The Christian Habits Podcast show

The Christian Habits Podcast

Summary: Do you ever feel like you can’t change no matter how hard you try? On the Christian Habits Podcast, we’ll talk about biblical transformation through the renewing of the mind. This is a practical, hands-on podcast that will help you break free from the things that control you: things like bad habits, idolatry, overeating, and negative emotions such as worry, insecurity, anger, and stress. We’ll also talk about how to develop a close relationship with God as we develop the habit of going to Him for help with life.

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 Healing What You Can’t Erase with Christopher Cook | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: 28:37

In today’s culture, there is a mental health crisis. So many are looking for answers, yet much of the advice given does not provide sustainable relief. However, we know that the only way to true and lasting peace is to know the Prince of Peace! On the Christian Habits Podcast today (links below), my guest, Christopher Cook discusses this very topic and his new book Healing What You Can’t Erase. What We Discussed on the Podcast * The culture’s current mental health crisis * Common advice that simply doesn’t work * “Anxiety is just an alarm.” What does this statement mean? * What is true peace? * What are practical ways to fix our focus on Jesus? * How the process of transformation happens * Christopher’s S.E.E.D. strategy for dealing with intrusive thoughts Resources Mentioned on the Podcast * Healing What You Can’t Erase by Christopher Cook * Pre-Order Bonuses for Christopher’s new book * Win Today podcast with Christopher Cook * Philippians Bible Study by Barb Raveling – pre-order today! * James Bible Study About Christopher Cook Christopher Cook is a leadership coach, author, and podcast host focused on transformation and wholeness. With an aptitude for strategy and execution, his ability to unearth clarity out of complexity drives his mission to help individuals and organizations thrive in their true identity. His work has appeared in outlets such as SUCCESS Magazine, and he has spent over a decade coaching leaders in both the marketplace and non-profit sectors. His weekly podcast, Win Today with Christopher Cook, equips wellness-minded listeners to move beyond the limitations of self-help, and instead, toward an integrated life of wholeness from the inside out. Pulling from his own experiences with adversity and personal transformation, these efforts, embodied by his passion for mental health, emotional health, and spiritual maturity, along with his educational credentials in business administration, leadership, and ministry, have led to helping people experience healing and transformation in their spirit, mind, and body. How to Listen to the Podcast To listen or subscribe on YouTube: click here  To listen or subscribe on Apple Podcasts: click here  To listen or subscribe on Android: click here  To listen or subscribe on Stitcher: click here  To listen or subscribe on Spotify: click here  Amazon Alexa: To listen on Amazon Alexa, say, “Alexa, play the Christian Habits Podcast.” 

 14 Practical Ways to Get Closer to God | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: 33:57

Do you ever feel distant from God? Do you long to be close to Him? In today’s episode of the Christian Habits Podcast we’ll talk about 14 practical things you can do to get closer to God. 14 Practical Ways to Get Closer to God The more intentional we are about our relationships, the better those relationships will be. Let’s look at some practical things we can do to get closer to God. I’ll give a short list here and then go into more depth in the podcast. Find something you enjoy doing with Him. If you dread your quiet time, you won’t want to do them. In the past, I didn’t feel like doing quiet times because I thought they were boring. I found something I enjoyed doing, though, and all of a sudden I wanted to do my quiet times. Some of the ideas we talk about on the podcast are truth journaling, Scripture meditation, the Examen app, topical Bible studies, and any of these renewing of the mind activities. Don’t worry about beginning with something simple, as you can always progress later to more Bible reading, etc. The key in the beginning is to establish the habit. Meet with God each day during the time of day that you’re most alert. The advice we usually hear on this topic is to have your quiet time as soon as you wake up. That works for me and for many others, but it doesn’t work for everyone. If you’re a person who has more energy or self-control later in the day, it may be better to schedule your devotional time for that time of day. If you struggle with discipline in quiet times like I did for twenty years, try journaling through these questions and Bible verses. Do a “closeness check” at the beginning of your time together. In the past, I used to begin each quiet time with a closeness check. I’d ask, “Am I feeling close to God?” If the answer was no, I’d think back to the previous day to see if there was anything I needed to talk to God about. I’d confess any sin that I needed to confess (often heart sin such as bad attitudes) and work through anything I needed to work through with Him. We’ll talk more about the reasons for not feeling close (sin, idolatry, and not accepting what you need to accept) in the podcast and what you can do about it. Believe that He loves you. Have you ever been in a relationship in which the person actually loved you, but for some reason you felt like they didn’t love you? When this happens to us, it makes us not trust that person or feel close to them. The same thing happens when we feel like God doesn’t love us. If you feel like He doesn’t love you right now, try praying through the following Bible verses and picture God doing the things He says He’ll do in those verses. The first couple of times I tried this, it was transformative: Insecurity Bible verses, 1 John 1:9. Work on letting go of your idols and sin. When we feel like we have to have certain things to be happy, it interferes with our relationship with God. So does sin. It’s impossible to completely get rid of sin and idols, but the more progress we make in those areas, the closer we’ll feel to God. Here are a couple of posts/blog series that will help:

