Ray Edwards Show

Donald Miller is one of the most influential Christian writers of our day. His books evoke strong reactions, and for many they strike a chord like no work before. His new book, Scary Close, is available today, and in this interview we discuss how he came to write it, and why the message of this book is so important. Get the book and other neat stuff at Donald Miller's website. You can also buy it at Amazon. How You Can Help Subscribe to the show in iTunes and give us a rating and review. People who have done so, and given us five-star reviews: Go ahead and subscribe now, and give us your star rating and review on iTunes. We will definitely mention you on this show. If you don't already get the email newsletter, sign up for that and get the new free video: "3 Keys to Change the World and Make Your Business Grow." Connect with me on Facebook, Twitter, Google+, or LinkedIn. Get The Transcript Click here to get the transcript. Transcripts provided by SuccessTranscripts – a great solution if you need your podcast, sermon, speech, or other audio transcribed. Question: What part of the act do you need to drop?  Click here to leave your comments.

Now that you are marketing your products and services online, you have instant global reach. But there's one problem: your marketing now stands shoulder to shoulder with Coke, Ford, the NFL, Oprah, and every other major brand that's online. How do you compete? In this session I'm sharing a conversation with Marshall Wayne, who is breaking new ground for Platform-Builders and Solo Pros… using something I like to think of as "Cinematic Marketing". And the good news is, it doesn't have to cost a fortune. Other Reasons To Keep Listening You'll discover the new alarm clock app I'm using on my iPhone that improves my sleep and increase my energy level upon awakening. How you can be free of guilt and shame. I'll share how you can get your own show promoted on this podcast! That's all coming up in today's episode… Tip(s) of the Week: I'm using the Rise Alarm Clock App for iPhone and loving it.  Rise is a beautifully simple alarm app. It's a work of art that wakes you up. No annoying clutter. Reach out and move the interface; Set and sleep. Not your typical alarm sounds. Wake up in the woods if you want, or pick a song from iTunes. Dock it and stare at the beautiful, large clock for day or night with multiple backgrounds (portrait or landscape) Create your own alarm labels for as many scheduled wake-up times as you need. *with IAP From the lock screen: Shake it like a Polaroid picture to snooze or turn off the alarm. Let SleepTunes help you fall (asleep) by making a sleepy playlist with a shut-off timer. Click here to learn more and get Rise for your iPhone. Spiritual Foundations: How We Can Be Free of Guilt and Shame You probably already know this, but I believe that Grace is not a doctrine that is part of the Gospel – I believe it is the Gospel. The Good News is way better than you think.  For if by one man's offence death reigned by one; much more they which receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ.)" Romans 5:17 For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God." 2 Corinthians 5:21 For I will be merciful toward their iniquities, and I will remember their sins no more." Hebrews 8:12 Keep in mind that when Jesus died on the cross, He paid the price for all your sins, and at that moment all of them were in the future. And He wiped them all clean. That means all your sins – even the ones you haven't committed yet – are forgiven, and God isn't even aware of them! God takes our sins – past, present, and future, and dumps them in the sea and puts up a sign that says 'No Fishing Allowed'." Corrie Ten Boom   Feature Presentation: How To Create An Iconic Personal Brand, With Marshall Wayne Marshall Wayne is a photographer and videographer who helps people created iconic personal brands. Resources Mentioned In The Show Marshall Wayne's website. The Icon Engineering System. The Agency Declassified. How You Can Help Subscribe to the show in iTunes and give us a rating and review. Go ahead and subscribe now, and give us your star rating and review on iTunes. We will definitely mention you on this show. If you don't already get the email newsletter, sign up for that and get the new free video: "3 Keys to Change the World and Make Your Business Grow." Connect with me on Facebook, Twitter, Google+, or LinkedIn. Get The Transcript Click here to get the transcript. Transcripts provided by SuccessTranscripts – a great solution if you need your podcast, sermon, speech, or other audio transcribed.

