Jesus Calling: Stories of Faith - Jesus Calling

Threads of Redemption: Stories of Empathy and Resilience from Ken Abraham & Susan Binkley

January 30, 2025 - 31 min

[JESUS LISTENS MONTHLY SERIES] Praying to Trust God More: Ron Block

January 28, 2025 - 9 min

Laughter Reminds Us We’re Going to Be Okay: Ellen Skrmetti & Justin Stuart and Andrew Scites

January 23, 2025 - 27 min

This week we’re joined by Ellen Skrmetti, a stand-up comedian and author whose journey to the stage was peppered with many moments of overcoming fear and finding humor in unexpected situations. From conquering those fears to redefining what it means to connect with audiences through comedy, Ellen uses her storytelling to bring laughter, healing, and a deeper connection to faith. Later in the episode, we’ll hear from Justin Stuart and Andrew Scites, the creative minds behind JStu, a YouTube channel bringing laughter and joy to millions through family-friendly adventures, daring challenges, and hilarious pranks. Guided by their motto “Laugh Daily,” Justin and Andrew aim to inspire others with the simple yet profound message that joy is a powerful force for good. Links, Products, and Resources Mentioned: Jesus Calling Podcast Jesus Calling Jesus Always Jesus Listens Past interview: Chonda Pierce Upcoming interview: Susan Binkley Ellen Skrmetti Second City www.ellenskrmetti.com Hey, Jesus, It’s Me: I Have Questions, Comments, and Concerns Justin Stuart and Andrew Scites JStu YouTube channel Proverbs 17:22 NIV The JStu Survival Guide Interview Quotes: “It wasn't until I was an adult that I realized that the Lord does not make bets with His children, He does not make deals with His children. He's a way maker, not a deal maker.” - Ellen Skrmetti “The prayer was, ‘Lord, do something so big it could only be You.’” - Ellen Skrmetti “What I have had to diligently learn is to never take back the pencil and never say, ‘Oh, thank you, I can take it from here.’ We need God with us every step of the way.” - Ellen Skrmetti “It's very important to expand your limits. You always want to grow.” - Justin Stuart “God made a way for us to be able to make content, and obviously has had His hand on every part of our business ever since the start of it. I'm really thankful for that.” - Justin Stuart “Anybody has the opportunity to be able to provide joy.” - Justin Stuart “God is involved in every detail of our lives. If we just look for it, we can see how He's impacting our lives.” - Justin Stuart “You can make an impact right where you are by being a difference to those around you, by adding value to those around you.” - Justin Stuart “Being a force for good doesn't have to be a million people on Instagram. It could just be one person.” - Andrew Scites “I get to step into moments and trust that God is going to use my fear and my experience to impact somebody else, if I trust Him and rely on the Holy Spirit moment by moment.” - Justin Stuart ________________________ Enjoy watching these additional videos from Jesus Calling YouTube channel! Audio Episodes: https://bit.ly/3zvjbK7 Bonus Podcasts: https://bit.ly/3vfLlGw Jesus Listens: Stories of Prayer: https://bit.ly/3Sd0a6C Peace for Everyday Life: <a href="https:/

