Halfway There

Moses Ehambe is a professional basketball player and a considers himself a missionary “doing God’s work with the talents” he’s received from him. Moses grew up in Arlington, TX, whose parents emigrated from Congo and serves as a pastor in the local church. His family was always at church and Moses was the worship band’s drummer so whenever there was worship music, he was there. When it came time for Moses to enter college, his talent was clear and he went through the visitation process to find a school where he could play basketball. His visit to Oral Roberts University was special and he found himself drawn there. While he was touring the university, Moses sensed God saying “This is what I have for you. This is where I want you to be.” The presence of God has never been far from him since. At college his faith really became his own as he learned about a personal relationship with Christ and followed God’s leading on the court and off. Moses generously shares his story with us including his being drafted to the NBA development league, playing basketball and ministering in Japan and Germany, and the struggles he currently feels with God. Moses’s life verse is Jeremiah 17:7 – But blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in him. Books mentioned by Moses: The Richest Man in Babylon Tuesdays with Morrie: An Old Man, a Young Man, and Life’s Greatest Lesson Tim Anderson Also, Moses mentioned his proposal to Sarah which you have to see. ook If you haven't gone into iTunes to leave a rating & review for Halfway There, please do that right now! It helps more people find us. Thanks! The post Moses Ehambe and Trusting God in Real Life appeared first on Eric Nevins.

Hugh Brandt works to “engage city leaders to help them live out their calling for the well-being of their city” with a part of CRU called Cities Project. Today he shares the journey that took him from missionary to missional. Hugh was probably always destined to be a missionary. His mother, who sacrificed her own dreams to care for others, prayed he would serve in South Africa before he was born. He didn’t know that until he went to Lesotho, the country inside South Africa. God had answered his mother’s prayers. Eventually his journey led him to Zimbabwe where he coached basketball and began his family. After twelve years, including some difficult seasons of loss, their work visas were revoked and the ministry they had built felt like it was ripped from their hands. While leaving Zimbabwe was an injustice, it was also God beginning to show Hugh new aspects of his ministry. There’s a lot more to Hugh’s story that you can hear by clicking play above or downloading Halfway There in iTunes or your favorite podcast player. Great quotes from Hugh: I might have been the most enthusiastic teacher that country had every seen. * I could disciple men wherever I was. * What do you do with the 98% of Christians who are in the marketplace? * God wants them [leaders] to be in mission with him, that they are missionaries, that He’s calling them to be in mission with Him, continuing what they are doing but now doing it for his glory and for the common good of the city they live in. * All work matters to God. If you haven't subscribed in iTunes, or left a rating & review for Halfway There, please do that right now! It helps more people find us. Thanks! The post Hugh Brandt and the Well-Being of the City appeared first on Eric Nevins.

Dan Rudman is an evangelist who works on campuses, prisons, and around the world to spread the Gospel. He shares how God called him to this life through circumstances that looked like failure. Dan grew up in a traditional, moralist family but didn’t really go to church and so knew nothing about the Gospel. Heading into college he was “stiff-arming religion,” and floundered his freshman year. One day, a student was sharing a film by Josh McDowell talking about relationships and his own story of coming to faith. Dan wanted nothing to do with that so he left. But then he thought, “I wonder what he’s going to say. I wonder if it’s something I need to hear.” He went back to the movie and heard McDowell encourage viewers to get a Bible and read the first three chapters of John. He found 1 John and by chapter 4 he was struck by a sense that evil was real. He realized that he was on the side of evil and needed the Son in his life but still didn’t know how to receive that life so he kept searching. Several weeks later he prayed to God: “If you have to take my life to give this to me, my life is yours.” Shortly after giving his life to Christ, he was back at the bar he frequented and the song Highway to Hell came on. While everyone else rushed out to the dance floor Dan was overwhelmed with the reality that, absent Jesus, it’s true that we’re on a highway to hell. “Somebody has got to tell them,” he thought, running out of the bar. The seeds of concern for people who don’t know God blossomed in time to a ministry that has taken Dan around the world preaching the Gospel. Dan wonders if the guy who showed that Josh McDowell film to his college dorm even knows what he did. Great quotes from Dan: I’m going to go find a Bible and read the contract. I want to see what this has to say before I commit to anything. * “What about all these people outside of here? Are we going to go talk to them?” * We have to love people enough to ask them questions. * “If you have to take my life to give this to me, my life is yours.” * The Gospel, this message is a powerful thing that God uses to call people to himself and you just never know. Books and resources Dan mentioned: The Francis A. Schaeffer Trilogy: Three Essential Books in One Volume Kingdom Triangle: Recover the Christian Mind, Renovate the Soul, Restore the Spirit’s Power YouDisciple.me If you want to learn more about Dan or want to learn more about his ministry, go to AFCI.us. If you haven't gone into iTunes to leave a rating & review for Halfway There, please do that right now! It helps more people find us. Thanks! The post Dan Rudman and Ripples of the Gospel appeared first on Eric Nevins.

Tim Voss taught physical education for 22 years at Trinity International University. Today he shares the story of how God called him to teaching, led him to Trinity after developing a program at Moody Bible Institute, and saw him through the most difficult moments of his life. Those difficult moments revealed just how present God. His daughter went in for a procedure and died a week before her wedding. The grief, Tim says, was heavy. Even in the middle of that experience God placed the right people to share his grief and give the right grace to him. And while the grief never goes away, time does “insulate you” from the rawness of the emotion. Tim tells us how God brought him to some physical, outdoor experiences that helped him heal. Today, Tim is working around the globe to bring the Gospel meeting tangible needs with International Needs. You’ll hear the passion in his voice as he talks about traveling in Africa and India to serve people “all the while bringing the love of Christ.” Tim Voss is one of those teachers whose work influenced the direction of my life and I can’t wait to share his story with you. Books & Links Tim mentioned: Ender’s Game Boxed Set I: Ender’s Game, Ender’s Shadow, Shadow of the Hegemon (The Ender Quintet) Sugar Creek Gang Books 1-6 Set (The Swamp Robber/The Killer Bear/The Winter Rescue/The Lost Campers/The Chicago Adventure/The Secret Hideout) Christian Society for Kinesiology and Leisure Great quotes from Tim: Nowadays we rob a child in many respects from the breadth and depth of movement and freedom to become skilled in multiple activities. Sportsmanship is dying to gamesmanship. Don’t you want to come and join in this fantastic adventure with life this so precious? Every day is a gift and on your journey it becomes more and more sacred. Every day is richer and more beautiful. He opened his arms and I fell into his chest and his arms wrapped around me. This guy with this heritage of suffering entered into my soul, and these arms of Christ, and his tears, just wept. And we really didn’t say anything. That was the beginning of my journey back. The journey of the Christian is he becomes ever more aware of his sin and the incredible gift that God gave him. If you haven't gone into iTunes to leave a rating & review for Halfway There, please do that right now! It helps more people find us. Thanks! The post Tim Voss is on a Playful and Fantastic Adventure appeared first on Eric Nevins.

