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In this moving episode, we sit down with Vonna — a woman whose story embodies the spirit of resilience, healing, and hope. From walking through deeply painful seasons to discovering renewed purpose, Vonna shares her powerful testimony of what it means to go from simply surviving… to truly thriving.

What You’ll Hear:

• How Vonna found strength in the midst of loss and uncertainty

• The role faith and community played in her transformation

• What it looks like to rebuild your identity after life falls apart

• Encouragement for anyone feeling stuck, forgotten, or broken

Why It Matters:
Vonna’s journey reminds us that healing isn’t always linear — but with courage, support, and a faithful God, it is possible. Her vulnerability will inspire you to believe again, hope again, and take the next step toward your own thriving.

Tim’s hotel room seemed extra dark at night. What if he got up at night and slipped and fell because he couldn’t see? But when Tim did get up, he was surprised to see a bright light shining from underneath the bed—lighting his path. A motion sensor had activated it. The light only worked, however, if he got up and started to walk.

The Bible says we’re to walk with intent in God’s light. As Paul told the new believers in Jesus at Ephesus, “Follow God’s example . . . and walk in the way of love” (Ephesians 5:1-2). But what does it look like to walk that way?

First, as we step into Christ’s loving light, we turn from our sins—immorality, impurity, idolatry, and coveting. “Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness,” Paul said, “but rather expose them” (v. 11). In the city of Ephesus, where pagan worship thrived, the apostle’s words would direct the new believers there. “At one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light” (v. 8 esv). He added, “The fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth.” So, “find out what pleases the Lord” (vv. 9-10).

The benefit? The light of Jesus “will shine on you” (v. 14), lighting your path. “Look carefully then how you walk,” Paul concluded (v. 15 esv). Walking confidently in Christ’s light, we’ll bless others as we point them to Him—the source of true Light.

Click here to receive today's free gift on the Radio Page: 

Breaking the Bonds of Fear – A great resource for those who suffer from fear, stress, and anxiety. Take courage, and learn what the Bible says about a different type of fear: “fear of the Lord.” Use the coupon code: RADIOGIFT for free shipping!

*Limit one copy per person*

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Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.

Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.

Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.

During the wilderness wanderings there came a wonderful moment.  God had instructed Moses to build a tabernacle in which he would dwell.  Once the project was complete, the majestic cloud, which had hovered above them, descended from on high and entered the holy place.  From that moment on every child of Israel could point to the tabernacle and say, “God is in there.”

Gesture to your heart and say, “God is in here.”  On the day you decided to follow Jesus, an unseen miracle occurred.  The Holy Spirit descended from the heavens, ever spinning until the moment the motion stopped directly over your body.  He took up residence within you.  He turned your heart into his tabernacle.  “Don’t you know that you yourselves are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in your midst?” (1 Corinthians 3:16 NIV).

Read more Help Is Here

For more inspirational messages please visit Max Lucado.

When you’re tempted to stop moving forward, there are a few key strategies that will keep you going — and John Maxwell is sharing those strategies in this episode!

After his lesson, Mark Cole and Chris Robinson sit down to discuss what John has talked about and help you practically apply it to your life and leadership. 

Key takeaways: 

• Busyness without productivity is an early sign of complacency. 

• Go expose yourself to bigger, better, faster people. 

• A goal that does not stretch you is not a worthy goal. 

Our BONUS resource for this episode is the Strategies to Stop Complacency Worksheet, which includes fill-in-the-blank notes from John’s teaching. You can download the worksheet by visiting MaxwellPodcast.com/StopComplacency and clicking “Download the Bonus Resource.” 

Take the next step in your growth journey and become a Maxwell Leadership Certified Team Member.

After a late summer thunderstorm ripped through our city, we had to deal with tree damage to our house plus a major cleanup of our leaf-and-branch-strewn yard. As I spent the following day dealing with the damage and the tree debris, I tried to humor myself by repeating: “We don’t have any trees!” It’s true. Other than three tiny, three-foot-tall pines, we don’t have them. Yet I spend considerable time cleaning up after storms or falling leaves due to neighbors’ trees.

