The Jeff Cavins Show (Your Catholic Bible Study Podcast)

Are you willing to give every part of your life to Christ? Jeff invites us to reflect on our commitment to Christ and encourages us to not be afraid to be all in for Christ, for when we give everything to him, we experience true happiness. Snippet from the Show "Jesus asks for a total, radical, all in dedication to him. He asks us to give every aspect of our lives to him because he gave every aspect of his life to us." Email us with comments or questions at [email protected]. Text “jeffcavins” to 33-777 to subscribe and get Jeff’s shownotes delivered straight to your email! Or visit ascensionpress.com/thejeffcavinsshow for full shownotes!

In today's society it can be so tempting to compare ourselves with others and to feel insecure. Jeff offers us various Scripture verses that help us find our confidence in the Lord, and reminds us that the only person we need to compare ourselves with is Jesus Christ. Snippet from the Show Conversion is not about being a better version of yourself, it’s about becoming like Jesus Christ. Email us with comments or questions at [email protected]. Text “jeffcavins” to 33-777 to subscribe and get Jeff’s shownotes delivered straight to your email! Or visit ascensionpress.com/thejeffcavinsshow for full shownotes!

Have you ever come across a wise insight in your reading or prayer but had no way of remembering it? Jeff shares with us today a practical tool help us capture powerful insights so that we can can hold on to wisdom and truth, and also pass them down to future generations. Snippet from the Show We have to recover the art of gathering wisdom and passing it down to future generations. Email us with comments or questions at [email protected]. Text “jeffcavins” to 33-777 to subscribe and get Jeff’s shownotes delivered straight to your email! Or visit ascensionpress.com/thejeffcavinsshow for full shownotes!

Do you ever feel like you’re different from everyone else? Today, Jeff invites us to marvel at the reality that each person is unrepeatable and a unique masterpiece of God’s creativity and love. Snippet from the Show “God has the ability to create billions of people and no two are the same.” Email us with comments or questions at [email protected]. Text “jeffcavins” to 33-777 to subscribe and get Jeff’s shownotes delivered straight to your email! Or visit ascensionpress.com/thejeffcavinsshow for full shownotes!

Jeff continues walking us through more of Jesus' parables today, and invites us to reflect on the ways Jesus is challenging us to listen more closely to the Word of God, and to let it shape the way we treat others. Snippet from the Show How often do you hear the Word of God without letting it take root in your heart? Email us with comments or questions at [email protected]. Text “jeffcavins” to 33-777 to subscribe and get Jeff’s shownotes delivered straight to your email! Or visit ascensionpress.com/thejeffcavinsshow for full shownotes!

Did you know that Jesus is constantly sharing stories about you through his parables? Today, Jeff walks us through various parables and challenges us find ourselves in those stories and reflect how Jesus is calling us to grow in our relationship with him. Snippet from the Show Who are you in the parables? The prodigal son or daughter, the unforgiving servant, or the good samaritan? The parables are not random stories, they are stories about us. Email us with comments or questions at [email protected]. Text “jeffcavins” to 33-777 to subscribe and get Jeff’s shownotes delivered straight to your email! Or visit ascensionpress.com/thejeffcavinsshow for full shownotes!

It’s good to have faith, but you need to have the work to back it up. Today, Jeff explains why it’s so important to pair our faith with works, giving several examples from the Bible and the Catechism. Snippet from the Show “Entrust yourself to him.” Email us with comments or questions at [email protected]. Text “jeffcavins” to 33-777 to subscribe and get Jeff’s shownotes delivered straight to your email! Or visit ascensionpress.com/thejeffcavinsshow for full shownotes!

Do you find yourself complaining often? In this two-part episode, Jeff shares some passages from the Old Testament about complaining, and relates our frustrations with the frustrations of the Israelites in the wilderness. Snippet from the Show “When people complain and whine, they may be expressing a thirst for God they’re not yet aware of.” Email us with comments or questions at [email protected]. Text “jeffcavins” to 33-777 to subscribe and get Jeff’s shownotes delivered straight to your email! Or visit ascensionpress.com/thejeffcavinsshow for full shownotes!

