Jesus Calling: Stories of Faith

*This episode mentions suicide and depression and may not be suitable for all listeners.*

In an era where the pressures of modern life can feel overwhelming, two remarkable stories offer a unique perspective in our increasingly digital world.

Our first guest, mental health counselor and advocate Faith Broussard Cade, embarked on a path to self-discovery following a traumatic brain injury. Diagnosed with post-concussive syndrome after a severe car accident, her journey underscored the critical importance of self-care and the necessity of prioritizing mental well-being in today’s fast-paced world.

Later in the episode, we...

*This episode mentions violence and may be triggering for some listeners.* 

This week, we talk with Matt Forté, a former NFL running back who played ten years with the Chicago Bears and the New York Jets. Beyond his impressive career on the field, Matt has transitioned into roles as an entrepreneur, philanthropist, and ministry worker. Matt shares his inspiring story, from his early days in football to his work in gun violence prevention and support for at-risk families.

Later in the episode, we’ll also be joined by comedian Jonnie W., who shares why he beli...

*This episode contains content that may be triggering for some listeners.*

Our guests this week went through circumstances that could potentially cause someone to want to give up. But instead of descending into panic, or utter hopelessness, they re-centered their focus on their faith, and trusted God that He would provide a way forward. 

Blind speaker Michael Hingson faced the unimaginable as a survivor of 9/11, escaping from tower one with the help of his guide dog, Roselle, and the spirit of calm he inhabited became a beacon for others in the middle of the panic a...

This week, we explore stories of service from two guests who have made it their life’s work to help others. 

Dr. Ming Wang is a renowned, cutting-edge laser eye surgeon who grew up with a dad in medicine, so it was ingrained in him from an early age to help people. Dr. Wang shares his incredible life experiences—including how he narrowly escaped a life of hard labor while living in China—how his atheist worldview was shaken while in medical school, and how he now helps people living in darkness see light for the first time. <...

On this episode of Jesus Listens, we hear from Daniel Maritz, a Youtuber and author, who shares how aspects of his life mirror the story of the prodigal son. He opens up about the pivotal moment when the pain of loss brought him to his knees, and how he found his way back through prayer.  

Guest’s Links
Daniel Maritz’s Facebook: @MaritzDaniel

Daniel Maritz’s Instagram: @Daniel_Maritz

Daniel Maritz’s YouTube: @DLMChristianLifestyle

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This week, we talk with multi-talented actor Tahj Mowry. Known for his roles in beloved TV shows like Smart Guy, Full House, and Disney's Kim Possible, Tahj shares his journey from a child actor to an adult in the industry, how he stays grounded in a sometimes chaotic environment, and the joy and gratitude he taps into through his faith. 

Later in the episode, we’ll hear from Melvin Crispell III, a remarkable gospel recording artist who grew up immersed in the church and followed in the footsteps of his talented gospel music singing parents. He opens up...

This week, we have the privilege of hearing from Dr. Alan Weissenbacher, the managing editor of the journal Theology and Science and a teaching pastor in Berkeley, California. Deriving from his work with those who struggle with addiction, he illustrates how we can harness the power of neuroscience to change our habits, emphasizing the importance of replacing negative thoughts with positive ones, and how our focus can reshape our brain's pathways, which includes the disciplines of prayer and studying Scripture.

Later in the episode, we'll hear from Carolyn Weber, an acclaimed author, speaker, and professor who experienced...

This week, we are delighted to have Sarah Kroger, a talented singer/songwriter and worship leader from Nashville, Tennessee. Sarah shares the early days of her creative exploration while facing bullying, and how when she attended a transformative youth conference, she realized that faith could be something that was alive in your life, not just a box to be checked off on Sundays.

Later in the episode, we’ll hear from Clare McCallan, an accomplished author and creative director of St. Joseph's Home for Artisans in Boston. Clare shares her experience of taking a leap of faith, ba...

If there is one thing we all desire as human beings, it is to be known—truly, deeply known—and loved just as we are. Psalm 139 says “You have searched me, Lord, and you know me… you are familiar with all my ways,” reminding us that we can experience the joy of being known to our core when we look to the Lord.

Ainsley Britain is an Enneagram coach who delves into how we were individually and uniquely made by God, and how we can apply the knowledge of how we were created to our relationships with others—esp...

On this episode of Jesus Listens: Stories of Prayer, we hear from TV personality Lydia McLaughin. Lydia leaned on God throughout her experience on the Real Housewives of Orange County. She also talks about how her faith held her up during her mother’s sickness. 

Guest’s Links
Lydia McLaughlin’s Facebook: @oclydia

Lydia McLaughlin’s Twitter: @oclydia

Lydia McLaughlin’s Instagram: @oclydia 

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Our first guest, Patsy Clairmont, is a renowned author, speaker, and one of the founding speakers for Women of Faith. Patsy’s early years were marked by severe anxiety and depression. Whispering prayers of desperation for anything to help her through this time, she was surprised by the small, simple steps God gave her that helped her emerge from the darkness. The surprises would continue to come as she moved from barely being able to leave the house to speaking to millions of people—inspiring them with her humor, wisdom, and stories of overcoming.

Later in the epis...

In this week’s episode, we have the opportunity to listen to John Michael Talbot, a legendary musician and founder of the monastic community Brothers and Sisters of Charity. He shares the intense evolution of his faith: from expressing himself through music, to finding his community in Catholicism, to a moment in a hospital room where he experienced a forgiveness so deep it changed him forever. 

Later in the episode, we’ll hear from John Andrew Bryant, a chaplain and author. Bryant shares his battle with a mental health condition that not only revealed the inner workings of hi...

This week, we’ll visit with two musicians who found their love for music early on, but took some devastating detours along the way to their dreams of full-time music careers.

Darren Mulligan is songwriter and lead singer for the Dove Award-winning Christian music group We Are Messengers. Early in his music pursuits, Darren found himself indulging in other things that caused damage to himself and to those he loved—admitting that he was, “manipulative and just very broken.” He shares the story of attending a little church in his hometown in Monaghan, Ireland, and what happened that alt...

In this week’s episode, we delve into the remarkable journey of Ricky Dickson, a man whose faith has guided him through a fulfilling career and the trials of leadership. Throughout his forty-three years with Blue Bell Creameries, the beloved ice cream maker, Ricky rose to become the president and CEO, navigating the company through both successful and challenging times.

Later in the episode, we’ll hear from Mark Tappan, a police officer whose life took an unexpected turn through his bond with a remarkable police dog named Mattis. Mark shares how his lifelong connection to dogs has...

Old habits can be hard to break, whether it’s the foods we eat, the media we consume, or any pattern that may not serve us in the way that gets us where we want to be. Our guests this week took a look at their lives and found that doing the hard work of change was key to breaking unhealthy patterns and through faith and prayer, they kept at it, which ultimately produced lasting and rewarding results. 

Our first guest, Erin Loechner, discusses how we can reverse engineer some of the ways that social media and tec...

On this episode of Jesus Listens: Stories of Prayer, we’ll hear from comedian Chonda Pierce. Chonda’s ability to bring laughter to others is renowned, but as we know, life’s circumstances can threaten to steal our joy. The loss of Chonda’s sisters and then her husband were crushing blows, but through prayer, therapy and the support of others, she shares how she was able to find light again after facing the worst kind of darkness. 

Guest’s Links
Chonda’s Facebook: @chondapierce

Chonda’s Twitter: @chondapierce

Chonda’s Instagram: @chon...

When kindness is shown to us—whether it’s as small as a smile from a stranger, or as big as someone meeting a need at a desperate time in our lives—we see and feel goodness that is often unexplainable. If we look for them, we can find these divine kindnesses each day, those big and little nods from God that bring us hope and comfort, even in the darkest of hours. These moments are powerful reminders of the sustaining force of divine kindness and the enduring faith it nurtures. 

Founders of the ministry Bottle of Tears C...

When we face self-doubt, we may find ourselves not believing in our own innate abilities, or we might even decide to turn away from our aspirations in the belief that we’re not “good enough” to get where we want to be. When we willfully stop listening to the voices that tell us we can’t do it, and replace our fears with faith, a transformative effect takes place that allows us to believe in ourselves again and realize that our dreams are worth chasing. 

Our first guest is the multi-talented Taraji P. Henson. Taraji is not only a re...

The most valuable life lessons often emerge from our most difficult circumstances. While these experiences give us insight into our own lives, they also provide meaningful stories to share with others and point them towards God, who can ultimately give them comfort through their darkest moments. 

This week, we’ll hear from Jesse Hutch, a Canadian-born American film and television actor, who recalls how a near-death experience taught him the peace that comes from fully trusting in God’s control and the importance of using scripture and prayer to ground your beliefs. Later in the episode, we’ll hear...

There is an intricate dance between the difficulty of making changes in our lives and a profound trust in God to guide us through. When we have to make the decision to leave something behind and start anew, there is an emotional toll and a fear of the unknown. However, there is much to be learned from endings and new beginnings, and how sometimes we end up finding peace in the midst of our turmoil. 

Emily P. Freeman is a spiritual director and author who hosts The Next Right Thing Podcast. Emily shares practical thoughts on how t...

On this episode of Jesus Listens, we hear from Evan Craft, a singer-songwriter who discovered the importance of loving and serving others during a mission trip to Mexico. Through his music, Evan now spreads messages of hope and love while raising awareness for causes like homelessness. 

Guest’s Links
Evan Craft’s Facebook: @evancraftmusic

Evan Craft’s Twitter: @EvanCraft

Evan Craft’s Instagram: @evancraft

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*Content Warning: This episode mentions suicide and depression and may not be suitable for all listeners.*

We all carry scars, both visible and invisible, that life's challenges leave behind. Far from permanently marring us, our scars can become sites of incredible healing and strength when we open ourselves to faith.This faith doesn't erase the pain or revert the past, but transforms our relationship with our scars. It encourages us to see them not as symbols of hurt but as markers of healing and resilience: vibrant signs of what we've overcome through faith.

Lauren Green...

When things get tough, and it feels like hope is barely hanging on, it always helps to remember we’re not alone. Haven’t we all benefited from a friend or a loved one who reached out, was able to lend an ear, or who was just there for us when we were going through a rough patch? It's amazing how a little kindness and understanding can bring us back to life. In Ephesians from the Bible, we are instructed to “Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you. [Ephesians 4:32]” We might never kn...

Traveling far from home can reframe our perspectives on the world, ourselves, and our faith. But more than the places we go, the people we surround ourselves with, and the stories we share with one another, will profoundly shape our lives.

Country singer/songwriter and author Stephanie Quayle shares her journey from growing up in Montana to traveling to Switzerland and California before settling in Nashville. Tragic loss in a plane crash compelled her to confront grief and forgiveness, shaping both her life and her music and ultimately, strengthening her faith. We’ll also hear from Anna Br...

The content in this episode is for informational purposes only, and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Please consult your physician to see what works best for you.

During times of pain, loss, and grief, faith and a close relationship with God can serve as a profound source of comfort, strength, and hope. Prayer, meditation, and the study of scripture can be vital practices in nurturing our spiritual resilience, offering a refuge and a sense of peace. In these ways, our faith acts not only as a beacon of...

Do you ever feel like life has passed you by, or that the best days of your life are gone and done? Self-proclaimed “joyologist” Dawn Barton has experienced those same feelings, but even through the worst heartbreaks and devastating losses, she believes there’s always time to write a new story. 

Guest’s Links
Dawn’s Facebook: @dawnrbarton

Dawn’s Instagram: @DawnRBarton 

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It’s often said that hindsight is twenty-twenty, and our guests this week look back on how God has shaped their own lives in profound ways—though it might’ve been hard to see at the moment. 

Former boxing champion Andre Ward shares his life story, both inside and outside the ring, marked by struggles with family addiction and a sense of aimlessness. He reveals how he turned his life around and reignited his faith after the passing of his father, and became determined to become a warrior for God. John Burke shares insights he gained from researc...

*This episode contains content that may be triggering for some listeners.*

Have you ever had a moment where you plastered on a smile, carried on through your day as if everything was perfectly okay, but really on the inside you were hurting? It’s okay to have sorrow, and it doesn’t mean we are cut off from joy in the midst of it. In the Psalms, David reminds us that God reveals joy during all the ups and downs of our lives. “You make known to me the path of life,” David prays, “in Your presence there is f...

In all the moments of our lives, whether we’re dealing with depression or anxiety, or navigating the responsibilities of taking care of other people, or simply trying to make our days have more depth and meaning, our connection to others is key to our well being. Through prayer, intentionality, and consideration, we can strengthen that cord that ties us to others and build relationships that become a lifeline when things get hard.

This week, we're joined by Dansby Swanson, a major league baseball player for the Chicago Cubs. Dansby shares the ups and downs of being a...

Content warning: This episode contains mature content and may not be suitable for all listeners.

When we face darkness in our lives that threatens to overwhelm us, it can feel like it’s harder and harder to find any light. But in Hebrews 6:19, it says “We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure.” That anchor is Jesus—and He is waiting to hear our cares and concerns, and is present to be that Rock we can cling to in every trial we encounter. 

This week, our guests talk about how they turn...

The Bible reminds us over and over what a gift from God children are. As parents, it’s easy to get overwhelmed with all the different worries when it comes to raising a child: Are they healthy? Are they happy? Are they kind to other people? One essential element of parenting that sets a great foundation for a child’s well-being is modeling a spiritually healthy life for our kids, so that they know there’s a God who cares for them, and listens when they pray.

This week, we get to hear from three experts on how we...

On this episode of Jesus Listens: Stories of Prayer, we hear from musician Colton Dixon. From his American Idol days to the unexpected challenges in the music industry, Colton shares how his unwavering faith in God has served as his guiding light through every circumstance–enabling him to be a light to others facing their own storms.

Guest’s Links
Colton’s Facebook: @ColtonDixonMusic

Colton’s Twitter: @ColtonDixon

Colton’s Instagram: @ColtonDixonMusic

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Sometimes, our dreams seem so far-fetched that even we don’t believe we’ll ever achieve them. But in Romans 12:2, it says “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” When we train ourselves to look for the good, to see God’s opportunities around every corner, we’ll find that the life of our dreams isn’t so far away after all. 

As we celebrate our 400th episode of the Jesus Calling Podcast, we’ll hear from Savannah Guthrie and John Tesh, who both had unconventional and unexpected br...

This week’s stories are set an ocean apart, but share a common thread of two individuals placing their trust in God to be a lighthouse in the dark while mapping a new course for their lives. 

Joseph Rojas, the lead singer of the Christian rock band Seventh Day Slumber, candidly shares a background where abuse, addiction, and suicidal ideation haunted his days, and how that led to a rock-bottom moment in the back of an ambulance, where he had a life-changing encounter with God. Author and podcaster Monica Swanson is a mom to four boys who she...

This week, we speak with Navy veteran Michael Hyacinthe, who is also an artist and sculptor. Michael recounts the profound impact of his time in the military, and how, after he returned to civilian life, he wanted to use his talent in the arts to support veterans, and eventually children through his company Wimage, who created a toy robot named Wimee, featured on the PBS children’s show called Wimee’s Words. Our second guest is climate scientist and speaker Katharine Hayhoe, whose work bridges the gap between science and faith. Interpreting complex climate data through the lens of reli...

People of faith have many opportunities to demonstrate how that faith leads and guides them. As a star athlete recognizes where their gifts and talents come from on a platform for all to see, we can also be faithful in our normal daily interactions with others, demonstrating grace—especially when we disagree—and showing kindness, understanding, and humility, all which reflect the love of Christ in our lives.

Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone, an American hurdler and sprinter, competes in the 400 meter hurdles. She is the 2020 Tokyo Olympic champion with the Games record, and 2022 World champion with a world record time...

On this episode of Jesus Listens: Stories of Prayer, we hear from author and podcaster, Rebekah Lyons. Rebekah opens up about her experiences with anxiety, raising her beloved son who has Down Syndrome, and how faith and prayer got her through some uncertain moments.

Guest’s Links
Rebekah’s Instagram

Rebekah’s Facebook

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*Episode produced by Four Eyes...

This week, we’re talking to two women who grew up checking off the boxes to be the best Christians they could possibly be, and who would learn later in life would come to know a God who was more concerned with their hearts than with their behaviors.

Comedian Anita Renfroe grew up in a church that didn’t consider laughter to be appropriate within its walls. As a person who always had something funny running through her head, it took her years to realize that joy, which bubbles over into laughter, is actually something that pleases the...

This week, we’ll hear the stories of two individuals who were tragically separated from their families at an early age. Though they faced unimaginable losses, they fought to hold onto what was left of their families, and continued to seek God as they also searched for their belonging in the world.

Jochen Wurfl has seen more than his fair share of suffering. As a Holocaust survivor who experienced firsthand Hitler’s persecution of the Jewish people, and separation from his parents, Jochen clung to his brother to survive, and held onto faith that they would make it t...

God's love transcends human understanding and surpasses any love we could envision for ourselves. It is pure, unconditional, and ceaseless, unlike human love, which can be influenced by imperfection and self-interest. This divine love serves as an unfaltering source of comfort, healing, and transformation, exceeding any form of love we could dream of in its depth, breadth, and constancy.

You may recognize actress Jen Lilley from her appearances on Criminal Minds, General Hospital, Days Of Our Lives, and several Hallmark and Great American Family movies. Her road to becoming an actress had its fair share of challenges...

Of all the languages in the world, music is one of the most profound. Its many shapes and forms can stir up a vast spectrum of emotions and tell stories in a way like no other. 

Candi Staton is a legendary, 4x Grammy nominated R&B and gospel singer. Candi vulnerably opens up about how her music was a direct reflection of things she was facing, including an absent father, an abusive marriage, and a battle with alcoholism, and how the music helped her build a bridge to God for herself and others. nobigdyl. found his way in...

Life is a tapestry of dreams and aspirations, yet sometimes, despite our best efforts, we fail to see our dreams come to life. In these moments, we might feel engulfed by a sense of loss and disappointment. But we can find solace in a promise from God; when one dream fades, a new one is waiting on the horizon, ready to infuse our lives with renewed hope and purpose. 

Bryce Kenny is a professional Monster Jam driver who is known as the Great Clips Mohawk Warrior. Bryce always dreamt of being a professional racer, following in the f...

Do you find it difficult to believe that you have a life that could be used for good in the world? We tend to minimize the gifts and talents God gave us, wondering how we—just one individual—could ever make a difference. Nature gives us a beautiful example in the way a small, unassuming caterpillar is eventually transformed into a colorful, winged butterfly, bringing joy to others by simply being viewed. When we believe in ourselves and the unique abilities God has given us, and open ourselves up to sharing those gifts with the world, we create impact in a...

Living with a negative worldview, often born out of childhood trauma or difficult experiences in one's life or workspace, can feel as if you're perpetually shrouded in a bleak fog. The world may seem unkind and unfair, every experience tainted by the shadows of your past. Sometimes it can feel like there’s danger around every corner, stealing our joy and our ability to live without constant fear. 

Former FBI investigator Jana Monroe worked on some notorious and heinous murder cases, including those of Ted Bundy and Jeffrey Dahmer. She shares about the demanding challenges of interviewing ser...

Perhaps you are facing a time in your life where the world around you seems to be crumbling, and your heart is heavy with the weight of unexpected trials. How, in the midst of our struggles, can we remain steadfast, continue to show up, and face each day with courage and resolve when the pain and fear threaten to steal any last shred of hope we have? Our guests this week believe that every challenge, every hardship, is a part of God's grand design. They found strength in the belief that their trials were not random occurrences, but purposeful...

Welcome to the Jesus Calling Podcast. The Enneagram system is a widely accepted personality model that offers deep insight into our core driving motivations, opening up exciting possibilities in the prediction and understanding of human behavior. As a doorway to self-discovery and self-awareness, the Enneagram is also a powerful tool for spiritual transformation that can replenish our energy toward our relationship with God and others. 

This week podcaster and counselor Christa Hardin shares how she’s used the Enneagram as a tool to help couples communicate better and learn more about each other so that they can lea...

For so many, the holidays don’t always represent a time of joy, but trigger memories of painful past trauma, or reminders of deep loss. Whether we greet the holidays with anticipation or dread, we can all be a part of helping each other heal during the holidays. Small acts of kindness, beyond traditional Christmas gifts, can have a big impact in spreading love and creating positive change, especially during a time that brings mixed emotions for so many. 

Our first guests this week are digital creators Stevie and Sazan Hendrix. They share some tips about how to...

On this episode of Jesus Listens: Stories of Prayer, we’re talking to author, singer/songwriter and multiple Dove Award winner Ellie Holcomb, who shares about the humbling experience of singing on a stage for an audience, her Christmas family traditions, and the hopes she has for the season. 

Guest’s Links
Facebook: @ellieholcombmusic

Twitter: @ellieholcomb

Instagram: @ellieholcomb

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The Bible is filled with stories of people who faced uncertain times; like Joseph who was betrayed by his brothers and was sold as a slave, or Job who went through unbearable pain and loss. But their hardships didn’t cause them to give up—in fact, their lives went on to have profound impact, despite the challenges along the way. 

This week’s guests know what it’s like to feel like giving up after enduring a trying season, but instead, persevered in the hope of making their lives count. South Florida rapper Otis has collaborated with arti...

As we celebrate the season of advent, it’s a wonderful time to focus on prayer. This dialogue with God can be an avenue leading us to tranquility by enabling us to articulate our deepest fears, hopes, and concerns. It provides an opportunity to let go and surrender our burdens. In the practice of releasing our worries, we open ourselves up to God’s calming embrace of serenity. 

Father James Martin is a Jesuit priest who is a student of scripture, helping bring it to life for people in new ways. In his latest book called Come Forth...

God's love knows no borders, boundaries, or limitations. It reaches every person, regardless of origin or language. When we strive to follow Jesus’s greatest commandment, “Love one another,” we can begin to break down the walls that often divide us.

This week, we speak to pastor Eric Costanzo and one of his church members, Yana Sherdis, who have dedicated their lives to serving and supporting refugees and international families through their church’s powerful outreach program. We’ll also speak with the director of a new docuseries, ACROSS, Julie Mirlicourtois who shares the inspiring faith of Christian...

We all need God’s mercy at some point in our lives. And for singer Jason Crabb, that time came when he was in a rebellious phase; realizing the faith he had was something passed down from his family–not necessarily his own. Ultimately Jason began a relationship with God for himself–and that “mercy moment”  began a habit of recognizing God’s mercy through all the phases of his life. 

Guest’s Links

Facebook: @JasonCrabbMusic

Twitter: @jasoncrabbmusic

Instagram: @jasoncrabbmusic

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In today's world, characterized by advanced technology and increasing isolation, there's a pressing need to foster real connection. As technology continues to advance, genuine human connections are taking a backseat. However, in Scripture we find that God recognizes; "It is not good for man to be alone." (Genesis 2:18). As part of God’s unique design, He wired us for meaningful connection where we find strength, love, and support from others.

This week, as we celebrate Thanksgiving and a season of connection and gratitude, we have two pastors to help us navigate a season that also can be lo...

