Jesus Calling: Stories of Faith

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 with your spouse. Kristina Kotlus had laid out a specific prayer to God: “Let me see you working.” She never imagined that her encounter with Him would come in the form of two cancer diagnoses, but she’s been amazed at how God took that opportunity to show her just what He was capable of. Links, Products, and Resources Mentioned: Jesus Calling Podcast Jesus Calling Past interview: Dawn Barton Upcoming interview: Tim Storey Karen Ehman Proverbs 31 Ministries Make Their Day https://www.karenehman.com Keep Showing Up Kristina Kotlus I Quit: Facing Cancer with Faith, Family, & Friends College of the Holy Cross George Mason Philippians 4:7 kristinakotlus.com Interview Quotes: “It brings this little level of excitement when you watch God work while you two are forming a team and working together.” - Karen Ehman “So often the way that we show love is not the way our spouse receives love.” - Karen Ehman “I think that's just a real crucial way that we can keep showing up is to use our words to speak to God about our marriages and to speak to God about our own behavior.” - Karen Ehman “I can look back in my life and see those exact difficulties, those problems, those pains, they were kind of the fertilizer for my faith. They’re when my faith grew the most.” - Karen Ehman “It really wasn't until I was diagnosed that I really understood an actual really scary thing, and I actually saw God's ability to step into that huge void where I couldn't carry the load and I couldn't change my circumstances—but He could.” - Kristina Kotlus, on her cancer diagnosis “I let myself have the emotions I was going to have, but I put a time limit on it. So I would literally set an egg timer or a timer on my cell phone and give myself fifteen minutes. I would have all of the negative thoughts. I would have all of the fears. I would just have them all and cry it out. And when my timer went off, I would literally out loud say, ‘Okay, you have been heard.’” - Kristina Kotlus “I don't think that God gave me cancer, I don't think that He shot down a lightning bolt from heaven and put the tumor inside of my head, but I do think that He used that experience as an answer to that prayer for me to see Him.” - Kristina Kotlus “I am choosing joy and I am deciding that I am going to go forward with confidence because I know my God has this.” - Kristina Kotlus ________________________ Enjoy watching these additional videos from Jesus Calling YouTube channel: Audio Playlist: https://bit.ly/2PrbuwH Video Playlist: https://bit.ly/2PsmEkJ What’s Good? Playlist: https://bit.ly/3i7VUlZ ________________________ Connect with Jesus Calling Instagram Facebook Twitter Pinterest YouTube Jesus Calling Website Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

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 of its forms, and knows how crucial it is that we give ourselves the type of rest our bodies, minds, and souls truly need. Because it is only when we are well-rested and energized that we can dedicate the best of ourselves to Christ—even the King rested on the 7th day. Links, Products, and Resources Mentioned: Jesus Calling Podcast Jesus Calling Jesus Always Past interview: Jana Kramer & Mike Caussin Upcoming interview: Karen Ehman Julie Carrick Carrick Ministries Foundation Unfailing Grace Grotto JulieCarrick.com Dr. Saundra Dalton-Smith Good Housekeeping Doctors’ Secrets Sacred Rest: Recover Your Life, Renew Your Energy, Restore Your Sanity John 10:10 http://www.drdaltonsmith.com/ Interview Quotes: “God's unfailing grace. No matter what we go through, that grace is there.” - Julie Carrick “The scripture—although it was written thousands of years ago—it wasn't written just for a thousand years ago. It was written timelessly. There is no beginning. There's no end. It was written for us today as much as it was back in the day.” - Julie Carrick “We're in a position where we are working out of our exhaustion rather than working out of the fullness of all that we have to give. We're not fully being able to use our gifts and our talents and all that God's placed inside of us because we are always working out of that place of depletion.” - Dr. Saundra Dalton-Smith “To give of our best, we have to be able to take the time to intentionally rest well.” - Dr. Saundra Dalton-Smith “I always like to meditate on a characteristic of God or even a word that brings you back to think about who God is in your life. Peace, love, joy. Pick a word, a phrase that you will focus on as a way of calming your mind and keeping it from being able to just jump to whatever thought that it decides it wants to.” - Dr. Saundra Dalton-Smith “I believe every one of us needs to have those people in our lives, whether it's a counselor or a therapist or a trusted friend, a family member, someone who knows at the very core of what's going on with you.” - Dr. Saundra Dalton-Smith “We need to see the value in spending time with those people who can pour back into us. We can't always be the ones pouring out into others.” - Dr. Saundra Dalton-Smith “Spiritual rest is the rest we experience when we have intimacy with God, when we take time to break away just to be with Him where we're not coming with our agenda. We're not coming with our prayer list. We're coming simply to just spend time in His presence and to enjoy being with Him.” - Dr. Saundra Dalton-Smith “God's best for us is where we actually go back to the very beginning and we do it as He has modeled even from the very beginning of creation.” - Dr. Saundra Dalton-Smith ________________________ Enjoy watching these additional videos from Jesus Calling YouTube channel: Audio Playlist: https://bit.ly/2PrbuwH Video Playlist: https://bit.ly/2PsmEkJ What’s Good? Playlist: https://bit.ly/3i7VUlZ ________________________ Connect with Jesus Calling Instagram Facebook Twitter Pinterest YouTube Jesus Calling Website Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

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 through cracks and crevices, and after Ruth became a mom, she started a blog, Grace Laced, as a way to muse on the way God’s faithfulness was showing up in the everyday, and it led to an artistic career that brought her fulfillment beyond her wildest dreams. Life coach and author Jess Connolly has made it her personal mission to help people discover what their God-given gifts are, because it’s not about what we can do with our lives, but who we can serve through our actions. Jess has learned over the years that on our own, we could never be enough, but by His grace, we are. Links, Products, and Resources Mentioned: Jesus Calling Podcast Jesus Always Jesus Calling Past interview: Jaci Velasquez Upcoming interview: Julie Carrick Ruth Chou Simons Grace Laced GraceLaced Beholding and Becoming:The Art of Everyday Worship Grace Laced Shop Jess Connolly You Are the Girl for the Job Bright City Church Go and Tell Gals 1 Peter 2:9 Interview Quotes: “I thought my worth was so tied to what I could accomplish. And long story short, the Lord really did get a hold of me, and God in His kindness showed me that nothing I had to bring to the table, no matter how hard I tried, no matter what college I went, to what degree I graduated with, what job I landed, none of those things could earn me to favor with God.” - Ruth Chou Simons “Those are truly just seasons that come about where God really breaks you of things that you think can save yourself. And He shows you what true salvation is.” - Ruth Chou Simons “I was simply writing to faithfully document and see how God's faith, God's favor, and His grace intersects everyday life, even when life wasn't turning out the way I expected it to.” - Ruth Chou Simons “I think anything, any dream you have, anything you want to do successfully in a big way, you need to do faithfully in a small way.” - Ruth Chou Simons “There are lots of things we want to be in the presence of. And we forget that we were made to be in the presence of our Savior.” - Ruth Chou Simons “Fullness of joy comes through Christ and through our knowing Him.” - Ruth Chou Simons “We get to be rooted in the good news that though we are not enough, God is.” - Jess Connolly “One of the best ways we can fight fear is saying true things about God.” - Jess Connolly “I have learned that part of the beauty of prayer is that when I pray for certain things, for God to move in certain ways, I begin to look for and see the fruit of those things. And so I'm really praying to see His power and to see His presence and to see His peace manifested in people.” - Jess Connolly ________________________ Enjoy watching these additional videos from Jesus Calling YouTube channel: Audio Playlist: https://bit.ly/2PrbuwH Video Playlist: https://bit.ly/2PsmEkJ What’s Good? Playlist: https://bit.ly/3i7VUlZ ________________________ Connect with Jesus Calling Instagram Facebook Twitter Pinterest YouTube Jesus Calling Website Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

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 sent their family into a tailspin once again. Clinging to God, the Schwenks found a way to cope and survive, trusting in the strength of Jesus to get them through. Former Army Captain Harold Earls and his wife Rachel know all about sacrifice—from a national perspective to a personal one. Early in their marriage, Harold felt called to climb Mt. Everest in support of veteran PTSD and suicide awareness, and in doing so, it terrified Rachel that she’d lose her husband before they could ever start a life together. By turning to God as reassurance that everything would be okay, they made it through the tumultuous climb. Then, as a guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Arlington, Virginia, Harold began a new mission each day of honoring the men and women who gave their all for their country and relied on his devotional ritual to help keep his mind on God’s purpose for his life. For each couple, looking to Jesus to help them through their toughest struggles helped them realize that God can bring forth good from pain and from sacrifice—and He can give you the strength to help you through the worst of it. Links, Products, and Resources Mentioned: Jesus Calling Podcast Jesus Calling devotional Past interview: Jonathan Pitts Upcoming interview: Ruth Chou Simons Ruth & Patrick Schwenk John 3:30 Moody Bible Institute Psalm 9:10 1 Peter, 1:3-4 In a Boat in the Middle of a Lake: Trusting the God Who Meets Us in Our Storm Harold & Rachel Earls Tomb of the Unknown Soldier Earls Family Vlogs Earls Fam Foundation Florida State University West Point Mount Everest Veteran suicide statistics Arlington National Cemetery A Higher Calling Interview Quotes: “I had to give up everything that I had been and I had to follow Him with my whole heart.” - Ruth Schwenk “I feel like God used that suffering and that uncertainty and that fear to really deepen my faith because I had a choice. I could either trust Him or I couldn't. And there was literally no earthly thing that I could do to change my situation.” - Ruth Schwenk “There are so many ways that chaos and pain and suffering and loss can be places of great anxiety, but they also can be places of great abundance where God is beginning to do something new and something powerful.” - Patrick Schwenk “We believe that God hears our prayers. He loves us. He desires to take care of us just as His child. He desires to take care of us just like we as a mom or a dad desire to take care of our own child.” - Ruth Schwenk “I am grateful and it helps me to see the good around me and all the blessings that God has just given me, which really carries me through those hard moments.” - Rachel Earls “Everything that makes me proud to be an American, I would see on a daily basis [at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier]. And so for me to have the opportunity to serve there with an extraordinary group of young men and women honestly has been a highlight of my life so far and something that I am thankful for.” - Harold Earls “This country, although we have our flaws, our flaws are still worth fighting for.” - Harold Earls “Men and women that were so brave, that we don't even know who they are, made those sacrifices for you and I, so that we could have the religious freedoms that we have so that we can worship the God that we worship, so we can go to church on Sunday and say Jesus in public.” - Harold Earls ________________________ Enjoy watching these additional videos from Jesus Calling YouTube channel: Audio Playlist: https://bit.ly/2PrbuwH Video Playlist: https://bit.ly/2PsmEkJ What’s Good? Playlist: https://bit.ly/3i7VUlZ ________________________ Connect with Jesus Calling Instagram Facebook Twitter Pinterest YouTube Jesus Calling Website Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

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 him realize that people’s stories are more complex than he ever thought possible, and that pain and suffering are interwoven with joy. After Ben’s following boomed from the publicity that being on national television brought, he realized he had an opportunity to use his platform for good, for change in the lives of those who desperately need it. That’s when he founded Generous Coffee, seeking to fulfill a purpose greater than himself and connecting with stories that truly mean something to us as humans. Author and speaker John Bevere had an encounter with God in 1991, when God told him to write. John laughed at God, thinking he was surely mistaken and calling on the wrong follower. After several nudgings, John gave in, and now his books are being used to build Christ’s kingdom worldwide. These two men show that when we harness our God-given abilities and surrender to His callings, lives and hearts can be changed, and we can have an impact greater than we ever thought possible. Links, Products, and Resources Mentioned: Jesus Calling Podcast Jesus Calling devotional Jesus Calling for Armed Forces edition JesusCalling.com Past interview: Cynthia Garrett Upcoming interview: Patrick and Ruth Schwenk Ben Higgins ABC’s The Bachelor - 20th season Generous Coffee Alone in Plain Sight Humanity Hope United generousmovement.com John Bevere Messenger International X: Multiply Your God Given Potential 2 Corinthians 12:9 NIV COVID Colossians 3:23-24 NIV 1 Peter 4:10 NIV 2 Timothy 1:6-7 NIV messengerinternational.org Interview Quotes: “I think the scariest thing that we could have in our life is experiencing pain and feeling alone in that pain. I don't know a scarier feeling than feeling alone.” - Ben Higgins “What if pain is the connector? What if pain is the thing that we can look at each other and feel less alone? And what if pain is the place that we not only grasp for God, but that God enters into our pain?” - Ben Higgins “I want to share empathy. I want to hear your story. I don't want to argue with you. I want to understand more than be understood.” - Ben Higgins “The more I become vulnerable, the more I let people understand who I am, the more that I also believe that I want to understand who others are.” - Ben Higgins “The callings on our lives are beyond our natural abilities.” - John Bevere “Being faithful means multiply, even if you're working for somebody else. If you're a line worker at the factory, if you're a janitor, you multiply where God has placed you. Be faithful, believe for the supernatural gifting to multiply, to shine as a light in that arena.” - John Bevere “God has called us to take what is uniquely gifted in us and multiply it to impact many. If you look at God's first commandment, it was be fruitful and multiply.” - John Bevere “That gift on your life is not for you. It's for the people that in your world of influence that God is sending you to. So if you don't operate in your gift, then the people in your world of influence don't get what God intended them to get.” - John Bevere Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

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 works in various cultures of humanity, and worshipping with different people has helped him see the true value of different communities and faith traditions. Thomas Morstead, a punter for the NFL’s New Orleans Saints, applied a mantra early on in life that no matter what, he would always give things his best shot, and leave the rest up to God. Following that principle has led Thomas to major success in the NFL, and has helped him use his influence to impact lives through his What You Give Will Grow Foundation. Links, Products, and Resources Mentioned: Jesus Calling Podcast Jesus Calling Past interview: Joanne Rogers Upcoming interview: Ben Higgins Rick Steves Rick's public television program San Juan Islands Guatemala RickSteves.com Thomas Morstead What You Give Will Grow Foundation Super Bowl XLIV Coach Payton What You Give Will Grow American Cancer Society American Heart Association Good Friday The Middle School Rules of Thomas Morstead Interview Quotes: “I think it carbonates your whole world when you get out there and you realize, Wow, different people find different truths to be self-evident and God-given. It makes you less fearful. It's a beautiful thing. “ - Rick Steves “We're a great country, but we're four percent of this planet, and there's ninety-six percent of humanity out there. And it really makes sense to get to know the rest of the world.” - Rick Steves “I love to meet other people of faith. And I love to share my faith with people who have no faith. Very fundamentally, we are children trying to figure out our relationship with God and trying to get close to our Heavenly Father.” - Rick Steves “But once in a while, it's good for me to get out there and worship with people who don't have the same hymnal, who don't have the same accent, who don't have the same blonde hair. It's exciting. And it's a beautiful thing. It's a celebration. I would imagine God likes to see that, too.” - Rick Steves ”For me, the most beautiful souvenir is bringing home a broader perspective.” - Rick Steves “Travel helps you appreciate how many people over how many centuries with how many styles of faith have praised God. We have a deep seated need to just to have quiet time to be with our creator, with our Heavenly Father.” - Rick Steves “I've always attacked things and tried to do the best I can at whatever I'm doing, and that's just opened up other opportunities that you didn't even know would be out there.” - Thomas Morstead “Accountability always, always rests on yourself and not on anybody else. And so I think when you start to live your life that way, it's a very quick way to get to some arbitrary thing called happiness when your life isn't dictated by others.” - Thomas Morstead “I just think if you're surrounded by negativity all the time, you're going to be negative. And if you're surrounded by positivity, you're going to be positive. And so I think everyone should guard their heart.” - Thomas Morstead ________________________ Enjoy watching these additional videos from Jesus Calling YouTube channel: Audio Playlist: https://bit.ly/2PrbuwH Video Playlist: https://bit.ly/2PsmEkJ What’s Good? Playlist: https://bit.ly/3i7VUlZ ________________________ Connect with Jesus Calling Instagram Facebook Twitter Pinterest YouTube Jesus Calling Website Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