Jill May shares how she went from struggling mom and pastor’s wife to Season 1 winner of NBC’s Strong, a reality show that paired ordinary women with trainers and set them in competition with one another. Winning a reality show is very cool. But the story of God’s leading her there? Now that’s awesome. Jill grew up in rural Minnesota to a church going family. Sometime in her late high school years during a period of asking the big questions about life she began reading the Bible which changed her life. Her new hunger for the Bible led her to Bible school where she met her husband. After starting their family, they moved to Colorado to attend Denver Seminary. Several years later, after her husband Dan was called to serve as a pastor back in rural Minnesota, Jill began dealing with anxiety and began building walls. She explains how those walls began to come down with the revival of a bucket list item: going on a reality show. Jill explains the process of how she applied for, was selected, and appeared on NBC’s Strong and the breakthroughs she experienced both physical and emotional on her way to winning it all. Great quotes from Jill: I like to describe my journey with God as a wrestle. * When I look back, it can only bring me to that place of worship because He has been so sovereign over the process. * When I was in my deepest darkest, rock bottom moments, I literally had times when I thought I was going to die because I was experiencing panic. I remember laying in my bed and thinking I can’t deliver myself from this. I cannot rescue myself. * God was not far from me. At this point I was suffering but God was in one of the closest places I’ve ever had him. At that point I knew he was it. He was my only hope. * It’s okay to be who you are. Why would you want to be someone else? * The most honoring to God is to live into who He’s designed you to be. * You can’t show me someone that’s doing poorly physically and tell me they’re in a good place mentally and spiritually. If Jill’s story stirred something in you to begin a fitness journey, she would love to connect with you and the best way to do that is through social media. Follow her on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. If you haven't gone into iTunes to leave a rating & review for Halfway There, please do that right now! It helps more people find us. Thanks! The post Jill May and Wrestling Truth and Reality appeared first on Eric Nevins.

Mark Casson of Metanoia Prison Ministries shares how he found the Lord in prison while being tried for his crime. He shares the story of how how he pleaded guilty and the ways that God honored that brave choice, how he learned to fellowship with believers of all stripes, and how God used his experience to almost immediately after he left prison to serve prisoners all over the country. Mark believes that prisoners are a neglected ministry in most churches (see Matthew 25:31-46) and is working to help churches do it better, sometimes to start for the first time. If you’re interested in prison ministry, please contact Metanoia Prison Ministries. Great quotes from Mark: Prison is one of the most spiritual environments a Christian can be in. * In prison, there’s one body. It’s not segregated by denomination, belief, race, socioeconomic, education. It’s one body of Christ worshiping together because there’s only one chapel. * The times we feel farther away are the times we get on our knees longer and we pray more and we draw closer to God. * You are not defined by what you’ve done. You’re defined by Christ. * I was freer in prison as a Christian than I’ve ever been free on the outside. Mark offered his email address, too, in case you’re interested in participating with Metanoia Prison Ministries which is: [email protected]. If you haven’t gone into iTunes to leave a rating & review for Halfway There, please do that right now! It helps more people find us. Thanks! The post Mark Casson and The Clay’s Perspective appeared first on Eric Nevins.

Today, Tonya Jewel Blessing shares how she learned to love the mess and serve with a joyful heart. It wasn’t always easy and we talk about the long process God used to prepare her for life in rural South Africa. But the process was full of moments that inspired her to trust just a little bit more. Tonya is also the author of The Whispering of the Willows (Amazon affiliate link), work of fiction that connects her to her roots. Her parents grew up in the area of Appalachia where the story is set and she drew from that inspiration. While she describes it as “a girl book,” (there is a budding romance in the selection she reads for us), the book is a fine depiction of the period and Tonya’s way with words makes for easy and delightful reading. Listen today for the following stories: How Tonya found Jesus The choice Tonya had to make when she married her husband How that choice led to rural and muddy Colorado and the spiritual struggle it ignited in her The prayers God answered in South Africa while serving in small towns Great quotes from our conversation: Ministry wasn’t just about standing in a pulpit preaching, it was about coming alongside people and helping people. * If we respond to somebody else’s sin in a negative way and shocked by what someone has done, those ministry moments are lost. * Serving God isn’t for the feint of heart. * It’s the servants of God who see the miracles. If you haven’t gone into iTunes to leave a rating & review for Halfway There, please do that right now! It helps more people find us. Thanks! The post Tonya Jewel Blessing and the Servants Who See the Miracles appeared first on Eric Nevins.

Today’s episode features author of Jesus Untangled: Crucifying Our Politics to Pledge Allegiance to the Lamb, Keith Giles (Amazon affiliate link which means if you buy from this link Amazon sends a little my way). How integrated should the Kingdom of God and the leaders of a nation be? The question may seem strange to Evangelical ears when the objective of some for multiple decades has been to pass laws and “influence” political leaders. But just because this has been the case does not mean it is what ought to be. Here, I need to give you a confession: I’m a political junkie. I like everything about politics including the maneuvering, the process of elections – especially at the presidential level – and watched with fascination the 2017 inauguration of Donald Trump as president. I worked, talked, and voted as conservatively as anyone in the 1990s and 2000s. In fact, my first online experience was a blog about Christians in politics where I read and wrote about various policies and issues of the day. I even saw a Sarah Palin event once. So, I was invested in conservative politics, the Tea Party, and all that means. But the blog found little traction and I began to alienate friends with my views which I was willing to do for the right cause but was unsure I had found it. Then, one day, I read a book that changed everything for me. Free books was one of the main benefits of blogging and I received one by Os Guinness called A Free People’s Suicide. If you haven’t heard of it, that’s okay. Most people I talk to haven’t. But I love this book because it changed my life. You can click that link above to read my full review if you’d like but here’s the life-changing point that he made: The Constitution matters less than the character of the people because adherence to the first depends on the second. In other words, if Evangelicals want to change the culture they are far more effective changing hearts than laws. My views of God and the political process began to change as I sought for opportunities to offer positive value to both the American culture and the Evangelical subculture. Now, instead of yelling and arguing about which laws to pass, I sought heart-level connections with people. If you have been paying attention you will know where this is going. Halfway There tries to be that kind of positive voice that lets you into the real experience of becoming a Christian and learning to live life with God. It seeks to change our character into more trusting and faithful followers by sharing when God was faithful to others. It is about the experience not the theological category. And, yes, that’s the agenda I have in every interview which I’m sure longtime listeners perceive. Confession over. I tell this story not to distract from Keith’s story but to let you know that if our conversation about separating church and state is challenging for you, I understand why. That was me just a few years ago. But it also comes with an invitation to listen, consider what he says, and decide for yourself. I highly recommend Jesus Untangled by Keith Giles (Amazon affiliate link which means if you buy from this link Amazon sends a little my way) as a starting point for the conversation about Great quotes from our conversation: We are constantly being asked if we are going be disciples or not. Whether you ordain me or not I’m going to live for Jesus. I’m going to follow him. I want a tattoo or t-shirt that says “Death to the status quo!” The average Christian has more power to change the world than the president of the United States of America. We’re not doing nothing. We’re setting of nuclear bombs in the spiritual world. Also mentioned was Renewing the Christian Mind: Essays, Interviews, and Talks in which Keith interview Dallas Willard and A Free People’s Suicide: Sustainable Freedom and the American Future which is mentioned above The Power of Weakness also by Keith Giles elaborates on how God uses weakness Did you relate to Keith's story? Be sure to pick up Jesus Untangled for more. And tell someone you know who would enjoy Halfway There about the show. It's the highest compliment you can give. Also, if you haven't yet, stop by iTunes and subscribe. Leave a review which helps our visibility in the rankings. The post Jesus Untangled Author Keith Giles and Separating Church from State appeared first on Eric Nevins.

Quentin Banks met Jesus in the St. Louis County jail. That’s just the beginning of his story. He is one of my favorite people ever to share on Halfway There because of the powerful work God has done in his life. Quentin is the definition of a man seeking after God’s heart while still wrestling with a world that is far from His ideal. The stories he shares about how he comes to trust God will encourage you, too. As always, please subscribe in iTunes and while you're there please leave a review of the show. It helps. The post Quentin Banks is Free in Christ Forever appeared first on Eric Nevins.

