Closer to Jesus Podcast

Ashley Ennis

Are you wondering how to strengthen your relationship with Jesus? The "Closer to Jesus" podcast invites you into a deeper, more personal relationship with Jesus by taking the Word and learning how to apply it in a personal way that reveals God's love and holiness. We take Jesus at His word by leaning on the promise of James 4:8, "Come close to God, and God will come close to you..."Get excited! You are about to encounter a very present God who loves you and wants to draw close!

  1. When Jesus Surprises You: Finding Faith in the Unexpected | S2 Ep40 (2025)

    OCT 14

    When Jesus Surprises You: Finding Faith in the Unexpected | S2 Ep40 (2025)

    Send us a text In the season 2 finale of the Closer to Jesus Podcast, I share how Jesus often surprises us with something far better than we could ever imagine. Using the stories of Mary at the tomb and Thomas after the resurrection, we see how Jesus shows up when we least expect it—turning sorrow into joy, doubt into faith, and death into life. Mary came to the tomb expecting death, but instead, she met the risen Savior. Thomas doubted until he saw the wounds in Jesus’ hands, yet Jesus lovingly met him right where he was. These powerful stories remind us that even when we can’t see it, God is working behind the scenes with resurrection power. 📖 Key Scriptures Mentioned: John 20:11–18 – Mary meets the risen Jesus. John 20:19–29 – Jesus appears to the disciples and to Thomas. Psalm 30:5 – “Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning.” James 4:8 – Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you. Psalm 34:8 – Taste and see that the Lord is good. 2 Corinthians 5:7 – We walk by faith, not by sight. ✨ In this episode, we talk about: -How Jesus is closer than you realize—even in your darkest moments. -Why God’s plan often looks different but is always better. -How faith grows in seasons of waiting and confusion. -Learning to see with spiritual eyes when things don’t make sense. -The promise that resurrection always follows surrender. If you’ve been praying for something that feels impossible, remember—Jesus specializes in the unexpected. He turns what looks like loss into victory and what feels hopeless into new beginnings. 🙏 Join me this week as we learn how to walk in faith and see Jesus in every season. #closertojesuspodcast  #AshleyEnnis #WhenJesusSurprisesYou #MaryAtTheTomb #DoubtingThomas #John20 #FaithInAction #ResurrectionPower #JesusIsAlive #ChristianEncouragement #GodsTiming #ChristianPodcast #FaithOverFear #walkingbyfaith  — **Join the Faith Forward Bible Study:** For those seeking a daily community to study the Bible and draw closer to God, join the Faith Forward Bible Study every morning at 5 AM. Visit the website and follow along on social media to learn more. Website:  https://www.ashleyennis.com/ Podcast: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2314178 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ashleyennis.closertojesus Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/closertojesuspodcast/ Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/ashleyennis_closertoJesus/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@closertojesuspodcast?_t=8jnxTAU7G7G&_r=1 Amazon: (BOOKS) https://www.amazon.com/stores/Ashley-Ennis/author/B08SR5JLDR?ref=ap_rdr&isDramIntegrated=true&shoppingPortalEnabled=true Support the show

    13 min
  2. The Woman at the Well: When Jesus Meets You in Your Brokenness | S2 Ep39 (2025)

    OCT 7

    The Woman at the Well: When Jesus Meets You in Your Brokenness | S2 Ep39 (2025)

