Info

Are You Real | Finding Your Purpose

Jon Fuller is on a mission to be a true example of Christ in his life and in his work. He introduces you to men and women of faith who have walked different paths to find a true Christianity that they live out each and every day. Some paths have been bumpy and filled with debris, but through it all, grace and faith have been a sustaining force in the lives of these men. You won't find any fake and phoney Christianity here.....just real people with a heart for God and living out His call on their lives. Join us for new episodes each week. We'd love it if you'd share the show with other men of faith who need support and encouragement along their journey.
RSS Feed
Are You Real | Finding Your Purpose
2023
December
November
October
September
July
May


2022
September
July
June


2020
September
June
May
April
March
February
January


2019
December
November
October
September
August
July
June
May
April
March
February
January


2018
December
November
October
September
August
July
June
May
April
March
February
January


2017
December
November
October
September
August
July
June
May
April
March
February
January


2016
December
November
October
September
August
July
June


All Episodes
Archives
Now displaying: April, 2018
Apr 30, 2018

Do brothers and sisters grow up to be exactly the same? We would probably all answer a resounding NO! Think about it: they have the same parents, the same house, the same rules, and the same environment---yet can grow up to be VERY different. Today’s discussion is about the three stages of psychological development, meaning how we become who we are.

These three stages are particularly important for those of us who are raising children in today’s world. You may hear negative feedback about today’s youth, their work ethic, their character, etc., but the fact remains that WE are teaching them and allowing them to develop their work habits. Dr. Morris Massey says that we each process our experiences differently and that what really matters in our development is how we label these experiences. Let’s dive deeper!

More in this episode:

  • Three stages of psychological development:
  • Stage 1:  Imprinting:  This stage is all about teaching the duality of life.  A child will learn right from wrong, good from bad, and will take on some of the personality aspects of the person or persons that are raising them.  They will shift their brain waves from slower cycles (like a hypnotic state) to higher frequency cycles (conscious processing). As this shift happens around 4 years old, young people begin to have the ability for conscious processing and reasoning.
  • Stage 2:  Modeling: This stage is about the development of values and beliefs.  Young people will begin to find people who they wish to be just like, or to model.  The most common models are teachers and coaches. If a child is required to do chores and to work on a regular basis during this stage, they are more like to have high work ethic, better customer service skills, and will be less likely to return home after their education.  How a person works later in life is strongly dependent upon the meaning that they give to their experiences during this time. Also, when a child is exposed to Christian principles on a regular basis early in life, they are 80% more likely to be a Christian when they grow up.
  • Stage 3:  Socialization:  This stage is about learning critical thinking, problem-solving, decision-making, and ultimately will serve as their blueprint for personal accountability.  It is incredibly important who the young person hangs out with during this stage because they adopt the strategies of those that they are close to. It is important to note that males and females develop at a different pace from one another.  The male brain grows 4 years slower than the female brain.
  • One criticism of youth today is that they expect things to be given to them. They are NOT born with that expectation, but it is conditioned into them.
  • Tips for holding children accountable:
    • During socialization, they should be responsible for waking themselves up in the morning for school/work
    • Parents should ask about their “homework situation” and about their specific plan to get it done, but it should be THEIR responsibility
  • During socialization, when they make a mistake, ask three critical questions:
    • What happened?
    • At what point could you have done something differently?
    • What will you do next time?
  • When a mistake occurs, transfer the locus of control from external to internal, so they say, “I made a choice.” The goal is for them to say, “I choose my actions, my attitude, my emotions, and my homework habits.”
  • For kids AND adults, the five people who are closest to you will determine who you are, because you will be just like them.
  • It is critical that we continue to develop the right character, values, and behavioral habits in the people we lead.
Apr 26, 2018

Welcome to Are You Real Linked Episode 15.

Today we continue our teaching on Luke 10. Specifically, verse 5.

Whatever house you enter, first say, ‘Peace be to this house!'

This may be a short verse, but if you dive a little deeper there is so much Jesus is telling us. Christy Austin will guide you through the true meaning of this verse, and what it means for City Takers. She will explain why Jesus tells us to go to peoples houses, and how to find true peace through prayers of thanksgiving and much more.

