The Christian Habits Podcast

Brant Hansen, a best-selling author and radio host, talks about finding joy in a chaotic world. He shares insights from his book about the coexistence of joy and anxiety, emphasizing faith and gratitude as key tools for overcoming personal struggles. Hansen explores the importance of active discipleship, using Jesus' teachings to navigate life's uncertainties. He also highlights his work with CURE International, illustrating how faith-based medical care can transform lives, nurturing both physical and spiritual well-being.

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.”  The post Memorizing Scripture with Glenna Marshall appeared first on Barb Raveling.

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  Amazon Alexa: To listen on Amazon Alexa, say, “Alexa, play the Christian Habits Podcast.”  The post Practicing the Presence of Jesus with Joni Eareckson Tada appeared first on Barb Raveling.

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.”  The post Susie Larson: Staying Strong in Battle appeared first on Barb Raveling.

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.”  The post Dannah Gresh: Finding Healing for Your Marriage appeared first on Barb Raveling.

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.”  The post Sarah J. Hauser: Finding Rest When Life is Hard appeared first on Barb Raveling.

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.”  The post Andrea Herzer: Living with Chronic Pain and Illness appeared first on Barb Raveling.

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.”  The post Jamie Erickson: Cultivating Holy Hygge appeared first on Barb Raveling.

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.”  The post Mary DeMuth: Parenting Your Adult Kids with Joy appeared first on Barb Raveling.

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  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 Mark Batterson: How Please, Sorry, and Thanks Can Change Your Life appeared first on Barb Raveling.