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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- 145God Lifts Us Up to Our Full Potential: Philanthropist Melinda Gates & Pastor Tony EvansFor decades, Melinda Gates and Dr. Tony Evans have empowered women and men to reach for lives of dignity and hope. Since she and her husband Bill began their foundation in 2000, Melinda has been working tirelessly to improve the lives of women and children worldwide. And in that time, she’s seen when you lift up a woman, she lifts up everyone else. She’s written about her experiences in her new book The Moment of Lift. Dr. Evans believes God wants every man to be a world changer, and in order to do so, he needs to take responsibility for his life and his actions. He shares how an ordinary man can become extraordinary in his new film Kingdom Men Rising. Links, Products and Resources: Melinda Gates book, The Moment of Lift Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation Tony Evans documentary film, Kingdom Men Rising Tony Evans’ The Urban Alternative Jesus Calling 365 Day Devotional Book Jesus Calling Daily Email Interview Quotes: “We have this need as human beings to connect to one another.” - Melinda Gates “If you lift up a woman, she lifts up everyone else.” - Melinda Gates “I spend quiet time every morning. That's where I find my soul and my inspiration, and where I focus closely on who is it that I want to be in the world.” - Melinda Gates “Men have to be willing for God to tell them what to do in their personal life, in their family life, their church life, and in their civic life.” - Dr. Tony Evans “The way a man leads his family best is around the table—praying and blessing, guidance, correcting—he does all that at the table.” - Dr. Tony Evans ________________________ 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.
- 146God Mends Our Broken Stories: Jay DeMarcus and Kim Walker-SmithRascal Flatts’ Jay DeMarcus and Jesus Culture’s Kim Walker-Smith remind us how God can use the shattered pieces of our lives to create a beautiful mosaic that shows His glory. Links, Products and Resources Mentioned: Jesus Calling Devotional Jesus Calling: 365 Devotions for Kids Jay DeMarcus’s book, Shotgun Angels: My Story of Broken Roads and Unshakeable Hope Max Lucado’s book, Grace for the Moment: Inspirational Thoughts for Each Day of the Year Kim Walker-Smith’s book, Brave Surrender: Let God’s Love Rewrite Your Story Jesus Culture Jesus Culture Conference Interview Quotes: “I'm grateful I had a mom who cared enough to really lay the groundwork for me for later on in life.” - Jay DeMarcus “[My mom] kept pushing me and telling me that I was right where God wanted me to be and that I didn't need to let the enemy defeat me.” - Jay DeMarcus “As long as you keep your ears and your eyes and your heart open, you also can recognize those God moments.” - Jay DeMarcus “You have to be very deliberate about making time for everything that's important to you in your life.” - Jay DeMarcus “The thing I love about Jesus Calling is I feel like He's speaking right to me when I'm reading it.” - Jay DeMarcus “Man makes his plans, but the Lord aligns his steps.” Proverbs 16:9 “I feel Jesus constantly pulling me back and reminding me to live in that moment with Him.” - Kim Walker-Smith “Freedom and authenticity and vulnerability in worship is something that I have contended for in my life.” - Kim Walker-Smith “I poured out my heart into this book with as much vulnerability and honesty as I could, because I wanted people to see the reality of Jesus in our circumstances, our pain, our mess, whatever it is we're facing.” - Kim Walker-Smith “One thing that I have learned in my journey with Him is that it's really easy to surrender when you feel beatdown, broken, at the end of yourself. “ - Kim Walker-Smith “[God] is a kind and loving Father that comes to us and meets us where we are and answers when we call out to Him.” - Kim Walker-Smith “As I surrender to Him and [am] present with Him in the moment, He can transform that and create something beautiful out of that.” - Kim Walker-Smith ________________________ Enjoy these videos on 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.
- 147Moving from Worry to Worship: Chris Tomlin & Darren WhiteheadThere are 7 words that can change the way we worship. Today, Christian music songwriter Chris Tomlin and pastor Darren Whitehead let us in on a few and explain how we can revolutionize our relationship with God when we learn the true meaning of worship. Links, Products and Resources Mentioned: Jesus Calling Devotional Chris Tomlin & Darren Whitehead book: Holy Roar: Seven Words That Will Change the Way You Worship Chris Tomlin, How Great Is Our God song Chris Tomlin, Good, Good Father book Church of the City (Franklin, TN) Watoto Children’s Choir of Uganda Ocean Way Studio (Nashville, TN) Interview Quotes: “Toldah is the idea of lifting your hands in praise...thanking God for what He has done, but it's also thanking God for what He has not yet done.” - Darren Whitehead “This is the essence of Toldah. It is, ‘I will trust You when I'm uncertain. I will trust You when I'm afraid. I will worship You when I'm anxious. I will lift my hands to You for that which has happened and that which has not yet happened. I will trust You.’” Darren Whitehead “When we make praising God a lifestyle, He guides us in ways that we are aware of and ways that we are not aware of.” - Darren Whitehead “Worship is, it's universal. It is a universal language. And just to play a small role in that has been an incredible journey in my life.” - Chris Tomlin ________________________ Enjoy these videos on 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.
- 148Running Toward God to Find Our True Value: Ryan Hall and Holly DowlingOlympic runner Ryan Hall and inspirational thought leader Holly Dowling have found their true worth comes from God, not the world. Links, Products and Resources Mentioned: Jesus Calling Devotional Jesus Calling books Ryan and Sara Hall website Ryan Hall’s book, Run the Mile You’re In: Finding God in Every Step Team World Vision Holly Dowling website Young Life organization Girl Up organization Interview Quotes: “God was telling me that He gave me a gift to run with the best guys in the world, but He gave me that gift so that I could help other people.” - Ryan Hall “I started seeing myself how God sees me, and that was a really, really powerful shift for me.” - Ryan Hall “I want to extract all these lessons that God's taught me, all the things I feel like He's told me along the way, and I want to share those with people so I can help them on their journey.” - Ryan Hall “I believe that it's in our imperfections that we're beautiful. When we're broken, we’re beautiful.” - Holly Dowling “I think the greatest gift we can give to ourselves is permission to love ourselves for who we are.” - Holly Dowling ________________________ Enjoy these videos on 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.
