Jesus Calling: Stories of Faith

Jesus Calling
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Jesus Calling: Stories of Faith

Millions have been encouraged and inspired by the words of the #1 best-selling 365-day devotional "Jesus Calling." Listen to real-life stories of faith as told by those who have experienced the power of living in His presence.

  1. God Is the Author of Every Part of Our Stories: Nicholas Sparks & Mattie Jackson Smith

    11 HR AGO

    God Is the Author of Every Part of Our Stories: Nicholas Sparks & Mattie Jackson Smith

    Today, we are thrilled to be joined by Nicholas Sparks, a renowned author whose novels like The Notebook and A Walk to Remember have touched hearts around the world. While many know him for his captivating love stories, few realize that Nicholas’ journey to writing was born out of personal setbacks and unexpected moments of faith. He’ll let us in on his latest book, Counting Miracles, ​​a powerfully emotional novel about wondering if we can change—or even make our peace with—the path we've taken. Later in the episode, we’ll hear from Mattie Jackson Smith—author, speaker, and daughter of country music legend Alan Jackson—as she shares about the process of grieving her husband, Ben, and the identity loss that came with it. As Mattie struggled to trust God in the face of unimaginable suffering, she watched as God turned her life story around in a way she never could have imagined.    Links, Products, and Resources Mentioned: Jesus Calling Podcast Jesus Calling Jesus Always Jesus Listens Past interview: Willie Robertson Upcoming interview: Dr. Sarita Lyons Jesus Calling commemorative edition Jesus Calling app - Premium subscriptions 20% off for a limited time!    Nicholas Sparks  The Notebook  A Walk to Remember  Counting Miracles Notre Dame Book of Job www.nicholassparks.com Other Jesus Calling interviews about forgiveness   Mattie Jackson Smith Alan Jackson Mattie’s first interview on the Jesus Calling Podcast John 11:35 NIV www.mattiejackson.net Through the Valley of Grief Other Jesus Calling interviews about making peace with our circumstances   Interview Quotes: “I’ve learned a couple of things about myself [while becoming a writer]. Number one, that I had it in me to finish a story once I started, and number two, there were parts of telling a story that I really enjoyed.” - Nicholas Sparks   “It's the nature of life for challenges to happen. And I think in the end, what is most important to God is that we choose to still believe.” - Nicholas Sparks “All of a sudden a widow at twenty-eight, it upends everything about your life. The loss and grief of him and our love, but also our future and everything else we had planned for. There is this devastating emptiness of that person not being in your life. But there is also this emptiness in this really painful and unwanted shift of our identity in relation to that person.” - Mattie Jackson Smith  “God didn't design us to hold the weight of death on our own.” - Mattie Jackson Smith  “He is always faithful not to fix our circumstances, but to meet us in them over and over and over again.” - Mattie Jackson Smith “What's the balance of really asking God for what I want and surrendering it to Him? He keeps writing our stories into more joy and into more beauty and into a more abundant life.” - Mattie Jackson Smith “You think back to being a kid and If you're afraid of the dark, it's still dark. But when your parents hold you tightly, what's around you doesn't change, but you feel secure. And I think that's the way that I experience the peace of God. And I think that's one of the most miraculous things that we experience as believers.” - Mattie Jackson Smith  ________________________ 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 Uncertain Times:     https://bit.ly/3cHfB6u  What’s Good?     https://bit.ly/3vc2cKj  Enneagram:     https://bit.ly/3hzRCCY  ________________________  Connect with Jesus Calling Instagram Facebook Twitter Pinterest YouTube Website TikTok Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

    27 min
  2. Working Through Our Wounds To Move Forward: Scotty Hasting & Dave Gibbons