Do you find yourself complaining often? In this two-part episode, Jeff shares some passages from the Old Testament about complaining, and relates our frustrations with the frustrations of the Israelites in the wilderness. Snippet from the Show “God thirsts that we would thirst for Him.” - St. Augustine Email us with comments or questions at [email protected]. Text “jeffcavins” to 33-777 to subscribe and get Jeff’s shownotes delivered straight to your email! Or visit ascensionpress.com/thejeffcavinsshow for full shownotes!

When was the last time you asked yourself, “Am I satisfied with God”? Today, Jeff addresses this question, and encourages us to examine our relationship with Christ daily through scripture and doctrine. Snippet from the Show “God thirsts that you would thirst for him.” - St. Augustine Email us with comments or questions at [email protected]. Text “jeffcavins” to 33-777 to subscribe and get Jeff’s shownotes delivered straight to your email! Or visit ascensionpress.com/thejeffcavinsshow for full shownotes!

Are you offended easily? Today, Jeff explains why it’s important to not let our emotions get the best of us, and how being easily offended could interfere with our relationship with God. Snippet from the Show “Unforgiveness and being offended are carefully laid traps of the enemy.” Email us with comments or questions at [email protected]. Text “jeffcavins” to 33-777 to subscribe and get Jeff’s shownotes delivered straight to your email! Or visit ascensionpress.com/thejeffcavinsshow for full shownotes!

What is it that you're truly longing for? Today, Jeff explains why the things we want can’t be found in material things, and shares some resources on finding the true source of our desires. Snippet from the Show “Our capacity for grandeur and satisfaction is too big to stop with the things of this world.” Email us with comments or questions at [email protected]. Text “jeffcavins” to 33-777 to subscribe and get Jeff’s shownotes delivered straight to your email! Or visit ascensionpress.com/thejeffcavinsshow for full shownotes!

So just how dangerous can tarot cards, ouija boards, and astrology really be? Today, Jeff discusses the Christian view of occult powers, and shares passages from the Bible and Catechism explaining their sinful nature. Snippet from the Show “Satan is a liar, and if we go to places outside the kingdom of God, putting our trust in these things, you will get answers, but they’re lies.” Email us with comments or questions at [email protected]. Text “jeffcavins” to 33-777 to subscribe and get Jeff’s shownotes delivered straight to your email! Or visit ascensionpress.com/thejeffcavinsshow for full shownotes!

What should you do if you’re invited to a Protestant Bible study? Jeff reminds us of the characteristics of a good Bible study, and also offers us seven things to keep in mind for a Catholic who attends a Protestant Bible study. Snippet from the Show “The goal of Bible study is to gain an understanding of the heart of God and His plan, not to win a theological battle.” Email us with comments or questions at [email protected]. Text “jeffcavins” to 33-777 to subscribe and get Jeff’s shownotes delivered straight to your email! Or visit ascensionpress.com/thejeffcavinsshow for full shownotes!

Do you and your fiance have a plan for your engagement? Today, Jeff shares some advice for engaged couples preparing for marriage, drawing from his own experience with his wife Emily. Snippet from the Show “The Bible is key to engaged couples, because it’s in salvation history that you will learn about the heart of your heavenly Father, and his plan for your life.” Email us with comments or questions at [email protected]. Text “jeffcavins” to 33-777 to subscribe and get Jeff’s shownotes delivered straight to your email! Or visit ascensionpress.com/thejeffcavinsshow for full shownotes!

How many of the foundations in your life can you be sure will last forever? Today, Jeff explains how we can root ourselves in the foundation of Jesus Christ, and the wonderful effect it will have in our lives. Snippet from the Show “Is your life really built in Jesus Christ?” Email us with comments or questions at [email protected]. Text “jeffcavins” to 33-777 to subscribe and get Jeff’s shownotes delivered straight to your email! Or visit ascensionpress.com/thejeffcavinsshow for full shownotes!

There are two types of makeup: the kind we wear on our face and the kind we wear in our speech. Today, Jeff expresses the importance of avoiding false forms of speaking, especially as Christians. Snippet from the Show “Let your yes be yes and your no be no, that you may not fall under condemnation.” - James 5:12 Email us with comments or questions at [email protected]. Text “jeffcavins” to 33-777 to subscribe and get Jeff’s shownotes delivered straight to your email! Or visit ascensionpress.com/thejeffcavinsshow for full shownotes!