How do you start a company with just an idea, a few volunteers, and no budget… and in less than 5 years have a web media property with 15 million readers? That's what Michael Stelzner did with Social Media Examiner, and in today's episode we'll share a conversation with Michael about how he did it. And how you could, too! In this conversation, we'll discover together: Why the smartest promotional strategy might be not promoting. The best way to differentiate yourself from your competitors. Michael's method for launching new projects and products. And his personal Social Media Marketing strategy. Announcements: On Friday, we'll release the first in a series of free video trainings on how to sell more of whatever you sell… without being a salesperson. I've got some powerful frameworks to share that will more of your emails opened, more of your content read and shared, and more of your products and services sold. We're moving podcast publication day to Tuesdays. Success Stories I'm still looking to share your success stories and good news. So if you've got a business triumph, spiritual victory, a story of God's miraculous intervention in your life or your business… I want to hear about it. Click this link to record a voicemail about your success story or testimony. Spiritual Foundations: What I Learned From My Wife About Joy If you've lost your joy, there's an easy way to retrace your steps and find it again. "But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you."Matthew 6:33 "For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking but of righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit." Romans 14:17 The Kingdom of God is peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. Feature Presentation: A Conversation With Michael Stelzner, Founder of Social Media Examiner In this conversation, we'll discover together: Why the smartest promotional strategy might be not promoting. The best way to differentiate yourself from your competitors. Michael's method for launching new projects and products. And his personal Social Media Marketing strategy. How You Can Help Subscribe to the show in iTunes and give us a rating and review. People who have done so, and given us five-star reviews: Travis Greenlee, who calls the show "The best marketing and leadership training on iTunes." Shari Miller says she gets "Practical, awesome, useful ideas. This is one amazing podcast!" Adrienne Olson says: "Listened once, fan for life!" Go ahead and subscribe now, and give us your star rating and review on iTunes. We will definitely mention you on this show. If you don't already get the email newsletter, sign up for that and get the new free video: "3 Keys to Change the World and Make Your Business Grow." Connect with me on Facebook, Twitter, Google+, or LinkedIn. Get The Transcript Click here to get the transcript. Transcripts provided by SuccessTranscripts – a great solution if you need your podcast, sermon, speech, or other audio transcribed. What's your approach to social media marketing?

I listen to lots of podcasts. And while I have a few core podcasts I don't ever miss, I am constantly trying new shows out, looking for fresh voices I can put into my listening rotation. In today's episode, I'll share my listening strategy: how I selected my "A" shows, which I never miss, how I select my "B" shows, which I selectively listen to, and how I decide what new shows to sample. And of course I will give you my list of 10 fresh new shows you should check out. Other Reasons To Keep Listening A book you can read this afternoon that will boost the success you enjoy starting tonight. What to do about being disappointed with God. How you can get promoted on my show, and get exposure for your website. That's all coming up in today's episode… Announcements: Next week, we'll release the first in a series of free video trainings on how to write powerful sales copy that sells your products and services… without feeling like a sleazy salesperson. I've decided to open the "insider only" invitation to our upcoming event Permission to Prosper to podcast listeners and subscribers. After all, you're insiders too! Click here for the details, but do it quickly. Success Stories I'm looking to share your success stories and good news. So if you've got a business triumph, spiritual victory, a story of God's miraculous intervention in your life or your business… I want to hear about it. Click this link to record a voicemail about your success story or testimony. Tip of the Week: I just re-read The Go-Giver by Bob Burg and John David Mann. This book is a quick read, but it can radically shift your level of success immediately. Even better, the tactics are not faddish, but are rather based on timeless principles. While implementing what you read may not put money in your bank account tomorrow, I do believe you will feel more wealthy within 24 hours of reading it (if you put the principles into practice). It's engaging, fun to read, and has a strong spiritual foundation (while not being tied to any one religion). To say more would be to reduce the impact of the book – just get it and read it. Or re-read it. You won't be sorry. Click here to buy this book from Amazon. Spiritual Foundations: What to do about being disappointed with God. Do you ever feel let down by God? How do you deal with that? Give ear to my prayer, O God, and hide not yourself from my plea for mercy! Attend to me, and answer me; I am restless in my complaint and I moan, because of the noise of the enemy, because of the oppression of the wicked. For they drop trouble upon me, and in anger they bear a grudge