The Christian Habits Podcast

Latest Episodes:

Closer to God Bible Studies with Barb Raveling Apr 09, 2024

Show notes

Today is the day! My Philippians Bible study from the Closer to God Bible Studies series is now available. Philippians is one of my favorite New Testament books of the Bible. The beauty of it is that Paul is writing from prison and teaching Christians wonderful lessons such as how to find contentment in any circumstance, always putting God first, and making our lives about Him. This is a book to study in any season of life! We flip things around today on the Christian Habits Podcast (links below), and instead of interviewing someone else, I am the one being interviewed about my new book.

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 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.

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Healing What You Can't Erase with Christopher Cook Mar 13, 2024

Show notes

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

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.

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14 Practical Ways to Get Closer to God Feb 14, 2024

Show notes

Do you ever feel distant from God? Do you long to be close to Him? In today's episode of the Christian Habits Podcast we'll talk about 14 practical things you can do to get closer to God.

Before we look at ways to get closer to God, though, I thought it might be helpful to give some questions we can use to think about our relationship with Him:

What would it look like to have a close walk with God?
Is a consistently close walk with God possible?
Why do you want a close walk with God?
What is one thing that keeps you from having a close walk with God?
What is one step you could take to have a close walk with God?

The more intentional we are about our relationships, the better those relationships will be. Let's look at some practical things we can do to get closer to God.

14 Practical Ways to Get Closer to God

We'll go more into depth in the podcast, but I wanted to include some of the resources below that we talked about on the podcast also the 10 ways to get close to God in case you don't have time to listen to the podcast.

Find something you enjoy doing with Him. If you dread your quiet time, you won't want to do them. In the past, I didn't feel like doing quiet times because I thought they were boring. I found something I enjoyed doing, though, and all of a sudden I wanted to do my quiet times. Some of the ideas we talk about on the podcast are truth journaling, Scripture meditation, the Examen app, topical Bible studies, and any of these renewing of the mind activities. Don't worry about beginning with something simple, as you can always progress later to more Bible reading, etc. The key in the beginning is to establish the habit.
Meet with God each day during the time of day that you're most alert. The advice we usually hear on this topic is to have your quiet time as soon as you wake up. That works for me and for many others, but it doesn't work for everyone. If you're a person who has more energy or self-control later in the day, it may be better to schedule your devotional time for that time of day. If you struggle with discipline in quiet times like I did for twenty years, try journaling through these questions and Bible verses.
Do a "closeness check" at the beginning of your time together. In the past, I used to begin each quiet time with a closeness check. I'd ask, "Am I feeling close to God?" If the answer was no, I'd think back to the previous day to see if there was anything I needed to talk to God about. I'd confess any sin that I needed to confess (often heart sin such as bad attitudes) and work through anything I needed to work through with Him. We'll talk more about the reasons for not feeling close (sin, idolatry, and not accepting what you need to accept) in the podcast and what you can do about it.
Believe that He loves you. Have you ever been in a relationship in which the person actually loved you, but for some reason you felt like they didn't love you? When this happens to us, it makes us not trust that person or feel close to them. The same thing happens when we feel like God doesn't love us. If you feel like He doesn't love you right now, try praying through the following Bible verses and picture God doing the things He says He'll do in those verses. The first couple of times I tried this, it was transformative: Insecurity Bible verses, 1 John 1:9.
Work on letting go of your idols and sin. When we feel like we have to have certain things to be happy, it interferes with our relationship with God. So does sin. It's impossible to completely get rid of sin and idols, but the more progress we make in those areas, the closer we'll feel to God. Here are a couple of posts/blog series that will help: How to Break Free from Idolatry and How to Break a Habit.
Carve out a weekly (Sabbath) and/or monthly "date time" with Him. I don't know about you, but it's easy for me to get so caught up in life that I forget that life is really about God, not the other things I'm caught up in! Having a weekly Sabbath where I don't do any work and a monthly (or every two months) "date time" with God (which I explain more fully on the podcast) both help me keep Him first in my life and feel close to Him.
Be thankful. Do you remember when the Israelites were grumbling in the desert after Moses led them out of Egypt? All of their grumbling distanced them from God and it does for us as well. The more we dwell on the good of God Himself and the blessings He has already given us, the more thankful we'll be--and the closer to God we'll feel. This post has some verses to help with thankfulness!
Spent time listening to God. John Mark Comer talked about this in his new book, Practicing the Way, and we also visit about that on the 1/16/24 episode of the Christian Habits Podcast.
Develop a prayer rhythm throughout the day. We see Daniel doing this in the Bible when he prayed three times a day. Meeting with God throughout the day will help us be aware of His presence and make us feel closer to Him.
Go to God for help with negative emotions each day. I talk about this more on the podcast and give some examples of what that looks like.
Don't spend too much time on social media, news, Netflix, or phone surfing. When we're constantly on our phones or watching television, we're often filling our minds with both a cultural perspective and negative emotions as we feel anger, worry, envy, and all sorts of things when we see what's happening in the world or what others are doing. The problem is that these emotions and message enter at lightening speed and we don't process them. It's easy for them to draw us away from God if we're not careful.
Join a home group or Bible study. This is another tip I discovered after beginning a lifestyle where we didn't live in places long enough to have a home group or Bible study. (My husband is a travel physical therapist so we move every three months.) I didn't realize how important our home groups were for building me up in my faith.
Go to church each week. I'll talk more about this in the podcast but I discovered this tip after being thrown into a lifestyle where we didn't go to church every week. If we miss out on church regularly, we can still be in the Word and listen to sermons online and even watch church online. But here's what we can't do: join other believers in person as we worship God together. There is power in worshipping God together through song and prayer. Not to mention being encouraged by others (Hebrews 10:25) and hearing some great teaching.
Go to God for help with major life changes. Learn how to be content in this new life, love well in this new life, and be close to God in this new life. Why? Because when you enter into a new life stage you discover new weaknesses, new tendencies toward idolatry, and new reasons to be discontent - even if they're GOOD life changes.