Do you ever feel like you don’t have what it takes to do God’s will? Today, Jeff shares some scripture verses that show God’s provision in our lives, and how he can do great things with little gestures of faith. Snippet from the Show “Jesus called you to be his disciple, and he made that decision knowing that whatever you brought to the table, he could use.” Email us with comments or questions at [email protected]. Text “jeffcavins” to 33-777 to subscribe and get Jeff’s shownotes delivered straight to your email! Or visit ascensionpress.com/thejeffcavinsshow for full shownotes!

Do your children know your story? Today, Jeff encourages parents to be vulnerable with their children and share their struggles, humiliations, and fears of their childhood. Vulnerability builds bridges of trust and gives children the freedom to also share their experience with their parents, knowing that they are loved in their brokenness. Snippet from the Show Vulnerability builds bridges of trust and gives children the freedom to also share their experience with their parents, knowing that they are loved in their brokenness. Email us with comments or questions at [email protected]. Text “jeffcavins” to 33-777 to subscribe and get Jeff’s shownotes delivered straight to your email! Or visit ascensionpress.com/thejeffcavinsshow for full shownotes!

Are we able to forgive those who have hurt our loved ones? Today, Jeff gives some words of encouragement regarding forgiveness, especially when people have hurt those closest to us. Snippet from the Show “I have said this to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” - John 16:33 Email us with comments or questions at [email protected]. Text “jeffcavins” to 33-777 to subscribe and get Jeff’s shownotes delivered straight to your email! Or visit ascensionpress.com/thejeffcavinsshow for full shownotes!

Is there a benefit to suffering? What’s the point? Today, Jeff explains the purpose of suffering and shares some ways we can use it to not only grow closer to Christ but to help our loved ones do the same. Snippet from the Show “Suffering is almost inseparable from man’s earthly existence.” - St. Pope John Paul II (Salvifici Doloris) Email us with comments or questions at [email protected]. Text “jeffcavins” to 33-777 to subscribe and get Jeff’s shownotes delivered straight to your email! Or visit ascensionpress.com/thejeffcavinsshow for full shownotes!

Have you ever sought to disciple someone in your life? Today, Jeff shares his powerful experience of being discipled by two friends who helped him deepen his relationship with Christ. We learn the six things his friends did that truly made a big difference in Jeff's life. Snippet from the Show “Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.” -Matthew 4:18 Email us with comments or questions at [email protected]. Text “jeffcavins” to 33-777 to subscribe and get Jeff’s shownotes delivered straight to your email! Or visit ascensionpress.com/thejeffcavinsshow for full shownotes!

Have you emulated the light of Christ today? Today, Jeff shares some ways we can spread light through the darkness of this world. Snippet from the Show “The world doesn’t need my light or your light, it needs something much greater: it needs the light of Christ.” Email us with comments or questions at [email protected]. Text “jeffcavins” to 33-777 to subscribe and get Jeff’s shownotes delivered straight to your email! Or visit ascensionpress.com/thejeffcavinsshow for full shownotes!

Losing a spouse is one of the most heartbreaking things we can experience in this life, but we don’t have to go through it alone. Today, Jeff talks about his personal experiences ministering to those who have lost a spouse and gives some counsel on how we can remember those we’ve lost in the Eucharist. Snippet from the Show “You will know your spouse in Heaven, and you can know them today in the Eucharist.” Email us with comments or questions at [email protected]. Text “jeffcavins” to 33-777 to subscribe and get Jeff’s shownotes delivered straight to your email! Or visit ascensionpress.com/thejeffcavinsshow for full shownotes!

Are you allowing God to protect you? Today, Jeff explains his encounter with a killdeer bird, and what it showed him about God’s unshakable faithfulness for us. Snippet from the Show “For you have been my help, and in the shadow of your wings I will sing for joy.” - Psalms 63:7 Email us with comments or questions at [email protected]. Text “jeffcavins” to 33-777 to subscribe and get Jeff’s shownotes delivered straight to your email! Or visit ascensionpress.com/thejeffcavinsshow for full shownotes!