against me. My heart is in anguish within me; the terrors of death have fallen upon me. Fear and trembling come upon me, and horror overwhelms me. And I say, "Oh, that I had wings like a dove! I would fly away and be at rest; yes, I would wander far away; I would lodge in the wilderness; Selah I would hurry to find a shelter from the raging wind and tempest." Destroy, O Lord, divide their tongues; for I see violence and strife in the city. Day and night they go around it on its walls, and iniquity and trouble are within it; ruin is in its midst; oppression and fraud do not depart from its marketplace. For it is not an enemy who taunts me— then I could bear it; it is not an adversary who deals insolently with me— then I could hide from him. But it is you, a man, my equal, my companion, my familiar friend. We used to take sweet counsel together; within God's house we walked in the throng. Let death steal over them; let them go down to Sheol alive; for evil is in their dwelling place and in their heart. But I call to God, and the Lord will save me. Evening and morning and at noon I utter my complaint and moan, and he hears my voice. He redeems my soul in safety from the battle that I wage, for many are arrayed against me. God will give ear and humble them, he who is enthroned from of old, Selah because they do not change and do not fear God. My companion stretched out his hand against his friends; he violated his covenant. His speech was smooth as butter, yet war was in his heart; his words were softer than oil, yet they were drawn swords. Cast your burden on the Lord, and he will sustain you; he will never permit the righteous to be moved. But you, O God, will cast them down into the pit of destruction; men of blood and treachery shall not live out half their days. But I will trust in you. Psalm 55 Pour out your complaint to the Lord, but remember He will ultimately bring you the justice you seek. Feature Presentation: 10 Fresh New Podcasts You Should Check Out I'm a lifetime learner, and one of my favorite ways to learn is through podcasts. I am fairly systematic about my listening – I have 3 tiers, or "rotations": A – 10 podcasts I never miss. B – 10 podcasts I listen to selectively. C – 10-15 shows I am checking out, and sampling. 10 Podcasts I Never Miss This Is Your Life, by Michael Hyatt and Michele Cushatt Podcast Answerman, by Cliff Ravenscraft Smart Passive Income, by Pat Flynn 48 Days, by Dan Miller The School of Greatness, by Lewis Howes Mac Power Users, by David Sparks and Katie Floyd Online Marketing Made Easy, by Amy Porterfield Bethel Church Sermon of the Week, by Bethel Church in Redding, CA The Portfolio Life, Jeff Goins Social Media Marketing Podcast, Michael Stelzner 10 Fresh New Podcasts To Check Out (These Are Your Shows I'm Just Trying Out Or I Listen to Selectively) The Charged Life, Brendon Burchard The Tim Ferriss Show, Tim Ferriss Fizzle, by Corbett Barr, Chase Reeves, and Caleb Wojcik Social Media Examiner Show (different than #10 above, this is a daily 10-minute show) The 1-Day Business Breakthrough, by Chris Ducker and Pat Flynn Radiolab from WNYC The Dave Ramsey Show The Chalene Show, Chalene Johnson This American Life, by Ira Glass Ask Pat, by Pat Flynn How You Can Help Subscribe to the show in iTunes and give us a rating and review. People who have done so, and given us five-star reviews: Go ahead and subscribe now, and give us your star rating and review on iTunes. We will definitely mention you on this show. If you don't already get the email newsletter, sign up for that and get the new free video: "3 Keys to Change the World and Make Your Business Grow." Connect with me on Facebook, Twitter, Google+, or LinkedIn. Get The Transcript Click here to get the transcript. Transcripts provided by SuccessTranscripts – a great solution if you need your podcast, sermon, speech, or other audio transcribed. Question: What are the top podcasts you would recommend that others check out?

A young woman has quit smoking, been promoted at work, and run a marathon. An untested CEO takes over one of America's biggest companies and focuses on just one behavior pattern in the company, and very soon Alcoa is at the top of the Dow Jones. A marketer at Procter & Gamble notices a seemingly insignificant pattern while studying videos of how people make their beds. As a result, the company makes a small shift in advertising and Febreze goes from being one of the company's biggest flops to earning a billion dollars a year. What do all three cases have in common? Reporter and best-selling author Charles Duhigg believes that in each case, the success came from a shift in the patterns that shape our very lives – our habits. Habits do form our destiny, but we can consciously choose our habits. That shift – a change in your key habits – can help you transform your relationships, your finances, your health, your business, and your life. In today's episode, I'll suggest 10 life-changing habits to adopt now. And I'll give you the tools, tactics, and battle plan to help make those habits stick. Other Reasons To Keep Listening You'll discover the best book I know of on the subject of habits, why they are so powerful, and how to change them. I'll attempt an answer to the question: "Is it right for Christians to choose to 'upgrade' their peer group in order to be more successful, or is that a selfish, sinful pursuit?" You'll get a direct link to the best $10 training on Omnifocus you'll find anywhere. That's all coming up in today's episode… Announcements: Next week, we'll release the first in a series of free video trainings on how to write powerful