- 149God’s Love In Action: Altar’d State & Compassion That CompelsAltar'd State is a faith-based retail company that gives back and works with organizations to help people around the world. One of their partners is Compassion That Compels, who provides hope and emotional support to women fighting cancer, one compassionate act at a time. Links, Products and Resources Mentioned: Jesus Calling Devotional Jesus Calling books Altar’d State Compassion that Compels Interview Quotes: “One of the things I love about Altar’d State is I'm able to do what I'm passionate about and what I really love, but also live out my faith and give back to my community.” - Aaron Walters, Altar’d State “I am a living testimony of if you follow God's plan, He will take care of you.” - Aaron Walters, Altar’d State “We provide hope and emotional support to women fighting any type of cancer, one compassionate act at a time.“ - Kristianne Stewart, Compassion That Compels “Instead of telling people we're Christians, we just show them that we're Christians.” - Mary Beth Fox, Altar’d State ________________________ Enjoy these videos on 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.
- 150Connected in Christ: Live at Brookland Baptist Church Women’s DayEvery year, the women of Brookland Baptist Church in Columbia, South Carolina hold an annual Women’s Day for the community, where they endeavor to lift each other up in Christ. We were honored to listen to mothers, daughters, and friends discuss the importance of community and talk about their weekly prayer call, where they read Jesus Calling together, pray for each other and pray for the women attending their event. Links, Products and Resources Mentioned: Jesus Calling Devotional Jesus Always Devotional Jesus Calling: 365 Devotions for Kids Jesus Calling books Jesus Calling Groups Brookland Baptist Church Interview Quotes: “Jesus Calling really helps prepare me for that workday because it asks me to get in His presence and go to Him and not to try and carry all of it with me.” - Angela, Brookland Baptist Church “[Jesus Calling] has really brought my daughters and I together.” - Johanna, Brookland Baptist Church ”Jesus Calling book has shown me that God loves us, no matter what. No matter what. Through it all, He loves us. - Josephine, Brookland Baptist Church ________________________ Enjoy these videos on 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.
- 151Faith & Family Help Us Find Our Way: Randy Travis & wife, Mary Travis and John BerrySometimes we look at the path before us, and we can’t see the way ahead. But there are two things that bolster our courage and help us take a step forward: a God we know will see us through, and family standing by our sides. Country superstar Randy Travis and his wife Mary, and country artist John Berry have seen their share of highs and lows: humble beginnings, family tragedies, award-winning songs and medical trials. And through it all, they’ve made it to the other side thanks to the love of their God and the unwavering faith of their families. Links, Products and Resources Mentioned: Jesus Calling devotional Jesus Calling books Jesus Calling calendar Randy Travis Randy Travis memoir: “Forever and Ever Amen” Nashville Palace Randy Travis, Rise & Shine album Randy Travis, Three Wooden Crosses video Randy Travis, When Mama Prayed video Randy Travis, 1982 video Randy Travis, On the Other Hand video John Berry John Berry, Saddle in the Wind John Berry, You Love Amazes Me video Inspirational movie, Beautifully Broken on DVD Interview Quotes: “The more [Randy] heard [his music] touched somebody, the more inclined he was to sing a new song, write a new song. So I think that's why now . . . we have such a beautiful catalog of Randy Travis music straight from the heart.” - Mary Travis “Randy’s life and music has had an impact on millions of people.” - Mary Travis “I think the great thing about love is that you know the worst about each other, but you only see the best.” - Mary Travis “To watch [my dad] grieve and watch him to lean on Christ and to get up in the morning to deal with face and every day, it was quite a lesson to see my father cling to Christ throughout that time of his life [after my mom’s death].” - John Berry “I found out later every time I was off the bus, the guys in the band would go rummage through the back room, trying to find the drugs they knew I had to have been on.” John Berry “I have to think our Heavenly Father every day for the love [my wife Robin] has for me.” - John Berry ________________________ Enjoy these videos on 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.
- 152A Father’s Love Is Special: Steven Curtis Chapman and Mark Miller (and their daughters!)Dads hold a tender place in our hearts. Like our heavenly Father, they have a unique way of showing they see us, we matter, and we are loved. And as we become parents, we want to shower our children with the same kind of love and provision a good father graciously gives. Our guests are Christian singer/songwriter Steven Curtis Chapman and his daughter Emily Chapman Richards, and Sawyer Brown frontman and Christian music producer Mark Miller and his daughter, TV host Madison Brown. These dads and daughters talk about special moments they had with their own fathers, along with the faithful legacies they’re working to pass on to their children today. Links, Products and Resources Mentioned: Jesus Calling devotional Jesus Calling: 365 Devotions for Kids Jesus Calling books Jesus Calling calendar Steven Curtis Chapman Deeper Roots: Where the Bluegrass Grows, Steven Curtis Chapman’s latest album Show Hope Compassion International Mark Miller, frontman to Sawyer Brown Madison Brown, host of Chasing Down Madison Brown Casting Crowns Star Search American Idol Interview Quotes: “My dad, even if he's not here in physical presence, I know that I'm in his heart and I'm on his mind. I'm in his prayers and his thoughts. He's got my back, and he sees with me." - Steven Curtis Chapman “I love my dad. Dad has always, and continues to remain to this day, always very intentional with every moment he has.” - Emily Chapman Richards “There's nothing sweeter to the heart of a dad than to hear his children bless him.” - Steven Curtis Chapman “That’s what’s so beautiful about Jesus Calling, I think. It's just the approach of speaking in a language where you feel like Jesus is speaking these things to you and right into your situation.” - Steven Curtis Chapman “There were several other things throughout my career that were crossroads that really challenged my faith. I always went in the direction of my faith, and it always was the right thing to do.” - Mark Miller “I want [my kids] to grow up the way that I did, to know that if you're willing to work, you can achieve anything you want to. But you have to work to get it.” - Mark Miller ”[Jesus Calling has] become not only a great way for all of us to have a good daily devotional, but at the same time a great way to stay together as a family.” - Madison Brown ________________________ Enjoy these videos on 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.