We live in a society that is so rich, yet it often leaves us feeling so empty. How how do we feed our soul? Jeff offers us five ways to feed that hunger in our soul that always leaves us wanting more from life. Snippet from the Show “The place where your soul is fed is when you are in the Father’s plan of sheer goodness.” Email us with comments or questions at [email protected]. Text “jeffcavins” to 33-777 to subscribe and get Jeff’s shownotes delivered straight to your email! Or visit ascensionpress.com/thejeffcavinsshow for full shownotes!

Have you ever realized how much of the Bible we say during mass? Today, Jeff talks about the most quoted verses in the Bible, including the most quoted verse in the entire world. Snippet from the Show “Of all the verses in the Bible, God has brought one to the mass that we say over and over.” Email us with comments or questions at [email protected]. Text “jeffcavins” to 33-777 to subscribe and get Jeff’s shownotes delivered straight to your email! Or visit ascensionpress.com/thejeffcavinsshow for full shownotes!

What kind of things does your parish need right now? Today, Jeff seeks to help by sharing five topics he wants to share with your parish. Snippet from the Show Email us with comments or questions at [email protected]. Text “jeffcavins” to 33-777 to subscribe and get Jeff’s shownotes delivered straight to your email! Or visit ascensionpress.com/thejeffcavinsshow for full shownotes!

Especially in a time like this, we could all use a bit more light. Today, Jeff explains how we can find God’s faithfulness in the darkness of nighttime, even if it’s just in the stars. Snippet from the Show “God took enough time, even in creation, to create the sun, the moon, and the stars as a reflection of his faithfulness towards you.” Email us with comments or questions at [email protected] Text “jeffcavins” to 33-777 to subscribe and get Jeff’s shownotes delivered straight to your email! Or visit ascensionpress.com/thejeffcavinsshow for full shownotes!

Does your experience in mass on Sunday have an impact on your week? Today, Jeff explains the difference between Kronos and Kairos time, and how we can take the moments of mass and carry them into the rest of our week. Snippet from the Show “Sacred time transforms secular time.” Email us with comments or questions at [email protected] Text “jeffcavins” to 33-777 to subscribe and get Jeff’s shownotes delivered straight to your email! Or visit ascensionpress.com/thejeffcavinsshow for full shownotes!

Who are the lost sheep in your life? Today, Jeff explains the parable of the lost sheep, and shares how we can find the lost sheep in our lives, and bring them back to Christ. Snippet from the Show “If a parish is not equipped to recognize and go after lost sheep, we will not find them.” Email us with comments or questions at [email protected] Text “jeffcavins” to 33-777 to subscribe and get Jeff’s shownotes delivered straight to your email! Or visit ascensionpress.com/thejeffcavinsshow for full shownotes!

What example did Jesus leave us just hours before his Passion, and how are we following it today? Today, Jeff reflects on John 13 and its relation to Holy Week 2021, and how we can follow Christ’s example every day. He also speaks with Anna Mitchell about Bible in a Year, featuring Fr. Mike. Snippet from the Show “It is only Jesus’ cross that gives our cross meaning.” Email us with comments or questions at [email protected] Text “jeffcavins” to 33-777 to subscribe and get Jeff’s shownotes delivered straight to your email! Or visit ascensionpress.com/thejeffcavinsshow for full shownotes!

We need to start thinking post-resurrection instead of pre-resurrection. Today, Jeff explains a shift in thinking that will not only change our life but will change our relationship with Christ for the better. Snippet from the Show “There is not a saint in Heaven that merely followed behind Jesus.” Email us with comments or questions at [email protected] Text “jeffcavins” to 33-777 to subscribe and get Jeff’s shownotes delivered straight to your email! Or visit ascensionpress.com/thejeffcavinsshow for full shownotes!

Have you ever felt stuck between the desires of the spirit and the desires of the flesh? Today, Jeff shows us how to overcome the constant tension we feel between our yearning for heaven and our yearning for the things of this passing world. By taking us back to Scripture, he shows us how to face this battle and walk according to God's purpose for our lives. Ascension is proud to partner with authentically Catholic institutions and organizations committed to spreading the Gospel. Learn more about the sponsor of this episode, Ave Maria University Snippet from the Show "Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation; the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.” Email us with comments or questions at [email protected] Text “jeffcavins” to 33-777 to subscribe and get Jeff’s shownotes delivered straight to your email! Or visit ascensionpress.com/thejeffcavinsshow for full shownotes!

