The Christian Habits Podcast

We all experience low points in life; we try our very best to avoid them, but they come anyway! We recoil from the pain, the disappointments, and the difficulties that we face. However, what would happen if we viewed these trials as invitations to experience God? My guest today on the Christian Habits Podcast, Strahan Coleman, has learned to do just that through his many years of chronic illness. Moment by moment, God will meet us in our pain. What We Discussed on the Podcast The surprising reason that we have desires A unique perspective on the essential meaning of life The place where we find our greatest opportunity to love and to receive God’s love The mindset shift that casts our pain in a new light What to do with our negative emotions A new way to think about repentance and confession The “wound of love” Resources We Mentioned on the Podcast Thirsting: Quenching Our Soul’s Deepest Desire Beholding: Deepening Our Experience in God Beholding Prayer Podcast on Apple and Spotify About Strahan Coleman Strahan Coleman is a writer, poet, and musician living in Aotearoa, New Zealand with his wife and three young boys. Through years of chronic illness, Strahan discovered a friendship with God filled with vulnerability, honesty and unceasing prayer, and now spends his time teaching and providing spaces of deep, rich, Spirit-led prayer for others through his books, prayer schools and spiritual retreats. In his latest work, Thirsting: Quenching Our Soul’s Deepest Desire, Strahan invites his readers to, like him, learn to transform the ache of our lives into our truest prayers, liberating the fire within us to become our greatest gift – our divine homing beacon. Connect with Strahan Coleman at commonerscommunion.com, on Instagram: @commoners_communion, @strahanmusic, or on Spotify. 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 Spotify: click here  Amazon Alexa: To listen on Amazon Alexa, say, “Alexa, play the Christian Habits Podcast.” The post Strahan Coleman: Thirsting for God appeared first on Barb Raveling.

Most of us realize that our screens are consuming us. We know we should cut back on our screen-time but are at a loss for how to start. My guest on the Christian Habits Podcast today, Hannah Brencher, started off with a 1,000 hour screen-free challenge, and she hasn’t looked back since this pivotal life-change. Hannah gives practical tips as well as inspiration to start putting down our phones and re-discovering the world around us! What We Discussed on the Podcast What going “unplugged” actually means The unexpected outcomes of Hannah’s screen-free challenge What prompted the writing of this book How to practice presence Some inspiring thoughts on contentment and productivity Practical tips and ways to begin putting down our screens Resources We Mentioned on the Podcast The Unplugged Hours: Cultivating a Life of Presence in a Digitally Connected World The Aro App – Screen-time solution for families About Hannah Brencher ©Taylor Zorzi / Zorzi Creative Hannah Brencher is a writer, TED speaker, and entrepreneur. She founded The World Needs More Love Letters, a global community dedicated to sending letter bundles to those who need encouragement. Named as one of the White House’s “Women Working to Do Good,” Hannah has been featured in the Wall Street Journal, Oprah, Glamour, USATODAY.com, the Chicago Tribune, and more. She lives in Atlanta with her husband, Lane, and daughter Novalee. Find Hannah at hannahbrencher.com. Connect with Hannah on Instagram, Facebook,or Pinterest.   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 Spotify: click here  Amazon Alexa: To listen on Amazon Alexa, say, “Alexa, play the Christian Habits Podcast.” The post Learning to Unplug with Hannah Brencher appeared first on Barb Raveling.

So many of us today are looking for ways to cope with the pressures of life. Instead of going to God, we turn to our phones, food, shopping, or even alcohol. Such was the case with Christy Osborne, my guest on the Christian Habits Podcast. Christy talks about her journey to sobriety and the choice to live without alcohol in her new book Love Life Sober. Even if you do not struggle specifically with alcohol, you will hear many helpful ways to deal with any addiction.   What We Discussed on the Podcast How Christy assigned alcohol different “jobs” in her life The many ways that becoming alcohol-free has changed Christy’s life for the better Why Christy recommends the “experiment approach” when considering sobriety How to overcome addiction without willpower The surprising links between wine and disease Christy’s defiance against “Mommy Wine Culture” How wine and alcohol addiction takes more than it gives Resources We Mentioned on the Podcast Christy’s new book Love Life Sober Christy’s website Christy on Instagram What Alcohol Does to Your Body, Brain & Health – Huberman Lab Podcast About Christy Osborne Christy Osborne, author of Love Life Sober, is a graduate of the University of Southern California and attended law school at Pepperdine University. After passing the California bar exam, Christy relocated to London and assumed various roles in law, public relations, and business development. She founded a popular website for American expat women and became a royal commentator on SKY News in the UK. Christy discovered her true calling when she chose sobriety and began openly advocating for it on social media. As a highly trained senior sobriety coach featured in/by Marie Claire, Newsweek, The Daily Mail, Yahoo, PBS, London Daily News, Hip & Healthy, and more, she empowers women throughout the US and UK to redefine their relationship with alcohol. Visit her at LoveLifeSober.com. Connect with Christy on Instagram. 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 Spotify: click here  Amazon Alexa: To listen on Amazon Alexa, say, “Alexa, play the Christian Habits Podcast.” The post Christy Osborne: Love Life Sober appeared first on Barb Raveling.