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 actually was about to crack. When she met her future husband, Dr. Daniel Amen, Tana learned some ways to heal herself and was loved so well by Daniel (and by God) that she began to find the restoration she so desperately needed. It was in that time that she realized God cares way more about where you’re going than where you’ve been. Cheryl Parks, Mila Brown, and Corday Rice join us from the Jobs Partnership organization in Peoria, Illinois, which seeks to help people transition from a life of incarceration back into society as healthy, healed individuals. These women share how they’ve seen the power of God operating in their lives, and how He rescued them from situations where they couldn’t escape of their own power. Now, they’re passionate about sharing about their pasts in hopes that they can change the lives of others the way they’ve been changed by God. Links, Products, and Resources Mentioned: Jesus Calling Podcast Jesus Calling book Sarah Young Jesus Always book Jesus Calling for First Responders editions Past interview: Dr. Daniel Amen Past interview: Rebecca Bender Upcoming interview: Rick Steves Tana Amen Dr. Daniel Amen Amen Clinics Leave It to Beaver Thyroid cancer 1 Corinthians 6:9-11 EMDR Jobs Partnership organization Cheryl Parks Jobs Partnership Reentry Interview Quotes: “If I only took fifty percent responsibility, it meant someone or something else had the other fifty percent. It meant I wasn't really in control. It wasn't me just relying on God. It was like me giving up control and being a victim.” - Tana Amen “What I learned is that when I put myself out there and helped when I didn't want to, I just had no idea how much the help was for them, but the healing was for me.” - Tana Amen “I think it's important to draw boundaries, but also understand when God's calling you to do something.” - Tana Amen “God cares less about where you've been than where you're going. And I'm so grateful for that grace and that mercy.” - Tana Amen “I feel like my life is so much better today not in spite of my struggles, but because of them.” - Tana Amen “Meditation is when I listen to God and I listen for what He's saying to me. And prayer is when I'm talking to God and I tell Him my joy, my frustration, everything that there is, and I get it out of my head and it just really stills my soul and it's so helpful.” - Tana Amen “If my story can help anybody, one person, I've done what I needed to do.” - Mila Brown “The whole time that I was incarcerated, in my mind, I'm like, God, where am I going to go? I know no one. I have nobody. I have no family, no friends. No one has reached out to me for the four and a half years that I have been incarcerated. What am I going to do?” - Corday Rice “People say that change is scary, but change is good.” - Corday Rice “It was good to have women just look at me and just say that, “I love you.” And they didn't even know me. So I knew right then and there that that could only be the love of God that's working through them in the Jobs Partnership program.” - Corday Rice “I feel like God knew that I didn't have the strength to get out of the situation that I was in, so He forced my hand.” - Mila Brown ________________________ Enjoy watching these additional videos from Jesus Calling YouTube channel: Audio Playlist: https://bit.ly/2PrbuwH Video Playlist: https://bit.ly/2PsmEkJ What’s Good? Playlist: https://bit.ly/3i7VUlZ ________________________ Connect with Jesus Calling Instagram Facebook Twitter Pinterest YouTube Jesus Calling Website Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

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. A trailblazer, Dungy found a way to coach that aligned with his Christian values, showing the world that you can hold strong to your beliefs and find value in who Christ says you are, rather than who the world wants you to be. NFL linebacker and author Sam Acho grew up in a faith-based home, forming a relationship with God early on. But as he got more integrated in his career, Sam began to separate from his foundational values, and he suffered an identity crisis—he looked happy on the outside, but he didn’t feel it on the inside. It wasn’t until he went through a reckoning of sorts that Sam realized God believed he was worth getting to know, and when he started placing value on what really matters, things started to turn around. Links, Products, and Resources Mentioned: Jesus Calling Jesus Calling Podcast Winter 2021 Jesus Calling Magazine JesusCalling.com/magazine Jesus Calling for First Responders editions Past interviews: Lolo Jones and Evander Holyfield Upcoming interview: Tana Amen Coach Tony Dungy All Pro Dad National Football League NBC’s Football Night in America Sunday Night Football Matthew 16:26 University of Minnesota Steelers Chuck Noll Tampa Bay Buccaneers Spelman College Super Bowl LII Sam Acho Let the World See You Dallas Theological Seminary Living Hope Bible Fellowship Church Reggie Bush Matt Leinart Pete Carroll Rivals Brian Orakpo Chris Ogbonnaya Emmanuel Acho Hebrews 11:1 Interview Quotes: “Welcome to the National Football League. You're now getting paid to play football, so that makes it your profession. But please, please don't make football your whole life.” - Chuck Noll, to Tony Dungy “I made a decision I was going to be different. And not everybody was ready for that.” - Tony Dungy “You can honor the Lord and you can be openly expressive about your faith and still be excellent.” - Tony Dungy “God takes you through things and you grow from them and then you look back and say, ‘Oh, that wasn't that big a deal.’ But at the time, it was monumental. God is giving you little trials to get you through, but you're going to keep your focus on Him.” - Tony Dungy “Christ is so much a part of my life that if I can just help steer someone else, anyone towards Jesus, it's very important. Truth always wins. And we can't be afraid of sharing the truth.” - Tony Dungy “We were created for relationship, we were created to love.” - Sam Acho “You are worth getting to know. Your pains, your joys, your fears, your hurts, all of you. You're worth getting to know. Why? Because you're already fully seen, fully known and fully loved by Jesus.” - Sam Acho ________________________ Enjoy watching these additional videos from Jesus Calling YouTube channel: Audio Playlist: https://bit.ly/2PrbuwH Video Playlist: https://bit.ly/2PsmEkJ What’s Good? Playlist: https://bit.ly/3i7VUlZ ________________________ Connect with Jesus Calling Instagram Facebook Twitter Pinterest YouTube Jesus Calling Website Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

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 loss of his nephew. But even in hardship, Angus has experienced miracles that have infused him with a passion to share the Word of God all over Africa, lighting up the world with his energy and enthusiasm. Pie shop owner Tara Royer Steele grew up working hard in her family’s business, but all the focus on the business left her longing for affirmation of who she was—not just what she could do. After years in an abusive marriage, she was ready to give up, but felt God pushing her towards something better, assuring her that He would be enough for her. Tara found the courage to start over, ultimately leading her to reach her dream of creating a haven for people to connect at a warm, friendly place over slices of pie. Links, Products, and Resources Mentioned: Jesus Calling Podcast Jesus Calling book Jesus Calling for First Responders editions Angus Buchan Faith Like Potatoes KwaZulu-Natal in South Africa 2 Corinthians 5:17 2 Corinthians 9:8 Shalom Ministries Mighty Men conferences Randy Travis Tara Royer Steele Royer's Pie Haven Match.com Fruit of the Spirit Jesus Calling for Kids Eat. Pie. Love. Interview Quotes: “I knew in my heart that Jesus Christ was now the general manager of my life, my farm, my family.” - Angus Buchan “Look, I've had some tragedies, as you probably know, like all of us, but miracles have taken place. Nobody will ever persuade me that Jesus Christ is not alive and the Son of God, never.” - Angus Buchan “I had joy, I had peace, and I was ready for whatever God told me to do.” - Angus Buchan “We are going to flood this beloved country of South Africa. We're going to preach the undiluted gospel of Jesus Christ, that that is what I'm praying for right at this very moment.” - Angus Buchan “The cafe became a relational restaurant, and people that walked to the door felt safe and welcomed and loved and seen.” - Tara Royer Steele “There is no way that I would be sitting here right now if God hadn't protected and provided through that whole season.” - Tara Royer Steele, on working in her family business “God had to grab me and say, “Listen, this is your last chance. I love you. I see you. I am enough for you.” - Tara Royer Steele “Someone asked me, ‘What's your business plan?’ I was like, ‘Well, God's my business plan.’” - Tara Royer Steele “It's so easy for us in a world now where we quickly react and we don't step back and truly savor the moments that we have and these opportunities that we have to meet people exactly where they are and be the hands and feet of Jesus.” - Tara Royer Steele ________________________ Enjoy watching these additional videos from Jesus Calling YouTube channel: Audio Playlist: https://bit.ly/2PrbuwH Video Playlist: https://bit.ly/2PsmEkJ What’s Good? Playlist: https://bit.ly/3i7VUlZ ________________________ Connect with Jesus Calling Instagram Facebook Twitter Pinterest YouTube Jesus Calling Website Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

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. Growing up in the Netherlands, pastor Henriët Schapelhouman always had open conversations with God. And as an adult, she knew that He placed her adopted son, Harrison, into her life for a reason. But when Harrison began to suffer from a drug addiction, Henriet questioned why God would let her family go through such a difficult trial. Henriët continued to pray faithfully, believing that God would rescue her son from those deadly grips—and after Harrison had a brush with death, she cried tears of joy when she watched her son leave his dark days behind him. Links, Products, and Resources Mentioned: Jesus Calling Podcast Jesus Calling book Jesus Calling editions for First Responders ChristianBook.com Past interview: The Next Door addiction treatment center Upcoming interview: Angus Buchan Ryan Sheckler The Life of Ryan Michael Phelps Make-A-Wish Foundation Sheckler Foundation Henriët Schapelhouman True Hope Community Church Mennonite Brethren Church Free Methodist church The Story Lives: Leading a Missional Revolution henrietschapelhouman.com Interview Quotes: “The huge step for me was admitting that I was powerless and I couldn't do it without Him. I could not do anything else without Him.” - Ryan Sheckler “It's not lame to be vulnerable. It's not bad to tell people how you're thinking or to really express emotion, or to cry. That's what we're supposed to do.” - Ryan Sheckler “None of us are alone in this world. We're not alone. And we're supposed to go through pain to be able to teach this lesson.” - Ryan Sheckler “Everyone's going to go through pain. We all go through pain. For me, pain is my teacher, my biggest teacher.” - Ryan Sheckler “I'm a firm believer that the road home needs to stay open, just like the father of the prodigal son stood waiting for his son to return.” - Henriët Schapelhouman “People thought it was enabling, but I was a firm believer that my job was to hang on to God and hang on to Harrison, that I basically was between them because Harrison wasn't connecting with God. So I felt like I was the conduit. And that was my job.” - Henriët Schapelhouman “Without Jesus, I would not be standing. I mean, first and foremost, you need Jesus. And if you don't know Jesus, it's a great time to reach out to Him or at least reach out to someone who knows Him.” - Henriët Schapelhouman ________________________ Enjoy watching these additional videos from Jesus Calling YouTube channel: Audio Playlist: https://bit.ly/2PrbuwH Video Playlist: https://bit.ly/2PsmEkJ What’s Good? Playlist: https://bit.ly/3i7VUlZ ________________________ Connect with Jesus Calling Instagram Facebook Twitter Pinterest YouTube Jesus Calling Website Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

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 suiting up and showing up for our frontline responders and demonstrating a consistent, Christ-like love to those fighting every single day. Links, Products, and Resources Mentioned: Jesus Calling Podcast Jesus Always Jesus Calling Sarah Young Past interview: RaeLynn Upcoming interview: Ryan Sheckler Chris Tomlin Scripture: Birth of Jesus Virtual Event - Christmas Songs of Worship: ChrisTomlin.com New album: Miracle of Love: Christmas Songs of Worship Tom & Pam Banwart COVID-19 Pandemic Interview Quotes: “When I come to try to write songs, I'm always thinking, I want to write songs that bring worship to God, the reason that we have Christmas.” - Chris Tomlin “Can you imagine what Mary must have felt when the angels came to Joseph and Mary in the tree and said, ‘Oh, by the way, you're about to have a baby and it’s going to be the Son of God.’” - Chris Tomlin “I sat down and I thought, Here's a moment to write a song that's really personal to me, [because] my Christmas baby is coming, but [it] also has a parallel of Jesus coming at Christmas as well.” - Chris Tomlin “Jesus is the greatest miracle that's ever happened to the world.” - Chris Tomlin "When COVID-19 hit, we didn't know what to do, we were afraid. The thought that just kept coming to me was, What a wonderful opportunity for us as Christians, that God gave us this chance to fight the spiritual battle." - Tom Banwart “The best thing for me in my life has been the consistency of Christ. And He has consistently been there, no matter what I'd done, where I'd been or anything. He's been there, and they need to know that they had that, too.” - Tom Banwart, on praying for first responders and patients outside their local hospital ________________________ Enjoy watching these additional videos from Jesus Calling YouTube channel: Audio Playlist: https://bit.ly/2PrbuwH Video Playlist: https://bit.ly/2PsmEkJ What’s Good? Playlist: https://bit.ly/3i7VUlZ ________________________ Connect with Jesus Calling Instagram Facebook Twitter Pinterest YouTube Jesus Calling Website Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

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 of his entire life. Pastor Sheryl Brady serves at a campus of Potter’s House in Dallas, TX, sharing God’s hope and goodness with the community. But when Pastor Brady experienced a dark season of loss, she struggled to share the message that once came with ease, and began to grow distant from God. But as she held onto the truth she knew deep down—that God loved her and she loved Him—Pastor Brady found the strength to be open and honest about her pain, and it led her to immense healing. Links, Products, and Resources Mentioned: Jesus Calling Podcast Jesus Calling book Sarah Young Parable.com Recommended interview: John Maxwell Upcoming interview: Chris Tomlin Carlos Whittaker New Book: Enter Wild Colón, Panama LAX L.A. Community College Monterrey, Mexico First Bilingual Baptist Church Integrity Music Hillsong United John Mark McMillan Jeremy Camp The Newsboys My Utmost for His Highest Elevation Church North Point Community Church Cross Point Church WhiteHouse.gov Song: ”What Can Wash Away My Sins? Nothing But the Blood of Jesus” John 10:10 Compassion International Sheryl Brady New Book: Don't Miss the Moment Potter’s House Bishop T.D. Jakes Romans 8:38 Interview Quotes: “I prayed about it one day, and I felt very clearly the Lord telling me, ‘They're right, you are supposed to be a speaker and an author next. That is the next thing I have for you.’” - Carlos Whittaker “It doesn't matter how long you're in the wilderness. If the Lord has promised you something, He will come through with it.” - Carlos Whittaker “When the Lord tells you to do something scary, I promise you the risk is worth it.” - Carlos Whittaker “We're not called to become Christians and wait for heaven. We actually are called to become Christians and bring heaven. And that potential and opportunity with the power of the Holy Spirit in our lives is available to us.” - Carlos Whittaker “Life to the full has nothing to do with the abundance of things and everything to do with accessing the King.” - Carlos Whittaker “We've got the belt of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, the shoes of the gospel, the helmet of salvation, the shield of faith in the sword of the Spirit. And all of these things will allow us to be strong, not in our might, but in the strength of God.” - Carlos Whittaker “I feel like so many times we underestimate and we undervalue the moments that God has given us. Moments are small enough to be missed, and yet there they are big enough that one minute can change your life forever.” - Sheryl Brady “I realized that God is sovereign and I can't make Him do anything. But I also realized that if I would let Him, He would walk me through the decisions He makes that I don't understand.” - Sheryl Brady “If you're grieving and you feel isolated and you feel like it's easier to isolate yourself, it might be easier to isolate yourself, but don't do it because somebody around you has what you need to help you get through this moment.” - Sheryl Brady _______________________ Enjoy watching these additional videos from Jesus Calling YouTube channel: Audio Playlist: https://bit.ly/2PrbuwH Video Playlist: https://bit.ly/2PsmEkJ What’s Good? Playlist: https://bit.ly/3i7VUlZ ________________________ Connect with Jesus Calling Instagram Facebook Twitter Pinterest YouTube Jesus Calling Website Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