sales copy that sells your products and services… without feeling like a sleazy salesperson. Our Regency Mastermind Round One Membership filled up almost instantly. News about Round Two is coming soon. We're also working on a plan for a group mentoring plan for newbies… this will be a community that should be affordable for almost anyone. We will unveil our plans in the very near future. I've decided to open the "insider only" invitation to our upcoming event Permission to Prosper to podcast listeners and subscribers. After all, you're insiders too! Click here for the details, but do it quickly. Success Stories I'm looking to share your success stories and good news. So if you've got a business triumph, spiritual victory, a story of God's miraculous intervention in your life or your business… I want to hear about it. Click this link to record a voicemail about your success story or testimony. Tip(s) of the Week: "In The Power of Habit, award-winning New York Times business reporter Charles Duhigg takes us to the thrilling edge of scientific discoveries that explain why habits exist and how they can be changed." So reads the copy on Duhigg's website. He goes on to describe his book this way: "Along the way we learn why some people and companies struggle to change, despite years of trying, while others seem to remake themselves overnight. We visit laboratories where neuroscientists explore how habits work and where, exactly, they reside in our brains. We discover how the right habits were crucial to the success of Olympic swimmer Michael Phelps, Starbucks CEO Howard Schultz, and civil-rights hero Martin Luther King, Jr. We go inside Procter & Gamble, Target superstores, Rick Warren’s Saddleback Church, NFL locker rooms, and the nation’s largest hospitals and see how implementing so-called keystone habits can earn billions and mean the difference between failure and success, life and death." "At its core, The Power of Habit contains an exhilarating argument: The key to exercising regularly, losing weight, raising exceptional children, becoming more productive, building revolutionary companies and social movements, and achieving success is understanding how habits work." Click here to buy this book from Amazon. Omnifocus Video Field Guide Are you an Omnifocus user and GTD practitioner? Then you're going to love David Sparks's new Omnifocus Video Field Guide. David says: "The OmniFocus Video Field Guide is a screencast, not a book. A lot of people have asked me to write a book about OmniFocus but instead I made this 2.5 hour video that takes you, soup to nuts, through the Omni Group's supremely bad-ass task manager. The screencast can turn an OmniFocus novice into a task-managing ninja." Spiritual Foundations: Is it right for Christians to 'upgrade' their peer group in order to be more successful? When we talk about being "intentional about your peer group", seeking out relationships with people more successful than you, and eliminating  or limiting the access to you that negative people have, are we being selfish or sinful? "Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise, but the companion of fools will suffer harm."Proverbs 13:20 "Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night. He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. In all that he does, he prospers." Psalm 1:1-3 Minister to everyone, but take care who you give access to your heart. Feature Presentation: 10 Life-Changing Habits To Adopt Now Habits are the tiny hinges that swing the big doors of your life – either opening or shutting them. Habits control the tiny, incremental behaviors that shape our lives. “Sow a thought, reap an action; sow an action, reap a habit; sow a habit, reap a character; sow a character, reap a destiny.†– Stephen R. Covey, The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People It's the small things we do every day that have the big effect down the road. “You will never change your life until you change something you do daily. The secret of your success is found in your daily routine.†– Darren Hardy, The Compound Effect 10 Life-Changing Habits To Adopt Now Rituals. Gratitude. Forgiveness. Exercise. Food. Responsibility. Journal. Generosity. Overdeliver. Notes. I use The Habit List app to track my daily habit practice. Resources Mentioned In The Show Click Here to get your "Hour of Power" poster. Permission to Prosper Conference Limited-Time Discount Registration The Power of Habit by Charles Duhigg The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen R. Covey The Compound Effect by Darren Hardy Omnifocus Video Field Guide by MacSparky (David Sparks) How You Can Help Subscribe to the show in iTunes and give us a rating and review. People who have done so, and given us five-star reviews: Travis Greenlee, who calls the show "The best marketing and leadership training on iTunes." Shari Miller says she gets "Practical, awesome, useful ideas. This is one amazing podcast!" Adrienne Olson says: "Listened once, fan for life!" Go ahead and subscribe now, and give us your star rating and review on iTunes. We will definitely mention you on this show. If you don't already get the email newsletter, sign up for that and get the new free video: "3 Keys to Change the World and Make Your Business Grow." Connect with me on Facebook, Twitter, Google+, or LinkedIn. Get The Transcript Click here to get the transcript. Transcripts provided by SuccessTranscripts – a great solution if you need your podcast, sermon, speech, or other audio transcribed. Question: What habits will you adopt to uplevel your life?  Click here to leave your comments.