Being a therapist, Christy sees first hand how the world needs the peace that only God can give. Not temporary peace the world gives.

You will love taking a longer look at this verse. If you are called to be a city taker, we would love to hear how this episode inspires you to transform your city through the act of giving.

LINKS:

Connect with Christy

Areyoureal.org

Fellowshiphomeloans.com

Apr 25, 2018

Sometimes, we don’t find our purpose; it finds us. This is exactly the position Matthew Paul Turner found himself in, and that is exactly why we needed to have him on the show! Matthew is a writer and photographer who has contributed his work to National Geographic and is one of the most influential progressive Christian voices the music media. Like so many of us, Matthew has struggled with doubt and uncertainty, but God has also blessed him greatly! He is certainly an inspiration to me, and I hope he will be for you as well.

Today, you will get to hear how Matthew thought he had turned away from Christian Music only to become the editor of a Christian Music Magazine. You will learn why he is an unlikely photographer, and how he came to self-publish several books. Matthew will explain why writing books for children hits close to home, and he will share why his family remains the most important source of inspiration in his life. You will also find out just how Matthew came to travel the world with Morgan Freeman. Yes, that Morgan Freeman.

Throughout all of his creative endeavors, Matthew remains committed to God’s mission. He cares deeply about children across the globe, and his work with World Vision speaks for itself. If you are the creative type who never thought you could make a go at having a creative career, give this episode a listen. Matthew has a story that will speak to just about everyone!

More in this episode:

  • Message us on Facebook to win a copy of Matthew’s book!
  • How Matthew stumbled into his career as a writer in the music industry.
  • The insane story about how Matthew got to travel the world with Morgan Freeman and National Geographic.
  • Matthew’s Life Scripture: “Fix your eyes on Jesus, the founder, and perfecter of our faith.”
  • Advice for writers and inspiration for getting started.
  • All the places Matthew has traveled with World Vision.
  • Matthew wants people to experience the world.
  • Get the inside scoop on “The Story of God.”
  • Gaining hope from the most unexpected places.
  • Give yourself permission to be a little disappointed.
  • Why Matthew was drawn to write children’s books.
  • The ins and outs of publishing!
  • Make sure you have good people in your life!
  • Matthews’ best advice: keep moving forward

Resources

When God Made You

Twitter: @Heympt

Instagram @MatthewPaulTurner

Matthew Paul Turner

Apr 24, 2018

Welcome to the third part of this series, Your health- spirit, soul, and body.

Today we will be discussing what it looks like to be healthy physically and what the necessary components are to having an overall healthy physical body.

For many people, the first thing they think of when anyone mentions a healthy body, is the idea of weight. As a trainer, I am frequently asked “what is a healthy weight for me?” or “how much weight should I lose?” and these are never  easy questions to answer. Most people tend to only look at the scale, or focus on their BMI, so I'd like to answer these questions by breaking the idea of healthy body weight down for you in a way that will make it easier to understand. Listen in today to find out about body composition and why everyone's body composition is going to be different.

Although having a healthy body weight is really important, this is subjective to each  individual, as body composition varies from one person to the next. The body composition includes all the factors relating to one's weight- the muscle, the fat, the bones, and also the vital organs, so it's really necessary to look at all these factors when doing an evaluation of your health and this also means that everyone's ideal body weight will be different. Listen in today as I explain some of the often overlooked factors pertaining to body composition that really need to be taken into account when assessing your ideal body weight.

 

Show Highlights:

 

  • Looking at body composition as an evaluation of your overall health.
  • How the body composition of two individuals with the same statistics can vary.
  • Taking all the factors pertaining to body composition into account when looking at your weight.
  • Being on a strategic exercise program and eating healthily can influence your amount of body fat.
  • How genetics play a role in some people's ability to lose weight faster than others.
  • Hard work does pay off!
  • The importance of committing to (and adhering to) a fitness goal.
  • How you can really benefit from an exercise program.
  • About your cardio-respiratory endurance.
  • What weight training does for your body.
  • Creating an exercise program that will help you to maintain an ideal weight.
  • Why you really need to maintain your flexibility.
  • Building overall muscular endurance with your exercise program.
  • Nutrition is a huge part of creating and maintaining an overall healthy lifestyle.