- 153T. D. Jakes and Don Moen: Where Is God When Our Dreams Are Crushed?We all have seasons when we feel crushed by the weight of our problems. A job loss. A loved one grows seriously ill. An unexpected bill in the mail. In the middle of overwhelming anxiety, it’s hard to remember, let alone believe, the promise God gives us in Romans 8:28: “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose.” But today’s guests, Bishop T. D. Jakes and worship leader Don Moen, remind us that in the middle of our problems, we can take a step back and remember that “God will make a way,” and He can redeem everything, even our darkest moments, for His glory. Links, Products and Resources Mentioned: Jesus Calling devotional Jesus Calling books Jesus Calling Daily Email T. D. Jakes The Potter’s House Church T. D. Jakes’ book, Crushing: God Turns Pressure Into Power Don Moen Don Moen’s book, God Will Make A Way: Finding His Hope in Your Story Integrity Music Oral Roberts University Interview Quotes: “The cross itself was a horrific emblem of suffering and shame. It was not something that Jesus enjoyed. The Bible says He despised the shame of it, but for the joy that was set before Him, He endured the suffering of the cross.” - T. D. Jakes “There may be some things that are bad that still work together for [our] good.” - T. D. Jakes “You have to be gentle with people that are hurt. You have to be empathetic.” - T. D. Jakes “I'm at that stage of my life now that I really want to leave footprints behind about what it really costs to be who you are and how to survive crushings that people don't see.” - T. D. Jakes “God develops us through the crushing. God develops the world around us. . . . There will be something good that comes out of it, if you can resist the temptation to become bitter and take the more difficult choice of becoming better.” - T. D. Jakes “I did not ever try to be an artist. I never wanted to be an artist.” - Don Moen “And as human vessels, we need to just get out of the way and let God do what He wants to do.” - Don Moen ”God will make a way where there seems to be no way.” - Don Moen “We look at setbacks in our lives sometimes as way too permanent, but God uses these setbacks to bring us to the place where He wants us to be, to help transform us into the men and women He wants us to be.” - Don Moen ________________________ Enjoy these videos on 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.
- 154The Rewards of Commitment: Rich Wilkerson, Jr. and David & Tamela MannOne of the hardest parts of our Christian walk is to make that walk consistent, especially in the storms of life. But today’s guests, pastor Rich Wilkerson, Jr. and entertainers David & Tamela Mann, have found when they draw near to God, especially when they’re in the valley, He remains faithful to us. And in fact, God’s presence gives us the strength to keep going so we can perform one of our highest callings: to nurture relationships with the people around us and fill them with His love. Links, Products and Resources Mentioned: Jesus Calling devotional Jesus Calling books Jesus Calling June Prayer Calendar Rich Wilkerson, Jr. (Facebook) Vous Church Rich Wilkerson book, Friend of Sinners: Why Jesus Cares More About Relationship Than Perfection David Wilkerson book, The Cross and the Switchblade The Cross and the Switchblade movie trailer Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) David and Tamela Mann (Facebook) David and Tamela Mann book, Us Against the World: Our Secrets to Love, Marriage, and Family The Manns television reality show Kirk Franklin & The Family Tyler Perry Interview Quotes: “[Our time at VOUS church] has been an amazing three years, getting to see people's lives changed and transformed by the message of Jesus.” - Rich Wilkerson, Jr. “I'm just thankful for the heritage [to] know so many things that have happened in my life are because I stand on the shoulders of the giants in the faith [who] have gone before me.” - Rich Wilkerson, Jr. “From a young age, I was always very sensitive towards God. I knew I loved God, and I knew that God loved me. I don't think I was always sure how I fit in. I didn't really see how I was going to play my part.” - Rich Wilkerson, Jr. “I think so often in church, we're so good at talking about things after the miracle happens. I think we need more people to be open when they're actually in the midst of pain.” - Rich Wilkerson, Jr. “Many times we don't allow ourselves to be honest with God in our pain, in our worry, in our fear to ever discover that He's actually right there with us.” - Rich Wilkerson, Jr. “When it comes to God, there are certain things you can't learn on the mountaintop. You actually have to learn it in the valley.” - Rich Wilkerson, Jr. ”Storms either have a way of pushing you away from God, or you can choose to allow your storm to push you towards God.” - Rich Wilkerson, Jr. “Ultimately the way that you view God is going to dictate how you receive and communicate with God.” - Rich Wilkerson, Jr. “I want people to hear the truth, that the gospel is good news, that God is not mad at you. He’s madly in love with you.” - Rich Wilkerson, Jr. “In any marriage you're gonna have some challenges, [but] you have to make up your mind that you love each other enough to fight for each other.” - Tamela Mann “Singing was our passion, it was our heart.” - Tamela Mann “I'm just so happy to be able to share my gift and to be where we are today. We take no credit. All glory goes to God.” - Tamela Mann “[Jesus Calling] gives you some practical things I can take home [and go,] ‘Oh okay, I can do that.’” - David Mann “People won't judge you on your perfection. They'll judge you on your consistency.” - David Mann “We just want to let people know there is still hope. Our Savior still lives.” - David Mann ________________________ Enjoy these videos on 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.
- 155Lifting Up Others Through Service: Country Singer Jimmy Fortune and US Army Veteran Jess KeyWhile we may not realize it at the time, struggle is a blessing because down the road, remembering the struggles we have endured helps us empathize with others going through the same hardship. Our guests—country and gospel music legend Jimmy Fortune and US Army veteran and dragon boat racing champion Jess Key—have used their lives to spotlight this truth: no matter what you’ve been through, God is not done with you yet. He can use anything in your life, the good and the bad, and make it beautiful. Links, Products and Resources Mentioned: Jesus Calling devotional Jesus Calling books Jesus Calling on Zulily Jimmy Fortune Jimmy Fortune’s new album God and Country Jimmy Fortune, I Believe music video Jimmy Fortune, Meet at Arlingon video The Statler Brothers Bill Gaither Music Cracker Barrel JESS KEY Childhood PTSD National Dragonboat Team National Suicide Hotline Interview Quotes: “[My dad’s true character] came to the forefront when he let God have his life.” - Jimmy Fortune ”The Statler Brothers were a safe place for me because they were all about God and family and their country.” - Jimmy Fortune “Whatever I do with my music, I want it to be in a positive way to help people in their lives.” - Jimmy Fortune “God works through us. And in His love for us, He works through people and He works through books like this Jesus Calling.” - Jimmy Fortune “So we [need to] all work together to accomplish the goal that God wants us to accomplish, and that's to help the downtrodden and the people of this world who need to hear about Him.” - Jimmy Fortune “It's so important that we acknowledge our soldiers and thank them for what they did for us. They gave, they sacrificed their lives for us.” - Jimmy Fortune “God is where you need to turn to and give your life, because He's going to be the one that's going to help you through all this, because it is no secret what God can do." - Jimmy Fortune “I grew up seeing this abuse, and I was abused myself. I thought it was normal thing, but come to think of it, I was becoming the abuser. I would get drunk and ballistic with an uncontrollable kind of anger. If you imagine an MMA fighter, that's the kind of rage I had inside and I didn't know why.” - Jess Key “One night I got drunk, and I attempted suicide. I was not in my right mind. I thought that was the way out. I had suffered so much that I didn't know how to cope.” - Jess Key “As a kid, I always said to myself I would never grow up and be my mom. Yet I was living that same life, choosing the same path that she did.” - Jess Key “Through it all, God worked these miraculous things out.” - Jess Key “Your story is not over. It's just beginning. God will use any circumstance, whether it be good or bad, and He'll turn it into something beautiful.” - Jess Key “The waves of adversity crashed over me all throughout life, but God is simply saying, ‘Keep your focus on My presence, and be in the present.’” - Jess Key “You can find freedom once and for all, and it's through Christ. He is our freedom. He is our hope. He is our everything. You’ve just got to trust in that.” - Jess Key ________________________ Enjoy these videos on 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.