What have I learned after asking over 25 people about their life with God? Trust in God is learned sometimes the hard way. Today we look at how this experience of learning to trust God over a long period of time is common, even in Scripture. I show through the Abraham’s story that he learned to believe God through the ups and downs of his own life so that by the time God asks Abraham to sacrifice Isaac in Genesis 22 he just does it. The following stories are featured in clips from today’s show: Amy Patton shares how she grew in faith and finally trusted God with more than her eternal destination but her whole life at a funeral. Sue Muckley shared a time when she did not trust God, the effect that had on her heart, and how God brought her back. Iain Bradbeer shared a story about how God broke his theology and the amazing prayer he prayed to ask God for more of himself. What was true for Abraham all those years ago is true for you and I, my friends. Trust in God isn’t experienced once. Trust in God is learned by experience over our lifetimes. The post Trust in God is Learned (Sometimes the Hard Way) appeared first on Eric Nevins.

Celebrate the New Year with these fresh start stories about how God changed the lives of three past guests of Halfway There. Many were happy to see 2016 go and a new year begin. Admittedly, the year was a strange one in many ways between a vicious U.S. election cycle featuring unpopular candidates, Trump’s win in spite of (or because of?) his political incorrectness, celebrity deaths, and an otherwise uneasy feeling many of us seemed to have. But for me, 2016 will forever be the year Halfway There became more than just an idea; it became a reality. The two years between idea and the eventual realization of the dream seemed like forever and at times I did not think it would ever happen. But I believe God has a reason for this show and so on June 6, 2016 it finally came to pass. Before I get to the notes for the show, I want to share with you a few highlights of the year: 2 seasons complete and available in the archives in iTunes, Google Play Music, or Stitcher Radio 25 guests who shared their personal stories with God 4863 downloads to date 1070 downloads in November Season 3 is gearing up Thank you from the bottom of my heart for listening and sharing Halfway There with your friends and family. I hear from people every week about how they were encouraged to think new or differently about God and their trust in Him because of the show which makes all the work worth it. In the spirit of the New Year, today’s episode features three new beginning stories from past episodes when God dramatically changed the lives of my guests. My prayer for you is that God will work in your life with the same power in 2017. Here are the stories you will hear: Chuck Malott shares the story of how he became a believer and the remarkable story of the woman who prayed for him weeks before Richard Jacobson shares how God brought him back from hostility to God to service to Him in a remarkable story. Richard is one of the people I recommend following online including his podcast called the Unchurching Podcast. Subscribe and listen to his show. Jesse Bean shared the moment when he experienced undeserved grace from God. This story is such a powerful example of the difference between knowing about grace and experiencing it for yourself. Here’s to a new beginning for you, your family, and your walk with God! As always, please subscribe in iTunes and while you’re there please leave a review of the show. It helps. The post New Beginnings: Three Conversion Stories from the Archives appeared first on Eric Nevins.

In our family Christmas lasts for a week so it’s okay to add one more reflection after the official day. Today is the last of our Advent series and the focus is on love. Don Owsley and I talk about love and Simeon. Then, we finished up our series on imaginative prayer in the Nativity story. Merry Christmas, my friends! The post Advent Reflections: The Good News of Love appeared first on Eric Nevins.

On today’s episode Don Owsley and I reflect on the joy of Simeon at seeing Jesus for the first time. Of all the people who worshiped God because of the newborn Jesus, Simeon reaches furthest back to the founding promise God made to Abraham. Finally, everything Israel existed for had come to fruition. Then we practice imaginative prayer through the experience of Joseph in Matthew 1:18-25. I hope this episode adds to your experience of Christmas this year! The post Advent Reflections: At Long Last Joy appeared first on Eric Nevins.

On today’s episode we reflect on the peace of God and explore Mary’s experience. To help us guys understand what it’s like to become a mother, I invited a very special guest on the show: my wife Jodi! She shared the many thoughts that go through a newly expecting mother’s mind – especially the first time. Then we talk to Don Owlsey about Simeon and the kind of peace that God’s righteousness brings: shalom. Don does a great job taking us into the mindset of this first-century waiting prophet. Be sure to follow Don on Facebook and let him know you heard our conversation. If you want to hear the full story of how Leonard Nimoy I found the video for you. Fascinating story: If you enjoyed this show please share it with a friend (or lots of them on social media). It’s the best endorsement you could give. The post Advent Reflections: Peace for the Waiting appeared first on Eric Nevins.

Advent is a season of waiting, expectation, and most of all hope. Today, we take a break from the usual format to explore those themes with Don Owsley and talk about the life of Simeon (Luke 2:22-35). We also spend some time in imaginative prayer to help us experience the hope from the perspective of Zechariah. If you’re looking for a way to experience the story of Christmas in a way you never have before, be sure to listen and share this one with a friend. Also, pick up Don’s book Thanksliving at Amazon today and let him know you heard it about it on Halfway There! The post advent reflections: hope for the waiting ones appeared first on Eric Nevins.

In last week’s episode, Doug Hazen shared with us part of his story and his calling to the mission field where he and his wife encountered unexpected adversity as the country was torn by war. Those events changed Doug’s perspective of God and his protection for the worse. Today, Doug shares how God revealed his goodness to Doug once again, the emotional work it took to understand evil from God’s perspective, and how God led him to his current position in ministry. Great quotes from Doug: God said “I didn’t do this for Ruth. I did this for you because you have to know I’m a good God and I love you…” It didn’t erase all the pain but it was a major turning point. [Speaking of understanding the depths of evil in the world] I always thought God approached that with anger. I think he approaches it with grief. Satan, you have had control of my family for 80 years. No more. I’ve known for years that most people read the Scriptures for information. I read it to worship and find the presence of Christ. From Andrew Murray: “The man who mobilizes the Christian church to pray will make the greatest contribution to world evangelization in history.“ Books mentioned by Doug: Did you relate to Doug's story? Be sure to listen next week for the rest of the story. And tell someone you know who would enjoy Halfway There about the show. It's the highest compliment you can give. Also, if you haven't yet, stop by iTunes and subscribe. Leave a review which helps our visibility in the rankings. The post Doug Hazen and Waiting Until He Speaks to Your Soul Part 2 appeared first on Eric Nevins.

I didn’t plan on this episode but decided to share with you Psalm 107 today as a reflection of God’s goodness to us. It’s all about how good the Lord is to rescue us from all kinds of trouble. It’s easy – and right – to be thankful for the good things in our lives. And it’s good to remember the hard things and that God was faithful to rescue us when we needed him. It may not have looked as we would have designed but it’s always good. The post Bonus episode: Happy Thanksgiving! appeared first on Eric Nevins.

Doug Hazen serves as the National Director of Mobilization Prayer at World Venture. His job is to pray that God would bring people who want to share the Gospel around the world. Today, he shares the story of how God has led him to this position. The stories that Doug shares of the big events in his life that challenged his trust in God like resisting God’s call to ministry, finally surrendering, and serving as a missionary in the Republic of Congo (then Zaire) where refugees streamed across the boarder from the civil war in Rwanda. He and his family were robbed at gunpoint, he almost killed a child, and felt like a complete failure which caused him to face his brokenness. And that’s where this episode ends. There’s a lot more to the story and we’ll pick it up the next episode because Doug and I spent another hour or so talking through his story from the brokenness he left the mission field with to the ultimate restoration and the fruit God brought in him. Great quotes from Doug: I would say the greatest part of my spiritual formation I attribute to my dad and to my mom. Dad because of his faith and pastoral skill. He taught me that loving God and loving people are the two most essential characteristics of a pastor. And my mom taught me that the Word of God speaks today. The journey of determining God’s will is kind of like getting bounced back and forth between doubt and confirmation. I don’t need to understand God’s will in order to have peace. One of the principles I learned is when you’re going through stuff consistency in God’s word is not the answer. The answer is sufficiency in God’s Word. You better be in God’s Word until He speaks to your soul. Books mentioned by Doug: Jim Cymbola – Fresh Wind, Fresh Fire “God is attracted to weakness.” Psalm 91 Did you relate to Doug's story? Be sure to listen next week for the rest of the story. And tell someone you know who would enjoy Halfway There about the show. It’s the highest compliment you can give. Also, if you haven't yet, stop by iTunes and subscribe. Leave a review which helps our visibility in the rankings. The post Doug Hazen and Waiting Until He Speaks to Your Soul Part 1 appeared first on Eric Nevins.

