Unpolished but Called

Kathrin Shaffer

Unpolished but Called is a raw, honest Christian podcast for believers who love Jesus but don't have it all together. Hosted by author Kathrin Shaffer. Each episode explores faith in real life - the doubts, the obedience, the quiet growth, and the grace that meets us there. No hype. No perfection. Just truth, Scripture, and hope for the everyday walk. Books, resources and other information can be found https://linktr.ee/unpolishedbutcalled

  1. 10h ago

    S2 E149: When Does Concern Become Gossip?

    When does a legitimate concern become gossip? As Christians, we often say things like, "I'm just concerned," or "Can you pray about something?" But sometimes concern can quietly become gossip, and gossip can even hide behind the words "prayer request." In this episode of Unpolished but Called, we open God's Word to explore the difference between seeking wise counsel and spreading information, when it's appropriate to speak up, when we should stay silent, and how our motives reveal the posture of our hearts. This isn't about condemnation—it's about learning to love others well, pursue restoration, and guard our words with biblical wisdom. In this episode:• When concern becomes gossip • What the Bible says about gossip • Legitimate concern vs. spreading information • Seeking counsel or building a jury • Why Matthew 18 still matters • Can prayer requests become gossip? • Questions to ask before speaking • Speaking truth with grace and wisdom 📖 Scriptures • Proverbs 11:13 • Proverbs 17:9 • Proverbs 31:8–9 • Matthew 18:15 • James 3:5–6 • Proverbs 26:20 • Proverbs 15:22 • Galatians 6:1 • Ephesians 4:15 • 1 John 1:9 • Ephesians 4:29 🌐 Website & FREE Devotional https://kathrinshaffer.com 🔗 Linktree https://linktr.ee/unpolishedbutcalled If this conversation encouraged or challenged you, I'd love for you to subscribe and join me each week as we open God's Word and have honest conversations about following Jesus.

  2. 2d ago

    S2 E148: Can You Really Sell Your Soul?

    Can someone really sell their soul to the devil, or is that just a phrase we've accepted without asking what the Bible actually says? In this episode of Unpolished but Called, we leave behind Hollywood myths and popular culture to examine what Scripture teaches about God as our Creator, Satan's desire for worship, spiritual deception, and why knowing God's Word is our greatest protection. This conversation isn't meant to magnify darkness—it points us back to the hope, truth, and redemption found in Jesus Christ. In this episode:• Can someone really sell their soul? • Who does your life belong to? • Why does Satan seek worship? • Why does God warn us about the occult? • How deception works • Why Christians must know Scripture • The hope of redemption through Jesus Christ 📖 Scriptures • Psalm 100:3 • Matthew 4:8–10 • Deuteronomy 18:10–12 • John 8:44 • Colossians 1:13–14 • Joshua 24:15 • Romans 12:1 🌐 Website & FREE Devotional https://kathrinshaffer.com 🔗 Linktree https://linktr.ee/kathrinshaffer If this episode encouraged you, I'd love for you to subscribe and join me each week as we open God's Word together and have honest conversations about following Jesus.

  3. 4d ago

    S2 E147: Why Do We Rush Past God's Blessings?

    Have you ever noticed how quickly we move on to the next prayer, the next goal, or the next project? In this episode, I share a lesson God taught me while assembling the very first Birthday Project kits for our local food bank. As I prayed over each kit, I realized something: sometimes the blessing isn't reaching the finish line—it's slowing down long enough to recognize God's faithfulness throughout the journey. We'll talk about gratitude, God's provision, and why learning to sit with His blessings may be one of the greatest acts of worship we can offer. In this episode:• Why we rush past God's blessings • Learning to recognize God's faithfulness in everyday moments • How gratitude changes our perspective • Why the journey can be just as meaningful as the destination • Worshiping God through ordinary acts of obedience 📖 Scriptures • Psalm 46:10 • James 1:17 • Psalm 103:1–5 • Luke 10:41–42 • Colossians 3:17 • 1 Thessalonians 5:16–18 🌐 Website & FREE Devotional https://kathrinshaffer.com 🔗 Linktree https://linktr.ee/kathrinshaffer If this episode encouraged you, I'd love for you to subscribe and join me each week as we walk through God's Word together.

  4. Jul 17

    S2 E146: Who Told You That You Were the Black Sheep?