- 156Every Scar Has a Story: Mark Eaton & Kelsey LambNo matter how careful, each of us will go through life with bumps, bruises and scars. Behind each wound we receive is a story of how we tried, failed, and persevered through hardship. And one of the ways God can redeem our scars is to help us share those experiences with others so they feel less alone. Our guests this week—pastor and writer Mark Eaton, and country music singer/songwriter Kelsey Lamb—come from different places and circumstances. But Mark and Kelsey have each rolled up their sleeves to do the hard work of sharing their scars with others, helping them walk through or avoid pain in their own lives. Links, Products and Resources Mentioned: Jesus Calling devotional Jesus Calling books Jesus Always July 2019 Family Prayer Calendar Mark Eaton, Eaton Leadership Susie McEntire Eaton Kelsey Lamb Pali Adventures Interview Quotes: "[When I became a Christian], I somehow had the impression that life was going to get better the next day." - Mark Eaton "I met the Lord when I was 14 because of a church that cared enough to . . . bring a youth pastor onto their staff." - Mark Eaton "What was a tool became an addiction and later became a compulsion. 'I have to be popular. I have to be liked.' . . . And there's a point when those tools fail." - Mark Eaton "What a gift [my dad] gave me by stepping off his platform and being willing to change and adjust our relationship." - Mark Eaton "To me, every day not not divided up into good and bad, but easy and hard . . . because what's a bad thing one day might be the thing that saves you the next." - Mark Eaton “I want to be around people who have scars, who are willing to talk about them and not afraid to show them.” - Mark Eaton “Almost all of my songs come from personal experiences: my break ups, moving to Nashville, college. All of that is in my music, hoping to help someone else get through it.” - Kelsey Lamb "When you jump back into [Jesus Calling] you start to realize that every devotion ends up being completely applied to what you're going through." - Kelsey Lamb "I don't think [my career] will ever just be handed to me. I think [God] puts opportunities in my path to help me work to get to the next step." - Kelsey Lamb ________________________ Enjoy these videos on 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.
- 157Trusting God to Fill the Gap: Rodeo Stars Tyson Durfey (w/ wife Shea Fisher) and Cody CusterLife can be a long, difficult ride and there are times that fill us with despair, especially when giving our best isn’t enough to help us change our circumstances. While we wrestle with fear and uncertainty, God works quietly in the background, filling the gaps in our efforts, carefully nudging us forward so we can keep going. Our guests have held onto their faith as they’ve traveled the winding roads of Western sports: world champion rodeo athlete Tyson Durfey and his wife, country music artist Shea Fisher, and former champion bull rider Cody Custer. Links, Products and Resources Mentioned: Jesus Calling devotional Jesus Calling books Jesus Calling.com/daily-email Tyson Durfey Shea Fisher Central Park by the Bethesda Fountain, Cody Custer National Finals Rodeo PBR Interview Quotes: “I go in 100 percent with whatever I decide to go after. I picked up the Bible, and it grabbed hold of my heart. It was just that transition, and it was truly amazing for me.” - Tyson Durfey “When you hear the word of the Lord that vivid and that audible, it shakes you to your core, it really does.” - Tyson Durfey “Where you don't see the way, God sees the way.” - Tyson Durfey “It's important to remember that if you can't do it, God will fill in the gap.” - Tyson Durfey “I don't know if everything happens for a reason, but I believe there's a reason in the middle of what happens.” - Cody Custer “I don't believe that God ever takes His hand off any of us, no matter what we're doing, no matter what's going on in our lives.” - Cody Custer ”I think people get too wrapped up in circumstances and forget [success is] not the end all.” - Cody Custer “I learned a lot more from my boy than I ever thought I did.” - Cody Custer “[Jesus Calling] is just a book with words until the Spirit hits it, and then it's life.” - Cody Custer “Everybody grieves their own way. Grieve how you grieve. There's no there's no cookie cutter way to grieve.” - Cody Custer ________________________ Enjoy these videos on 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.
- 158God Brings Life After Loss: Jonathan Pitts and John HillWhen life brings us to our knees, it’s nearly impossible to remember that one day the pain won’t feel as sharp, and somehow we’ll find new life beyond the sorrow. In fact, God can redeem our darkest moments by bringing love and joy and newfound purpose to our days. That’s what He’s done for our guests this week: pastor and author Jonathan Pitts, who recently lost his 38-year-old wife author Wynter Evans Pitts, and entrepreneur John Hill, who struggled to find his way in life until He trusted God for each moment. Links, Products and Resources Mentioned: Jesus Calling devotional Jesus Calling books Jesus Always CMAfest Jonathan Pitts Church of the City, Franklin TN Emptied: Experiencing the Fullness of a Poured-Out Marriage Book For Girls Like You organization Anthony Evans, Jr. singer & artist Mitral Valve Prolapse (Mayo Clinic) Factor V Lieden (Mayo Clinic) Urban Alternative (Tony Evans) John Hill The Good Contractors List C12 Group Interview Quotes: “Our identity, although it included our race, had nothing to do with our race. Our identity was much deeper than that.” - Jonathan Pitts “It would take me years to discover just the level of woman that I married.” - Jonathan Pitts “The beautiful thing of our marriage wasn't that it was perfect, but it was progressional.” - Jonathan Pitts “Wynter accomplished her mission and God called her home.” - Jonathan Pitts “[Slowing down] allows my girls to grieve even better, because with me being present, that allows me to be there for them.” - Jonathan Pitts “As hard as it's been [to lose a wife and mother], there's been a lot of sorrow, but there's been a ton of joy coupled with it.” - Jonathan Pitts “As a teenager, I started falling away from God, realizing, If it's black or white, there's no way I'm ever gonna make it to heaven.” - John Hill “I just want to love You like I loved You when I was a kid, before I knew what sin was, before I knew what all this stuff was.” - John Hill “I want to live every day--not just be alive.” - John Hill “We get way too involved in trying to help God. God doesn't need our help. He needs our obedience.” - John Hill ________________________ Enjoy these videos on 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.