Do you ever wish you could simply start over, or that you had a second chance? Maybe you feel like your life is “too far gone,” that there’s no hope of ever going back to what could’ve been. But there is good news to be found in 2 Corinthians 5:16-17, which says, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: the old is gone, the new is here!”” There is always a chance for a fresh start, as our God meets you with compassion, grace and beautiful mercy. 

Pastor Herman Mendoza came up through some to...

Experiencing a significant loss or trauma often leads to an identity crisis, a sensation comparable to losing footing on solid ground. You may suddenly feel untethered, as if the person you once knew as "you" has evaporated, replaced by an unfamiliar stranger. Your faith may seem hollow, your relationships distant. It’s like you’re lost in your own life, and you don’t know how to get back. 

Our guests this week share how they coped with grief and hardship, and how they found their way back from feeling disoriented and disconnected from themselves. Senior pastor of Fell...

Many writers and philosophers have compared the process of living our lives to running a race, or following a path. The Bible, in Hebrews among other places, makes this comparison as well by saying;  “Let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith [Hebrews 12: 1-3].” Much as a marathon runner relies on their faith to complete a grueling race, or a mountaineer looks to the heavens for strength to conquer a strenuous climb, our faith can provide a source of strength and motivation to endure life’s chall...

Naomi Raine from Maverick City Music has been singing since she was just two years old—and the power in her voice comes from a passion to glorify God in her music. Through her life journey, with all its ups and downs, Naomi has kept Christ at the center, allowing Him to shine through in all that she does, which has inspired countless listeners.

Guest’s Links

Facebook: @NaomiRaineMusic

Instagram: @naomiraine

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When other people's expectations drive our lives, we run the risk of losing our authentic selves, and are subtly steered away from our own unique paths. We’re compelled to show up as others would have us, instead of showing up as our true selves. It can be hard to change our instinct to listen to others and we can get lost in the noise. But when we trust that God will show us who we really are, we are empowered to sift through all those societal expectations and find the courage to stand firm in our truth. 

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In the bleak aftermath of unspeakable tragedy, it is faith that dawns as our beacon of survival and healing. Faith, by its very nature, is about trust, hope, and a belief that God is in control. It allows us to seek solace and strength in something greater than ourselves, and it provides a comforting balm for our wounded hearts. Both of our guests this week faced heartbreaking circumstances that could have shaken their faith beyond repair, but each of them chose to wait and see what God would do in their lives as they healed from their scars and...

In a big world, we might feel a little lost in the mix, like there’s nothing really special about us. But much like a chef skillfully combines ingredients to create the perfect recipe, God uses challenges, experiences, and talents to give us all a one-of-a-kind design. This week, Food Network personality and author Aarti Sequeira shares how cooking as a hobby turned into a sacred place for her, and how the conversations she would have with God in the kitchen led to a deep and meaningful relationship with Him, and with others who came to dine at her ta...

Music holds an incredible spiritual power that can't be easily defined. It serves as a universal language, connecting people across cultures and experiences, and has a mysterious way of mirroring our innermost feelings and thoughts. The gift God gave us through music can heal, uplift, and inspire, providing spiritual nourishment and a deeper sense of connection to the world around us. 

Singer/songwriter Kelly Lang found herself in a dark place after an unexpected and frightening breast cancer diagnosis. As she contemplated her mortality, she started to look at the world with different eyes, and was inspired t...

It doesn’t matter how much we achieve, or how much we do to show ourselves as worthy, haunting doubts can creep in, making us question our value and undercutting our confidence. Sometimes these feelings stem from an internal comparison with others around us, as we measure our lives against others' highlight reels. However, there is a hope for the dark feelings we have that tell us we’re not enough, or that no one truly cares. The transformative power of God’s love encourages us to shed layers of self-doubt and replace them with an armor of self-acceptance and ap...

On this episode of Jesus Listens: Stories of Prayer, we hear from author and Enneagram coach Jackie Brewster. Jackie shares with us how the Enneagram personality test can help us learn more about ourselves and how we can apply that knowledge to deepen our relationship with God.

Guest’s Links
Facebook: @enneagramwithjb

Twitter: @jb_rewster

Instagram: @enneagramwithjb

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Have you ever been told that you are “too emotional?” Perhaps there are times we feel like we’re failing because we’re feeling. But the truth is, God created us to be emotional beings. Jesus Himself experienced an intense spectrum of emotions—He embraced the sadness, the loneliness, and the anger that all of us feel—and by meeting those feelings, He was able to respond to people in ways that demonstrated emotional maturity and love. 

News anchor and host of Big Brother Julie Chen Moonves always prioritized her career, and committed herself to every opportunity in her path...

Making mistakes is an inherent part of our human nature, and a crucial element of our learning and growth. It is through mistakes that we come to realize our imperfections, reassess our actions, and strive for improvement. However, when we are shown grace from others amidst our shortcomings, it transcends the simple act of forgiveness. Grace is a potent demonstration of understanding and compassion, a silent acknowledgment that we are all fallible and capable of erring. It serves as a gentle reminder that mistakes do not define us, but rather, it’s how we rise from them, empowered by th...

Today, we have a very special episode honoring the life of the writer of Jesus Calling and countless other inspiring books, Sarah Young. Sarah left this world for her heavenly home on August 31, 2023. Sarah’s work has had a profound impact, and we’ve been privileged to tell so many stories of that impact here on this podcast with nearly 400 episodes and 700 guests. Nearly 50 million of her books are in the hands of people all over the world, yet Sarah never sought the spotlight for herself. Her sole concern was leading people to a deeper relationship with Christ through her...

We all make mistakes in our lives—big and small—and worry about letting people down, or not living up to who we think we should be. But imagine if someone saw our mistakes, no matter how grave, and instead of chastising us, still believed in us and thought we were amazing? That’s what God’s grace is like. It’s a kind of love that forgives us and gives us a fresh start over and over again, without end. 

Author and pastor Max Lucado shares his personal journey from soaring to heights of success to rock bottom...

Having friends and being part of a community can give us strength, understanding, and inspiration. When we have friends who share beliefs and/or support us, it’s like having a team that’s there to always lift us up whether it is spiritually, emotionally, or physically. Through friendships, we can actually help deepen and strengthen our faith by reminding ourselves that we are a part of something greater. 

This week singer and songwriter Jordan Davis shares his experiences and conversations with friends and family that taught him about his faith, and his music. Psychiatrist Curt Thompson discu...

On this bonus episode of Jesus Listens: Stories of Prayer, we hear from southern gospel artist Ben Waites, who was born with arthrogryposis, a condition that causes his joints to be locked up. Ben shares what it means to him to share hope through his music, the life changing moment one of his songs went viral, leading to a chance to audition for American Idol, and how he continues to spread the message of redemption through his music and his life. 

Guest’s Links
Facebook: @BenWaitesMinistries

Twitter: @BenWaites

Instagram: @bjwaites

One of the most fulfilling aspects of our lives is the opportunity for connection. We were not designed to live life on our own, but today’s world makes it so easy to be self-focused instead of others-focused. John 13 tells us we should love one another as Christ loved us and “…by this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” When we ask God to show us places we can connect to others, we will begin to reap the many benefits of those bonds, and also find ways to bless others a...

The search for God is a deeply personal endeavor, often paralleling our journey to self-discovery. As we seek to know more about Him, we might read books, listen to sermons, or study Scripture. These all add to our understanding of who God is, but the best way to find Him is simply to talk to Him like you would a friend. And in case we think that we have to pray a certain way, or act a certain way to talk to God, we can rest in the knowledge that a relationship with Him doesn't demand perfection; instead, it...

In our uncertain world, the quest for faith often becomes a beacon of hope and assuredness. Amid the constant fluctuations of the world, God emerges as a grounding force; offering us a sense of purpose and direction when navigating a path we’re not sure of. Even when the world around us is shrouded in uncertainty, faith can illuminate our path, fostering resilience, strength, and optimism.

Dancers Austin and Marideth Telenko met in New York, both pursuing dance careers. Barely a month into their dating life, COVID hit, and the jobs they had dancing fizzled as shows an...

Hope holds great significance in our lives and can shape our attitudes, behaviors, and outcomes. As hope affects our physical, mental, and spiritual well-being, the absence of it can cause adverse results. For Christians, hope is not merely a positive emotion or wishful thinking but is deeply rooted in faith and trust in God's promises. Life is hard, but we don't have to give in to hopelessness. Though seasons of grief and sadness will come, it is possible, as Paul says in the Bible, to be “Sorrowful, yet always rejoicing” (2 Corinthians 6:10).

This week, we’ll hear from neuros...

Belief is a crucial factor in personal growth and success. It fuels our determination, inspires resilience, and empowers us to overcome challenges. When we trust what is true we are less influenced by the opinions and judgments of others, which can often be hindered by their own limitations or biases. The object of our faith and belief must be sound, reliable, and constant. When we define our worth by a divine standard instead of the perceptions of others, we find greater self-confidence, authenticity, and ultimately, fulfillment.

This week, author and registered dietitian Leslie Schilling shares her philosophy...

On this bonus episode of Jesus Listens: Stories of Prayer, we’re talking with the head of faith-based partnerships at Facebook, preacher, and author Nona Jones about why we often compare ourselves to other people and their accomplishments, using that as a marker of our worthiness, and how she has had to deliberately learn to refocus her mind on her spiritual value as God’s beloved child. 

Guest’s Links
Facebook: @NonaNotNora

Instagram: @nonanotnora

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Even though it may not feel like it, grief can be a source of great hope. The way that we react against what is wrong comes from a deep desire for things to be made right. Our loss may actually lead to healing and restoration. The Bible assures us that better days are coming when God Himself will wipe every tear from our eyes. “There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain,” it says in Revelation, “for the old order of things has passed away.” (Revelation 21:3-4)

Our guests this week have walked through...

In celebration of CMA Fest 2023—a country music festival that takes place in Nashville, Tennessee—we’ve got a special episode showcasing country music and faith. We’ll revisit some favorite episodes from country singers who share their stories of heartache, joy, struggles and success–—and how they trusted God through it all, including interviews with Brett Young, Lathan Warlick, Tayla Lynn, Granger & Amber Smith, Reba McEntire with her sisters Susie and Alice, and Travis Tritt.

Links, Products, and Resources Mentioned:

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Our guests this week speak to living a life where they’re seeing things they never thought possible come to fruition, and how faith factored into those events. From singing in small town church choirs to receiving the Golden Buzzer on America’s Got Talent, country trio band Chapel Hart never thought they’d be where they are today, playing music for audiences all over the country and sharing their faith. Andy Partington, author of Hope in Addiction, grew up in a rehabilitation center where his parents worked. He discovered from a young age that recovery from addiction is possib...

There are no guarantees that we won’t face heartache and disappointment in life. But God guarantees that there is deep meaning in all the seasons of our life, and that grief can eventually give way to joy. This is reiterated in scripture, where in John 16:20, it says “You will grieve, but your grief will turn to joy.” Whether we are grieving the loss of a person, or experiencing disappointment that we haven’t found what we’re looking for in life, God will find a way to bring us beauty from the ashes.  

Singer and songwriter Jimi Cravity...

On this bonus episode of Jesus Listens: Stories of Prayer, we’re talking to country music singer/songwriter Aaron Watson, who shares how an injury to his vocal chords necessitated a need for him to come off the road and rest his voice–with no guarantees that his voice would return. Aaron tells us how scary it was to consider that he may not sing again, but how he chose to trust that God would provide for him, and how he was motivated to tell others about God’s grace in a new way.  

Guest’s Links

Sometimes the people we least expect to make a difference in the world are the ones that show up in ways we never thought possible, and are used by God in big ways to draw others to Him. 

Alice Marie Johnson had been sentenced to life in federal prison, but she didn’t let it define her. She consistently clung to her faith and then became a minister to other prisoners—despite the tragic circumstances—and she is now an active criminal justice reform advocate. While following anti-human traffickers in Southeast Asia to film a documentary, Christina Zorich...

Fathers can be quite the influence in our lives—sometimes positively, and sadly, sometimes negatively. No matter where we stand with our earthly fathers, we can know that we matter to God the Father. There’s a verse in 2 Corinthians 6:16 that contains this promise from God: “I will live in them and walk among them, and I will be their God, and they shall be my people… and I will be your father, and you shall be my sons and daughters, says the Lord God Almighty.” This promise is available to everyone who calls out to their Father God. 

This...

Regardless of the career path you chose, the level of education you have, who you married or didn’t marry, or what you’ve accomplished in life, you hold priceless value in God’s eyes. The timeless verse from John 3:16 brings us comfort that God gave His Son for us—and that no matter what, He died for our sins, and because of that sacrifice, we will have eternal life. 

This week’s guests remind us that God’s unconditional love applies in all circumstances. Professional counselor Michelle Nietert and Proverbs 31 Ministries’ Lynn Cowell have written a new book called...

Creating new habits is hard. Oftentimes, we don’t even notice when we’re stuck in how we’ve always done it, and don’t realize how this can sometimes hold us back from something bigger. But when we’re willing to take a chance by seeking God’s heart in the day to day, He can help us break out of old habits that haven’t been serving us, into a new way of living. 

Tara-Leigh Cobble is the host of The Bible Recap Podcast. She shares with us how reading the Bible was a routine habit, until sh...

On this bonus episode of Jesus Listens: Stories of Prayer, we’re talking to YouTube sensation Gabriel Conte, who shares how he approaches big decisions in his life by seeking God. He walks us through a few ideas on how to pray, and what to do when we're not sure how to approach those big crossroads in our lives, and how to trust God through that sometimes very scary process.

Guest’s Links
Facebook: @gabrielconte

Twitter: @gabrielconte

Instagram: @gabrielconte 

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We’ve all experienced situations that might seem hopeless—and the overwhelming feeling of not knowing where to turn when things look bleak. Our guests this week have experienced traumatic situations that found them at the ends of their own means, when all they could do was breathe a prayer to God in desperation—searching for a glimmer of hope to cling to.   

Author and TV host Ali Landry shares her moving story of overcoming a heartbreaking betrayal in her marriage, and on top of that, finding herself facing health issues that made her feel like she was livin...

At one time or another in our lives, we are bound to experience bouts of anxiety. The Bible does not teach that lack of faith is the cause of anxiety. In our world today, it is almost impossible not to experience anxiety to some degree. We just can’t avoid it. What if instead of running away from our anxiety, we name what is happening, and develop ways to support ourselves through it while leaning on God in the present moment? 

Curtis Chang is a pastor and a non-profit director. He remembers early moments of anxiety that wer...

It’s been said that parenting is a lifelong job that doesn’t end when your children grow up. Our guests this week know firsthand how hard it is to be a parent, and they’ve done the work to build the kind of relationship with their children that is returning dividends in their adulthood. And now, their kids really appreciate them as people, and the influence they’ve had in helping them become who they are today. 

Dionne Warwick is a six-time Grammy Award-winning singer who raised her son Damon—who is also a musician—as a single moth...

Do you struggle with how to fit a faith routine into your life? It’s hard to prioritize time for prayer and reflection in our busy, over-scheduled lives, but when we come up against those moments that stretch us beyond our normal limits and make us question the very foundation of our faith, turning to that connection that we have already been establishing day by day to God can be crucial for us to lean on when nothing else makes sense. 

Author and podcaster Cleere Cherry Reaves clung hard to her relationship with God when her son Sle...

It’s a blessing to be able to celebrate with others when joyful things happen in their lives. But it’s also an honor to be able to stand by someone when they are heavy with sorrow and joy seems nowhere to be found. 

Popular Christian writer Karen Kingsbury and her son Tyler Russell help others celebrate the joy of their faith by writing stories for families through their Baxter Family children’s books. Pastor David Emmanuel Goatley, the sixth president of Fuller Theological Seminary, has traveled all over the world as a minister and has been inspire...

We’re back with another Jesus Listens Stories of Prayer special bonus episode and we’re talking with Hollywood beauty expert and reporter Kym Douglas who makes it her mission to bring laughter and positivity to the world, but is also candid about the tough seasons she’s been through recently. The loss of her husband of 37 years and a recent cancer diagnosis led her to rely on her faith even more–and also reshaped her sense of her own beauty; by seeing herself through the eyes of her Creator.

Guest’s Links
Facebook: @hollywoodbe...

In the very beginning of the Bible, God stresses the concept that we were created for community: “The Lord God said, ‘It is not good for a man to be alone.” (Genesis 2:18 NIV) People were designed to better one another, to look out for one another, and to be a support system in good times and bad. 

This week’s guests, professional soccer player Walker Zimmerman and author David Kim, are both the sons of pastors—an experience which guided them early on to care deeply about other people, and to prioritize cultivating supportive communities that stimulate growth in b...

One of the greatest markers of our adult life is when we fully come to realize that we were designed with intention, created for a specific purpose and mission. Nothing God has ever done has been an accident, and He knows every part of you, even the talents you might not have realized yet. Proverbs 19:21 says, “Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails.” No matter where life takes you, you can trust that He knows where you’re headed, and is guiding you through every step. 

Our guests...

There’s an element to having a relationship with God where you feel compelled to tell others about His love. Because when we’re in a loving relationship, we thrive. It brings us joy, and it gives us stamina to face whatever’s in front of us. Our guests this week had circumstances in their lives that could have made their lives go in directions that might not have been optimal. Having God’s love as a foundation for how they saw themselves in the world was key to giving them that “push” they needed to believe they were made for som...

As human beings, we’re all on an individual journey, a walk that is all our own. Perhaps you grew up in a family of faith that laid the groundwork for the beliefs you have today, or perhaps you discovered your faith later and can mark the moments where God made Himself present on your journey. No matter how we got to our faith, or where we’re headed, the faith that lives inside us will guide us on a beautiful journey that will take us to the place we’re meant to be. 

Andrea Bocelli, the world’s...

On this special monthly episode of Jesus Listens: Stories of Prayer, hosted by Susie McEntire, we’re talking with YouTuber Rob Kenney, the man behind the “Dad, How Do I?” Channel that provides encouragement, practical advice, and tips to anyone who might not have a key parental figure in their lives. Rob’s made all kinds of knowledge accessible as the “Internet Dad,” In this episode, he shares the story of how he started this channel, why it’s important to him to provide a place that people can go for advice and encouragement, and a few tips on how to strengt...

Are you one of those people who finds it hard to ask others for help? Though we might find ourselves facing things alone or maybe we just want to tough it out and not burden anyone else with our problems, we should remember when we ask for help—including help from God—we honor those in whom we place our trust—giving them a chance to joyfully give of themselves to support us in whatever we’re facing. 

Our guests this week each had moments in their life where they had to face that they couldn’t rely only o...

As we figure out how to navigate the various things that life puts in front of us, we may question whether we’re always doing the right thing. When we don’t know what to do, it’s good to remember what Jesus says that can help put us on the right path: “My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you.” [John 13:34] “Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” [John 15:13] Some people do literally lay down their lives on a daily basis for others. But the rest of us can...

Maybe one of the most beautiful and affirming passages in the Bible are words written by David in Psalm 139: “My frame was not hidden from You, when I was made in secret, and skillfully wrought in the lowest parts of the earth. Your eyes saw my substance, being yet unformed. And in Your book they all are written, the days fashioned for me, when as yet there were none of them.” (Psalm 139:15-16). Whenever we wonder what we’re doing with our lives or when we’re wading through a new difficulty, we can know that we were lovingly created...

Change is constant in life. Sometimes the wave of change runs its course over your life slowly, and sometimes change creates a 180-degree turn in a moment’s notice. Whatever the circumstances, learning to be adaptable and trusting that God is in the middle with us during those changes is key to us navigating life’s turnarounds. Sister Jean Schmidt was ready to retire from her role as an educator at Loyola University when she was 75 years old. But God had different plans—and Jean was called to stay on in a role to help student athletes keep their grades...

On this episode of Jesus Listens: Stories of Faith, we’re talking with creator, entrepreneur, and father of nine Stephen Miller about the joys and challenges that come with raising children, and what Stephen’s prayers looked like during a particularly hard season.

Guest’s Links

Facebook: @themillerfam

Twitter: @TheMillerFam2

Instagram: @THEMILLERFAM

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*Episode produced by Four Eyes...

Life throws a lot of stuff our way, both good and bad. But have you ever found yourself at that wall when you know that if one more thing comes your way you’re going to explode? We don’t fully understand why God allows us to reach those breaking point moments, but we can know that He loves us and we can trust that He is a refuge from the worst of storms in our life. 

Luke Weaver is a newly-signed pitcher for the Cincinnati Reds, after recently playing for the Kansas City Royals. Luke got atten...

When we think about our problems, it can sometimes look like things are only happening to us. Our struggles may appear one-sided or like God has left us to deal with it on our own. But when we draw near to God, He plants people in our lives to show us that our pain is not meant to be carried alone. And when He does that, we have a comforting reminder of a God who will never leave us nor forsake us. 

Pastors Jimmy and Irene Rollins have a passion to reach all people for God, no m...

When we’re going through a particularly tough time in life, we might find ourselves shaking our fists in the air and asking, “Why God? Why this, why me?” But what we night not realize is that God knows the answer to our questions, and though it may not be clear to us now what meaning that time of pain or struggle had in our lives, we have to trust that God is with us as we work through it, and that He’s got something greater for us on the other side of it. 

Our guests...

On this episode of Jesus Listens: Stories of Prayer, we’re talking to two co-pastors whose lives intersected in a way that would have a forever kind of impact: Walter Hooker and Andy Kaup from Bellevue Christian Center in Bellevue, Nebraska. Walter worked at their church for many years, and knew Andy as a kid. When Andy became an adult, he decided to go into ministry. When a job for lead pastor came up, Walter and Andy were the top candidates. Andy was chosen for the position, and though Walter could have chosen to be resentful of the choice, he...

When we make plans for the future, we often want God to sign on the dotted line and agree to everything we’ve laid out. Yet when those plans fail, we find ourselves turning to God as a last resort. And as our guests this week will attest, He is faithful to lead us back to a path that we’re meant to follow, whether we realized it or not. Fox and Rob Richardson, a couple from Shreveport, Louisiana, open up about the act of desperation that led to their incarceration, and what happened to their lives and the live...

When a blizzard struck western New York just before this past Christmas, pastors Al & Vivian Robinson were expecting the usual winter storm they’re used to living in Buffalo. But when their town of Lovejoy lost power and neighbors started getting stranded, Vivian felt God calling her to open their church, the Spirit of Truth Urban Ministry, to help shelter, feed, and tend to the masses. With rescue efforts underway, and small miracles piling on top of one another, Al & Vivian experienced the love of God operating in a way so powerful, so moving, that it still brings them to...

In life, we can't escape adversity; we are bound to end up with some bumps and bruises. Maybe it’s because of rough beginnings, difficult relationships with loved ones, or unexpected circumstances that inevitably come our way.  Having faith in God doesn't mean you won’t face challenges and difficulties. Instead, it means we can know that we won't have to face those battles alone. Like the apostle Paul, who called upon God and rejoiced while being imprisoned, he constantly tried to find the blessing during the pain of being captive. Through his example, we can see that when we pu...

