Jesus Calling Devotional & Podcast

Choosing Victory Over Victimhood: John O’Leary & Athanase Kadita Tshibaka

125 views · 1d ago · 30:17

Guest: Choosing Victory Over Victimhood

This week, we’re joined by author and speaker John O’Leary (@JohnOLearyInspires). John shares the story of a joyful Midwestern childhood that was forever changed at age nine by a devastating house fire that doctors said he would not survive. Through the unwavering love of his parents, the kindness of unexpected heroes, and a hard-fought choice to live, John’s life became a testimony to hope rising from unimaginable pain.

Topics: John O'Leary: Growing Up in St. Louis and the Devotional House Fire at Age Nine · A Father's Grace and a Mother's Call to Fight: Making the Decision to Live · Choosing Victory Over Victimhood: Saying "Yes" to Being Used for Good · How Jesus Calling Impacted John's Faith Walk and "Setting the World on Fire" · Accepting Christ in October 1975 and the Quiet Guidance of the Holy Spirit · Seeking God's Guidance: Praying and Fasting Through Career Transitions to Brazil

When You Hit a Wall, Lean on God: Sarah Drew & Janine Turner

164 views · 1d ago · 28:55

This week, we’re thrilled to be celebrating our 500th podcast episode with actor Sarah Drew, known for her roles in Grey’s Anatomy and Everwood. Sarah shares how her faith shaped her career from a pastor’s kid who found joy in acting to eventually navigating the pressures of Hollywood.

Topics: Sarah Drew: Growing Up as a Pastor's Kid and Finding "God's Pleasure" in Acting · Stepping Into Professional Theater and Landing Her First Major Break · Shaping April Kepner's Faith Journey: Handling Trauma, Loss, and Crisis of Faith · Creating a Culture of Belonging and Positive Energy on Every Set · Meet Janine Turner: Growing Up in Texas with a Mother's Instilled Tenacity · Navigating the Treacherous Waters of Hollywood and Hearing 10,000 "Nos"

Unimaginable Loss, Unbreakable Faith: Stephen McWhirter & Courtney Pray Duke

67 views · 1d ago · 26:32

This episode contains content that may be triggering for some listeners. This week, we hear from Stephen McWhirter (@stephenmcwhirter), a songwriter and worship leader whose early life was marked by deep trauma, addiction, and a shattered view of God shaped by his father’s hypocrisy and abuse. After years of rebellion and anger toward faith, Steven encountered Jesus in an unexpected moment that transformed everything.

Topics: Stephen McWhirter: Growing Up Behind Closed Doors and a Shattered View of God · Rebellion, Crystal Meth Addiction, and Deep-Seated Anger Toward Faith · The Turning Point: Encountering Jesus at 3:00 A.M. in a Room Full of Darkness · The Hardest Thing Ever: Choosing to Forgive an Abusive Father · Whispering "I Love You and I Forgive You" at His Father's Hospital Bedside · Courtney Pray Duke: Childhood Sweethearts, Early Marriage, and Ministry Life

The Second Chance Playbook: Athletes Confront Hard Truths ft. Tim Green and Mike Flynt

72 views · 1d ago · 32:47

Guest: Tim Green

This episode mentions suicide and may be triggering for some listeners. This week, in celebration of Super Bowl Sunday, we’ll hear from Tim Green, a former NFL player, bestselling author, and commentator. Tim, who now speaks with the assistance of technology due to a diagnosis of ALS, reflects on a life marked by ambition, the identity-shaking diagnosis of this neurodegenerative disease, and the perspective that transformed his understanding of what matters most in life.

Topics: Tim Green: Realizing God Was Interested in My Heart, Not My Resume · Facing an ALS Diagnosis and Overcoming Dark Seasons of Despair · How ALS Became a Second Chance to Put Christ at the Center · Podcast Nothing Left Unsaid with Son Troy Green and Raising ALS Awareness · Devotional Reading: Jesus Listens on Bringing Heavy Loads to God · Meet Mike Flynt: Confronting the Biggest Regret of His Youth

Finding God in Anxiety, Waiting, and the Everyday Mess: Jeremy Rosado & Jason Gray

75 views · 2d ago · 26:46

Later in the episode, we’ll hear from Nashville singer, songwriter, and author Jason Gray (@jasongraymusic) . Jason offers a vulnerable look into his life—one shaped by music, but also by instability, a painful childhood divorce, and reckoning with his own difficult divorce. Jason shares how the wounds he incurred became the very doorway through which he met God.