Sometimes the most powerful thing you can do is just ask, “How can I help?”. Today, Jeff is joined by Chef John Folse to talk about the woman who raised him, Mary Ferchard, and how her Christ-like witness inspired him to always help others however he can. Ascension is proud to partner with authentically Catholic institutions and organizations committed to spreading the Gospel. Learn more about the sponsor of this episode, Ave Maria University Snippet from the Show “You can never outdo God’s generosity.” Email us with comments or questions at [email protected] Text “jeffcavins” to 33-777 to subscribe and get Jeff’s shownotes delivered straight to your email! Or visit ascensionpress.com/thejeffcavinsshow for full shownotes!

Just as our bodies need water, our souls need nourishment too. Today, Jeff talks about the importance of renewing our relationship with Christ through his eternal fountain. Ascension is proud to partner with authentically Catholic institutions and organizations committed to spreading the Gospel. Learn more about the sponsor of this episode, Ave Maria University Snippet from the Show “God thirsts that you would thirst for him.” - St. Augustine Email us with comments or questions at [email protected] Text “jeffcavins” to 33-777 to subscribe and get Jeff’s shownotes delivered straight to your email! Or visit ascensionpress.com/thejeffcavinsshow for full shownotes!

Ever find yourself not knowing what to say when evangelizing? Today, Jeff gives two phrases we can go to when being a witness of Christ. Ascension is proud to partner with authentically Catholic institutions and organizations committed to spreading the Gospel. Learn more about the sponsor of this episode, Ave Maria University Snippet from the Show “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” - Matthew 11:28 Email us with comments or questions at [email protected] Text “jeffcavins” to 33-777 to subscribe and get Jeff’s shownotes delivered straight to your email! Or visit ascensionpress.com/thejeffcavinsshow for full shownotes!

Everyone needs to search their hearts and ask how they will prepare for the Lord. Today, Jeff talks about how we can use Lent to draw ourselves closer to God and to prepare our hearts for his coming. Ascension is proud to partner with authentically Catholic institutions and organizations committed to spreading the Gospel. Learn more about the sponsor of this episode, Ave Maria University Snippet from the Show “It’s the precious moments that make up your life united with Christ, that’s what will last forever.” Email us with comments or questions at [email protected] Text “jeffcavins” to 33-777 to subscribe and get Jeff’s shownotes delivered straight to your email! Or visit ascensionpress.com/thejeffcavinsshow for full shownotes!

We spend so much time standing in lines, why not make the best of it? Today, Jeff talks about 8 ways we can take advantage of the time we spend standing in line. Snippet from the Show “How will the result at the end of the line benefit your relationship with the Lord?” Email us with comments or questions at [email protected] Text “jeffcavins” to 33-777 to subscribe and get Jeff’s shownotes delivered straight to your email! Or visit ascensionpress.com/thejeffcavinsshow for full shownotes!

We all face failure, but trial comes with a great opportunity for grace. Today, Jeff talks about embracing failure as a way to grow in Christ, instead of becoming discouraged. Snippet from the Show “The beautiful thing about the Lord is that he never gives up on you.” Email us with comments or questions at [email protected] Text “jeffcavins” to 33-777 to subscribe and get Jeff’s shownotes delivered straight to your email! Or visit ascensionpress.com/thejeffcavinsshow for full shownotes!

Young Catholic entrepreneurs are needed now more than ever. Today, Jeff shares his experience working in the Catholic media industry and offers us ten tips for young Catholic entrepreneurs today. Snippet from the Show “What has God put on your heart? What is it he wants you to do?” Email us with comments or questions at [email protected] Text “jeffcavins” to 33-777 to subscribe and get Jeff’s shownotes delivered straight to your email! Or visit ascensionpress.com/thejeffcavinsshow for full shownotes!