There is much talk of turmoil in our world, and we see it reflected in what we read, watch, and observe in the media. Sometimes this turmoil shows up directly in our lives—whether it’s negative words toward us from others, untruths about who we are and what we stand for, or other negative situations that undermine our self worth and identity. As we face words meant to harm and hurt us, we can know there is refuge when it feels like it’s “us against the world.” A verse in the Bible, from John 16, tells us that God is our...

Have you ever been driving somewhere, or even walking in the city or on a trail, and found yourself hopelessly lost? In the era of smartphones and GPS, this has become a lot less likely, but we can all recall moments where we didn’t have the tools at our disposal to lead us back to where we needed to go, and we ended up wandering, trying to remember where we came from and how to get back to that spot. It’s a scary feeling not knowing where you’re going, and even more scary when life presents situat...

When we think about life events that define our existence, what naturally comes to mind? Perhaps it’s finishing your education, or getting that first job, starting a family? Or maybe the tougher things come to mind, like facing an illness, losing a loved one, or struggling to make ends meet after a job has ended. There’s one common denominator in both the hard and joyful events of our lives—our faith. It’s in those defining life moments—even the ones where you crash and fail hard—that greatness, courage, and true purpose reveal themselves. That one act of takin...

Perhaps you’ve heard the sentiment, “you can’t really judge a person until you walk a mile in their shoes.” This thought goes beyond the idea of just a reprimand against being judgemental. It’s one that reminds us to have empathy and understanding of others’ experiences and actions with an open heart and mind. The greatest example of walking in someone else’s shoes is Jesus, being fully God, who stepped into humanity’s shoes by being born into this world—so we could know with certainty that He experienced the same kinds of trials and losses, wants and needs th...

This month we’re featuring multiple guests who have previously appeared on the Jesus Calling podcast, speaking about prayer during times of sorrow and in times of joy. Christmas is the season to celebrate the love and hope of Jesus; but for some, it can bring difficulty. Our guests remind us that no matter what season we’re in, prayer can be a light in our darkness. 

Links To Full Episodes
Margaret Feinberg

Zim Flores

Tana Amen

Jess Connolly

Levi Lusko

Natalie Grant

Tab...

Whether you’ve been a Christian your whole life because you were raised in the faith, or you’re just curious about what Christianity is all about, there are many ways we can come to know God, sometimes when we’re not even looking for Him. In the Bible, the prophet Isaiah tells us in Romans 10:20 that “[God] is found by those who did not seek [Him], [He] became manifest to those who did not ask for [Him].” As we all enjoy our favorite stories of Christmas this year, and as Christians celebrate the birth of Christ, everyone can pause and...

Theologian and monk Thomas Merton once wrote, “The beginning of love is to let those we love be perfectly themselves, and not to twist them to fit our own image. Otherwise we love only the reflection of ourselves we find in them.” We were designed by God to live life with and surrounded by people. But to successfully do so, we have to learn what makes others tick. We have to know how they move, and how we can speak love and understanding into their lives. Truly loving people comes with knowing that they are flawed, but resisting the desi...

As we approach Christmas, it’s nice to reflect on the gift God gave us through Jesus and how He served the people in his circle and beyond–and how He shows up for us through others in ways we’d never expect. Have you ever received a gift that was so intentional it brought you to tears? Or maybe you’ve given a gift that ended up having a profound effect on someone else’s life. This holiday season, we’re talking to several people who know a few things about meaningful gifts, and what it means to them to prov...

All of us have experienced what we like to call “gut feelings.” At various times in each of our lives, it’s been that deep intuition that perhaps moved us to make a decision that was good for us—choosing one thing over, or avoiding a situation that didn’t feel quite right. Other times, perhaps we didn’t follow that quiet tug on our hearts, and pursued a different route—maybe ending up in a less than ideal result. However we view those gut feelings, the message is the same; God will always find a way to reach us. He is that...

In the hours before September 28th, 2022, as Hurricane Ian roared toward the Florida coast, no one knew the level of devastation that would occur in its wake. With 147 deaths, multiple homes and buildings decimated, and over 60,000 people displaced from their homes, volunteers from all over the world streamed into Florida communities to lend their help toward healing and rebuilding. We talk to two of those Good Samaritans who gave of their time and resources to offer refuge and hope after devastating loss. 

Quotes

“God had been preparing me even before I knew He was...

Each one of us is uniquely made by God and given a specific life path. God wants us to celebrate the way He made us and serve Him with our different abilities. By embracing our differences and bridging our unique stories with our faith, we can help connect God’s love to more people.  

Our guests this week share with us how they’ve used their unique life paths to share God’s love with others—whether it’s with their communities or their family circle. Stars of the TV show Reservation Dogs, Lil Mike and Funny Bone are Ind...

On this episode of Jesus Listens: Stories of Prayer, we’re talking to mom, author, and entrepreneur Emily Ley, who’s the queen of organization. She walks us through how we can set ourselves up for success and get closer to the Lord in the process.

Guest’s Links
Facebook: @emilyley

Twitter: @emilyley

Instagram: @emilyley

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Ephesians 2:10 says, “For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” We all long—at some point in life—to have that moment of clarity where we know exactly what we’re supposed to do and which way we need to go, and everything feels like it clicks into place. Those “aha!” moments can be hard to come by, but we can rely on God to reveal clues to us about where He wants us to be—and often it’s in those little details that we ourselves mi...

Sometimes our plans in life can be misdirected and net us emptiness. When we decide to live selfishly and aren’t open to where God is leading us, we effectively put God “in a box” by limiting ourselves from the vast potential for light and goodness He wants to bring to our lives. Each of our guests this week had life experiences that required them to let go of their ideas of what their lives were supposed to look like so that they could grow into the plans that God had for them. Jesse Bradley admits he never thought he'd e...

Pursuing our God-given dreams can lead us into unexpected places, whether it’s climbing mountains, building homes, or sharing your story with those who need encouragement. God’s beautiful purpose remains steadfast, but sometimes we can’t see past the setbacks or the trials that confront us first. Learning to trust God in everything puts us in a posture of peace and allows for His grace to define our days. These are the moments that can hold deep meaning for us when we look back and see that God never left our sides.

Our guests this week share...

“Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,” sings the Psalmist, “I will fear no evil; For You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me. (NKJV) This is not just beautiful poetry. These were the fervent prayers of David (Psalm 23) as he tended to his father Jesse’s sheep. At any moment, a lion or wolf could attack. Within the line, “I will fear no evil,” there’s a cry for help and a statement of faith. We can all go to this prayer, just as David did, when the storms of life threat...

As so many of us go about our day to day, living what we might see as “ordinary” lives, we might wonder, while we are working hard at our jobs, providing for ourselves or our families, and staying so busy with the many things that make up the basic details of surviving—how can we also begin thriving and really enjoy our lives beyond merely keeping it all together? 

Our guests this week offer some simple suggestions toward ways to bring some peace and joy to our daily existences. Tara L. Cole is a writer, educator, and mom rai...

This month, as part of the Jesus Calling Podcast, we’re featuring multiple guests who have previously appeared on the show who share what it means to know a God who hears our prayers and wants to know us by our communication with Him.  We hope you find inspiration from these stories of praying people, and how the very act of incorporating prayer into our lives has the ability to change our outlooks for the better.

Links To Full Episodes
Danny Gokey

Nell O'Leary

Holly Singletary

Dianne Derby

Where does the human body fit into our theology? In Scripture, humans are said to be "created in the image of God,” but overall the creation of our bodies is a great mystery, and we cannot say it has been created in the image of God without trying to understand what that phrase means. We don't get to choose its color, its height, or even the basic functionality of its parts. It remains largely an unpredictable, dynamic space that we must learn to inhabit, love, and enjoy as the most basic gift we’ve been given.

Both of o...

***Content Warning: This episode mentions eating disorders.***

Most of us can recall times in our lives where we've felt lost, confused, or unsure of how to move forward. It can be easy to shy away from these moments—to hide them and put on a smile to pretend as if our road has always been an easy one. But what if instead of striving for perfection around every corner, we stop and lean into these uncomfortable moments? What would happen if we looked at our moments of feeling lost and vulnerable as opportunities to become clo...

So many of us are running a race to win the affection and approval of those around us. Did you ever stop to consider how much of your own identity you might be sacrificing to live up to some standard that others have prescribed for you? If we are solely living to ensure that other people love us, we give them the power to determine our self worth. There’s a better way. When we recognize that our identity is rooted in our status as wholly created by God, we can enjoy the spiritual benefits of forgiveness, a personal re...

All of us have faced times in our life that felt like a battle. Maybe you’ve had moments of disappointment and pain where you felt like no one understood you, or you had no support system. Perhaps someone hurt you with their words or planted a seed of doubt in your mind that you’d never get to where you want to be in life, and that trying to reach for more would be impossible. Here’s some comforting news: we’re not alone when we face battles in our lives. We’re not left to fight by ourselves...

This month, we’re featuring multiple guests speaking to ways we can be like “salt and light" in the world wherever we go–and how living a life that puts others first can also bring peace and light to our own lives. Every good deed that we put out into the world builds off one another to help make the world a better place. Whenever we can be a light to others, or bring tangible resources to people who aren’t in a place to provide it to themselves—we are following Christ’s command to “love others as He first loved...

Isn’t it amazing how uniquely God created us? How He gave us different desires, skills, talents to fulfill what it is we are to do in the world? We are “fearfully and wonderfully made,” [Psalm 139:14] the scriptures tell us, but by no means are we perfect. We sometimes stumble on the way to what it is we’re supposed to be doing in this world. But that’s where God comes in. We can talk to God about what we want, what we need, what we’re passionate about. Because we’re His beloved creation, He’s listening, He’s guiding, an...

Connection is one of the most important components to having a satisfying and full life. Connection to our family, our friends, through our work, and what we bring to others in the world has the effect of making us feel like we are a part of something bigger than ourselves. Since God created us for connection, it is His desire that we connect with Him too. In Jeremiah 29:12, God beckons us to connect with Him simply because when we do, we can know that He hears us—and knowing that God’s ears are always open to us is the...

What comes to mind when you hear the word "catalyst"? A short cut? A dynamic experience? A transformative idea? The ancient roots of this word comes from a verb that means to unloose, to set free. Think of a horse hemmed in a barn stall. A catalyst would be an open door. This week, both of our guests today had dreams involving football. Both, however, had other gifts and talents they would see come to the fore, and realized that the disappointing situations and tough choices that happened to them while on the way to their dreams were catalysts...

Are you facing a crossroads in your life where your next move involves taking a step that feels unfamiliar or hard? None of us really knows what the next minute, days, or weeks might bring, but God does. And when we trust that He is in charge of our future, taking those leaps of faith leads us ever closer to where we’re living in the fullness of who we’re meant to be. 

Emily Chang is the CEO of the McCann World Group advertising company. As a successful executive who has headed up initiatives at Starbucks and A...

This monthly special edition of the Jesus Calling Podcast features multiple guests who have appeared in their own episodes on the Jesus Calling Podcast speaking to how faith impacts people all over the world. As Christians, we have the ability to be the hands and feet of Jesus wherever we go—whether that’s in our home country or while we’re traveling abroad. Each of us are longing for the same type of close relationships with God, even though our lives may look very different. All around the world, people are seeking to know and connect with God in dif...

Michelangelo famously said, "The sculpture is already complete within the marble block before I start my work. It is already there; I just have to chisel away the superfluous material." This quote creatively and non-judgmentally describes the process of removing unwanted traits, polishing gifts, and working raw materials to create something memorable. Like the artist, God is always shaping us until we eventually realize what emerges from that process reveals the beauty of who we are as God’s creation.

This week we talk to two people who understand this sometimes difficult and loving sculpting process. Tayla Ly...

There's an African proverb that pairs well with John 14:6 where Jesus proclaims Himself "the way, the truth, and the life." It goes like this: "We make the road by walking." What comes to the fore in both of these statements is the thought that life is not necessarily stretching out in front of us well-paved and easily discernible, but that life is an active endeavor requiring learning, maturing, and adapting. Jesus emphasizes His nearness to us in the process, but the implication is to step forward confidently even while the unknown confronts us with every step we take. We...

Have you ever been in a desperate situation wondering how you will make it to the next day? Perhaps there isn’t enough money to pay that one bill, or perhaps your health hasn’t been the greatest and you wonder if you’ll ever feel better, or maybe you’re in a dire situation and you just can’t see your way out of it. During these times, one person’s kind gesture or offer of help is sometimes the way we’re able to make it to the next day—turning a corner away from a turbulent season of our li...

When we feel we are falling short, failing, or generally losing, it’s important to remember that when we don’t fail, we may not learn, we won’t have the experience of recovering, and we may not try again. Some Christians are deluded into thinking that because they are in a relationship with God, failure is not an option. However, scripture tells us in multiple places that God uses suffering and failure to build strength and character in our lives. 

All three of our guests today know what it’s like to fail. Discovery Channel’s Todd Hoffma...

Emotions can be a sticky topic for Christians. While most of us know having a healthy range of emotions is good for us and those we love, we are often dissuaded from leaning too much into our emotions or feelings for the fear of becoming swept away by them, and distracted from our calling. But Jesus shows us a true picture of how emotions can give us perspective and language for relating to ourselves and others. He shows the gamut of emotions from anger to those who are exploiting the things of God for their own gain, to compassion...

This monthly special edition of the Jesus Calling Podcast features multiple guests who have appeared in their own episodes on the Jesus Calling Podcast speaking to how they formed relationships that last. The relationships God has given us in this life bring us joy, connection, and safety. Whether it be a spouse, our family, our friends, or even a beloved pet—much like our relationship with God—the bonds we foster with others carry us through good days and tough times. Through tragedy and loss, our treasured relationships leave an imprint on our heart that will last beyond the time...

The statement "God works through people in our lives" could be thought of as just a cliche—until we start to really take notice of the people around us and begin to identify what they bring to our world. This realization provides a comforting perspective that shifts us from feeling alone in the world to a grateful understanding that God shows up through the people he uses to walk alongside us through the worst and greatest times of life—and in that, we see a little bit of the divine in the faces of our friends and family. Our gues...

We humans are, by design, creators. We build. We write. We cook. We adapt. We learn. Hardship tends to bring out the best in our creative abilities. The first book of the Hebrew Bible describes in poetic brilliance the story of God creating order out of supreme chaos, bringing light out of darkness, and life from lifeless spaces. We praise our Creator in no greater way than when we take what is before us in our skills, our desires, and our time to create beautiful things where there was nothing. Today's guests found that difficult times and their unique...

Recent attention to mindfulness through the popularity of prayer and meditation apps reminds us how important it is to stay in the present with God. Our perspective is transformed when we are more able to recognize God in each moment. Scripture backs up this premise with the statement “pray without ceasing.” [1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 NIV]. When we open our hearts to the presence of God in every moment, we begin to look at life differently. Today's guests both pay special attention to the present by emphasizing the importance of a daily walk with Jesus. Both wrestle with conditions that require ongo...

As we celebrate the origins of America with 4th of July events, it’s a great time to reflect on the beauty of God’s earth, the people He created, and the ways we are gifted to serve and be served by others. Amy Kennedy and David Degler are part of a ministry called A Christian Ministry in the National Parks, formed to meet the faith needs of national park employees while also helping visitors find the most beautiful manifestations of God’s creation in the parks. John Sowers is an author who developed a love for writing when his gr...

This monthly special edition of the Jesus Calling Podcast features multiple guests who have appeared in their own episodes on the Jesus Calling Podcast speaking to how they learned to let go, start over, and find healing from difficult situations. Sometimes we may not understand why we face times in our lives when we need to move on and begin anew. Letting go of something we’ve been a part of for a long time—good or bad—can be painful. Letting go of relationships, whether through a loss or through changing circumstances can be especially heartbreaking. Many of the st...

When we face scary situations in life, it's easy to wonder if our faith—especially the amount of faith we have—makes a difference. But is it healthy to quantify faith, to think If I just had more faith, my problem would go away! Though tempting, that line of thought doesn’t square with the faith-filled greats all throughout history who followed God despite the fear and uncertainty of their experiences. They practice what the poet John O'Donohue argues we must learn: to "Hold nothing back [and] learn to find ease in risk." God's grace can empower and sustain our fa...

This week we are celebrating Freedom Day, or what is more commonly known as Juneteenth, the oldest nationally celebrated commemoration of the ending of slavery in the United States. 

Anthony Ray Hinton is an American activist, writer, and author who was wrongly convicted of the 1985 murders of two fast food restaurant managers in Birmingham, Alabama. Hinton was sentenced to death and held on the state's death row for twenty-eight years. During that time, he befriended a member of the Klu Klux Klan and through that friendship, that man moved from a life of hatred to a love f...

As the world mourns after another school shooting, parents and children are navigating how to deal with the fear and trauma that follows these tragedies. Times like these can fill us with despair, but we can cling to the belief that God is still present, even in dark times. In John 16:33, the scripture tells us “to take heart, for [God] has overcome the world.” Our guest this week is Christian musician Cade Thompson. At 21 years old, Cade dealt with the fear and trepidation that many students have– wondering if they will be safe at school. He shares his experience, how he...

When Jesus set about gathering His disciples, He chose people from very different backgrounds. His disciples included fishermen, a tax collector, perhaps one of royal blood, and a revolutionary. Not only did they find a working commonality, they were united and transformed through their relationship with Jesus. After Jesus’ ascension, this same rag-tag twelve took the good news that Jesus taught to the farthest reaches of the world. Today's guests, like Jesus’ disciples, have come from very different backgrounds and taken Jesus’ love and message to very different destinations. Kristoffer Polaha lives in Hollywood with his wife Julianne Morris and th...

When the unthinkable happens in our lives, a tragedy or a loss so great, we may not know how we could ever move forward. Perhaps we can find comfort in these words from the Psalms: “The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.” [Psalm 34:18]  Though our lives may be changed irrevocably from events so dark we can’t fathom a way out of our pain, when we turn to God, He listens and brings solace in our most desperate hours. 

In this week’s episode, unthinkable tragedies weren’t the end of the story fo...

This special bonus edition of the Jesus Calling Podcast features multiple guests who have appeared in their own episodes on the Jesus Calling Podcast speaking to how they deal with doubt and fear in their lives. Doubt is a normal part of our experience as humans. When something doesn’t line up with the facts as we know them, or when something unforeseen wrecks carefully laid plans, we might find ourselves wondering if God’s promises really are true. Many of the stories you’ll hear in this episode are from those who faced doubt and the fear that comes...

Maybe you’ve discovered yourself so aware of your apparent weaknesses that you couldn’t imagine how your weaknesses could be strengths. Throw in things like financial difficulties, an unexpected diagnosis, or loss of someone close to you, and it’s easy to think that life is nothing more than different shades of failure. Moments like these invite us to hear Jesus’ words to Paul in 2 Corinthians 12:9: “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Our guests this week know weakness in its various forms. 

Natalie Grant faced big hurdles to bec...

Perhaps you’ve found yourself in a time of desperation—feeling like you’ve come to the end of your rope. When you didn’t think the bottom could be any farther down, and you plummet a little more, who do you reach for when all the things you’ve relied on to give you strength and satisfaction come up empty? In the Bible, it says this, in Philippians 4:19-20: “And my God will fully supply your every need according to his glorious riches in the Messiah Jesus. Glory belongs to our God and Father forever and ever! Amen.” Our guests thi...

Life as a journey is almost cliche now, but there’s a reason why the metaphor persists. Journeys are difficult. We fight through injuries, claw our way to the tops of mountains, and endure the elements. We enjoy the completion of one segment only to find another looming ahead with its own set of obstacles. Journeys are visions of life’s failures and triumphs that emphasize the importance of keeping on. Our guests this week share how they’ve persisted and how Jesus has carried their burdens with them on their journeys. Jon Gordon overcame a negativity learned from childh...

Does it ever feel like you’re searching for something in life beyond what your everyday existence is bringing? Maybe you’re a parent who is devoted to your family, but you wonder if there’s something you’re missing. Maybe you’re in the second half of your life and wondering if there’s more beyond the days of your youth. Perhaps you are just lonely, and wondering why you haven’t been able to connect with others who share your outlook on life. We all want the assurance that we’re doing it right—the peace that comes from knowing...

Forgiveness can be a difficult concept—especially when we’ve been harmed in ways that have long-lasting effects. However, unforgiveness can end up doing even more damage. Our guests this week have stories of pain and harm done by people filled with hatred that was so traumatic, forgiveness seemed like an impossibility. Jeanne Lakin, a writer and speaker, endured the atrocities of the Rwandan genocide as part of an ethnic group who were targeted for massacre. Randy Hartley, a Tennessee businessman, traveled with his daughter to Rwanda and befriended a man whose own aunt was responsible for the death of h...

This special bonus edition of the Jesus Calling Podcast features multiple guests who have appeared in their own episodes on the Jesus Calling Podcast sharing inspiring stories about mothers–either their own or others who have influenced their lives by showing them motherly love. It is a blessing and a responsibility to nurture others–whether it be those in our own family, or those outside our family who may not know the love of a mother. So many lives have been positively influenced by women–mothers, grandmothers, aunts, sisters, or friends who took it upon themselves to love and care f...

This week we celebrate a special landmark—our 300th episode. Many thanks to you—our listeners—for coming back to our show week after week to hear the stories of real people, just like yourself, who have found hope and peace in the word of God and in Jesus Calling. For this very special episode, we have three guests who have all experienced their share of scars from the hard parts of life, but have found a way to see their scars as badges of honor, and they recognize how God has strengthened them through their pain so that they c...

In the busyness of life, job, family, and activities, we can easily become caught up in the day to day routine of putting one foot in front of another. And sometimes, that very routine, instead of being comforting, can be something we feel dragging us down, making us feel like we’re just living life in an endless loop, with no real deliberation or purpose. Our guests this week have learned an important truth about taking deliberate steps to carve out moments for reflection and connection with God—even when their day-to-day existence is overwhelming. Actor Mark Wahlberg takes time...

This special bonus episode of the Jesus Calling podcast features missionaries to Ukraine, Yuriy and Madison. Yuriy and Madison Perekotiy share about the work they’ve been doing to help vulnerable people in Ukraine since 2018 and give us a glimpse of how Ukrainian Christians are opening their doors to those who have lost everything during the war. They describe how their community and church in Ukraine are stepping up their efforts to show God’s compassion to those who have been most affected by the conflict. Their prayers are for a hope and a future for the Ukrainian people that...

Are you the type of person who won’t ask for help until you get to a place where you absolutely have to? Are you someone who thinks you can handle things on your own and that asking for help is a sign of weakness? Paul from the Bible is a famous example of someone who tried to carry the weight of his mistakes and misfortunes on his own. It took Jesus’ words “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness” [2 Corinthians 12:9] for Paul to realize that he could “gladly boast about my infirmitie...

When life deals a tough blow, it can be challenging to know where to go next. Perhaps the plans you’d been working toward have been blown out of the water, or maybe you’re experiencing a loss that has made you wonder how to move forward. When it feels like nothing makes sense in our lives anymore, all we can do is continue to show up and look for what God has next for us. Musician Danny Gokey was encouraged by his wife to try out for American Idol, and while they worked toward that moment, she unexpectedly pass...