Zac Medeiros shares his story of growing up in a Christian family in Quebec, struggling through depression, and finding life in God’s Word again. In Quebec, evangelical Christians represent less than one percent of the population. Zac and I talked about how that’s different from the United States where there may multiple churches of varying denominations even in small town. While most people call themselves Catholic, few have any faith in God to speak of. Zac was on a path of losing a faith instilled by a Christian family when a series of mentors came into his life at the right times. Then while he struggled with a serious depression he discovered Christian podcasts (see the links below) which reignited his love for God and Scripture. Now, Zac is trying to make a difference whenever he can, and he even preached a sermon recently that God is using to spread the message of the Gospel in his sphere of influence. Great quotes from Zac: Christianity was kind of a puzzle. Even at that young age, God touched my heart and I had love for him for what he did on the cross. There was still some part of me I could not put my head around it. God shook me up but he wasn’t done breaking me. He [Francis Chan] made me read the Bible because I could not believe what he said was true. The only reason I decided to be clean was for the Gospel. Podcasts Zac mentioned: Francis Chan Bad Christian Sermon Zac preached Did you relate to Zac’s story? If so, wouldn’t your friends like it too? Share the show with them today! Also, if you haven’t yet, stop by iTunes and subscribe. Leave a review which helps our visibility in the rankings. The post Zac Medeiros and the Puzzle that Christianity Was appeared first on Eric Nevins.

Jesse Bean shares why an experience of God’s grace is more powerful than all the knowledge in the world. When all his role models fell apart, Jesse gave up all but his faith that God existed and lived “without God at all.” But God wouldn’t let him go. Even when Jesse decided to live his life working as hard as he could to be moral and just a good guy, he knew that God was reaching out to him. His crisis moment came after he got married. Jesse felt the weight of caring for another human being’s needs in addition to his one purely from his own effort. After realizing that he could not continue on his own without expecting the same kinds of moral disasters that plagued his childhood role models Jesse sought help first from a counselor then eventually from God. Jesse takes us to the watershed moment when God wrapped his arms around him and he finally came back. Today, Jesse serves as the accountant at South Fellowship Church and is studying to become a counselor himself. Great quotes from Jesse: In hindsight, I’m certainly thankful for the periods of struggle with my faith that occurred as I got out of high school. I felt like after my dad fell, if I could live my life the way Ted Haggard lived his life, I would be okay. And then it became clear that won’t work either. I feel like at that time there was, for lack of a better term, there was a tug on my heart that I felt like the Lord wasn’t willing to let me go. I knew there was no way my effort was going to get me all the way through life. It was during that time when I began to be open to what it really looked like to be in relationship with the Lord again, to see Scripture in a different way where it really wasn’t about what I needed to do to live the good Christian life but what was available for me through the gift of grace that I was able to receive…I did not have to rely on my effort anymore. I did not have to be afraid of who I would become if left to my own strength. I knew grace very well and I had never experienced it. If you are new to the show or just haven't subscribed yet, make sure you never miss an episode by subscribing in iTunes today. The post Jesse Bean and Grace Greater Than Effort appeared first on Eric Nevins.

What would you do if God asked you to do something strange for awhile? Not a small step out of your comfort zone but a huge leap from it? Today’s guest is a man of action who God has used to bring joy to many children through Joy International. Jeff Brodsky founded the organization in 1981 and he shares today several stories about how God led him to start his own ministry and how it evolved over the years to the work they do today rescuing girls caught in sex trafficking around the world. (Note: be cautious as you listen to this episode. Jeff shares his story about how God led him and while there is nothing too explicit, the nature of his work means we have to mention sex slavery. I wouldn’t listen to this one with the kids in the car if you don’t want to answer any questions about that topic.) That’s a difficult enough task, but Jeff also does something unique to show his solidarity with those children that need to be rescued: he goes barefoot all the time. Listen to the show to hear him explain how he decided to do it and why. But also hear the passion in Jeff’s voice as he describes his heartbreak over the unspeakable evil of sex slavery and you’ll understand why God called him to this life. Great quotes from Jeff: When God calls you, you have a decision to make. It’s either yes or no. There is no maybe. God tells us to look for the least of these, to search for the least of these. I did. I started years ago to search for the least of these…My search continued until I learned about the plight of children that were kidnapped, forced, or manipulated into the commercial sexual exploitation world. When I saw what was happening to these children my search ended. You cannot get any lower than these children are. I absolutely want to see every one of them who abuse these children dead…to themselves and alive to Christ and have their lives turned around. No man is above redemption, not even the abuser of these children. Awareness without action is apathy. After we stopped recording, I asked Jeff what he needed and what would help most. Without skipping a beat he said “Money.” They cannot rescue girls from sex trafficking without means to send people and fund operations. I’ve never asked this of you before but will you take a moment and got to the Get Involved page on Joy.org and make even a small donation. It could mean the difference to a child’s entire life. Also, if you are new to the show or just haven’t subscribed yet, make sure you never miss an episode by subscribing in iTunes today. The post Jeff Brodsky is Barefoot Until the Last Child is Rescued appeared first on Eric Nevins.

Today’s conversation is with Amy E. Patton who shares how she learned to see God in her story. While she was a believer, it took a special community accepting her faults and all to help her understand the God could accept her too. Amy began to believe that God could use her, too, which led her in the direction of missions, story, and words. We often talk about books that impact us and Amy had a unique list. She shared fiction books God used to connect her to people who have to find purpose in their story which make her come alive. Here are links to the book Amy mentioned (Amazon affiliate links): Non-fiction books Amy mentioned: Boundaries: When to Say Yes, How to Say No to Take Control of Your Life Daring Greatly: How the Courage to Be Vulnerable Transforms the Way We Live, Love, Parent, and Lead Waking the Dead: The Glory of a Heart Fully Alive Radical: Taking Back Your Faith from the American Dream 7: An Experimental Mutiny Against Excess Great quotes from Amy: Jesus, this has nothing to do with heaven anymore. This has to do with me wanting to know you. And in that moment everything changed. All that ability and work and trying to be good enough for Jesus to love me just fell away. God, I will did into my story but I need you to show me where you are. In safe places with safe people as I began to share my story, I quickly discovered that they still loved me. One of the great things about fiction is sometimes we’re not ready for the truth. And we can remove ourselves, and kind of go to that place the author has created and wrestle with an idea and later on realize this is my life too. If you enjoyed hearing Amy’s story you will want check out her blog at amyepatton.com! I’ve been reading Amy’s blog for over a year and I think you’ll be encouraged by it. By the way, her post about refugees is called 7 Important Facts About the Refugee Crisis & Why It Should Matter to You. Read it and let her know you heard her on Halfway There! Also, if you are new to the show or just haven’t subscribed yet, make sure you never miss an episode by subscribing in iTunes today. The post Amy Patton Say God is in Your Story appeared first on Eric Nevins.