 

                       

                             Set your goals. Say your prayers. Work hard. 

Apr 20, 2018

Today on Are You Real Government we are honored to talk to Dr. Noah Manyika.

He is running for the presidential office of Zimbabwe in the 2018 race under the Build Zimbabwe Alliance. Dr. Manyika truly is a man after Gods own heart. He grew up in Zimbabwe with parents who had faith and taught him how to have hope despite the circumstances that were around him. When he was older, God called Dr. Manyika and his wife to be missionaries in the North Carolina for 22 years.

More recently God has brought the Manyika's back home to Zimbabwe to claim their inheritance and change the direction of the country. You will hear about how God has guided his campaign trail, and how the Kingdom is manifesting in the country of Africa.

This interview has so much depth, insight, and wisdom from Dr. Noah Manyika that it is undeniable that God is moving in the Government Mountain. 

If you would like to hear more about Dr. Manyika and his team we recommend going back and listening to episode 08 with Dr. Manyika's campaign advisor Chantelle Irish.

LINKS:

buildzimbabwe.org

BZA Manifesto

Donate to BZA

Email the BAZ

BZA Facebook

Apr 19, 2018

On Are You Real Linked 14 we dive further into Luke 10.

In 2017 God spoke to Christy Austin and said: "2018 will be the year of abundant harvest". That's why we love to talk to city takers around the world to see how God is fulfilling this promise. 

Today we want to introduce you to Steve and Amanda Pettit. Many years ago God told them to sell everything they own and be missionaries. Obeying that call the Lord has taken them around the world to spread the gospel and meet some incredible people.

Currently, they are taking the city of Fort Worth Texas with Mission 820. Every night they go into the streets and evangels to prostitutes, crack heads, and sex traffickers to show them the love of God. 

We love how Steve and Amanda live out Luke 10 so beautifully. They are going to people and BEING the church not TAKING people to the church.

You will love hearing how much influence God is giving them around the world.

LINKS:

Connect with Christy

Mission 8:20

Areyoureal.org

Fellowshiphomeloans.com

Apr 18, 2018

I hope you are ready for some amazing truth bombs today because I am literally talking to Captain Awesome today. Byron Taylor (AKA Captain Awesome) is a spirited speaker, trainer, and coach. He has competed in world championships in public speaking and is the co-author of The Psyche of Success. Byron Taylor has found his calling as an inspirational speaker, but the story of how he got there is absolutely magnificent. God is clearly using Byron in incredible ways.

Byron had to walk through incredible hardship to reach the level of clarity and wisdom he has attained today. I am thankful that he had the chance to openly talk about childhood trauma, depression in adulthood, and figuring out life with God one leap of faith at a time. Byron is going to share his best pieces of wisdom for going after your purpose, facing fear, and listening to the voice of God. His stories are all very real and really funny. No one shares a story like Byron! Dive in with us today to experience the wild ride for yourself!

More in this episode:

  • How “Captain Awesome” came to be.
  • Why God’s plan is better than our best predictions.
  • Byron gave his first speech at his first Toastmasters meeting.
  • Out of the hurt and pain we experience, we can glorify God.
  • Mark 11:24 is Byron’s signature Scripture.
  • Byron opens up about his past struggles and the trauma that shaped him.
  • The things we struggle with the most are often our ministry calling.
  • What being a parent can teach us about God’s character.
  • How Byron fights discouragement.
  • Stories of experiencing God’s glory.
  • A speech is important for the one life that is impacted.
  • Byron shares all of the things that excite him.
  • When we knock on doors, God will open, and we have to step through.
  • Sometimes, we learn more about what we don’t want to do than what we want.
  • Byron would help his younger self-heal more quickly if he could. 