    7 NOV

    Working Through Our Wounds To Move Forward: Scotty Hasting & Dave Gibbons

    This content may be triggering for some listeners. This week we talk with Scotty Hasting, a combat wounded Army infantryman turned national recording artist. Scotty’s journey from the battlefield to the stage is nothing short of remarkable. After surviving a harrowing attack in Afghanistan, where he was shot multiple times, Scotty fought to recover physically, emotionally, and spiritually. Through his battles with PTSD and depression, he found healing in music—an outlet that not only brought him peace, but gave him a new lease on life. Later in the episode, we’ll hear from Dave Gibbons, a globally connected advisor, author, and senior pastor at New Song Church in California. With a life shaped by diverse cultures and a deep understanding of human struggles, he opens up about his early experiences with faith, the hidden wounds from his past, and his journey through betrayal, forgiveness, and mental health breakthroughs—revealing how forgiveness has the power to heal even the deepest wounds.   Links, Products, and Resources Mentioned: Jesus Calling Podcast Jesus Calling Jesus Always Jesus Listens Past interview: Nona Jones Upcoming interview: Nicholas Sparks Jesus Calling commemorative edition   Scotty Hasting Black River Entertainment PTSD  U.S. Paralympic program “How Do You Choose” by Scotty Hasting 80th anniversary of D-Day in Normandy, France Dennis Bolt www.scottyhasting.com Other Jesus Calling interviews with veterans   Dave Gibbons www.davegibbons.org The Shape of My Eyes: A Memoir of Race, Faith, and Finding Myself, Other Jesus Calling interviews about betrayal and forgiveness   Interview Quotes: “After going through everything that I've gone through, it truly made me understand that life is precious, that every moment is precious, and that you need to live every second to the fullest. Because as I have seen, life can change very quickly.” - Scotty Hasting “When it's quiet is when the demons knock the loudest. And for the longest time, I wanted nothing to do with going to church and with God.” - Scotty Hasting “As someone who suffers from PTSD, depression, and anxiety, it's hard to find a moment to be lost in, because it's hard to not be over there. It's hard to not be back in Afghanistan all the time.“ - Scotty Hasting “PTSD and depression and anxiety will always be there. My relationship with God makes it a little bit more manageable.” - Scotty Hasting “It makes me incredibly proud to be able to say that I served my country, that I was a part of something bigger than myself. I'm a part of a brotherhood that will never waver, a brotherhood that will always be there for each other no matter what.” - Scotty Hasting   “Suffering can actually be part of a way to go deeper into your humanity.” - Dave Gibbons “When you realize how much you've been loved and forgiven, it helps you to love others.” - Dave Gibbons  ________________________ 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 Uncertain Times:     https://bit.ly/3cHfB6u  What’s Good?     https://bit.ly/3vc2cKj  Enneagram:     https://bit.ly/3hzRCCY  ________________________  Connect with Jesus Calling Instagram Facebook Twitter Pinterest YouTube Website TikTok Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

    26 min
  3. [BONUS] Songs For Sundays: Country Artists Sing Their Faith

    5 NOV

    [BONUS] Songs For Sundays: Country Artists Sing Their Faith

    Country music has a rich tradition, inspired by gospel music—sharing a common core of storytelling, emotional expression, and a love of faith and family. Some of today’s brightest country stars embrace those roots, and sing their faith to the thousands of listeners who come to their shows and buy their music. Today, we have a special bonus episode featuring some of those artists, all who have contributed to a brand new collection of music from Jesus Calling, called “Songs for Sundays.”    Links to Full Episodes Anne Wilson Jordan Davis Mattie Jackson Smith Reba McEntire ________________________  Connect with Jesus Calling Instagram Facebook Twitter Pinterest YouTube TikTok Jesus Calling Website   *Episode produced by Four Eyes Media* Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

