We are starting the New Year off right by focusing on the basics of health and wellness. This week, we are covering the essentials of exercise. I brought the fun with me today since I am joined by my husband, John. Together, we are going to lay the foundation of why exercise is important, and how you can prioritize these good habits in your everyday life. It’s time to rip up all of our excuses and make exercise one of your goals for the New Year.

In this episode, I am going to give you my Top 5 Reasons Exercise should be your priority. There are so many reasons to exercise beyond losing weight, and I know it will absolutely change your life. You can do it! I want to see all of us achieve our physical goals together. Let’s make 2018 the year you change your life for the better. I will show you how.

More to learn in this episode:

• My least favorite excuse for not exercising.
• Exercise is important because it helps you control your weight.
• What consistent exercise looks like in your daily life.
• Alternatives to running and exercises that will get your heart rate in the fat burning zone.
• Stories from John and I about how exercise improved our moods tremendously.
• Exercise improves your sleep.
• Improve your relationships through exercise.
• There is a long list of medical conditions that can be prevented with exercise.
• My New Year’s challenge to the Are You Real listeners!
• Where to start when you don’t know where to begin.

Resources

To find out how to work with me on your physical fitness goals:

Are You Real

Certain songs seem to take the church by storm. Some songs are capable of captivating the hearts of the global church, sending chills up your spine and Truth right to your soul. Right now “The Cross Has The Final Word,” is that thought-provoking song.  It has definitely been an incredible tool that God has used to bring his presence to believers across the world. Today, I am thrilled to get to talk to Cody Carnes. He wrote “The Cross Has The Final Word,” but before that success, he depended on God and his timing to shape his music career. Beyond being a worship leader, musician, and songwriter, he is also married to fellow Christian artist, Kari Jobe. If you spend much time in the Christian music world, you’ll know about Cody!

Today, Cody is going to walk us through his creative process. It all depends on encounters with God, and the Spirit leading him to the right words. He’ll share how he developed his unique sound for “The Darker the Night, the Brighter the Morning” by allowing worlds to collide. You will also get some unique insights into what it’s like to be on tour with an equally talented wife! What is so encouraging about Cody is that he focuses on the sound that he specifically needs to make. Cody’s encouragement to all creators to step out into their own unique territory.  Cody is a young guy on the rise within worship culture, but he humbly thanks God for the words and the music to steward.

Creators can rejoice that God has given us all a unique creative gift. You don’t want to miss out on all the creative inspiration in this week’s episode!

More in this episode:

• Cody shares all about his life, his family, and his lifelong love of music.
• Waiting for God’s timing was the key to Cody’s success.
• Cody shares his process behind “The Cross Has The Final Word.”
• Write out of encounters with God.
• Keeping songs at that encounter experience can be challenging.
• Nobody is creating worship music like Cody!
• Hear what it’s like to have a musical family touring on the road.
• Cody wants to do as much live music as he can.

Links:

@CodyCarnes

Cody Carnes

As we are learning together how to be real and authentic in our faith, the biggest setback for so many Christians is our identity crisis. The rest of the world seems to have clued in on the crisis as well. The church’s largest criticism is hypocrisy and inauthenticity that non-believers see within our congregations. How can we begin to change that narrative? It will start by changing how we view our identity. 

Last week was all about how to be an apostle of Luke 10, walking in the authority of Jesus. Today we will continue that conversation with examples from the Old and New Testament. We can look to Moses, Paul, and the apostles to show us where our identity should be rooted—in God alone. When our identity is rooted in our Creator, we cannot help but reflect his goodness and character. The result is an authenticity that the rest of the world longs for. We can share the hope and salvation of Jesus by our very acts of faith. The key to a deep community of believers and a changed society around us starts with reclaiming our identity.

Let’s learn how we can be linked together by the Holy Spirit, and rooted in our identity in God.

More in this episode:

• I give you my therapist’s perspective on our identity crisis.
• Let’s talk about the Fruit of the Spirit.
• People are drawn to authentic love and peace.
• When we know our Savior, we know ourselves.
• Lessons we can learn from the apostles and Moses.
• We are empowered by the Holy Spirit alone.
• Use the Biblical example set before us to change our church culture.