 John Mark Comer: Practicing the Way | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: 25:31

Do you find yourself simply going through the motions in your Christian walk? Do you long for a deeply intentional and powerful relationship with God? If so, you will inspired and challenged by this episode of The Christian Habits Podcast (links below). My guest today, John Mark Comer, talks about a whole-life, immersive approach to your faith found in his new book, Practicing the Way. What We Discussed on the Podcast * The difference a Christian and an apprentice of Jesus * How fierce intentionality in your walk with Jesus changes everything * The keystone habits of a practicing Christian * One powerful way to overcome temptation and sin * What a Rule of Life is and why the ancients practiced it * The practice of contemplative prayer Resources Mentioned on the Podcast * Practicing the Way: Be with Jesus. Become like him. Do as he did. by John Mark Comer * The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry  * Live No Lies  About John Mark Comer John Mark Comer is the New York Times bestselling author of seven books including The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry and Live No Lies as well as being a pastor, teacher, and founder of Practicing the Way. His latest book is Practicing the Way: Be with Jesus. Become like him. Do as he did. (a WaterBrook hardcover; on sale 1/16/24). After serving as the lead pastor of Bridgetown Church in Portland, Oregon, for nearly two decades, John Mark and his family now reside in Los Angeles, where he serves as a teacher in residence on discipleship and spiritual formation at Vintage Church LA. His podcasts, John Mark Comer Teachings and Rule of Life, have been ranked on top religion and spirituality podcast charts in the US and UK. For more information visit johnmarkcomer.com and find him on Instagram . How to Listen to the Podcast To listen or subscribe on Google Podcasts: click here  To listen or subscribe on Apple Podcasts: click here  To listen or subscribe on Android: click here  To listen or subscribe on Stitcher: click here  To listen or subscribe on Spotify: click here  Amazon Alexa: To listen on Amazon Alexa, say, “Alexa, play the Christian Habits Podcast.” 

 Living with Joy in a Stressful World with Brant Hansen | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: 30:59

It’s easy to feel stressed, overwhelmed, and anxious when we focus on the turmoil in the world (or our own lives). However, there is hope! My guest on the podcast today, Brant Hansen, reminds us that we truly can have peace and abiding joy – no matter our circumstances – if Jesus is the center of our lives. We’ll also discuss Brant’s new book, Life is Hard, God is Good, Let’s Dance. What We Discussed on the Podcast * How to become joyful when that isn’t your natural bent * How to “outsource” our worries * What it truly means to be a disciple * How God’s ways always lead to the best life * A technique beyond list-making to increase our gratitude * The importance of choosing the attitude of our heart Resources Mentioned on the Podcast (Including Links for Pre-Order Bonuses) * Brant’s newest book, Life is Hard, God is Good, Let’s Dance  – publishing January 16, 2024 * Barnes and Noble’s pre-order sweepstakes  * Other pre-order gifts from Thomas Nelson Publishing * Brant’s other books * CURE International Children’s Hospitals About Brant Hansen BRANT HANSEN is a bestselling author, syndicated radio host and advocate for healing children with correctable disabilities through CURE International Children’s Hospitals. His award-winning radio show, The Brant Hansen Show, airs on top stations in the U.S. and Canada. His podcast, The Brant and Sherri Oddcast, has been downloaded more than 15 million times. He has been named “Personality of the Year” multiple times by Christian Music Broadcasters and is called “Christian music ‘s most beloved radio personality” by Christian Voice Magazine. Brant writes about varied topics related to faith, including masculinity in his book, The Men We Need, and forgiveness in Unoffendable, about which he was recently interviewed on ABC’s Good Morning America. He speaks often about being diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder as an adult. Brant also proudly refers to himself as a “toast-obsessed nerd’ who was no less than president of the Illinois Student Librarians Association in high school. He also plays the accordion, “in spite of popular demand.” Connect with Brant at his website, Facebook, Instagram, and X (formerly Twitter). How to Listen to the Podcast To listen or subscribe on Google Podcasts: click here  To listen or subscribe on Apple Podcasts: click here  To listen or subscribe on Android: click here  To listen or subscribe on Stitcher: click here  To listen or subscribe on Spotify: 