Have you ever been pushed to your limit? What if you got there by helping others in a way you felt called by God to do? Was he far away and distant. Or, close as you learned he was taking care of you deeply? Today’s guest is Lynn Byk who shares the experience of going to the limit of herself only to find that God led her to an unlikely relationship that changed her life. In fact, all the relationships that Lynn shares in this episode will move and inspire you from her days as a missionary in South Africa at the end of apartheid, to the way she led her husband to Christ, and finally, how God healed her after a painful estrangement with her neighborhood. God showed Lynn that he uses even our most painful experiences to bring us back to Him, together for our good, and that she can trust Him in that process. Lynn wrote a book about one of those relationships called Mr. B: Living with a 98-Year-Old Rocket Scientist which you can get at Amazon (affiliate link).Lynn wrote a book about one of those relationships called Mr. B: Living with a 98-Year-Old Rocket Scientist which you can get at Amazon (affiliate link). Great quotes from our conversation: I think as a Christian you have to open your hand up and say what do you want from me Lord? Do you want me to go through hardship? Do you want me to not be sure because you want me to trust in you? Do you want me to love this person even though everyone is looking at me saying ‘why are you their friend?’ The only way I can tell you is if you ask him to reveal himself to you. Ask him if the things you learned when you were a kid were real. I’ve learned that I don’t have to have chapter and verse to explain my life…there’s so much of Scripture that’s just story and the story is the process of a human being living and how God interacted in their life. He always puts me in situations that are just a little more than I can handle and then says “Ah! Now you need me. Now we can do this together.” To get more great books like Mr. B., see Lynn’s publishing website, Capture Me Books also. Did you relate to Lynn’s story? If so, wouldn’t your friends like it too? Share the show with them today! Also, if you would be so kind as to stop by iTunes and subscribe. Leave a review which helps our visibility in the rankings. The post Lynn Byk and Working Together for Our Good appeared first on Eric Nevins.

Today my guest is Rob Karch. Rob has served, with his wife and family, as a global worker sharing Jesus with people in Quebec for twelve years. In today’s conversation, he shares the story of how he got there, why he fell in love with God through reading Scripture with emotion, and the most recent unexpected turn in his life. Listen closely to Rob as he shares his heart of trust in God who so clearly has led him to share Christ with others. Even as he faces what can only be described as one of the most difficult challenges in his life, he tells stories of real hope based on the truth of the Gospel. That trust is so powerful. Rob is a friend and every time I talk to him this passion for God’s mission in the world lights up his face. I hope you enjoy him as much as I do. Great quotes from Rob in our conversation: We do a huge disservice when we worry we’re going to miss God’s will somewhere because throughout Scripture when God makes himself known, it is unmistakable. Simultaneously, there’s blessing and there’s suffering and it isn’t just one or the other. God loves Muslims just like God loves a secular Americans. It’s the same thing. He’s pursuing them. It’s almost as if God is saying “You know what? If you’re not going to go to these people, I’m going to bring them to you.” That’s the lens through which I’m seeing some of the refugee movements and things today. Some of these people are coming from the most difficult places to reach in the world and it’s almost as if God says, “Okay, I’m going to bring them to you.” Did you relate to Rob’s story? If so, wouldn’t your friends like it too? Share the show with them today! Also, if you would be so kind as to stop by iTunes and subscribe. Leave a review which helps our visibility in the rankings. The post Rob Karch and Embracing God in the Unexpected appeared first on Eric Nevins.

When you think of the mission field, what countries come to mind? Africa? South America? Maybe Asia? What about France? Today’s guest is Carol Wilson, a woman who heard God’s call to go so she gave up her beloved teaching job and took a step. We talk about how the end is never really clear until much later. Instead, you just take one step toward what you sense God calling you to and see what happens. Carol did just that and He took her all the way to France where she served as a missionary for 36 years. In today’s episode, Carol shares the story of her conversion at a Billy Graham crusade in Des Moines, Iowa, her call to the mission field, and stories from her ministries including what made her question whether she was in the right place and meeting Francis Schaeffer. Books mentioned (Amazon affiliate links): Great quotes: Little by little, over the year, I can say things happened in my life…that caused me to see the need in France. When I got there I learned it was called the graveyard of missionaries because there are so little results there. If you’re willing to follow the Lord’s leading, he is able to lead you exactly where he wants you. Did you enjoy hearing Carol's story about ministering in France? If so, be sure to stop by iTunes and subscribe so you never miss an episode. And tell a friend! The post Carol Wilson and Following the Lord’s Leading appeared first on Eric Nevins.

How does a Michigan farm boy turn into a travelling minister who builds up the church around the globe? Today’s story is proof that you just never know how God is going to use the events in your life, even the ones you don’t think are for your good at the time. The story belongs to Dell McDonald who I call the elder statesmen of our church. In our conversation, Dell shares the story of how he came to Christ in the middle of plowing a field, why he entered the Air Force, and how his sudden departure from the military was actually perfect timing for the work God would call him to do. That work involved ministering to Christian members of militaries around the world with an organization called Association for Christian Conferences, Teaching, and Service. He shares a remarkable story about a time when their work prevented potential slaughter. Once again, God was working even when it was difficult for anyone to know. Dell and I talk about the Holy Spirit and his conviction that sometimes we just make it too complicated and, if we would just look, we would see God directing us everywhere. Books that have influenced Dell (Amazon affiliate links): Great quotes in our conversation: If you’re a believer, sometimes you’ll cause a stir. My thoughts and ideas and relationship with the Lord has been formed by a lot of people, not just one. We talk a lot as believers about the Holy Spirit…but we don’t live that way. It’s knowledge we know that but we don’t experience it. That’s what brings us Christian joy, the fact that we have this confidence: God is directing our steps. God can use you as a soldier where you are. Did you enjoy hearing Dell's story about ministering around the world and growing in the Holy Spirit? If so, be sure to stop by iTunes and subscribe. While you're there leave a review which helps our visibility in the rankings. The post Dell McDonald Says God Can Use Even You appeared first on Eric Nevins.

Today my guest is Laura Flanders who serves as the director of the training and mentoring program at Denver Seminary. This was a special conversation to me because Laura served as my training center director during my time at DenSem. Her commitment to honesty in spiritual formation shaped me and planted the seeds of many of the ideas that show up in the show each week. Christians of all varieties are always working on learning more about God, who He is and how He works. That’s why we are always reading the Bible and spending time in prayer. Good ways to learn and grow, right? But what happens when our ideas about God are challenged by events that make no sense to us? Or even makes us angry? In 2001, Laura’s family had an experience that was deeply troubling and caused her to reconsider God. She was “furious” that God did not protect her family after the event which led her on a year long journey to trust God again. She shares the way God has brought her through the anger to a new perspective using Hebrews and the suffering of Jesus as an example. With the cross in mind, the suffering that Laura shares with us – suicide, Alzheimer’s, and Japanese beetles – makes more sense. If Jesus faced opposition (Hebrews 12:3) then we can expect to as well. “Do I have eyes to see and hear?” Great quotes from our conversation: My life theme is I’m constantly looking for ways to facilitate dialogue and interaction between human persons. I’ll do that wherever I’m at. My favorite definition comes from the Uncommon Individual Foundation which says Mentoring is a brain to pick, an ear to listen, and a push in the right direction. I had to wrestle with the fact that, for some mysterious reason, God does not choose to rescue me from all my suffering. That’s a hard fact to swallow. Alzheimer’s became a journey of me really learning how to love someone the way God loves. Links to things we discussed: My First White Friend by Patricia Raybon With: Reimagining the Way You Relate to God by Skye Jethani Laura’s blog is called Colorado Backyard Gardner where you can find out more about her, gardening, and the spiritual side of getting your hands in the dirt. Be sure to follow her on Facebook and Instagram and sign up for her newsletter. Did you relate to Laura’s story? If so, wouldn’t your friends like it too? Share the show with them today! Also, if you would be so kind as to stop by iTunes and subscribe. Leave a review which helps our visibility in the rankings. The post Laura Flanders Shares Jesus and Her Bleeding Heart appeared first on Eric Nevins.