If you want to live your most authentic life on mission for God, you have to be willing to listen to the call to “go.” I am sitting down with a guy today who took God’s call on his life very seriously. As a result, he has developed an intimate relationship with his Creator and weathered hardship and setbacks with hope and incredible faith. I know you will not be disappointed by my interview with Jonathan Parnell. He is a father first, but he has been using his gifts to pastor a church in the Twin Cities, as well as publish his amazing book, Never Settle For Normal. Along with his pastoral ministry, Jonathan was a long time contributor to John Piper’s Desiring God content ministry. He is definitely a man of many talents, and each is being used to serve God in an authentic way.

Today, Jonathan will share how he knew he was called to be a pastor since he was 17. God called on Jonathan to take some scary leaps of faith, but with each act of obedience, God showed up in a big way. With every step he takes, Jonathan is always asking God for a deeper desire for Him, even if that means going down the hard road. You will hear stories of grief, stories with unexpected endings, and stories of a man who is humbly serving in exactly the place he was meant to be. When God told Jonathan to “go,” he went, no questions asked. Now, his authentic faith is evident to anyone who speaks with him.

Dive in and hear what it can be like to live a life filled with faith and trust!

More in this episode:

• Jonathan shares all about his wife and 7 kids.
• The journey behind Jonathan’s book and the Desiring God ministry.
• How Jonathan managed to survive a crazy brain injury.
• Hear all about the decision to transfer to seminary and become a pastor.
• Biblical inspiration from Paul and Abraham to “go.”
• Learn what the Bible says about seeking pleasure.
• Stories of times that God showed up in a mighty way.
• How we can have hope that God is with us.
• The importance of obedience in our lives.
• Jonathan shares his love for his wife and his people.
• Using your personality profile to help in your ministry.
• Memorizing scripture has been a huge influence on Jonathan as a pastor.
• Read the Word of God!

Resources:

Never Settle For Normal:  https://www.amazon.com/Never-Settle-Normal-Significance-Happiness/dp/1601429061

Twitter: @JonathanParnell

http://www.jonathanparnell.com/

Do you want to learn how to grow your business to bless others? Good, you’ve come to the right place. I want to help my listeners take practical steps towards accomplishing their big ideas. Why? When you go out there and make money, you are not only serving your family, but you can also bless others and glorify God. Yes, God can use your business to do big things. I want you to have the tools to go out there confidently. 

Today, let’s talk entrepreneurship. It takes a lot of faith and guts to start your own business. These days, anyone can throw up a website and start a new venture, but what separates you from the pack is that you are going to take decisive action. I have a four step process that will take some of the fear and guesswork out of taking this step into entrepreneurship. Step 1: Get yourself a creative idea. 2: Evaluate your risk before stepping headlong. Step 3: Make a basic plan to get you started. Step 4: Act on your plan. 

See how simple it is to start your own business? Of course, when you see it written out in four steps, it seems a bit oversimplified. In this episode, I will break down each of these steps to show you the intention and skills that are required to do each one well. If you work ahead of the plan to get your business into shape, you’ll be able to breathe a bit. You are already honing your resources to do well in business, and then turn around and bless others. Being an entrepreneur is definitely special, and I want you to succeed. Let me show you how! 

More in this episode: 

• You have to have an idea to be an entrepreneur. 
• I share my start in the insurance industry that launched me on my path. 
• Learn to look at problems from a new angle. 
• Ask God to talk to you in your dreams.
• What makes a good mastermind group?
• Have someone give feedback on your creative idea. 
• Get real about your risk and risk tolerance.
• You only need a basic plan to get started. 
• You have a plan, now do it! 
• Get your momentum and inspire others to greatness. 
• Don’t be afraid of failure.

Resources:

My E-Course

https://www.michaelpmcintyre.com/

Positive relationships are the best way to build up your success. No matter what your goals in life might be, you will always succeed with the right people by your side. I can’t think of a single person who embodies this principle more than Four Price. By day, Four is a Trust Advisor and VP for Amarillo National Bank, the largest Family-owned bank in the Nation. His other job is a seat serving in the Texas House of Representatives for District 87. While serving the public, Four knows that he must always be searching for the right perspective on some of Texas’ weightiest concerns. No matter if a session has been good or bad, Four manages to accomplish whatever goal he sets before him with the power of perspective.