Neighbors. How do we interact with them—even when something they’ve done or grown or said bothers us? Scripture is clear on this: it states “love your neighbor as yourself” nine times—including Leviticus 19:18; Matthew 19:19, Mark 12:31, Galatians 5:14, and James 2:8. In fact, this is the second greatest commandment God has given us. The first is “Love the Lord your God with all your heart . . . soul . . . strength [and] mind” (Luke 10:27). One of the keys to showing love to neighbors is how we interact with them. James explained this by saying, “Be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry” (1:19).

This isn’t always easy. It goes against our nature. Yet loving our neighbor is to be our first response. As God helps us, Let’s shine Jesus’ light of love on those who share life with us—our neighbors.

As the summer of leadership series wraps up, we’re diving deep into one of today’s most urgent leadership challenges: effectively leading Gen Z. This special bonus episode features an exclusive conversation between Jenni Catron and Zach Meerkreebs, a seasoned pastor who has walked alongside Gen Z students during their formative college years. Zach brings a unique, frontline perspective on what it truly takes to engage, empower, and inspire this emerging generation in the workplace.

Why does leading Gen Z challenge everything seasoned leaders thought they knew? Because this generation operates with a fresh mix of authenticity, high expectations, and a corrective spirit that’s reshaping organizational culture. Zach unpacks the “why” behind Gen Z’s motivations and the “how” executive leaders can create space for their voices, foster their growth, and cultivate a thriving multigenerational team.

In this conversation, you’ll learn:

• The defining values and leadership styles of Gen Z that every leader needs to understand
• How empathy and consecrated curiosity can transform your approach to coaching and feedback
• Why paying the “leadership tax” for younger team members is an investment, not a cost
• How to set clear expectations while honoring authenticity and a hunger for meaningful impact
• Real-world insights from Zach’s experience shepherding Gen Z through a powerful moment of revival and transformation in college ministry

About Zach Meerkreebs:
Zach is a pastor, leadership coach, and author who has dedicated his career to developing leaders and mentoring Gen Z students. Most recently, Zach led a historic spiritual movement at Asbury University, engaging tens of thousands of young people in a powerful awakening. His new book, Lower: How Humility Shapes Leaders and Transforms Culture, explores the role of humility as a leadership superpower in today’s complex world.

Where to connect with Zach & learn more:

• Grab Zach’s book Lower to dive deeper into leadership and humility
• Follow Zach on social media for ongoing leadership insights and encouragement. (Instagram)
• Visit the Barnabas Collective, Zach’s nonprofit focused on leader renewal and growth

If you’re leading Gen Z on your team — or preparing to — this episode is an essential listen. Let Jenni and Zach guide you through the challenges and opportunities of stewarding this next generation of leaders with clarity, confidence, and heart.

We need your help to get the LeadCulture podcasts in front of more leaders! There are three simple things you can do that truly help us:

1. Review us on Apple podcasts
2. Subscribe - we’re available wherever you listen to podcasts.
3. Share - let your friends know about the podcast by sharing your favorite episode on social media!

In today’s fast-paced world, Christian leaders are often caught on the “ministry hamster wheel”—spinning endlessly with meetings, sermons, crises, and expectations. But what if the most radical, missional act we could take isn't to do more, but to slow down?

In this episode, Pete Scazzero calls us to break free from the cycle of overload and distraction by embracing a countercultural rhythm of life rooted in Jesus. Drawing from personal experience and church history, Pete shows how slowing down is not self-care—it’s spiritual resistance. It’s leadership. It’s mission.

This is the first episode in a new series on the 8 Marks of an Emotionally Healthy Culture, beginning with the most foundational mark: Slowing down to be with God before doing for Him.

If you’re longing for a church culture marked by peace instead of anxiety, depth instead of shallowness, and prayerful leadership instead of constant reaction—this episode is for you.

In our Revival Series opener, Zach Meerkreeb shares the backstory of the Asbury Outpouring sparked by his sermon, which didn't go particularly well. 

He explores Gen Z's unique spiritual awakening,...

Read the whole entry... »

Hear Joni's thoughts on fear in this video.

Also, click here to receive today's free gift on the Radio Page: 

Breaking the Bonds of Fear – A great resource for those who suffer from fear, stress, and anxiety. Take courage, and learn what the Bible says about a different type of fear: “fear of the Lord.” Use the coupon code: RADIOGIFT for free shipping!

*Limit one copy per person*

--------

Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.

Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.

Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.