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 Mike begin to appreciate himself and his own special gifts, refreshing his perspective and perception of God. Dr. James Merritt, pastor of Cross Pointe Church in Atlanta, knows that more than anything, our character counts, even more than what others might think about us. He shares how we can cultivate strong character, and why standing for what we believe in holds a greater reward than getting approval from someone else. Links, Products, and Resources Mentioned: Jesus Calling Podcast Jesus Calling iPhone app Jesus Calling book Sarah Young Parable.com Past interview: Chelsea Crockett Upcoming interview: Sheryl Brady Mike Weaver I Am Redeemed book by Mike Weaver Big Daddy Weave “Redeemed” song University of Mobile Jeremy Redmon COVID-19 James 4:8, Jeremiah 29:12 Dr. James Merritt Character Still Counts book by Dr. James Merritt Cross Pointe Church Touching Lives Dwight L. Moody Billy Graham Interview Quotes: “I just never felt like I belonged in front of people. However, worship would give me an opportunity to disappear and still do what I love.” - Mike Weaver “The way I thought other people were accepting me is how I was able to accept me. The way I thought other people were liking me is how I gave myself permission to like me.” - Mike Weaver "I was telling God this long list of things that I hated about myself, and then that still, small voice of the Holy Spirit interrupted: 'Michael, why don't you let Me tell you what I think about you for once?'" – Mike Weaver “Jesus came in and He bailed me out again. He did it again. He broke through for me. And He always is the hero of my story. And so I was just like, ‘God, how amazing that You can bring this [song] out of self-hatred. That's how great of a Redeemer You are.’” - Mike Weaver, on the success of his song, “Redeemed” “We have experienced Him in such incredible ways in that place of need, realizing, Jesus, we need You.” - Mike Weaver “When God looks at us, He's not looking at our mistakes. He is looking at what Jesus has done on our behalf and our identity. Our entire identity is rooted not in our imperfection, but the perfection of Jesus Christ applied to our life.” - Mike Weaver “At the end of the day, at the end of your life, character is everything.” - James Merritt “Character is not taught, it's caught. And the best teachers of character are parents.” - James Merritt “I think it all begins with saying, ‘You know what? Character is more important to me than my reputation. It really is the essence of who I am.’” - James Merritt “At the end of your life, it really won't matter what anybody thought about you. The only thing that will matter is what God knew about you.” - James Merritt ________________________ Enjoy watching these additional videos from Jesus Calling YouTube channel: Audio Playlist: https://bit.ly/2PrbuwH Video Playlist: https://bit.ly/2PsmEkJ What’s Good? Playlist: https://bit.ly/3i7VUlZ ________________________ Connect with Jesus Calling Instagram Facebook Twitter Pinterest YouTube Jesus Calling Website Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

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 Dare to Bloom. Mental health advocate Kayla Stoecklein experienced the tragic loss of her young husband to suicide, just as he was hitting his stride as the lead pastor of a large church in California. Reeling from her new life as a widow with three young boys, Kayla began to reexamine the way she thought about mental health, and God helped Kayla use her story to begin helpful and healing conversations around this issue. Links, Products, and Resources Mentioned: Jesus Calling Podcast Jesus Calling book Other Interview of Interest: Brett Swayn Upcoming interview: Mike Weaver of Big Daddy Weave Zim Flores New book: Dare to Bloom Travel Noire Biafran War Mayo Clinic Bangalore John 15 Kayla Stoecklein New book: Fear Gone Wild Vanguard University Inland Hills Church Godsgotthis.com National Suicide Prevention Interview Quotes: “I don't think that it should be something that is a rarity for women and men of God to talk about God in a way that inspires people to think a little bit differently about God in their own lives.” - Zim Flores “I would say that my time in India being away from everything that I knew, everybody that I knew, speaking a different language completely, that was where my faith in God was strengthened.” - Zim Flores “Your sacrifice unto God is not for naught. He will honor that sacrifice, whether it is tomorrow, whether it's next month, whether it's five months or a year from now. God always makes good on His promises.” - Zim Flores “I am an open vessel. I think the best thing that we can be for God is available.” - Zim Flores “I believed with enough prayer that God would intervene, that God would save [Andrew]. I was willing to do whatever it took to beg God for that miracle, and we didn't get that miracle.” - Kayla Stoecklein “Oftentimes there's so much shame and stigma with that word suicide. I think oftentimes the family that's left in the shrapnel is afraid to say that word, is afraid to admit that it was a suicide and tries to hide it up or tries to cover it or thinks it's their fault. And I knew right away that it wasn't anybody's fault.” - Kayla Stoecklein “God was on the move and He handed me this microphone, and I couldn't look away. And so I kept sharing and I really, truly felt the presence of God like I had never felt in my entire life.” - Kayla Stoecklein “We serve a God that can squeeze so much purpose out of our pain and that can turn really horrible, horrific, ugly things into beautiful redemption stories for others.” - Kayla Stoecklein ________________________ Enjoy watching these additional videos from Jesus Calling YouTube channel: Audio Playlist: https://bit.ly/2PrbuwH Video Playlist: https://bit.ly/2PsmEkJ What’s Good? Playlist: https://bit.ly/3i7VUlZ ________________________ Connect with Jesus Calling Instagram Facebook Twitter Pinterest YouTube Jesus Calling Website Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

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-line of beautiful moments, lessons, and experiences that all contributed to the man he is today. Author and speaker Rebecca Alonzo’s childhood was tainted by a member of her parents’ church who terrorized their family, ultimately leading to the tragic death of her mother and father. After years of wrestling with God, and being unable to see how He is good, Rebecca realized that she needed Him more than she needed to be mad at Him, and her anger dissolved into forgiveness, mapping out a new course for her future. Links, Products, and Resources Mentioned: Jesus Calling Podcast Free sample of Jesus Calling: Note-Taking Edition Jesus Calling book Past interview: Rebecca Bender and Patti Callahan Upcoming interview: Zim Flores Matthew McConaughey Greenlights book Just Keep Livin Foundation University of Texas at Austin Rebecca Alonzo The Devil in Pew Number Seven book rebeccaalonzo.com Ephesians 4:31 Romans 8:28 John 15:12 Interview Quotes: “I did go through an, ‘Okay, I need to figure out what matters and what doesn't’, because over one weekend my life changed so much.” - Matthew McConaughey, on the smash success of his film A Time to Kill “My family, one of the best traits we have is resilience.” - Matthew McConaughey "We need to take time where we stop and do inventory. That's what church is for me now . . . That's, Let's go back to our last week, who we were in it. How did we do?" - Matthew McConaughey “The thing that really surprised me about writing is that I was writing about the exact same stuff, the same questions at fourteen is the same question that woke me up at 2:32 AM last night, it's essentially the same stuff. And going back and looking at [my younger self] and really diving into it has been extremely valuable my life.” - Matthew McConaughey, on keeping a journal for 36 years “I can see myself in them and hear how they got back on the right track when they were on the wrong track. So that feels really good to me.” - Matthew McConaughey, on participants in his "just keep livin'" Foundation for youth “Our hands are on the wheel, but God's laying out the highway.” - Matthew McConaughey “I didn’t know if I was going to wake up in my bed, or if I was going to wake up in heaven.” - Rebecca Alonzo, on living through harassment as a child by a fellow townsperson “When I lost my adoring father, oh, wow. It just spun me into two years of really being angry at God. And I said, ‘Lord, Mom, when she died, a man shot her and took her life. But when dad died, Lord, You took him.’” - Rebeca Alonzo “I need God more than I need to be mad at Him. I need Him more than I need to blame Him, I need His wisdom, I need His direction, I need His comfort.” - Rebecca Alonzo “It takes energy to hold on to anger.” - Rebecca Alonzo “He knows everything that we've been through. He knows every thought that we struggle with. He knows every pain that we carry in our hearts. And every time God kept His promise.” - Rebecca Alonzo ________________________ Enjoy watching these additional videos from Jesus Calling YouTube channel: Audio Playlist: https://bit.ly/2PrbuwH Video Playlist: https://bit.ly/2PsmEkJ What’s Good? Playlist: https://bit.ly/3i7VUlZ ________________________ Connect with Jesus Calling Instagram Facebook Twitter Pinterest YouTube Jesus Calling Website Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

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 Curtis have come to realize where their priorities lie—and that’s with raising their kids. Super Bowl-winning quarterback Trent Dilfer knows the value of appreciating your family, particularly since he tragically lost his son Trevin at a young age. Keeping faith as the foundation for his life, Trent has repurposed his pain into passion, and started saying yes to where God wanted him to go, which led to the unlikely decision to coach high school football and mentor young athletes in Nashville, TN. Links, Products, and Resources Mentioned: Jesus Calling Podcast Jesus Always Jesus Calling Note-Taking Edition Jesus Calling book Past interview: Ron Hall Upcoming interview: Matthew McConaughey Brad and Curtis Rempel Ricky Skaggs Skaggs Family Records.com Trent Dilfer Super Bowl XXXV Lipscomb Academy Disneyland Philippians 4:6–7 Interview Quotes: “I've been a dad for almost seven years, and I'm still just trying to always pray that God will keep me humble, and if I want my kids to own their own mistakes, I’ve got to own mine.” - Curtis Rempel “We pray as a family all the time that God will work in our hearts, help us to be servants of each other, and be humble.” - Curtis Rempel ”You do all the things that you think are the right things to do, but God has this story that He's writing.” - Brad Rempel “God has this amazing way of just doing what He wants with what you've got.” - Brad Rempel “Football has this unique way of not just impacting the individual that's playing it, coaching it, but especially here in the south, it impacts communities.” - Trent Dilfer “I've been asked this question a million times about how my faith has impacted my life, and I can always give the same answer. It is my life. It's the foundation. It's the starting point for everything.” - Trent Dilfer “I still to this day can't understand how somebody can get through how hard life is without that peace that transcends understanding.” - Trent Dilfer “As these wounds were being opened, as I was dealing with some of this pain, again, it was bringing out a passion in me that I hadn't had in years—maybe more than I had ever had. That passion surfaced as thought leadership, has surfaced as capacity, has surfaced as energy, has surfaced as compassion.” - Trent Dilfer, on coaching high school football “Sometimes we stay in our pain because we think that's where we should live. And we'd feel guilty if that pain turns into something positive. I would just tell you from life experience that that pain repurposed into passion is an incredible, redemptive quality that only the Lord Jesus Christ can provide.” - Trent Dilfer ________________________ Enjoy watching these additional videos from Jesus Calling YouTube channel: Audio Playlist: https://bit.ly/2PrbuwH Video Playlist: https://bit.ly/2PsmEkJ What’s Good? Playlist: https://bit.ly/3i7VUlZ ________________________ Connect with Jesus Calling Instagram Facebook Twitter Pinterest YouTube Jesus Calling Website Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

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 so many fronts, he urges everyone to pray both offensively and defensively, because it has the potential to change the world. Lieutenant Colonel Dan Rooney, a fighter pilot and PGA professional, considers himself a vessel of impact, noting that the only way he was able to achieve his goals was because God was on his side. By dedicating himself to 30 minutes of prayer a day, Lt. Col Rooney has learned how to engineer a life of fulfillment, noting that as a faith-based person, we often have to jump before we’re ready. Driven by his God-given purpose, Lt. Col Rooney’s organization Folds of Honor is assisting families of fallen and disabled veterans, showing that when we dedicate ourselves to the Lord, He will use you as an instrument for good. Links, Products, and Resources Mentioned: Jesus Calling Podcast Jesus Calling book Past interview: Charles Billingsley Upcoming interview: Trent Dilfer Episode sponsor: Operation Christmas Child Build a shoebox for a child online at Samaritan’s Purse.org/occ Bishop T.D. Jakes Potter's House T.D. Jakes Foundation T.D. Jakes Enterprises When Women Pray book Mother Teresa COVID-19 Lieutenant Colonel Dan Rooney Folds of Honor University of Kansas United States Air Force Eglin Air Force Base Luke Air Force Base Fly into the Wind book Interview Quotes: “This is a good time to amass women and challenge them to pray, because we are being attacked on so many fronts today: personally, nationally, medically, economically.” - T.D. Jakes “Every woman has to use prayer both as offense and defense.” - T.D. Jakes “Every choice you make follows a logical path. And it starts with, I won't do that. I can't do that. I'd like to. I'll try. I can. I will.” - Lt. Col. Dan Rooney “I dedicated myself to thirty minutes of daily prayer. And it was a life changing gift that the Air Force, probably above all else, gave me.” - Lt. Col. Dan Rooney “I would say the defiant thread of true greatness in faith-based people is you get to a place in your life and you’ve got to go before you're ready...This reckless faith that I've learned as a fighter pilot in an inherently very dangerous business is such a gift. Life is not a dress rehearsal.” - Lt. Col. Dan Rooney “He picks the least among us, but He picks the willing.” - Lt. Col. Dan Rooney _______________________ Enjoy watching these additional videos from Jesus Calling YouTube channel: Audio Playlist: https://bit.ly/2PrbuwH Video Playlist: https://bit.ly/2PsmEkJ What’s Good? Playlist: https://bit.ly/3i7VUlZ ________________________ Connect with Jesus Calling Instagram Facebook Twitter Pinterest YouTube Jesus Calling Website Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

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 Guckenberger of Back2Back Ministries is familiar with small beginnings—and if you ask her, she’ll tell you just how amazing it is that God was ever able to use her to create such a ministry. Through the miracles she’s seen, and the amazing children she’s met along the way, Beth has seen the value of stepping out in faith, and how God works all things together for good as we shower others with His love. Links, Products, and Resources Mentioned: Jesus Calling Podcast Jesus Calling book Past interview: Kristen Chenoweth and Joanne RogersUpcoming interview: Bishop TD Jakes Episode sponsor: Operation Christmas Child Build a shoebox for a child online at Samaritan’s Purse.org/occ Michael and Zina Goodin Book: Homecoming Tales Old Friends Senior Dog Sanctuary Middle Tennessee Golden Retriever Rescue Simon and Garfunkel song, “Old Friends” Michael and Zina’s feature in the October 2020 issue of Jesus Calling Magazine Beth Guckenberger Back2Back Ministries Young Life Zachariah 14 BRCA2 cancer BRCA2 positive Interview Quotes: “That's our goal: for as long as the dogs are with us, to keep them as happy and comfortable as we can.” - Michael Goodin “Because of Lucy-Lu's attitude, we realized that these senior dogs, no matter what terrible background they came from, could appreciate the rest of their life and leave the past behind them and have a good life.” - Zina Goodin “One of the greatest things about older dogs, especially when they have been in the shelters, when we bring them out of that shelter, they don't even remember the past. They just live in the day, and they get so happy.” - Michael Goodin “I had to try to understand what it looked like for God to be sovereign in stories that were hard.” - Beth Guckenberger “We knew that we were taking small steps, and this was a small beginning. We had no idea what was going ahead. But there was a lot of comfort in believing that God was just rejoicing in our obedience.” - Beth Guckenberger “Watching the power of love in the life of an adopted child and what it does to a child to feel known and loved and seen, it definitely birthed all the rest of the stories that happened in our family.” - Beth Guckenberger “This is exactly why we sow truth into our hearts, so that in a moment we most need it, It's right there at the ready for us. So for me, when I get big feelings like fear or anger or anything that can threaten to steal the peace that I have, I just remind myself of what's true.” - Beth Guckenberger “The faster we get to that space where we can trust God to be good and right, the less energy we spend fighting what He has for us.” - Beth Guckenberger ________________________ Enjoy watching these additional videos from Jesus Calling YouTube channel: Audio Playlist: https://bit.ly/2PrbuwH Video Playlist: https://bit.ly/2PsmEkJ What’s Good? Playlist: https://bit.ly/3i7VUlZ ________________________ Connect with Jesus Calling Instagram Facebook Twitter Pinterest YouTube Jesus Calling Website Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

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, founder of the nonprofit Redefined Courage, has watched many women in her family battle with breast cancer. When Nikki noticed that her mom—the woman she’d always seen as the most radiant in the room—no longer felt beautiful, she realized God was prompting her toward a new calling: to design clothing for women dealing with breast cancer that was not only comfortable and allowed them to heal, but also helped them feel confident in their fight. Links, Products, and Resources Mentioned: Jesus Calling: Stories of Faith television show Jesus Calling Podcast Jesus Calling Devotional Jesus Calling Magazine Jesus Calling for Kids Past guest: Delilah Upcoming guest: Michael and Zina Goodin of Old Friends Senior Dog Sanctuary Episode sponsor: Operation Christmas Child Build a shoebox for a child online at Samaritan’s Purse.org/occ Anne Neilson Anne Nielson's Angels: Devotions and Art to Encourage, Refresh, and Inspire Steven Curtis Chapman Kathie Lee Gifford Nikki Speer Redefined Courage Breast cancer Lymphedema Interview Quotes: “There were times that I really questioned, Is this what God has called me to do?” - Anne Neilson “God has put these people in my path. He weaves us all together, and it's for a purpose that we might not even know.” - Anne Neilson “Words are powerful—the words that come out of our mouth, the words that are spoken to our friends, our children, our colleagues, our employees, to ourselves.“ - Anne Neilson “These angels do bring comfort and healing through the power and the presence of the Holy Spirit, through art. God is the master Artist. He is the master Creator.” - Anne Neilson “We were walking out of the mall, and I made the bold promise that I would design clothing for [my mom] so that she could feel beautiful.” - Nikki Speer “This is not a, ‘Man, I drew this sticky note, and this amazing thing was created.’ There were a lot of samples, and there was a lot of learning and growing and changing and mistakes, but a lot of God working.” - Nikki Speer “When I was growing up, my mom would tell me, ‘You should always leave a conversation knowing more about the other person than they know about you.’” - Nikki Speer “I have these What if? moments that well up inside of me. But in quietness and trust truly is my strength. And those What if? moments become my Even if... moments with God.” - Nikki Speer “I really do believe that if you are feeling right now--a nudge or a calling or prompting from God, that you should go for it. I have always said that it was in the obedience I found the blessing.” - Nikki Speer ________________________ Enjoy watching these additional videos from Jesus Calling YouTube channel: Audio Playlist: https://bit.ly/2PrbuwH Video Playlist: https://bit.ly/2PsmEkJ What’s Good? Playlist: https://bit.ly/3i7VUlZ ________________________ Connect with Jesus Calling Instagram Facebook Twitter Pinterest YouTube Jesus Calling Website Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