Listen this week as Four shares his best practices for developing these positive relationships. He will also discuss the importance of family, his passions in life, and the seriousness of commitment. Our interview today will be just the inspiration you need to tackle whatever challenges might lie ahead. Stick to your people, and you’ll always find success.

More in this episode:

• Four shares his definition of success.
• Hear all about the recent successful House session, as well as the not-so-good ones.
• Relationships are the source of wisdom that Four depends upon.
• Four is candid about the things that concern him.
• Our children are the source of our greatest joy and greatest worry.
• Learn the habits that have set Four up for success
• Keep your trust. Your credibility is a huge asset.

Links and Resources:

Twitter: @FourPriceTX

www.fourprice.org

I believe the church is having an identity crisis. The reason: because we, God’s people, are having an identity crisis. My name is Christy Austin, and my heart is to link together the people of God with the Spirit of God. Here on Are You Real: Linked, I want to bring to you the Truth from God’s word so that we can root ourselves in our faith and grow the church from the inside out. 

Here’s the key question: Where do you find your identity? Is it in your job, marital status, hobbies, or political viewpoint? Why do we spend so much of our lives chasing after identity, only to come up short again and again? It’s because we are looking in the wrong places. In the very first episode of Are You Real: Linked, I want to show you how to stop chasing your life’s worth outside of your faith and start seeing your identity as God sees it. 

Let’s learn together what the Bible says about our community. The only way to truly find our identity, and by extension, the church’s is to be linked with the Holy Spirit. Let’s reconnect ourselves to the Spirit so that we can then reconnect with one another. Today, I break down a familiar passage from Luke 10 that exemplifies how the early church rooted their identity in what truly matters. The challenge is a large one, but the solution is right in front of us. Let’s tune into what the Holy Spirit is teaching us—together. 

Show Highlights:

• I share my story and my journey to finding authentic faith. 
• When we are in the Holy Spirit, there is no distance from God or from one another. 
• Each voice in the Are You Real Podcast in authentic and real. 
• Churches are not growing anymore. 
• It is time for us to leave the church building and go into our communities.
• We want to link together to heal and restore hope to the people around us. 
• Media is a huge way we can shift our culture. 
• Lessons from Luke 10. 
• Let’s break down the word “sent.” 
• Identity is the image of the one sending us. Jesus gives us our identity. 

Have you ever thought about what it would look like to have authentic faith? So many of our heroes from the Bible lived their lives with a faithful authenticity that feels impossible to imitate in this day and age. We are here to tell you that you can have that kind of faith, and we are going to show you how.

This is Are You Real: Linked, hosted by Christy Austin. Christy is a Licensed Therapist and Ministry leader who is passionate about helping her community live authentically. In today’s intro interview, Christy is going to share about her heart for this podcast, you, our listener, and the church in America. Rather than just being another voice amongst many, Christy wants to give you practical steps you can take to become an undercover revivalist in your community.

If you are prepared to strengthen your faith alongside an experienced and compassionate ministry worker, look no further than Are You Real: Linked. This is the start of something great for you!

More in this episode:

• Christy shares all about her work and ministry in authenticity.
• How depression and anxiety are linked up with are spiritual being.
• Christy is most excited about the Are You Real Team.
• Let’s learn and get linked together to be authentic in our community.
• Why it is so important to be the change we want to see.
• Your main weekly takeaways and teachings.
• Christy’s biggest challenges to overcome.
• Staying in the voice of the Holy Spirit.
• Learn some interesting tidbits about Christy.
• Listen for a chance to get a free copy of John’s book!

Links:

Instagram @AreYouRealPod

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/areyoureal/

Welcome to the first episode of Are You Real: Fit, where I, Kasey Fuller, bring to you not just the basics of a healthy lifestyle, but also a spiritual approach to health and wellness. I can’t think of a better way to launch a podcast dedicated to wellness than to talk about sleep. We all have different reactions when we think of sleep. Some of us can’t remember the last time we got a good night’s rest. Some of us couldn’t possibly think of functioning without it. Today, I want to break down the science behind why a good night’s sleep is important, and celebrate all the good it does for your body.