When was that last time you just sat down and meditated on life? Today, Jeff talks about the importance of taking time daily to think. Snippet from the Show “Think differently as the people of God.” Email us with comments or questions at [email protected] Text “jeffcavins” to 33-777 to subscribe and get Jeff’s shownotes delivered straight to your email! Or visit ascensionpress.com/thejeffcavinsshow for full shownotes!

What the world needs now, is love. Today, Jeff debunks 3 reasons for not wanting to bring children into this broken world, using scripture and the example of St. Zelie and St. Louis Martin. Snippet from the Show “Every time you give birth to a child, you are giving birth to a new image of God on the earth… that’s what the world needs now, is love.” Email us with comments or questions at [email protected] Text “jeffcavins” to 33-777 to subscribe and get Jeff’s shownotes delivered straight to your email! Or visit ascensionpress.com/thejeffcavinsshow for full shownotes!

Today, Jeff explains how we can bring light into our lives to combat the darkness of the world. Snippet from the Show “We look at everything that is going on in the world with the understanding that ultimately, darkness will be defeated here and forevermore by Jesus Christ. We have won, but the battle rages.” Email us with comments or questions at [email protected] Text “jeffcavins” to 33-777 to subscribe and get Jeff’s shownotes delivered straight to your email! Or visit ascensionpress.com/thejeffcavinsshow for full shownotes!

Happy New Year! Today, Jeff gives some encouragement for starting 2021 strong and spiritually healthy. Snippet from the Show “You can know his heart and plan, but if you don’t trust him, you may end up placing your trust in other things.” Email us with comments or questions at [email protected] Text “jeffcavins” to 33-777 to subscribe and get Jeff’s shownotes delivered straight to your email! Or visit ascensionpress.com/thejeffcavinsshow for full shownotes!

Merry Christmas! Today, Jeff talks with Fr. Mike Schmitz about his new podcast, Bible in a Year, which launches on January 1st, 2021. Snippet from the Show “He put you here for a reason, what is that reason? Let’s move forward and listen to his word, so that he may reveal himself through it.” Email us with comments or questions at [email protected] Text “jeffcavins” to 33-777 to subscribe and get Jeff’s shownotes delivered straight to your email! Or visit ascensionpress.com/thejeffcavinsshow for full shownotes!

Sin affects all of us, and the story of David in 2 Samuel proves that. Today, Jeff explains how praying with Psalm 51 can help us prepare our souls for confession, through the example of David. Snippet from the Show “There is no such thing as private sin, it affects all of us, all of mankind.” - Pope St. John Paul II Email us with comments or questions at [email protected] Text “jeffcavins” to 33-777 to subscribe and get Jeff’s shownotes delivered straight to your email! Or visit ascensionpress.com/thejeffcavinsshow for full shownotes!

Struggling with anxiety, frustration, and depression during these covid lockdowns? Maybe all we need to do is change our perspective. Today, Jeff pulls some inspiration from St. Paul’s letters to the Philippians, Ephesians, and Colossians, to help us center our hearts in the Lord during these confusing times. Snippet from the Show “It is God who works in you, both to will and to work, for his pleasure.” Email us with comments or questions at [email protected] Text “jeffcavins” to 33-777 to subscribe and get Jeff’s shownotes delivered straight to your email! Or visit ascensionpress.com/thejeffcavinsshow for full shownotes!

If Jesus showed up at your front door today, what would you say? Today, Jeff lists 5 things you would never say to God out-loud, but might have thought once or twice. Snippet from the Show “He must increase, but I must decrease.” - John 3:30 Email us with comments or questions at [email protected] Text “jeffcavins” to 33-777 to subscribe and get Jeff’s shownotes delivered straight to your email! Or visit ascensionpress.com/thejeffcavinsshow for full shownotes!

Happy Thanksgiving! Today, Jeff talks about how we can cultivate an attitude of thankfulness for everything we have, and how we can practice greater gratitude in our daily lives. Let’s start saying “thanks for everything” instead of “thanks for nothing!” Snippet from the Show “The secret to happiness is gratitude.” - GK Chesterton Email us with comments or questions at [email protected] Text “jeffcavins” to 33-777 to subscribe and get Jeff’s shownotes delivered straight to your email! Or visit ascensionpress.com/thejeffcavinsshow for full shownotes!