This special bonus edition of the Jesus Calling Podcast features multiple guests who have appeared in their own episodes on the Jesus Calling Podcast speaking to how they’re overcoming worry and anxiety in our lives. “Do not fear” is one of the most oft repeated phrases in the Bible. God knows that we as humans struggle with fear, worry, and anxiety and He gives us many reasons to believe that He will guide us through the unknown and help us move past our fears. We hope these stories will encourage you and remind you that you are not alone–...

When we are not completely honest with ourselves or others about our problems, struggles, or emotional pain, we can find ourselves disconnected from the world and may even turn to drugs, alcohol, or other addictive behaviors to combat our shame. This shame can grow over time and fuel our addictions to become even worse. But there is hope in overcoming these destructive cycles—and we don’t have to live in the shadows of our secrets. Jesus tells us in the Bible that if we follow Him we can know the truth; and that truth can set us free. Our...

Countless articles have been written and studies conducted about the power of prayer, not just from theologians, but from mental health experts and those who study the pathways of the brain; and they all come to the same conclusion–prayer and having a relationship with God makes us stronger. Prayer can calm our nervous systems, shutting down our fight or flight response. It can make us less reactive to negative emotions and less angry. It can give us hope that we are not alone–even in the most trying of times. Our guests this week share how their personal rela...

When we look back on our lives, we all hope we can consider them well lived. But what signifies a life well lived? How much money we made or achieving great fame? Not according to our guests this week. Both have achieved fame and recognition for their musical talent, while recognizing God gave them the words and platform to spread His message of love. We’re talking with Florence LaRue, a singer with the iconic music group The Fifth Dimension, and country music artist Michael Ray.

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When you feel broken and lost, and the life you wanted seems far from reach, there’s Someone you can turn to. God is just a prayer away and no matter where you are or what life circumstance has laid you low, you can call His name. He listens. He cares. He’s there for you always. Our guests this week have had times in their lives of complete brokenness—and they found that when they whispered a prayer up to heaven, peace, comfort, and restoration was never too far to follow. We’re talking with baseball pitcher Daniel Ponce De...

This special bonus episode of the Jesus Calling Podcast features multiple guests who have appeared in their own episodes on the Jesus Calling Podcast speaking to how they pursue peace for their lives. God promises us a peace that passes all understanding when we trust Him to meet our needs. In good times or bad, we’re still able to experience that peace only God can give—letting us know that He’s got everything in His hands. We hope these stories will encourage you that anyone can find peace–—even in times of pain and loss—and that we all can e...

Uncertain times can cause us to reflect about and reassess what really matters to us. When we take that time to get quiet, pray, and really ask ourselves why we’ve been put on the earth to begin with, we can begin to feel a sense of purpose that directs our next move. And when we’re moving in the direction of our purpose, we begin to connect to our impact in the world and feel the satisfaction of knowing we can make a difference. Our guests this week have come to their sense of purpose and direction through pray...

When it comes to loving others, we sometimes have to stretch ourselves to honor the commands that Jesus has about love. How can I love someone who is so different from me, we might ask ourselves? How can I love someone who I don’t understand and who doesn’t understand me? In our daily lives, it’s natural for us to make bonds with people who are like us, who have our same values, who believe like us. It can be tempting to live in that bubble and *think* that we are practicing love. But Jesus calls us to do...

During a season when “love” is celebrated with flowers, candy, and romantic cards, it’s easy to forget that love has many facets. The kind of love that sticks around when it feels like there’s not much to celebrate. The kind of love that forgives in the face of disappointments and dishonesty. The kind of love that lives up to the promise that God, who Himself is love, made to us; that no matter what, He will never leave us or forsake us. Our guests this week are two couples who have walked together through joyous and difficult seasons—...

Perhaps the biggest thing that contributes to having a happy and fulfilling life is faith. Our guests this week can attest to that—even though they’re talented, attained fame, and are adored by millions, they each say that the only thing that has gotten them through life, brought them where they are today, and continues to sustain them is their faith. Are you having trouble living in faith? Has your past been difficult and you’re struggling to see where God has shown up for you? Even though it may seem impossible, you can still live in faith. You ca...

Perhaps you’ve received some news recently that has thrown you for a loop. Someone you love or care about is sick or dying. Or maybe someone close to you is struggling with the darkness of mental illness. Or maybe you yourself have had a health problem or a devastating diagnosis. In this life, we can be reasonably sure that none of us will be spared from suffering. How do we reckon our pain and suffering with a loving God who is supposed to take care of us? There’s a verse in first Peter that says, “After you have s...

This special bonus episode of the Jesus Calling Podcast features multiple guests who have appeared in their own episodes on the Jesus Calling Podcast speaking to the topic of love. Love comes in many forms, but none is more powerful than to know we are unconditionally accepted and loved by God, the one who created us. We hope you are able to tap into the powerful force of love in your life through these stories about how love transformed, healed and brought a sense of belonging and purpose to those who were willing to recognize and welcome it into...

What’s the central driving force to your life? Is it career? Family? Achieving success? In the Bible, there’s a verse that says “Whatever you do, do it for the glory of God.” What does this mean? “To give glory” is to praise, to recognize the importance of another, the contribution that someone gives to your life. And when we allow God to be central to all we do and say, we’ll realize our potential for love, healing, and relationship in new ways. Musician Jonathan Singletary and his wife, journalist, Project Runway judge and host of CBS’s The Talk Elain...

It seems that much of our lives is driving toward something big. Whether it’s career, personal goals, seeking success or building a life for our loved ones, we’re often aiming high to be or do something big. However, we’ll miss some important moments if we don’t look at the small ways God is showing up in our lives: a simple word from a friend that brightens our day, an act of service from someone that makes our day go smoother, or even a thought from a complete stranger that reminds us we are seen and heard. W...

You might have heard about the popular personality typing assessment called the Enneagram. What you might not know is that the Enneagram has many applications for Christians and has some of its early formation shaped by historical Christian thinkers. By looking at ourselves and those we care about in the context of the nine Enneagram types, we can understand ourselves and who God created us to be, so that we can in turn better understand others and have a more compassionate heart. For this episode, we’ll speak with several experts on the Enneagram who help us walk through th...

This season is a time for giving, reflection and joy. But what if you’re having a hard time seeing God in the swirl of busy-ness that encompass the holidays? Or what if you’re not connected with him how you’d like to be? There’s a powerful verse in the Bible from 1st John 4:12 that says even though none of us here on earth have actually “seen” God, “if we love one another, God lives in us and His love is made complete in us."  Our guests today believe that love and understanding toward others, along with prayer and seek...

This special bonus episode of the Jesus Calling Podcast features multiple guests who have appeared in their own episodes on the Jesus Calling Podcast speaking to the topic of hope. Through a variety of situations, many difficult, some tragic, our guests from all walks of life share how hope stayed alive in their hearts and how their faith fueled that hope. 

Links To Full Episodes
Dr. Rick Rigsby

Jim & Jill Kelly

Tammie Jo Shults

Randy & Mary Travis

Hal Donaldson

Kristin Chenoweth

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Though Christmas is typically a happy time of year, full of gifts and parties and celebrations, many find it hard to find joy at Christmas time. Maybe you’ve had a loss, or received some bad news, or a scary diagnosis. Through all the celebrating and good cheer, God still sees you. And in Him, you can draw strength that will never fail you. Jeremiah 33:3 tells us that God is just waiting to do mighty things if we’ll just reach out to Him. “Call to Me,” He says, “and I will answer you, and show you great and mighty thi...

The news in the world today is often troubling and might send us into a tailspin of anxiousness and worry. When we hear stories of people hurting each other and conflicts around the world, we may wonder if there’s a hope in our future, or if we are just descending into chaos. When things seem out of control, the Bible gives us assurance that God is still in charge. Isaiah 41:10 says “do not be dismayed, for I am your God—I will strengthen you and help you. I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” This week our gues...

You may have heard the Bible verse from John 8:32 that says if you “know the truth, the truth shall set us free.” However, so many of us are vulnerable to lies we hear from others (or even tell ourselves) about who we are, about who others are, and about how we should be in the world. Our guests today encourage us as to how we can overcome lies by walking in truth and embracing who we’re meant to be in God’s eyes. We’re speaking with pastor of Passion City Church Louie Giglio and author and speaker Diana Butl...

When the problems of our life are pressing in from all sides, we can be blinded to the beautiful moments that are also happening. Through our grief and pain, our sorrow and our confusion, it’s really tough to turn our eyes away from the wreck that’s happening in front of us to focus on those little moments of joy that are inevitably sprinkled into the tough times. Romans 5:3 tells us to “rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God's...

This special bonus episode of the Jesus Calling Podcast features multiple guests talking specifically about gratefulness. We hope you find inspiration from the stories of the blessings God has brought our guests’ way and how being grateful, even through the hard times, has changed their lives. 

Links To Full Episodes
Max Lucado

Sarah Jakes Roberts

Matthew McConaughey

Ellie Holcomb

Kurt Warner

Harold Earls

Rita Wilson

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At this time of the year, we hear a lot about being thankful and having an attitude of gratitude. But from an everyday perspective, why is gratitude key in allowing good things to flow in our lives? When we are grateful to God—even in the bad times, it has the power to energize us. When we are broken, a grateful heart can bring healing, and when we feel like giving up, giving thanks can bring us hope. Our guests this week have learned to be grateful—not only in the good times, but in the difficult times, and they...

Each one of us has a unique story to share—and within each of these complex stories many of us have experienced loss, heartache, shame, and tragedy which profoundly affect our lives. But once we begin to face our heartaches and realize their effect on our lives, we can see the slow steady pursuit of a God who only desires our healing and wholeness. This week we’ll be discussing the way that God cares about each of our stories and is there to walk us through our trauma with Dr. Dan Allender and Cathy Loerzel—founders of the Allend...

Have you ever heard the phrase “to whom much is given, much is expected?” In the case of our two guests today, God has gifted them with amazing platforms to reach thousands of people—and they take the responsibility to lead well very seriously. Actress and singer Kristin Chenoweth has graced the Broadway stage as well as movies and television, and she uses her platform to spread faith, hope, and light to everyone she encounters. Sadie Robertson Huff was part of her family’s TV show as a kid and as a young woman went on to find an even big...

As children, many of us have been taught to pray and that God will help us. But as we grow into adulthood our simple prayers can turn into desperate pleas as our lives become more complex and difficult. What happens when the prayers we pray don’t seem to be heard, or the circumstances of our lives become so traumatic we may doubt if God is even listening? Our guests this week had their own ups and downs in their relationship to prayer and to God. Pastor Levi Lusko faced the tragic loss of his five-year-old daughter that shook hi...

On this week’s episode, we’ll hear from three people with special connections to the Samaritan’s Purse project Operation Christmas Child, which collects shoebox gifts filled with toys, school supplies, and hygiene items, and delivers them to children in need around the world to demonstrate God’s love in a tangible way. For many children, this shoebox is the first gift they’ve ever received. Bill Pfister, the senior regional director of OCC for the Americas and the Caribbean, gives some insight into the mission and inspiration behind the organization, and how they’re seeking to show God’s love i...

This special bonus episode of the Jesus Calling Podcast features multiple guests talking specifically about the power of prayer. We hope you find inspiration from the stories of how the simple act of prayer brings hope, peace, and a deeper relationship with God to people from all walks of life. 

Links To Full Episodes
Lauren Akins

Joyce & John Smith

James Martin

Carlos Whittaker

Travis Tritt

Sarah Young

Bishop T.D. Jakes

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When we find ourselves in a difficult season of our lives, we may ask ourselves the question, How did I get here? And when we aren’t able to figure it out right away, we may turn on ourselves for the blame—bringing on deep feelings of regret and shame. Psalm 145 reminds us that when we seek the Lord, He will answer us and deliver us from all our fears. It also says “Those who look to Him are radiant—and their faces shall never be ashamed.” Our guests this week dealt with really tough circumstances—ones that caused them to ques...

This week we get to hear from three very special guests—they are sisters who have stuck together through the good times and the bad: Country and Gospel music singing sisters Reba McEntire, Susie McEntire-Eaton (host of the second season of Jesus Calling: Stories of Faith), and Alice Foran. These sisters look back on what it was like growing up on an 8000 acre ranch, traveling to rodeos with their cowboy dad and their school teacher mother and They reflect on lessons of faith learned from their grandmother, Reba Smith, plus share family in a special way that only sisters ca...

Many of us struggle with the concept of prayer. What should a good prayer look like? Am I doing it wrong? How can I make sure I know that God is hearing me? The good news from God is that every single one of your prayers—even the silent ones—are heard and cared about by Him. There is no right or wrong way to pray, all that matters is that you talk to God consistently, and you will find the joys of a relationship with Him. This week we’re honored to speak with Sarah Young, the author of Je...

Often, when we are in our most desperate, vulnerable state, looking for answers and help, God is our last resort, our final plea when nothing else is working. Psalm 30:2 says, “Lord my God, I called to you for help, and you healed me,” which reminds us that no matter where we’ve turned, how we might’ve fumbled our plans, He will always help us pursue His path to wholeness and joy, because it is never too late for us in His eyes. This week’s guests, author Anne Lamott and actress Tabitha Brown, share their come-to-Jesus moments that guided the...

This special bonus episode of the Jesus Calling Podcast features multiple guests speaking to the topic of grief. We hope you find encouragement, comfort and healing as you listen to mothers, fathers, husbands, wives, sisters and children who have lost someone close to them, how they leaned on God as they coped with the loss and how, with His help, they were able to move forward.  

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Being raised in a faith-steeped environment can provide rich soil in which we can plant ourselves, allowing us to grow tall and firm and confident in the good news of the gospel. But remaining steadfast in faith comes with a heaven-sent assignment: to share it with others. That doesn’t mean, however, that we should push ourselves to the brink of burnout—it’s a careful balance of stewarding our mission well and caring for our loved ones, and ourselves. Our guests this week, rodeo queen and music artist Joni Harms and entrepreneur coach Jennifer Allwood share how their roots...

Romans 8:28 reminds us that God will work all things together for good—not just the rosy parts of life, but also the ugly, twisted parts. This week’s guests have both overcome addictions that could have wiped them out completely, but instead they chose to call on God in hopes of finding something better—and were amazed to see Him show up in their darkest moments. Editor-in-chief of Guideposts Magazine, Edward Grinnan, grew up in a family bound together in faith—a faith they had to lean on heavily after the tragic loss of his special needs brother, Bobby. In tryin...

When talking about the concept of faith, the Bible tells us that “faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” Even though we can’t literally see God, the Bible also tells us simply; when we seek God, we shall find Him. The ways we seek and find God in the midst of our lives can look different from one person to another. One may study everything they can about how the world came into being, just to get a glimpse of the mind of God. Another may look for the moments in their...

*Trigger Warning* 

This episode contains content that talks about suicide and self-harm that could be disturbing to some listeners. 

Many of us could never imagine that we would ever go through a dark time so dark and so hopeless that we would consider taking our own lives. Yet, so many people who have experienced deep depression know what it feels like when their minds can’t seem to grasp on to hope any longer. During Suicide Prevention week, we’ll speak to two guests whose lives have been directly altered by depression and suicide...

Do you have a dream for your life that didn’t pan out exactly as you had planned? Maybe something out of your control happened that made that dream impossible, or maybe you made some choices that turned your life in a direction that wasn’t in line with your hopes and goals? Though we can be filled with regret over dreams lost or deferred, God has another way of looking at those shifts in our lives and He encourages us that He will always guide us to where He wants us to be, as we’re reminded in Prover...

Finding our way in life can be challenging, overwhelming, and discouraging. The path may seem clear at times, and then others, we feel pushed in a direction that may not feel comfortable or familiar. The only thing that we can trust is that God will show us the way and we must step out in faith to find our purpose. Travis Tritt, a wildly popular 90’s country star, thought he had his life mapped out in his hometown of Marietta, Georgia, managing the family air conditioning business. Tom Phillips, a pastor who worked with the Billy Graham Association as a...

Grief, death, and loss are an inevitable part of life, though knowing that doesn’t make the pain any easier to bear. Whether you’ve faced unexpected loss time and time again or are navigating grief for the very first time, the waves of difficulty can be drowning. But the good news is that God can offer us a life raft. Isaiah 57:18-19 says, “I will heal them; I will guide them and restore comfort to Israel’s mourners, creating praise on their lips. Peace, peace, to those far and near.” This week’s guests, Holly Singletary and Andy Griggs, shar...

The best news we could ever receive is that in the middle of our most broken, painful moments, there is Someone who will reach out to us—no matter what we’ve done, who we’ve hurt, or the mistakes that we’ve made. God does not care what you look like, or the road that you’ve traveled—all He cares for is your heart and where you’re headed. Sharon Jaynes is an international conference speaker and author. Time and time again, Sharon has seen the power of forgiveness in her life, and has seen how your worst, most he...

Many of us feel called to serve others in some way—and often when we think about what that could look like, we feel paralyzed by too many options. There are so many needs all across the world that must urgently be met, so how do we know where to start? This week’s guests, CEO of Convoy of Hope Hal Donaldson and CEO of Haiti Made Will McGinniss share how they found a way to make real change in lives and in hearts—spreading the word of God and caring for His people at the same time. 

When we face life experiences that hurt us, that drastically alter the way things go, it can cut deep and cause us significant pain. But as the Bible says in 1 Peter 2:24, “He himself bore our sins in his body on the cross, so that we might live for righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed.” Remember that even in the most daunting of circumstances, Jesus took your wounds as His own so that you may know peace and hope in salvation. Our guests this week have experienced their own personal wounds. Former mafia member Michael Franzese shares about grow...

Every Christian faces a time in their relationship with Jesus that is frustrating, that’s full of questions, full of doubt, full of wondering if God is even real, if He listens, or if He cares. But time and time again, the Lord has proven that He does hear your every prayer, as Psalm 66:19 reminds us: “God has surely listened and has heard my prayer.” God is also okay with our doubts—He gives us the space we need to figure out for ourselves that He is good, all the time, and He will be with us always. This week’s g...

Many of us have had a moment in our lives that define us as people and as servants of God—and sometimes that moment comes at a fork in the road. Which path will you take? The one you’ve worked hard for and the world tells you you should want? Or the one God wants you to take? It’s almost guaranteed that every time you decide to take the Lord’s path, you will encounter mountains of blessings that you’d never have expected. ABC News reporter Paula Faris was at the height of her career when she faced...

At this time of year, as we celebrate the brave men and women who fought for the freedom of our country, it’s a good time to reflect on what it actually means to be brave. Sometimes, as in the case of our military heroes, bravery means laying down your life for a greater good, or for your fellow man. Sometimes bravery can mean stepping into something new, apart from everything you’ve known before, to pursue something greater for your life. And sometimes bravery is the simple act of pushing through something hard, something painful, in order to clim...

The idea of loving others doesn’t seem too difficult when we put it in the context of those closest to us, the ones who support us, care for us, and who give love in return. But the love that God commands us to have as Christians goes beyond that love we have in small circles—and it demands that as Jesus first loved us, we must love others in return. In the Bible, we’ll find in I John 4:20-21, it says: Whoever claims to love God yet hates a brother or sister is a liar. For whoever does n...

Maybe you’ve heard someone say “Well, if you really knew me, you might not like me…” or maybe you’ve even said that to yourself. There can be much fear in being truly known—will I still be loved, despite my mistakes, despite my desperate thoughts, despite that I might not ever be enough on my own? The resounding answer to that question from God’s perspective is yes. God promises to love us with an everlasting love, and is continually drawing us to Himself with loving kindness, as we’re told in the scripture (Jeremiah 31:3). Our guests this week hit lo...

It’s often been said that we shouldn’t live in the past, but sometimes, inevitably, our past mistakes can haunt us. Regret over decisions made, things we’ve said and done that impacted others negatively, or opportunities missed. But God calls us to a different reality—one that is based on the present with Him and the promise for a future that He lovingly prescribes. Our guests this week have all had events in their past that haven’t been easy to overcome. But each of them took a step forward, a step toward God, and stepped away from havin...

The concept of identity is a lofty one to wrap our minds around, and we are often encouraged to make sure our identity aligns with who God has called us to be. But how do we do that in real life? It often takes a situation beyond our control, where we feel over our heads, to get us to a point where we realize we have to realign our priorities. It’s there, in that space, that we often find God, and we see clearly what He wants for us. All Elite Wrestling star Brandi Rhodes is the wife of...

When we’re having a bad week and it seems like everything is going wrong, it’s nice to be able to have one constant to look to—something that never changes, is always reliable and there for us when we need it. This week two men of faith share how God’s love has been that constant in their lives; Grammy award winning country singer from the group Rascal Flatts, Gary LeVox and pastor, speaker, and evangelist—and the personal pastor of Dr. Billy Graham, Dr. Don Wilton.

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Have you ever asked God to send you a sign? Just a little signal that you’re going in the right direction, or maybe a big red warning sign when you’re not? Whether we see them every day or not, God has a way of showing up and showing His love for us in the simple things—and in the complex things of life. Whether it’s a beautifully composed song that brings tears to your eyes, or the faithful wagging tail of a beloved canine companion, God has a way of delighting us by filling our world with lit...

Sometimes when we pray, we really want answers, and sometimes we don’t always get those answers we’re seeking. However, our faith tells us that when we ask for help, whether we see it or feel it, God is there. When we ask for guidance, He leads us, not always on the path we would choose, but one that shapes who we are to become; and always to a place where He knows we can be used well. Lathan Warlick is a positive musician who had a near-death experience one night when he was confronted by two men with...

Ministry has many layers—it must be adaptable, malleable, able to meet the needs of whoever needs serving the most. It requires a lot of creativity, and often, it means stepping outside our comfort zone, stretching our abilities to fill the gaps. Number 1 Billboard-charting artist Lucas Hoge has integrated his faith and his music for years, and has gotten to travel all over the world experiencing God’s creation. But when he and his bandmates faced seasons in which they weren’t able to get to church, they came up with a creative solution to a common problem: virtual Sunday...

The Bible shows time and time again that Jesus was near to the broken. He was close to those that society discarded, He brought healing to the hopeless, and He reached into the pit of sin and rescued those who didn’t even believe themselves worth rescue. That is our call as Christians, to provide that same type of love and support to those who need it the most, rather than turning our backs on them. CEO of the Sanctuary Project, Holly Hayes, was saved from a life of violence and trauma by turning to a stolen Bible. Now, Ho...

Outcomes in our lives are comprised of both decisions we make and things that happen to us. Some we can control and others we can’t, but what we do have a say in is how we respond to the events that take place. We can allow our experiences to pull us into darkness, or we can use them as a catalyst for good change—getting us closer to the lives God intended. 

Former Major League Baseball player Darryl Strawberry had a difficult childhood full of abuse and violence at the hands of his alcoholic father. Those diffi...

Finding our God-given purpose is just the first step—it’s truly owning who He meant us to be that makes a difference, because follow through and commitment mean everything. However, earthly obstacles can get in our way of fully believing in and accepting ourselves. That’s why we need Christ so desperately, to help us understand our own value. Gospel singer Kierra Sheard-Kelly has waded through her fair share of negativity and body-shaming, and pursuing a career in the spotlight meant that there were scores of mean comments thrown her way. Kierra decided that she’d fortify herself by rooti...