In the second half of the show, I had the chance to interview Dr. Tina Hay. Her fascination with sleep began with her childhood as a dreamer. Now, she helps us understand our bodies and sleep from a Scriptural point of view. She is a doctor specializing in sleep, but what makes her work unique is that she wants to deepen our understanding of the spiritual aspect of sleep. Have you taken a moment to think about the spiritual side of sleep? We will discuss why sleep is important for your spirituality, and think about God’s perspective on all of this.

There is a lot to learn in this episode. Hopefully, it will inspire you to do what it takes to get the rest your body and your spirit needs!

Show Highlights: 

• Brain health and the benefits of a good night’s sleep.
• Sleep curbs inflammation and boosts creativity.
• Boosting performance physically and mentally with a healthy sleep pattern.
• Mentally prepare your mind for sleep.
• Learn all about the spiritual side of sleep.
• Dr. Tina is passionate about teaching others about God’s design for sleep.
• What does Scripture say about sleep?
• What we can do to pay more attention and tune into our sleep habits.
• God uses dreams to speak to his people.

Resources

Living Life By Design

On Are You Real: Creative, I want to connect with creative individuals from every discipline and perspective. God has given us the ability to create, and we as believers can build one another up in that gift. Each guest I interview on the show will share how he or she uses creativity to worship God. I choose each guest specifically for their ability to encourage all of you listening.

My very first guest is none other than my own brother, Zach Dietz. Zach is a songwriter, musician, worship leader, and incredible father. I am fortunate to have a brother like Zach. He and I have been inspiring one another in music since we were very small. Today, however, I ask for the practical ways in which he has grown as a songwriter. Zach will share with you his unique perspective that sets his music apart from the rest. The ministry he does as the worship leader of Evergreen Church is truly inspiring.

Zach brings about a purity and simplicity to songwriting that I know you will all want to know about. His passion for the local church reminds me that our creativity is meant to bless others in the present, and will glorify God for eternity. He is worthy of our worship, and Zach will show you today how to write songs with excellence. Listen to this episode for a powerful, Spirit-filled journey to making wonderful worship music.

More in this episode:

• Zach gives us the rundown of who he is and what he is involved in.
• Learn why Zach has just now hit his stride as a songwriter.
• Key takeaways for you if you are interested in writing songs.
• Why it is important to sing and worship.
• Thinking outside the box is the key to Zach’s success.
• Zach teaches others everything he knows about producing and writing music.
• Using the “Rule of Three” in songwriting.
• Finding where the presence of God is in a song.
• Zach shares what he thinks is different from what everyone else is doing.
• Influence and the local v. global church.

Instagram and Twitter @EvergreenMusic_

Instagram and Twitter @ZachDietz

Here at Are You Real, we believe that God has given us the gift of creativity. How can we utilize our creative gifts to glorify our Creator? That is the main idea behind Are You Real: Creative hosted by Matt Deitz. Creativity, especially in music, is an unlimited force that is impossible to deny. We want to explore all the ways in which music and creativity are constantly revealing God’s character.

Your host, Matt, is a multitalented, passionate musician who knows we are all image bearers of the Highest. He wants to encourage us in new creative expressions, rather than creating copies. A fresh expression is key! Learn how Matt is going to breathe new life into fresh creativity and celebrate the unique individuals who have been creating in the image of God. We want to give them a voice and a platform to share what they do so well.

We are all creators. Matt wants to show you how to express what God has given you!

More in this episode:

• All about Matt’s life and his plans for the show.
• We have a capacity to relay a partial expression of the image of God.
• Music will never end because it is such an important expression of God’s fullness.
• Matt’s perspective on Christian music and his keen ear to the leading of the Holy Spirit.
• We need fresh creativity.
• The world is missing what we have to offer.
• This podcast will encourage you to grow in excellence.
• We are all creators. Use it!
• Submitting purpose to position is difficult, and there is an art to it.
• Learning from the story of Joseph.
• If we can see the end, we can see the process.
• Learn how to support the show in the future.

The new year is almost here, and I know you probably have in mind all of your health and fitness goals and resolutions for 2018. Lucky for you, we will be rolling out Are You Real: Fitness in 2018, hosted by my wife, Kasey Fuller. Today’s interview with Kasey is a pre-launch to give you a little taste of what to expect from our fitness edition of the Are You Real podcast!