 Memorizing Scripture with Glenna Marshall | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: 27:36

Do you struggle to memorize Scripture? I do. For years I thought I couldn’t memorize it because I don’t have a good memory. But for the last couple of months–ever since I read Glenna Marshall’s book on memorizing Scripture–I’ve been going great guns with Scripture memory and love it! If you’re someone like me who has struggled for years to commit God’s Word to memory, my latest episode of The Christian Habits Podcast (links below) will help. My guest, Glenna Marshall, has a new book out about the power and unexpected blessings of memorizing Scripture. It has been life-changing for her, and I can already tell it will be life-changing for me! What We Discussed on the Podcast * The reason that Glenna began memorizing scripture * The WHY behind scripture memorization * The brain science of repetition and memory * The case for memorization of long passages of scripture * Practical tips for memorizing * The “first letter” method * How to use habit stacking to increase memorization * An app that will help with Scripture memory–I’ve been using this app myself and it makes all the difference in the world. (See link below to find the app.) Resources Mentioned on the Podcast * Memorizing Scripture: The Basics, Blessings and Benefits of Meditating on God’s Word by Glenna Marshall * The Verses App About Glenna Marshall GLENNA MARSHALL is a pastor’s wife and mother oftwo energetic sons. She is the author of The Promise IsHis Presence and Everyday Faithfulness. She writesregularly at GlennaMarshall.com on biblical literacy,suffering, and the faithfulness of God. She is a memberof Grace Bible Fellowship in Sikeston, Missouri.  Find Glenna online at GlennaMarshall.com or on Instagram. How to Listen to the Podcast To listen or subscribe on Google Podcasts: click here  To listen or subscribe on Apple Podcasts: click here  To listen or subscribe on Android: click here  To listen or subscribe on Stitcher: click here  To listen or subscribe on Spotify: click here  Amazon Alexa: To listen on Amazon Alexa, say, “Alexa, play the Christian Habits Podcast.” 

 Practicing the Presence of Jesus with Joni Eareckson Tada | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: 22:00