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, Lecrae looked to Christianity for purpose. But as he began to find healing, the religious community turned their back on him because his views were different than theirs. In response, Lecrae turned his back on God, seeking affirmation in all the wrong places. Lecrae began seeing a therapist and was diagnosed with depression, and as he worked through his trauma, his heart was softened—and restored—by Jesus. Christian music artist Jeremy Camp’s first wife, Melissa, tragically passed away from cancer at only 21 years old. But through his grief, Jeremy knew God was still good, and he continued to pursue faith in all that he did. Eventually, God led Jeremy to find his wife Adrienne, and now they continue to build their faith as a family. Links, Products, and Resources Mentioned: Jesus Calling Podcast Jesus Calling book Episode Sponsor: Samaritan’s Purse.org/occ Past interview: John and Stasi Eldredge Future interview: Anne Neilson Lecrae Moore “Cry for You” song Jeremiah 30:17 Restoration album I Am Restored book Psalm 23 Jeremy Camp Adrienne Camp “I Still Believe” song Psalm 34:18 Proverbs 3:5–6 I Still Believe movie Interview Quotes: “When you're neglected and abused, you can develop a massive sense of insecurity. And in order to deal with that insecurity, I performed because it was a way I could find affirmation.” - Lecrae Moore “I had a friend tell me, “Well, since you're an atheist, Lecrae, you know that there's no hope or belief in anything except yourself.” And I never forgot how petrified I was, because I could barely tie my shoe, and now I was in control of my destiny and purpose.” - Lecrae Moore “Even the toughest of people have a breaking point. I knew I had reached my breaking point, and I knew I needed professional help.” - Lecrae Moore “The fear is that you're standing on the edge, the precipice of change, and you're afraid to jump because you just don't believe that change can really happen. But the reality is that the first jump is the evidence of change. You've already begun the process when you take the leap.” - Lecrae Moore “That's one of the most beautiful realizations I came to is that even in my darkest place, God's there. If I return to that dark place, what's the worst thing that's gonna happen that I'm afraid of? God will be there with me.” - Lecrae Moore “When we can see the massive length, the depth, the height of God's love, it's transforming. It transforms our views on everything.” - Lecrae Moore “You're not gonna be able to change the world effectively until you own your story and allow it to turn you into someone amazing.” - Lecrae Moore “When asked how she was doing, her response to me was, ‘I'm doing okay because I realized that if I die from this cancer, but if one person gives their life to Jesus, then it's all worth it.’” - Jeremy Camp, on his first wife Melissa as she battled cancer “God definitely walked me through some grieving that was not easy.” - Jeremy Camp “Okay, God, I'm going to acknowledge You in this. I’ll acknowledge You and acknowledge my pain. I’ll acknowledge my hurt, be real with You. And I know that You'll direct me.” - Jeremy Camp, on his faith after his wife Melissa's death “I was blown away by somebody who could watch his wife suffer and die and still be standing up saying, ‘Lord, I believe. And even though I don't understand everything and even though this is hard, I'm choosing to trust You and I'm choosing to walk through this just clinging on to You.’” - Adrienne Camp, on her husband Jeremy “This is just a story of someone who went through a hardship, went through pain, and realized that the only thing that got him through it was Jesus. And that is the only hope and the only true source of peace and joy. He's the answer to everything.” - Jeremy Camp ________________________ Enjoy watching these additional videos from Jesus Calling YouTube channel: Audio Playlist: https://bit.ly/2PrbuwH Video Playlist: https://bit.ly/2PsmEkJ What’s Good? Playlist: https://bit.ly/3i7VUlZ ________________________ Connect with Jesus Calling Instagram Facebook Twitter Pinterest YouTube Jesus Calling Website Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

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 Hello, Little Dreamer. NFL Hall of Fame quarterback Jim Kelly, and his wife, philanthropist Jill Kelly were living what they thought was the perfect life—Jim had just retired after a successful career with the Buffalo Bills, they had a beautiful daughter and had just welcomed their son Hunter into the world. But their world was rocked when Hunter was diagnosed with a rare disorder and projected not to live past his second birthday. The Kellys realized they couldn’t rely on the things they had before, like their own ability to make things happen, and had to instead reach for something greater. Both Jim and Jill came to faith because of a desperate need for hope, and when they realized how much healing God can bring, they started the Hunter’s Hope Foundation to provide that same light to others. Links, Products, and Resources Mentioned: Jesus Calling: Stories of Faith television show on Circle TV Note-Taking edition of Jesus Calling Jesus Calling Podcast Jesus Calling Jesus Lives Jesus Today Jesus Always Past interviews: Matthew Barnett, Richard Cowdrey Future interviews: Lecrae Moore Kathie Lee Gifford Hello, Little Dreamer Jim Kelly Jill Kelly National Football League Buffalo Bills Super Bowl University of Miami USFL Pro Football Hall of Fame Hunter’s Hope Foundation Cerebral palsy Krabbe leukodystrophy Interview Quotes: “People asked me this my whole life: “What do you want to be when you grow up?” And I think that's the wrong question to ask children. I think it's not what they want to be so much as what does God want you to be?” - Kathie Lee Gifford “I can't tell you how many people I was honored and privileged to lead to the Lord because I happened to be on a movie set, on a TV set, or in a recording studio or on location.” - Kathie Lee Gifford “Preach the gospel at all times, and when necessary, use words. Love people. When you love people, that's when they sense Jesus.” - Kathie Lee Gifford “I've never been confused at all about what I'm supposed to do. And I think that's because I was pursuing my dreams. I can't even imagine what God's got for me next.” - Kathie Lee Gifford “In that moment of just tremendous fear and anguish and devastation, I knew that I was going to have to seek beyond what this world has to offer.” - Jill Kelly, on her son Hunter’s Krabbe leukodystrophy diagnosis “We realized . . . that it was God using the suffering of our one and only son to point us to the suffering of His one and only Son, Jesus.” - Jill Kelly “He is the reason, without doubt, that I've seeked the Lord and that I am where I am now in my walk with my faith.” - Jim Kelly, on his son Hunter “God, through Hunter, taught us the greater hope. And that's eternal life. So that's our greater hope for the foundation as well.” - Jill Kelly “As long as what I'm doing today is making somebody want to seek tomorrow, make them want to thank the good Lord for that tomorrow, that's what it's about. “ - Jim Kelly “What an honor it is and so humbling to be a conduit of God and to be His ambassador and to allow Him to work through us.” - Jill Kelly _________________________ Enjoy watching these additional videos from Jesus Calling YouTube channel: Audio Playlist: https://bit.ly/2PrbuwH Video Playlist: https://bit.ly/2PsmEkJ What’s Good? Playlist: https://bit.ly/3i7VUlZ ________________________ Connect with Jesus Calling Instagram Facebook Twitter Pinterest YouTube Jesus Calling Website Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

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-knit, loving family of seven surrounded by football and music. But tragedy struck the family in December 2019, when their son and brother Clay was the victim of a fatal stabbing in Nashville. In the days that followed, the Beathards dug deep into faith, finding hope in God and encouragement in the memories of Clay’s strong conviction and light. As they healed together, the Beathards found there’s freedom in forgiveness, and they take heart in knowing that one day, they’ll see Clay again. Links, Products, and Resources Mentioned: Jesus Calling: Stories of Faith television show on Circle TV jesuscalling.com/TV Jesus Calling Podcast Jesus Calling Past interview: Eddie Montgomery Upcoming interview: Kathie Lee Gifford Casey Beathard Kansas City Chiefs Miami Dolphins Don Shula Redskins San Diego Chargers C.J. Beathard Junior Seau Rodney Harrison Tucker Beathard Interview Quotes: “If he didn't believe in something, if he didn't didn't agree with something, he was not going to get peer pressured into doing something he didn't think was right.” - C.J. Beathard on his brother, Clay “He wanted to do what was right and fight for the people that were oppressed.” - Casey Beathard, on his son Clay “The only thing that possibly got us through this is at the end of the day: our core foundation. We were all at least rooted with the mindset of knowing that the only way to get through this was diving in and asking Jesus and and relying on the Lord to handle it.” - Tucker Beathard “We dug hard looking for hope...We were just feeding off each other about who God is and what He really has for you. And all sudden, the despair turned into a gigantic hope.” - Casey Beathard “I literally used to pray, like, “God, please let me be the first one to go in my family, because I can't—I wouldn't be able to handle it.” But I'd totally underestimated the power of Jesus Christ. I mean, that's just the bottom line. That's all that really matters. And it's like with Him, this world can't faze you.” - Tucker Beathard “I truly believe—I know [my brother Clay is in heaven]. And we'll be there someday, and I know I'm gonna get to see him again." - C.J. Beathard ________________________ Enjoy watching these additional videos from Jesus Calling YouTube channel: Audio Playlist: https://bit.ly/2PrbuwH Video Playlist: https://bit.ly/2PsmEkJ What’s Good? Playlist: https://bit.ly/3i7VUlZ ________________________ Connect with Jesus Calling Instagram Facebook Twitter Pinterest YouTube Jesus Calling Website Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

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 self, thanks in part to the strong foundation of faith her tight-knit Mexican American family helped her build, which she talks about in her brand-new book Finding Your Harmony. Podcaster and author Jamie Ivey knows all about comparison culture, and how it always seems the grass is greener on the other side. But she’s learned a new phrase that’s set her free: You Be You. Now she shares how to utilize the gifts God has given you, and that it’s how you use your influence—not how large it is—that really makes a difference. Links, Products, and Resources Mentioned: Jesus Calling: Stories of Faith television show on Circle TV jesuscalling.com/TV Jesus Calling Podcast Jesus Calling Note-taking edition of Jesus Calling Jesus Always Past guests: Morgan Harper Nichols, Kel Mitchell Upcoming guests: Casey Beathard, CJ Beathard, Tucker Beathard TV show host: Lauren Alaina Ally Brooke Fifth Harmony Finding Your Harmony The X Factor Jamie Ivey You Be You Interview Quotes: “Number one in our house is God and Jesus. And having that type of foundation in my life has completely changed everything for me.” - Ally Brooke “When I took a beating from the music industry, being in Fifth Harmony and the real challenges that came my way afterwards too, God was right there to say, ‘Trust me. I have a plan for you and I'm here with you. You're not alone. We're going to get through this together.’” - Ally Brooke “I'll have my days where maybe I'm going through something or I'm sad or I have a ton of anxiety or I have a ton of worry or doubt. And Jesus Calling, through that devotion, I'm able to silence those thoughts and those worries and to help put them at ease.” - Ally Brooke "It takes a lot of spiritual maturity to say, 'I'm very thankful for the people I'm having lunch with. And I'm going to spend my life doing whatever God wants for me right where I am, and not constantly look at the other table wondering what they're doing.'" - Jamie Ivey “I started recognizing so many moments of people wishing that they had a different life, a “better” life, her life. And I noticed that they were missing the moments that God had created for them.” - Jamie Ivey “There's this idea that you begin to matter and what you have to say begins to matter when a lot of people are listening. And I just want to encourage people that believing that lie keeps people paralyzed and not doing the things God's asked them to do.” - Jamie Ivey “Every one that God's put in front of you matters. And we don't need to put our eyes on what we hope to happen five, ten years down the road, because we will waste a lot of time wishing for something we don't have.” - Jamie Ivey “If the only thing I was looking at and noticing was other people's lives, then I would struggle to think that my life mattered and my voice was enough.” - Jamie Ivey "We can yearn for the day we don't have to wear a mask and we can go back to 'normal.' But we can also be in the moment and go, 'What do You have for me right here where I am?'" - Jamie Ivey ________________________ Enjoy watching these additional videos from Jesus Calling YouTube channel: Audio Playlist: https://bit.ly/2PrbuwH Video Playlist: https://bit.ly/2PsmEkJ What’s Good? Playlist: https://bit.ly/3i7VUlZ ________________________ Connect with Jesus Calling Instagram Facebook Twitter Pinterest YouTube Jesus Calling Website Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