Kasey is an experienced personal trainer and online teacher. She believes that health and fitness go more than body deep. Kasey is all about a balanced lifestyle that nurtures both body and soul. I know you are going to benefit from all her wisdom and experience, and I can’t wait to bring that knowledge to your ears in 2018. Listen for just a taste of what’s to come, and get excited about living your best, healthiest life in the New Year!

More in this episode:

• Kasey is a personal trainer, and she wants to bring her experience to your ears.
• It is important to shift your focus to be successful in fitness.
• Kasey is most excited about the spiritual aspect of being healthy and whole.
• Mindset is a huge part of working out well.
• Women sometimes feel overwhelmed, so Kasey is here to help.
• Weeding through the fads and trends in the health and fitness world.
• What Kasey wants you most to know!
• Kasey’s personal challenge in the new year.

Link with us online:

Facebook!

Instagram @AreYouRealPod

Michael McIntyre is one of the most enthusiastic, go-getting, money-producers out there today. He loves people, loves business, and loves Jesus. He’s part of our team and our new platform that launches in January. We are building a unified body to go and change the world together!

What you’ll hear in this episode:

• Michael’s path: the USAF, then the insurance business and the development of marketing and sales strategies
• How Michael helped build over 200 millionaires, wrote a book, and then surrendered to Jesus 10 years ago
• Michael’s other companies and his work as a coach for Christian entrepreneurs
• Bringing business ideas to the Christian community
• Addressing the myths about Christians in business
• What Michael is most excited about with our new program: Building a custom program that people can use
• Main takeaways for listeners, including how to deal with debt and advertising
• Michael’s biggest challenge for 2018? Saying NO!
• The biggest challenge for the world in 2018? The geopolitical circumstances, from Main St. to Wall St.
• Why Michael has no New Year’s resolutions, just goals, including developing a Netflix show about his training
• Something you don’t know about Michael: He would love to do stand-up comedy!
• What we hope to accomplish through the new show that launches in January:
  • Being a different kind of show
  • Helping your bank account
  • Helping you to be a Christian leader in the marketplace
  • Tackling controversial issues

Resources:

www.michaelpmcintyre.com Check out Michael’s brand new e-course!

We’ve got a bunch of new things coming at you very soon, and I am pumped? In order to get you just as excited as I am for all the new content, I am interviewing all our new hosts. Today, I get the chance to sit down with Jody Holland, author, psychologist, and a creator of success. Jody and I have done several interviews together, but I still approach this interview with the same amount of curiosity and enthusiasm as I do all the others. Jody is a superhero of mine, who is about to graduate with a Master’s Degree and has authored several incredible books. He is the real deal when it comes to making your dreams a reality. After this episode, you’ll understand why.

Jody isn’t limited by fixed mindsets or lofty dreams. His understanding of the human mind combined with his genuine love of people are the perfect blending of skills that I need to launch Are You Real: Success. Jody is going to introduce to us some of his hopes and dreams for this podcast, as well as some of his personal goals for the rest of the year. You don’t want to miss out on this!

More in this episode:

• Jody is taking the Are You Real: Success show. Here why he’s the absolute best fit.
• Jody is most excited about educating you about how you can truly be successful.
• What Are You Real: Success is all about for Jody.
• Jody and I share all about what we love about West Texas.
• Jody’s personal biggest challenge to overcome in the new year.
• Get your growth-mindset on for your resolutions this new year.
• Jody shares his passion for reshaping your mind and getting rid of failure.

Links:

Follow us on Social Media for exclusive content and giveaways.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/areyoureal/

Twitter: @AreYouRealPod

Calling all Christian writers! Have you been thinking that you have some worthy words to share with the world? Has God been opening doors to help you spread his wisdom to others through writing? Well, what’s next? Lucky for you, my next guest has a lot of advice and inspiration for you on your journey. Not a writer? My guest can still speak some incredible truth for finding your purpose.

Bethany Jett is a published author, blogger, owner of two businesses, mother of three, and a Military wife. If that sounds like a full plate, you’re not wrong! What I love about Bethany is that she simply embraces her full life. She knows that every success and every opportunity is a gift from God. Nothing is taken for granted, and everything is a chance to use your gifts to the glory of God. Today, Bethany and I will talk about the strengths that got her where she wanted to be, and the opportunity to bring her ministry to the world of writing and marketing.