Matthew Rennels shares his story of overcoming bipolar and anxiety. He grew up in a Lutheran family but, like many, gave up any connection to God in college. But then while working as a newspaper reporter in the Bible Belt, Matthew worked with a Christian. At first, he was was wary but then one day he just asked if he could go to church with the guy. And that was it. He gave his life to Christ not in a moment but in a flash. Matthew shared several of his hardest times including the last year when his life has changed dramatically through divorce, the sudden loss of his father, and a change of scenery from Florida to South Dakota. When asked what his experience of God is through this he gave the most honest answer: “It’s been a little back and forth.” Sometimes the life of faith is back and forth. The trick is to keep going. In a recent blog titled How to Find God’s Shining Light after a Divorce, Matthew shared his experience of divorce, wavering faith, and getting through to see God again. He’s a gifted writer and if you’re struggling with anything that makes you question all the times you were sure about God, read this post because you’re not alone. Books Matthew mentioned: Boundaries: When to Say Yes, How to Say No to Take Control of Your Life – Henry Cloud Codependent No More: How to Stop Controlling Others and Start Caring for YourselfCoDependent No More: How to Stop Controlling Others and Start Taking Care of Yourself – Melody Beattie Great quotes from our conversation: I lost my connection with a fellowship of believers entirely and, no surprise, I lost my faith in God entirely. Three things one year hit me pretty hard…and it led me to wonder why. I read the Bible everyday, I’ve gone to church every week, I’ve kept myself pretty clean…I couldn’t understand what was going on. It really challenged me. You know, you can shake your fists at God in that instance but I think God says “I didn’t say you would have a perfect life.” I don’t know where I got that belief. God keeps on opening doors for me and every time I’m amazed. That’s usually the way fears work: if we just take those little steps, if we just try a little higher rock, and we keep on setting the bar a little higher it will come natural and we won’t even think about it anymore. We will just be able to do what we never thought we could do. Did you relate to Matthew’s story? If so, be sure to stop by iTunes and subscribe. While you're there leave a review which helps our visibility in the rankings. The post Matthew Rennels and Overcoming Fear appeared first on Eric Nevins.

My guest today is Richard Jacobson who is a former pastor turned artist, animator, and now author. His book Unchurching: Christianity without Churchianity is written for the millions of Christians who are leaving organized churches. They aren’t alone and in Richard they may have found a leader. You may expect that someone writing against the current structure organization of churches to be bitter and angry at the church, with an axe to grind because they were hurt at some distant point in the past. Richard’s heart is not that way at all. I once heard a professor say to a class on church leadership that if you want to criticize the church, go ahead, but make sure you love her first. Richard’s heart is 100% there. He loves the church and believes there are better ways to create disciples than the present corporate structures. When the Holy Spirit speaks, he speaks with power. Wouldn’t a God who is omnipotent and omniscient that can do anything, be able to make you know [when His presence is near]? It’s kind of a backwards idea to think that the starting place for entering into a relationship or having an encounter with God is external when He’s God with us and we are His temple. We’re talking about a very internal thing. We are talking about the indwelling presence of God. Of course it makes sense that it would start with something happening inside you. In the show we talked about Richard’s videos which are so fun. He uses them to share his views. You can find his YouTube channel here and the one we talked about called Is Church Leadership Backwards? Check them out for a very good-and entertaining-explanation of Richard’s ideas. Why are we not asking whether this form of corporation is consistent with our calling to be a community? Get the Unchurching Podcast, too! Did you enjoy hearing Richard's story about unchurching? If so, be sure to stop by iTunes and subscribe. While you're there leave a review which helps our visibility in the rankings. The post Richard Jacobson and Unchurching appeared first on Eric Nevins.

This episode is a “betweenisode” to get us through to Season 2 of the show. Season 1 was great as we heard from 13 different people sharing their stories about God in their life and what it’s really like to walk with Him. Over 1600 downloads later, we’re ready to move into the next season. In this episode, I share about what to do when you are mad at God. It’s a moment that we all experience at some point. How we choose to respond is critical. We have three choices: Run away and reject faith altogether Redouble our efforts to please and impress God hoping to get better results Remain in the tension and take our issue directly to Him I share from the book of Habakkuk that deciding to press into the tension by wrestling with God, waiting for Him to respond, and worshiping is the best choice. Habakkuk’s example is a good one to follow. Notice: JavaScript is required for this content. The post What to Do When You’re Mad at God appeared first on Eric Nevins.

Suppose for just a moment that you came home from a long day at work. You're exhausted and just want to sit down. You collect the mail and look through it. Mostly junk but one piece sticks out. It is a notice that a package too valuable to be left when you're not here awaits you at the Post Office. All you have to do is pick it up and the package is yours. That moment between knowledge and possession of the package is wild. The package is there for the taking but not yet fully yours. Waiting can be excruciating. Now imagine living most of your life in that moment. It's my pleasure to introduce you to Ed Squire. Ed shares his testimony with me and described the long period of time when he was one foot in, one foot out with the Lord. He was a believer and knew that God loved him but he struggled constantly with living in His love. He knew the package was his but took his time picking it up. You'll hear him struggle with God and share with an intensity that few can. We also have a pretty deep theological conversation about what the Gospel really means for our acceptance with God. Don't miss this one. Great quotes from Ed: The Gospel and its preachers make an incredible promise. * I have a love relationship with Jesus Christ and a love relationship with my Father. * With our Heavenly Father, we are always in good standing with Him. Did you enjoy hearing Ed's story? If so, be sure to stop by iTunes and subscribe. While you're there leave a review which helps our visibility in the rankings. The post Ed Squire and the Incredible Promise of the Gospel appeared first on Eric Nevins.

Without a burning bush, how do you know God is directing you? Today, my guest and I discuss this question. Andy McClure has held a number of interesting positions including working on air at a local radio station, public address announcer, pastor, and managing a ReStore for Habitat for Humanity. I invited him to be on the show after we met at a Habitat conference. His story will be a helpful one. God doesn’t always speak in the burning bush. He’ll say something very quietly through someone else and you just nod and say that’s it. God’s providence is all over Andy’s life. His childhood was difficult due to parents who were separated leaving him with no father figure. God provided one for him in a pastor who just happened to have kids the same age living down the street. As he grew up, Andy made friends with another pastor who mentored him in the early years of his faith. When he felt called to move to Colorado, God provided housing, funding, and a church in miraculous ways. Listen to hear his full story. Great quotes from our conversation: It comes down to one simple issue: relationship. * It’s amazing how God will take some of those pains, and those hurts, and those brokenness issues and now they become your greatest asset. * In broadcast I was sharing headline news now all I’m doing is sharing the Good News. It’s a similar job and the only question is what story I’m going to tell. Did you enjoy hearing Andy's story of the Lord’s providence in his life? If so, be sure to stop by iTunes and subscribe. While you're there leave a review which helps our visibility in the rankings. The post Andy McClure and How Providence Uses Brokenness appeared first on Eric Nevins.

I loved interviewing today’s guest. You will hear a story of one woman’s life with God that proves peace really does come through trusting God in the hardest times. Jane Grifasi relates her story of struggling with cancer, a wayward husband, and learning to love God with such a pure heart that I know you will be encouraged by hearing it. In 2014, Jane was diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer which had spread through her body. She knew something was wrong and saw 11 doctors before she had a diagnosis. Her relief at the diagnosis surprised her doctors. “There was a lot of trouble before I came to Christ,” Jane says. She grew up in a Lutheran church but left and got married. Her marriage faltered and they divorced after seven years. During this time a friend invited Jane to her church. She and her ex-husband both came to the Lord, they remarried and had a family. I’ve had a wonderful, amazing, adventure-filled life. Our conversation became very personal as Jane described her last five years when marital issues cropped up again. Listen as she describes her husband’s decision to move to the Philippines without her and hear the way God worked through the process from anger to grieving to action. God’s miraculous intervention inspired her to keep going. Jane stepped into eternity on May 1, 2016. Every faith she expressed in this interview is now sight. Did Jane’s story bless you in some way? If so, be sure to stop by iTunes and subscribe. While you're there leave a review which helps our visibility in the rankings. The post Jane Grifasi and Finding Real Peace appeared first on Eric Nevins.