Resources:

Byron Taylor Speaks

Toast Masters

Facebook: Byron Taylor Speaks

Apr 17, 2018

Successful business leaders and entrepreneurs have one thing in common: they are coachable. If you have people in your life who have been appointed to give you guidance and clarity, then there is no way you can go wrong. Success is about more than just making a lot of money, and we need someone who can hold us accountable and offer wisdom to help us gain excellence in all areas of life.

In order to be coachable, you need to be able to swallow your pride. Once you know you are coachable, the hard work of finding someone begins. Lucky for you, I happen to have plenty of knowledge about how to find a great life or business coach. Let’s dive in today to see what it takes!

More in this episode:

  • What we can learn from Jerry McGuire.
  • Check ego and pride at the door in order to be successful.
  • How do your find a coach?
  • Look at the fruit from that coach.
  • Your coach should not be your peer.
  • Pay for your coach!
  • In Samuel 1, David shows us the power of a coach.
  • You’ve got to know when to get out of the way.
  • Don’t forget your affirmations!
Apr 16, 2018

I met Jason Earls, the comedian, about a week ago at the Shawn Bolz Conference, in Dallas, Tx, and had an immediate connection with him. I ask Jason to tell us one of his favorite verses that help guide him. He quoted Colossians 4:17. Paul writes, “And say to Archippus, Take heed to the ministry which thou hast received in the Lord, that thou fulfill it.” Paul saw the need to encourage Archippus, maybe because people were not paying his ministry much attention, and Paul knew he wanted him to fulfill it.

Jason says he doesn’t live to make people laugh but makes people laugh to help them live! He says he knew as early as high school that being a comedian was his destiny. He went on to seminary and grad school, and knew he could use laughter to glorify the King!

Learn to be diligent to God’s direction in this episode of Are You Real: Success!

More in this episode:

  • Jason shares how God directs his ministry.
  • You can desire success in your family and career, but you also have to be diligent!
  • If we are going to be in our best place to succeed, we cannot compare ourselves to others.
  • Learn what Jason does when he finds himself in a difficult place.
  • Sometimes things crack us so that the treasure inside us oozes out.
  • Learn to surround yourself with key people to help ensure your success.
  • Learn how you shouldn’t be satisfied with “base camp,” but need to press on to the peak!
  • Jason uses humor to share his passion for living for God.
  • Jody shares his views on successful living.

Resources:

Are You Real

Jason Earls

Apr 13, 2018

Today on Are You Real Government we talk to David Windhorn. He is the Congo Presidential Campaign Advisor for  Dr. Mukumbay's.

Their vision is to build and promote The Democratic Republic of Congo and to care for its people and its land. This vision summarizes the work of Dr. Mukumbay who, professionally, is an independent business consultant in the United Kingdom. Dr. Mukumbay is regarded as a statesman in the truest sense for his new leadership style and stands out among a new generation of African leaders in diaspora. 

David shares his passion to see Dr. Mukumbay succeed, how God is using his gift of prophecy to influence government leaders, and why he believes God will use Congo to restore Africa.

You will also hear David's insight on what God is doing in the U.S.A, The Korea's and why God is rising up women leaders across the world.

LINKS:

Upardc.org

Connect with Dubb

Fellowshiphomeloans.com

Apr 12, 2018

Today on Are You Real Linked we continue our study on Luke 10. Over the past few episodes, we have talked to many different city takers across the nation and heard their story's about how God is using them to take back their city for the Kingdom through the art of giving. If you have missed these interviews we highly recommend going back and listening before you dive into today's episode.

On episode 13 Christy Austin dissects Luke 10 Verse 4 and what it means in 2018.

 "Carry no moneybag, no knapsack, no sandals, and greet no one on the road."

What does that mean? Why is Jesus saying I don't need my shoes? What about my debit card? This verse can bring up so many questions if you are not studying the word properly.

Christy breaks down how this verse is talking to us about God's provision, his faithfulness, and how we need to silence our distractions.

We can't wait to hear how God speaks to you in this episode!

