Jesus Calling: Stories of Faith

This week, we’re joined by Ken Abraham [https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B001IOF61U?ccs_id=2e2efb31-61f6-4a3c-bb15-9e077142554f], a master storyteller known for his ability to capture the hearts and stories of some of the world's most notable figures, including Buzz Aldrin [https://www.amazon.com/Magnificent-Desolation-Long-Journey-Home/dp/0307463451], Chuck Norris [https://www.amazon.com/Against-All-Odds-My-Story/dp/0805431616], Stephen Curtis Chapman [https://www.amazon.com/Between-Heaven-Real-World-Story/dp/080072688X], Payne Stewart [https://www.amazon.com/Payne-Stewart-Authorized-Ken-Abraham/dp/0805424792], and many others. His latest book, No Address [https://www.amazon.com/No-Address-Novel-Ken-Abraham/dp/1637632630], highlights a deep empathy and commitment to honor the stories of those dealing with homelessness, and reminds us of the power of understanding in every person’s story—whether they are in the spotlight of fame, or in the streets of our cities. Next, we’ll hear from Susan Binkley [https://www.bluemonarch.org/from-my-front-row-seat], the founder and president of Blue Monarch, a long-term residential recovery program [https://www.bluemonarch.org/]. For nearly two decades, Susan has dedicated her life to helping women and their children break cycles of addiction, abuse, and trauma. Susan shares her remarkable journey from an unexpected dream that guided her steps to the profound impact her organization has had on many lives. Links, Products, and Resources Mentioned: Jesus Calling Podcast [https://www.jesuscalling.com/podcast/] Jesus Calling [https://www.jesuscalling.com/books/] Jesus Always [https://www.jesuscalling.com/books/jesus-always/] Jesus Listens [https://www.jesuscalling.com/books/jesus-listens/] Past interview: Lauren Casper [https://www.jesuscalling.com/blog/empathy-a-key-to-loving-our-neighbors/] Upcoming interview: Johnny Shelton [https://www.instagram.com/ravenschaplain/?hl=en]   Ken Abraham [https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B001IOF61U?ccs_id=2e2efb31-61f6-4a3c-bb15-9e077142554f] Buzz Aldrin [https://www.amazon.com/Magnificent-Desolation-Long-Journey-Home/dp/0307463451] Neil Clark Warren [https://www.amazon.com/Falling-Love-All-Right-Reasons/dp/0446576859] Chuck Norris [https://www.amazon.com/Against-All-Odds-My-Story/dp/0805431616] Bob Dole [https://www.amazon.com/When-Your-Parent-Becomes-Child-ebook/dp/B0078FA8AC] Bill Gaither [https://www.amazon.com/Its-More-Than-Music-Lessons/dp/0446530417] Stephen Curtis Chapman [https://www.amazon.com/Between-Heaven-Real-World-Story/dp/080072688X] Payne Stewart [https://www.amazon.com/Payne-Stewart-Authorized-Ken-Abraham/dp/0805424792] No Address [https://www.amazon.com/No-Address-Novel-Ken-Abraham/dp/1637632630] Lisa Beamer [https://www.amazon.com/Lets-Ordinary-People-Extraordinary-Courage/dp/0842374949] Todd Beamer [https://www.unitedheroes.com/Todd-Beamer.html] Randy Travis [https://www.amazon.com/Forever-Ever-Amen-Memoir-Braving/dp/1400214831] Galatians 2:20 NIV [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=galatians%202%3A20&version=NIV] Romans 3:23 NIV [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=romans%203%3A23&version=NIV] No Address movie [https://www.noaddressmovie.com/]   Susan Binkley [https://www.bluemonarch.org/from-my-front-row-seat] Blue Monarch [https://www.bluemonarch.org/] www.bluemonarch.com [http://www.bluemonarch.com] From My Front Row Seat: A Collection of Stories from My Time Working Alongside Women in Recovery [https://www.amazon.com/Front-Row-Seat-Collection-Alongside/dp/1957616288]   Interview Quotes: “The church and we as Christians really have an answer that is such a benefit to people not only living in homeless situations, but to our whole society. We can help people find hope.” - Ken Abraham  “Empathy makes an incredible difference in our prayer lives.” - Ken Abraham “Looking back, it was really pretty incredible how God pieced this whole journey together like a big puzzle. And now that I've been [working with Blue Monarch] for almost twenty-two years, I can look back and see how every single piece played an important part. I feel like I have a front row seat at the greatest show on earth, and I get to see God work in powerful ways that literally take my breath away.” - Susan Binkley  _______________________ Enjoy watching these additional videos from Jesus Calling YouTube channel! Audio Episodes:     https://bit.ly/3zvjbK7 [https://bit.ly/3zvjbK7]  Bonus Podcasts:     https://bit.ly/3vfLlGw [https://bit.ly/3vfLlGw]  Jesus Listens: Stories of Prayer:  https://bit.ly/3Sd0a6C [https://bit.ly/3Sd0a6C]  Peace for Everyday Life:     https://bit.ly/3zzwFoj [https://bit.ly/3zzwFoj]  Peace in Uncertain Times:     https://bit.ly/3cHfB6u [https://bit.ly/3cHfB6u]  What’s Good?     https://bit.ly/3vc2cKj [https://bit.ly/3vc2cKj]  Enneagram:     https://bit.ly/3hzRCCY [https://bit.ly/3hzRCCY]  ________________________  Connect with Jesus Calling Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/jesuscalling/] Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/JesusCalling/] Twitter [https://twitter.com/Jesus_Calling] Pinterest [https://www.pinterest.com/Jesus_Calling/?eq=jesus%20calling&etslf=5858] YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/c/Jesuscallingbook?sub_confirmation=1] Website [https://www.jesuscalling.com/] TikTok [https://www.tiktok.com/@jesuscalling?lang=en] Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com [https://www.lifeaudio.com/] and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us [https://www.lifeaudio.com/contact-us].

On this episode of Jesus Listens: Stories of Prayer, we’ll hear from Grammy Award-winning musician and songwriter Ron Block, of Alison Krauss & Union Station. Ron shares how, through all the ups and downs of a music career, he’s learned to depend on God.    Guest’s Links Ron Block’s Facebook: @RonBlockMusic [https://www.facebook.com/RonBlockMusic/] Ron Block’s Twitter: @ronblockakus [https://x.com/ronblockakus] Ron Block’s Instagram: @ronblockakus [https://www.instagram.com/ronblockakus/?hl=en] ________________________  Connect with Jesus Calling Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/jesuscalling/] Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/JesusCalling/] Twitter [https://twitter.com/Jesus_Calling] Pinterest [https://www.pinterest.com/Jesus_Calling/?eq=jesus%20calling&etslf=5858] YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/c/Jesuscallingbook?sub_confirmation=1] Jesus Calling Website [https://www.jesuscalling.com/] TikTok [https://www.tiktok.com/@jesuscalling?lang=en]   *Episode produced by Four Eyes Media* Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com [https://www.lifeaudio.com/] and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us [https://www.lifeaudio.com/contact-us].