- 159Choosing Christ Through Doubt & Fear: Bear Grylls & Rhonda VincentThe farther we get into our faith journeys, the more difficult and complex they seem to be. Obstacles block our paths, daylight dims and the road grows hard to see. But after a while in the dark, the light of dawns breaks through the night, warming the world and showing the way forward. God’s love is that light for our paths, and our guests this week—adventurer Bear Grylls and musician Rhonda Vincent—remind us that even when challenges barrage our faith, we can choose to stay on the road and follow the path He laid for us. Links, Products and Resources Mentioned: Jesus Calling devotional Jesus Calling books CMAfest Bear Grylls Man vs Wild TV Show Running Wild TV Show Soul Fuel daily devotional Rhonda Vincent Live at the Ryman with Bluegrass Legends Ryman Auditorium “Where I Come From” song Interview Quotes: “But the great message of grace is that through all of that, somehow despite ourselves, despite our fallenness, we're actually still held, and we're still forgiven.” - Bear Grylls “If I ever sense the presence of God, it’s actually in relationships,” - Bear Grylls “The journey of faith can be sort of a difficult one to navigate.” - Bear Grylls “The moments you think would be the greatest triumphs have often been in my place of real doubt and struggle.” - Bear Grylls “Somehow through the fog of being a human being, I choose to trust in this message of grace and this message of love.” - Bear Grylls “I have seen so many blessings and miracles that God has given us.” - Rhonda Vincent “I am so thankful that I have that faith, and I got to have the Bible as a guide and as a road map of life.” - Rhonda Vincent “I love the connections that that music brings.” - Rhonda Vincent “[When you’re an artist] there becomes a responsibility and expectation to make sure, number one, that you are representing yourself [well. I think], How does God perceive me? “ - Rhonda Vincent ________________________ Enjoy these videos on 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.
- 160Following Christ Toward Your Unique Calling: Anthony Evans & Jenny + TylerWhen God created our world, the first thing He said was, “Let there be light.” And since then, the people of God have been beating back the darkness by shining His glorious light. This week, three music artists—Anthony Evans and duo Jenny & Tyler—tell us how they came to the realization of their calling, and why it’s so meaningful to them to spread Christ’s light to others. Links, Products and Resources Mentioned: Jesus Calling devotional Jesus Calling books Jesus Always Prayer Calendar Anthony Evans Dr. Tony Evans Dr. Lois Evans NBC’s The Voice Unexpected Places book Press Release: Anthony Evans as ‘Beast’ in Beauty & the Beast Live Tour Promise Keepers International Justice Mission Bible Gateway JC Interview with Another Artist Spreading God’s Light: Ellie Holcomb Jenny and Tyler Official Music Video: Waters Roll Interview Quotes: “I have never tried to take on the identity of my parents or siblings, because I know that God has created me with a very unique build, and [it’s] the same thing with you.” - Anthony Evans “I believe that my faith and my abilities were not just built for inside of the four walls of a church.” - Anthony Evans “I'm always challenged to make sure I'm not compromising my faith in order to connect.” - Anthony Evans “I define success by, Am I at peace internally? Because you can't go out and write a check for peace after you do the biggest thing in the world.” - Anthony Evans “I have people in my life here in LA, in Hollywood who don't know church, but [Jesus Calling] has impacted their life.” - Anthony Evans “When you step boldly into the unknown, God is always faithful to light up the next step.” - Anthony Evans “When we know that we have been crucified with Christ and it's no longer us who live but Him who lives in us, it's a lot easier to live beyond our circumstances and live in hope and in victory.” - Tyler Summers “I think we'll never get past that message of ‘Abide in Me.’” - Tyler Summers “It's so easy to hide behind the artist facade, or to look at ourselves as artists instead of as children of God who are loved deeply.” - Tyler Summers ________________________ Enjoy these videos on 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.
- 161Seeking Joy While Carrying Burdens: Matthew Kelly & Tammy BullockEvery one of us is fighting a hard battle. Day in and day out, we try our best to care for loved ones and spread a little of God’s goodness in the world—and sometimes that load feels heavier than others. But as we stumble around with the weight of our burdens, we forget we don’t have to carry them alone. Our guests this week, author and speaker Matthew Kelly and nonprofit leader Tammy Bullock, remind us that despite the burdens on our backs, we can choose to view our world through the lens of joy. And that joy helps us remember no matter what we’re carrying, God is always by our side, helping to lighten the load. Links, Products and Resources Mentioned: Sarah Young, author of Jesus Calling Jesus Calling devotional Jesus Calling books Jesus Calling weekly Prayer Call Jesus Calling Interview Candace Payne Matthew Kelly Dynamic Catholic Rediscover the Saints: Twenty-Five Questions That Will Change Your Life book Tammy Bullock Nashville Rescue Mission Bible Gateway – Philippians 4:13 Marian Love artist Sony Records Brentwood Baptist Church Preston Taylor Ministries Interview Quotes: “Humanity is broken and messy.” - Matthew Kelly “I still believe the gospel of Jesus Christ is the best way to live." - Matthew Kelly “I think it's very important that we monitor our joy, that we stay attentive to our joy.” - Matthew Kelly “If we're mindful that everyone we meet is carrying a heavy burden, we treat people with a different gentleness or with a different respect.” - Matthew Kelly “We talk about having a personal relationship with God, but it's hard to connect to that sometimes, and I think [Jesus Calling] effortlessly creates that connection and creates a bridge.” - Matthew Kelly “In any situation we turn to God and say, ‘God, what do you want me to do right now?’ And if we just set aside self-interest, what we feel like doing, what we want to do, and we just do what we feel God is calling us to do in that moment, we've created a holy moment.” - Matthew Kelly “The saints didn't live holy lives. They lived holy moments, and between the holy moments.” - Matthew Kelly “But we all are called to be saints in the way Paul envisioned in his letters. I think that’s a concept that needs to be rediscovered, because it leads us to understand that we have a part to play in the revitalization of our society and the renewal of our world.” - Matthew Kelly “As Christians and as a society, we need to give our leaders permission to be human, because we'll see an astounding new authenticity if we do.” - Matthew Kelly “The spirit of God's relationship with [humanity] throughout the Judeo-Christian tradition has always been one of collaboration.” - Matthew Kelly “At nine years old, I understood [the meaning of] faith: a hope for something I cannot see, but I can believe it.” - Tammy Bullock “If You will save me, I will use this voice You have given me. I will use my voice, my speaking voice, all that I am to bring You glory." - Tammy Bullock “Some of her last words I can remember [my mom] saying to me are, ‘Tammy, don't scratch with the chickens. You were made to soar.’” - Tammy Bullock “I have seen so many women feel loved, feel embraced, and feel as if Jesus is talking to them. [Jesus Calling] is very personal, and they need to feel loved because perhaps each woman, depending upon her life story, has never felt loved unconditionally.” - Tammy Bullock ________________________ Enjoy these videos on 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.