Do stressful situations steal your peace? Have you allowed the disappointments in your life to keep you from feeling close to Jesus? Do you wish to experience the calm you feel in your quiet moments with God all throughout your day? In my interview on the Christian Habits Podcast (links below), Joni Eareckson Tada shares wisdom from her personal life experiences about learning to stay close to Jesus all throughout the day. We also discuss her newest book, The Practice of the Presence of Jesus. What We Discussed on the Podcast * How a tragic accident early in Joni’s life began to change her relationship with Jesus * Why Joni can be grateful for the suffering that she has endured * How to put up our spiritual antennae each day * How practicing the presence of Jesus takes the edge off of our pain * The pathway to joy in any situation * How learning to rely on the Lord is a rewarding discipline – but it takes practice Resources Mentioned on the Podcast * The Practice of the Presence of Jesus by Joni Eareckson Tada * Other books by Joni Eareckson Tada * The Practice of the Presence of God by Brother Lawrence * Joni and Friends About Joni Eareckson Tada Joni Eareckson Tada is an esteemed Christian stateswoman and respected global leader in disability advocacy. Although a 1967 diving accident left her a quadriplegic, she emerged from rehabilitation with a determination to help others with similar disabilities. Mrs. Tada serves as CEO of Joni and Friends, a Christian organization which provides programs and services for thousands of special needs families around the world. President Reagan appointed Mrs. Tada to the National Council on Disability, then reappointed by President George H.W. Bush. During her tenure, the ADA was passed and signed into law. Mrs. Tada served as advisor to Condoleezza Rice on the Disability Advisory Committee to the U.S. State Department. She served as Senior Associate for Disability Concerns for the Lausanne Committee for World Evangelization. The Colson Center on Christian Worldview awarded Joni Tada its prestigious William Wilberforce Award, and she was also inducted into Indiana Wesleyan University’s Society of World Changers. Joni Eareckson Tada has been awarded several honorary degrees, including Doctor of Humanities from Gordon College and Doctor of Divinity from Westminster Theological Seminary. She is an effective communicator, sharing her inspirational message in books, through artwork, radio, and other media. Joni Tada served as General Editor of the Beyond Suffering Bible, a special edition published by Tyndale for people affected by disability. Joni and her husband Ken were married in 1982 and reside in Calabasas, California. How to Listen to the Podcast To listen or subscribe on Google Podcasts: click here  To listen or subscribe on Apple Podcasts: click here  To listen or subscribe on Android: click here  To listen or subscribe on Stitcher: click here  To listen or subscribe on Spotify: click here 

 Susie Larson: Staying Strong in Battle | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: 33:29

Has the joy and peace in your life been replaced by stress and strife? Is your inner narrative filling you with thoughts of despair? Do you find yourself questioning God’s goodness? If you answered yes to any or all of these questions, you may be in the midst of a spiritual battle. My guest today on the Christian Habits Podcast (links below), Susie Larson, shares such valuable wisdom from her very personal experiences in spiritual warfare, and from her book Strong in Battle. What We Discussed on the Podcast * How to discern the schemes of the enemy * The negative effect of  apathy and passivity in the Christian life * Why it truly is that the “poor in spirit” inherit the Kingdom * How Susie’s trials have taught her to aggressively contend for the promises of God * How to discern the signs that you may be in a spiritual battle * How the disappointments of life can lead us to believing lies about God * Three questions to ask when you are disappointed Resources Mentioned on the Podcast * Strong in Battle: Why the Humble Will Prevail – Susie Larson * Fully Alive: Learning to Flourish – Mind, Body & Spirit – Susie Larson * Your Powerful Prayers: Reaching the Heart of God with a Bold and Humble Faith – Susie Larson * Susie Larson Live – Radio Broadcast & Podcast About Susie Larson SUSIE LARSON is a national speaker, a bestselling author, and the host of the daily talk show Susie Larson Live, heard on the Faith Radio Network. Susie has written twenty books and many articles. She’s been a guest on Focus on the Family, the Life Today show, FamilyLife Today, as well as many other media outlets. Twice voted a top-ten finalist for the John C. Maxwell Transformational Leadership Award, she is also a veteran of the fitness field. Susie has been married to her dear husband, Kevin, since 1985, and together they have three wonderful sons, three beautiful daughters-in-law, three beautiful grandchildren, and one adorable pit bull named Memphis. Susie’s passion is to see people everywhere awakened to the value of their soul, the depth of God’s love, and the height of their calling in Christ Jesus. Connect with Susie on Facebook, Instagram, or at SusieLarson.com. How to Listen to the Podcast To listen or subscribe on Google Podcasts: click here  To listen or subscribe on Apple Podcasts: click here  To listen or subscribe on Android: click here  To listen or subscribe on Stitcher: click here  To listen or subscribe on Spotify: click here  Amazon Alexa: To listen on Amazon Alexa, say, “Alexa, play the Christian Habits Podcast.” 