Connect with Christy

Past Linked Episodes

Areyoureal.org

Fellowshiphomeloans.com

Apr 11, 2018

It is always refreshing to find someone else who has found purpose in podcasting, and that is exactly what the Zach, Scott, and Jeff over at Bros, Bibles, and Beer are doing. These three guys are modeling what it means to have authentic, real, and often difficult conversations around a shared belief in God. Unlike many podcasts out there, the Bros all come from incredibly different spiritual backgrounds and viewpoints. The result: authentic conversations that are rarely tied up in a bow, but are often glorifying.

Today, we are getting real and talking about everything, from Angry God to Grief and Theology. Along the way, the Bros will share some of their favorite moments and discussions from the show, and how they have been stretched and their view of God has changed. Each of these gentlemen has been called to a different area of God’s mission, but they can still come together to produce an amazing show you should certainly check out. Today, we won’t shy away from the hard stuff, but in the end, we will all agree that God is good! I can’t wait for you to hear what Scott, Jeff, and Zach have to say!

More in this episode:

  • The podcast started with authentic conversations, and it has transformed into something amazing.
  • Dive into the “Angry God” debate.
  • There is a need for repentance and to turn from your sin.
  • How our parents might (or might not) change our perception of God.
  • The Bros share some of their favorite moments of the podcast.
  • Why the Bros want to avoid the “echo chamber” effect.
  • Be with people while they are grieving.
  • How grief affects faith.
  • All of God’s children have value.
  • Conversations on education and the impact of real-life implications in the classroom.
  • Look at multiple angles for every story to create empathy.
  • The Bros help one another see their gifts and strengths.
  • Get a little advice from the Bros.

Resources:

https://www.brosbiblesbeer.com/

Find Your Purpose Chapter 1

Rureal.org

The Canon Revisited

Apr 6, 2018

Joining us today on Are You Real Government is the Mayor of Amarillo, Texas Ginger Nelson.

Ginger Nelson got her unexpected start in local government after she saw the need for Godly leaders to step up in her city. After months of praying for these leaders to come Ginger thought that God was calling her husband to run for Mayor. However, God had placed the mantle of leadership for Mayor on Ginger's shoulders. 

Ginger truly lets the heart of the Father direct her time in office. Since being elected in 2017 she has been hard at work creating a culture of honor and a culture where every citizen in Amarillo can achieve greatness for the Kingdom.

She believes the God-given identity for Amarillo is to be the Ambassador for the state of Texas. Due to interstate 40, Amarillo has a unique opportunity to represent the state of Texas and the body of Christ to over 8 million people that drive through every year.

           

We would love to hear how God uses this episode in your life.

LINKS:

Ginger's Official Facebook

City of Amarillo Facebook

Connect with Dubb

Areyoureal.org

Fellowship Home Loans

Apr 5, 2018

Today on Are You Real Linked we continue our talk on the church leaving the building and going out into the world. Our guest today is Pastor Michael Thorton from Global River Church. They are a network church of Bethal and are doing huge things for the Kingdome in Wilmington North Carolina.

Their vision statement reads...

"We are loving God and loving people, encouraging them to live the Spirit-empowered life, reaching pre-Christians, making disciples, and raising up leaders to fulfill the Great Commission. We live as a Family, an Army, a School in the Spirit, a Temple of worship, and a Hospital to the wounded."

... and they are doing that and much more.

Micheal shares how when you have the anointing of the Holy Spirit it empowers you to go into your city and cross over every race, social, or political barrier and start changing it for the Kingdome.

You will also enjoy hearing about Micheal's advice on how to get your assignment from God, how to start taking your city and how to find the "man or women of peace" in a community.

LINKS:

Global River Church

Ignite the Nations

Connect with Christy

Fellowship Home Loans

AreYouReal.org

Apr 4, 2018

Through pain, we find purpose. No one understands that Like Jerrad Lopes. After starting out early in full-time ministry as a pastor, Jerrad placed all of his identity in his ministry. Late in his twenties, Jerrad knew he needed to leave ministry, and his world was wrecked. Looking back, Jerrad knew he was being a bad husband and an absent father as he tried to pursue things of this earth that would fulfill him. He reached out on the internet, asking if any other fathers and husbands felt this struggle, and the response was incredible.

