ted DiBiase “God, I don't know where we're going. All I know is this: I don't ever want to feel like this again. I don't ever want to feel this lost, this low. I know You have a plan for me, and I know You’ll help me figure it out. . . . You take the helm of the ship. . . . I'm giving You my world to take care of.” - Ted DiBiase “You always want to be a part of things. You always want to be liked. You want to be a good teammate or a good person. And I think because I wasn't good at first in sports, it made me work that much harder.” - Marc Mero “I often tell kids that failure's not aiming high and missing. Failure's aiming too low and hitting. And I just say, ‘Dream big, aim high.’” - Marc Mero “When you realize it's you that has to change, everything around you starts to change.” - Marc Mero “We all go through hard times. We all go through storms in life. . . . Don't give up because I promise you, after every storm, the sun will eventually shine brighter than you could ever imagine.” - Marc Mero “Many people are guilty of just being too hard on themselves. And when you're hard on yourself, you have to learn to love and value yourself because you can't give away what you don't have.” - Marc Mero Connect with Jesus Calling Instagram Facebook Twitter Pinterest Jesus Calling Website Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.
- 143God’s Gift of Pets: Animal Rescue Advocate Lavonne Redferrin and Country Singer Irlene MandrellWe’re celebrating one of God’s most special gifts: our pets. Animal rescue advocate Lavonne Redferrin and musician Irlene Mandrell have been deeply touched by God’s creatures and share sweet stories of how animals have impacted their lives. Lavonne Redferrin is the founder and executive director of Proverbs 12:10 Animal Rescue, which not only matches animals up with loving families, but works with local organizations, like prison ministries, to provide the therapeutic benefits of being around animals. Lavonne tells us about the earliest days of the organization and why she thinks God blessed us with the gift of pets. Growing up, Irlene Mandrell saw her fair share of miracles as she watched her sister Barbara rise to country music fame, then saw her sister Louise’s star rise alongside her own as the three formed the group Barbara Mandrell and the Mandrell Sisters. Irlene reflects on everyday miracles and special relationships she’s had with her family, her pets, and with God. Links, Products and Resources Mentioned: Jesus Calling Devotional “6 Things Pets Teach Us” download Proverbs 12:10 Rescue Chewy Pet Food & Supplies Davidson County TN Second Chances (Offender Dog Program) Irlene Mandrell’s “God Rains Miracles” book Interview Quotes: “Proverbs 12:10 is an organization dedicated to saving as many of His helpless as we can.” - Lavonne Redferrin “[The] animal has blessed [inmates] or taught them patience or given them something to wake up for inside those bars.” - Lavonne Redferrin, on the Second Chances program with the Davidson County Sheriff’s Office “[Proverbs 12:10 is] at the point that we place an average of a thousand animals a year.” - Lavonne Redferrin “We truly are dedicated to all [animals] in our care.” - Lavonne Redferrin “The best way to show your animals that you love and care for them is to give them a proper home in which to live.” - Lavonne Redferrin “We've had animals surrendered to us, and they will literally sit and watch for hours and days for that person to come back.” - Lavonne Redferrin "Push back the demands pressing in on you, and create a safe space around you, a haven in which you can rest in Me." - Jesus Calling “I truly believe that [animals are] everything God meant for us to be.” - Lavonne Redferrin “You’d wish God would just slow down time a little bit because everything's so wonderful. And I just find myself thanking Him.” - Irlene Mandrell “God rains miracles all around us—we just have to look for them!” - Irlene Mandrell Connect with Jesus Calling Instagram Facebook Twitter Pinterest Jesus Calling Website Enjoy watching these additional videos from Jesus Calling YouTube channel: Audio podcast Original Series video podcast Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.
- 144Trusting the God of Miracles: the Real-Life Story Behind “Breakthrough” MovieToday we hear the miraculous true story of one mother’s belief in the power of prayer that not only brought her son back to life, but continues to inspire people around the world in a new inspirational movie called Breakthrough, starring Chrissy Metz from NBC’s This Is Us. On a cold winter’s day in Missouri, John Smith was a 14-year-old boy playing on a frozen lake with two of his best friends. But a carefree day soon grew dire as the ice gave way and boys fell into the lake. While John’s friends were able to escape, John remained underwater for fifteen minutes. And by the time he was pulled out by first responders, he didn’t have a pulse. John’s mother Joyce was summoned to the hospital, and when she saw her son’s lifeless body on the hospital bed, she turned to God for a miracle. Later, we hear how the Smiths’ story traveled from a Missouri hospital room to a Hollywood studio, and how the cast and crew of Breakthrough were able to see God’s hand throughout the creation of the film. Links, Products and Resources Mentioned: “Breakthrough” movie “Breakthrough” book Beth Moore’s “Believing God” “Miracles from Heaven” movie NBC’s “This Is Us” Interview Quotes: “I had drowned and was underwater for 15 minutes.” - John Smith “I lay lifeless. They did everything medically, scientifically that they could do.” - John Smith "I believe God is who He says He is. I believe God can do what He says He can do. And I believe in God." - Joyce Smith “Anybody would be [upset] when they tell you that you know they've just pulled your son out of the lake and he doesn't have a heartbeat. . . . But my first go-to was God to pray. That was what I had been prepared to do over the weeks beforehand.” - Joyce Smith “[God], You say we can come to You with the things going on in our lives, and You're there to be faithful to us and answer our prayers." - Joyce Smith “Holy Spirit, please come and bring me back my son." - Joyce Smith “When [Mom] prayed, something so powerful rushed up my body that it pushed three nurses searching for a pulse physically back, and they can't explain it.” - John Smith “Because God is omnipotent, and we are created in His image, our words have potency to them, they have power.” - Joyce Smith ________________________ Enjoy watching these additional videos from Jesus Calling YouTube channel: Audio podcast: https://bit.ly/2uCnNM0 Original Series video podcast: https://bit.ly/2WzFY0O ________________________ Connect with Jesus Calling Instagram Facebook Twitter Pinterest YouTube Jesus Calling Website Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.
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