This week we’re joined by Ellen Skrmetti [https://ellenskrmetti.com/], 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 [https://www.instagram.com/itsjustinstuart/] and Andrew Scites [https://www.instagram.com/andrewscites/], the creative minds behind JStu [https://www.youtube.com/@JStuStudios], 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 [https://www.jesuscalling.com/podcast/] Jesus Calling [https://www.jesuscalling.com/books/] Jesus Always [https://www.jesuscalling.com/books/jesus-always/] Jesus Listens [https://www.jesuscalling.com/books/jesus-listens/] Past interview: Chonda Pierce [https://www.jesuscalling.com/podcast/chonda-pierce/] Upcoming interview: Susan Binkley [https://www.bluemonarch.org/from-my-front-row-seat]   Ellen Skrmetti [https://ellenskrmetti.com/] Second City [https://www.secondcity.com/] www.ellenskrmetti.com [https://ellenskrmetti.com/] Hey, Jesus, It’s Me: I Have Questions, Comments, and Concerns [https://www.amazon.com/Hey-Jesus-Its-Me-Questions/dp/1546007040]   Justin Stuart [https://www.instagram.com/itsjustinstuart/] and Andrew Scites [https://www.instagram.com/andrewscites/] JStu YouTube channel  [https://www.youtube.com/@JStuStudios] Proverbs 17:22 NIV [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Proverbs%2017%3A22&version=NIV] The JStu Survival Guide [https://www.amazon.com/JStu-Survival-Guide-Conquer-Shatter/dp/1400250439]   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 [https://bit.ly/3zvjbK7]  Bonus Podcasts:     https://bit.ly/3vfLlGw [https://bit.ly/3vfLlGw]  Jesus Listens: Stories of Prayer:  https://bit.ly/3Sd0a6C [https://bit.ly/3Sd0a6C]  Peace for Everyday Life:     https://bit.ly/3zzwFoj [https://bit.ly/3zzwFoj]  Peace in Uncertain Times:     https://bit.ly/3cHfB6u [https://bit.ly/3cHfB6u]  What’s Good?     https://bit.ly/3vc2cKj [https://bit.ly/3vc2cKj]  Enneagram:     https://bit.ly/3hzRCCY [https://bit.ly/3hzRCCY]  ________________________  Connect with Jesus Calling Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/jesuscalling/] Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/JesusCalling/] Twitter [https://twitter.com/Jesus_Calling] Pinterest [https://www.pinterest.com/Jesus_Calling/?eq=jesus%20calling&etslf=5858] YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/c/Jesuscallingbook?sub_confirmation=1] Website [https://www.jesuscalling.com/] TikTok [https://www.tiktok.com/@jesuscalling?lang=en] Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com [https://www.lifeaudio.com/] and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us [https://www.lifeaudio.com/contact-us].

This week, we welcome Mart Green [https://www.martgreen.net/], 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 [https://www.jesuscalling.com/podcast/living-giving-generously/]. 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 [https://www.instagram.com/mollclarissa/], 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 [https://www.jesuscalling.com/podcast/] Jesus Calling [https://www.jesuscalling.com/books/] Jesus Always [https://www.jesuscalling.com/books/jesus-always/] Jesus Listens [https://www.jesuscalling.com/books/jesus-listens/] Past interview: Joni Eareckson Tada [https://www.jesuscalling.com/podcast/lifeline-drowning-hurts-joni-eareckson-tada-dedee-greg-lhamon/] Upcoming interview: Ellen Skrmetti [https://ellenskrmetti.com/]   Mart Green [https://www.martgreen.net/] Hobby Lobby  [https://www.jesuscalling.com/podcast/living-giving-generously/] Mardel Christian & Education [https://www.mardel.com/] Learning To Be Loved [https://www.martgreen.net/]   Clarissa and Fiona Moll [https://www.instagram.com/mollclarissa/] Rob Moll [https://www.ivpress.com/press-releases/2019/rob-moll-author-and-editor-dies-at-forty-one] Christianity Today's The Bulletin Podcast [https://www.christianitytoday.com/podcasts/the-bulletin/] Jeremiah 29:11 NIV [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Jeremiah%2029%3A11&version=NIV] Psalm 118:17 NIV [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm%20118%3A17&version=NIV] Jesus Calling for Kids [https://www.jesuscalling.com/books/jesus-calling-365-devotions-for-kids/] Hurt Help Hope [https://www.amazon.com/Hurt-Help-Hope-Conversation-about/dp/1496487249/] Other Jesus Calling interviews about grief  [https://www.jesuscalling.com/video/growing-our-faith-through-our-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 [https://bit.ly/3zvjbK7]  Bonus Podcasts:     https://bit.ly/3vfLlGw [https://bit.ly/3vfLlGw]  Jesus Listens: Stories of Prayer:  https://bit.ly/3Sd0a6C [https://bit.ly/3Sd0a6C]  Peace for Everyday Life:     https://bit.ly/3zzwFoj [https://bit.ly/3zzwFoj]  Peace in Uncertain Times:     https://bit.ly/3cHfB6u [https://bit.ly/3cHfB6u]  What’s Good?     https://bit.ly/3vc2cKj [https://bit.ly/3vc2cKj]  Enneagram:     https://bit.ly/3hzRCCY [https://bit.ly/3hzRCCY]  ________________________  Connect with Jesus Calling Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/jesuscalling/] Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/JesusCalling/] Twitter [https://twitter.com/Jesus_Calling] Pinterest [https://www.pinterest.com/Jesus_Calling/?eq=jesus%20calling&etslf=5858] YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/c/Jesuscallingbook?sub_confirmation=1] Website [https://www.jesuscalling.com/] TikTok [https://www.tiktok.com/@jesuscalling?lang=en] Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com [https://www.lifeaudio.com/] and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us [https://www.lifeaudio.com/contact-us].