 Dannah Gresh: Finding Healing for Your Marriage | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: 31:06

Marriage is hard, we all agree. And when a spouse has an addiction to pornography, a marriage can be stretched to its breaking point. However, when God is involved, there is always hope! On today’s episode of the Christian Habits Podcast (links below), my guest, Dannah Gresh shares about this particular struggle in her own marriage which was the inspiration for her newest book, Happily Even After. What We Discussed on the Podcast * The painful cycle of pornography addiction * How the effects of sexual sin are different than other sins * The essential action that is the doorway to healing in a marriage * The two choices we are faced with when confronting destructive addiction in marriage * How compassion for the addicted spouse begins the healing process * Dannah’s recommendations regarding therapy for marriages in crisis Resources Mentioned on the Podcast * Dannah’s newest book, Happily Even After: Let God Redeem Your Marriage * Article about Montana Banning Tik-Tok that I referenced * ProtectYoungEyes.com About Dannah Gresh DANNAH GRESH is a best-selling author and sought-after speaker. Her best-selling titles include And the Bride Wore White, Lies Young Women Believe co-authored with Nancy Leigh DeMoss, and Lies Girls Believe. Dannah is the co-host of Revive Our Hearts, a daily podcast for women, and the founder of True Girl, which provides mom+daughter connection tools including the True Girl podcast. Dannah has sold over 2 million books and reaches women and girls in more than 100 countries. She and her husband Bob live in State College, Pennsylvania on a small farm that could be confused as a petting zoo. Horses, llamas, peacocks, chickens, goats, dogs and cats abound. The family pastime is chasing whoever—or whatever—might be loose. Find Dannah online at dannahgresh.com. How to Listen to the Podcast To listen or subscribe on Google Podcasts: click here  To listen or subscribe on Apple Podcasts: click here  To listen or subscribe on Android: click here  To listen or subscribe on Stitcher: click here  To listen or subscribe on Spotify: click here  Amazon Alexa: To listen on Amazon Alexa, say, “Alexa, play the Christian Habits Podcast.” 

 Sarah J. Hauser: Finding Rest When Life is Hard | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: 28:37

Are you going through a hard season right now? Does God feel silent? Sarah J. Hauser, my guest on the Christian Habits Podcast (links below), is no stranger to these difficulties. In our interview, she shares about her new book, All Who are Weary: Finding True Rest by Letting Go of the Burdens You were Never Meant to Carry, and about the difficult season she went through to learn the truths she writes about. What We Discussed on the Podcast * Sarah’s battle with depression * How a perfectionist mindset can manifest in unexpected (and harmful) ways * The antidote to perfectionism * How we should respond to God’s offer of rest found in Matthew 11 * What we should do when God feels silent in our suffering * How trials often force us to examine what we truly believe about God Resources Mentioned on the Podcast *  All Who are Weary: Finding True Rest by Letting Go of the Burdens You were Never Meant to Carry by Sarah J. Hauser * The Hiding Place by Corrie Ten Boom About Sarah J. Hauser SARAH J. HAUSER is a writer and speaker living in the Chicago suburbs with her husband and four kids. She shares biblical truth to nourish the soul — and the occasional recipe to nourish the body. Sarah completed her B.A. and M.A. at Wheaton College. She’s a member of the Redbud Writers Guild and has written for Coffee + Crumbs, Risen Motherhood, The Rabbit Room, The Gospel Coalition, (in)courage, and more. Find her at sarahjhauser.com, on Instagram (@sarah.j.hauser), or check out her monthly newsletter at sarahjhauser.com/subscribe. How to Listen to the Podcast To listen or subscribe on Google Podcasts: click here  To listen or subscribe on Apple Podcasts: click here  To listen or subscribe on Android: click here  To listen or subscribe on Stitcher: click here  To listen or subscribe on Spotify: click here  Amazon Alexa: To listen on Amazon Alexa, say, “Alexa, play the Christian Habits Podcast.” 

 Andrea Herzer: Living with Chronic Pain and Illness | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: 30:21