Topics: Laying Down Fame: Stepping Into Fatherhood and Raising His Niece at Age 22 · A Powerful Return to Music: Trusting God's Timing and Competing on The Voice · Using the Jesus Calling Pocket Edition Backstage to Fight Doubt and Fear · Jeremy's New Album The Waiting Room and Finding Strength in Community · Jason Gray: Growing Up Around Music, Parental Divorce, and Early Heartbreak · Music as the Voice of God and Recognizing Holy Ground

Courage in the Face of Darkness: Chris Edmonds & Caleb Altmeyer

371 views · 2d ago · 30:13

This episode mentions abuse and may be triggering for some listeners. This week, we hear from Chris Edmonds, who shares the story of his father, World War II hero Roddie Edmonds, who was honored with the Medal of Honor for saving hundreds of Jewish American soldiers in a Nazi POW camp.

Topics: Why Master Sergeant Roddy Edmonds Saved His Jewish Troops · Meet Pastor Chris Edmonds: Growing Up in Knoxville, Tennessee · An Ordinary Dad Driven by an Extraordinary Faith in Jesus · Uncovering a Hidden WWII Diary 20 Years After Roddy's Passing · A College History Project That Unlocked a Hidden Heritage · Discovering a New York Times Article: The Testimony of Lester Tanner

📖 Mentioned book: Book on Amazon

A Navy SEAL’s Miraculous Battle for Survival: Jason Redman's Story | @JasonRedmanww

601 views · 4d ago · 9:58

Navy SEAL Jason Redman (@JasonRedmanww) opens up about the harrowing moment he walked into a deadly ambush in Iraq, took eight rounds from a machine gun, and experienced a miracle that brought him home to his family. Resources & Mentions Listen to Jason & Erica’s story on the Jesus Calling Podcast Jesus Calling by Sarah Young Explore the Jesus Calling Product Guide

Topics: Walking Into a Deadly Ambush in Iraq: Taking Eight Machine Gun Rounds · Surviving the Impossible: Miracles on the Battlefield and the Long Road Home · Overcoming Doubts & Praying for Strengthened Faith (Peter & Thomas) · Devotional Reading: "Jesus Listens" (December 5th) on Putting God First

When Giving Back is More Important Than Getting Ahead: Chris Blair & Cyndi Thomson

205 views · 1w ago · 32:56

Guest: Chris Blair

This week, we sit down with Chris Blair, the owner of the Listening Room Cafe (@listeningroomcafe) in Nashville, a place known not just for great music, but for the spirit of generosity that lives within its walls. Chris came to Nashville chasing a dream, but what began as a pursuit of music slowly became a calling to create space for others—space where stories are honored, community is formed, and giving back becomes more important than getting ahead.

Topics: Chris Blair: Moving to Nashville from St. Louis and Chasing a Music Dream · Balancing a Corporate Banking Career with Playing Honky-Tonks Every Night · Sleeping on Concrete Floors, Accumulating Debt, and the 2010 Nashville Flood · The Listening Room Appreciation Day and Turning 100% of Proceeds Over to Charity · The Turning Point: How God Built the Listening Room Into What It Is Today · Connecting People with the Stories Behind the Songs

🎵 Mentioned music: What I Really Meant to Say

Healing & Hope for Hurting Hearts: Dale Sutherland & Haley Scully

143 views · 1w ago · 28:06

This week, we hear from retired Washington D.C. police sergeant and pastor Dale Sutherland (@dalesutherlandundercoverpastor) , who shares how his faith carried him through dangerous undercover work, false accusations, and ultimately inspired him to launch a ministry that brings hope to families in crisis.

Topics: Dale Sutherland: 29 Years in Law Enforcement and Working Undercover in D.C. · Navigating the Danger of the 1990s Crack Wars and Trusting God in Crisis · Facing False Accusations, Financial Strain, and Crying Out to God · Launching "Boost Others": Providing Emergency Crisis Care and Pastoral Support · Devotional Moment: The New Teen Edition of Jesus Calling · Haley Scully: 15 Years Equipping Global Leaders with Hope for the Heart

Singing Past the Silence: Jordan Smith & Tyler White

208 views · 1w ago · 27:00

In the foothills of Appalachia, Jordan Smith (@JordanSmithOfficial), a young boy from Harlan, Kentucky, found his voice in the hymns of a small country church. Years later, that voice would capture the nation’s heart when Jordan Smith won NBC’s The Voice in 2015. In our conversation, Jordan reflects on how hymns shaped his journey and how prayer and Scripture continue to anchor him through every season of life.