Though it can be difficult to comprehend, God places equal weight on the lives of all His children. That’s the beauty of the cross—no matter what we’ve done, our sins are washed clean. And no matter what sort of trouble we may find ourselves in, He will rescue us over and over. Pianist Paul Cardall was born with only half a heart, which meant years of stress, surgery, and pain. When finally given the opportunity for a transplant, Paul faced the hardship of knowing that his survival meant someone else lost their own life. Paul battled PTSD a...

As we seek to determine God’s wishes for who we are to become, pursuing Him through prayer is one of our most trustworthy tools. If we seek to strengthen that bond with our Savior by staying in constant communication with Him, we’ll have clarity on where we are headed, and we will also begin to live from a more selfless perspective. Father James Martin, a Jesuit priest and editor-at-large of America Magazine, has learned over the years that prayer requires honesty, trust, and acceptance—but the good news is that there isn’t a right or a wrong wa...

God finds great joy in us using our gifts to share His light in the world—there is no greater feeling than recognizing our purpose and fulfilling it to the best of our ability, giving voice to His faithfulness. Worship artist Kari Jobe began writing and singing songs of praise when she was only thirteen, paving the way for a lifetime of ministry. Now she pours blessings over her listeners and brings her family along for the journey, and feels honored that God has fulfilled her deepest desires to sing. British gospel singer Mica Paris was raised in the ch...

There is no better feeling than the moment you discover you are a part of something bigger than yourself—when you know God is there with a plan for you, and you realize that you have been soaked in His grace since the beginning of time. Comedian Michael Jr. had that moment after using his last few dollars to get to New Jersey to perform a show with iconic comedians George Wallace and Jerry Seinfeld. After performing, the manager invited Michael to church with him. Dejected about being completely broke and unable to get back to New York, Michael wa...

It is so easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of life that we take for granted the little miracles that come together to form our very existence. If we learn to train our minds to sort out God’s miracle moments from the mundane, we will learn to live from a posture of reverence and awe—making our faith walk more wondrous than we could’ve thought. Life coach Tim Storey is a miracle himself—raised in a low income family, Tim relied on his understanding of God from a young age, and it led him to b...

Though times of pain and difficulty are hard to weather, they are often the seasons of life that bring the greatest spiritual reward, because it is often when we are desperate for healing and relief that we cry out to God, and those are the times that we can see great improvement by clinging to Him. Throughout her marriage, author and speaker Karen Ehman has been surprised by the difference in expectations and reality, and she’s learned that by looking for God in the little moments and continuing to show up in prayer, you can tackle any problem wi...

A beautiful element of Christianity is that when we allow ourselves to relax into the peace and grace that God offers, we experience true rest and healing that restores every part of our soul. Catholic recording artist Julie Carrick has seen God touch her life in the moments she was suffering the most—through infidelity, miscarriage, and cancer—and it’s led her to appreciate His unfailing grace and perfect love, which meets her in all of her brokenness and boosts her with the strength to carry on. Physician and author Dr. Saundra Dalton-Smith is an expert on rest in all...

Think of a time when you were able to spread a little sunshine to others. What kind of happiness and fullness did that bring you? God calls us to be conduits of His joy, peace, and healing, but we can only do that once we develop our faith muscle enough to leave the stresses and pressures of the world and step into His calling for us. Artist and writer Ruth Chou Simons always had a love for art, but felt pushed into places the world deems more practical. Creativity and beauty continued to find its way into her life...

In each of our lives, there will come a time that we face a season of hardship, of difficulty, even true suffering. But no matter how awful things may seem to be, God is right there to help carry you when you can’t walk on your own. Ministry leaders and authors Ruth & Patrick Schwenk went through a ten-year period in which they had nine pregnancies—five of which sadly ended in miscarriage. After having four healthy children and relocating to Ann Arbor, Michigan to launch a new church, Patrick was suddenly diagnosed with a rare blood cancer, and it s...

God has blessed each of us with a special gift, a talent, a unique way that we can spread His Word in the world. Our gifts are given to us for a reason—no one else can do what we do. It is the way we were formed, and it’s why it’s so crucial that we learn to hone into God’s voice and what He’s calling us to do, lest the world suffer from the lack of our obedience. Former Bachelor star and founder of Generous Coffee, Ben Higgins, had a moment in his childhood that made...

God calls us to two highly important responsibilities: to love our Him with all of our being, and to treat our neighbors as we would want to be treated. By doing so, we can help turn our world into a better place, and appreciate the beauty of God’s creation. Travel expert Rick Steves has seen, tasted, and experienced many different cultures, and of all the memories he’s made and souvenirs he’s collected, he believes none are as important as the broadened perspective his adventures have helped him gain. Rick’s faith has deepened after seeing how God work...

Have you ever wished you’d made a different choice? Or imagined how different your life might have been if you’d taken a different path? No matter how bleak things might have been at one point, God can take your story and use it for good, and He can point you on the right path to healing. Nurse and author Tana Amen experienced more pain and chaos in her life than one person should ever have to face. She shoved all of the hurt deep down inside, building a façade to convince others she was okay, when she a...

We live in a world where achievement is largely used as a motivator, and much of our time is spent consumed, looking for the next win—whether it be personally or professionally. It would benefit each of us to remember that in the long term, the ultimate win for us is establishing a relationship with Christ. Tony Dungy, the first African-American head coach to win an NFL Super Bowl, learned from mentors early on in his career that football wasn’t all that mattered—what mattered was the kind of man he was and the kind of men he shaped...

Can you remember a moment when God washed your slate clean, and gave you the opportunity to start over? Think about the impact of second chances in your life—where would you be if it weren’t for His endless grace? South African farmer and evangelist Angus Buchan knows firsthand how much courage it takes to fall to your knees and say, “Help me, God.” Ever since he made the radical life change to Christianity, Angus has faced his fair share of heartache, including working himself to the bone on his farm, facing devastating fires, and coping with the tragic l...

No matter the trials that come your way, no matter how far gone you think you are, you are never alone in your suffering. God is beside you every step of the way, ready to rescue you when you reach for His hand. Professional skateboarder Ryan Sheckler was thrust into fame at the tender age of thirteen. Caught up in his wild success and a partying lifestyle, by the time he was eighteen Ryan started spiraling hard into alcoholism. And years later, when he finally checked into rehab, Ryan finally learned God had a bigger purpose for his life...

Gifts come in all shapes and sizes, but there’s nothing greater than the gift of love, no matter its wrapping. As award-winning worship artist Chris Tomlin looked forward to welcoming his newest daughter in December, he was reminded of the miracle of Christ’s birth, and how Jesus was the greatest gift we could ever receive. Tom and Pam Banwart have been spreading love in a variety of ways in their Florida community since the start of COVID-19. Through acts of service and kindness like bagel deliveries, active prayer outside hospitals, and sharing worship music, the Banwarts are suit...

Trying to follow God’s direction for our lives can feel a little intimidating. Are we sure we’re doing what He wants us to do? Are we on the path He’s charted out for us? Carlos Whittaker had built a successful and passion-filled career as a worship leader, so when he felt God’s nudge to go in a different direction, he took the plunge—only to be met with confusion and a bank account that was rapidly draining. But Carlos didn’t waver from his calling, and he was given a huge opportunity that changed the trajectory o...

We all struggle with insecurities and feeling like we aren’t enough. But we serve a God who loves us regardless of how much we love ourselves. And He can still use us, even when we don’t feel equipped. Mike Weaver, lead singer of the Dove-Award winning group Big Daddy Weave, lived much of his life from a place of low self-esteem, always comparing himself to others and wishing he looked different. But he had a special and unexpected moment with God when he realized that God doesn’t just love him—He likes him, too. That realization helped M...

Have you ever experienced the pain of reaching the end of something you loved—a relationship, a job, a phase of life? Looking back, how was God able to lead you from that loss into a new chapter? Entrepreneur and author Zim Flores is familiar with the pain of letting go. A few years ago, she gave up her highly successful company, Travel Noire, because she felt God calling her to move to a new place. Looking back, Zim can see how God worked all things together for her good, which she talks about in her new book called Da...

Many of us can think back on a moment—or many moments—that defined our lives for better or worse. But when we’re actually in that moment, it’s hard to see how it could potentially shape who we are down the road. It’s not usually until later that we can look back and see how God was working everything together for good. Academy Award-winning actor Matthew McConaughey recently pulled out thirty-six years of his journals, prepared to be ashamed and embarrassed by their contents. But when he flipped through the pages, he realized there was a through-li...

From time to time, life has a way of making us feel that everything is crumbling down around us. Problems can shake us, and even break us. But what will still be there when nothing else is left is family: whether it’s the family you’re born into or the family you choose. Growing up in a remote Mennonite community in northern Alberta, Canada, Brad and Curtis Rempel of the country music duo High Valley cultivated a rich passion for music and tight-knit family. As they try to put music into the world that draws families together, Brad and...

Can you remember praying for something with everything you had, but felt your pleas went unanswered? Maybe you’ve prayed a silent prayer, unable to find the words, and God moved everything into place better than you could’ve imagined. Regardless of how we perceive it or how we’ve experienced it, prayer is powerful, and it can change things—whether it’s your circumstances, or even you. Throughout his personal life and his forty-year ministry, Bishop T.D. Jakes has seen firsthand how the earth moves when women engage in prayer. And now that our world is facing battles on...

The greatest gift we can ever give—or receive—is love. It’s the only thing that multiples when we give it away, whether we’re showing that love to family and pets, friends and strangers. Michael and Zina Goodin of Old Friends Senior Dog Sanctuary share how they began to care for older dogs who often got overlooked, providing for them in such a way that brings out their best. Over the years, Michael and Zina have learned a few life lessons from their canine friends, which they share in their new book, Homecoming Tales. Orphan care advocate Beth Guc...

Have you ever felt pulled towards something, but you’re not sure what? Maybe God was nudging you to pursue the calling He has for you. Artist Anne Neilson, famous for her angel paintings, has felt those nudges all throughout her life, starting when she was a little girl and knew she was meant to be an artist. Now looking back, Anne can see God’s fingerprints all over her life, and how He shaped her art into a ministry beyond what she ever imagined, including the inspiration to write a new devotional called Anne Neilson’s Angels. Nikki Speer...

In times of hurt, sometimes our first instinct is to distance ourselves from God, because it’s hard to understand why He’d allow us to suffer. But what we don’t always realize is that He is a God of restoration. And when we turn to Him to find peace, He can bring good out of our brokenness. GRAMMY award-winning rhymist and activist Lecrae Moore’s early years were spent in a broken, abused environment, creating emotional trauma he had to learn to unpack. Curious about who God was, and terrified he would be responsible for his own destiny...

Often in life, unexpected changes can lead to new dreams. God has proven time and time again that He can use any moment—good or bad—to change the trajectory of our lives for His glory. Legendary entertainer Kathie Lee Gifford was born with dreams that unfolded as she pursued her passion to perform. As she’s moved through the entertainment world for the past fifty years, Kathie has followed where God has called her, including a new season where she’s helping kids pinpoint the dreams God has in store for them with her brand-new book children’s book Hell...

Losing someone you love is one of the most devastating, heart-breaking things we can go through—and the pain feels especially sharp when that person is taken from us by the hands of another. Even though we’ll always carry grief from losing our loved one, God offers us a chance to find life again as we reach for Him and remember He’s still there, leading us toward a hope and a future. Award-winning country music songwriter Casey Beathard, along with his sons—San Francisco 49ers quarterback C.J. Beathard and country music artist Tucker Beathard—share stories of a close...

The world is a noisy, chaotic place. At any given moment, there are countless voices shouting at us, trying to command our attention. But we can find peace when we train ourselves to mute those voices and listen to the only One who matters: God. Pop singer Ally Brooke rode a rollercoaster of highs and lows during her stint in the iconic girl group Fifth Harmony, and over time she felt her voice was drowned out by the demands of the music industry on the group. After branching out as a solo artist, Ally began to uncover her authentic...

We are human, which means we will make mistakes and never reach a standard of perfection. But we live in a world that constantly whispers, You can never come back from this mistake, or, You’ll never be good enough—but God’s grace and mercy say otherwise. Actor and singer Jana Kramer and her husband, NFL alum Mike Caussin, faced their own share of uphill battles in their young marriage. Facing her husband’s infidelity and addiction publicly, Jana had a choice to make: walk away, or work through it together. Jana and Mike chose to fight for their ma...

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Knowing that we have God on our side enables us to find the courage to overcome any fear. Lauren Akins—philanthropist, author, mom, and wife to country music superstar Thomas Rhett—longed to find her purpose. When she turned to God for help, He opened doors that led to a life of service and loving the ones in front of her, expanding her life to reach more than she ever hoped for. Now as a mom to three little girls, Lauren reflects back on her life, thank...

Sometimes before we know it, darkness can wrap itself around our hearts and minds. But when we feel ourselves lost and without hope, God is always there to lead us toward a new way of living, where we can find forgiveness for others—and ourselves. Beth Nimmo is the mother of Rachel Joy Scott, the first victim of the 1999 Columbine High School shooting. Beth didn’t know she’d ever see light again after the loss of her precious daughter, but God used Rachel’s strong faith and spirit of joy to guide Beth to help troubled teens. TJ Stevens...

Fear and anxiety often worm their way into our lives, and it is easy to give into them. But we have a mighty God on our side, who replaces fear with a beautiful peace that reminds us everything will turn out exactly the way He intends it. Country music artist Sara Evans knew as a young girl that she was “Born to Fly,” because God had called her to a music career. And as Sara looks back on defining moments of her career and her journeys with family and faith, she can trace the moments when fear would try to t...

With each new day, God is blessing us with another chance—a chance to say yes to the things we might’ve said no to before, and a chance to embrace the people we love. Lori Allen, star of the TLC reality show Say Yes to the Dress: Atlanta and owner of Bridals by Lori, is adamant that the best days of her life are still ahead of her. From conquering challenges to keep her store open, to battling breast cancer and being the best working mom and grandma she can be, Lori has consistently said yes to savoring ever...

It’s a great privilege to make an impact on others by leading a life worth emulating—and having mentors in our lives who once gave us the same gift. Motivational speaker Trent Shelton grew up in a family of faith who supported his dreams of becoming a professional athlete. After Trent worked his way to the NFL, he realized he was sacrificing his future by chasing temporary fulfillment. When he hit rock bottom, Trent decided to make God the rock of his life, and after his son Tristan was born, Trent worked hard to become a father his son...

God puts people in our lives for a reason: to teach us, to inspire us, to allow us to be a blessing to them. There are no accidental encounters, only ones that shape us into who we were created to be. Victoria Damone grew up in a family of entertainment royalty, as the daughter of ‘50s crooner Vic Damone and actress Judy Rawlins. But show business wasn’t always kind to Victoria and her sisters, and they had to learn to survive by relying on each other through their parents’ absence and their mother’s struggle with addiction. As she grew...

Our stories are a combination of pain and beauty, of grief and love, of despair and wonder. In the moments when pain and isolation threaten to engulf us, God is there to lift us up and, as our guest Mattie Jackson Selecman says, sprinkle “tidbits of joy” along our darkest paths. Growing up, Mattie watched her dad, country music superstar Alan Jackson, sing songs that connected with people across the country, and she knew she was born to tell stories just like him. But Mattie never could’ve imagined one of the stories she’d tell would be a tragic s...

We all value connection: to our loved ones, to the world around us, to the principles that matter to us. And our most important connection is with God, which can feel so powerful through our praise. Worship leader Matt Redman shares how music became his escape from the darkness he endured in his youth—his father’s suicide early in his life, then abuse in his teen years. But when Matt was introduced to Steven Curtis Chapman’s music in college, he found a path that would draw him near to God through living in a state of constant wonder...

We have a tendency to see black and white in our stories. We believe we’re doing the right things because we don’t seem to be encountering many problems. We think we’re loving others well because we don’t see any evidence that says otherwise. But the truth is that no matter how hard we try, we will face hard problems and tough situations. We will face division and anger. But God will equip us with the tools we need to navigate life with profound faith and great love. Pastor and author Scott Sauls asks us to think ab...

Dreaming, planning, preparing for the future—it’s in our nature to map out where we’d like our lives to go. But in the midst of our dreaming, it’s important to take a step back and ask God, “What do You want for my life?” Because He might have a different—and better—answer for us. When Christian music artist Jaci Velasquez was pregnant with her son Zealand, she knew he’d have a ministry of his own one day. But when Jaci discovered Zealand had autism, she wondered how he’d ever spread God’s love if he couldn’t communi...

[Special Series] Las Vegas Raiders kicker Daniel Carlson and his wife Katherine join us as we search for Peace in Uncertain Times to share how they’re rediscovering what matters most in this trying season: rest, reflection, connecting with one another, and trusting God with the future. They remind us that when we look back on times of trial, we’ll often see where God’s light was shining through.

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If there’s one thing our world needs at this moment, it’s love—the kind of 1 Corinthians 13 love God asks us to show each other. TBN host Cynthia Garrett walks us through how to understand that love is not found only in words—love is an action. She explains how, when we learn to release society’s distractions, we can truly listen to the hearts of those around us, learn from their experiences, and work together for what is good and right. MMA fighter Paige VanZant turned to fighting as a coping mechanism for the horrific bullying she faced in h...

There comes a point when our faith has grown strong enough that we can turn outward and put it to work serving those who need it most. Gary Sinise comes from a long legacy of supporting the military, from brave family members who served as far back as World War I, to portraying wounded Vietnam vet Lt. Dan Taylor in the iconic movie Forrest Gump. After the events of 9/11, Gary was inspired to find more ways to serve those who sacrificed for our nation, which he details in his book Grateful American. Dr. Derwin Gray created a successful life...

[Special Series] Musician Adam Hambrick joins us as we search for Peace in Uncertain Times to share his experience as the spouse of a front line worker, the fear in facing the unknown, and the inspiration he’s found in his wife’s bravery. He reminds us to look for a source of hope and to find peace in knowing that God is in control. Adam also shares his touching new song, “Between Me & The End of the World,” written for his wife and other first responders who are battling the coronavirus on the front lines. 🎶

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[Special Series] TV host Cynthia Garrett joins us as we search for Peace in Uncertain Times to discuss why it’s so important for Christians to listen to and love their neighbors. Cynthia reminds us to “turn your love into an action, into a verb.”  

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We spend so much time trying to choose a path for our futures, and it’s easy to get wrapped up in what *we* want versus what *God* wants. Artist, musician, writer, and creator Morgan Harper Nichols struggled to find her purpose, her identity, and her place to belong. By pushing herself to go deeper into connection and following God’s nudges to use her artistic gifts, Morgan found hope in showing up for others, and she realized the true definition of “grace.” Actor and producer Kel Mitchell spent most of his childhood in the Nickelodeon spotlight on shows like All...

Fathers play a lasting role in our lives, and we learn countless lessons from them, like who we want to be and how we want to lead. Master communicator and motivational speaker Dr. Rick Rigsby grew up with a father who, despite being a third-grade dropout, sailed across the world, learned multiple languages, and instilled in a young Dr. Rigsby the basic life lessons that profoundly impacted the way he viewed himself and his potential. Above all, Dr. Rigsby’s father helped him see how living with faith and keeping our word can grow our influence to impact other pe...

Everyone is placed in our lives for a reason. God intentionally chooses to put people in our path to teach us and to mold us into who He created us to be, and sometimes those relationships are not what we would expect. Dr. Dharius Daniels was studying to be a lawyer, until a mentor in college helped him realize that his true calling was ministry. As he began to study the Bible more intently, Dr. Daniels realized how we as individuals (and our relationships) have the ability to change lives, and that adding value to someone’s life is a...

It’s a hard truth that none of us is exempt from the pain of losing loved ones. And while Jesus tells us that, “In this world, you’ll have trouble,” He also promises that no matter what, He will never leave our side, and that He’ll remain a rock we can lean on through the pain of loss. Our two guests, country music artist Eddie Montgomery and Jesus Calling reader Kacie Clousing, have experienced tragic losses. But as they reached for God, He paved the way to survival and healing. Eddie Montgomery, of the award-winning duo Montgomery Gentry, ta...

[Special Series] Actor, singer and podcaster Dennis Quaid shares about the faith that was instilled into his life at any early age by his mother, and the special song he wrote for her that appeared in the film “I Can Only Imagine.” He also gives us a peek into his routine while confined at home during the Pandemic, including taking the opportunity to be present with God through prayer, Bible reading and connection with friends and loved ones. 

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[Special Series] Neuropsychologist and author Dr. Michelle Bengtson joins us as we search for Peace in Uncertain Times to discuss how we can learn to break anxiety’s grip on us and manage it by turning to God. Dr. Bengtson reassures us that God has already provided us with the weapons we need to defeat fear, and that “worry, fear and anxiety are not our portion, but God's peace is.”

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[Special Series] Olympic softball player and mom of three Jennie Finch shares her prayer of making the most of the time we have together; as many of us continue to shelter at home. Her hope is that God will reveal dreams we never knew we had before. She also gives tips on how her family has coped during the pandemic and how the ups and downs of a career in softball prepared her for this experience. Jennie encourages us to cling to God’s promises and through calmness and stillness, discover the joy He provides. 

[Special Series] Parenting expert Dr. Meg Meeker joins our Peace in Uncertain Times series to share ways we can give our fears about COVID to Christ and guide our children well, despite the turmoil of this season. Meg reminds us that we can be free of the pressure to be a perfect parent and instead be one that our kids truly need: by seeking ways to be peaceful and finding the simple joys in this time. (PLUS some handy tips on how to handle the kids when they are fighting!!) 

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Through all the highs and lows that life throws our way, there is one constant: God. Despite uncertainties, despite pain, and despite hurt, God is always there, longing for us to rely on Him to become our source of Joy. Author and joyologist Dawn Barton has faced more fall-to-your-knees pain and loss than most can imagine. And after every setback, Dawn shares she found the secret to moving forward: choosing to stand back up and look for joy. Singer/songwriter Ashlyn Grayce was raised in a home filled with music and faith, and now she’s branching out into a...

In observance of Memorial Day, veteran and country music artist Craig Morgan and the First Lady of Louisiana, Donna Edwards, join the Jesus Calling Podcast to share how their faith, families, and a dedication to public service have shaped their lives in incredible ways. Craig Morgan served in the Army for 17 years before pursuing a country music career, which now allows him to serve military members via USO shows and special tours. After losing his 19-year-old son Jerry in a tragic accident, Craig felt moved by God to share his pain through a song called “The Father, My Son, an...

We don’t have to be perfect to receive God’s love. He longs to meet us in our brokenness so that He can be a part of our healing. Olympic gold medal gymnast Shawn Johnson East and her husband, NFL player Andrew East, share their love story that’s now blossomed into parenthood. And in their young marriage, Shawn and Andrew have weathered highs and lows, including a painful miscarriage, and they remember how sharing with their online community and hearing stories from thousands who had experienced the same pain helped them heal. Jewelry designer Lisa Leonard was juggli...

