Live Like It's True {Bible Podcast}

Would you ask your twelve-year-old to bravely live her faith, in a time of crisis? In part two of our conversation, Heather Cofer shares the story of her twelfth birthday in Mongolia and how—even when she was so afraid—her dad commissioned her to walk by faith. She also tells about the crisis her husband's family (also missionaries in Mongolia) faced. Heather's story is highlighted in my...

Have you been comparing yourself? Are you envious of someone God has treated "better" than you? In a story about envious grumblers who are comparing, Jesus invites you to be one of the happy ones instead. Guests: Melissa Kruger Bible Passage: Laborers in the Vineyard - Matthew 20:1-16 ESV Get your Freebie: The Live Like It's True Workbook Mentioned Resources:  The Envy of Eve by Mel...

What if God asked you to leave everything you love? Would you do it? Heather Cofer talks about her experiences as a child in Mongolia which still shape her life today. Heather's story is highlighted in my new Bible study, Shaped by God's Promises: Lessons from Sarah on Fear and Faith. Whether you're here because you're reading that book, or you're a regular listener, I hop...

Why does she have more? Why do I have less? And what does Jesus say, when I want what's fair? In this episode of the Live Like It's True Podcast, we're looking at a story Jesus told in response to these very questions—the parable about the bigger barns.   I'm so honored to have Lydia Brownback, author of the Flourish Bible Studies, joining me for this conversation.  Listen in a...

Have you ever felt unworthy, because of your sin? Or have you every tried to comfort yourself by comparing with someone who sinned in worse ways that you? In this series, we're looking at comparison stories that Jesus told, and this one is a story about comparing sin. But it's a story with a twist that might surprise you in the best way—especially if you're the one feeling unworthy....

"Which of us is the greatest, Jesus?" Jesus's response to the disciples might surprise you, but it also might bright you comfort and peace. There's a foolproof way to be great in the kingdom of God, and it's backward from the way of the world. Want to learn the secret? Join Kelly Needham and I on the Live Like It's True Podcast, as we talk about Jesus's illustrat...

What if Jesus could read your thoughts about other people's sins? And what about your own sins? Do you have shameful secrets that seem too awful to even confess? In this episode, we're going to consider a story Jesus told at a dinner party where someone was comparing sin. It's a story that exposes our false narratives about sin, and invites us into a beautiful story of forgiveness....

What would Jesus say about your efforts to get healthy? When you wake up in the morning, is your first thought about what you ate the night before? Has your lifelong obsession been to finally like what you see in the mirror? With the launch of Comparison Girl for Teens, I've invited a number of guests to join me on the Live Like It's True podcast, to talk through various ways we tend to...

When a teen walks into a room, statistics show that there's an 80% chance she believes she doesn't belong there. She wonders, Am I okay? What are they thinking? How do I measure up?  In our new book, Comparison Girl for Teens we're inviting teens to find new freedom, confidence and true influence in the middle of a world that compares. Guest: Lee Nienhuis Bible Passage: What Did Jes...

Refugees. Trafficking victims. Addicts. Adoption. Homeless. When faced with opportunities to show extravagant mercy, we think, But what if I go into debt?  This could be a trap.  If I bring her into my home, will we be safe?  What if there's corruption?  Yet what sounds like the voice of wisdom, is actually the voice of fear. I'm joined by Amy DiMarcangelo for a conversation about a man...

Do you long to pass on your faith to your children, grandchildren, nieces and neighbors? How can you disciple the children you love in on-the-go moments of life? The stories in the Bible are simple enough to be grasped by children, yet profound enough for adults to spend their lives pondering.   In this bonus episode on the Live Like It's True podcast, my guest Trillia Newbell shares about he...

What is your weakness, and what does God think about it? Join Emily Jensen and me for a conversation about ineloquent Moses and his assignment from God that felt impossible. Learn how to live like it's true that your weakness isn't a problem for God.   Guest: Emily Jensen  Bible Passage: Moses Given Powerful Signs - Exodus 4:10-17 Get your Freebie: The Live Like It's True Workbook M...