Doug grew up a military kid moving often as so many do. A Christian camp was where he found life and the “light of Christ.” At home he had plenty of love and acceptance but did not have a supportive Christian community and so found a constant dichotomy between his life at camp and the one at the college fraternity. Eventually, he moved to Colorado from Michigan. Longing for something more, Doug kept returning to camp to get recharged but still did not have authentic community outside. Doug grew up volunteering and once in Colorado he put this value to work with foster children. It was through this commitment that he became part of a real Christian community and also met his wife. Shortly before he married Doug went to an event by Marked Men for Christ which changed how he deals with life’s issues and living in the world. Again, solid, Christ-centered friendships grew out of the experience. He can take a wretch like me and move me from steeped in the world to be led by the Spirit. Books mentioned by Doug (affiliate links) Vanishing Grace: What Ever Happened to the Good News? by Philip Yancey What’s So Amazing About Grace? by Philip Yancey Right now God is showing Doug the following three words: Strength Courage Perseverance Where I used to run to the world to rise to the occasion now I run to Him. Did you connect with Doug’s story? If so, be sure to stop by iTunes and subscribe. While you're there leave a review which helps our visibility in the rankings. The post Doug Eisenbrandt and Jesus Found in the Long Run appeared first on Eric Nevins.

Greg Boyd – Racism: Why Whites Have Trouble “Getting It” Today’s guest is a classic suburban Christian kid with a passion for others. Jordan Vargo grew up with parents who loved the Lord. She was involved in a church youth group and wrestled with the disparity between her life there and at school. Jordan knew early in life that she wanted to be involved in mission so as soon as she could Jordan began to explore opportunities in college. When her mission trip to India was derailed by a typhoon she visited Vietnam with family friends instead. There fell in love with the people and the tangible faith of those who have little else. Her pastor saw that her ministry would benefit from more training so Jordan applied to Denver Seminary seeking a foundation in Scripture. The experience put words to her feelings for the marginalized and prepared her for a lifetime of service. I asked Jordan about specific passages of Scripture that influenced her as she pursued her studies. She cited the Jubilee of Leviticus 25:8-13 and Paul’s heart for the Lord as examples of how she grew in understanding of the call to justice. How can churches and sincere believers make a difference for justice in the world? Jordan explained her ideas how believers can work toward the Kingdom of God relationally, economically, professionally, and politically. I need to listen to the Gospel first. * My heartbeat for it might be super strong but I think every Christian should have a heartbeat for some sort of justice. * Seek to live your life extraordinary. Don’t settle for an ordinary life. You have God on your side. Books Jordan recommended (Amazon affiliate links): Generous Justice by Timothy Keller The New Jim Crow by Michelle Alexander Biblical Ethics and Social Change by Stephen Mott Justice in Love by Nicholas Wolterstorf Did you enjoy hearing Jordan's story of learning to serve the Lord? If so, be sure to stop by iTunes and subscribe. While you're there leave a review which helps our visibility in the rankings. The post Jordan Vargo and Justice on a Mission appeared first on Eric Nevins.

Jonathan Monsour grew up in a Roman Catholic family and rejected the church when his parents divorced. He came to Christ in middle school when his older sister signed him up for summer camp without asking him. It turned out to be a huge moment in his life because there he first heard about a relationship with Jesus leading him to give his life to Christ. You’ll hear us talk at some length about how long this process took and why. Jon describes his early relationship with the Lord as “one-sided” and derivative of his sister’s faith so that he had to learn to grasp the Lord on his own when she went to college. But then, Jon’s life changed again when one of his best friends died suddenly causing him to question God’s goodness and shaped his soul in ways he never expected. The result was a new calling to full-time ministry. Great quotes from our talk: God is always going to work in our lives. It took me awhile to release that to Him. * If I were in his position [and passed away] would my funeral be a couple of friends and family or would there people who I served? You can reach Jon on Instagram or Facebook. Did you enjoy hearing Jon's story of growing with the Lord? If so, be sure to stop by iTunes and subscribe. While you're there leave a review which helps our visibility in the rankings. The post Jonathan Monsour and How Faith Became His Own appeared first on Eric Nevins.

Turn your eyes upon Jesus. Look full in his wonderful face and the things of Earth will grow strangely dim in the light of his glory and grace. Following Jesus is never a one time event. Today’s guest describes her journey as one of learning to surrender not just once but as a practice of her discipleship. Sue Muckley is a mother, grandmother, and mentor to young people. She shared how the Lord showed her that He wants her heart through a move, a vision of how she approaches life with her husband, and the one role she plays. Great quotes from the interview: Run fast back to Jesus as soon as you know you’ve taken your eyes off of him. * God is greater than anything we can face but it’s when we believe the lie that we don’t need God that our focus is not on the Lord. * The holy of holies is in my heart. Books mentioned by Sue (Amazon affiliate links): The Last Addiction by Sharon Hersh The Calvary Road by Roy Hession Isaiah 43:1-5 I totally biffed a quote from Tim Keller when Sue and I were talking. Here’s the actual more eloquent quote: The gospel is this: We are more sinful and flawed in ourselves than we ever dare d believe, yet at the very same time we are more loved and accepted in Jesus Christ than we ever dared hope. Tim Keller in The Meaning of Marriage Did you enjoy hearing Sue’s story of learning to live with the Lord? If so, be sure to stop by iTunes and subscribe. While you’re there leave a review which helps our visibility in the rankings. The post Sue Muckley and Her One Role appeared first on Eric Nevins.

Is it possible to hear directly from God? A few weeks ago I shared with you a conversation with Iain Bradbeer about how he learned to interact with God to powerful results. I met today’s guest at the same time and he was generous enough to share the story of how he learned to hear and trust God. Todd Johnson is a pastor today but even getting to that role was a series of events of saying yes to leadership opportunities one at a time. He was the church kid who grew up loving the youth group at church and never remembers a time without the Lord. As you listen to Todd describe diving into leadership roles you’ll hear the joy in his voice and the peace of allowing events to develop while he trusts God. How does God direct him? That, Todd says, is the most dramatic part of his journey. And the stories he shares about the way God taught him to listen will inspire you, too. Great quotes: God is directing us all the time. * The problem with not having a category for actual leading is I can come up with this great idea and I’ll think it’s the Lord when it’s really coming from this pain that I’m not being a good enough Christian. * He must be leading me. Let’s find out what… Book mentioned by Todd (Amazon affiliate link): Walking with God by John Eldredge Did you enjoy Todd's story? If so, be sure to stop by iTunes and subscribe. While you're there leave a review which helps our visibility in the rankings. The post Todd Johnson Says Just Say Yes appeared first on Eric Nevins.

Shari Malott is a mother, teacher, and artist who is married to last week’s guest Chuck Malott. This marks the first time I’ve interviewed a husband and wife about their journey. This beautiful couple have been through the journey together but responded in very different ways. Shari grew up with no connection to the church but she knew something was missing. As a girl she would go sit in a nearby Catholic church and enjoy the peace she found there. She did have a Bible at home and started reading it at the beginning like you would any other book. During her junior year of high school she noticed that one of the popular girls was nicer than usual. On December 17, 1971 she asked that girl why she was being so nice and in study hall that day she met Jesus. She joined a church in Denver where she met her husband Chuck. The 80’s, Shari says, were a blur and her spirituality was lived out as a mother raising her children. I Fight Everyday for Hope When asked about darker times in her journey, Shari freely admits that she sometimes feels like she’s drowning. Her son, Ryan, struggles with alcohol and drug addictions. Shari’s expectation was that God would bring him out of this struggle but she’s still waiting. “When I’m drowning, God is my air,” she says and she returns to Lamentations 3 often. We think we trust God for our children when they go out the door but we really don’t know what we’re saying. We think, oh, because they are going to come back well. We really trust God when they don’t come back well. That’s trusting God. * If the circumstances don’t change, God is still the same and you still hang on to him. Books recommended by Shari (Amazon affiliate links): Faith Unraveled by Rachel Held Evans Traveling Mercies by Anne Lamott Lamentations 3:1-24 Did you enjoy Shari’s story? If so, be sure to stop by iTunes and subscribe. While you’re there leave a review which helps our visibility in the rankings. The post Shari Malott is Fighting for Hope appeared first on Eric Nevins.