God is the restorer of all, and He often works through us to rebuild lives, to touch hearts, and to transform people here on earth. Stars of HGTV’s “Restored by the Fords” brother-and-sister-duo Leanne and Steve Ford share how their supportive parents paved the way for their creative careers, encouraging their kids to try new things, even if they made mistakes along the way. When they understood failure is a normal part of life, Leanne and Steve learned to push their creativity to new heights, and today they inspire others to create homes that help them feel safe and lo...

[Special Series] Dad, pastor, author, and president of For Girls Like You Jonathan Pitts shares 4 Ways to Weather the Storm Well as we search for Peace In Uncertain Times. Jonathan shares how we need to give ourselves a little grace in this season, how saying yes to family time can bring us joy, and how being transparent about our struggles can help us lead effectively and grow our relationship with God. 

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[Special Series] Brett Swayn, Executive Chef of the Cookery in Nashville, TN is one of the people on the front lines, helping others during times of crisis. He shows us what can happen when we invest in each other, invest in our world, and invest in prayer; using this time to strengthen our hearts and come closer together as God’s people. 

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[Special Series] Children’s book author and musician Ellie Holcomb (and her kiddos!) join our Peace in Uncertain Times series to share some ways they are connecting as a family while staying at home, including reading stories, making music together, and having family devotional time. Ellie reminds what we might be able to take away in this season, sharing that, “there's so much that we always have to be grateful for, because God is always faithful and He's always near.”

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Whether or not we see Him, whether or not we feel Him, God is always near, walking beside us no matter where we go. YouTuber and mother of eight Angela Braniff shares how she checked all the boxes to gain a “perfect” life, until she realized Jesus’ life was about far more than giving her what the world considered “perfect.” By warily trusting God’s plan, and learning that she didn’t have to please others, Angela stepped out in faith and discovered a life more fulfilling than she’d ever imagined for herself. Jennifer Greenberg was a victim of abuse for twe...

[Special Series] Dawn Barton is author of Laughing Through the Ugly Cry, and her personal journey through traumatic experiences have led her to believe that the obstacles in our lives should not beat us down, but give us reasons to more fully embrace joy wherever we can find it. In this edition of Peace for Uncertain Times, Dawn gives us tips on how to create joy in lives--even during difficult seasons.

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[Special Series] Lady Antebellum’s Hillary Scott and husband Chris Tyrrell share 4 Ways to Find Balance When Life Is Turned Upside Down. The musicians share how balancing routine with flexibility, checking in with each other to stay in the right mindset, juggling responsibilities and goals, and maintaining our relationships with others and God can help us achieve Peace In Uncertain Times, and the answer to an important question: Who do we want to be when this is all over? Includes a live at home performance of the beloved hymn “Great Is Thy Faithfulness!”

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One of God’s greatest gifts is the healing we can find in forgiveness, whether we’re learning to to love and accept others or even ourselves. April 19, 2020 marked the 25th anniversary of the Oklahoma City Bombing, when Bud Welch’s 23-year-old daughter Julie was tragically killed in the blast. Bud shares how he turned his grief into compassion for Bill McVeigh, father of the bomber Timothy McVeigh. Bud is joined by Jeanne Bishop, who recounts how these two fathers shared losses and became the unlikeliest of friends in her new book Grace from the Rubble. After years of strugg...

[Special Series] Beloved GRAMMY Award winning and platinum album selling singer Sandi Patty announced in early March that she and her husband had contracted the Coronavirus while traveling. Sandi shares how, along with following the protocol for self isolating, she and her husband coped with having to be separated from family in the early days of the crises, the pain of missing important family events like the birth of a grandchild, and how she created new routines to heal her body and her spirit--intentionally connecting with her family in new ways and connecting with God through music, prayer and...

[Special Series] Sixteen year old actress and author Alena Pitts shares how she’s seeking joy as we search for Peace In Uncertain Times. Alena shares what it’s like for teens whose lives have been upended by the quarantine, how she finds comfort in family time and knowing that God’s got this, and how prayer and devotion time is bringing her hope, including an encouraging passage from Jesus Calling for Teens.

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Sometimes we have to take a step back and reevaluate, taking a different approach to the things we can control—such as nutrition and wellness—in order to open our hearts and minds to spiritual connection with God. HGTV’s Christina Anstead shares how her stressful career and crumbling marriage took a toll on her emotional, mental, and physical health, and how she fought her way back to wellness by seeking God’s help. Food Network’s Melissa d’Arabian has always seen food as a base for connection, realizing that God has always held space at the table for every si...

[PEACE FOR UNCERTAIN TIMES SERIES - Eps 2] As we seek to find peace during uncertain times, psychologist and best-selling author of Boundaries Dr. Henry Cloud shares some practical ways to take care of ourselves and re-adjust our lives during difficult times.

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[PEACE FOR UNCERTAIN TIMES SERIES - Eps 1] As we search for peace while navigating uncertain times, financial planner Emily Stroud shows us how to look at our finances while going through tumultuous life events.

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Sometimes our dreams seem so far out of our reach, we don’t know if we’ll ever achieve them. And sometimes we’ve been chasing dreams for so long, we need to remember why we began the chase in the first place. Matthew Barnett, pastor of the Dream Center, shares how the organization is serving the people of Los Angeles during the COVID-19 pandemic. He talks about how, over the course of the center’s twenty-five year legacy, he’s learned God has placed the Dream Center in LA as a steady force for change in the community, and how li...

In our weakest hour, when all hope is lost and we don’t feel like we can pick ourselves back up, God is there, waiting for us to release our burdens and ask for help. Writer and speaker Lisa Bevere had to overcome a hurt she didn’t even realize was holding her back: a difficult relationship with her mother. Lisa spent years trying to find a female mentor, only to discover God wanted Lisa to be the mentor to other young women she’d always wanted. Lisa had to learn that God had given her strength, and as she le...

The more we work and serve alongside people who are different from us, the more readily we see the image of God in everyone. Former San Diego Chargers player Miles McPherson shares how he got mixed up in drugs and the wrong lifestyle in the NFL, but was saved by God when he called out to Him in his lowest moment. Today Miles pastors the Rock Church in San Diego shares that we all have one very important thing in common: God made us in His image, which means we’re all neighbors regardless of skin color. Since he wa...

In our darkest moments, when we’re searching for hope and healing, we can take comfort in this: we serve a God of restoration, and His greatest desire is to heal our hearts. And all around us, we can see God’s handiwork in the living testimonies of lives restored by Him. Husband-and-wife ministry team John and Stasi Eldredge share how they help others discover (and, for some, remember) the life-changing power of turning your focus back to God, which John outlines in his devotional Restoration Year. Chris Norton was a young college football player when he suffered a deva...

God works in mysterious ways. When we have the road mapped out, He can take us in an entirely different direction than where we thought we were headed. Auntie Anne’s Pretzels founder, Anne Beiler, shares how she was striving to keep up the pretense of a perfect life, but when her daughter was tragically killed and Anne was manipulated and abused by someone who should’ve been a counselor, Anne buried herself in secrets. Eventually Anne discovered the power of confession, and she decided to let go of guilt and live with transparency. And today God has taken Anne...

God will always be with you, supporting you in times of joy and carrying you through times of despair. This week’s guests tell how, after weathering success and loss, sharing their artistic talents with others have brought hope and healing: country music artist Lauren Alaina and hospitality pioneer Kreis Beall. Lauren traces her path as a young singer from the American Idol stage to Dancing with the Stars and beyond. After American Idol, Lauren remembers how, as a 15-year-old, the sudden pressure in the spotlight alongside horrific social media comments about her appearance spawned an eating disorder, and ho...

“Why me, God?” Sound familiar? We’ve all questioned why God has allowed bad things to happen in our lives, but this week’s guests, musician Dave Pittman and home designer Rachel Van Kluyve, have faced serious trials that caused them to question their purpose and how to move forward. Growing up, Dave faced bullies because of his Tourette’s Syndrome. After a deep, dark battle, Dave learned to embrace what made him different. As he’s built his music career post-American Idol, today Dave uses his music and experiences to help others find their reason to live. After Rachel had h...

Fear of the unknown and fear of change are some of the greatest struggles we will ever face. How can we possibly leave behind what’s familiar to us? How will we know where to go next? What will happen to us and our loved ones? It can be terrifying, lonely, and confusing. Today’s guests share how they found the courage to make a change, which led them to freedom and joy like they had never experienced. Human trafficking survivor and activist Rebecca Bender opens up about the life she was manipulated into and how, by listening to God’...

We’re able to share our hearts and to love others because God chose to love us first. Today’s guests, Joseph “Rev Run” Simmons of RUN-D.M.C. and his wife Justine, along with evangelist and founder of Think Eternity Matt Brown share how they’ve learned to develop qualities of pure, selfless love and how this love has profoundly changed their lives. When he was at the height of his music career, Rev Run couldn’t ignore the void inside him, and it wasn’t until he discovered Jesus that he finally felt whole. He and Justine share their ma...

Jesus didn’t come for perfect people—He came to heal the broken and the hurting. Today’s guests, artist and author Amy Kavelaris and Christian music artist Austin French, share how God met them in their broken places and healed their lives and hearts. Amy draws inspiration from the awe-filled way her three little girls see the world, and it reminds her of the light God is in her life. When she gets overwhelmed by demands on her time or struggles to navigate life’s changing seasons, Amy remembers that God is creating opportunities for her. Austin French faced an...

Life will give us our share of dark times, but we can choose to be the light. Today’s guests share how they use the power of story to share messages of hope and purpose. Award-winning ABC News correspondent Linsey Davis shares how she has taken lessons from her childhood in church, her time as a reporter, and the values she’s trying to instill in her young son to show that what’s important is loving people, not focusing on our differences. After several miscarriages, when Angela Rodgers discovered she was pregnant again, she was told the baby would...

Our planet holds more than seven billion people, and each one reflects who God is—because He created every one of us in His image. Today we hear from two women who have learned the value of who God created them to be and now lead others into finding their own worth as they carve out new spaces to foster connection. Nona Jones, head of faith-based partnerships at Facebook, shares how she overcame years of abuse and trauma to learn that she’s more than what happened to her, and chose forgiveness as a way out of her shame. Toda...

None of us is guaranteed a pain-free life. But when we can’t see the right way to move forward, that’s where God steps in to take us by the hand and leads us out of the dark. On today’s episode, Army veteran and Bachelorette contestant Luke Pell and author/speaker Jack Deere share some of their painful moments—an unexplainable, near-death experience; watching a spouse slip into an alcohol addiction; losing a child—events that almost caused them to give up. But each man reminds us: when it feels like we have nothing left to cling to, God is...

Ever wonder exactly who you are and what you were made for? Today’s guests tell how, as they pursued ways to know God and themselves a bit more, He’s helped them understand their true selves—not what other people say they are. Enneagram coach Beth McCord shares how she and her husband, Jeff, used this popular personality test to understand each other and improve their marriage, finding out the attributes God gave them both along the way. Author Esther Fleece Allen explores the power behind the names that God gives us, and how this can help us shed l...

No matter where we grow up, no matter who our parents are or which zip code we live in, each of us will meet challenges. And in those moments, we have a choice: do we give up, or do we keep going? Today we talk with two athletes who, with God by their sides, have endured the sting of defeat and the joy of victory. Lolo Jones is one of only ten athletes who have competed in both the Summer and Winter Olympic games. Lolo shares how some of the hardest moments of her childhood helped her to compete...

Some of God’s greatest miracles come when He brings good out of dark places. In Ogden, Utah, pastor Matt Roberts felt he didn’t feel comfortable inviting his friends and neighbors to church as it didn’t feel like a place where people could be vulnerable, so he decided to create an open community he thought they—and he—would feel like they belonged. When his former youth pastor, Rob Cowles, came for a visit, Rob knew The Genesis Project was something special and decided to plant his own location in Fort Collins, Colorado—in, of all places, a former str...

Christmas can be a time for joy, but also for reflection—and for many, a reminder of lost moments and loved ones. This week’s guests, musicians Dailey & Vincent and Ernie Haase, remind us this season is filled with hope, because God loved us so much that He sent Jesus into the world. These artists tell us how they fell in love with music (from bluegrass to gospel) and why they center their songs and shows around positive messages. Dailey & Vincent recently released The Sounds of Christmas project, and share their warmest (and most hilarious) Christmas memories and family trad...

Whether our friends walk on two legs or four, connection gives meaning to our lives. God often uses these bonds to show how we can care for others, but what we don’t often realize is that those opportunities help us learn how to care for ourselves, too. Bull rider Cody Nance talks about how his faith and career blossomed through his family and through friends he met on the rodeo circuit. HIS Haven Ranch mentors Laurie Baer and Janice Larsen share how they serve kids who are hurting in their community through horse therapy by providing an additional su...

God never leaves our side, no matter what. On today’s episode, 24-time PRCA rodeo champion Trevor Brazile shares how bull rider Cody Custer helped him rededicate his life to Jesus, and why he is instilling strong cowboy values of honor, respect, and faith into his children. Christian music artist Zach Williams shares how God reclaimed his story as a struggling rock star and transformed his life toward creating a different kind of music, touching more lives than Zach could have ever imagined—thanks, in part, to a surprise collaboration with Dolly Parton. Both Trevor and Zach show how God...

As we walk unexpected paths in our lives, we’re joined by a God who never leaves our side and is involved in every step of our journey. On today’s episode, John Maxwell shares the joy of understanding the God who speaks in Jeremiah 29:11, who has “plans to prosper us and not to harm us, plans to give us a hope and a future.” He also shows us that we all have leadership qualities if we’re positively influencing others’ lives. 

When he was a young husband, pastor Nate Pyle never imagined he’d have to face the...

One of God’s greatest blessings to us are friends and neighbors. And in fact, God designed us to care for each other, to learn from each other, and to support each other in life’s most difficult moments. In today’s episode, entertainer Kristin Chenoweth shares how good friends have mentored her and shaped her—and how actor/producer Rita Wilson sharing a copy of Jesus Calling strengthened her faith. As the wife of Fred Rogers, Joanne Rogers saw firsthand how an open heart and a soft word can change a relationship, and she shares how important reconciliation and bein...

We were not designed to be perfect; we were designed to be uniquely us. Today’s guests, authors Sally Clarkson and her son Nathan, and writer Hayley Morgan share their stories of struggling to accept their differences and imperfections. Though Nathan was discouraged because he didn’t fit into society’s mold, and Hayley feared she wasn’t perfect enough, God revealed His purpose for their lives and has helped them utilize their gifts in ways they never knew possible. Their stories remind us even if we can’t see it, God has a bigger plan ahead for each one of us...

There is always light, even in the darkest times. Today’s guests faced the most unimaginable circumstances, but by clinging to faith, they survived and protected others. Southwest Airlines pilot Tammie Jo Shults saved the lives of 148 passengers when she safely landed a plane after an engine exploded mid-flight. In the middle of chaos, Tammie Jo’s conversation with God gave her peace during the crisis and helped reveal a solution to landing the plane. Retired Air Force pilot and former Vietnam POW Col. Smitty Harris spent years in prison teaching others a method of communication called the tap code...

Some days, it feels like we’re facing battles alone. But the truth is, God is always with us. And He shows His presence through the connections we have with others. Today’s guests share how cultivating strong friendships over time have transformed their lives. TV actor Jeremy Miller (best known as Ben Seaver on Growing Pains) and pediatric cardiologist Brandon Lane Phillips met when they were kids, and eventually, Brandon’s fight for Jeremy would end up saving his life. Indiana friends and contractors Josh Arnett and Aaron Gray were propelled to fame when they put aside their tools...

Many of us spend our lives trying to match our talents with the world’s need. We want to feel useful, after all. But when we’re hustling to get dinner on the table, or shuttling loved ones to doctor’s appointments, or rushing to meet a deadline, “finding our purpose” feels like a task that’s way too big to check off the list. But even if we don’t feel it, God has a purpose for our lives, and is doing great things, even through imperfect humans. Our guests, actor/producer Rita Wilson and pastor Lisa Osteen Comes, remind...

Sometimes we picture our lives going one way, until we encounter impossible choices and painful struggles we never saw coming. But no matter your past, your pain, or your mistakes, when we give our stories over to God, He can write a new ending for us—one filled with potential and purpose. On today’s episode, author and activist Cyntoia Brown-Long is joined by her husband Jamie Long as she shares her redemptive story of an adolescence marred by trafficking and drug use that led to a murder conviction and a life sentence in prison. Despite the walls around her...

When we’re mired in shame, it’s hard to believe we could ever be worthy of God’s grace. But when we step aside and allow God into the pit, He can pull us out of our mess and use our lives to show His glory in ways we could never imagine. Today we hear from Lauren, Aja, and Natalie—three women who have traveled through The Next Door, a nonprofit, faith-based organization that helps women coming out of incarceration to rebuild their lives. With vulnerability and strength, these women remind us there is nothing we can do that can...

We 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 i...

Our 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 ac...

Even 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...

As 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 h...

Some 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 y...

In 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...

We 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 Rac...

Every 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 j...

When 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.

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Anthony Evans...

The 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.

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When 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. 

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Life 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. 

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No 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 othe...

While 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.

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One 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.

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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 s...

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...

Sometimes 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 t...

Every 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.

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Jesus Calling Devotional

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Jes...

Altar'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.

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Altar’d State

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“One of the things I love about Altar’d State is I'm able to do what I'm...

Olympic runner Ryan Hall and inspirational thought leader Holly Dowling have found their true worth comes from God, not the world.

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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

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“God was telling me that He...

There 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.  

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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

Chu...

Rascal 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.

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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

For 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 resp...

Today 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 escap...

We’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...

Former 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...

Jeremy 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 pla...

Parenting 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...

Entrepreneur 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...

Tim 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 te...

Pastors 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.

Radio 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...

Authors 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.

Kerri 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.

NFL 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...

Darlene 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...

Surfer 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 ho...

Devon 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 mu...

David 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...

Will 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: Devo...

Bo 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 Ch...

Kathie 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...

Country 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...

Country 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 wa...

Rodney 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...

Today’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 he...

Today 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...

These two men of faith strive every day to use their platforms for good: multi-platinum country artist Josh Turner and NASCAR driver Michael McDowell. Throughout his career, Josh Turner has spoken frequently about his Christian faith, and he just released his first gospel album called I Serve a Savior. Josh tells us about his deep roots in the church and gospel music, how he and his family joined Bill and Gloria Gaither to produce the album, and why he feels compelled to be a good example for his fans. Michael McDowell has been racing since he was three years...

Today we talk with two women whose lives were touched by painful struggles and can now see, despite their pain, that God has a plan to use their stories for good: author Rachel Hollis and cancer activist Gil Schaenzle. Rachel Hollis is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of Girl, Wash Your Face. Rachel is a top motivational speaker and CCO of The Hollis Company, a media and lifestyle company, plus a mother of four. She shares some deeply personal tragedies and triumphs along her journey to success, and why she challenges women to reach for a better version...

Our guests this week have experienced what it’s like to be made whole through Christ: Christian musician Russ Taff and Proverbs 31 author and speaker Wendy Pope. Russ Taff is a GRAMMY and Dove Award-winning vocalist who has been hailed by Billboard magazine as “the single most electrifying voice in Christian music.” Russ shares harrowing experiences from growing up in an abusive and alcoholic home, his own battle with alcoholism, and his lifelong battle with shame. His experience and musical journey has been dramatized in the new film Russ Taff: I Still Believe. Wendy Pope has a heart for speaki...

Today’s guests discuss how families can work together to do good in the world and leave a legacy that will have impact for years to come: author and speaker Bob Goff and his daughter Lindsey Goff Viducich and businesswomen and philanthropists Jackie Green and her daughter Lauren Green McAfee. Bob Goff is author of the New York Times bestseller Love Does, and is daughter Lindsey is a schoolteacher. Together, they talk about their new book Love Does for Kids and why they’re passionate to help kids all over the world. Jackie Green and Lauren Green McAfee’s family...

Today’s guests show us the power of relying on God in our darkest moments and staying connected with Him so that He can see us through our struggles: Joel and Luke Smallbone of the band, for KING & COUNTRY, and gospel music legend Sandi Patty. Joel and Luke Smallbone are part of a musical heritage, but earning their path to success was certainly not easy. Today they talk to us about their new album, Burn the Ships, how they’ve created their own musical legacy, and why it’s so important for them to carve out moments to be still...

Join us as we celebrate the release of two new Jesus Calling books for Christmastime! On this special episode, we talk with Christian singer/songwriter Mark Lowry about his favorite Christmas traditions and get a behind-the-scenes look at how he wrote one of the most beloved Christmas songs of all time, “Mary, Did You Know.” During the second half of our show, we continue the celebration as we talk with the president of Christian Book Distributors, Ray Hendrickson, and his staff as they commemorate 40 years of ministering to the world with Christian products. Ray and the CBD staff share how...

Welcome to the Jesus Calling Podcast. Today we talk with two women who channel their artistic gifts into messages of hope that they use to inspire the world: country music star RaeLynn and Christian writer Kristy Cambron. RaeLynn believes in the power of music to tell stories and help others who are struggling feel they are not alone. After she was a contestant on NBC’s The Voice in 2012, RaeLynn saw her career skyrocket. RaeLynn shares how her passion for music was born in church, the winding road she traveled to launch her music career, and how God has he...

Today we talk with three guests who have dedicated their lives to ministry by bringing others closer to God, even when they themselves couldn’t always see the way forward: pastor and New York Times bestselling author Craig Groeschel, and husband-and-wife author and publisher team Jack & Marsha Countryman. Recently, Craig Groeschel released his newest book, Hope in the Dark: Believing God Is Good When Life Is Not. Today Craig tells us why asking God questions can create a stronger relationship with Him, and how we can endure challenges without losing our faith. Jack and Marsha Countryman have been married fo...

Today’s guests, author and speaker Kay Warren and UFC fighter Cody Garbrandt, know firsthand what it’s like to help people they care about face circumstances that are too tough for them to face alone. Kay Warren is the co-founder of Saddleback Church with her husband, Rick. For more than ten years, Kay has been a tireless advocate for those living with mental illness. She shares how she and her husband Rick met, the beginnings of Saddleback Church, and her fight for her son’s life as he dealt with mental illness. When UFC World Champion fighter Cody Garbra...

Welcome to the Jesus Calling Podcast. Today we visit with Mark and Danielle Herzlich. Mark is a Super Bowl-winning NFL linebacker with the New York Giants. Danielle is a new mom and a captain in the U.S. Army. By the time Mark and Danielle met in college, each had faced difficult battles in their young lives. Mark was a football star, destined for the NFL, when he found out he had a life-threatening cancer. And as Danielle began college, she was putting a life of domestic abuse behind her and recovering from the terror that her abusive father...

Welcome to the Jesus Calling Podcast. Today’s guests, Scott Hamilton and Rhonda Hodge, are both cancer survivors and teach us the power of resilience when it comes to facing trials in their lives. Scott Hamilton is an Olympic gold medalist and champion figure skater. After losing his mother to cancer, then becoming a cancer survivor himself, Scott became an activist against the disease. Scott talks to us today about his journey to skating stardom, how his wife led him to a close relationship with God, and how surviving cancer gave him purpose. Rhonda Hodge is a wife, mom, an...