    20 min
  4. A Light Through the Wreckage: Sabrina Greenlee & Sting Ray Robb

    31 OCT

    A Light Through the Wreckage: Sabrina Greenlee & Sting Ray Robb

    *This episode mentions suicide and depression and may not be suitable for all listeners.* Our first guest is Sabrina Greenlee—the mother of NFL star DeAndre Hopkins, a grandmother, and a survivor—whose faith was the lifeline that broke the cycle of violence that followed her throughout her life.  Later in the episode, we’ll hear from professional IndyCar driver Sting Ray Robb, who shares how his childhood passion evolved into a lifelong career, and how his faith has guided him through life’s most uncertain times, both on and off the track.   Links, Products, and Resources Mentioned: Jesus Calling Podcast Jesus Calling Jesus Always Jesus Listens Past interview: Mary Marantz Upcoming interview: Scotty Hasting Jesus Calling commemorative edition   Sabrina Greenlee DeAndre Hopkins Other Jesus Calling guests talking about domestic violence disputes Augusta Burn Center Philippians 4:13 NIV www.sabrinagreenlee.co Grant Me Vision   Sting Ray Robb NTT IndyCar series Skip Barber series James 1 NIV Ecclesiastes 4 NIV Proverbs 16:9 NIV Other Jesus Calling guests talking about achieving their dreams www.stingrayrobb.com   Interview Quotes: “I began to start repairing my life. What that looked like, I had no idea. I just knew that I couldn't allow my children to be captivated by the streets or people. I made up my mind that what happened to me, I didn't want them to use as an excuse for them not succeeding in life.” - Sabrina Greenlee  “There were so many different things that happened to me, and each time I got up. No matter what happened, I stood for myself. I stood in my truth.” - Sabrina Greenlee “Once I found the presence of God and He met me where I was, everything turned around. But you first have to surrender and give God your life. In the end, He'll give you the glory for your story.” - Sabrina Greenlee  “It kind of seems that how I was challenged in the racing world, I was also challenged in my faith. I said a long time ago that I would not be a racer if it wasn't for my faith. It's my foundation that I lean on, and it's the thing that I call to and find purpose in.” - Sting Ray Robb  “I had the realization and clarity and peace that came from knowing that [the race] wasn't in my control. I could trust God's sovereignty.” - Sting Ray Robb “I'm doing my best with racing to glorify Him and use this as a platform to reach others and provide some form of excellence that people can see a reflection of God through.” - Sting Ray Robb  “God has called us in a direction, and it's our job to hitch ourselves to that direction and go with what He's telling us to do.” - Sting Ray Robb   ________________________ 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 Uncertain Times:     https://bit.ly/3cHfB6u  What’s Good?     https://bit.ly/3vc2cKj  Enneagram:     https://bit.ly/3hzRCCY  ________________________  Connect with Jesus Calling Instagram Facebook Twitter Pinterest YouTube Website TikTok Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

    29 min
  5. [JESUS LISTENS MONTHLY SERIES] Prayers for the Next Generation: Dr. Jim Burns

    29 OCT

    [JESUS LISTENS MONTHLY SERIES] Prayers for the Next Generation: Dr. Jim Burns

    On this episode of Jesus Listens, we hear from Dr. Jim Burns, the president of HomeWord and a renowned author and speaker. Dr. Burns shares his passion for empowering families to succeed by helping parents and children navigate the challenges of today's culture.    Guest’s Links Facebook: @jim.burns Instagram: @drjimburns   Twitter: @drjimburns ________________________  Connect with Jesus Calling Instagram Facebook Twitter Pinterest YouTube Jesus Calling Website TikTok   *Episode produced by Four Eyes Media* Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