My prayer for all of us is that God will help us have the discipline and desire to do some of the things that will draw us closer to Him. He loves us and wants to be in a relationship with us. That's such a huge blessing. Does one of the above steps stand out to you as something you'd like to try doing? If so, I hope you'll give that a try.

Additional Resources Mentioned on the Podcast

James Transformation Bible Study

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John Mark Comer: Practicing the Way Jan 16, 2024

Show notes

Do you find yourself simply going through the motions in your Christian walk? Do you long for a deeply intentional and powerful relationship with God? If so, you will inspired and challenged by this episode of The Christian Habits Podcast (links below). My guest today, John Mark Comer, talks about a whole-life, immersive approach to your faith found in his new book, Practicing the Way.

What We Discussed on the Podcast

The difference a Christian and an apprentice of Jesus
How fierce intentionality in your walk with Jesus changes everything
The keystone habits of a practicing Christian
One powerful way to overcome temptation and sin
What a Rule of Life is and why the ancients practiced it
The practice of contemplative prayer

Resources Mentioned on the Podcast

About John Mark Comer

John Mark Comer is the New York Times bestselling author of seven books including The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry and Live No Lies as well as being a pastor, teacher, and founder of Practicing the Way. His latest book is Practicing the Way: Be with Jesus. Become like him. Do as he did. (a WaterBrook hardcover; on sale 1/16/24).

After serving as the lead pastor of Bridgetown Church in Portland, Oregon, for nearly two decades, John Mark and his family now reside in Los Angeles, where he serves as a teacher in residence on discipleship and spiritual formation at Vintage Church LA. His podcasts, John Mark Comer Teachings and Rule of Life, have been ranked on top religion and spirituality podcast charts in the US and UK. For more information visit johnmarkcomer.com and find him on Instagram .

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Living with Joy in a Stressful World with Brant Hansen Jan 02, 2024

Show notes

It's easy to feel stressed, overwhelmed, and anxious when we focus on the turmoil in the world (or our own lives). Media and culture don't help because they are constantly feeding us worrisome things. However, there is hope! My guest on the podcast today, Brant Hansen, (links below) has an encouraging new book set to release in just two weeks: Life is Hard, God is Good, Let's Dance. Brant reminds us that we truly can have peace and abiding joy - no matter our circumstances - if Jesus is the center of our lives.

What We Discussed on the Podcast

How to become joyful when that isn't your natural bent
How to "outsource" our worries
What it truly means to be a disciple
How God's ways always lead to the best life
A technique beyond list-making to increase our gratitude
The importance of choosing the attitude of our heart

Resources Mentioned on the Podcast

Brant's newest book, Life is Hard, God is Good, Let's Dance - publishing January 16, 2024
Barnes and Noble's pre-order sweepstakes
Other pre-order gifts from Thomas Nelson Publishing
Brant's other books
CURE International Children's Hospitals

BRANT HANSEN is a bestselling author, syndicated radio host and advocate for healing children with correctable disabilities through CURE International Children's Hospitals. His award-winning radio show, The Brant Hansen Show, airs on top stations in the U.S. and Canada. His podcast, The Brant and Sherri Oddcast, has been downloaded more than 15 million times. He has been named "Personality of the Year" multiple times by Christian Music Broadcasters and is called "Christian music 's most beloved radio personality" by Christian Voice Magazine. Brant writes about varied topics related to faith, including masculinity in his book, The Men We Need, and forgiveness in Unoffendable, about which he was recently interviewed on ABC's Good Morning America. Brant speaks often about being diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder as an adult. Brant also proudly refers to himself as a "toast-obsessed nerd' who was no less than president of the Illinois Student Librarians Association in high school. He also plays the accordion, "in spite of popular demand."

Connect with Brant at his website, Facebook, Instagram, and X (formerly Twitter).

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Memorizing Scripture with Glenna Marshall Nov 21, 2023

Show notes

If you're someone (like me) who has struggled for years to commit God's Word to memory, you will want to listen to my latest episode of The Christian Habits Podcast (links below). 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 as I am reading her book myself, 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

Resources Mentioned on the Podcast

About Glenna Marshall

GLENNA MARSHALL is a pastor's wife and mother of two energetic sons. She is the author of The Promise Is His Presence and Everyday Faithfulness. She writes regularly at GlennaMarshall.com on biblical literacy, suffering, and the faithfulness of God. She is a member of Grace Bible Fellowship in Sikeston, Missouri.

Find Glenna online at GlennaMarshall.com or on Instagram.

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Practicing the Presence of Jesus with Joni Eareckson Tada Oct 24, 2023

Show notes

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

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.

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Susie Larson: Staying Strong in Battle Sep 26, 2023

Show notes

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

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.

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Dannah Gresh: Finding Healing for Your Marriage Aug 22, 2023

Show notes

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

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.

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Sarah J. Hauser: Finding Rest When Life is Hard Jul 25, 2023

Show notes

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

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