Topics: Jordan Smith: Growing Up in Harlan, Kentucky, and Discovering Music in Church · The Power of Church Hymns: How "That I Could Still Go Free" Shaped His Faith · Recording The People's Hymnal with Gaither Music to Pass Down Tradition · Overcoming Anxiety and the Pressures of Winning The Voice in 2015 · The Necessity of Intentional Prayer, Scripture, and Christian Community · Devotional Reading: Jesus Listens (November 4th) on Leaning on God's Strength

What It Means to Be Truly Known: Ben Higgins & Jamie MacDonald

256 views · 1w ago · 29:01

Guest: Ben Higgins

This week, we welcome Ben Higgins (@GenerousCoffeeCo) back to the show—entrepreneur, author, and former star of The Bachelor who has turned public fame into a platform for authentic connection. Ben shares why true connection can’t be found through screens or status, but through honest conversation and shared life with others.

Topics: Ben Higgins: Finding Authentic Connection Beyond Screens and Social Media · Navigating Divisiveness, Loneliness, and the Healing Power of Prayer · Devotional Moment & Reflecting on God's Support in Low Seasons · Jamie MacDonald: Overcoming a Difficult Childhood and Finding Her Voice · Rock Bottom, Encountering Jesus, and Stepping Out of Darkness · Restoring Music Through Songwriting in a Women's Prison Ministry

Let the Christmas Spirit Ring: Brenda Lee & Philip Nation

156 views · 1w ago · 24:17

This week, we welcome a music legend whose voice has become synonymous with the sounds of the season. At just twelve years old, Brenda Lee (@BrendaLeeYT) recorded “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree.” She shares memories of recording in Nashville alongside country greats, her deep respect for the team behind every hit, and the enduring value of kindness in a competitive industry.

Topics: Brenda Lee: Recording "Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree" at Age 12 · Nashville's Historic Quonset Hut and the Legendary "A-Team" Musicians · "Don't Forget Your Raising": Kindness and Teamwork in the Music Industry · Devotional Moment: Jesus Listens (Prayers for Every Season) · Philip Nation: Falling in Love with God's Word and Publishing Bibles · Overcoming the Overwhelm: Making Bible Study a "Get To," Not a "Have To"

How Do Food & Music Bring Us Together? Ft. Hannah Dasher | @HannahDasherOfficial

326 views · 1w ago · 8:58

Resources & Mentions Jesus Calling by Sarah Young Explore the Jesus Calling Product Guide About Jesus Calling Jesus Calling® by Sarah Young is a beloved devotional series that has helped millions experience God’s peace in their daily lives. Through heartfelt reflections, inspiring stories, and moments of prayer, this channel offers encouragement for those seeking a deeper walk with Jesus—one quiet moment at a time.

Topics: Using Southern Hospitality and Cooking to Connect with Neighbors

📖 Mentioned book: Stand By Your Pan

Faith In The Midnight Hour: Cristina Baker & Becky Thompson

263 views · 2w ago · 27:16

Guest: Cristina Baker

This episode mentions suicide and depression and may not be suitable for all listeners. How do you find your way out of the darkest valleys when your back is against the wall? This week, we’re joined by Cristina Baker (@cristinaabaker) , a speaker, author, and digital creator.

Topics: Faith In The Midnight Hour: Cristina Baker & Becky Thompson · Cristina Baker: Overcoming Homelessness, Addiction, and Jail Time · Finding God When Your Back Is Against the Wall: A Story of Redemption · Becky Thompson: The Heart Behind the Midnight Mom Devotional Community · The Strength of Shared Prayer and Motherhood in Faith · Next Episode Teaser: Chyna Phillips of Wilson Phillips on Healing and Community

Finding Hope in the Most Challenging Seasons: Candace Cameron Bure & Shawn Johnson

276 views · 2w ago · 32:42

This episode mentions suicide and may be triggering for some listeners. How do you root your identity in something unshakeable when the applause stops, or when mental health battles make life feel unbearable? Resources & Mentions

Topics: Candace Cameron Bure: Navigating Identity and Self-Worth Beyond Hollywood · Anchoring Your Worth in Faith When the Applause Stops · Pastor Shawn Johnson: Battling Anxiety, Depression, and Medical Trials · "Kissing the Fire": Walking Through Hard Seasons in God's Strength