Do you need the courage to take a leap of faith? Bethany can get you there! You don’t want to miss out on our conversation today.

More in this episode:

• Bethany shares a little about her passions and purpose lined up.
• How Bethany connects people with Serious Writer Inc.
• Hear how Bethany went from not knowing she wanted to be a writer, to attending a writing conference on a scholarship!
• Words of wisdom for those who want to write a book.
• The major shift in Bethany’s life that helped her launch her connections business.
• How to stop doubting your abilities.
• Let’s talk strengths and weaknesses.
• Working in ministry v. a secular job.
• How Bethany has been hearing from God lately from fortune cookies.
• Daily habits that help Bethany navigate the world.

Resources:

Bethany’s Book: http://www.bethanyjett.com/

Serious Writer Inc.

http://www.seriouswriter.com/

Serious Writer Academy

http://www.seriouswriteracademy.com/

Book Recommendations:

The Thank You Economy by Gary Vaynerchuck 

Bringing Up Boys

Developing the Leader Within You

Let’s talk business! In a special edition of the Are You Real podcast, I wanted to take a step back from our usual topic of “purpose” and dive into a different arena. If I am going to take advice from anyone, especially business advice, I would want it from someone who’s proof is undeniable. That is why I have my guest Michael McIntyre with me today. His company has made Billions in sales, so I’m inclined to believe the advice Michael has for those of us looking to steward our businesses well.

Listen this week as Michael and I discuss beginning our business on a shoestring budget, our spiritual calling in business, and other details to get your business off the ground. Whether you are starting with $100 or $10,000, Michael and I are going to share the practices and habits that have allowed our businesses to flourish. Along the way, we will show you how being successful in business and growing in your faith are one in the same. We as Christians have a huge capacity to celebrate our faith in how we conduct ourselves in the workplace. God listens when his children ask, so let’s ask God to bless our business!

More in this episode:

• Michael shares the 30,000-foot view of his business.
• What do you need to get started with business?
• Setting up shop: what makes your website really stand out.
• Bookkeeping suggestions, and
• How can a Christian leverage their calling within their business.
• Michael shares how he first began to put God into his business.
• 2 Examples of what God in the workplace doesn’t
• Our businesses do not belong to us; they belong to God.
• Forgiveness and business.
• What type of mentor should you be looking for?
• There is information out there to grow in knowledge.
• Being respectful of time.
• 10 Things that Require 0 Talent.
• Changing your attitude to determine your altitude.
• How to hire out for the business aspects you aren’t the best out when you’re scrapped for cash.
• How you can help the podcast grow.

Resources:

Michael’s Website

https://www.michaelpmcintyre.com/

The Traveller’s Gift

The Power of Positive Thinking

Do you believe that God has uniquely gifted you to bring about his glorious kingdom on earth? What’s holding you back? Whether it is fear, insecurity, mental illness, or environmental pressures, we face so many challenges on our way to discovering God’s will for our lives. Yet, His will is the thing we most long for. Today, I want to bring to you the story of someone who has faced truly difficult seasons of suffering, but came out the other end clinging to calling.

Rebekah Lyons is an author of two books, a mother to three, wife to one, and dog walker of two from Nashville. Rebekah likes to think of herself as an old soul who is always asking the big questions. She uses her gift of words to write about hardship: about becoming a first-time mom to a child with Downs Syndrome, struggling with her own mental health, inexplicable encounters with the Holy Spirit, and loving on the sick and lonely.

Rebekah’s story is one filled with ample grace and overflowing wisdom. I was lucky to get the chance to talk to her about everything and anything. She truly does have a gift for words, so be prepared for a Truth bomb or two. The good kind, I assure you!

More in this episode:

• Rebekah openly shares how she stumbled across her meaning and struggled with her “unraveling.”
• Speaking out against shame and other unsavory ways mental health is treated in the church.
• The Spirit of God is working in amazing ways.
• The difference between a life of surrender and a life of purpose.
• Rebekah shares her perspective on the “Upside Down Kingdom.”
• Advice for living in the present in God’s Will.