    Send us a text In this episode of the Closer to Jesus Podcast, I share one of my favorite stories in Scripture—the story of The Woman at the Well (John 4:1–42). She came to draw water, but what she found was so much greater—the living water that would change her life forever. This encounter reveals that Jesus meets us right where we are—at our point of need, in our shame, and in our questions. He doesn’t wait for us to be perfect; He comes to us offering truth, restoration, and purpose. 📖 Key Scriptures Mentioned: John 4:7–26 – Jesus offers living water to the woman at the well. John 4:23–24 – True worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth. James 4:8 – Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you. 2 Corinthians 5:7 – We walk by faith, not by sight. Malachi 3:10 – God opens the windows of heaven and pours out blessings. ✨ In this episode, I talk about: -How Jesus turns shame into purpose. -The power of revelation that comes through meeting Him personally. -Why true worship begins in spirit and truth. -Stepping out of your comfort zone in obedience to God’s leading. -How one encounter with Jesus can rewrite your entire story. Like the woman at the well, you might be going through a season of confusion, shame, or dryness. But Jesus is waiting for you—with revelation, renewal, and a brand-new assignment. 💧 The water He gives becomes a well springing up into everlasting life. All you have to do is receive it. 🙏 Thank you for joining me on Closer to Jesus. Don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe for more weekly encouragement and teaching. #CloserToJesusPodcast #AshleyEnnis #WomanAtTheWell #John4 #LivingWater #TrueWorship #JesusChangesEverything #SpiritAndTruth #FaithInAction #ChristianPodcast #GraceAndPurpose #EncounterWithJesus #Restoration #DrawingNearToGod — **Join the Faith Forward Bible Study:** For those seeking a daily community to study the Bible and draw closer to God, join the Faith Forward Bible Study every morning at 5 AM. Visit the website and follow along on social media to learn more. Website:  https://www.ashleyennis.com/ Podcast: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2314178 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ashleyennis.closertojesus Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/closertojesuspodcast/ Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/ashleyennis_closertoJesus/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@closertojesuspodcast?_t=8jnxTAU7G7G&_r=1 Amazon: (BOOKS) https://www.amazon.com/stores/Ashley-Ennis/author/B08SR5JLDR?ref=ap_rdr&isDramIntegrated=true&shoppingPortalEnabled=true   Support the show

    14 min
  3. The Will of God: Salvation, Purpose, and Winning Souls | S2 Ep38 (2025)

    SEP 30

    The Will of God: Salvation, Purpose, and Winning Souls | S2 Ep38 (2025)

    Send us a text  In Season 2, Episode 38 of the Closer to Jesus Podcast, I talk about one of the most asked questions in the Christian walk: What is the will of God? Scripture makes it clear—the heart of God is first and foremost that every person would be saved and spend eternity with Him. Jesus said in John 6:40: “This is the will of Him that sent me, that everyone who sees the Son and believes on Him may have everlasting life: and I will raise him up at the last day.” God’s will is salvation, repentance, healing, and destroying the works of the devil (1 John 3:8). 📖 Key Scriptures Mentioned: John 6:40 – God’s will is salvation and eternal life through Christ. 2 Peter 3:9 – Not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. 1 John 3:8–9 – The Son of God was manifested to destroy the works of the devil. Matthew 18:11–14 – The lost sheep and God’s heart for the one. Romans 10:17 – Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God. Jonah 2 – Repentance brings restoration and purpose. ✨ In this episode, we cover: -Why salvation is the greatest will of God for every believer. -How you are called to be a soul-winner in everyday life. -The gifts God gives you for Kingdom work and why they’re not just for you. -Why encouragement from Scripture carries eternal weight, unlike worldly encouragement. -The urgency of being Kingdom-minded in the last hour. God’s will isn’t a mystery—it’s salvation, healing, repentance, and purpose for your life. You’ve been called to win souls, to use your gifts, and to reflect the light of Christ in a dark world. 🙏 Be encouraged to walk boldly in your calling today. Like, share, and subscribe for more weekly teaching that draws you Closer to Jesus. #CloserToJesusPodcast #AshleyEnnis #TheWillOfGod #John640 #2Peter3 #1John3 #LostSheep #KingdomPurpose #FaithComesByHearing #ChristianPodcast #SoulWinning #Repentance #GodsPlanForYou — **Join the Faith Forward Bible Study:** For those seeking a daily community to study the Bible and draw closer to God, join the Faith Forward Bible Study every morning at 5 AM. Visit the website and follow along on social media to learn more. Website:  https://www.ashleyennis.com/ Podcast: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2314178 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ashleyennis.closertojesus Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/closertojesuspodcast/ Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/ashleyennis_closertoJesus/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@closertojesuspodcast?_t=8jnxTAU7G7G&_r=1 Amazon: (BOOKS) https://www.amazon.com/stores/Ashley-Ennis/author/B08SR5JLDR?ref=ap_rdr&isDramIntegrated=true&shoppingPortalEnabled=true   Support the show

    14 min
  4. God-Given Grace: The Key to Spiritual Growth and Divine Assistance | S2 Ep37 (2025)

    SEP 23

    God-Given Grace: The Key to Spiritual Growth and Divine Assistance | S2 Ep37 (2025)