As we begin a new year, it's popular for many bloggers and podcasters to make "predictions" about the new year. I prefer not making predictions (unless I feel inspired to do so), but I will point out 7 crucial trends to watch for in 2015. I believe these trends represent some fundamental shifts in the way business is done online, and the way you will continue to build your platform in the new year Other Reasons To Keep Listening I will reveal one of  the apps I'm using to help me meet my financial goals in 2015. We will tackle the question, "if God is always good, then why do bad things happen to good people?" I'll also share how you can get a plug or mention, or even an appearance on this show. That's all coming up in today's episode… Announcements: Our Regency Mastermind Round One Membership filled up almost instantly. Stay tuned for news about round 2. We're also working on a plan for a group mentoring plan for newbies… this will be a community that should be affordable for almost anyone. News to come soon. I've decided to open the "insider only" invitation to our upcoming event Permission to Prosper to podcast listeners and subscribers. After all, you're insiders too! Click here for the details, but do it quickly. Success Stories I'm looking to share your success stories and good news. So if you've got a business triumph, spiritual victory, a story of God's miraculous intervention in your life or your business… I want to hear about it. Click this link to record a voicemail about your success story or testimony. This week's success story comes from Danna Demetre. Tip of the Week: I have some pretty huge financial goals for 2015. One of the main tools I am using for course corrections and double checking my progress is a free app called Personal Capital. Using this app, I can see what is happening with all my accounts at a glance, and see an instant, up-to-date calculation of my net worth. Brilliant. According to their website, Personal Capital provides "award-winning tools provide an in-depth view of your finances and help you eliminate excessive fees. Plus, our advanced analytics and expert advisors are on hand to give you a personalized investment strategy. So you and your money can have a little fun of your own." Sign up now for free. Spiritual Foundations: If God Is Always Good, Why Do Bad Things Happen? This is not a new question. It's been dealt with by many great theologians, and I don't count myself as one of them. But I do know this: we really have one basic decision to make. Is God good, and can he be trusted? And it really is a decision. If you're looking for a mathematical formula to prove it one way or another, I predict you will be disappointed. Personally, after I decided to settle this question in my heart once and for all, everything else became very clear to me. Even the subject of "mystery." Here are three explanations that might help us understand why bad things happen to God's people. This is not heaven. We live in a fallen world, where the influence of the enemy still creates chaos and attempts to unravel the things which God has woven into place. The victory has been one by Jesus on the cross, and we live in an era when it is slowly but implacably being enforced by us, his "kingdom of priests". We cannot see the whole picture. Put another way, we simply don't know everything. It's possible that if we did, many things that we viewed now as injustices or the failure of God to keep his promises would actually be seen as the opposite. Think of it this way: your child may not understand why you are forcing them to undergo a painful and traumatic medical procedure. You, on the other hand, know that it's necessary for the doctor to remove the child's appendix so that they might live and not be killed by the very poison that conveys their system. A crude example, but perhaps illustrative. Romans 8:38 assures us that God makes all things work for the good of those who love him, and who are called according to his purposes. If you are a follower of Christ, that includes you. And please note that it doesn't mean that God is not directly causative in whatever evil may befall you, but that he can, will, and does turn what was intended for evil to ultimately prove good for you. I understand that all these answers may feel empty in the face of a devastating problem, such as a broken marriage, a cancer diagnosis, the sudden unexpected death of a child, or some other brutal and horrible experience that you may be undergoing right now. It is in these places that the importance of the decision I mentioned earlier becomes obvious. The time to make the decision that God is always good, and that he can be trusted, is before the crisis occurs. The time to exercise the faith for that belief is before you desperately need it. Feature Presentation: 7 Trends To Watch For In 2015 Don't make the mistake of letting what you know get in the way of what you need to learn. I often tell people that classic copywriting formulas will always work, because human psychology does not change. At the basis of that statement is I believe deep truth. However it can also be misleading. If you assume that old-fashioned headline templates, for instance will work as well today as they once did, you may be in for a rude awakening. If you believe that the old school, hard-core, hard-sell, carnival barker style of writing copy still works as well as it did even a year ago, you are definitely in for a rude awakening. As I've discovered through my own business, and working with clients on theirs, there is a new elegance required to writing powerful, persuasive copy. This is just one example of a new trend that does not cancel out a time-tested principle, but doesn't fact require a reinterpretation of that principle through fresh linens. You will be much better prepared for doing business in 2015 if you keep the following seven landscape changing trends in mind. Ignore them at your peril. 7 Trends To Watch For in 2015 The continued rise of high-quality video for the purposes of marketing and selling. The meteoric, explosive growth of podcasting as a marketing channel, and the end of "old school marketing" inside podcasts. The dramatically higher bar that has been set for content marketing to be successful. A major shift away from "homebrew" website solutions, and the shift toward turnkey systems. The crucial importance of the power of proper association. The "thinning of the herd" that will eliminate the shallow, the con artists, and the opportunity seekers… and create an extraordinary advantage for those who are genuine original thinkers, strong personalities, and world changers. The absolute necessity of being more than "10% better" than your competition; the absolute necessity of creating your own category. Resources Mentioned In The Show Permission to Prosper Conference Limited-Time Discount Registration Personal Capital Just Get Started  book by Ray Edwards Money Words book by Ray Edwards Writing Riches book by Ray Edwards Danna Demetre's website How You Can Help Subscribe to the show in iTunes and give us a rating and review. People who have done so, and given us five-star reviews: Travis Greenlee, who calls the show "The best marketing and leadership training on iTunes." Shari Miller says she gets "Practical, awesome, useful ideas. This is one amazing podcast!" Adrienne Olson says: "Listened once, fan for life!" Go ahead and subscribe now, and give us your star rating and review on iTunes. We will definitely mention you on this show. If you don't already get the email newsletter, sign up for that and get the new free video: "3 Keys to Change the World and Make Your Business Grow." Connect with me on Facebook, Twitter, Google+, or LinkedIn. Get The Transcript Click here to get the transcript. Transcripts provided by SuccessTranscripts – a great solution if you need your podcast, sermon, speech, or other audio transcribed. Question: What are your thoughts on today's episode?  Click here to leave your comments.