Dad Tired is a podcast and a movement that is leading men to Jesus. Jerrad is cultivating authenticity within marriages leadership within the culture. He believes that more men need to step up to the plate to lead their families by example. This knowledge is personal, and it was born from years of struggle. Jerrad’s dark season gave birth to a movement that God is using to transform families.

In addition to Dad Tired, Jerrad has started a nonprofit and his own branding agency. Even with all of these plates spinning, Jerrad prioritizes time with his family and his wife of 8 years. Instead of being content to stay in struggle and in failure, Jerrad asked God to transform his life. He answered in a big way. Listen to this week’s episode to find out how he did it!

More in this episode:

  • Jerrad shares why he feels called to many different things over the course of his life.
  • Scripture from Exodus 35:6 has influenced how Jerrad views God.
  • Jerrad has spent his journey starting as a pastor, but he always felt called to branch out.
  • In the middle of an identity crisis, Jerrad discovered that so many other fathers wanted to learn how to lead their families better.
  • What we can learn from the God-led decisions that do not lead to perfect happiness.
  • Discover the explosion of Dad Tired.
  • Jerrad’s wife prayed for Jesus to capture his heart again.
  • There is hope for your marriage if you feel like you have fallen away.
  • We need to be investing in young people.
  • How Jerrad grew his ministry to reach tens of thousands of people.
  • Jerrad can communicate the gospel in “street language.”
  • How we can respond to an identity crisis to fuel our faith.
  • Let’s not rely on technology to connect with one another.
  • Audiobooks are a go-to for busy parents.
  • What changes to our responsibilities once we get married.

Resources:

Dad Tired

Apr 3, 2018

Today we need to talk about something really important for the life of your business: failure. Yes, failure is important! How and why we fail can teach us so much about where our business is weak, and also strong. I have noticed over the years that there are 3 Big Business Setbacks: Disappointment, Discouragement, and Distrust. 

I am going to break down each of these three setbacks and show you how your authentic faith can combat each of them. God has given us Scripture as a guide and a comfort when failure strikes. Instead of making us figure it all out on our own, we can rely on His wisdom and the wisdom of those who have gone before us to understand how to be successful in business. Just because you have suffered a setback does not mean you cannot move forward. Today, I am going to show you how.

More in this episode:

  • We set out all the plans we possibly can.
  • Failure happens to everyone.
  • Where does disappointment in business happen?
  • We need to manage our expectations.
  • What happens when we experience disappointment, and then manage it.
  • Discouragement is brutal.
  • Psalm 112 is a great way to get out of discouragement.
  • Distrust is from the enemy.
  • The world is going to want to make us jaded.
  • There are so many wounds that we have to deal with!
  • There is hope and encouragement for you!
  • Pray over your business.
  • John 10:10—have an abundant life!

Resources:

Are You Real

Apr 2, 2018

Today’s guest is John Clark. John Clark was the general manager of the Boys Scouts of America and he’s here to talk about what it took to be successful leading these organizations. Success leaves clues and today we are looking for all the clues that John’s successful career left behind.

John’s favorite quote is a Teddy Roosevelt quote that says, “A job that’s worth doing is worth doing well.”

 

Show Highlights:

  • Failure is the inability to meet our goals.
  • Success can look different at different points in your career.
  • Being happy with what you are doing is a key factor in your success.
  • Relying on God to help make tough decisions and handle tough circumstances is key.
  • If you can figure out what keeps people awake at night and then solve that problem, you will have unlimited income.
  • Setting goals will help improve your performance.
  • When we have success, you always have success habits that were implemented to make it happen.
  • Knowing how to set and manage goals individually and as a team is critical to success.
  • You can’t achieve success completely on your own. You have to have a winning team around you and achieve the goals together.
  • Sometimes to be a good leader it just means that you get out in front of your team and run faster.

 

Connect with Jody on Twitter: @jodynholland

1