What happens when one encounter with Jesus changes the entire trajectory of a life? Long before Dr. James Torkildson became a clinical psychologist, professor, author, speaker, and podcast host, he was a lonely boy growing up in a home affected by alcoholism. By his teenage years, he had left school and entered a life of rebellion. Then, while serving in the Army in Germany, he felt drawn into a small chapel where revival meetings were taking place. A man met him at the door and asked one simple question: “Do you know Jesus?” Dr. T answered, “No—but I want to.” What followed was not merely self-improvement. It was transformation from the inside out. His desires, vision, and sense of purpose changed. The young man who had left school would eventually earn degrees in psychology and counseling and devote his life to helping others. In this powerful conversation, Kathleen and Dr. T explore the difference between changing behavior and being genuinely transformed through Christ. They discuss renewing the mind, strengthening the spirit, recognizing deception, and building a biblical foundation that remains steady in a changing culture. Dr. T also offers a freeing perspective on failure: it should become a classroom rather than a courtroom. Our mistakes do not have to become permanent verdicts over our lives. When we take ownership of them and surrender them to God, He can use them to teach us, mature us, and move us forward. For anyone carrying regret, shame, perfectionism, or fear about the future, this episode offers a powerful reminder: your past is gone, but your future is not yet written. You do not have to control every outcome. You are responsible for your willingness, obedience, and faithful effort. God is the master of outcomes. IN THIS EPISODE: • The chapel encounter that transformed Dr. T’s life • Self-improvement versus spiritual transformation • How renewing the mind changes what we see as possible • Why grace and personal responsibility belong together • Treating failure as a classroom rather than a courtroom • Scripture as the Creator’s instruction for the whole person • Strengthening and nourishing the spirit • Why deception is often wrapped in something partly true • The relationship between truth, love, freedom, and discernment • Escaping shame, accusation, and perfectionism • Answering your individual, God-given calling • Why God is the master of outcomes • The power of the Holy Spirit within every believer Dr. T’s story is living proof that no past is beyond the transforming power of God. The same Spirit who raised Christ from the dead lives in you—and your voice, your calling, and your faithful “yes” matter. ABOUT DR. JAMES TORKILDSON Dr. James Torkildson is a clinical psychologist, author, speaker, professor, faith leader, and host of The Dr. T Show. His book, Awaken: Exposing the Web of Deception Threatening Our Faith, Family, and Freedom, calls believers to recognize deception, recover their voices, and awaken to their God-given purpose. CONNECT WITH DR. T Website: https://drtconsulting.org Book: Awaken — available through Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Dr. T’s website Podcast: The Dr. T Show Free eBook: Peace Pace — https://drtconsulting.org CONNECT WITH KATHLEEN AND HEALED TO HEAL Website: https://www.healedtoheal.com Book: Healed to Heal — https://a.co/d/2nONdKX Audiobook: https://www.audible.com/search?keywords=healed+to+heal+kathleen+johnson Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/scripturegirls/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61579084987765 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SwordSpiritPowerforLife 🎧 HEALED TO HEAL PODCAST Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/healed-to-heal/id1847944534 RSS: https://feeds.podcastle.ai/14bf8bff-7783-4555-a257-4eb112b2d0db.rss 💬 LEAVE A REVIEW: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/healed-to-heal/id1847944534