Life’s Wounds Become a Pathway to Healing: Mart Green & Clarissa and Fiona Moll

January 16, 2025 - 22 min

This week, we welcome Mart Green, the founder and CEO of Mardel Christian & Education and of Every Tribe Every Nation, and the Ministry Investment Officer for the Hobby Lobby family of companies founded by his father, David Green. Mart opens up about a pivotal trip he took to Guatemala that showed him the power of God’s love in a highly personal way that he never really had grasped before, and how life’s wounds became a pathway for him toward healing and deeper connection with God and others. Later in the episode, we’ll hear from Clarissa and Fiona Moll, a mother/daughter duo navigating the complexities of grief after the unexpected loss of husband and father, Rob. Facing life as a single mother, Clarissa—now a bereavement advocate and author—shares how she and Fiona worked toward a new normal without Rob by their sides. Together, they share how they deal with the pain of loss, and the small steps they’ve taken toward healing. Links, Products, and Resources Mentioned: Jesus Calling Podcast Jesus Calling Jesus Always Jesus Listens Past interview: Joni Eareckson Tada Upcoming interview: Ellen Skrmetti Mart Green Hobby Lobby Mardel Christian & Education Learning To Be Loved Clarissa and Fiona Moll Rob Moll Christianity Today's The Bulletin Podcast Jeremiah 29:11 NIV Psalm 118:17 NIV Jesus Calling for Kids Hurt Help Hope Other Jesus Calling interviews about grief Interview Quotes: “Sometimes I'd go back and tell where God did something amazing in my life, and just being able to share that, I got closer to the Lord because I remembered it.” - Mart Green “As I look back on my life, the broken spots, the wounds that I have had, not understanding the emotions of my family, having one of my best friends die of COVID-19, you know, the suffering; those are times that are painful and they hurt, but they are also times that we get closer to the Lord.” - Mart Green “If you allow God to heal you of that deep wound, then God will use you and bring others alongside you...God is there with us. He never leaves us. He helps us go through this.” - Mart Green “Overnight, I became a widow with four children. I was faced with learning to parent alone, to become a breadwinner all on my own. Meanwhile, I was trying to shoulder my own shock and grief as I learned to live with this gaping hole that had entered my life through his death.” - Clarissa Moll “In those moments when I felt like I was most alone, God gave me the grace to see that He had been sufficient for me all along.” - Clarissa Moll ________________________ Enjoy watching these additional videos from Jesus Calling YouTube channel! Audio Episodes: https://bit.ly/3zvjbK7 Bonus Podcasts:

The Life Story of Jesus: Dallas Jenkins & The Cast of “The Chosen”

January 9, 2025 - 20 min

The beloved historical drama television series The Chosen has burst onto the scene with its real, raw, and accurate depiction of the life of Jesus. As the first multi-season series about the life and ministry of Jesus, the show focuses on the people who met and followed Him, giving viewers a personal perspective through the eyes of those who knew Him—bringing out an emotional, personal, and intimate side of the life of Christ. This week, we’re joined by the creative mind who brought The Chosen to life, Dallas Jenkins. Accompanying him are actors and actresses Elizabeth Tabish, Paras Patel, Shahar Isaac, Abe Bueno-Jallad, and Jonathan Roumie—who each share what it means to them to be able to portray these iconic characters, and how they work together as a team to lift each other up in telling this important story. Links, Products, and Resources Mentioned: Jesus Calling Podcast Jesus Calling Jesus Always Jesus Listens Past interview: Priscilla Shirer Upcoming interview: Mart Green The Chosen Dallas Jenkins Elizabeth Tabish Paras Patel Shahar Isaac Abe Bueno-Jallad Jonathan Roumie 5&2 Studios The Best Christmas Pageant Ever www.thechosen.tv Interview Quotes: “I really did say to myself, and to God, ‘Okay, I'm willing to give up [my career]. I truly care more about being in Your will and doing what You want me to do than I care about achieving anything or getting certain affirmation.’” - Dallas Jenkins “My hope is that I'm making the best show [through The Chosen] I can that honors God and accurately captures the character and intentions of Jesus in the Gospels.” - Dallas Jenkins “If you look at the Gospels, there are women at really pivotal moments of Jesus's ministry.” - Elizabeth Tabish “I knew the only thing that I had left to do—which I really hadn't done—was to get on my knees and completely and wholly surrender myself, my career, and my circumstances to God.” - Jonathan Roumie “Playing Jesus, there's a reason that God put me in this role and not somebody else. And so I had to recognize that and take up that mantle and know that I was where I was meant to be.” - Jonathan Roumie “One thing that I take away from [the biblical life of] James is the conviction, and the will that you have to have to stand by your convictions. For me, taking on the character has deepened my understanding of what it truly means to be convinced about what you believe.” - Abe Bueno-Jallad ________________________ Enjoy watching these additional videos from Jesus Calling YouTube channel! Audio Episodes: https://bit.ly/3zvjbK7 Bonus Podcasts: https://bit.ly/3vfLlGw Jesus Listens: Stories of Prayer: https://bit.ly/3Sd0a6C Peace for Everyday Life: https://bit.ly/3zzwFoj Peace in Uncerta