    Send us a text In this episode of the Closer to Jesus Podcast, I talk about the incredible gift of God’s grace—the very thing that makes spiritual growth possible. Grace is more than a word; it’s divine assistance, strength in weakness, and the difference maker in every part of our lives. Paul reminds us in 2 Corinthians 9:6–8 that God is able to make all grace abound toward us, giving us sufficiency in all things. James tells us in James 4:1–10 that while the world is filled with strife and lust, God gives more grace to the humble. 📖 Key Scriptures Mentioned: 2 Corinthians 9:6–8 – God makes all grace abound toward you. James 4:1–10 – God resists the proud but gives grace to the humble. Genesis 15:5–6 – Abraham believed God’s promise. John 2:1–11 – Jesus’ first miracle: turning water into wine. Jeremiah 29:11 – God’s thoughts toward you are peace and hope. Philippians 1:21 – To live is Christ, and to die is gain. ✨ In this episode, I share: -Why grace is the key to growing closer to Jesus. -How to step into the calling God has for your life with confidence. -The difference between striving in the flesh and walking in grace. -Why humility is the posture that unlocks divine assistance. -A prayer of repentance and refreshing for all who are striving in their own strength. God’s grace is sufficient for you—no matter your weakness, no matter your struggle. All He asks is that you take the first step in faith, and He will meet you there. 🙏 If this episode blesses you, please like, share, and subscribe to draw Closer to Jesus every week. #CloserToJesusPodcast #AshleyEnnis #GodGivenGrace #2Corinthians9 #James4 #GraceOfGod #DivineAssistance #SpiritualGrowth #Jeremiah2911 #Philippians1 #ChristianPodcast #FaithInAction #JesusIsEnough #GraceAndMercy — **Join the Faith Forward Bible Study:** For those seeking a daily community to study the Bible and draw closer to God, join the Faith Forward Bible Study every morning at 5 AM. Visit the website and follow along on social media to learn more. Website:  https://www.ashleyennis.com/ Podcast: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2314178 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ashleyennis.closertojesus Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/closertojesuspodcast/ Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/ashleyennis_closertoJesus/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@closertojesuspodcast?_t=8jnxTAU7G7G&_r=1 Amazon: (BOOKS) https://www.amazon.com/stores/Ashley-Ennis/author/B08SR5JLDR?ref=ap_rdr&isDramIntegrated=true&shoppingPortalEnabled=true   Support the show

    11 min
  5. Salted with Fire: The Secret to Staying Strong in Faith | Closer to Jesus S2 Ep36 (2025)

    SEP 16

    Salted with Fire: The Secret to Staying Strong in Faith | Closer to Jesus S2 Ep36 (2025)

    Send us a text In Season 2, Episode 36, of the Closer to Jesus Podcast, I share what it means to be salted with fire and how the power of the Cross keeps us strong, humble, and effective in our walk with Christ. Jesus calls us the salt of the earth, but how do we keep from losing our flavor? Through Scripture, we see that staying “salted” means walking in forgiveness, love, and humility—always remembering that the Cross made us all equal: sinners saved by grace. 📖 Key Scriptures Mentioned: Mark 9:49–50 – “Everyone will be salted with fire… have salt in yourselves, and have peace with one another.” Matthew 5:13 – “You are the salt of the earth…” Ephesians 4:29 – Speak words that build up, not tear down. Romans 2:11 – God is no respecter of persons. 1 Corinthians 1:18 – The preaching of the Cross is the power of God. James 2:1–12 – Warning against favoritism and showing partiality. ✨ In this episode, I talk about: -Why the Cross is the source of our strength and effectiveness. -How to avoid losing your salt through judgment, pride, or offense. -Why forgiveness and humility are essential to ministry and relationships. -The danger of favoritism and how God calls us to love equally. -How the simplicity of the Cross reveals the true power of God. The Cross keeps us grounded. It reminds us that we’re all covered by the same blood, filled with the same Spirit, and walking by the same grace. 🙏 If you’ve been struggling to stay effective in your faith, let this message encourage you: your strength is not in yourself—it’s in the Cross of Jesus Christ. #CloserToJesusPodcast #AshleyEnnis #SaltedWithFire #PowerOfTheCross #Mark9 #Matthew5 #Ephesians4 #Romans2 #James2 #1Corinthians1 #SaltOfTheEarth #ChristianPodcast #StayEffectiveInFaith #WalkingInHumility #ForgivenessAndGrace — **Join the Faith Forward Bible Study:** For those seeking a daily community to study the Bible and draw closer to God, join the Faith Forward Bible Study every morning at 5 AM. Visit the website and follow along on social media to learn more. Website:  https://www.ashleyennis.com/ Podcast: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2314178 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ashleyennis.closertojesus Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/closertojesuspodcast/ Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/ashleyennis_closertoJesus/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@closertojesuspodcast?_t=8jnxTAU7G7G&_r=1 Amazon: (BOOKS) https://www.amazon.com/stores/Ashley-Ennis/author/B08SR5JLDR?ref=ap_rdr&isDramIntegrated=true&shoppingPortalEnabled=true Support the show