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 marriage, and now they’ve filled their toolbox with skills that they put into practice every single day, reminding us in their new book The Good Fight that while relationships are hard work, they’re worth it. Author Margaret Feinberg felt herself begin to believe lies that whispered, You’re a has-been, and, You’re a failure. Her overthinking began a negative thought spiral, so she began a practice of declaring God’s truths over her life daily, leading her to see her worth through His eyes and writing a book to encourage others called More Power to You. We serve a God of mercy, love, and healing. And though we may not live the picture-perfect life we want, He can redeem any mistakes we make so we can show the power He gives broken people. Links, Products, and Resources Mentioned: Jesus Calling Jesus Always Jesus Calling: Stories of Faith television show Jesus Calling Podcast Jesus Calling app Cyntoia Brown-Long Jana Kramer Mike Caussin The Good Fight book Dancing with the Stars Whine Down podcast Margaret Feinberg More Power to You book Interview Quotes: “I'm constantly praying for our family. I want us to stay together. I'm praying for his recovery. I'm praying for our recovery. I just hope that we always choose to stay in it. And so I just pray that we're always strong enough to continue to grow.” - Jana Kramer “When we finally started praying out loud together, I'm doing my stuff spiritually, she's doing her stuff spiritually, then we started to see where we allowed Him in and we could feel that vulnerability in the room.” - Mike Caussin “Owning your side of the street, it's controlling what you can control. And as much as we find us trying to convince each other to see things our way, to convince each other to have our opinion or our outlook or believe our truth, we can't control someone else's thoughts or feelings. Control what you can control.” - Mike Caussin “Where we're at now is just remembering all the things that we've learned and how to continue to keep using our tools and to continue to grow. We have the tool box filled with stuff, we continue to go to therapy. We continue to learn. And so I just pray that we're always strong enough to continue to grow.” - Jana Kramer ”We have a lifetime full of tools in our tool box. And we just need to use them, because we've learned them for a reason. They have helped us. They've helped us get this far. And so for the next five years and so on, we need to continue to implement them because that'll help us avoid some of these moments of disconnect.” - Mike Caussin “God ultimately has control over the situation and we need to give Him more power.” - Mike Caussin “What's incredible is God has given us the ability to literally renew our mind through the power of the Holy Spirit and scripture, and we can begin doing it today.” - Margaret Feinberg “I began just carving out ninety seconds a day or so, just to begin declaring these and to declare them out loud. And they’re declarations like this: ‘Jesus is king of my life. I am who Christ says I am.’” - Margaret Feinberg “There is something that happens when we begin declaring the truth of who we are and who were called to be.” - Margaret Feinberg “When those lies start to enter in and try to tell us these things that just simply aren't true, we rise up with the truth embedded in us about our beauty, about the way that we're made, about how God is and the power of God guarding our thoughts.” - Margaret Feinberg “Joy is the weapon that we use to fight life's battles.” - Margaret Feinberg ________________________ Enjoy watching these additional videos from Jesus Calling YouTube channel: Audio Playlist: https://bit.ly/2PrbuwH Video Playlist: https://bit.ly/2PsmEkJ What’s Good? Playlist: https://bit.ly/3i7VUlZ ________________________ Connect with Jesus Calling Instagram Facebook Twitter Pinterest YouTube Jesus Calling Website Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Join us in celebrating 5 Million Downloads of the Jesus Calling Podcast! 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, thankful for the many types of love she’s experienced, and recognizes “God-winks” woven into the fabric of who she is. Guinness World Record-holding tightrope walker Nik Wallenda comes from seven generations of performers. Through all the daring feats and dazzling challenges that he’s faced in his lifetime, he’s always kept his eye on the One who could get him through. But when one terrifying moment happened right in front of his eyes—when his family members fell off the wire—he faced a fear that almost crippled his career. After coming to terms with that fear and realizing God still needed to use him to inspire others, Nik found the courage to get back on the wire, and show the world the power of God. Links, Products, and Resources Mentioned: Jesus Calling Podcast Jesus Calling Life in His Presence Bear Grylls and Rhonda Vincent Upcoming Guests One Tree Hill star Jana Kramer NFL player Mike Caussin Lauren Akins Live in Love book by Lauren Akins Thomas Rhett University of Tennessee Suzanne Mayernick Love One International www.laurenakins.com Nik Wallenda Facing Fear book by Nik Wallenda Guinness World record setting “King of the High Wire” Funambulist SeaWorld San Diego Niagara Falls Discovery Channel PTSD Interview Quotes: “It felt like I was just kind of tagging along wherever Thomas Rhett went. I love being his cheerleader and supporting him, and I love watching him do what he loves. But I felt like I had more of a purpose.” - Lauren Akins “I can see, looking back, where the Lord has shut doors and open doors, and I tried to have the motto of, ‘Where He opens the door, I'll walk through it, regardless of what I can see on the other side.’” - Lauren Akins “There were times where I felt like I just couldn't pray another prayer, or when I felt the weakest in those moments, that is where I could just feel Jesus was carrying me on the backs of my friends spiritually and on His back.” - Lauren Akins “Loving one at a time and doing what you can right just for the one, and then moving on to another one, and then another one—that's how Jesus works. Those are His hands and feet.” - Lauren Akins “The Lord puts people in front of us to love.” - Lauren Akins “That is the most important thing, inviting Him into your world so that you're able to see the world through His eyes and you're able to love the way that He loves.” - Lauren Akins “To think that we still can't grasp just quite how much He loves and how good His love is something that is so hard for my mind to try to wrap around.” - Lauren Akins “My great-grandfather said it best: ‘Life is on the wire, and everything else is just waiting.’" - Nik Wallenda “I know for a fact that God has opened doors for me to get to where I am in order to bring glory to His name” - Nik Wallenda “What I didn't realize was that was a seed of fear, of negativity, of doubt, implanted in my head right after that accident happened, and I just wouldn’t acknowledge it.” - Nik Wallenda “I think that's what so many people do as they continue to water that seed of doubt, seed of negativity, that seed of I'm not good enough and I'm not smart enough and I will not make it through this, I'm not healthy enough, and people continue to water them. I think that's what holds people back from their greatness and often holds people back from their calling.” - Nik Wallenda “I would much rather go to heaven knowing that I was bold in who I was and what I believed in, that some people were upset and offended by that, then offend those people and they not ever get the knowledge of who God really isn't and how much you really love them.” - Nik Wallenda “I think we have such an amazing, gracious God. And He acknowledges that even to those who don't believe in Him, His Word still applies. His Word cannot return void.” - Nik Wallenda “As my relationship with God has grown more and more, it took those valleys in order for me to get to those peaks.” - Nik Wallenda ________________________ Enjoy watching these additional videos from Jesus Calling YouTube channel: Audio Playlist: https://bit.ly/2PrbuwH Video Playlist: https://bit.ly/2PsmEkJ What’s Good? Playlist: https://bit.ly/3i7VUlZ ________________________ Connect with Jesus Calling Instagram Facebook Twitter Pinterest YouTube Jesus Calling Website Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

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 was one such teen—after an abusive childhood and several suicide attempts, TJ walked into his Virginia high school with a gun, filled with a darkness driving him to do things he’d have never thought possible. But when TJ was on his knees in desperation, he felt God moving him toward a different outcome. As TJ says, “It’s never too late to turn around and do the right thing.” Beth and TJ’s paths crossed along parallel lines, and together, they share how God has met them in their lowest points, and how pain doesn’t have to be a life sentence. Links, Products, and Resources Mentioned: Jesus Calling Podcast Jesus Calling Thomas Rhett Lauren Akins National Suicide Prevention line I Am Second Beth Nimmo Rachel Joy Scott Columbine School shootings in 1999 TJ Stevens Interview Quotes: “What we give focus to, we give strength to--I gave focus to nothing but darkness, and darkness filled me to a point where there was an abyss of nowhere to turn.” - TJ Stevens “When the heart isn't changed, even if you have modified behavior and there's a certain amount of control there, eventually what's in the heart will manifest itself on the surface.” - Beth Nimmo “It's never too late to turn around and do the right thing.” - TJ Stevens “One of the things that we have a responsibility for to the next generation coming up is; we have to show them what you're in right now doesn't have to be your life sentence and it doesn't have to define the rest of your life.” - Beth Nimmo ________________________ Enjoy watching these additional videos from Jesus Calling YouTube channel: Audio Playlist: https://bit.ly/2PrbuwH Video Playlist: https://bit.ly/2PsmEkJ What’s Good? Playlist: https://bit.ly/3i7VUlZ ________________________ Connect with Jesus Calling Instagram Facebook Twitter Pinterest YouTube Jesus Calling Website Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

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 take over but God gave her the resilience to push through. Growing up in Los Angeles with a passion for helping others, actor and singer Caitlin Crosby learned early on that real beauty and character are found in our flaws. As she prayed for God to show her how to give to others, Caitlin met a talented couple who helped turn her heart for helping into a real-life mission: a jewelry-for-good business called The Giving Keys, which helps people transition out of homelessness. Caitlin believes that embracing the things that scare us can help us uncover our purpose. And as she shares in her new book You are the Key, she’s seen that paying forward a word of encouragement, whether you sleep in a mansion or a cardboard box, can go a long way in helping others—and ourselves—keep reaching for faith and courage. Links, Products, and Resources Mentioned: Jesus Calling Podcast Jesus Calling Bible study Jesus Calling, from July 27th interview with heroic Southwest Airlines pilot Tammie Jo Shults and Vietnam POW Carlyle “Smitty” Harris TJ Stevens Beth Nimmo Rachel Scott Sara Evans Vocalist of the Year by the Academy of Country Music ABC’s Dancing with the Stars Gideon's Bible Grand Ole Opry Born to Fly memoir Caitlin Crosby The Giving Keys You are the Key book LoveYourFlawz Lifehouse Flawz album Invisible Children documentary Interview Quotes: “We just have so many people to love and so many people to take care of. That is such a blessing.” - Sara Evans, on her blended family “I really, really, really believe in a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, and I believe that God understands our hearts and He knows where we are.” - Sara Evans “God is the potter and I'm the clay, so I just need to trust Him every day, and really just have no fear.” - Sara Evans “There's nothing more comforting than having a relationship with Jesus.” - Sara Evans “The whole premise [of The Giving Keys] is you get a word that you need in your life, you embrace it, you own it, but then you're supposed to pass it on to somebody you feel needs it more than you.” - Caitlin Crosby “Our model [at The Giving Keys] is the more products we sell, the more jobs we can create, and the more people we can try and get off the streets.” - Caitlin Crosby “Everyone needs help. Everyone needs love. Everyone needs strength.” - Caitlin Crosby “The things that they feel kind of secretive or shameful about, those are the things that really can bring your purpose alive and bring it to another level.” - Caitlin Crosby ________________________ Enjoy watching these additional videos from Jesus Calling YouTube channel: Audio Playlist: https://bit.ly/2PrbuwH Video Playlist: https://bit.ly/2PsmEkJ What’s Good? Playlist: https://bit.ly/3i7VUlZ ________________________ Connect with Jesus Calling Instagram Facebook Twitter Pinterest YouTube Jesus Calling Website Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

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 every moment, and grounding her life in her faith. Country music artist Raleigh Keegan was given a poignant second chance—a chance at life itself—when his mom gave birth to him while she was in prison, and then allowing him to be adopted into a loving family. Now, Raleigh seeks to demonstrate the love of God daily, thanking Him for the life he was given then, and the one he has now—which included eventually meeting and thanking his birth mom, too. Links, Products, and Resources Mentioned: Jesus Calling Podcast Jesus Calling website Life in His Presence: A Jesus Calling Guided Journal Jesus Calling book Jesus Calling Podcast episode with author and activist Cyntoia Brown-Long and designer Liz Marie Galvan Sara Evans Lori Allen TLC reality show Say Yes to the Dress: Atlanta Bridals by Lori Say Yes to What's Next book COVID-19 Raleigh Keegan Boy Scouts Eagle Scout Psalms Romans 8:1 University of Cincinnati Interview Quotes: “I've always had my faith, and I've always had a very strong will and conviction that I would succeed.” - Lori Allen “What for women after age forty-five motivates us? We are very smart women that have a lot of life ahead of us . . . I plan to savor every last crumb, and I want to motivate other women to do the same.“ - Lori Allen “I think that God wants us to live ‘till our very last day with meaning and hope.” - Lori Allen “Life's never easy, but with your attitude and showing your faith and your fortitude, you can make it a wonderful life.” - Lori Allen “I don't think the fact that I was adopted and came from a really hard start ever made me question God's love for me, that specific thing, because I always viewed it as, I had a chance.” - Raleigh Keegan “On my worst day and on my best day, because of what Jesus did for me, I'm viewed the same. That just changed me.” - Raleigh Keegan “My life's mission is just to be a Christian in whatever I'm doing.” - Raleigh Keegan ________________________ Enjoy watching these additional videos from Jesus Calling YouTube channel: Audio Playlist: https://bit.ly/2PrbuwH Video Playlist: https://bit.ly/2PsmEkJ What’s Good? Playlist: https://bit.ly/3i7VUlZ ________________________ Connect with Jesus Calling Instagram Facebook Twitter Pinterest YouTube Jesus Calling Website Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

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 would be proud of. And now, as he shares in his new book Straight Up, Trent tries every day to become the best version of himself so that he can impact his family and show them how to live well. Author Peggy Rowe—mom to Mike Rowe of Dirty Jobs—was raised by loving parents who sacrificed time, money, and energy so Peggy could explore who she wanted to be. Now, Peggy seeks to impact others the way her parents inspired her through writing and sharing stories with millions of readers. Links, Products, and Resources Mentioned: Jesus Calling Podcast Jesus Calling book Jesus Calling Podcast episode ft. The Bachelorette’s Luke Pell and pastor Jack Deere Lori Allen, founder of the shop Bridals by Lori TLC reality show Say Yes to the Dress: Atlanta Trent Shelton Straight Up Rehab Time Saints player Gene Atkins Bengals player Geno Atkins imposter syndrome Peggy Rowe Mike Rowe of Dirty Jobs Dirty Jobs The Discovery Channel "About My Mother" by Peggy Rowe 'About Your Father" by Peggy Rowe The Baltimore Sun Misty of Chincoteague Interview Quotes: “What I realized, once I hit rock bottom, was I never really built a solid relationship with God for myself.” - Trent Shelton “Oftentimes I feel like we place blame on God for situations we put ourselves in.” - Trent Shelton “If my son follows my footsteps, where is my life leading him? What's the path that I've created? What's the mindset? What's the faith? And I wasn't happy with the answers that I told myself.” - Trent Shelton “My prayers used to be asking God for things, and now my prayers are, ‘God, what do you need from me?’ And that has brought more clarity in my life.” - Trent Shelton “I feel like God leaves a void in each and every one of us that can only be filled by Him. And until He fills that void, you will never feel that overwhelming internal peace in your life.” - Trent Shelton “The most important work that you ever will do is the work that you do on yourself.” - Trent Shelton “Maybe that light that comes from my life, because I did the work on myself, could be the light that they need to light up their dark world or their dark times.” - Trent Shelton “We can't change the world if we don't change our households. We can't change our households if we don't change the way we think, if we don't renew our mind, if we don't renew our heart. And so it all starts with you. So, be the reflection of the change that you wish to see.” - Trent Shelton “I think probably the greatest gift my mother gave me was an ability to treat people the way that I would like to be treated.” - Peggy Rowe “[Mike Rowe] unfailingly respected and continues to respect the people that he worked with, the people that get up every day and do those less-than-desirable jobs. He treats those people and has treated them with the same respect that he would like to be treated.” - Peggy Rowe, on her son, Dirty Jobs host Mike Rowe “I think that we human beings need constant reminders that we are not alone.” - Peggy Rowe ________________________ Enjoy watching these additional videos from Jesus Calling YouTube channel: Audio Playlist: https://bit.ly/2PrbuwH Video Playlist: https://bit.ly/2PsmEkJ What’s Good? Playlist: https://bit.ly/3i7VUlZ ________________________ Connect with Jesus Calling Instagram Facebook Twitter Pinterest YouTube Jesus Calling Website Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

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 older, Victoria forged her own path by working for a faith-based organization, OneShare Health, as a way to combine her love of people and God. Catherine Wood has always kept faith at the heart of her life, but that faith has been tested through the financial ups and downs she’s faced throughout her investing career. After Cathie tried to navigate the financial peculiarities leading up to the 2008 economic crash, a member of her church introduced her to Jesus Calling, which Cathie’s read every day since. In 2014, Cathie founded her own company called ARK Invest, to find and fund transformative technologies that could change lives and make the world a better place. Links, Products, and Resources Mentioned: Jesus Calling Jesus Calling Podcast Jesus Calling App Jesus Calling on YouTube Interview with country music artist Josh Turner and NASCAR driver Michael McDowell Apple Podcasts Stitcher Jesus Calling Facebook Jesus Calling Instagram Victoria Damone Vic Damone actress Judy Rawlins OneShare Health Catherine Wood ARK Invest Art Laffer Jennison Associates Reuters and Telerate Ark of the Covenant Upcoming guest: Trent Shelton Interview Quotes: “I know that God was watching over me in my younger years.” - Victoria Damone “Even though we all fail miserably, we can aspire to do the best we can. But I think that's when God walks in.” - Victoria Damone “I love what I do, but I also love the thought that we're part of something that can really help people emotionally with their health care needs, but also that we can help other organizations and we can make a difference.” - Victoria Damone, on working at OneShare Health “When I think of Jesus, I think of Him sitting at the table and ministering and teaching people that were perhaps the unsavory characters, the people that were abandoned. And yet those are the individuals that need the most love and understanding.” - Victoria Damone “I never felt that God was leaving me or deserting me. I felt like I had to hold on a little tighter.” -Catherine Wood “I would kneel down and say, ‘Okay, God, You're in control. Even if this company fails, I know I've done the right thing. This is a walk of faith for me. Your will be done.’” - Catherine Wood “I believe that in starting ARK Invest, I was fulfilling His will for me here on Earth and that if I had not done it, that I would have died an unhappy woman not having not fulfilled my promise here.” - Catherine Wood ________________________ Enjoy watching these additional videos from Jesus Calling YouTube channel: Audio Playlist: https://bit.ly/2PrbuwH Video Playlist: https://bit.ly/2PsmEkJ What’s Good? Playlist: https://bit.ly/3i7VUlZ ________________________ Connect with Jesus Calling Instagram Facebook Twitter Pinterest YouTube Jesus Calling Website Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