    8 min
  6. Our Scars, God’s Grace: Sherry Hoppen & Tanya Glessner

    24 OCT

    Our Scars, God’s Grace: Sherry Hoppen & Tanya Glessner

    *This episode contains mature content and may not be suitable for all listeners.* This week, we’re joined by Sherry Hoppen—author, speaker, recovery coach, and founder of She Surrenders. Sherry recounts her family history of alcohol abuse, and how she herself descended into a secret addiction to alcohol, all the while trying to paint the perfect picture of her life as a wife, a mom, and a Christian.  Later, we’ll hear from author and advocate Tanya Glessner, who also struggled with addiction's grip, one fueled by the trauma and violence she experienced in her childhood. Spiraling into a life filled with drugs and crime, Tanya eventually went to prison, where unexpectedly, she had a personal and spiritual awakening.   Links, Products, and Resources Mentioned: Jesus Calling Podcast Jesus Calling Jesus Always Jesus Listens Past interview: Ryan Sheckler Upcoming interview: Sabrina Greenlee Jesus Calling commemorative edition   Sherry Hoppen She Surrenders addiction to alcohol addiction grows in the dark Ride 4 Life “Revelation” by Third Day Jeremiah 29:11 NIV www.shesurrenders.com www.selahhouserecovery.org Sober Cycle: Pedaling Through Recovery One Day At A Time   Tanya Glessner Fort Scott Compassionate Ministries The Light You Bring Interview Quotes: “From the outside, yeah, it all looks pretty good. I wore the mask of everything: Christian, mom in the community, my husband was an elder. There was no place for me to stand up and say, ‘I'm an alcoholic and I need help.’” - Sherry Hoppen   “I knew that [alcohol] had the power to take away everything I love, every single thing. So I raised one hand in the air to God and with the other unscrewed the bottle over the sink. And I said, ‘God, take it. I surrender my life and I give it to you. I'm yours. I'll do whatever you want.’ And I poured it down the sink.” - Sherry Hoppen  “The grace that God showed me each and every day, even while I was drinking, was the only thing that rescued me from complete self-destruction and saved my life.” - Sherry Hoppen  “I'll always cherish the memories of how God started to mend my brokenness.” - Tanya Glessner  “I am living proof that no one is too far gone to be saved. God never wastes a hurt. He is using my past to write others' futures.” - Tanya Glessner  “Prayer is like picking up the phone and calling the one person you know you can count on in any situation, no matter what time it is.” - Tanya Glessner  ________________________ 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 Uncertain Times:     https://bit.ly/3cHfB6u  What’s Good?     https://bit.ly/3vc2cKj  Enneagram:     https://bit.ly/3hzRCCY  ________________________  Connect with Jesus Calling Instagram Facebook Twitter Pinterest YouTube Website TikTok Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

    31 min
  7. Believing That God Has Plans for Your Good: Scott Morrison & Preston Perry

    17 OCT

    Believing That God Has Plans for Your Good: Scott Morrison & Preston Perry

    *This episode mentions violence and may not be suitable for all listeners.* This week, we’re joined by two remarkable guests: former Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison and evangelist Preston Perry. Both have navigated complex challenges, from political arenas to personal struggles, all while remaining deeply committed to their faith in God. Scott Morrison reflects on his time as Prime Minister of Australia, leading through natural disasters, global crises, and the balancing act of being a husband and father. He offers a candid glimpse into how his relationship with God sustained him during his years in public service. Later, we’ll hear from Preston Perry, a poet, author, teacher, apologist, and evangelist from the South Side of Chicago. Growing up in challenging circumstances, Preston’s life took a transformative turn through a series of encounters with mentors and personal tragedies, guiding him to discover God’s purpose and use his gifts to reach others through his powerful words.   Links, Products, and Resources Mentioned: Jesus Calling Podcast Jesus Calling Jesus Always Jesus Listens Past interview: Terence Lester Upcoming interview: Sherry Hoppen Jesus Calling commemorative edition   Scott Morrison  Jesus Calling App Plans For Your Good   Preston Perry With The Perrys 1 Peter 3:15 NIV Moody College in Chicago www.preston-perry.com How To Tell The Truth: The Story of How God Saved Me To Win Hearts, Not Just Arguments   Interview Quotes: “In our home, it was not about what you accumulated as what you contributed.” - Scott Morrison “I don't know how people do politics and don't have faith. Frankly, I don't know how they survive it. You've got to be able to know what you're about and what you're trying to achieve. And that can't be about you.” - Scott Morrison  “I really drew on my faith to give me that strength, to give me that endurance, to give me that resilience, to give me the hope and the optimism that I so often needed. And it was a refuge. It was a storehouse.” - Scott Morrison “By all means, stand up for the principles of God, and then the Word of God and what His eternal standards are. Hold fast to those things. Let's not forget what the goal is. The goal is to honor Him and glorify Him.” - Scott Morrison  “You are, as a human being, created by His hand, in His image, for His glory. That means you're special. He had His designs for you before you were even born. And when you ground your identity in that, then the storms come and you can weather them.” - Scott Morrison   “I think what my grandmother's words showed me was that this God that she served was real and tangible. It wasn't just behavior modification. It wasn't just duties. It wasn't just standing outside, passing out your literature. This real God was able to come and give her strength and joy and comfort her in her time of need.” - Preston Perry  “Jesus came for souls. He didn't come to look smart or intelligent or to look like He knew better than the next man, or just win arguments. He wanted to win people. And so if the information we know is what we find our identity in and not the God that we know, we'll always treat people like projects and not image bearers.“ - Preston Perry “I've learned in evangelism to ask good questions. Because when you ask good questions, people teach you how to serve them.” - Preston Perry  ________________________ 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 Uncertain Times:     https://bit.ly/3cHfB6u  What’s Good?     https://bit.ly/3vc2cKj  Enneagram:     https://bit.ly/3hzRCCY  ________________________  Connect with Jesus Calling Instagram Facebook Twitter Pin