Today’s guests, multi-platinum country star Hunter Hayes and drummer Jen Ledger from the Christian supergroup Skillet, have battled with dark feelings of inadequacy and anxiety. They have each found hope through these feelings by remembering how God views them. Hunter Hayes is a five-time GRAMMY nominee and one of the youngest solo male artists to top the Hot Country Songs chart. Hunter discusses how he grew into a singer/songwriter and how he works out the answers to hard questions through his songs, like his latest single “Dear God.” Hunter is candid about his insecurities; despite his monumental succes...

Today’s guests help us see that even when life gets hard, we can keep going, knowing that God’s plans for us will always bring us exactly where we need to be: Fox News anchor Ainsley Earhardt and author Andy Andrews. Ainsley Earhardt is the co-anchor of Fox & Friends. Ainsley has a robust background in broadcast journalism. She recounts her journey up to network television, and tells us how she has been able to trace God’s hand through her life, and how her faith has sustained her during some of her darkest moments. Andy Andrews is a New Yo...

Our guests today address the key to finding hope in a sometimes dark world with an encouraging message for every generation; from teenagers to Baby Boomers. Pastor Max Lucado is a New York Times bestselling author who has a new book called Unshakeable Hope, in which he offers guidance for overcoming sadness and despair, renewing a sense of purpose, and triumphantly facing our fears of the future. Christian musician Phil Joel is best known for his long-standing role as bass player and vocalist for the multi platinum-selling band Newsboys. Phil shares his journey to becoming a part of the...

Today’s guests, doctors Henry Cloud and Daniel Amen, help us see how science and scripture can be connected in ways that explain our hurts and heal our pain. Dr. Henry Cloud is a clinical psychologist and New York Times bestselling co-author of Boundaries. He shares Biblical and scientific support that show how healthy emotional boundaries honor God, ourselves and others. Dr. Daniel Amen is one of America’s leading psychiatrists and brain health experts. He has helped countless people change their brains and lives through his clinics, public television programs, and books, including the New York Times bestseller The...

Our guests today have experienced first hand the faithfulness of God--even in difficult times--pastor and author Dr. David Jeremiah and cancer survivor Tracy Layman. Dr. David Jeremiah is the pastor of Shadow Mountain Church and the founder of the popular radio ministry Turning Point. Dr. Jeremiah speaks to us about God’s faithfulness—-even through the difficult seasons of our lives. Tracy Layman is a wife, mother and cancer overcomer who volunteers with Compassion That Compels, an organization dedicated to bringing hope and comfort to women who have been diagnosed with cancer. Tracy Layman shares how she faced the grim...

Sadie Robertson has appeared on ABC’s Dancing With the Stars and also A&E’s Duck Dynasty. Sadie shares her journey of finding freedom through being real and vulnerable to God and to others. Her book, Live Fearless: A Call to Power, Passion & Purpose is now available.

As followers of Christ, we all have the opportunity to treat others with integrity and love, making a difference in a sometimes unkind world. Full House and Dancing with the Stars actress Candace Cameron Buré is putting this into practice in her daily life by seeking ways to show little kindnesses to the people around her daily--even if only through a smile. Author and speaker Kristin Fry knows the challenges of being a single Christian woman in a community that prizes marriage and family. She gives her perspective on how to date with compassion and integrity--never forgetting that despite o...

It’s easy to find heroes in history books or on the screen. But we can also find heroes in smaller moments, quietly leading others through service. Today’s guests, country music star Neal McCoy and Air Force Veteran and Chick-fil-A Foundation Executive Director Rodney D. Bullard, talk to us about service and why they feel it’s important they give back to their communities, their country, and their God. Neal tells us about his family’s legacy of service and why he thinks getting involved in your local community can have a huge impact. And Rodney D. Bullard, author o...

Dr. David Jeremiah is a writer, teacher and pastor of Shadow Mountain Community Church. Dr. Jeremiah speaks to us about God’s faithfulness—-and how even through the challenges of life, God remains faithful. Sharing from his own experiences, Dr. Jeremiah encourages people to seek God daily and to look for His faithfulness in their own lives.

Today we visit with two men who have experienced the healing power of sharing with others the pain of their personal struggles. Pastor Johnny Baker is the Pastor of Celebrate Recovery at Saddleback Church. As an adult child of an alcoholic who experienced addiction to alcohol, Johnny is passionate about breaking the cycle of dysfunction and pain by sharing his story and helping others find freedom through Christ. Jason Crabb is a GRAMMY and Dove Award winning singer. Jason and his wife Shellye learned the healing power of sharing their struggles with others after they experienced two devastating miscarriages...

Our guests today have experienced the power of prayer in their lives and want to share with others what they can gain by talking to God. Holly Shivers is the author of I Can Learn the Bible and I Can Learn to Pray. Holly has served as a staff wife for over a decade at Prestonwood Baptist Church, where she stays involved in women's and children's ministries. Holly is passionate about encouraging both kids and adults to communicate with God through prayer. Erin Lundmark is a wife, mother and business owner.  During a standard physical Erin received some devastating news—...

Author and Pastor Max Lucado shares his thoughts on how to combat anxiety during fearful times. Max has written two books on this topic—one for adults called “Anxious for Nothing,” and another one for Children called “I’m Not A Scaredy-Cat.” Max tells us about why it was important to him to write on the topic of anxiety, which afflicts so many of us in a tense world.

Today’s guests share with us how they dealt with difficulties in their life, and with God’s help, ultimately achieved their dreams: former NFL football player and Dancing with the Stars winner Rashad Jennings and Christian artist Ryan Stevenson. Rashad Jennings is a former NFL football player and winner of Dancing With the Stars in 2017. Against all odds, Rashad overcame several obstacles in his early years (including a difficult relationship with his father) that might have crushed his dreams, but when one person believed in him, it changed the course of his life. Ryan Stevenson is a contemporary Chri...

Today’s guests are allowing themselves to be used by God to bring a message of hope and light through their music--The Oak Ridge Boys and Aaron Watson. The Oak Ridge Boys have dozens of Country hits and a Number One Pop smash, and have earned them Grammy, Dove, CMA, and ACM awards. The roots of the group and for each man individually are steeped in Gospel music and faith in God. Aaron Watson Aaron started chasing his dream of becoming a country singer/songwriter while still in college. Through perseverance, a work ethic instilled in him by his fa...

We continue our series about country music and faith with today’s guests Marty Raybon & Mike Maguire from legendary country music group Shenandoah, and the long-admired country vocalist Gene Watson.  Marty & Mike share about the beginnings of their band and how grateful they are to God to be able to bring music to the world for over 30 years. Gene shares about his humble beginnings and how he wanted to honor God and his parents for their faithfulness in all the good and challenging things that have happened in his life by recording his first Gospel record.

Today’s guests are two young women who have faced the typical challenges that girls deal with in our culture today--self confidence, peer pressure, criticism and authenticity. Chelsea Crockett started making videos as a teenager just for fun, which eventually morphed into her highly popular YouTube channel Beautylicious Insider. Chelsea’s mission is to show girls how to be authentically beautiful--mirroring the love of Christ to encourage their self worth. Kaylee Rutland is an upcoming country music singer/songwriter who, before performing and singing, battled shyness. Her songs have a message for young women everywhere, including a very special song...

We continue a special series focusing on country music and faith as we countdown to the Country Music Association’s CMA Fest, held in Nashville from June 7-10. Our guests today are the legendary duo The Bellamy Brothers and emerging country music artist, Zach Seabaugh. The Bellamy Brothers broke onto the scene with a smash hit on both the pop and country charts with the classic song “Let Your Love Flow,” and continue to tour all over the world. They share a little about their roots growing up in the church, about a new reality show that gives a glimps...

Our guests today have both experienced encouragement from someone who believed in them—their mothers. Our first guest is Jeff Hostetler, a Superbowl champion quarterback who led the New York Giants to their win in Super Bowl XXV some 1 1⁄2 months after the starting quarterback went out for the season with a broken foot. Jeff shares the ups and downs, frustrations and rewards of his football career and celebrates the woman who never stopped reminding him “whose he was,” and that “God had a plan for his life,” --his mom.  Shaunti Feldhahn is a researcher, a speaker and a writer who has studi...

This week’s episode features two women who have grappled with the hard questions we all ask of God.  Lysa TerKeurst is an author and speaker and Dorothy Ruelas works in prison ministry in Texas. Lysa candidly shares her journey to realizing that she was “good enough” when she stopped letting her circumstances define her and began believing in who God says she is.

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Today’s episode touches on themes of acceptance and how God loves us just the way we are. Lisa Harper is a Bible Teacher and a speaker. She shares about how she moved past the shame and trauma associated with early sexual abuse in her life by being able to view herself as worthy in God’s eyes. Shelley Breen, Leigh Cappalino and Denise Jones join us from award winning contemporary Christian singing group Point of Grace. They share their joy and honor at being able to bring messages of hope and acceptance to the world through music for over...

Melanie Shankle & Marshawn Evans Daniels have both learned how to move beyond what they thought “should” happen for their lives, and develop willing hearts to allow God to move them to a place beyond what they could ever have imagined. Melanie Shankle is a writer and a speaker, who in her past,  tended to “limit” herself, based on her fears, insecurities and what others thought of her. When she learned to dispel these lies, she learned to never again underestimate what God could do with a willing heart. Marshawn Evans Daniels, author, speaker, Miss America finalist and participant on “The Apprent...

This episode of The Jesus Calling Video Story features Donna Edwards, the First Lady of the state of Louisiana. Donna shares a little about her life and background, including partnering with her husband, Governor John Bel Edwards, in public service. As part of that service and in devotion to God, Donna felt led to share Jesus Calling with women inmates in her state, and visited them in person to deliver the books. She talks about that experience and the effect that gesture had on her and the women she encountered that day. We also interview two women from the...

Roma Downey and Jenn Gotzon Chandler are both actresses who are committed to shining the light of their faith in Hollywood. In addition to being an actress, Roma Downey is an author and producer. She is probably best known as the star of the iconic television show “Touched By An Angel.” In her newest book, Box of Butterflies, she talks about how important it is to recognize the blessings in front of us each day. She also shares about the special relationship she had with her Touched By An Angel Co-star Della Reese, who passed away last year, and the...

Today’s guests exemplify excellence in their sports and a desire to honor God for their talents. Michael Chandler is a professional mixed martial artist who has garnered many wins since he came on the MMA scene in 2010. Michael is determined to use his platform to show the world that his strength comes from following Christ. Steel Lafferty has been wakeboarding since he was 12 years old and is considered to be one of the best in the world. His commitment to give God all of the glory for any accolades or achievements he receives in his sport is an ex...

Today’s guests feature a pair of brothers who have been pursuing excellence in the world of golf and also pursuing their relationship with God: The Bryan Brothers. Our second guest is Craig Johnson, a minister at Lakewood Church in Houston, Texas. Craig shares the story about how, when his son was diagnosed with autism, he trusted God’s purpose for his life and was inspired to write a book about that journey called “Champion.”

This week’s guests both have a legacy of inspiring and moving people through entertainment, one through music and both through film--Bart Millard and Jim Caviezel. First we have Bart Millard who is a GRAMMY nominated singer/songwriter and the lead vocalist for the band MercyMe. His mega-hit “I Can Only Imagine,” has inspired millions of listeners with its joyful anticipation of heaven. Bart has written a book about his life, which has now become a major motion picture that released this month in theaters. Our second guest is Jim Caviezel,  a highly acclaimed actor who came to prominence after h...

This week’s episode features two women who have grappled with the hard questions we all ask of God.  Lysa TerKeurst is an author and speaker and Dorothy Ruelas works in prison ministry in Texas. Lysa candidly shares her journey to realizing that she was “good enough” when she stopped letting her circumstances define her and began believing in who God says she is.

[VIDEO STORY] Country superstar Dolly Parton was raised to believe that “Jesus loves her, and that with God, nothing is impossible.” Dolly never forgot her roots, and as massive success came her way over the years, she always looked for ways to give back. In 1995, inspired by her father's struggles with reading, she launched the Imagination Library, providing books monthly to children during their first 5 years of life--they have given away over 100 million books to foster a love of reading. Now, 50 years from the release of her first record, Dolly continues to speak encouragement into the lives of families and c...

Ann Voskamp is a mom, writer, teacher, speaker. Her book 1000 Gifts explored what it would be like to be grateful every day. Her newest book, the Way of Abundance talks about how joy can still spring from brokenness and suffering. She shares stories from her own life and urges us to drop our masks of perfection and embrace our scars, as our scars identify us with Jesus. Our second guest is financial planner Emily Stroud. Emily helps people think about their future not in terms of wealth, but in terms of living to our fullest potential. She helps us...

Today’s guests know what it’s like to seek God as a refuge and strength in times of trouble. Kevin and Sam Sorbo are Hollywood actors whose greatest desire is to bring light to the world through the medium of film. Kevin starred as the hero “Hercules” in the popular television series and movies, and Sam, is an actress in her own right and also hosts her own radio show. In the height of his career, Kevin suffered a series of strokes that would change everything, and put him in a place of deep dependence on God. Together, Kevin an...

Today’s guests have had both fame and beauty, but ultimately came to realize that God’s definition of their value is far greater than how they’re seen by others, or viewed in their own mirrors. Deana Carter is an award winning country music star who is grateful for successful career in music, and even more grateful to know the truth of who she is as a daughter of Christ.  Leah Darrow is a writer, speaker and a finalist on “America’s Next Top Model.”  Leah’s view of beauty was shaped by a nearly impossible standard that left her feeling...

Songwriters and authors Mark Lowry and Andrew Greer are the hosts of the film series and podcast “Dinner Conversations: Turning the Light On, One Question At A Time.”  They each share their backgrounds and their shared love for music and storytelling. They also discuss why they think conversations are an important facet of building our faith and deepening our knowledge of Christ and others.

[VIDEO STORY] Emily Ley has a very interesting story to share about how God transformed her life and how she "started over.” Emily is a mom, business owner and author. Emily found the demands of her job and her own tendency to seek “perfection” in all that she did was taking away from time from what was really important—time with God and time with her family. Emily shares how she pared back and started simplifying in order to enjoy what really mattered in her life.

Today’s episode features two sets of guests who have similar perspectives on life and marriage and how they get through the rough times every relationship faces. Clayton & Ashlee Hurst are marriage pastors at Lakewood Church in Houston, Texas. They share personal stories of communication pitfalls in marriage and how they keep Christ at the center of their relationship. Alli Worthington is an author, business coach and the co-founder of Blissdom, who, with her husband, faced job losses, homelessness and chronic illness. She shares how she was able to loose the grip fear had on her during these difficult se...

This week’s episode features an interview with Donna Edwards, the First Lady of the state of Louisiana. Donna shares a little about her life and background, including partnering with her husband, Governor John Bel Edwards, in public service. As part of that service and in devotion to God, Donna felt led to share Jesus Calling with women inmates in her state, and visited them in person to deliver the books. She talks about that experience and the effect that gesture had on her and the women she encountered that day.  We also interview two women from the Louisiana Cor...

This week’s episode features 2 guests who discuss how they found authenticity and wholeness in God. First, we speak with Sadie Robertson, star of ABC’s Dancing With the Stars and also A&E’s Duck Dynasty. Sadie shares her journey of finding freedom through being real and vulnerable to God and to others. She is passionate about speaking and writing in the hopes of encouraging others to embrace who they really are. Her latest book is entitled Live Fearless and Walk in Confidence of Freedom. Our second guest is Toure’ Roberts, pastor of The Potter’s House. Toure’ shares his b...

[VIDEO STORY] Reba McEntire is a country music legend who has had over 35 #1 singles and over 56 million albums sold worldwide. Reba has become a beloved household name who has made her mark in film, television, theater and retail. Her last project, a Gospel double CD entitled “Sing It Now; Songs of Faith and Hope,” has been nominated for a 2018 Grammy Award for best Roots Gospel Album. Reba’s faith has carried her through the ups and downs of life as a country superstar.  She often turns to the pages of Jesus Calling and Jesus Always during her quiet times, and finds...

Paul Teutul, Jr. was just 27 years old when American Chopper: Jet Bike premiered on the Discovery Channel, featuring “Paulie” and his father, Paul Sr., That show sparked a full series following the Teutuls and their business, Orange County Choppers, that aired in 2003,. Six years of family ups and downs ensued, culminating in 2009 with Senior firing Junior. Today, Paul Jr. has gone on to start his own very successful business, and has written a book entitled “The Build: Designing My Life of Choppers, Family and Faith.” Paul details the tumultuous time working with his Dad and his difficult home life as a child...

Our first guest is Donna Barrett. While working in as a missionary in Nicaragua, Donna’s life was affected not only by the systemic poverty she witnessed in this country, but the relationships she formed by working alongside the team who accompanied her on the trip; in particular a gregarious young woman who God placed in her path, who would have an impact on her life for years to come. Our second guest is writer Kristen Kill. Kristen was exhausted, depressed and desperate for a change. Something sparked in her when she read the Psalms and discovered the true me...

Our guests today share stories of the hope and transformation that has happened in their lives as they were pursued by God and daily started following Him. From a young age, Lisa Delgado experienced trauma and abuse in her life. As she grew older, she pushed away from her family’s strict religious upbringing, but always knew something was missing. Struggling with depression and darkness, Lisa shares a pivotal moment where a friend’s kindness and compassion showed her something that would change her life forever.  Lisa Whittle isthe daughter of a pastor, Lisa wasn’t interested in a life of...

Josh & Sean McDowell are writers and teachers who are passionate about bringing the truth of the Gospel to a world hungry for the knowledge of Christ. As a young man, Josh McDowell considered himself an agnostic. Because of a troubled and hurtful home life, he truly believed that Christianity was worthless. However, when challenged to intellectually examine the claims of Christianity, Josh discovered evidence for the reliability of the Christian faith. Dr. Sean McDowell is a gifted communicator with a passion for equipping the church, especially young people, to make the case for the Christian faith.  They each share abou...

Emily Ley & Shannon Rozenburg have two very different stories to share about how God transformed their lives and how they “started over.” Emily Ley is a mom, business owner and author. Emily found the demands of her job and her own tendency to seek “perfection” in all that she did was taking away from time from what was really important—time with God and time with her family. Emily shares how she pared back and started simplifying in order to enjoy what really mattered in her life. Shannon Rozenburg is the daughter of Steve and Donna Rozenburg, who appeared on Episode...

David Green is the founder and CEO of the country’s largest chain of arts and crafts stores, Hobby Lobby. David’s philosophy in life revolves around his faith and his family. His view of “wealth,” is not tied to how much money a person makes, but their relationship with the Lord, their relationship with others, and teaching others about God. His son Steve, who is the president of Hobby Lobby and Steve’s wife Jackie share these godly principles. They all discuss why it’s important to them that others know about the Bible and how to live generously.<

Six-time Vocal Group of the Year Diamond Rio has been one of the most successful bands in country music history. They won a Grammy for their first Christian Record “The Reason,” and have also produced a Christmas album called “The Star Still Shines.” Currently, they are the artists in residence at Gaylord’s Opryland Hotel Resort in Nashville and have been bringing joy to audiences through their Christmas show “Holiday & Hits.”  Lead singer Marty Roe and guitarist Jimmy Olander visit with us on the podcast to share what Christmas meant to them growing up and what it means to them now.

Reba McEntire is a country music legend who has had over 35 #1 singles and over 56 million albums sold worldwide. Reba has become a beloved household name who has made her mark in film, television, theater and retail. Her last project, a Gospel double CD entitled “Sing It Now; Songs of Faith and Hope,” recently won a Gospel Music Association Dove Award for Bluegrass/Country/Roots Album of the Year. Now Reba has gone on to record a new Christmas record called “My Kind of Christmas.” She shares her thoughts on Christmas, and why, for many of us, Christmas can be a diffic...

O.S. Hawkins is the President and Chief Executive Officer of GuideStone Financial Resources of the Southern Baptist Convention. Hawkins also served as senior pastor of the historic First Baptist Church in Dallas, Texas, and is the author of more than 25 books, including the best-selling The Joshua Code: 52 Scripture Verses Every Believer Should Know. He talks to us about his journey to becoming a pastor and a writer, and also about his new books, The Believer’s Code and The Christmas Code. Rick Smith is the founder of Rock Bottom Outreach, an organization the meets people at the time of the...

As the First Lady of Tennessee, Crissy Haslam believes in the power of second chances. Her priorities have been focused on working with change making organizations who are empowering families, women, and orphans. Crissy shares why it’s important to her to serve others, and how thankful she for the influence she has to make a difference in many people’s lives. Our second guest is Brenda Wilson from Thistle Farms. Brenda’s was devastated after the death of her grandmother who was her biggest caretaker and advocate. Left alone in an unfamiliar, she lost her way. After 20 years of wan...

Aaron Watson is a rising country music star who began chasing his dream of becoming a singer/songwriter over 18 years. Though faced with countless disappointments, family tragedy and rejection, Aaron trusted God for the path that he would take and is celebrating the release of a new hit record, Vaquero. Carlos & Joy host WAY-FM Christian radio network’s popular afternoon show. They share how a love for Christian music and a desire to spread the hope of Christ to others through the air-waves, inspired them to pursue their careers in Christian radio.

Christine Caine is a writer, speaker and activist. Her story of healing came over many years as she lived in faith to recover from sexual abuse that happened in her childhood. Her latest book, a 365-Day devotional, called “Unshakeable,” provides daily reminders that even in an unstable world, God is always stands firm. Jennifer Clinger is a graduate of Thistle Farms, a social justice enterprise. Jennifer describes how she gave up on life after being a victim of abuse and tragedy, and traded herself on the street to support the drug habit that numbed her pain. After years of unsu...

Becca Stevens is the founder and president of Thistle Farms, a beautiful justice enterprise for women who are survivors of trafficking, addiction and prostitution.  After experiencing abuse and trauma in her own childhood, Becca longed to open a sanctuary for survivors offering a loving community. Twenty years later, the organization is thriving and continues to welcome women and provides housing, medical care, therapy and education for two years. She has written a book called “Love Heals” that details her experiences. One of the beneficiaries of the Thistle Farms program also talks about her experience with the program, Dorris Walker’s child...

Our guests today are writer and speaker Annie F. Downs and crisis counselor and writer Jamie Blaine. Both guests have experienced challenges in their lives that left them feeling scared and alone, but through the power of God’s word, they found strength to “show up,” for what God would have them do.  Each shares their life stories and how they found the courage to keep moving ahead and the mercy to not look back.

Gloria Gaither is a lyricist, educator and speaker, who with her husband Bill, has written some of the most enduring and beloved songs of our time including “Because He Lives,” and “He Touched Me.” Gloria shares some of her early years and how she came to the point in life where she has decided to spend as much time as possible nurturing her most important relationships and finding something eternal in the “daily-ness” of life.  Please also enjoy a rebroadcast of our interview with Dr. Emerson Eggerichs about love and respect in marriage. Dr. Eggerichs has also included a personal mess...

[JESUS CALLING VIDEO STORY] Kathie Lee Gifford is an Emmy Award winning host of the Today Show. She is a singer, songwriter and author who brings her vivacious spirit to everything she does. Behind the public personality is a “truth-seeker,” who relentlessly pursues the deeper meanings of God’s Word in her spare time. She is working on a new book that details her many visits to the Holy Land to study the origins of Scripture entitled “The Rock, The Road and the Rabbi” which comes out in Spring of 2018. Kathie Lee discusses the passion she has for God’s Word, how...