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 story of her own: losing her newlywed husband Ben in an accident. With God’s help, and with her Jesus Calling devotional by her side, Mattie began to put the pieces of her life back together and found healing in the very ministry that she co-founded to heal others, NaSHEville. Music journalist Deborah Evans Price passionately chased her dream to tell stories behind some of country and Christian music’s biggest stars, becoming a full-time journalist at Billboard Magazine. But Deborah learned firsthand that just because part of your dream works out doesn’t mean your whole life will fall into place. As Deborah tackled an unexpected cancer diagnosis, she learned there’s true joy in allowing others to come alongside us and care for us when we’re at our lowest. Links, Products, and Resources Mentioned: Sarah Young Jesus Calling Podcast Jesus Calling books Jesus Calling devotional Jesus Calling Peace for Everyday Life video series Jesus Calling Magazine [FREE!] Jesus Calling Podcast Episode with Dawn Barton: Joy: God’s Antidote to Pain Mattie Jackson Selecman Alan Jackson UT [University of Tennessee] NaSHEville Human trafficking Deborah Evans Price Billboard Magazine Billboard.com First for Women Magazine Redbook Woman's World Sounds Like Nashville LSU [Louisiana State University] Victoria Damone 1950’s Big Band crooner Vic Damone Interview Quotes: “Jesus is the only hope, not because He's the only thing left to turn to, but because He's the only thing that will bring light in the dark.” - Mattie Jackson Selecman “You kind of take [faith] for granted until you have real reason to buckle down and understand and evaluate, Why is this my faith, and why is this not just what I've been told and taught?” - Mattie Jackson Selecman “Don't feel like it's your job to plan out every step of your life—go live it. And what happens to you will be the story that you'll end up telling.” - Mattie Jackson Selecman “He walked the way Jesus walked. He saw people for who they were, and not for what they did, or for something that he expected or wanted from them.” - Mattie Jackson Selecman, on her husband Ben “On paper, we did all the things we were supposed to do, you know, to “get the miracle.” But we didn't. And part of understanding and processing and finding joy amidst the pain doesn't come from having that question answered.” - Mattie Jackson Selecman “Wherever you are in your faith, He'll find you.” - Mattie Jackson Selecman “God will bring tidbits of joy. That's what I've learned above all else. And I tell people, pain and joy are not mutually exclusive. They can dance in the same scene together.” - Mattie Jackson Selecman “God's put me here to help tell people stories. That's a privilege.” - Deborah Evans Price “It’s hard to be vulnerable and let people see when you're when you're hurting.” - Deborah Evans Price “I just wake up every day thinking, You just don't know what God’s going to bring in your life or what exciting door He’s gonna be opening. Every day is a new adventure.” - Deborah Evans Price ________________________ Enjoy watching these additional videos from Jesus Calling YouTube channel: Audio Playlist: https://bit.ly/2PrbuwH Video Playlist: https://bit.ly/2PsmEkJ What’s Good? Playlist: https://bit.ly/3i7VUlZ ________________________ Connect with Jesus Calling Instagram Facebook Twitter Pinterest YouTube Jesus Calling Website Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

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. Singer/songwriter Mark Schultz was struggling to make it big in the Nashville music scene when he met a youth pastor who would change his life. After working with kids and singing songs from the heart, Mark landed a record deal, and today, he’s built a beautiful life by putting praise for Jesus above everything. Plus, after being adopted in his childhood, Mark finally understood the heavenly meaning of that word when he adopted his own little one. Links, Products and Resources Mentioned: Sarah Young Jesus Calling Podcast Jesus Calling books Jesus Calling devotional Jesus Calling Prayer Call Jesus Calling Kids/Childrens Jesus Calling Podcast Episode with Steven Curtis Chapman: "A Father's Love Is Special" Matt Redman BibleGateway.com Psalms 10,000 Reasons song Let There Be Wonder album If you or someone you know is contemplating suicide, there’s help. Please call the National Suicide Prevention Hotline at 1-800-273-8255. Mark Schultz Remember Me Mission Kansas State University Ryman Auditorium Grand Ole Opry Mattie Jackson Selecman Interview Quotes: “I needed to talk to God. I needed to cry out to God. Music seemed like a really powerful way to do that.” - Matt Redman “I loved that we weren't just singing about Him, but we were singing to Him.” - Matt Redman “One of the challenges of trying to portray God through music is to do with trying to paint the biggest picture of Him that you can.” - Matt Redman “He's the lion and the lamb, He is the God who thunders and whispers. He's a God who terrifies, and yet He befriends. He's the one who knelt down, washed the feet of His disciples, even though He's the one whose footstool is the earth.” - Matt Redman “There's something special about hearing a father's words speak over you, that they believe in you, and cast a vision for you, and I think there's something about that that you kind of grow into that as your story unfolds.” - Mark Schultz “That would be one of those moments that I look back on that I feel like it was a dad's vision and a belief in me, just following that.” - Mark Schultz, on a dream fulfilled to play at Ryman Auditorium “God doesn't want something from us—He wants something for us.” - Mark Schultz ________________________ Enjoy these videos on Jesus Calling YouTube channel: Audio podcast: https://bit.ly/2uCnNM0 Original Series video podcast: https://bit.ly/2WzFY0O ________________________ Connect with Jesus Calling Instagram Facebook Twitter Pinterest YouTube Jesus Calling Website Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

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 about what our world would be like if we approached others with compassion and gentleness like Jesus, to try and heal a hurting world. Advocates Jay and Katherine Wolf faced the unimaginable when Katherine, a twenty-six-year-old mother of a six-month-old son, suffered a brain stem stroke that turned their world upside down. Now a full-time caregiver, Jay shares how God brought them closer to Him through each other, and how sometimes healing and despair go hand in hand. Links, Products and Resources Mentioned: Sarah Young Jesus Calling Podcast Jesus Calling books Jesus Calling devotional Jesus Calling: What’s Good? (YouTube video series)Jesus Calling Podcast Episode - The Broken Road to Joy: Ann Voskamp & Emily Stroud Gary Sinise Foundation Scott Sauls A Gentle Answer: Our Secret Weapon in an Age of Us Against Them book Christ Presbyterian Church (Nashville, Tennessee) BibleGateway.com (Luke 7) Fred Rogers (Jesus Calling podcast interview with wife Joanne Rogers) Jay and Katherine Wolf Suffer Strong: How to Survive Anything by Redefining Everything Samford University (Birmingham, AL) Pepperdine Caruso School of Law Bel Air Presbyterian Church (Los Angeles, CA) CaringBridge BibleGateway.com (Isaiah 45:3) Matt Redman Interview Quotes: “What could it look like for followers of Christ, especially, to give ourselves to a gentleness movement or a kindness movement in a climate where kindness is so scarce?” - Scott Sauls “Cynicism and negativity are very contagious, but so are love and kindness.” - Scott Sauls “Every single square inch of the universe—people, places, and things—belongs to God, is created by God, and is entrusted to our care.” - Scott Sauls “Everybody's job is an opportunity to serve God in the same way that a pastor's job is an opportunity to serve God.” - Scott Sauls “Christians have that resource to be more difficult to offend, because Christ chose not to be offended by us. He chose instead to love us and to forgive us and to draw us into His family and adopt us.” - Scott Sauls “Looking back on your story, it's important and it's profound to see some things you didn't see in the moment because it was up close, and to see how God was putting those pieces together.” - Jay Wolf “The idea that God had spared her life was the beginning of hope for me.” - Jay Wolf ”We thought [Katherine’s being on life support] was really just a sign and a little sort of glimmer that God was saying, ‘I'm still here. I haven't abandoned you, even if I'm silent.’” - Jay Wolf “I think we want to say it's one or the other, ‘Oh, you're in this healing mode,’ or, ‘You're in this despairing mode.’ Sometimes they're right in the same place together.” - Jay Wolf “‘You get to put into practice everything you believe, and I'm going to supernaturally supply you. My divine power will give you everything that you need to do this. And it is going to be hard. It's going to be good’.” - Katherine Wolf speaking how she believes God rallied her husband Jay “We knew the presence of God would sustain, and His power would make a way for us to move forward.” - Katherine Wolf ________________________ Enjoy these videos on Jesus Calling YouTube channel: Audio podcast: https://bit.ly/2uCnNM0 Original Series video podcast: https://bit.ly/2WzFY0O ________________________ Connect with Jesus Calling Instagram Facebook Twitter Pinterest YouTube Jesus Calling Website Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

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 communicate. Over time, Jaci learned to shift her perspective from “Why me?” to “Why not me?” and she began to see how God can use anyone or anything for good. Worship pastor Andy Harrison was raised in a Christian home, but never really felt connected to God. After attending a youth camp and a Planetshakers conference, Andy was struck by how passionate the people around him were, and he wanted to discover this Jesus that had everyone so shaken up. Today Andy’s a mentor to youth and shows them how to be strong in faith while growing up, and how, even when we don’t know where to turn, we can find everything we need in Jesus. Links, Products and Resources Mentioned: Sarah Young Jesus Calling Podcast Jesus Calling books Jesus Calling devotional Gary Sinise Foundation Jaci Velasquez When God Rescripts Your Life: Seeing Value, Beauty, and Purpose When Life is Interrupted book IEP—Individualized Educational Program Autism Spectrum Disorder Autism Spectrum Disorder - pervasive developmental delay Andy Harrison Jesus Over Everything album Jesus Over Everything: Notes for the Next Generation of Planetshakers book Planetshakers Youth Ministry Planetshakers Music Planetshakers Conference BibleGateway.com (Psalms 139 & Matthew 6:33) Jay and Katherine Wolf Interview Quotes: “I stopped asking the question, ‘Why me?’ And I started asking the most important question, which was ‘Why not me?’” - Jaci Velasquez “Sometimes what He wants for our lives and what He wants for our families looks different than what we had pictured.” - Jaci Velasquez “We have to continuously dive into what God is trying to show us.” - Jaci Velasquez “He forgives you sooner than you forgive yourself. So why do we continue putting ourselves on the cross? “ - Jaci Velasquez “Listen for His interpretation. Our dreams and God's calling are not always the same thing.” - Jaci Velasquez “[Growing up] I knew a lot of things about God, but I didn't know Him for myself.“ - Andy Harrison “I'm really passionate about seeing young people encounter Jesus, because that was the season in my life where I came to know Him, and I want to see other young people come to know Him, too.” - Andy Harrison “Everything that we need is found in Jesus.” - Andy Harrison ________________________ Enjoy these videos on Jesus Calling YouTube channel: Audio podcast: https://bit.ly/2uCnNM0 Original Series video podcast: https://bit.ly/2WzFY0O ________________________ Connect with Jesus Calling Instagram Facebook Twitter Pinterest YouTube Jesus Calling Website Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

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 high school. And when fighting turned into her career, Paige began to use her platform to help others facing emotional trauma, letting love heal both her heart and theirs. Links, Products and Resources Mentioned: Sarah Young Jesus Calling Podcast Jesus Calling books Jesus Calling devotional Jesus Always devotional The Joy of Spreading Love, One Heart At A Time: Delilah and Gary Thomas episode Gary Sinise Foundation Cynthia Garrett Cynthia Garrett Ministries The Sessions with Cynthia Garrett on TBN Cynthia Garrett Ministries YouTube BibleGateway.com - 1 Corinthians 13 Paige VanZant Rise: Surviving the Fight of My Life book UFC Jaci Velasquez Interview Quotes: “One of the things that I think that we can all do is to listen. We have to listen more. I think we are here because we stopped listening to each other.” - Cynthia Garrett “There's someone you know who’s different from you, and the best way to have understanding and wisdom is to ask them questions about their experience in life and to listen.” - Cynthia Garrett “When you love your neighbor, racism does not exist.” - Cynthia Garrett “If we examine our hearts and seek righteousness in our hearts, we can make a difference.” - Cynthia Garrett “Love is an action. Love is messy. Love is inconvenient. But love is also the most powerful word in the Bible.” - Cynthia Garrett “I know that I can stay positive because it's all in God's plan.” - Paige VanZant “God's given you all these talents. Why waste them?” - Paige VanZant “I think it says, “Do not be afraid,” 365 times in the Bible. So that means every single day you need to be reminded, don't be afraid.” - Paige VanZant “I'm still working every day to try to use my platform to connect to people and help people grow and help people through these emotional times.” - Paige VanZant “In every fight I go through, both in the cage and outside of the cage, I know that there is somebody who is on my side and is fighting with me the entire time, and that's God.” - Paige VanZant ________________________ Enjoy these videos on Jesus Calling YouTube channel: Audio podcast: https://bit.ly/2uCnNM0 Original Series video podcast: https://bit.ly/2WzFY0O ________________________ Connect with Jesus Calling Instagram Facebook Twitter Pinterest YouTube Jesus Calling Website Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

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 for himself in the NFL, desperate to escape the dysfunction that surrounded him in childhood. But after achieving his career dreams, Derwin realized he wouldn’t ever be satisfied without a greater purpose. He bravely stepped into God’s calling for his life and founded Transformation Church, a multi-ethnic church seeking to help others live a Jesus-centered life—what Dr. Gray calls in his new book The Good Life. These two men have grown their faith and been encouraged by the people they serve, and they demonstrate the beautiful things that can happen when we use our gifts and talents to bless those around us. Links, Products and Resources Mentioned: Sarah Young Jesus Calling Podcast Jesus Calling books Jesus Calling devotional Courage to Use Your Voice: Mark & Danielle Herzlich episode Gary Sinise Gary Sinise Foundation Grateful American: A Journey from Self to Service book Vets Night Disabled American Veterans Organization Lt. Dan Band Battle of the Argonne Steppenwolf Theater in Chicago Forrest Gump Brooklyn Wall of Remembrance Dr. Derwin Gray Transformation Church The Good Life: What Jesus Teaches About Finding True Happiness book Paige VanZant Interview Quotes: “September 11th, 2001, our country is attacked and our men and women start raising their hands to deploy in reaction to that terrible event. And I just felt compelled and called in a certain way to serve. And so you go from this singular focus on self to this broader focus on serving others.” - Gary Sinise “I am a grateful American. I'm grateful for so many things.” - Gary Sinise “Having veterans in my family, having been involved with supporting Vietnam veterans, I just knew where I was going to employ my services, and it was going to be to help our men and women get through the next phase of deploying to the war zones and helping them and their families get through that. And that just that lit a fire under me.” - Gary Sinise “The more I got active, the more I gave, the more I healed, the more I wanted to do.” - Gary Sinise “I've seen the needs in all these different places and I want to try to continue to help fill those needs.” - Gary Sinise “When Jesus called me, when Jesus loved me, when Jesus met me, He literally put things in me and brought gifts out of me that I didn’t even know was possible.” - Dr. Derwin Gray “By my third year in the NFL at age twenty-five, I said ‘There's got to be more to life than this.’” - Dr. Derwin Gray “It was like I was chasing my shadow and I finally caught it, but realized it went right through my hands, and I was looking for things that only Jesus can give.” - Dr. Derwin Gray “He gave me unconditional love. He gave me a new identity: beloved child of God. He gave me a new purpose, and that is to know Him and to make Him known through every facet of my life.” - Dr. Derwin Gray “Jesus's blood not only forgives our sins, but He gives us a family with different colored skins.” - Dr. Derwin Gray ”So often we are so self-sufficient that we can't be God sufficient. So often we're so centered upon ourselves that we can't be Jesus-centered.” - Dr. Derwin Gray ________________________ Enjoy these videos on Jesus Calling YouTube channel: Audio podcast: https://bit.ly/2uCnNM0 Original Series video podcast: https://bit.ly/2WzFY0O ________________________ Connect with Jesus Calling Instagram Facebook Twitter Pinterest YouTube Jesus Calling Website Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

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 That and Kenan & Kel. As he suffered through mistakes in his young adulthood, Kel realized he needed to discover who he was outside of television—and that instead of leading his own way, he needed to let God show him the way forward. Kel came back to his spiritual roots, where Jesus showed him his true calling: youth ministry. Today, Kel reminds us that we can never be too busy for God, because it’s only when we hand over our time and our plans that we see our lives begin to fall into place. Links, Products and Resources Mentioned: Sarah Young Jesus Calling Podcast Jesus Calling books Jesus Calling devotional Jesus Calling by Sarah Young products at Target.com When Dream Are Far From Reach, Trust God’s Vision: Matthew Barnett and Richard Cowdrey Morgan Harper Nichols Morgan Harper Nichols’s Pinterest All Along You Were Blooming book Kel Mitchell All That Kenan & Kel Nickelodeon Kel Mitchell’s Facebook Dr. Derwin Gray Interview Quotes: “What does it mean to serve and to love and to give to others while also simultaneously feeling like you're not enough?” - Morgan Harper Nichols “But all along, [my purpose] was just about how I can be present to other people with what I have, with what I've been given, even though I don't feel good enough.” - Morgan Harper Nichols “We're still being called to go deeper. We're still being called to come out on the water and to not be afraid of engaging with what's bigger than us.” - Morgan Harper Nichols “One single word can really, really impact someone in a way that matters in their life, whether they tell you or not. Connection happens through the imperfections and it happens through the broken places.” - Morgan Harper Nichols “I decided to say, ‘Hey, I'll figure this out on my own. I'll figure this out.’ And when I did that, it put me on the wrong path a lot of times.” - Kel Mitchell “As Christians, there are troubles you're going to go through, because we live in a sinful world. But at that same time, you have to know that God knows the way of getting you out of trouble.” - Kel Mitchell “It's awesome to be an ambassador of Christ and lead [kids] to the Lord as they see the light within you.” - Kel Mitchell “I feel like you have to learn and you have to go through those setbacks so you can have an amazing and beautiful, divine comeback.” - Kel Mitchell ________________________ Enjoy these videos on Jesus Calling YouTube channel: Audio podcast: https://bit.ly/2uCnNM0 Original Series video podcast: https://bit.ly/2WzFY0O ________________________ Connect with Jesus Calling Instagram Facebook Twitter Pinterest YouTube Jesus Calling Website Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