    Who Told You That You Were the Black Sheep? | Unpolished but Called | Ep. 146Have you ever been called the black sheep? For some people, that label comes because of past mistakes. But for others, it's simply because they refused to accept unhealthy patterns, questioned the dysfunction around them, or chose a different path. In this episode of Unpolished but Called, we explore what it really means to be the "black sheep," why labels are never our identity, and how Jesus never defines us by the names other people give us. Instead, the Good Shepherd calls His sheep by name and invites them into His flock through redemption and grace. If you've ever felt like you didn't belong, I hope this conversation reminds you that your identity isn't found in other people's opinions—it's found in Christ. Scripture Referenced: John 10:3Luke 15:4-6Isaiah 1:182 Corinthians 5:17📖 Website & FREE 5-Day Devotional https://kathrinshaffer.com 🔗 Linktree https://linktr.ee/kathrinshaffer

  5. Jul 15

    S2 E145: Can a Sermon Really Convict You?

    Can a Sermon Really Convict You? | Unpolished but Called | Ep. 145Have you ever said, “That sermon really convicted me”? We say it all the time, but who is really doing the convicting? In this episode of Unpolished but Called, we talk about the difference between the messenger and the Holy Spirit, why people can speak truth but only God can change the heart, and how that takes pressure off us as believers. We also talk about the difference between conviction and condemnation, why conviction draws us closer to Christ, and why our job is obedience while the Holy Spirit does what only He can do. Scripture Referenced: • John 16:8 • Romans 8:1 • Zechariah 4:6 📖 Website & FREE Devotional https://kathrinshaffer.com 🔗 Linktree https://linktr.ee/kathrinshaffer

  6. Jul 13

    S2 E144: The Side of the Tapestry We Never See

    The Side of the Tapestry We Never SeeHave you ever looked at your life and wondered why nothing seems to make sense? In this episode of Unpolished but Called, I share a powerful illustration that reminded me how often we only see the tangled threads of our lives while God sees the finished design. We talk about unanswered prayers, seasons of waiting, suffering, faith, and why trusting the One weaving the tapestry is sometimes the hardest—and most important—part of the Christian walk. If you're walking through a difficult season, I pray this conversation encourages you to keep trusting God even when all you can see are loose threads. Scripture Referenced: • Romans 8:28 • Isaiah 55:8-9 • Philippians 1:6 🌐 Website & Free Devotional: https://kathrinshaffer.com 🔗 Linktree: https://linktr.ee/kathrinshaffer

  7. Jul 10

    S2 E143: When We Turn Preference Into Doctrine

    Have you ever stopped to ask whether something is truly taught in Scripture—or whether it's simply a tradition, preference, or opinion we've grown accustomed to? In this episode of Unpolished But Called, we explore the difference between biblical doctrine and personal conviction. Christians often hold strong opinions about worship styles, Bible translations, church traditions, and countless other topics. While many of those preferences can be meaningful, they shouldn't carry the same authority as God's Word. We'll look at what Scripture says about testing what we believe, holding our convictions with humility, and making sure we're pointing people to Christ rather than our own preferences. The goal isn't to win arguments—it's to love truth enough to keep asking good questions. Scripture referenced: Acts 17:11Romans 14:1–5Colossians 2:20–23Mark 7:6–92 Timothy 2:15If you're looking for more than podcast episodes, I also send a free weekly newsletter called Walking It Out with Kathrin. 🔗 Website & Free Devotional: https://kathrinshaffer.com 🔗 Linktree: https://linktr.ee/unpolishedbutcalled

  8. Jul 8

    S2 E142: When God's Answers Bring Responsibility

    Have you ever looked back and realized there were prayers you're actually thankful God didn't answer? In this episode of Unpolished But Called, I share how one unanswered prayer completely changed my perspective on God's timing. Sometimes we pray for open doors, immediate answers, or easier circumstances, only to discover much later that God's "no" wasn't rejection—it was mercy. We'll look at Jonah, Esther, and the words of Jesus to explore how God's answers often require obedience, trust, and surrender rather than immediate comfort. We'll also talk about stewardship, carrying our cross daily, and finding peace even when life doesn't get easier. Sometimes the greatest evidence of God's faithfulness isn't the prayer He answered—it's the one He lovingly refused. Scripture referenced: James 1:22Esther 4:14Luke 9:23John 14:27If you're looking for more than podcast episodes, I also send a free weekly email called Walking It Out with Kathrin. 🌐 Website & Free Devotional: https://kathrinshaffer.com 🔗 Linktree: https://linktr.ee/unpolishedbutcalled

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About

Unpolished but Called is a raw, honest Christian podcast for believers who love Jesus but don't have it all together. Hosted by author Kathrin Shaffer. Each episode explores faith in real life - the doubts, the obedience, the quiet growth, and the grace that meets us there. No hype. No perfection. Just truth, Scripture, and hope for the everyday walk. Books, resources and other information can be found https://linktr.ee/unpolishedbutcalled

Information

  • Creator
    Kathrin Shaffer
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    149
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Kathrin Shaffer
  • Show Website
    Unpolished but Called