Do you suffer from chronic pain or a debilitating illness? Have you recently received a difficult diagnosis? Or are you or a loved one simply going through a difficult trial right now? If you answered yes to any of these questions, you will be greatly encouraged by my interview with Andrea Herzer about her new book: Incurable Faith: 120 Devotions of Lasting Hope for Lingering Health Issues. What We Discussed on the Podcast * How to find God’s presence in the pain * How God sends encouragement in unexpected ways * Why it’s important to cultivate strong relationships with other Christians when facing an illness * The power of the word “yet” to turn our laments into worship * How to find contentment and joy in the midst of a life you really don’t want to be living * How shifting our mindset can transform the way we go through a trial * Andrea’s special reminders for anyone who’s recently been given a tough diagnosis Resources Mentioned on the Podcast * Andrea’s new book: Incurable Faith: 120 Devotions of Lasting Hope for Lingering Health Issues. * Andrea Herzer’s website * Questions of Suffering – Sermon by Timothy Keller * Follow Incurable Faith on Instagram * Request to be a part of Andrea’s private Facebook group:  Abundant Life for Abundant Illness How to Listen to the Podcast To listen or subscribe on Google Podcasts: click here  To listen or subscribe on Apple Podcasts: click here  To listen or subscribe on Android: click here  To listen or subscribe on Stitcher: click here  To listen or subscribe on Spotify: click here  Amazon Alexa: To listen on Amazon Alexa, say, “Alexa, play the Christian Habits Podcast.” 

 Jamie Erickson: Cultivating Holy Hygge | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: 33:03

Do you often feel rushed and like you’re not really enjoying life? Does your heart long for rest and for sweet fellowship with dear friends? If so, you’ll be encouraged by the Danish practice of hygge (HYOO-guh) which my podcast guest, Jamie Erickson, discusses in her latest book: Holy Hygge: Creating a Place for People to Gather and the Gospel to Grow. Today’s episode of the Christian Habits Podcast (links below) considers the beautiful practice of true hospitality. What We Discussed on the Podcast * How, for the Christian, hygge is much more than décor and creating a cozy atmosphere * The three main excuses we use to not show hospitality * How true hospitality differs from merely entertaining friends * Some practical tips to make opening our home to others easier to do * One answer to loneliness (hint: it’s not more friends!) * Some helpful practices to cultivate contentment Resources Mentioned on this Episode * Holy Hygge: Creating a Place for People to Gather and the Gospel to Grow About Jamie Erickson When she’s not curating memories, hoarding vintage books, or homeschooling her five kids, JAMIE ERICKSON can be found encouraging and equipping a growing tribe of mothers all across the globe on the Mom to Mom podcast, through her blog The Unlikely Homeschool, at national conferences, and in her book Homeschool Bravely: How to Squash Doubt, Trust God, and Teach Your Child With Confidence How to Listen to the Podcast To listen or subscribe on Google Podcasts: click here  To listen or subscribe on Apple Podcasts: click here  To listen or subscribe on Android: click here  To listen or subscribe on Stitcher: click here  To listen or subscribe on Spotify: click here  Amazon Alexa: To listen on Amazon Alexa, say, “Alexa, play the Christian Habits Podcast.” 

 Mary DeMuth: Parenting Your Adult Kids with Joy | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: 28:03

It can be hard to transition from parenting young kids or even teenagers to parenting adult children. That becomes even more difficult when our kids make choices that worry us. In today’s Christian Habits Podcast episode (links below), I visit with Mary DeMuth about her new book, Love, Pray, Listen: Parenting Your Wayward Adult Children with Joy. Mary gives us welcome advice for parenting our adult children with joy. What We Talked About on the Podcast * How to keep from being emotionally distraught over the choices of your adult children * Why it’s important to grieve when our kids take a different path than we would have liked for them to * How the influence of culture – louder than ever, today, due to social media – is subverting the teaching of parents * What is deconstruction and is it always harmful? * How to use 1 Corinthians 13  to love your children well * Apologizing to your adult children * The importance of making your home a safe haven and how to make that happen * Remembering that biblical love is the ability to tenderly care for your children when you disagree while still holding to biblical truth Resources Mentioned on the Podcast * Love, Pray, Listen: Parenting Your Wayward Adult Children with Joy by Mary DeMuth * A Year of Weekly Prayers for Your Adult Kids by Mary Demuth (This is a free resource.) About Mary DeMuth Mary DeMuth is an international speaker, a podcaster, and the author of over forty books, fiction and nonfiction, includingThe Day I Met Jesus. Through God’s healing, Mary has overcome a difficult past to become an authentic example of what it means to live a brand-new story. She loves to help others“re-story”their lives through the books she writes. Mary lives inTexas with her husband of 30 years and is Mom to three adult children. Learn more at marydemuth.com Get Mary’s free ebook: A Year of Weekly Prayers for Your Adult Kids. How to Listen to the Podcast To listen or subscribe on Google Podcasts: click here  To listen or subscribe on Apple Podcasts: click here  To listen or subscribe on Android: click here  To listen or subscribe on Stitcher: click here  To listen or subscribe on Spotify: click here  Amazon Alexa: To listen on Amazon Alexa, say, “Alexa, play the Christian Habits Podcast.” 