Have you ever suffered from depression or anxiety? Depression is a major problem in the world today. By the year 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that depression will be the number two cause of "lost years of healthy life" worldwide. This time of year feelings of depression are common. Most people suffer in silence. And in this episode I will share my own battle with depression, and give you my recipe for defeating this debilitating and deadly disease. Tip of the Week: Moodtracker. Enter daily a choice of three moods and have the option to input notes as well. You can see a twoweek calendar view from the main page, or a full month view calendar from the Calendar view. Also, export your notes to email so you can bring in your notes to your next doctor's visit or keep for your reference. Spiritual Foundations: Depression Is Always a Spiritual Battle Depression is always a spiritual matter at the root – but don't let condemnation creep in. Whoever has no rule over his own spirit is like a city broken down, without walls. Proverbs 25:28 Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a desire fulfilled is a tree of life. Proverbs 13:12 Decide to use the opportunity to glorify God. The deeper your depression, the more expressive your worship should be. Read the Psalms until you hear your voice – then camp there for a while. Feature Presentation: How To Overcome Depression Depression is a major problem in the world today. By the year 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that depression will be the number two cause of "lost years of healthy life" worldwide. Of the estimated 17.5 million Americans who are affected by some form of depression, 9.2 million have major or clinical depression. Two-thirds of people suffering from depression do not seek necessary treatment. 80% of all people with clinical depression who have received treatment significantly improve their lives. The economic cost of depression is estimated at $30.4 billion a year but the cost in human suffering cannot be estimated. Women experience depression about twice as often as men. People who are not depressed don't commit suicide. I've battled depression myself, and I know it is not an easy thing to deal with. I have tried just about every solution available to fight depression. I feel it is important to resist this force, which is more than a mere "feeling" – it is an enemy that will devour your life and the lives of those around you. But there is hope. And I'm going to share my own battle plan and recipe for overcoming depression. First Things First: Does God Want Me To Be Depressed? First and foremost, let me state very clearly: I don't think depression or anxiety are ever from the Lord. Ever. End of discussion. God can and does use bad things and turns them ultimately to our good-but that is his work in redeeming an imperfect creation from the curse mankind placed it under. It is not him abusing his children in order to "teach them something". The theology here is very deep: Good things come from God. Bad things come from Satan. Children understand this. It takes adults make it complicated. Ray's 9-Step Anti-Depression Recipe Prayer daily, as a conversation with God. Practice the awareness of God's Presence. Journaling daily (I use Day One, and a template of questions that I answer each day. I store the template as a TextExpander snippet). Read 5 Psalms and 1 chapter of Proverbs daily (in addition to normal Bible reading/study) Vigorous Exercise 6 days per week (while listening to powerful, positive UPBEAT worship music – ie, no "I've written an ode to my problems" type songs) Daily declarations (speaking out loud the promises of the word, see the book above) Paleo Diet to regulate blood sugar and neurochemistry Supplementation (especially Vitamin D and B-Complex) Tracking mood daily (use MoodTracker App) Additional Resources For Battling Depression Here is a list of resources that have been very useful to me. I Declare: 31 Promises to Speak Over Your Life – Joel Osteen Declarations: Unlocking Your Future – Steve Backlund Strengthen Yourself In The Lord – Bill Johnson The Power of Right Believing – Joseph Prince Philips goLITE BLU Light Therapy Device Final Thoughts On Overcoming Depression No discussion of this topic would be complete without mentioning antidepressant medications. As a last resort, I can tell you that antidepressant medications can be useful. But I strongly believe this is only after you have exhausted every other possible answer. There are peer-reviewed, controlled studies that demonstrate vigorous exercise is just as effective as antidepressants in most patients. The possible exception to this rule is that you may have an actual physiological problem in your brain. In my case, because I was been diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease, I have empirical evidence that my neurological systems are flawed. Specifically, the production and delivery of dopamine, which controls movement, is at the root of most Parkinson's symptoms. It just so happens that dopamine also controls mood. Thus, there may be more of a direct physiological element in my individual case. But even this is in dispute amongst experts. I have taken anti-depressants, under the close supervision of a medical professional. So if you need to do this, please do not accept any shame or condemnation for doing so. God always does the healing, whether through the laying on of hands by a believer… or the laying on of hands by a doctor. Or the blessing of intellect that allows the creation of medicines that heal. The Role Of Psychology and Psychiatry In Treating Depression If you seek counseling of any kind, I strongly recommend working with a Christian counselor, and finding one who does not have some perverse "theology of suffering". Unless you want to suffer and believe it is "for a reason". I have in the past sought out professional help with depression. Even when I went to see a medical professional, I sought one who was a believer, because the baseline theological premises one begins with influence the final practical outcome conclusions one forms. Even in medicine. Get The Transcript Click here to get the transcript. Transcripts provided by SuccessTranscripts – a great solution if you need your podcast, sermon, speech, or other audio transcribed. Question: Have you ever struggled with feelings of depression?  Click here to leave your comments.