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 people for the better. From the time he was a young boy, Jerrad Lopes couldn’t wait to be the dad he never had. But as an adult, when Jerrad hit a wall of professional setbacks that sent him into depression, he knew he wasn’t being the best dad and husband he could be. After a bitter fight with his wife, Jerrad turned to God to help show him how to lead. Now, Jerrad ministers through his organization Dad Tired to other men who face shame and a lack of confidence, so they can become dads and husbands who help their families grow more rooted in faith. Links, Products and Resources Mentioned: Sarah Young Jesus Calling Podcast Jesus Calling books Jesus Calling devotional Dr. Meg Meeker: Seeking the Love of a Father Jesus Calling Large Deluxe Orange, available exclusively at Barnes & Noble Jesus Calling Small Deluxe Blue, available exclusively at Barnes & Noble Dr. Rick Rigsby Lessons from a Third Grade Dropout: How the Timeless Wisdom of One Man Can Impact an Entire Generation book Texas A&M California Maritime Academy in Vallejo, CA Chuck Noll, Pittsburgh Steelers NFL football coach John Wooden, UCLA basketball coach Jerrad Lopes DadTired.com Dad Tire Podcast Dad Tired: Stumbling Your Way to Spiritual Leadership book BibleGateway.com Psalm 1 Kel Mitchell Interview Quotes: “How you do anything is how you do everything. It's never wrong to do the right thing. You tell somebody you're gonna get there at five, get there at four. Be ready to work.” - Dr. Rick Rigsby quoting his father “[My parents constantly raising the bar was] something I hated as a kid, something I couldn't stand as a teenager, but something that brings water to my eyes as an adult.” - Dr. Rick Rigsby “If you don't learn character in the trenches, if you don't learn the basics in the trenches, what in the world makes us think that when we get to the big stage, it's all of a sudden going to happen?” - Dr. Rick Rigsby “Faith encourages me to go beyond my comfort zone and to have a visceral reaction for the people of Jesus and encourage them.” - Dr. Rick Rigsby “Your ability to influence people within the sphere of your periphery will determine the impact that you make.” - Dr. Rick Rigsby “Think for a moment about the person who led you to the Lord. Was it that person's words, or was it that person's lifestyle?” - Dr. Rick Rigsby “I’m going to have a bunch of titles on my business card one day, [but] the thing that will go with me to the grave are the titles of husband, father, and disciple.” - Jerrad Lopes “If you believe you're too sinful or you're not equipped or you're not spiritual enough to lead your family, you're not believing in the God of the Bible.” - Jerrad Lopes ‘I'm just reminded that for me to be filled with life, to give life, to see the goodness of God used and fruit come out of it, I just have to be in the Living Water, which is the Word and Jesus Himself.” - Jerrad Lopes ________________________ Enjoy these videos on Jesus Calling YouTube channel: Audio podcast: https://bit.ly/2uCnNM0 Original Series video podcast: https://bit.ly/2WzFY0O ________________________ Connect with Jesus Calling Instagram Facebook Twitter Pinterest YouTube Jesus Calling Website Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

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 calling of the highest kind, which he shares in his book Relational Intelligence. Ron Hall had one goal in life: to get out of poverty and create a life that matched his definition of success. He worked hard and achieved his goals, but his pursuit of success led to challenges in his relationship with his wife, Debbie. After reexamining his priorities, Ron committed himself to pursuing God the way Debbie did, and it led him to work with the homeless. On the streets of Fort Worth, Texas, Ron met a remarkable man named Denver, who would teach Ron more about life than he ever expected, as chronicled in the movie and New York Times bestselling book, Same Kind of Different as Me. Links, Products and Resources Mentioned: Sarah Young Jesus Calling Podcast Jesus Calling books Jesus Calling devotional Jesus Always devotional promotion at Lifeway.com Dr. Dharius Daniels Relational Intelligence book Ron Hall Same Kind of Different as Me book Same Kind of Different as Me movie Texas Christian University Ecclesiastes 9:15 (BibleGateway.com) Dr. Rick Rigsby Interview Quotes: “What I began to see is the need for an expression of the gospel that did more than address people's morals, but addressed people's lives.” - Dr. Dharius Daniels “You cannot have a high quality of life without doing relationships well.” - Dr. Dharius Daniels “There is no area of our life that is not directly or indirectly impacted by our relationships: our physical well-being, our financial well-being, our relational well-being, our spiritual well-being.” - Dr. Dharius Daniels “God knew what He was doing when He put [my wife Debbie] in my life.” - Ron Hall “I told people that my wife and I at the time, we were both living purpose-driven lives. My purpose in life was chasing the almighty dollar and her purpose in life was chasing the Almighty God.“ - Ron Hall “‘God is checking you out to see what kind of person you really are,’ Denver said, ‘because most of you folks look at the homeless as a problem. But through God's eyes, He sees this as an opportunity for the faithful to show the love of Christ. We’re all homeless. We’re just working our way back home.’“ - Ron Hall “I witnessed the miracle of a homeless ex-con known as Suicide, who did not know how to read and write, become a number-one New York Times bestselling author . . . My good friend Denver, who was my homeless mentor, taught me more about life than anyone.” - Ron Hall ________________________ Enjoy these videos on Jesus Calling YouTube channel: Audio podcast: https://bit.ly/2uCnNM0 Original Series video podcast: https://bit.ly/2WzFY0O ________________________ Connect with Jesus Calling Instagram Facebook Twitter Pinterest YouTube Jesus Calling Website Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

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, talks about the deep bond he had with his music partner of three decades, Troy Gentry. When he lost Troy in a devastating helicopter crash, Eddie learned how to cope with his pain by remembering the good memories they made together, and turned to “the Man Upstairs” for strength. After battling infertility and having two healthy miracle babies, Kacie Clousing was thrilled when she and her husband discovered she was pregnant again. At a routine twenty-week ultrasound, Kacie learned that although she could feel her son kicking and moving within her, he wouldn’t survive the pregnancy. As she grieved the shattered dreams of what could’ve been, she kept reaching for God during her darkest days and held on to the belief that He would take care of her and her family, no matter how difficult the outcome. Links, Products and Resources Mentioned: Sarah Young Jesus Calling Podcast Jesus Calling books Jesus Always devotional promotion at Lifeway.com Jesus Calling podcast episode: God Brings Life After Loss: Jonathan Pitts and John Hill Eddie Montgomery Montgomery/Gentry John Michael Montgomery Kacie Clousing Dr. Dharius Daniels Interview Quotes: “Me and Troy put this duo [Montgomery Gentry] together, Nashville did not. And I think that’s why it was different, because we’d get each other in and out of trouble, we had each other's back. We knew who we were.” - Eddie Montgomery “There’s not a day that goes by I don’t think about [Troy].” - Eddie Montgomery “Before we go on stage, we get together and thank the Man Upstairs that He’s let us live this long and let us do what we do.” - Eddie Montgomery “That's how you get through [loss]. You remember all the smiles and the good times.”- Eddie Montgomery “In a second, our life went from, Oh, my goodness, things are fine. We're having a boy. We're so excited, to just nothing but complete sorrow and grief.” - Kacie Clousing “I started to have a mantra, where when I would start to think about the bad, I would just say, ‘I trust in you, Lord, to stop my negative thoughts and to not fall into the dark hole again.’” - Kacie Clousing “God will take care of you and your family, and bring to your life what is meant to be.” - Kacie Clousing ________________________ Enjoy these videos on Jesus Calling YouTube channel: Audio podcast: https://bit.ly/2uCnNM0 Original Series video podcast: https://bit.ly/2WzFY0O ________________________ Connect with Jesus Calling Instagram Facebook Twitter Pinterest YouTube Jesus Calling Website Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

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 career of her own. Ashlyn dedicates every performance to the One who got her there, and shares her faith and life story to write songs that she hopes will bring healing to people of all ages from the inside out. Links, Products and Resources Mentioned: Sarah Young Jesus Calling Podcast Jesus Calling books Jesus Calling devotionalJesus Calling for KidsJesus Always Jesus Calling and Jesus Always available exclusively at Costco.com Peace in Uncertain Times YouTube Series with Alena Pitts Dawn Barton Mary Kay Cosmetics Laughing Through the Ugly Cry: And Finding Unstoppable Joy book Ashlyn Grayce Alan Jackson Lifeway Christian BibleGateway.com, Isaiah 41:10 Eddie Montgomery Montgomery/Gentry Interview Quotes: “I've had so much that I think gives me every excuse in the world to be not joyful. But I really want to scream from the mountaintops why we should be joyful and why it's a choice.” - Dawn Barton “It’s no one's job to make you feel better but yours.” - Dawn Barton “I think it's important to have a friend that will say, ‘This is enough. It's time for you to get up.’” - Dawn Barton “I think that's that little gift God gives you, sometimes just that feeling of, ‘Don't let go. Hold on a little tighter, a little longer, this time.’” - Dawn Barton “I'm so glad that I used tragedy as the fuel for something that was beautiful.” - Dawn Barton “It's just so powerful that one three-minute song can really change the life of a listener or someone writing it.” - Ashlyn Grayce “I just think that it's so important to not be afraid and know that Jesus is right there with you every step of the way.” - Ashlyn Grayce ________________________ Enjoy these videos on Jesus Calling YouTube channel: Audio podcast: https://bit.ly/2uCnNM0 Original Series video podcast: https://bit.ly/2WzFY0O ________________________ Connect with Jesus Calling Instagram Facebook Twitter Pinterest YouTube Jesus Calling Website Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

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, and the Holy Ghost,” which has touched countless lives. First Lady Edwards shares why she and her husband, Governor John Bel Edwards, were inspired to dedicate their lives to serving the public. As part of that service and in devotion to God, First Lady Edwards felt led to share Jesus Calling with incarcerated women in her state, and visited them in person to deliver the books, which had an enormous impact on her and women in the facility. Links, Products and Resources Mentioned: Sarah Young Jesus Calling Podcast Jesus Calling books Jesus Calling devotional Jesus Today devotional Sarah Young products at Target Jesus Calling Podcast episode: Becoming an Everyday Hero: Neal McCoy & Rodney D. Bullard Craig Morgan Grand Ole Opry Video: The Father, My Son, and the Holy Ghost Craig’s World on Circle TV Louisiana First Lady Donna Edwards See Donna at Work: Governor’s Mansion Dawn Barton Interview Quotes: “It was when I left home and joined the military, I think that's when I developed the aspirations for writing. Being away from home, creating a sense of appreciation for all the things that I had left and got away from.” - Craig Morgan “I thought I was exempt from something like that [when my son died], because our faith was so strong. We were a good Christian family, and I thought that something like this would never happen to us.” - Craig Morgan “When I lost Jerry, I felt like I didn't know enough about God because I needed to know more to understand what was going on.” - Craig Morgan “God wrote this song. I did not write this song.” - Craig Morgan, on his song "The Father, My Son, and the Holy Ghost" “I can't hug people that aren't standing before me, but I still very much feel their presence. Everybody talks about these God moments, you know, where you feel something and you feel the presence of God. That's what that is. I still feel that I have those moments with my son.” - Craig Morgan “We’ve always been firm in our direction and what we felt were our morals and values.” - Louisiana First Lady Donna Edwards “We don’t necessarily have to agree — but I’m called to love you regardless.” - Louisiana First Lady Donna Edwards “150 women who were imprisoned stood up and applauded the fact that I stepped into their life that day,” - Louisiana First Lady Donna Edwards “Only with God’s help and praying and asking for God to help you, can one truly forgive.” - Louisiana First Lady Donna Edwards ________________________ Enjoy these videos on Jesus Calling YouTube channel: Audio podcast: https://bit.ly/2uCnNM0 Original Series video podcast: https://bit.ly/2WzFY0O ________________________ Connect with Jesus Calling Instagram Facebook Twitter Pinterest YouTube Jesus Calling Website Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

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 juggling so much—a loving marriage, being a mom to two sons (one with special needs) and a passion for her burgeoning business—that she worked herself into a burnout, which took a toll especially on her marriage. As she began to work through these hard feelings, Lisa realized God didn’t require her to be perfect and put together all the time. Slowly but surely, Lisa’s zest for life returned, and she began to build a peaceful life that allowed her to keep creating new resources and loving others the way she always wanted. Links, Products and Resources Mentioned: Sarah Young Jesus Calling Podcast Jesus Calling books Jesus Calling devotionalJesus Today Jesus Calling exclusives from Barnes & Noble online The Next Door Treatment Facility interviews on Jesus Calling podcast Andrew & Shawn Johnson East YouTube channel, The East Family Shawn Johnson East website Andrew East website London Olympics Dancing with the Stars Lisa Leonard Be You book Brave Love book Your Spark book Gary Sinise IMDB - Gary Sinise as “Lieutenant Dan” in the film Forrest Gump, Interview Quotes: “I remember going to the Olympics, winning an Olympic gold medal, standing on the medal podium with a gold medal around my neck and feeling almost empty.” - Shawn Johnson East “Shawn's career was just kind of ending when we met, and my career was about to begin in the NFL. It's such a unique position, and I'm so thankful that Shawn is very uniquely qualified to be a part of the ups and downs of the NFL.” - Andrew East “[Sharing about my miscarriage with my online community] helped me heal so much, just seeing how many thousands of stories came back of people who had gone through the same thing.” - Shawn Johnson East “There's so much power in the community.” - Andrew East “I'm excited about the marriage aspect of parenting, but I'm also excited about the responsibility of what it means to be a thoughtful parent and how you do that well.” - Shawn Johnson East “I felt like I wanted to do something different and bring beauty into the world.” - Lisa Leonard “I felt like as a mom with two boys, one with special needs, and my husband and my friends and my extended family, the easiest way to simplify things was to take my needs and wants and put them way up high on a shelf.” - Lisa Leonard “God can handle our brokenness. He is not surprised by it. He's not scared of it. He's enough to fill that space.” - Lisa Leonard “This is a journey. We don't have it all figured out. And there's grace, so this is love, right? We don't do everything perfectly, but we're in it together.” - Lisa Leonard ________________________ Enjoy these videos on Jesus Calling YouTube channel: Audio podcast: https://bit.ly/2uCnNM0 Original Series video podcast: https://bit.ly/2WzFY0O ________________________ Connect with Jesus Calling Instagram Facebook Twitter Pinterest YouTube Jesus Calling Website Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

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 loved. Dr. David Vanderpool has also taken part in rebuilding, but in a different way: by living in Haiti and serving others through his relief organization Live Beyond, Dr. Vanderpool has discovered that living simply and focusing on connecting with others has brought his family closer to God and allowed him to share God’s love with those in need. Links, Products and Resources Mentioned: Sarah Young Jesus Calling Podcast Jesus Calling books Jesus Calling devotional Jesus Today devotional Jesus Calling, the new botanical edition Jesus Calling podcast episode: God Lifts Us Up to Our Full Potential: Philanthropist Melinda Gates & Pastor Tony Evans HGTV Show Restored by the Fords (Leanne & Steve Ford) Work in Progress bookCountry Living Magazine Dr. David Vanderpool Live Beyond relief organization Britannica, 2010 Haiti Earthquake Olympic gold medal gymnast Shawn Johnson East Interview Quotes: “I realized that it was our family and our faith that created this life where we didn't care what anyone else thought.” - Leanne Ford, remembering her childhood “We are in a society where if you mess up, it's looked down upon. And the problem with that is that the fear of failure kills creativity.” - Leanne Ford “I really believe that when you love your home, it really translates into the rest of your life.” - Leanne Ford “The ability to bring joy and happiness to people, whether it be a giggle or a laugh or a house they're proud of or an idea that gets them inspired, what an awesome gift that we’re able to do that.” - Leanne Ford “Jesus came to fill the gap between this disparity.” - Dr. David Vanderpool “When you divest yourself of material things and Plan B starts to fade away a little bit, I think what happens is the Lord becomes nearer and He becomes a whole lot more apparent.” - Dr. David Vanderpool “There's nothing that is more gratifying or supporting than knowing that you're walking exactly where God wants you to walk.” - Dr. David Vanderpool ________________________ Enjoy these videos on Jesus Calling YouTube channel: Audio podcast: https://bit.ly/2uCnNM0 Original Series video podcast: https://bit.ly/2WzFY0O ________________________ Connect with Jesus Calling Instagram Facebook Twitter Pinterest YouTube Jesus Calling Website Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