    12 min
  6. Looking Towards Deliverance | Closer to Jesus with Ashley Ennis: S2 Ep35 (2025)

    SEP 9

    Looking Towards Deliverance | Closer to Jesus with Ashley Ennis: S2 Ep35 (2025)

    Send us a text In Season 2, Episode 35 of the Closer to Jesus Podcast, we talk about what it means to look up in faith when life pulls you down. Depression, fear, and discouragement all try to keep our eyes lowered, but the Bible gives us a promise: when we lift up our heads, the King of Glory will come in. 📖 Key Scriptures Mentioned: Psalm 24:7–10 – “Lift up your heads… and the King of glory shall come in.” Psalm 3:3–4 – The Lord is the lifter of our heads. Psalm 121:1–2 – “I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help.” Genesis 15:5–6 – Abraham looked up to the stars and believed God’s promise. Acts 7:54–55 – Stephen, full of the Holy Ghost, looked up and saw Jesus. Luke 21:25–28 – “When these things begin to come to pass, then look up… for your redemption draweth nigh.” John 10:9–11 – Jesus is the Door, the Good Shepherd, who gives life more abundantly. Isaiah 61:3 – Beauty for ashes, joy for mourning, and a garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness. ✨ In this episode, we discuss: -How depression makes us look down, but faith teaches us to look up. -Why lifting your eyes is an act of worship and invitation for God to move. -How Abraham, Stephen, and the disciples all modeled “looking up” in faith. -The promise that Jesus Himself will walk into your situation when you lift your head. If you’ve been weighed down by fear, discouragement, or heaviness, I want to remind you: Your faith is an open door for the King of Glory to step in. 🙏 Join me in lifting up your head, your eyes, and your praise—because your redemption is closer than you think. #CloserToJesusPodcast #AshleyEnnis #LookingTowardDeliverance #Psalm24 #LiftUpYourHead #JesusIsTheDoor #Isaiah61 #FaithOverFear #KingOfGlory #ChristianEncouragement #HolyGhostPower #BeautyForAshes #ChristianPodcast — **Join the Faith Forward Bible Study:** For those seeking a daily community to study the Bible and draw closer to God, join the Faith Forward Bible Study every morning at 5 AM. Visit the website and follow along on social media to learn more. Website:  https://www.ashleyennis.com/ Podcast: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2314178 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ashleyennis.closertojesus Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/closertojesuspodcast/ Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/ashleyennis_closertoJesus/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@closertojesuspodcast?_t=8jnxTAU7G7G&_r=1 Amazon: (BOOKS) https://www.amazon.com/stores/Ashley-Ennis/author/B08SR5JLDR?ref=ap_rdr&isDramIntegrated=true&shoppingPortalEnabled=true Support the show

    15 min
  7. How to Stay Focused in Worship | Surrendering Distractions to Jesus | S2 Ep34