We often treat the future as if it's a mystery. As if we don't have a say in it, or any control if it. And while there is some truth  in that, there is a deeper truth also. We get to choose how we see the future, and the choice we make has a profound influence over the outcome we experience. This episode shows you 5 powerful ways to see the road ahead.     Tip of the Week: I may have finally found an app to replace Cardmunch – the iPhone app I previously used to process business cards I received at conferences. The new app is called Card Reader, and it's made by Full Contact. The maker claims is "the easiest way to scan business cards into Google Contacts, iPhone Contacts, & 250+ other apps." The advantage Card Reader has over other card scanners is simple, and powerful: the business cards you scan into it are transcribed by real live humans, not by an OCR algorithm. If you'd like to be the one-in-a-million who actually does something with all those business cards you collect, give Card Reader a try. Plus, Full Contact will unify, synch, and keep up-to-date all the contacts in your Google, Facebook, Twitter, and Contacts. Spiritual Foundations: Grace Is Not A Doctrine "Grace", to most Christians, is a doctrine. A part of the overall gospel of Jesus Christ. But that's not the case. Grace is not a "doctrine" or a "part of" the gospel. It is the gospel itself, in its entirety. For if, because of one man's trespass, death reigned through that one man, much more will those who receive the abundance of grace and the free gift of righteousness reign in life through the one man Jesus Christ. Romans 5:17 We tell new Christians they " are saved by grace through faith". That salvation is a "free gift". Then, once they have nought our sales pitch, we begin telling them how they have to "clean up their act". But performance-based Christianity is a modern invention, not a biblical principle. We don't "behave our way" into to the life of the Spirit. Many churches teach that we must stop serving the "desires of the flesh" so that we can then walk more by the Spirit… but the Bible says the exact opposite. But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.  For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do.  But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law. Galatians 5:16-18 When we walk by the Spirit, we will naturally be freed from the power of sin. How then, do we "walk by the Spirit"? Here are some good ways to start: By becoming Christ-conscious instead of sin-conscious. Read the Scripture and look for Christ and His grace. Recalling, meditating on, and speaking out loud the testimony of what He has done. Talk to God, and listen what He says to you (through His word, other people, "coincidences", the "still small voice", a sense of his presence., etc.) Listen to and soak up anointed teaching, preaching, and worship music. Doing these things will help you walk by the Spirit… and your transformed behavior will flow from you naturally. Feature Presentation: 5 Powerful Ways To See The Road Ahead Here are 5 powerful ways to see the road ahead – transforming your thinking, and conforming it to these frameworks, can have a powerful impact on the future you actually experience. Possible. Don't allow your thoughts to rehearse all the possible ways things might go wrong. Instead, meditate n great detail on exactly how things could go right. Provident. Remember that the Universe is the creation of a benevolent God who wants only the best for you. and even when chaos intervenes and things go wrong, it can ultimately work in your favor (Romans 8:28). Peaceful. Peace has very little to do with what is happening around us, and everything to do with what is happening within us. Powerful. The agency in your life belongs to you. You are a "powerful person" – meaning you are not a victim of circumstances, bad luck, or other people's poor choices. Prepared. God has prepared a specific, beneficial, fulfilling destiny for you, and you must remember this, even when you feel you can't see it. Even if you don't fancy yourself a believer, I have a suggestion. Believe your future has been prepared for you anyway. Which belief will allow you to proceed with more confidence, clarity, and control: the belief that life is a random game of chance with no rhyme or reason… or the belief that a force greater than you is looking out for you, and constantly adjusting the odds in your favor? Which believe will make you more calm, proactive, flexible, and give you access to your own personal levels of highest performance?   Get The Transcript Click here to get the transcript. Transcripts provided by SuccessTranscripts – a great solution if you need your podcast, sermon, speech, or other audio transcribed. Question: What are you looking forward to in 2015? How will you use these 5 ways of seeing the road ahead to empower your journey?  Click here to leave your comments.