Wild at Heart author John Eldredge is a counselor and teacher who  is devoted to helping people through their recovery process. He shares how he himself “cried out to God,” as a young man, looking for hope wherever he could find it. This lifelong search for hope came to a pinnacle when he realized how many people he knew also lacked hope in their lives. He wrote a book about his findings, observations and inspirations called “All Things New: Heaven, Earth and the Restoration of Everything You Love.” Our second segment features country music singer Bradley Walker, whose latest album, “B...

Country superstar Dolly Parton was raised to believe that “Jesus loves her, and that with God, nothing is impossible.” Dolly never forgot her humble beginnings, even as she went on to achieve great success in her career and has received the highest awards for her music, songwriting, acting and other creative endeavors. Dolly is grateful for what she has been given and seeks ways to give back and bless others. In 1995, she had vision to foster a love of reading with preschool children and launched the Imagination Library, providing books monthly to children during their first 5 years of life. Now...

Welcome to the Jesus Calling Podcast. Today, we speak with Lisa Bevere who is a New York Times bestselling author, a teacher, as well as a wife, mother and grandmother. She and her husband John co-founded the ministry organization Messenger International.

Roma Downey is best known for her role as an angel named Monica on the beloved television series “Touched By An Angel.” She has earned multiple Emmy® and Golden Globe nominations as an actress and producer, and is now at the helm of new venture called Lighworkers.com. Andrea Logan White is a wife, mother, actress, producer, writer and speaker. Coming up as an actress in Hollywood, Andrea has walked through discouraging valleys, and emerged with an enduring passion to encourage people like herself who have struggled with issues of self-image and self-worth. Both of these women have a stron...

Chrystal Evans Hurst is a writer, speaker and worship leader and the daughter of respected pastor and teacher Dr. Tony Evans. Chrystal’s upbringing was rich in love and God’s teachings, but even with that foundation, she still experienced uncertainty, fear and pain in her life. She describes how God was always the author of her story, even though the times that were difficult, and how she has been shaped for the better by those experiences. Our second segment features author Edie Sundby-- a woman who was given 3 months to live--and how she overcame this death sentence by her...

Pastor Max Lucado discusses how we can face anxiousness in an increasingly tense world by focusing on gratitude. Max has written two books on this topic—one for adults called “Anxious for Nothing,” and another one for children called “I’m Not A Scaredy-Cat.” Max encourages everyone, adults and children alike, to engage with God in a deeper way as a refuge against anxious thoughts.

John Cooper, is the lead singer of the band Skillet, one of the 21st century’s most successful rock bands, having received two Grammy nominations and 11 million records sold.  John talks about some of the joys and struggles of his early years, and how Jesus became a friend to him through it all.

Kathie Lee Gifford is an Emmy Award winning host of the Today Show. She is a singer, songwriter and author who brings her vivacious spirit to everything she does. Behind the public personality is a “truth-seeker,” who relentlessly pursues the deeper meanings of God’s Word in her spare time. She is working on a new book that details her many visits to the Holy Land to study the origins of Scripture entitled “The Rock, The Road and the Rabbi” which comes out in Spring of 2018. Kathie Lee discusses the passion she has for God’s Word, how she faces life a...

GregAlan Williams is an author and actor who stars in the Pure Flix motion picture “All Saints,” based on the true story of salesman turned pastor Michael Spurlock. GregAlan shares the ups and downs of his career as a performer and how a pivotal moment in the streets of L.A. made him an unexpected hero. Pastor Mark Batterson shares how men can achieve their greatest potential by living according to seven virtues, which he writes about in his book “Play The Man: Becoming the Man God Created You to Be.”

Ginny Owens is a Dove Award singer/songwriter whose latest record, “Love Be the Loudest,” chronicles her battle with her own doubts and fears, and how she learned to let God’s voice be the loudest in her life. Shauna Shanks is a wife, mother and the author of “A Fierce Love: One Woman’s Courageous Journey to Save Her Marriage.” Shauna’s world was rocked by her husband’s infidelity and subsequent request for a divorce. Shauna shares how God showed her how to live through the words of I Corinthians.

Nichole Nordeman is a singer-songwriter whose song “Slow Down,” and the accompanying video, touched millions of viewers everywhere with its theme of cherishing every moment we have in raising children. She has recently written a book inspired by the song called "Slow Down: Embracing the Everyday Moments of Motherhood.  Jen Hatmaker is an author, a speaker and a mom to 5. Jen’s latest book “Of Mess and Moxie; Wrangling Delight Out of This Wild and Glorious Life” is a collection of stories from Jen’s own life that encourages women to “live in the moment, undaunted, no matter what the moments hold.

Jennie Allen is a Bible teacher and the author of Nothing to Prove: Why We Can Stop Trying So Hard.” Jennie shares how her need for approval from others led to emptiness, and how she found fulfillment in the affirming words of Christ.   Kristen Hatton is a Bible teacher, author and mom whose latest book is called “Face Time: Your Identity in a Selfie World.” Through teaching a Bible study to teen girls, Kristen began to see a destructive pattern of comparison; a standard of trying to live up to an unrealistic ideal of perfection. Kristen’s desire, through her book...

Today’s episode features two guests who know what it’s like to lose everything. They share with us how their hope was restored through God’s promise that He will never leave us or forsake us. Our first guest is Brett Swayn who shares how his journey through homelessness brought him to a place where he is now able to share the hope he found in Christ with others going through the same situation. Our second guest is Sherry Taylor, a graduate of The Next Door, a faith based rehabilitation center. Sherry. She shares how she lost everything in the t...

Today we visit with two guests who give us their unique perspectives on living honestly and fearlessly as women of God. Kelly Balarie, author of Fear Fighting: Awakening Courage to Overcome Your Fear, learned how to fight fear by stopping the cycle of fear in her life, and turning her darkest moments over to God. Esther Fleece, the author of No More Faking Fine: Ending the Pretending, realized that she could be honest with God and others about the trauma she faced as an orphaned child, through Scripture and trusting God with her laments.

Lee Greenwood and Charlie Daniels are legendary country entertainers and strong men of faith. With a deep love for our country and admiration for the service of our military personnel, they both endeavor to speak about their faith openly and are each deeply involved in Veteran relief organizations.“  Lee’s song “God Bless The USA,” has been voted the most recognizable patriotic song in America. In our first segment, we catch up with Lee by phone to talk about his faith, his career and the song that became one of our country’s most beloved anthems.

Kristin Schell, (author of the Turquoise Table) and Rick Rusaw and Brain Mavis (authors of The Neighboring Church) give us insight into what it really means to live out Jesus’ great commandment to “Love your neighbor as yourself,” with practical and life-changing ways we can create community where we live and expand God’s kingdom from our own front yards.

CeCe Winans is the best-selling female gospel artist of all time, as of 2015. She has sold over 12 million records worldwide and won ten Grammy Awards.. CeCe talks about taking a break from music to start a church with her husband, and how her life has been a series of saying “yes” to God whenever He has called on her.

Dr. Meg Meeker the author of Hero: Being the Strong Father Your Children Need. Dr. Meeker is a pediatrician, a mother and has become a leading authority on parenting, teens and children’s health, having appeared on the Today Show, Dateline, and more. Dr. Meg gives us insight into the special relationship between a father and his child, and encourages those who are striving to be good fathers, and those who are making peace with the way they were fathered.

Shane Owen is an up and coming artist who has had a love for traditional country music that began years ago, due to the influence of his grandmother.  He talks about those early years, and how the belief his grandparents had in him kept him going when he wasn’t sure he was going to make it in the music world.

Jessi Colter is a singer, songwriter, and entertainer whose influence continues to echo across musical genres.  In 1969, she married Waylon Jennings and their partnership yielded wonderful music along with personal triumphs and heartaches. She writes about their story in her latest book: An Outlaw and a Lady: A Memoir of Music, Life with Waylon and the Faith that Brought Me Home.

Collin Raye is a country hit maker with over 24 top ten records to his credit. Always thankful to God for the blessings in his life, Collin shares how he how accepted both the triumphs and the heartaches, including the devastating loss of his 10- year-old granddaughter, trusting God through the good and the bad.

T. Graham Brown is a legendary country music artist who has recorded over thirteen studio albums and charted more than twenty singles on the Billboard charts. He talks candidly about his life and his struggles with addiction, and the song that became a prayer that changed everything.

Walk with Me in the freedom of forgiveness. The path we follow together is sometimes steep and slippery. If you carry a burden of guilt on your back, you are more likely to stumble and fall. At your request, I will remove the heavy load from you and bury it...

Chonda Pierce is an author, actress and the RIAA’s most-awarded female comic in history. With 10 successful albums to date, she has also authored eight books, including Laughing In The Dark, which inspired a documentary by the same name. While Chonda spent years bringing joy to others through laughter, behind the scenes she experienced great challenges and loss. She shares about her battle with depression and her resolution to always live in the truth, no matter how hard it might be.

Cheryl Karpen is best known as the author of the “Eat Your Peas” Collection, a series of books dedicated to helping others communicate love, hope, and encouragement when they can’t find the words themselves. “Eat Your Peas for Mothers is a special title in the series that was inspired by Cheryl’s own mother. Cheryl recalls her early years and the moment she recognizes as her “beautiful broken heart” season and how her mom encouraged her all along the way.

Andrea Lucado, is a writer from Austin, Texas. Her new book “English Lessons: The Crooked Path of Growing Toward Faith,” describes what it was like to come from a family with a strong heritage of Christian faith; only to wrestle with doubts and her identity as she ventured away from home.

Ernie Johnson, Jr. is a three-time Sports Emmy Award-winner and popular host of TNT's, Inside the NBA, He is also author of a new book about his life; “Unscripted: The Unpredictable Moments That Make Life Extraordinary.” Ernie discusses his early life and how unexpected moments along the way led him to trust God in every situation.

Maria-Jose Tennison is the Vice President of Brand and Production for Sight and Sound Theaters. The purpose of their business is to present the Gospel of Jesus Christ and sow the Word of God into the lives of those who attend their shows, which are inspirational and visually stunning. Maria shares about the early years of her career rise, and how during a season of brokenness, God gave her strength.

Caz McCaslin is the founder of Upward Sports, the world’s largest Christian sports provider for youth. Upwards Sports mission is to promote the discovery of Christ through sports. Caz had a vision to create the best sports experience possible for every child, while providing an environment to nurture kids’ faith. Trusting God for direction, Caz has lead the program’s growth from several hundred children playing in a few church basketball leagues to over half a million children playing in 47 states and 72 countries.

Atheist-turned-Christian Lee Strobel is the former award-winning legal editor of The Chicago Tribune and best-selling author of The Case for Christ. Lee and his wife Leslie share the struggles and joys of finding faith at different times in their marriage and discuss "The Case for Christ" movie, which released to theaters in April 2017.

Understanding will never bring you Peace. That’s why I have instructed you to trust in Me, not in your understanding. Human beings have a voracious appetite for trying to figure things out, in order to gain a sense of mastery over their lives. But...

Lee Ann Mancini is the author of the “Adventures of the Sea Kids” book series and a teacher of theology. Lee Ann’s mission is to teach young children about the love of Jesus and how to show love for others as well.

"I am with you and for you. You face nothing alone—nothing! When you feel anxious, know that you are focusing on the visible world and leaving Me out of the picture. The remedy is simple: Fix your eyes not on what is seen but on what is unseen. Verbalize your trust in Me, th...

Long time friends Marty Roe (lead singer of Grammy® Award winning country music group Diamond Rio), and J.T. Olson (founder and executive director of Both Hands Foundation and author of the book The Orphan, The Widow and Me) share how God led them to guide a ministry that is bringing help and hope to both orphans and widows.

Alan Graham is the founder, CEO and President of Mobile Loaves & Fishes. Sixteen years ago, a desire to help the homeless led Alan and 4 friends to purchase a catering truck. With this, he began to go straight to those in need and provide them with food and clothing. Since that time, the organization has grown to 20 trucks in multiple cities and serves over 1200 people daily. Alan shares a little about his background and the life-changing moment that led him to want to make a difference in the lives of others.

Man looks at the outward a...

Josh Turner, is one of Country Music’s most successful artists. The multi-Platinum-selling singer has just released his sixth studio album, Deep South. Josh shares his heart about the music, about the challenges of being a Christian today, and what inspires him to be a better man.

"Relax in My healing Presence. As you spend time with Me, your thoughts tend to jump ahead to today’s plans and problems. Bring your mind back to Me for refreshment and renewal. Let the Light of My Presence soak into you, as you focus your thoughts on Me. Thus I eq...

Sheila Walsh is a Bible teacher and best-selling author with over 5 million books sold.  Her international ministry has reached millions of women by combining honesty, vulnerability, and humor with the transforming power of God's Word. Sheila candidly shares some of the joys and heartache of her early family life and how she struggled to prove herself worthy of God’s love.

Joey + Rory are a GRAMMY nominated country music duo whose music weaves beautiful stories that are important to them. Life drastically changed for the couple when Joey was diagnosed with cancer, but they continued to share their painful and beautiful journey with the world. Rory Feek gives us a glimpse into his new book about his life with Joey and the greatest love story he would ever know.

“My rays of Light will reach you through the darkness.” - Jesus Calling

Lacey Buchanan, a wife and mother of two children. Lacey’s first child, Christian, has a rare syndrome that presented itself before his birth. Lacey shares the journey of his life, from finding out the diagnosis, to dealing with limited treatment options and ultimately learning to see God through the entire process. She has written a book about her son’s journey called “Through the Eyes of Hope.”

Reba McEntire is a country music legend with over 56 million albums sold worldwide. Reba’s faith has carried her through the ups and downs of life as a country superstar. Reba says that the Lord is “the Fortress that you lean upon when things go wrong.” She often turns to the pages of Jesus Calling and Jesus Always during her quiet times, and finds strength and inspiration there during every season of life.

Janie is a graduate of The Next Door, a faith-based rehabilitation and re-entry program in Nashville, Tennessee. Janie spent most of her life looking for real love, and due to a background of abuse, she felt as if she mattered to no one. After years of toxic behavior and relationships, Janie found the one Love that was there all along.

If you or someone you know needs help with a substance abuse problem, please call 1-855-TND-HOPE or go to https://wwwTheNextDoor.org.

We follow up with Paul Shol after completing his bike trip across America, where he gave away thousands of copies of Jesus Calling to people all along the way. Raising over $50,000 for at-risk children in his community, Paul shares how God worked with him and through others for the entire 4000-mile trek.

Kari Kampakis’ mission is to reach young girls and their parents with a message about true worth. In today’s social media saturated culture, many girls start early, seeking approval through how many “likes” they receive on their social media pages. Kari endeavors to show girls that God gives the only approval that really matters, and He loves them just as they are.

Jason and David, The Benham Brothers, are successful business entrepeneurs with the heart of missionaries. They discuss their new book “Living Among Lions” and the notion of giving your best for God, no matter what kind of work you do.

Do not search for security in the world you inhabit. You tend to make mental checklists of things you need to do in order to gain control of your life. If only you could check everything off your list, you could relax and be at peace. But the more you work to accomplish that goal, the more thin...

Christy Nockels, a Dove Award-winning singer/songwriter, shares how God led her to spend a year studying the beauty of Advent and how she has found  “The Thrill of Hope” in  every season of her life.

I am Christ in you, the hope of Glory. The One who walks beside you, holding you by your hand, is the same One who lives within you. This is a deep, unfathomable mystery. You and I are intertwined in an intimacy involving every fiber of your being. The Light of My Presence shines within you, as well as upon yo...

Amy Parker has written more than thirty books for children, teens and adults, including the best-selling “A Night Night Prayer.” Amy reflects on what first inspired her love for writing and how she came to realize her mission bring Christ’s love to kids through the gift of the written word.

Diane Cunningham is the president and founder of the National Association of Christian Women Entrepreneurs and the author of the book series “Rock Bottom Is a Beautiful Place.” Diane shares her journey through depression, job loss, alcoholism, infertility, and divorce, and how she found courage and restoration from God to keep going, and to help others who face similar challenges.

I am a God who heals. I heal broken bodies, broken minds, broken hearts, broken lives, and broken relationships. My very Presence has immense healing powers. You cannot live close to Me without experiencing some degre...

Zachary Bell is a husband, father, and veteran. He served as an infantry rifleman in the United States Marine Corps, and did two combat tours in Afghanistan. Zachary discusses his time in service to his country, how it affected his family, and how the Journey Home Project helped him successfully navigate his post-military life.

"Come to Me for rest and refreshment. The journey has been too much for you, and you are bone-weary. Do not be ashamed of your exhaustion. Instead, see it as an opportunity for Me to take charge of your life.

Grammy Award-winning singer/songwriter Amy Grant shares how she finds God in times of stillness and tells us about the joy of making music with her new project “Tennessee Christmas.”

Meet Me in morning stillness, while the earth is fresh with the dew of My Presence. Worship Me in the beauty of holiness. Sing love songs to My holy Name. As you give yourself to Me, My Spirit swells within you till you are flooded with divine Presence.

The world’s way of pursuing riches is grasping and hoarding. You attain My riches by letting go and...

Pastor, teacher, and writer, Dr. David Jeremiah shares his thoughts on how God is still accomplishing His purposes in our world, even during tumultuous times. He also discusses his new book, People Are Asking, Is This The End?

To find out more about Dr. Jeremiah’s new book: “People Are Asking, Is This The End?” please click here.

I am your Refuge and Strength, an ever-present Help in trouble. Therefore, you don’t need to be afraid of anything—not even cataclysmic circumstances. The media are increasingly devoted to fear-inducing subject matter: terrorism, serial killers, environmen...

Tammy Arnold spent her tender years in an abusive household, abandoned by her mother, and then by her father as well. Rejection left her searching for love, and eventually to numbing the pain with drugs and alcohol. At her most desperate, Tammy drew from the tiny spark of faith her grandmother had instilled in her long ago, and began her journey back to the one thing that had never abandoned her: God’s love.

"Together, We can handle anything." - Jesus Calling 

Kristianne Stewart is a self-proclaimed “missionary to the cancer world.” She is the founder of Compassion That Compels, an organization that brings tangible items of encouragement to women currently battling cancer through the gift of “Compassion Bags” and spiritual support through the words of Jesus Calling.

"Draw near to Me with a thankful heart, aware that your cup is overflowing with blessings. Gratitude enables you to perceive Me more clearly and to rejoice in our Love-relationship. Nothing can separate you from My loving Presence! That is the basis of your security. Whenever you start to feel anxious, remind y...

Millions have been impacted by the words of Jesus Calling, Now, 10 years later, Sarah Young returns with her first new 365-day devotional entitled Jesus Always; based on her exploration of the promises of joy in Scripture. Take a peek behind the scenes to hear how Jesus Always came to life.

Women who have struggled with addiction and incarceration are finding hope for a new life through the work of The Next Door. The first in a 4-part series of moving stories from this group of courageous women, they also share how Jesus Calling has been a key part of their restoration and healing.

Chuck Wallington is the co-founder of the Covenant Group and owner of Christian Supply in Spartanburg, South Carolina. Chuck tells the story of what led him to work in the world of Christian products and shares his thoughts on the new book from Sarah Young, Jesus Always.

Emily Ley seemingly has it all—she’s a wife, a mother, a successful business owner and now an author.  Emily shares how she gave up always striving for perfection and found grace instead.

Emily Ley is the author of Grace Not Perfection (October 4th, HarperCollins Christian Publishing) and creator of the Simplified Planner®, a tool that helps busy women everywhere simplify their lives, organize their days, and prioritize what’s truly important to them in life.

With hopes to give back to local children, Fargo teacher, Paul Shol is cycling across the country, raising money for education, and sharing Jesus Calling along the way.

The Jesus Calling excerpt for this podcast comes from the Audiobook for June 13th:

"I am creating something new in you, a bubbling spirit of joy that spills over in others’ lives. Do not mistake this joy for your own, or try to take credit for it in any way. Instead, watch in delight as my spirit flows through you to bless others. Let yourself become a re...

Charlie Daniels shares his journey of faith, his long-standing commitment to the military, and his passion for Jesus Calling.

The excerpt from this episode comes from the April 19th entry: "

Stay conscious of My loving Presence...and I will direct your steps."

Visit JesusCalling.com to read, watch, and listen to more inspiring Jesus Calling stories.

Dr. Emerson Eggerichs is an internationally known public speaker on the topic of male-female relationships. Dr. Eggerichs and his wife Sarah present Love and Respect conferences around the world. Sarah, an avid intercessory prayer warrior, loves to share Jesus Calling with others as part of her ministry as well.

The excerpt from this episode comes from the July 24th entry: "My plan for your life is unfolding before you."

Visit http://JesusCalling.com to read, watch, and listen to more inspiring Jesus Calling stories.

Deborah Jentsch and her husband practiced the habit of saying "I trust you, Jesus," daily.  This faith would be put to the ultimate test as they faced their son's devastating accident. See other inspirational Jesus Calling stories at www.JesusCalling.com/blog/category/podcast/

Author and Speaker Sherri Gragg reflects on her daughter's upcoming graduation, and the unique challenges and joys a mother faces as she and her daughter embrace a new season of life. 

Sherri Gragg is the author of Arms Open Wide - A Call to Linger in the Savior's Presence.  She shares her heart as a mother who is preparing herself and her daughter for graduation; and her thoughts on what it means to "let go."

Find out more about Jesus Calling for Graduates here http://www.jesuscalling.com/books/jesus-calling-for-graduates/

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Mike Huether, the Mayor of Sioux Falls, South Dakota shares the walk of faith that led him to public service and the touching story of how he honored his only daughter with a very special wedding gift.

For more Jesus Calling inspired stories, visit & subscribe at http://JesusCalling.com/Blog

The Community of Grapevine United Methodist Church was in turmoil.  After the sudden loss of their pastor, Associate Pastor Cindy Ryan set about to put the pieces back together for their flock. It was then that she was faced with another, very personal crisis; an unexpected cancer diagnosis.

For more stories of the impact of Jesus Calling visit the Jesus Calling Blog

Lina Finau exemplified the heart of a servant, even as she struggled with health challenges. Her life has inspired her daughter, Utther Finau, to take a similar road in pursuit of service and bringing joy to others.

For more stories of the impact of Jesus Calling visit http://JesusCalling.com

Brent and Monica Wicke discuss their mother's cancer journey; remembering her strength and determination, and talk about what they are doing today to honor her legacy.

To read more about how Jesus Calling is impacting communities visit JesusCalling.com

The Rozenburg's discuss their daily struggle as parents to a child suffering through substance abuse.

For more on the Rozenburg's and other Jesus Calling stories visit JesusCalling.com

In today's Experience Jesus Calling Podcast, we'll tell the amazing story of one church and the collective impact that has been made by sharing Jesus Calling within its community. In the coming weeks, we'll be sharing the incredible personal stories of members of this church, and many other Jesus Calling readers around the world...readers who have had their lives transformed.