The beloved historical drama television series The Chosen [https://www.imdb.com/title/tt5622316/] 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 [https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0420817/]. Accompanying him are actors and actresses Elizabeth Tabish [https://www.imdb.com/name/nm3355902/], Paras Patel [https://www.imdb.com/name/nm4407460/], Shahar Isaac [https://www.imdb.com/name/nm6051304/], Abe Bueno-Jallad [https://www.imdb.com/name/nm5201551/], and Jonathan Roumie [https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0745751/]—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 [https://www.jesuscalling.com/podcast/] Jesus Calling [https://www.jesuscalling.com/books/] Jesus Always [https://www.jesuscalling.com/books/jesus-always/] Jesus Listens [https://www.jesuscalling.com/books/jesus-listens/] Past interview: Priscilla Shirer [https://www.jesuscalling.com/podcast/overcomers-are-defined-and-refined-by-god-priscilla-shirer-jeremy-ray-taylor/] Upcoming interview: Mart Green [https://www.martgreen.net/]   The Chosen [https://www.imdb.com/title/tt5622316/]  Dallas Jenkins [https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0420817/] Elizabeth Tabish [https://www.imdb.com/name/nm3355902/] Paras Patel [https://www.imdb.com/name/nm4407460/] Shahar Isaac [https://www.imdb.com/name/nm6051304/] Abe Bueno-Jallad [https://www.imdb.com/name/nm5201551/] Jonathan Roumie [https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0745751/] 5&2 Studios [https://www.thechosen.tv/en-us/explore/5and2studios] The Best Christmas Pageant Ever [https://bestchristmaspageantever.movie/] www.thechosen.tv [http://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 [https://bit.ly/3zvjbK7]  Bonus Podcasts:     https://bit.ly/3vfLlGw [https://bit.ly/3vfLlGw]  Jesus Listens: Stories of Prayer:  https://bit.ly/3Sd0a6C [https://bit.ly/3Sd0a6C]  Peace for Everyday Life:     https://bit.ly/3zzwFoj [https://bit.ly/3zzwFoj]  Peace in Uncertain Times:     https://bit.ly/3cHfB6u [https://bit.ly/3cHfB6u]  What’s Good?     https://bit.ly/3vc2cKj [https://bit.ly/3vc2cKj]  Enneagram:     https://bit.ly/3hzRCCY [https://bit.ly/3hzRCCY]  ________________________  Connect with Jesus Calling Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/jesuscalling/] Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/JesusCalling/] Twitter [https://twitter.com/Jesus_Calling] Pinterest [https://www.pinterest.com/Jesus_Calling/?eq=jesus%20calling&etslf=5858] YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/c/Jesuscallingbook?sub_confirmation=1] Website [https://www.jesuscalling.com/] TikTok [https://www.tiktok.com/@jesuscalling?lang=en] Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com [https://www.lifeaudio.com/] and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us [https://www.lifeaudio.com/contact-us].