Chuck grew up in a home so troubled that at his first opportunity he bought a one-way ticket to Hawaii where he lived under a makeshift shelter he fashioned from a washed up boat. When he finally returned home he met Christ through a pastor who just wouldn’t give up. As he returned to his seat after giving his life to Christ a woman met him with tears streaming down her face. She saw him weeks ago at a 7-11 and though he was “the most distraught human being” she had ever seen. So she prayed for him. God had answered her prayers. His life began to change as he realized going to church on Friday night and partying on Saturday night did not mix well. “It was through the Word and the Holy Spirit,” Chuck says that he came out of his wild lifestyle. His passion about the early years of walking with Christ can be heard in his voice as he describes praying with people, ministering on Colfax, and encouraging his friends. As Chuck shares in this interview, he learned to trust the Lord through the hard times including financial and relational loss. He learned that God can handle even when our hearts rage against Him, “kicking and screaming,” as Chuck says. Chuck finds comfort in the Psalms as he relates to David, a man who was after God’s own heart but was still flawed and sinful. Psalm 13:1-6 resonates with Chuck as he wrestles with God through life. Great quote: Are you trusting me because I’ll do something or because of who I am? Chuck’s parting advice: Test God to the utmost and be authentic. Be real. At the end of the day, find out who God is. Books Chuck loves (Amazon affiliate links): Brennan Manning – Ragamuffin Gospel Brennan Manning – Ruthless Trust (seriously, you should see his copy…it’s well loved!) Did you enjoy Chuck’s story? If so, be sure to stop by iTunes and subscribe. While you’re there leave a review which helps our visibility in the rankings. The post Chuck Malott is a Hippie Turned Saint appeared first on Eric Nevins.

How do you know when it’s God speaking to you? And what if you misinterpret what you heard? These are critical questions of discernment as you experience life with God. My friend Bill Brown spoke to me about learning to discern the Lord’s leading in his life. It’s one of those elusive concepts ingrained in church language but is not often taught as a matter of course in discipleship. That’s why it’s so valuable to hear Bill’s story of praying, waiting, and responding to what God seems to be doing in his life. He generously shared about the time he probably waited too long and what he learned from the experience. Bill is a godly man and I know his story will encourage you. Quotes from our conversation: “It’s in the training not the trying.” Dallas Willard * “I think we’ll develop throughout eternity.” * “The most valuable thing that came out of this was a greater sensitivity to that genuine peace.” * “Who can hold you better than God?” * “Inputs make a difference.” That last quote is great because Bill and I have a running conversation about the influence of the media and how Christians can be savvy media consumers. He’s so serious about the topic that he created and taught a class for the middle school where he teaches. Books Bill recommended (Amazon affiliate links): Richard Foster Brother Lawrence Oswald Chambers – My Utmost for His Highest Francis Schaeffer Francis Chan – Erasing Hell Dallas Williard – Divine Conspiracy Marva Dawn Last Words of Wisdom from Bill: He is intimate and personal. And grand and majestic. He hates sin more than we like to believe. But absolutely loves and forgives us more than we find it easy to believe. What more can you say? He is the meaning of life. Did you enjoy Bill’s story? If so, be sure to stop by iTunes and subscribe. While you’re there leave a review which helps our visibility in the rankings. The post Bill Brown and Waiting on the Lord appeared first on Eric Nevins.

Why is it that the experience of following Jesus looks so completely different in the New Testament than it does today? It’s a question many of us wrestle with. I did and it led me to study spiritual formation in seminary. If you’ve ever wanted more of God, or whispered a late night prayer hoping God would intervene somehow in your life then this episode is for you. Hobbled with a theology that said he was still a sinner though redeemed, my guest today faced the dual weights of success he did not feel he deserved and chronic illness. His theology couldn’t make sense of it so he began to reach out to the Lord. Iain Bradbeer was born in Australia, raised the son of a Scottish Presbyterian pastor, and today is an author and traveling teacher. He asked God for more and shared the surprising ways God answered that prayer. Surprising, that is, only if you’ve never experienced it. Here are a few quotes from our conversation: What amazed me was that there would be a direct response to my prayers…The gap between my prayer and the experience of him as a reality was narrowing, you know, which was really exciting. * I’d been living behind a theology of suffering and poverty. Then behind a theology of cessationism which says you don’t heal anymore and I’m getting ripped off. * I don’t want to spend every 10 years living towards my next theological breakthrough. Please take me to a journey where you are the limitation. The best place to reach Iain is on Facebook or his website. Get the book: The Operating System of Jesus by Iain and Clare Bradbeer (Amazon affiliate link). Did you enjoy Iain’s story? If so, be sure to stop by iTunes and subscribe. While you’re there leave a review which helps our visibility in the rankings. The post Iain Bradbeer and God as the Architect appeared first on Eric Nevins.

Spiritual maturity is one of those elusive things that all followers of Christ hope and strive after but can sometimes be difficult to know what it is really like. After all, everyone we know is in process, right? So how do you know a spiritually mature person when you meet them? Is it by their age or the number of decades since they made that fateful decision to follow Christ? Either sounds good until you think through all the people you know who have believed for many years and still, for one reason or another, know much about God but do not seem to know Him at all. If you can’t tell a spiritually mature person by the number of years they have been a declared Christian, how do you tell? Today’s guest (our first!) is a fine answer the the question. When you meet her you will be inspired by her story of coping with a difficult childhood through the church, learning about herself through parenting, suffering loss, and serving diligently in one church for over six decades. (You read that right. 60 years!) But Carolyn Schmitt’s walk with the Lord is more than just the result of passing time. It’s an intimate relationship with Him. It’s going to sound a little but strange… I’m finding for myself that maturity in Christ is very diametrically opposite to becoming mature as a human being. As a human being we go from absolute dependence…to functioning responsibly…but I’m finding for myself that so often I come into my relationship with the Lord as a very independent person needing to mature in dependence. Books Carolyn mentioned (Amazon affiliate links): Eugene PetersonEugene Peterson The Complete Father Brown: 53 StoriesG.K. Chesterton – The Complete Father Brown Stories C.S. Lewis – The Last Battle Dalas WillardDallas Willard John Ortberg John Eldridge – Beautiful Outlaw Philip Yancey – Prayer The basics of walking with the Lord are still exactly what I need. Did you enjoy hearing Carolyn’s story of growing in the Lord over time? If so, be sure to stop by iTunes and subscribe. While you’re there leave a review which helps our visibility in the rankings. The post Carolyn Schmitt and Six Decades and Counting appeared first on Eric Nevins.

Halfway There is a podcast dedicated to sharing the stories of ordinary Christians and their experience with God. Every Christian has a story to tell about how God entered into their lives but they don’t always get the opportunity to share it. Our discipleship suffers for lack of knowledge about how God works even today. Halfway There changes that by giving voice to ordinary Christians. Think of it as the pulpithood of all believers. Season 1 is packed with over 300 years of experience walking with God and features people in a variety of stages in life and Christian maturity. You will find a useful gem in each episode that will help you live more faithfully. If you like the show, please subscribe and leave a rating and review in iTunes. And tell a friend who could use some encouragement. The post Halfway There Season 1 Preview appeared first on Eric Nevins.