 Mark Batterson: How Please, Sorry, and Thanks Can Change Your Life | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: 23:19

Mark Batterson is an influential pastor and a prolific author of over twenty-three books. His latest book, Please, Sorry, Thanks: the Three Words that Change Everything digs into how every relationship can be positively affected by a new revelation and application of these three words in our lives. I think you’ll really enjoy my interview with him today on The Christian Habits Podcast (links below). Things We Discussed on the Podcast * How we only need to really be good at three things in our relationships: please, sorry, and thanks * Why “please” is much more than just a polite word * The shift from a “here I am” to a “there you are” mentality * Four principles of peace-making that Mark applies in his ministries * Why “sorry” needs to be specific * The value of personalizing your “please” * The Law of Reciprocity regarding gratitude * How a gratitude journal helps us to take every thought captive according to 1 Cor. 10:5 * Comment on my Facebook page under this episode’s post for a chance to win a free book! Resources Mentioned on the Podcast * Please, Sorry, Thanks by Mark Batterson * Emotional Intelligence by Daniel Goleman Notable Quotes from Please, Sorry, Thanks by Mark Batterson * Nothing opens doors like PLEASE. Nothing mends fences like SORRY. Nothing builds bridges like THANKS. * Please is the way we level the playing field and find common ground. Please is the way we show respect, even to those we disagree with. Please is the way we bring some civility back to the public square. Please is one of the most important words we can ever say. * Without empathy, our apologies are empty. Saying sorry without feeling sorry sends mixed signals. Are you or aren’t you sorry? You have to own the apology! * Nothing mends fences like sorry. Every apology begins with empathy. It’s a heart that breaks for the things that break the heart of God. * Nothing builds bridges like thanks. The theology of thanks starts with the things we take for granted. It’s cultivating profound gratitude for the things we overlook and under-appreciate. * Please is a first-person plural approach to life. It turns “me” into “we.” It’s a win-win approach to relationships. About Mark Batterson Mark Batterson is the lead pastor of National Community Church in Washington, D.C. One church in multiple locations, NCC owns and operates Ebenezers Coffeehouse, The Capital Turnaround, Miracle Theatre and the DC Dream Center. Mark is the New York Times bestselling author of 23 books, including Please, Sorry, Thanks: The Three Words That Change Everything and Win the Day, as well as several books for children, including The Best Worst Day Ever, written with his daughter Summer. Mark and his wife, Lora, live on Capitol Hill and have three children. Visit markbatterson.com and @‌MarkBatterson for more information. How to Listen to the Podcast To listen or subscribe on Google Podcasts: click here  To listen or subscribe on Apple Podcasts: click here  To listen or subscribe on Android: click here 

 Embracing Trust with Joanna Weaver | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: 49:23