Have you thought to yourself: I’ll never get over this? Have you tried over and over again to get out from underneath the control of a habit or a sin in your life only to be discouraged once again? If so, you will be greatly encouraged by my interview with Kirby Kelly about overcoming temptation which is the subject of her book: You Can Be Free: Overcoming Temptation and Habitual Sin by the Power and Promises of the Gospel. You, too, can find freedom from your habits and addictions! What We Discussed on the Podcast How Kirby’s picturesque home was not all that it seemed Kirby’s personal struggle with habitual sin and how she finally overcame it How these specific tactics of the enemy are always the same Kirby’s “battle plan”  for temptation The “super-human / sub-human” cycle The importance of confession within community Resources We Mentioned on the Podcast You Can Be Free: Overcoming Temptation and Habitual Sin by the Power and Promises of the Gospel Bought + Beloved (Kirby’s podcast) Connect with Kirby Kelly at her YouTube channel, Instagram, and TikTok About Kirby Kelly Kirby Kelly is a Christ-centered content creator and influencer. She runs the Bought + Beloved podcast along with content on her YouTube channel, Instagram, and TikTok. She uploads weekly content that inspires, encourages, and teaches people the Truth of the Bible and how to cultivate a relationship with Jesus. Her passion is teaching God’s truth everywhere she goes; on stages and in front of cameras, through writing and one-on-one conversations. Kirby desires to see this generation and culture flourish in freedom and confidence in their identity and to walk in the victory that has been won on the Cross. kirby-kelly.com 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 Spotify: click here  Amazon Alexa: To listen on Amazon Alexa, say, “Alexa, play the Christian Habits Podcast.”  The post Kirby Kelly: You Can Be Free: Overcoming Temptation and Habitual Sin by the Power and Promises of the Gospel appeared first on Barb Raveling.

Are you a single person? Or a married person who struggles with regret, overthinking, or worrying about what the future may (or may not) hold? If you fit into either of these categories, today’s Christian Podcast episode will help! I’ll be visiting with Ryan Wekenman about his new book, Single Today: Conquer Yesterday’s Regrets, Ditch Tomorrow’s Worries, and Thrive Right Where You Are. I love Ryan’s new book and found it incredibly helpful, even though I’ve been married for 42 years. I only wish his book had been available back when I was single. It’s a spiritual formation and Christian growth book, but it’s also an incredibly helpful how-to manual for living a vibrant, rewarding life as a single person (or a married person). Join us on the podcast today as we discuss Ryan’s new book and how to live in the present with God each and every day. What We Discussed on the Podcast Two enemies of singleness The “Tomorrow Trap” How to show up with a win at events where you might struggle with your current station in life The power of “naming it” A grounding strategy when we find ourselves getting too self-focused How to be present in every day, where you are, right now Ways to be intentional about building your community Resources We Mentioned on the Podcast Single Today: Conquer Yesterday’s Regrets, Ditch Tomorrow’s Worries, and Thrive Right Where You Are  Ryan’s website Ryan’s podcasts: Stories in Scripture, Afterthoughts, and Single Today Philippians Bible Study Philippians Online Bible Study Sign Up Page About Ryan Wekenman Ryan Wekenman is a storyteller and pastor who is passionate about finding creative ways to help people explore life’s biggest questions. He has a master’s degree from Talbot School of Theology. He is the co-host of two podcasts, Stories in Scripture, a show that brings the Bible to life for people all around the world, and Afterthoughts, a weekly conversation about faith, culture, and the church. Ryan is the teaching pastor of Red Rocks Austin, a young, vibrant church he helped start with a few of his best friends. He lives in Austin, Texas. Connect with Ryan at his website, or on Instagram. Online Philippians Bible Study I’d also like to invite you to our online Philippians Bible study, which begins May 15. We’ll be covering the following lessons in that Bible study. Wednesday mornings classes: 9 am PST, 10 am MST, 11 am CST, 12 pm EST May 15 – Lesson 2: Loving When It’s Hard to Love May 29 – Lesson 6: People Pleasing, Self-Pleasing, and God-Pleasing June 12 – Lesson 15: Letting Go of Anxiety Tuesday evenings classes: 5 pm PST, 6 pm MST, 7 pm CST, 8 pm EST May 21 – Lesson 4: Letting Go of Idols June 4  – Lesson 11: Finding Your Identity in Christ June 18 – Lesson 16: Learning to Be Content Click here for more info on the study and to sign up for it: Philippians Online Bible Study 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 Spotify: click here  Amazon Alexa: To listen on Amazon Alexa, say, “Alexa, play the Christian Habits Podcast.”  The post Single Today with Ryan Wekenman (for Singles & Marrieds) appeared first on Barb Raveling.