- 162Victoria Osteen, Laurie Crouch, Dr. DeeDee Freeman and Rachel Hauck: Building Each Other Up Through FriendshipWe live in a world that’s more connected than ever but, ironically, more isolated. We disappear into our smartphones and tablets, ignoring the the people God placed us with right in our own living rooms, schools, workplaces and out in the world. Perhaps it’s easier to tap “like” on a screen than ask someone about their day or how we can help them—but that’s not the kind of relationship God called us to have with others. Today we talk with four women—Laurie Crouch, Victoria Osteen, and Dr. DeeDee Freeman of TBN’s Better Together, and novelist Rachel Hauck—to learn how they’re intentionally cultivating their relationships with others, especially their friendships, and how taking time to nurture those relationships with love reaps lasting rewards for everyone. Links, Products and Resources Mentioned: Sarah Young, author of Jesus Calling Jesus Calling devotional Jesus Calling books Jesus Calling weekly Prayer Call Jesus Calling Interview Candace Cameron Buré BetterTogether.tv Laurie Crouch Trinity Broadcasting Network Victoria Osteen Lakewood Church Dr. DeeDee Freeman Spirit of Faith Christian Center Rachel Hauck The Memory House book Asbury Seminary Laura Ingalls Wilder “Little House” book series Once Upon a Prince (Hallmark Channel) Prince Harry and Meghan Markle Interview Quotes: “One of the biggest lies that the enemy put in the church is what we have taken from the world to say, ‘Women can’t get along.’ But we can get along. We can be here for one another. We can encourage each other” - Dr. DeeDee Freeman “When you hear someone's story, their challenge, what they've been through, it causes you to understand that person better.” - Victoria Osteen “I believe the diversity of how we are is a representation of what Christ is. And so we have to learn how to come together, bring our differences together, and really share and look like what God intended for us to look like.” - Dr. DeeDee Freeman “It's so important to find people you can pray with, and that can agree with you to lift each other up.” - Laurie Crouch “If women knew their worth, if they really understood their value in the eyes of God—and that's where it starts. It's not in the eyes of man, but it's in the eyes of God—I believe we tap into a superpower.” - Victoria Osteen “You know, you can hear scriptures all your life. You can read a scripture a hundred times, but sometimes a friend or someone close to you can read it to you and bring out something that you have never, never thought of.” - Laurie Crouch “I believe God is so awesome with the creativity of how He made us so unique, if you will, to bring our strengths and our talents together to make the whole picture of what God truly looks like.” - Dr. DeeDee Freeman “Love is in everything. Is there any story where there's not a love angle, be it parental or sibling or friendship?” - Rachel Hauck “About the time I started going into full-time writing, I was also on this journey of understanding this amazing love story in scripture.” - Rachel Hauck “When you're confident you're doing the thing that God designed you to do, then you can endure the hard times, or the disappointments, or the ups and the downs.” - Rachel Hauck ________________________ Enjoy these videos on 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.
- 163Overcomers Are Defined and Refined by God: Priscilla Shirer & Jeremy Ray TaylorIn our world, it’s easy to let others define our worth. After all, we interact with people and get feedback on our performance all day long at work, at school, in communities online and off. We feel great when other people compliment us or “like” our posts—but what happens when people don’t like what we’re doing? What happens when we try to chase that affirmation from people and fail to live up to their ever-changing standards? This week, we talk with two actors in the spotlight—Priscilla Shirer and Jeremy Ray Taylor—who try diligently to remember God defines their worth, not the world, and that our days are so much better when we live for His glory and not our own. Links, Products and Resources Mentioned: Sarah Young, author of Jesus Calling Jesus Calling devotional Jesus Calling books Jesus Calling weekly Prayer CallJesus Calling Interview with Tony Evans Jesus Calling Interview with country singer Josh Turner and NASCAR driver Michael McDowell Priscilla Shirer Going Beyond Ministries Overcomer Movie (official website) Overcomer Movie (IMDB) Overcomer Movie trailer (YouTube) Alex Kendrick Kendrick Brothers I Can Only Imagine movie Jeremy Ray Taylor Harrison Ford NFL Hall of Fame quarterback Kurt Warner Interview Quotes: “Sometimes we are wishing away the very things about our uniqueness that are designed to be used for a purpose we can't even comprehend.” - Priscilla Shirer “Each and every one of us have to decide who or what we're gonna give permission to identify us, to label us, to name us.” - Priscilla Shirer “Who you are in God can still anchor you even when there is chaos swirling around you.” - Priscilla Shirer “What [defines] you? Who have you given that authority to? And in the end, it better be God, because everything else is up one day and gone tomorrow. But what God says about you remains, no matter what happens in this life.” - Priscilla Shirer “I've just enjoyed the creative outlet of doing something different, and yet the same, in the sense that it's an opportunity to still share the love of Jesus just in a different way.” - Priscilla Shirer “That's what overcoming is. It's having a peace that literally passes your understanding. You literally don't understand how you have peace in the midst of the storm that you are suffering and struggling through.” - Priscilla Shirer “Life on a farm definitely has prepared me for acting. It definitely built a work ethic, I’d say.” - Jeremy Ray Taylor “I recognized [him] and I was like, “Oh gosh, that’s Harrison Ford,” and he's just a normal guy, too. That was one crazy thing that I realized is that everybody [in Hollywood] is just normal.” - Jeremy Ray Taylor “The more we're around people [in the film industry], the more we love it, and the more we're just able to love on people.” - Tracy Taylor “For us, staying connected to God, that’s important as a conversation. And it’s just trying to keep that focus, to keep that the center of what you do and where you are.” - Tracy Taylor ________________________ Enjoy these videos on 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.