    23 min
  8. Everyone Needs Someone Who Cares: Adrien Lewis & Cara Finger

    10 OCT

    Everyone Needs Someone Who Cares: Adrien Lewis & Cara Finger

    This week, we explore how two individuals answered the call to serve those in need, and how their actions have sparked movements of care and compassion that are changing lives one small step at a time. We’ll hear from Adrien Lewis, a devoted husband, father, and founder of CarePortal, an innovative platform that connects churches and communities to families in need. Adrien shares how a mission trip to Haiti transformed his life, shifting his perspective and leading him to put his faith into action.  Later in the episode, we'll hear from Cara Finger, a foster and adoptive mom who—after witnessing children in foster care carry their belongings in trash bags—felt compelled to create My Bag My Story. This ministry provides quality bags for these children, giving them dignity and a sense of belonging during their most challenging transitions.   Links, Products, and Resources Mentioned: Jesus Calling Podcast Jesus Calling Jesus Always Jesus Listens Past interview: Evan Dougoud Upcoming interview: Scott Morrison Jesus Calling commemorative edition   Adrien Lewis CarePortal Global Orphan Project Matthew 25:40 NIV   Cara Finger My Bag My Story   Interview Quotes: “I think God just gave us a bigger vision for our lives, a bigger purpose than we had before. We started to think about ourselves and what we could be part of to change the world, and how much that mattered to us, how much we wanted that, and how much we knew that Jesus wanted that for us.” - Adrien Lewis  “Everybody has a chance at transformation. And connection is the thing that changes everything.” - Adrien Lewis  “When we became foster parents, every child that came to us came through our door carrying their belongings. We were handed either a grocery sack, a trash bag, or nothing carrying the children's belongings, and it kept bothering me.” - Cara Finger “Having a bag to carry your stuff in, to carry your belongings in is so important. It is very, very important for kids. If you are made to leave your home in the middle of the day or in the middle of the night, how some of these kids do, it's one simple thing that can make a child feel valued and seen.” - Cara Finger  “Even though a bag seems really small, it makes a huge difference in a child's dignity and their organization and feeling like they have something to call their own, to carry their belongings in.” - Cara Finger   “It is very important to give our life away somehow. We were not meant to not live in community. Everybody needs everybody.” - Cara Finger  ________________________ 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 Uncertain Times:     https://bit.ly/3cHfB6u  What’s Good?     https://bit.ly/3vc2cKj  Enneagram:     https://bit.ly/3hzRCCY  ________________________  Connect with Jesus Calling Instagram Facebook Twitter Pinterest YouTube Website TikTok Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

    28 min
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Millions have been encouraged and inspired by the words of the #1 best-selling 365-day devotional "Jesus Calling." Listen to real-life stories of faith as told by those who have experienced the power of living in His presence.

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