Connect with Rebekah Online

http://www.rebekahlyons.com/

Have you ever heard the voice of God? That sounds like something we can’t touch—oh that only happens in the Old Testament! Perhaps not so much with burning bushes and pillars of light, but what about a whisper? Each of us has so much to offer the world because of the blessings and gifts that God has given us, but for many, we haven’t learned to listen for the still small whisper of God’s will and direction for our lives. Let’s stop shouting at God for answers, and start listening.          

Today I am super excited because my guest is definitely a divine appointment. I have with me today Mark Batterson, a New York Times Bestselling Author, Pastor of National Community Church, and a true family man. He believes pastoring in the DC area is his real calling, but so is writing. We are pumped to dive into his new book, Whisper, as well as his journey to finding his purpose. In Whisper, Mark explains how we can understand the Languages of God to understand our place in God’s Kingdom. This is such a needed discussion in this day and age, and I know you will be blessed by the knowledge Mark has to share.

Dive in today with more from Mark:

• Mark shares how he truly found his calling as a minister.
• With so many spheres of influence, we can go into a mission field by making incredible things.
• God is the loudest voice in your life, which is how Whisper came to be.
• Mark shares his story of first hearing God’s whisper.
• Whisper talks about the 7 Languages of God. Mark shares how he landed on those 7.
• Let’s talk about desires. How do we sort out our selfish ambitions and the God-given desires?
• We talk about the incredibly fun “Goosebumps Test.”
• What are the misconceptions about prophetic ministry? How can we combat them?

Resources:

Connect with Mark Online

https://www.markbatterson.com/

@MarkBatterson on Twitter and Instagram

Are you feeling like you’ve lost sight of your purpose? Do you doubt that God has a plan for you because of your past? Today, I want you to know that you are not alone. You haven’t made a mistake too big, and you haven’t walked too far away for God to love you and use you for his purpose. I can’t think of anyone better to bring that truth home to you today than this week’s guest, Liz Curtis Higgs.

 Liz is a speaker and writer who is passionate about bringing God’s Truth to women (and men!) all over the country. Liz is a Bestselling author who has written 28 books, her most recent being 31 Proverbs to Light Your Path. In each, she uses her gift of words to show God’s grace and truth towards us, and she knows a thing or two about grace! A self-proclaimed “Former Bad Girl,” Liz was saved by the power of the Holy Spirit. She became hungry to know God and eager to teach truth to others. I know you will be inspired by her journey to discovering God’s special plan for her.

Show Highlights:

• We dive right into the amazing book of Proverbs.
• Liz shares how her testimony led to a calling as a speaker.
• What was the worst speaking engagement ever? Listen to hear the story!
• When one door closes, God will always open another.
• What do you do when God is less than clear about His will for you?
• Liz shares her strengths and her shortcomings with refreshing honesty.
• Advice for speakers and writers wanting to build up their business.

Resources

http://www.lizcurtishiggs.com/

When you picture God, who do you think of? For many, God is like an all-powerful Gandalf figure ready to pass judgment with a wave of his magic staff.  God is either an Old Testament God of justice or an uncaring, distant figure. Since many people in our culture today have such a skewed perspective on God’s character, I wanted to reach out to a professional on the subject to see what wisdom he might have to bring to the table.

Meet Pastor Brian Zahnd of the Word Of Life Church, a member of the Jesus Movement and author of six books. Brian made a change at 45 where he came out of “pop Christianity” and into a more authentic faith. He returned to the Church Fathers, to philosophy, and to his passion for Jesus. Brain went on a long fast and then read as much as he possibly could about Christianity. Sinners in the Hands of a Loving God is Brain’s newest book, and today we wanted to pick apart why he wrote it, and how it can change your life. God is a loving Father! Take that encouragement and run with it today.

More in this episode:

• Brian’s journey to a real, authentic personal faith.
• Brian shares the books and writers that helped him change his perspective.
• The moment in Brian’s life that changed everything.
• What is our problem with hell? What can we do to change it?
• Examples of Scripture where sacrifice, forgiveness, and love come together.
• We are all on a journey to discover the true living God.
• How do you view your heavenly Father?
• The future for the church in America.