Stories of Faith Meet the Silver Screen: Nika King and Chris Wall

January 2, 2025 - 26 min

This week, we talk with two highly creative individuals who have been able to bring positive, uplifting, and spiritually striking stories to the world through the mediums of television, film, and animation. Nika King is an actor and producer who is best known for her comedic abilities and her breakout role as Leslie on the HBO series Euphoria. King honestly shares about her early life watching family members battle addiction, and how they ultimately overcame through faith and determination—which had a great impact on the direction Nika’s life would take as an actress. She also lets us in behind the scenes to her newest film role in Sound of Hope: The Story of Possum Trot. Chris Wall is the executive producer and showrunner on The Wingfeather Saga animated series, and co-founder of Shining Isle Productions. Chris shares his early love of storytelling and how he chased his dreams through animated children’s stories, including directing shows for the popular children’s animated series VeggieTales. Links, Products, and Resources Mentioned: Jesus Calling Podcast Jesus Calling Jesus Always Jesus Listens Past interview: Stephanie Quayle Upcoming interview: The Chosen | Jonathan Roumie Nika King HBO series Euphoria Sound of Hope: The Story of Possum Trot First Lady Donna Martin and Bishop W.S. Martin www.nikaking.com Chris Wall The Wingfeather Saga VeggieTales Cray supercomputers Little House on the Prairie Raiders of the Lost Ark The Little Mermaid Oral Roberts University in Tulsa Max Lucado You Are Special “The Search for Samson’s Hairbrush” Andrew Peterson The Chronicles of Narnia www.shiningisleproductions.com www.wingfeathersaga.com Interview Quotes: “I just realized that God was always directing my life. The Holy Spirit was always guiding me, preparing me for something greater.” - Nika King “When I am performing, that's what the human experience is. It's allowing oneself to be vulnerable, but also know that that's not a weakness.” - Nika King “The world is hurting right now. We have to show them that God is still on the throne and He's still moving. No matter what you're going through in life, it's going to get better.” - Ni

[JESUS LISTENS MONTHLY SERIES] The Power of Quiet Prayers: Marie Chapian

December 31, 2024 - 6 min

Learning to Thrive in the Struggle: BeBe Winans & Tasha Cobbs Leonard

December 26, 2024 - 32 min

*This episode mentions suicide and may not be suitable for all listeners.* This week, we’ll hear from BeBe Winans, a celebrated figure in gospel and R&B music from the renowned Winans family, known for their deep-rooted musical legacy. Raised in a household steeped in gospel traditions and surrounded by the influences of Motown, Bebe experienced some of the ups and downs of the music scene as he and his sister, CeCe Winans, ultimately rose to fame as a beloved singing duo. Later in the episode, we’ll hear from Tasha Cobbs Leonard, a powerful worship leader, pastor, and entrepreneur. Raised in a faith-filled family, Tasha was encouraged by her father, a pastor, to embrace her gifts. A “divine setup” led to her first album, and she went on to inspire millions with songs like "Break Every Chain," which grew from her own battle with depression. Links, Products, and Resources Mentioned: Jesus Calling Podcast Jesus Calling Jesus Always Jesus Listens Past interview: Gloria Gaynor Upcoming interview: Nika King Jesus Calling commemorative edition BeBe Winans CeCe Winans Motown Mighty Clouds of Joy Shirley Caesar Andraé Crouch Smokey Robinson Stevie Wonder Jim and Tammy Faye Bakker The PTL Club Bebe and CeCe Keith Thomas “Father In Heaven [Right Now]” Luke 12:48 NIV Tasha Cobbs Leonard “Break Every Chain” Naomi Raine Luke 14:23 NIV www.tashacobbsleonard.com Do It Anyway Interview Quotes: “Your gift will make room. What you have to go through is okay. It does work out if you believe and continue to have faith in what God has called you to do.” - BeBe Winans “I'm amazed at the doors that God opens. I find myself in places that I never dreamed of and working with people I never thought I would.” - BeBe Winans “There's such a roller coaster of emotions that we are blessed with because of what God has done through us, through music. It really never gets old to hear what our music has done for others.” - BeBe Winans “We live in a world where we are consumed with, ‘Hey, this is the