Do you ever wake up in the middle of the night worrying about something? I know I do! With so much going on in our world and lives, it’s easy to give into to worry and anxiety. On today’s episode of the Christian Habits Podcast, we’ll talk about letting go of anxiety by walking through Lesson 15 from my new Philippians Bible Study together. Each lesson in the Philippians Bible study is on a different topic, but since Philippians is all about finding joy in difficult circumstances it’s the perfect book of the Bible to go to for help. On the podcast, we’ll talk about five different options we can take when anxiety hits, and which options are most helpful. If you’d like to download a copy of Lesson 15, click here: Free Downloadable Bible Study Lesson: Lesson 15 Philippians Bible Study by Barb Raveling. In the podcast episode, I mentioned that I would include an image of how I diagramed Philippians 4:8-9. Here’s an image of that diagram: Online Philippians Bible Study I’d also like to invite you to our online Philippians Bible study, which begins May 15. We’ll be covering the following lessons in that Bible study. Wednesday mornings classes: 9 am PST, 10 am MST, 11 am CST, 12 pm EST May 15 – Lesson 2: Loving When It’s Hard to Love May 29 – Lesson 6: People Pleasing, Self-Pleasing, and God-Pleasing June 12 – Lesson 15: Letting Go of Anxiety Tuesday evenings classes: 5 pm PST, 6 pm MST, 7 pm CST, 8 pm EST May 21 – Lesson 4: Letting Go of Idols June 4  – Lesson 11: Finding Your Identity in Christ June 18 – Lesson 16: Learning to Be Content Click here for more info on the study and to sign up for it: Philippians Online Bible Study Resources We Mentioned on the Podcast How to Diagram Scripture – YouTube video How to Diagram Scripture – Blog Post/Podcast Option Charts (Scroll down to Charts to find info on option charts._ Philippians Bible Study Philippians Online Bible Study Sign Up Page 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 Spotify: click here  Amazon Alexa: To listen on Amazon Alexa, say, “Alexa, play the Christian Habits Podcast.”      The post Letting Go of Anxiety with God’s Help appeared first on Barb Raveling.

Do you ever feel like you want to change, but you can’t seem to make it happen? Do you long to be closer to God? So often we change as soon as we become Christians, then go for years and years without any growth. In the Closer to God Bible Study Series, you’ll have a chance to study the Bible in a way that will help you visibly grow as you go to God for help with life. Today, I’m excited to announce the second book in the Closer to God Bible Study Series: Philippians!! Philippians is one of my favorite books of the Bible. One of the main themes of the book is finding contentment in all circumstances. This is interesting because Paul wrote the book from prison. I picture him sitting in prison, possibly bored, anxious, or maybe even thinking of the unfairness of it all. I imagine him talking to God and learning how to be content in this difficult situation. Seeing it all from a biblical perspective, letting go, and embracing God in the midst of it. Then he writes his letter to the Philippians and encourages them to rejoice always, dwell on the good, and learn to be content in all situations, just as he was doing in prison! Thankfully, we get to benefit from Paul’s hard-won wisdom in this book. I’ll be sharing more about my Philippians Bible study and also the Closer to God Bible Study Series on my podcast interview today. If you don’t have time to listen to the podcast … You can find out more about the study here: Philippians Bible Study. What We Discussed on the Podcast Why I wrote a study over a book of the Bible rather than a specific topic How this series was birthed to solve a problem in my own life The significance of the name of the series How this study is different than many others Who this book is geared towards and different ways to approach the study How my passion to see the church (and myself) mature and become more Christ-like continues to drive me to write and teach others Resources Mentioned on the Podcast My new Philippians Bible Study My Closer to God Bible Study Series How to Diagram Scripture – YouTube Friendship Counseling by Kevin Huggins Novel Marketing Podcast with Thomas Umstattd Jr. 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.”  The post Closer to God Bible Studies with Barb Raveling appeared first on Barb Raveling.

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.”  The post Healing What You Can’t Erase with Christopher Cook appeared first on Barb Raveling.

Explore the profound desire for closeness with God, framed around intimate reflections and spiritual growth. Hear personal stories of persistence and moments that deepened faith. Discover practical steps for nurturing your relationship through gratitude, quiet reflection, and engaging activities. Delve into managing negative emotions and the impact on spiritual connection. Plus, get a sneak peek at an upcoming Bible study on Philippians, designed to transform lives and foster community.

John Mark Comer, author of Practicing the Way, delves into the difference between a Christian and an apprentice of Jesus, the power of intentional living, the practice of contemplative prayer, and finding joy in God through spiritual practices. Explore ways to cultivate a deeper relationship with Jesus and live out your faith with intentionality.