Do you ever find yourself wondering why certain things are happening in your life? Or paralyzed with regret, spending too much time in woulda-coulda-shoulda thinking? Are you afraid to admit that, at times, you question whether or not God really is good? If you can relate to any of these questions, I invite you to listen to my interview with Joanna Weaver on today’s episode of the Christian Habits Podcast (links below). We discuss her newest book, Embracing Trust, and how to live with abiding peace and joy in the good times and the bad! Things We Discussed on the Podcast * How trust is more than surrender * Letting go of “if only” * Joanna’s Four Unshakeable Truths * How expectations factor into our willingness to trust God * Making peace with the mystery of our lives * The concept of handling competing ideas * Learning to trust God’s process * Overcoming perfectionist tendencies * Being willing to let God change our identity * How to glory in weaknesses, as Paul did, instead of resenting them * Encouragement from the lives of Moses, David and Joseph, and how they had to learn to trust the outcome of their lives to God Resources Mentioned on the Podcast * Joanna’s newest book: Embracing Trust * Embracing Trust 5-Day Challenge * Embracing Trust 10-Week Video Study * Joanna on YouTube * Having a Mary Heart in a Martha World * Joanna’s podcast: The Living Room Podcast * Joanna’s website * Redeeming Your Time by Jordan Raynor About Joanna Weaver With more than 1.6 million books in print, Joanna Weaver is the bestselling and award-winning author of Having a Mary Heart in a Martha World, as well as Having a Mary Spirit, Lazarus Awakening, and At the Feet of Jesus devotional. A pastor’s wife, mother of three, and avid Bible teacher, Joanna loves speaking to women about the powerful freedom that is found in making Jesus Lord and trusting Him for things bigger than themselves. She lives with her family in Hamilton, Montana. How to Listen to the Podcast To listen or subscribe on Google Podcasts: click here  To listen or subscribe on Apple Podcasts: click here  To listen or subscribe on Android: click here  To listen or subscribe on Stitcher: click here  To listen or subscribe on Spotify: click here  Amazon Alexa: To listen on Amazon Alexa, say, “Alexa, play the Christian Habits Podcast.” 

 Christian Loneliness: How to Stop Being Lonely | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: 26:18

We live in an age where people are more connected than ever through social media and email, yet loneliness is rampant in all age groups. It’s easy to feel lonely even when we’re surrounded by people both online and in our own lives. We’re not the only ones who feel this way. Mother Teresa once said, “The greatest disease in the West today is not TB or leprosy; it is being unwanted, unloved, and uncared for. We can cure physical diseases with medicine, but the only cure for loneliness, despair, and hopelessness is love.” In this post and podcast episode, I’d like to talk about how to cure loneliness if you’re a Christian. We’ll begin with asking the question, “Is it normal to feel lonely?” Is it normal for Christians to feel lonely? I would answer that question with a resounding “Yes!” Even Jesus felt lonely. In the Garden of Gethsemane He wanted his disciples with Him yet they were asleep.  I’m guessing He also felt lonely at the cross when so many of His disciples had deserted him. And I can’t imagine He didn’t feel lonely in ministry at times. Over and over, we see Him leaving the crowds and going off to be alone with His Father where He was strengthened to once again do ministry. We also see King David who had both friends and followers feeling lonely. In Psalm 25:16, he prays, “Turn to me and be gracious to me, for I am lonely and afflicted.” And we see Elijah, hiding in a cave in 1 King 19 feeling lonely. God says, “What are you doing here, Elijah?” And Elijah replies, “I’ve been zealous for you, Lord, but I’m the only one left!” Elijah was feeling alone in ministry. God basically tells Elijah, “You are not alone, Elijah! There are 7000 others besides you who haven’t bent the knee to Baal.” Why does God allow loneliness? So why does God allow Christian loneliness? Well, the simple answer is that God is not a micromanager! He lets us do our own thing, and often the things we do lead to loneliness. Technology also contributes to loneliness. Think back to the day before television, the Internet, and even the radio weren’t invented yet. My guess is that people were less lonely in those days because they spent more time visiting with each other. I think God also allows Christians to feel lonely sometimes for things He wants to accomplish in our lives. I remember when several of my good friends moved far away when my kids were young. I was super lonely and unhappy in that phase of my life, but God used my loneliness to draw me closer to Him and also to mature in ways He wanted me to mature. That said, God doesn’t want us to stay in our loneliness! The two greatest commandments, love God and love others, both speak to relationship. God wants us to be close to Him and others. And He wants us to love well. The more we do that, the less lonely we’ll feel. Loving others involves effort. And the interesting this is that working on breaking free from loneliness will lead toward loving others well. The first step to overcoming loneliness is to find out what is causing it. What causes loneliness? I can think of four different causes of Christian loneliness. * Situational Christian Loneliness  The most obvious cause is that we don’t have enough friends or family. Or we have friends but they’re not close friends. Or we have friends in our regular life, but we’re currently someplace else where we don’t have friends.  We may also feel lonely if we’re with a group of people who know each other well, yet we’re not part of their group. *

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