Hey, it's Shannon for a quick update on what's next in 2024. I have several exciting things to announce, plus the roadmap for what's coming in the coming months.  We're welcoming Emily Jensen, Trillia Newbell, and Amy DiMarcangelo for our J-Term Series! Get updates from Shannon: Here Get your Freebie: The Live Like It's True Workbook Resound Media Transcript Music: Cade Po...

Why, God? Why haven't you shown up for me? If you love me, God, how could you let this happen to me?   In today's episode, we're going to invite you to bring questions like these straight to Jesus. And I think you might be surprised by the answers to these questions, embedded in the story from John 11 that we're going to look at.     Guest: Vaneetha Risner Bible Passage: The St...

"What do you want me to do for you?" When Jesus asked this question, first of his two disciples, and then of a blind beggar named Bartimaeus, their responses revealed their hearts. How would you answer? What might this reveal? Will you follow Jesus if you see a cross up ahead?   In this episode with Amber Cullum, we're looking at the story of Blind Bartimaeus, and how his response t...

A crying baby. A crocodile infested river. An evil king. And a woman of faith. The story of Moses in the basket (or ark) is full of tension, suspense, and an amazing outcome. Though God's name is not mentioned, His sovereignty is seen in every detail—including the one where Jochebed gets to raise her own baby and tell him the stories of the God who has promised to deliver his people. Is God d...

Twenty years after a wicked betrayal, the tables have turned, and Joseph holds the power over his brothers. So he chooses to... reconcile? This story helps us consider God's sovereignty, the wicked choices of people, and how the two can coexist in the same story. Join me for this interesting conversation with author, speaker, and podcaster, Jodie Niznik.   Guest: Jodie Niznik Bible Passage: J...

Suppose you're traveling and you know there are thieves up ahead. You also know you've got lots of cash and valuables on your person. What should you do? This is basically the scenario we all face every day. We're living in a dangerous world. Life has risk around every turn. As we embark on new legs of the journey, what should we do to prepare for the unknown risks up ahead? We&apos...

Bigger is better, says the world. But God often takes groups from large to little. Why is that? On this episode of the Live Like It's True podcast, Rachael Adams and I are discussing the interesting story of when God thinned out Gideon's army by about 99%, then sent him to war. We'll explore what God was after, and how it turned out. Rachael Adams is a wife and mom, author and speak...

What would happen if you looked for Jesus on all the pages of your Bible? Would you read it differently? Would it satisfy your hunger more? On this episode of the Live Like It's True podcast, Kristen Wetherell and I are exploring the story of the two disciples on the Road To Emmaus, who didn't realize they're talking to Jesus—and what He opens their eyes to. Kristen is a pastor&apos...

Have you experienced chronic illness or longtime suffering? Or maybe you know someone who has experienced the isolation and hopelessness of having no where else to turn. It can feel like God has forgotten you, or his back is turned to you. But in this story, we're going to watch a breakthrough moment, where a woman finds out what has been actually true all along.   Guests: Hope Blanton and Ch...

Is God even real? If he is, does he care how I live? How could God make my life better? This story has all the answers to these questions and more. It's not an easy story to take in, but it's an important story and—unlike the people going about their business in Noah's day—we'd better know this story and live like it's true. Guest: Rebecca George Bible Passage: Genesis 6-7...

What does it mean to leave and cleave in today's world? What happens when we don't?  Whether you're about to be married, you've been married for years, or you have adult children who have said, "I do," God's command to leave and cleave is meant to help the marriages you care about thrive. My guests, Bruce and Sue Osterink have mentored nearly one hundred couples,...

 What does it look like to be brave and tell the truth, when so many are saying, "Maybe I'm not a girl..."? And what is the truth about a person's gender?  Also, why is masturbation wrong if it's not hurting anyone? And how can we respond like God does, when someone opens up about sexual sin? Kristen and I talk through these questions and more, offering advice found in our...

As a thirteen-year-old, Jessica innocently stumbled upon the world of pornography. Before long, it took over and threatened to destroy her whole life. In this episode, Jessica and I are walking through her story, and comparing it to the truths from Genesis 1-3, which we've been looking at in season 4 of Live Like It's True. Learn how Jessica broke free from the power of sin and shame, an...