This is a special episode where I'm taking the time to answer a ton of questions from listeners and readers. I really enjoy these kinds of shows, and this one is no exception. By the way, I am looking for success stories to start sharing on every episode. If you have a success story to share, click here and record it using Speakpipe. Keep your success story short and powerful (2 minutes or less is best). We're looking for ways you've  been blessed by this show, whether is was financially, in your business or work, spiritually, or miraculous healing or provision! Tip of the Week: Michael Hyatt has just released his brand new course, called 5 Years To Your Best Year Ever. If you want to set goals that you actually achieve, and make resolutions that really stick… this course is the way to do it. I did last year's version, and got some astonishing results. For instance, my family paid off $103,012  in debt, and I personally lost 35.2 pounds of fat! I'm excited to participate in this year's version of the course. I'm asking my personal Mastermind, the Regency Group, to invest in the course so we can all go through it together. I want you to get the benefit of this course, too. Right now you can get it at the Early Bird Discount price. Don't wait – do it now, get access to the entire course, and start crafting the plan for your best year ever. Please keep in mind, I'm a paid affiliate for this program and earn a commission if you purchase through this link. This does not affect your price. However… If it makes you uncomfortable that I receive a commission, and you wonder about my motivations, then purchase through the link that will deny me any commission. Use that link, and I won't make a dime. I want you to benefit from this course regardless of whether I make any money. Spiritual Foundations: The Peculiar Problem Of Doubt Doubt is something most believers struggle with. There was the man who lacked belief, who said to Jesus, "I believe. Help my unbelief." Thomas doubted the resurrected Christ was real until he could press his fingers in the nail-holes left by the Lords ttorturouscrucifixion. Peter had a clue, when he said to Jesus across the raging storm at sea, "Lord if it is you, call me to come to you." And because of that request, Pete walked on the water. There are 3 steps that will help us banish the peculiar problem of doubt: Acknowledge it when it is real, but refuse to feed it. Like Thomas, prove the truth to ourselves. The best way is the testimony. Like Peter, ask Jesus to give us faith for the impossible, and then be crazy enough to brave the waves! Feature Presentation: Ask Me Anything In this episode I answer a bunch of listener questions! Next Week:  "The Road Ahead" Episode Get The Transcript Click here to get the transcript. Transcripts provided by SuccessTranscripts – a great solution if you need your podcast, sermon, speech, or other audio transcribed. Question: Have you ever struggled with doubt? How did you overcome it? Click here to leave your comments.

It's the time of year when we all start to think about making resolutions and setting goals for the new year… and we're either happy about it, or cynical. This week Michael Hyatt is my guest, and he offers a fresh perspective on setting goals. By the way, if you haven't seen the fabulous free video training Michael is giving away on how to make 2015 "your best year ever", click here right now and get access to those videos! Tip of the Week: Blinkist is a great little app that lets you access concise book summaries on your iPhone or iPad. Want to mentor with me in 2015? Click here to register for a pre-application Webinar Monday, December 8, at 7pm Eastern. Spiritual Foundations: The God of Our Goals "Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established.." Proverbs 16:3 As we set goals for the coming year, it's important to include God in the process, for these 3 reasons: Calling Character Charisma When our Calling, Character, and Charisma are activated by the presence of God, our plans will be established indeed! Feature Presentation: Michael Hyatt on Goal Setting and Your Best Year Ever This is a spectacular interview with Michael Hyatt on how to set goals for the new year (or any time). NOTE: enroll in Michael's course by clicking this link to get into the accountability group I mentioned in the episode. Next Week:  The "Ask Me Anything" Episode Get The Transcript Click here for the transcript. Transcripts provided by SuccessTranscripts – a great solution if you need your podcast, sermon, speech, or other audio transcribed. Question: How will you apply the power of copywriting in your business or career? Click here to leave your comments.