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 twenty-one years, and in her darkest moments, she cried out to God, wanting to know if He was there. When she clearly heard God say that He would never forsake her, it all changed for Jennifer. She learned to trust God with her anger, moving forward into freedom and healing. Links, Products and Resources Mentioned: Sarah Young Jesus Calling Podcast Jesus Calling books Jesus Calling devotionalJesus Calling Prayer Call Jesus Calling® for Graduates Angela Braniff, founder of the popular YouTube channel This Gathered Nest Love Without Borders book Jennifer Greenberg BibleGateway.com (Hebrews 13:5) Not Forsaken book PTSD, post-traumatic stress disorder National Suicide Prevention Hotline: 1-800-273-8255 HGTV Show Restored by the Fords (Leanne & Steve Ford) Work in Progress book Interview Quotes: “I just thought that if I did all the right things, then my life would turn out how everyone told me, and it would be happy and fulfilled and everything would be great.” - Angela Braniff “I cried out to God and said, ‘I need you to give me Your eyes. Break my heart for what breaks Yours. If there's more to this life, I need You to show me.’” - Angela Braniff “They will grow up and have questions, things I can't answer, things I can, and wounds that I, in my humanness, no matter how much I love them as their mother, cannot fix or heal. But the one thing I can do is point them to Jesus, who loves them and who can heal those wounds for them.” - Angela Braniff, on her adoptive children “Trust that the plan He has is just so much better than any plans we could have ever made for ourselves.” - Angela Braniff “I knew that no matter what happened, God would never forsake me. He would never abandon me.” - Jennifer Greenberg "When you grow up with abuse, that is your normal. And so when you start to leave that environment, you're going to come to new realizations for how dysfunctional your past environment was." - Jennifer Greenberg “I was able to come to a place in my life where I realized that the reason I was angry at my abuser was because I was angry at evil...I realized that I could trust God to be angry for me.” - Jennier Greenberg “I realized at one point that sometimes we talk about clinging to faith in God, but really, it's God who clings to us.” - Jennifer Greenberg ”Not only do we have a Savior who redeems us from our sins, we have a Savior who can relate with us in an extraordinarily personal and profound way.” - Jennifer Greenberg ________________________ Enjoy these videos on Jesus Calling YouTube channel: Audio podcast: https://bit.ly/2uCnNM0 Original Series video podcast: https://bit.ly/2WzFY0O ________________________ Connect with Jesus Calling Instagram Facebook Twitter Pinterest YouTube Jesus Calling Website Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

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 struggling to find her way as a young adult, Christine Carter found herself trying to fill the hole in her heart with food. After a heartbreaking encounter with a family member, Christine embarked on a journey to learn how to change from the inside out. Along the way, Christine learned God loved her just as she was, she began to love herself too—and now she’s striving to help others learn to love themselves and cultivate a healthier mindset and lifestyle in her brand-new book Weight-Loss Hero. Links, Products and Resources Mentioned: Sarah Young Jesus Calling Podcast Jesus Calling books Jesus Calling devotionalJesus Always devotional Jeanne Bishop, Author Change of Heart book Grace From the Rubble book Bud Welch 25th anniversary of the Oklahoma City Bombing Timothy McVeigh Marquette University St. Charles Borromeo Church in Oklahoma City Communicant at her Catholic Church, Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building, Oklahoma City OK Christine Carter, founder and CEO of Weight Loss Hero Weight-Loss Hero: Transform Your Mind and Body with a Healthy Keto Lifestyle Mayo Clinic, weight loss surgery Bible Gateway Matthew 22 Angela Braniff, founder of the popular YouTube channel This Gathered Nest Love Without Borders book Interview Quotes: “What I learned that day about Bill McVeigh was that he and I had the exact same thing in common: we had both buried our children.” - Bud Welch “There’s such a hunger out there for these stories of people who found a way to get out from under that burden of hate and bitterness, and found this freedom and the grace and mercy and compassion.” - Jeanne Bishop “I wanted to uplift these two men, these extraordinary men, these two fathers who should have been enemies and instead became these unexpected friends precisely because they were willing to see in one another that they had this common ground.” - Jeanne Bishop “When your parents die, you go to the hilltop and you bury them. When your children die, you bury them in your heart. It’s forever. It never goes away.” - Bud Welch “To have that redemption come from such tragedy is just a way of doing what God calls us all to do, which is to forgive others as we've been forgiven.” - Jeanne Bishop “I thought I had a weight problem, and I didn't know the weight I was carrying was a symptom of what was lurking beneath the surface.” - Christine Carter “I think that if you've ever overcome something in your life, I feel that part of what God calls us to do is to help someone else, even if it's just one person, help somebody else do the same.” - Christine Carter “I think a lot of our habits that we have and a lot of our mindsets are really what's holding us hostage.” - Christine Carter “We put ourselves last—and certainly there's something to be said about having a servant's heart—but you can never pour from an empty cup.” - Christine Carter “It's easy to fall into that temptation of picking the things that satisfy in the moment. But those things rarely satisfy for a lifetime. I've learned to put my eyes on Christ, put my eyes on God, to say, ‘What does He want for me?’” - Christine Carter ________________________ Enjoy these videos on Jesus Calling YouTube channel: Audio podcast: https://bit.ly/2uCnNM0 Original Series video podcast: https://bit.ly/2WzFY0O ________________________ Connect with Jesus Calling Instagram Facebook Twitter Pinterest YouTube Jesus Calling Website Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

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 single one of us, no matter our differences. By pursuing a higher calling than just being the next Food Network Star, Melissa has discovered the power of seeking daily time with God, and the realization that we can never be fully whole and at peace without connection to the Father. Links, Products and Resources Mentioned: Sarah Young Jesus Calling Podcast Jesus Calling books Jesus Calling devotional Jesus Calling Family Devotional Jesus Calling®: 365 Devotions for Kids Jesus Calling Peace in Uncertain Times Series (YouTube) Emily Stroud Dr. Henry Cloud HGTV’s Christina Anstead HGTV’s Flip or Flop HGTV’s Christina on the Coast The Wellness Remodel: A Guide to Rebooting How You Eat, Move and Feed Your Soul book Cara Clark Nutrition WebMD: Naturopathic Doctor Mayo Clinic: Hashimoto's thyroid Food Network’s Melissa d’Arabian Ten Dollar Dinners Next Food Network Star (Melissa d’Arabian - Winner of Season 5) Tasting Grace: Discovering the Power of Food to Connect Us to God, One Another, and Ourselves book Christine Carter, the founder and CEO of Weight Loss Hero Interview Quotes: “I was able to mentally refocus and know there was a bigger purpose in all this, which was huge for me.” - Christina Anstead, on growing closer to God “Every night before bed, I just pray that doors that need to be shut, that don't bring me something to my greater good, shut them and lock them. Doors that need to be open, that are better for my spirit, then open those up.” - Christina Anstead “When you go back and focus on the Lord and focus on peace, joy will come.” - Christina Anstead “Food saved me, which is not something I say lightly.” - Melissa d’Arabian “That school cafeteria was that first peek into the compassion and the unifying and the equalizing power of food.” - Melissa d’Arabian “I think our life mission statement is a bigger thing, that we might be called to show up for and be open to the details of how that plays out.”- Melissa d’Arabian “I love the beauty of us trusting God and getting our daily bread, our daily fill. I love how generous that God is.” - Melissa d’Arabian “What if all of these features of the food system aren't flaws, but actually invitations into a greater joy and into a greater connection with our Maker and with each other?” - Melissa d’Arabian ________________________ Enjoy these videos on Jesus Calling YouTube channel: Audio podcast: https://bit.ly/2uCnNM0 Original Series video podcast: https://bit.ly/2WzFY0O ________________________ Connect with Jesus Calling Instagram Facebook Twitter Pinterest YouTube Jesus Calling Website Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

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 little things we do for others have a big impact. With a few strokes of his pencil, Richard Cowdrey can bring to life whimsical children’s book characters like Marley from “Marley & Me” and Fiona the Hippo. Richard shares how, during a troubled adolescence, two teachers helped unveil the artistic dreams he’d always held in his heart and even led Richard to faith. Today Richard is paying it forward by speaking to students and helping them reach for their own passions. Links, Products and Resources Mentioned: Sarah Young Jesus Calling Podcast Jesus Calling books Jesus Calling devotional Jesus Calling for Easter Jesus Calling: The Story of Easter on special at Books-A-Million.com Jesus Calling episode, God’s Perfect Purpose for Our Imperfect Lives: Rita Wilson and Lisa Osteen Comes Matthew Barnett Los Angeles Dream Center Coronavirus epidemic Queen of Angels Hospital One Small Step: The Life-Changing Adventure of Following God's Nudges book Richard Cowdrey Fiona, It's Bedtime children’s book Fiona books Gray's Anatomy books Columbus College of Art and Design Bad Dog, Marley children’s book Melissa D’Arabian (Food Network) Interview Quotes: “Just staying in the neighborhood, not leaving, and being there for people is one of the best things you could do at a time of crisis. [Let them] know that you're not going to run, you're not going to leave. You're still going to be a steady force of change in the community.” - Matthew Barnett “In the twenty-five years of feeding fifteen hundred hot meals every day, we really believe that we were born for this era that we're facing right now.” - Matthew Barnett “Every program that we build at the Dream Center is one year, and the reason why it's one year is because we want to give people the luxury of time to change.” - Matthew Barnett “You're doing the urgent, but you're not responding to the important.” - Matthew Barnett, on times we wander away from God "I still cannot actually come up with the words to describe what happened. I knew the answers. I knew who I was, why I was." - Richard Cowdrey, on reading the Gospel of John in college "I have a real love for nature . . . even at a young age, I was aware there must be a God who created the animals and the woods." - Richard Cowdrey “I'm looking for the ones that look like me, who weren't the straight-A students, who weren't the quarterback, who weren't the star students. They're the ones on the edges, on the fringe. I try to encourage them that they have a gift.” Richard Cowdrey, on speaking in schools ________________________ Enjoy these videos on Jesus Calling YouTube channel: Audio podcast: https://bit.ly/2uCnNM0 Original Series video podcast: https://bit.ly/2WzFY0O ________________________ Connect with Jesus Calling Instagram Facebook Twitter Pinterest YouTube Jesus Calling Website Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

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 let go of the excuses she had made for herself, she stepped into the strength that was always there. Former WWE wrestler and Olympic gold medalist Kurt Angle had it all—he was in the spotlight on the world’s stage. But Kurt struggled as he followed a pattern of drugs and alcohol his dad set before him. He realized that he would never be strong enough to break the cycle on his own: he needed Jesus. Links, Products and Resources Mentioned: Sarah Young Jesus Calling Podcast Jesus Calling books Jesus Calling devotional Jesus Calling for Easter Jesus Calling: The Story of Easter on special at Books-A-Million.com Jesus Calling episode, A Pilot & a POW Cling to Faith During Crisis: Tammie Jo Shults & Carlyle “Smitty” Harris Lisa Bevere Messenger International Strong: Devotions to Live a Powerful & Passionate Life book BibleGateway.com Kurt Angle Kurt Angle (Facebook) ESPN Interview Quotes: “I have such a heart to see women empowered, to be strong, and to understand they don't have to take their strength from somebody else—they get their strength from God.” - Lisa Bevere “God said to me, ‘I don't want a mentoring of pride. I want mentoring of brokenness. I want you to pour out of your longing, because this is what is going to actually bring healing.’” - Lisa Bevere “When we think in the back of our mind that being a woman is a weakness, being a woman is a problem, when we think, I could be more powerful if I was a man, then we're actually buying into the enemy's lie, and we're devaluing who God created us to be.” - Lisa Bevere “I didn't know how to do the, "I'm upset. I'm going to step back so that we can sit down together." What I did is I attacked people instead of problems. I attacked character instead of the crisis.” - Lisa Bevere, on her struggle with anger “There are a whole lot of reasons that people can give on why they're broken, why they are wounded, why they are hurt. And I have so much compassion for that, but I have good news: what Jesus did for you is more powerful than what anybody did to you.” - Lisa Bevere ”I think it's important for women to have friendships with women that are older than them, women that are their same age and in the same season, and then women who are younger.” - Lisa Bevere “Too many people think that God has somehow gone mute, and yet Jesus still speaks. He speaks love. He speaks redemption. He says, “I do not condemn.” He says, “I am your light. You don't have to walk in the realm of shadow anymore.” - Lisa Bevere “One thing I did think about was, I don’t want to become that guy. And, you know, twenty-five years later, I was much of the same guy, my father in every aspect.” - Kurt Angle, on his father “I had this love affair on the side with alcohol and drugs. And I also had my relationship with God, but I never mixed it. So I was like, “God, I'm going to turn off right now. I'm going to go to my drinking and my drugs and I'll get back to You in a few hours.’” - Kurt Angle “So every day in rehab, I kept praying, ‘God, please, I don't want to be a screw up. I don't want to come out of here and go back to where I was. I want to progress. I want to move forward.’” - Kurt Angle “I'm always changing and always asking, ‘What's the next step for me? Where do I go from here and how do I make it?’ And, you know, a lot of it is prayer and my relationship with Jesus, and asking Him, ‘Where do I go?’ I listen to Him quite a bit.” - Kurt Angle ________________________ Enjoy these videos on Jesus Calling YouTube channel: Audio podcast: https://bit.ly/2uCnNM0 Original Series video podcast: https://bit.ly/2WzFY0O ________________________ Connect with Jesus Calling Instagram Facebook Twitter Pinterest YouTube Jesus Calling Website Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

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 was a little boy, Derek Evans knew he wanted to lend a helping hand to many. After a series of obstacles led him to question his purpose, God helped Derek discover how a small t-shirt company he’d started called Project 615 could change the lives of not only his neighbors at home, but across the world. Links, Products and Resources Mentioned: Sarah Young Jesus Calling Podcast Jesus Calling books Jesus Calling devotional Jesus Calling for Easter Jesus Calling episode, Heavenly Connections: Kristin Chenoweth, Joanne Rogers, & Montell Jordan Miles McPherson Rock Church in San Diego, CA The Third Option: Hope for a Racially Divided Nation book Pop Warner football The Good Samaritan story Derek Evans Project 615 The Bridge Ministry Made to Change the World book Interview Quotes: “Every NFL team has a Christian contingent. They all have chapels. They all have chapel before the game. They all have Bible study during the week. And so there was a group on our team, and I watched them and knew that what they had, I wanted.” - Miles McPherson “The big difference for me was having people in my life to hold me accountable and just be there to be an example.” - Miles McPherson, on life after becoming a Christian ”Every race conversation is about us vs. them. And the third option is that we honor what we have in common.” - Miles McPherson “Every time you see someone, rename them neighbor. You know, the greatest commandment is to love God with your heart, mind, and soul. And the second is just like it, to love your neighbor as yourself . . . If we would just start there and talk about people through the lens of a neighbor or brother or sister, we wouldn't say a lot of the things we say.” - Miles McPherson “Anytime there's change in my life, I'm more excited than fearful because I know that God always uses those opportunities to really strengthen us.” - Derek Evans “The beautiful thing about being at rock bottom is that God truly uses that time to mold you, to really speak to you, to really transform your life.” - Derek Evans "As we're praying over [this homeless man], for the first time in my life, I felt God say, 'You're no different than this man you're praying for.'" – Derek Evans “God calls us to different things, and not only does He call for different things, He plants different gifts and talents inside of us that He uses to further His kingdom.” - Derek Evans “We must be the light, as Jesus calls us to be.” - Derek Evans ________________________ Enjoy these videos on Jesus Calling YouTube channel: Audio podcast: https://bit.ly/2uCnNM0 Original Series video podcast: https://bit.ly/2WzFY0O ________________________ Connect with Jesus Calling Instagram Facebook Twitter Pinterest YouTube Jesus Calling Website Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.