- 164Kurt Warner and CBS’ James Brown: Living by God’s PlaybookSome moments feel like you’re playing in a big game. It’s the 4th quarter, your team is down by 6, and you’re the quarterback—the outcome rests on your shoulders. You’ve spent hours watching your opponent on film, and you’ve played against them for nearly 60 minutes. You’ve been watching their patterns and strategies, and you come up with a play you’re certain will outsmart them and lead you to victory—but your Coach doesn’t agree. He gives you another play to run, one you don’t quite understand. So you’re faced with a dilemma: should you run your own play, the one you understand? Or do you trust your Coach’s wisdom and run with His strategy, leaving the game in His hands? Our guests this week, NFL Hall of Fame quarterback Kurt Warner and CBS Sports broadcaster James Brown, decided to live according to God’s playbook. And each of their journeys is a testament to the amazing things that happen when we lean on God’s wisdom and trust His timing. Links, Products and Resources Mentioned: Sarah Young, author of Jesus Calling Jesus Calling devotional Jesus Calling books Jesus Calling weekly Prayer Call Jesus Calling interview with Mark Herzlich Jesus Calling interview with Erwin McManus Kurt Warner, NFL Hall of Fame quarterback TreasureHouse Organization James Brown, Sportscaster 60 Minutes CBS Sports Fox NFL Sunday Fox Sports NFL Network NFL Today Thursday Night Football DeMatha Catholic High School Bill Bradley The Cove (Billy Graham Training Center) Interview Quotes: "When I finally did get to the NFL, it was so much bigger than [people wearing my jersey]. It was, 'How can I use this to inspire and impact other people?'" - Kurt Warner “[I have] this unique story that has a chance to impact more people because of the journey [itself] than anything accomplished on the field.” - Kurt Warner “Every time something goes against us, the first thing we want to do is scream out to God, or blame God, or blame someone else. And [now I] have that constant reminder: Hold on, we've been here before. And you've seen how God has taken something that you think is horrific and [He has] made it into something unique, special, and impactful.” - Kurt Warner "My [high school basketball coach] stressed those of us playing for him had to have four priorities in place: God had to be first. Family second. Then school, then your sport." - James Brown “Many things that are very simple are really profound and leave an indelible impression, a life-changing influence.” - James Brown “So even though in the work environment, you may not find me running around beating people over the head with the Bible, I pray that I am modeling God's word with all the characteristics being displayed in what I do.” - James Brown “God has got each of us right where He wants us, so let's maximize that lean, that sphere of influence where we are.” - James Brown ________________________ Enjoy these videos on 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.
- 165Wrestling with Questions, Finding Peace from God: Erwin McManus & Dominic DoneAs people of faith, we can talk about some of life’s hardest moments openly, knowing when we share our struggles, our friends and family will rally around us. But what do we do when we have questions and doubts about our faith? Where will we find acceptance when we question the tenets of our faith or even the presence of God? God promises He is always near to us, no matter what—and that includes our questions and doubts. This week’s guests, pastors and writers Erwin McManus and Dominic Done, talk about the battles we fight to find hope and answers. And they remind us when we seek God, even in the midst of our hardest moments, we can find His peace, which passes all understanding. Links, Products and Resources Mentioned: Sarah Young, author of Jesus Calling Jesus Calling devotional Jesus Calling books Jesus Calling weekly Prayer Call Jesus Calling interview with Bishop T. D. Jakes & worship leader Don Moen Erwin McManus Mosaic Church (Los Angeles, CA) The Way of the Warrior: An Ancient Path to Inner Peace Boulevard of Broken Dreams Dominic Done Westside: A Jesus Church When Faith Fails: Finding God in the Shadow of Doubt James K. A. Smith Doubting Thomas Bible Gateway C. S. Lewis, A Grief Observed Friedrich Nietzsche Existential Nihilism vs. Atheism Worldviews Interview Quotes: “The reason there are wars that rage all around us is that there are wars that rage within us.” Erwin McManus “The battle for peace is exactly that: it's a struggle, it's a battle, it's a daily engagement for peace within your soul.” - Erwin McManus ”For hope to exist, it has to be in the future. When our hope is placed in the past, it turns into regret.” - Erwin McManus “I'm convinced the reason we're created in the image of God is that we're imagined by God to create” - Erwin McManus “Anyone who ever aspires to do anything meaningful is going to have the loss of a dream. One huge challenge is to not put your identity in the dream, because if your value as a human being is based on the dream you're pursuing, then your value is really fragile.” - Erwin McManus “Many of us can identify and relate to a guy like Doubting Thomas. We want a deeper form of faith, but we also don't know what to do with our struggles and our questions.” - Dominic Done “I think it takes wisdom to learn how to live in the tension of an unresolved faith.” - Dominic Done “I would actually argue that God designed [us] in such a way that questions are born and that questions can lead us into a deeper, richer, more meaningful relationship with God.” - Dominic Done “I would argue that the mystery in a relationship is actually what makes a relationship beautiful.” - Dominic Done “We get so obsessed with wanting all the answers. But it's not about having every single answer. It's about the wrestle. It's about the struggle. It's about intimacy with God.” - Dominic Done “I'm learning that God is speaking, but I'm not always listening.” - Dominic Done ________________________ Enjoy these videos on 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.
- 166God Can Use Our Present to Heal Our Past: Musician Matt MaherEven after we know Jesus, many of us struggle with mistakes from our past. It seems like those memories will always haunt us and influence decisions we make. How do we learn to let go of the past and let God guide our future? This week’s guest, singer/songwriter Matt Maher, shares how we can use our experiences and the constant presence of a supporting, loving God to become a blessing to others, whether we’re sharing our resources or learning to forgive our parents (and ourselves). In this episode, we’re reminded that God believes in us and He can help us peel back the layers of our souls; using our present to heal our past. Links, Products and Resources Mentioned: Sarah Young, author of Jesus Calling Jesus Calling (Textured Gray Leathersoft): Enjoying Peace in His Presence (with Full Scriptures) Jesus Calling books Jesus Calling interview with Jay DeMarcus & Kim Walker-Smith Singer/Songwriter Matt Maher Echoes album Newfoundland St. Johns, Newfoundland Benedictine Order Arizona State University Interview Quotes: “One of the most important things that I learned in growing up in Newfoundland, you treat everyone as if you are encountering the face of God.” - Matt Maher “I think there were plenty of times when I didn't realize how much God believed in me.” - Matt Maher “When it comes to the psychology of faith and how faith develops, a lot of us end up having very stunted experiences of growth. And we don't even realize that subconsciously, we're still praying and talking with God the same way that we did when we were four or five years old.” - Matt Maher “There was just a lot of undoing that God needed to do. He needed to peel back a lot of layers, there was a lot of inner monologues where I was speaking for Him.” - Matt Maher “I've always said that songwriting comes out of the overflow of the human heart that [comes from] spending time with God. And that's how I express. That's how God made me, to express life and process the things that I see or the things that I'm going through.” - Matt Maher “For me, fatherhood has been one of the ways in which God has brought a lot of healing into my life, as I've been able to lean into faith and grace and extend that to my kids. God uses those moments in the present. He repairs the past.” - Matt Maher ______________________ Enjoy these videos on 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.