    SEP 2

    How to Stay Focused in Worship | Surrendering Distractions to Jesus | S2 Ep34

    Send us a text In this episode of the Closer to Jesus Podcast, I share how to overcome distractions and keep your heart centered on Jesus during worship. True worship is more than a song—it’s surrendering every part of our lives to God with our full attention, devotion, and love. From Abraham on the mountain to the throne room in Revelation, we see that worship is holy, powerful, and deeply personal. Yet the enemy wants to cheapen it by filling our minds with worry, busyness, and distraction. That’s why learning how to stay focused in worship is so important. 📖 Key Scriptures Mentioned: Matthew 22:37 – Love the Lord with all your heart, soul, and mind. Colossians 3:23–24 – Whatever you do, do it as unto the Lord. Genesis 22:5 – Abraham’s act of worship with Isaac. Revelation 4 – Worship in the throne room. Romans 12:1 – Present your body as a living sacrifice. Philippians 4:8 – Think on what is true, pure, and lovely. Jeremiah 29:11–13 – God’s plans for us as we seek Him. 1 Thessalonians 5:18 – Give thanks in everything. Hebrews 4:16 – Boldly approach the throne of grace. John 4:23–24 – Worship in Spirit and in truth. ✨ In this episode, I share three practical ways to stay grounded in worship: -Let the Lord have your imagination – focus your thought life on Him. -Offer thanksgiving – gratitude keeps your heart centered on God’s goodness. -Pray in the Spirit – worship in Spirit and truth, joining in Heaven’s language. Worship is not just for God—it’s a gift He uses to pour His love, mercy, and revelation back into us. When we stay focused on Him, our worship becomes transformative. 🙏 If this message encourages you, please like, share, and subscribe for more teachings that will help you walk Closer to Jesus. #CloserToJesusPodcast #AshleyEnnis #FocusedWorship #HowToWorship #Romans12 #Philippians4 #John4 #SpiritAndTruth #ChristianPodcast #PrayerAndWorship #WorshipThatTransforms #StayFocusedInWorship — **Join the Faith Forward Bible Study:** For those seeking a daily community to study the Bible and draw closer to God, join the Faith Forward Bible Study every morning at 5 AM. Visit the website and follow along on social media to learn more. Website:  https://www.ashleyennis.com/ Podcast: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2314178 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ashleyennis.closertojesus Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/closertojesuspodcast/ Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/ashleyennis_closertoJesus/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@closertojesuspodcast?_t=8jnxTAU7G7G&_r=1 Amazon: (BOOKS) https://www.amazon.com/stores/Ashley-Ennis/author/B08SR5JLDR?ref=ap_rdr&isDramIntegrated=true&shoppingPortalEnabled=true  Support the show

    19 min
  8. Unanswered Prayers: Finding Rest While You Wait | Closer to Jesus S2 Ep33 (2025)

    AUG 26

    Unanswered Prayers: Finding Rest While You Wait | Closer to Jesus S2 Ep33 (2025)

    Send us a text In this episode of the Closer to Jesus Podcast, I talk about one of the hardest parts of our faith journey: unanswered prayers. What do you do when you’ve prayed every prayer you know how to pray, yet the answer still hasn’t come? How do you keep believing when the waiting feels endless? Jesus offers us an invitation in Matthew 11:28–30: “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” In this episode, I share my own testimony of wrestling in prayer and how the Lord reminded me simply to “try one more time.” 📖 Key Scriptures Mentioned: Matthew 11:28–30 – Jesus’ invitation to rest 1 Corinthians 2:14–16 – We have the mind of Christ 2 Corinthians 1:5–7 – Sharing in Christ’s sufferings and comfort Psalm 27:14 – “Wait on the Lord: be of good courage…” Matthew 5:14–16 – Let your light shine in the waiting Galatians 5:22–23 – The fruit of the Spirit in our endurance ✨ In this episode, I share four reasons why God sometimes asks us to wait: 1. To allow His perfect will to unfold. 2. To know Him more deeply through suffering and hoping. 3. To encourage others in their waiting. 4. To demonstrate the fruit of the Spirit in our lives. Unanswered prayers don’t mean God has forgotten you—they mean He’s working in ways you may not yet see. Keep praying, keep believing, and trust that the outcome will be so beautiful only God could have planned it. 🙏 Be encouraged today: pray one more prayer, take one more step, and rest in His promises. #CloserToJesusPodcast #AshleyEnnis #UnansweredPrayers #WaitingOnGod #Matthew11 #Psalm27 #Galatians5 #FaithInHardTimes #GodsPerfectTiming #ChristianEncouragement #PrayerLife #FruitOfTheSpirit #KeepPraying — **Join the Faith Forward Bible Study:** For those seeking a daily community to study the Bible and draw closer to God, join the Faith Forward Bible Study every morning at 5 AM. Visit the website and follow along on social media to learn more. Website:  https://www.ashleyennis.com/ Podcast: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2314178 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ashleyennis.closertojesus Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/closertojesuspodcast/ Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/ashleyennis_closertoJesus/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@closertojesuspodcast?_t=8jnxTAU7G7G&_r=1 Amazon: (BOOKS) https://www.amazon.com/stores/Ashley-Ennis/author/B08SR5JLDR?ref=ap_rdr&isDramIntegrated=true&shoppingPortalEnabled=true  Support the show

    22 min

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
4 Ratings

About

Are you wondering how to strengthen your relationship with Jesus? The "Closer to Jesus" podcast invites you into a deeper, more personal relationship with Jesus by taking the Word and learning how to apply it in a personal way that reveals God's love and holiness. We take Jesus at His word by leaning on the promise of James 4:8, "Come close to God, and God will come close to you..."Get excited! You are about to encounter a very present God who loves you and wants to draw close!