Resources

Connect with Brian online: https://brianzahnd.com/

What are some things you struggle with in life? Do you have them in your mind? Now, would you be able to tell people about those struggles? Many people will say no, a few will say yes. Today, our guest Matt Carter, member of the post-punk/hardcore band Emery and host of The BadChristian Podcast, will be talking with your very own Jon Fuller about this sensitive topic, among other things. Listen to this episode of Are You Real to learn more about Matt and hear what he has to say about many topics.

What you’ll hear in this episode:

• What led Matt to start his podcast
• Where Matt got the idea to name his podcast BadChristian
• How Christianity can sometimes look/be “fake”
• Challenges that God has brought Matt through in his life
• Matt’s biggest strengths and weaknesses
• What Matt feels God has in store for him
• How Matt genuinely loves people
• What advice Matt would give his younger self
• Advice to you from Matt

 Links:

Resources:

Are You Real

Bad Christian

Have you ever started out in one place and ended up somewhere completely different? Maybe it was with a job, or a project you were working on. Dr. Leelo Bush has been there, and she is here on the show to talk to ROAR Nation about it today. She started out studying Christian Counseling and ended up starting the PCCCA. Tune into this episode of Are You Real to learn more about Dr. Bush and her journey.

What you’ll hear in this episode:

• A little bit about Dr. Bush’s past and present
• How Dr. Bush’s journey to coaching
• Challenges Dr. Bush had to face as an entrepreneur
• How Dr. Bush got through those challenges
• What made Dr. Bush realize she wasn’t made to work for someone else
• Bush’s biggest strengths and weaknesses
• What God is doing with and inside of Dr. Bush right now
• A little bit about Essential Oils and what they do for you
• Personal habits that have brought Dr. Bush closer to the Lord
• What Dr. Bush would tell her younger self
• “Parting” advice from Dr. Bush

Resources:

Are You Real

PCCCA

AADP

Selling the Invisible by Harry Beckwith

Essential Oil Academy

What comes first in your life? Is it your work? Is it your time with the Lord? Today, the special guest on the show is Kasey Fuller, Jon’s wife. The couple is talking about managing your time and prioritizing your life so that God and your relationships come first. Listen to the 70th episode to learn more!

What you’ll hear in this episode:

• How Jon and Kasey make things work in their marriage/relationship
• What prioritizing your life looks like
• How to maintain relationships with other people and the Lord
• Difficulties in parenting and how Jon and Kasey deal with them
• Main stresses and how the Fullers get through that 
• How to deal with people who are less organized that can get in the way of your routine 
• Stressors that a lot of women deal with 
• The difference between hard working and working yourself too hard

Resources:

Are You Real 

Fit Marriage 

Have you ever gone through a time where everything just feels so dark? In those times, it is difficult not to ask why God has left you, but you are right where he wants you at all times. God has a plan from all of us. Today’s guest, Michael McGreevy, has been in a place like that too, but, with God’s help, he climbed out of that hole and is now coaching other men in similar situations. Listen to this episode to learn more about Michael and his journey.

What you'll hear in this episode:

• A little bit about Michael and what he does
• Hard times that Michael had to go through
• How God led Michael out of these trials
• How little things that someone says or does can change your life
• What to do when and after you find your purpose
• Michael’s biggest strengths and weaknesses
• What Michael is working on now
• What Michael would tell his younger self
• Parting advice from Michael

Resources:

Are You Real

McGreevy Leadership

The True Measure of a Man by Richard E. Simmons

Who is that one person in your life who has always stuck by you? Be it man or woman, everyone needs a spiritual friend and father who will guide us and even just to sit and talk with. In many peoples lives, that person is Phil Dowdy, our special guest on the show today. This episode will focus on Phil as he tells us about himself and the journey God has brought him on throughout his life. 

What you'll hear in this episode:

• The many steps that led Phil to ministry 
• What apostolic ministry is and where it is found in the Bible
• Advice for young pastors/people going into ministry 
• Why everyone needs a spiritual father or mother
• What is a spiritual father or mother and what does he/she do?
• How to “get your passion back”
• Phil’s biggest strengths and weaknesses 
• “Parting” advice from Phil

Resources:

Are You Real 

Equipping the Equippers by Jonathan Welton