- 167“I Will Survive” – Believing God Can Get You Through: Gloria Gaynor and Jeff HuxfordOur journey of faith can be a long, slow process, or one where a single life event can jar us into discovering our true relationship with God. Singer Gloria Gaynor, the voice behind one of the world’s most powerful anthems, “I Will Survive,” knows what it’s like to be moved into a space where she needed to know about “this Jesus” she had heard about all her life and if she really believed who He said He was. Former physician Jeff Huxford also knows, all too well, what it was like to have a “comfortable” faith, until a devastating accident turned his world upside down and caused him to reassess everything. Through both their stories, we’ll see how they arrived at a place of deep trust in Jesus—when everything else was going awry in their lives—and how God’s grace, mercy and faithfulness helped them survive their toughest moments. Links, Products and Resources Mentioned: Sarah Young, author of Jesus Calling Jesus Calling (Textured Gray Leathersoft): Enjoying Peace in His Presence (with Full Scriptures) Jesus Calling books Jesus Calling interview with NFL Mark Herzlich and his wife Danielle Gloria Gaynor Gloria's new gospel album, "Testimony" Jason Crabb, Bart Millard, & Yolanda Adams “He Won’t Let Go” ft. Bart Millard “I Will Survive” Video “Why Do Fools Fall in Love” by Frankie Lymon “Save Your Love For Me” by Nancy Wilson Isaiah 7:14 on BibleGateway Jeff Huxford Finding Normal: An Uninvited Change, An Unexpected Outcome “Traumatic Brain Injury” – The Mayo Clinic Interview Quotes: “Children don't know they're poor, as long as they're loved. So we didn't know we were poor, because we were very much loved.” - Gloria Gaynor “I just wanted somebody to hear me sing. I didn't care about accolades or applause, I just wanted somebody to hear me sing.” - Gloria Gaynor “So I was just leaving [my problems] up to Him. I was fully assured that God would do something, I just didn't know what.” - Gloria Gaynor “I like songs that are meaningful, that have lyrics, that touch people's hearts, and that have good melodies.” - Gloria Gaynor “My pastor AR Bernard says, ‘If you want to be successful in life, find out what God is doing and get in on it.’” - Gloria Gaynor “He is so faithful. It is incredible how He is always there for you.” - Gloria Gaynor “When God has a timetable, and you run out ahead of God, you end up out there by yourself.” - Gloria Gaynor “Hold on. Stay on the path. Keep the faith, and know that He won't let go.” - Gloria Gaynor “My head went through the open window, slammed against the concrete pole, and I suffered a traumatic brain injury.“ Jeff Huxford “After a brain injury, the [affected] person essentially becomes a new person. Who they were before is a thing of the past.” - Jeff Huxford “My faith was based more on the don'ts rather than the do's.” - Jeff Huxford “I like the way Jesus Calling seems to make you slow down, rest, and think about what Jesus is trying to tell you right now.” - Jeff Huxford “I grew up believing that it makes you uncomfortable, don't do it. But the truth is, there's a lot of things in the Bible that God calls us to do. And it's not always going to be comfortable, because He knows that when we do things that are uncomfortable, that's when we grow, and our faith gets stronger.” - Jeff Huxford ________________________ Enjoy these videos on 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.
- 168God Is Our Hero: Dr. Derek Grier and Wayne McKayWe humans love to feel powerful and in control. But each of us has a handful of weaknesses, and we try desperately to hide them from the rest of the world. But time and again, God tells us when we’re weak, He is strong. And when we turn over our weakness to Him and make Him the hero of our lives, He can transform that weakness into our greatest strength for His glory. Our guests this week, pastor Derek Grier and publisher Wayne McKay, share how God’s used some of their pain points to reach others. As an introvert, Dr. Grier never expected to be a pastor. With God’s help, he’s learned how to refuel so he can lead the rapidly-growing Grace Church and reach others through new book When God Stops. When he was a child in Sunday School, Wayne McKay had a hard time understanding the Bible. As an adult, he developed BibleForce, a graphic novel brand that would help kids engage with the life-changing messages of God’s Word and show them heroes to look up to. Links, Products and Resources Mentioned: Sarah Young, author of Jesus Calling Jesus Always Jesus Calling (Textured Gray Leathersoft): Enjoying Peace in His Presence (with Full Scriptures) Jesus Calling books Jesus Calling interview with David Crowder & Francesca Battistelli Bishop Derek Grier Grace Church (Dumfries, VA) When God Stops: Faith That Gets God’s Attention Howard University Wayne McKay (Founder of BibleForce) BibleForce Graphic Novel The Next Door ministry organization Interview Quotes: “The way I have learned to describe it is that introversion versus extroversion is about how you refuel.” - Dr. Derek Grier “What captured me was [Jesus’] character. He became my hero, even before He became my Lord.” - Dr. Derek Grier “I don't really think I grew my church as much as my church grew me.” - Dr. Derek Grier “If you begin to really communicate God's truth caringly, consistently, and clearly, hungry people will beat a path to your door, because people want to know God.” - Dr. Derek Grier “Sometimes, we just stay in that place where God revealed Himself to us twenty years ago, and that's it.” - Dr. Derek Grier “We have to continue to step out in our faith journey and do things that we have not done before, in order for us to continue to get a growing revelation of who God is.” - Dr. Derek Grier “I wasn't a very good student of the Bible when I was a kid, because I just didn't understand it. If I'd had a picture story where I could’ve looked at something, then I would have been far more interested when I was younger.” - Wayne McKay “I think heroes should be displaying good moral code, standing up for others, unafraid to take on confrontation, and should be a good member of the community.” - Wayne McKay ________________________ Enjoy these videos on 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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