Our Past Doesn’t Have to Define Our Future: Dr. Chris Rappazini & Lisa-Jo Baker

December 19, 2024 - 30 min

This week, we’ll hear from Dr. Chris Rappazini—a professor of leadership and former pastor—as he shares a deeply personal story through the lens of grief and recovery. Chris reveals how his father's death propelled his brother into a downward spiral of addiction and estrangement. Yet, amidst the chaos, a narrative of hope and forgiveness emerges, highlighting the profound realization that our past does not define our future. Later in the episode, we’ll hear from author, editor, and speaker Lisa-Jo Baker. She discusses her awakening to the cycle of anger she risked repeating from her father if she continued to live on autopilot. Through her journey of healing and reconciling with her father, Lisa-Jo illustrates how we can all seek reconciliation and live life to the fullest. Links, Products, and Resources Mentioned: Jesus Calling Podcast Jesus Calling Jesus Always Jesus Listens Past interview: Rosie Rivera Upcoming interview: BeBe Winans Jesus Calling commemorative edition Dr. Chris Rappazini Anderson University www.faithfulstepsforward.com Moving Forward After Messing Up Lisa-Jo Baker Apartheid Zululand in South Africa Dr. Christiaan Barnard www.lisajobaker.com It Wasn't Roaring, It Was Weeping Interview Quotes: “God is in the business of fixing broken relationships, and that's what He's been doing in our relationship for the last several years.” - Dr. Chris Rappazini “For us to be able to ask forgiveness from those that we've hurt the most, I mean, it's hard to do. And I think the only way you can do it is somehow with the grace of God, with the power and the strength of the Holy Spirit.” - Dr. Chris Rappazini “If we're going to have a future that God wants for us, we have to keep our eyes moving forward. We have to keep our eyes on what we want that relationship to look like, not what it has looked like in the past.” - Dr. Chris Rappazini “Oftentimes, the hardest person to get forgiveness from is ourselves. The hardest person to forgive is the person that we see in the mirror every morning, because we feel so guilty and we feel so shameful for what we've done and how we've hurt people.” - Dr. Chris Rappazini “The beauty of Jesus that I've discovered is that, as we know, God is not limited by time. This is what's so powerful about Him.” - Lisa-Jo Baker “I needed to stop and pull off onto the side of the road and figure out the story I had inherited, because I was really determined to write a new one.” Lisa-Jo Baker “I think for family trees to heal, we have to be willing to lay down our defenses. It doesn't happen all at once. It happens slowly over years between generations, because we have a God who is so adamant, passionate about forgiveness, about reconciliation, about redeeming generations, who wrote a new plot line out of an old bloodline.” - Lisa-Jo Baker ________________________ Enjoy watching these additional videos from Jesus Calling YouTube channel! Audio Episodes: https://bit.ly/3zvjbK7 Bon

Nothing In Our Lives Is Wasted: Davey Blackburn & Allyson Golden

December 12, 2024 - 22 min

*This episode mentions violence and may not be suitable for all listeners.* This week, we’ll hear from Davey Blackburn, founder of Nothing Is Wasted Ministries, who shares his heart-wrenching story of love, loss, and finding life again after profound pain. After planting a new church, Davey faced unimaginable tragedy when his wife, Amanda, and their unborn child were killed in a home invasion. Through his journey, he discovers a path forward—one that blends sorrow with a powerful hope, reminding us that even in our darkest moments, truly, nothing is wasted. Later in the episode, we’ll hear from Allyson Golden, an author, speaker, and pediatric nurse. From bringing hope into the difficult moments she faces as a nurse, to reflecting God’s love on social media, Allyson actively seeks to be a light to those who are trying to overcome darkness. Links, Products, and Resources Mentioned: Jesus Calling Podcast Jesus Calling Jesus Always Jesus Listens Past interview: Amy Downs Upcoming interview: Dr. Chris Rappazini Jesus Calling commemorative edition Davey Blackburn Nothing Is Wasted Ministries Elevation Worship “Nothing Is Wasted” by Elevation Worship Romans 8:28 NIV Romans 12:19-21 NIV www.nothingiswasted.com Nothing Is Wasted: A True Story of Hope, Forgiveness, and Finding Purpose in Pain Other Jesus Calling interviews about coping with grief Other Jesus Calling interviews about healing Other Jesus Calling interviews about wrestling with God Allyson Golden pediatric nurse Aloha Church San Diego Prayer House www.wordsaregolden.com Arise and Shine: How to Be the Light That Ignites Hope in a Dark World Other Jesus Calling interviews about loneliness Interview Quotes: “It feels like the bottom had just dropped out and we're going, ‘How in the world, God, is this at all working for good?’” - Davey Blackburn “God reached into that hospital room in the darkest moment of our lives, and filled it with His presence and whispered to our souls.” - Davey Blackburn “When we wrestle with God, we be