Draw Near

By Fred Shellabarger and Kara KardellReligion & Spirituality Christianity Spirituality

Draw Near episodes

October 15 Self Knowledge: The Four Temperaments
Why are you the way you are? Here's why!! Your temperament may help explain it!
There are actually four classical temperaments: sanguine, choleric, melancholic, and phlegmatic. Each one reveals your natural dispositions that influence how you think, feel, act, and relate to others.
Join Fred and Kara in the second episode of the "Know Yourself" series, as they "get nerdy" and teach on the temperaments. They can help you to know your natural strengths and weaknesses, and even your struggles with certain sins and virtues.
The goal of this series is to continue to grow in holiness and progress in the spiritual life.
Episode 1: Why Self Knowledge Matters in the Christian Life
Click here to TAKE the Temperaments Quiz Today
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1 hr 9 min
September 25Why Self-Knowledge Matters in the Christian Life
What does knowing yourself have to do with following Jesus?
Christian self-knowledge has nothing to do with vanity or obsession with ourselves but about learning to see ourselves truthfully in the light of Christ. The closer we draw to God, the more clearly we begin to recognize both who he created us to be and the places within us that still need his grace.
In this first episode of our series on knowing ourselves, we lay the foundation for the importance of self knowledge. We talk about the difference between our identity and our personality, the danger of self-deception, and why recognizing our weaknesses doesn’t have to lead to shame or discouragement. Instead, honest self-knowledge can become an invitation to deeper freedom and transformation in Christ.
Future Series Themes:
The Important of Knowing Yourself in the Christian Life
The Four Tempraments (How we are wired)
Our Predominant Faults (Where we most need grace)
Spiritual Gifts
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Draw Near Theme © Fred Shellabarger & Kara Kardell
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45 min
July 31 What the Bible Says About Spiritual Warfare
Spiritual warfare is real—but it doesn't have to be confusing or frightening.
In this episode, we open Scripture to explore what God has revealed about the unseen spiritual battle every Christian faces. Together we'll look at who Satan is, how he works through temptation, deception, and accusation, and why we never need to live in fear. Most importantly, we'll discover the overwhelming victory of Jesus Christ, who has conquered sin, death, and the powers of darkness.
Drawing from passages such as Ephesians 6, Matthew 4, Revelation 12, James 4, and many others, we discuss how God equips us to stand firm in faith, resist the devil, put on the armor of God, and live with confidence in Christ's authority and protection.
Whether spiritual warfare is a new topic for you or one you've wrestled with for years, our hope is that this conversation leaves you with greater clarity, deeper peace, and renewed confidence in the One who has already won the battle.
Find the Surrender Journal here: https://www.drawnear.me/shop
Foundational Passages on Spiritual Warfare
The Reality of Spiritual Warfare
The Armor of God
Ephesians 6:10–18Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we are not contending against flesh and blood, but against the principalities, against the powers, against the world rulers of this present darkness, against the spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore take the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having girded your loins with truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having shod your feet with the equipment of the gospel of peace; above all taking the shield of faith, with which you can quench all the flaming darts of the evil one. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. Pray at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints…
Be Watchful
1 Peter 5:8–9Be sober, be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same experience of suffering is required of your brotherhood throughout the world.
Satan Is the Father of LiesJohn 8:44b“… He was a murderer from the beginning, and has nothing to do with the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks according to his own nature, for he is a liar and the father of lies.”
Satan Disguises Himself
2 Corinthians 11:14And no wonder, for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light.
Christ’s Victory
Jesus Defeats Satan in the Wilderness
Matthew 4:1–11Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. And he fasted forty days and forty nights, and afterward he was hungry. And the tempter came and said to him, “If you are the Son of God, command these stones to become loaves of bread.” But he answered, “It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.’” Then the devil took him to the holy city, and set him on the pinnacle of the temple, and said to him, “If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down; for it is written, ‘He will give his angels charge of you,’ And ‘On their hands they will bear you up, lest you strike your foot against a stone.’” Jesus said to him, “Again it is written, ‘You shall not tempt the Lord your God.’” Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain, and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and the glory of them; and he said to him, “All these I will give you, if you will fall down and worship me.” Then Jesus said to him, “Begone, Satan! for it is written, ‘You shall worship the Lord your God and him only shall you serve.’” Then the devil left him, and behold, angels came and ministered to him.
Christ Disarmed the Powers
Colossians 2:13–15And you, who were dead in trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made alive together with him, having forgiven us all our trespasses, having canceled the bond which stood against us with its legal demands; this he set aside, nailing it to the cross. He disarmed the principalities and powers and made a public example of them, triumphing over them in him.
The Son of God Destroyed the Works of the Devil
1 John 3:8bThe reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the works of the devil.
Christ Has All Authority
Matthew 28:18And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me…”
Michael and the DragonRevelation 12:7–12Now war arose in heaven, Michael and his angels fighting against the dragon; and the dragon and his angels fought, but they were defeated and there was no longer any place for them in heaven. And the great dragon was thrown down, that ancient serpent, who is called the Devil and Satan, the deceiver of the whole world—he was thrown down to the earth, and his angels were thrown down with him. And I heard a loud voice in heaven, saying, “Now the salvation and the power and the kingdom of our God and the authority of his Christ have come, for the accuser of our brethren has been thrown down, who accuses them day and night before our God. And they have conquered him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, for they loved not their lives even unto death. Rejoice then, O heaven and you that dwell therein! But woe to you, O earth and sea, for the devil has come down to you in great wrath, because he knows that his time is short!”
The Woman and the Serpent
Genesis 3:15I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your seed and her seed; he shall bruise your head, and you shall bruise his heel.”
Our Response
Resist the Devil
James 4:7–8Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. Draw near to God and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you men of double mind.
The Weapons of the Christian
2 Corinthians 10:3–5For though we live in the world we are not carrying on a worldly war, for the weapons of our warfare are not worldly but have divine power to destroy strongholds. We destroy arguments and every proud obstacle to the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ…
Jesus Sympathizes With Our Weakness
Hebrews 4:14–16Since then we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. For we have not a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sinning. Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.
Do Not Give the Devil an Opportunity
Ephesians 4:26–27Be angry but do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, and give no opportunity to the devil.
Our Protection and Confidence
The Lord Is My Light and Salvation
Psalm 27:1–3The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid? When evildoers assail me, uttering slanders against me, my adversaries and foes, they shall stumble and fall. Though a host encamp against me, my heart shall not fear; though war arise against me, yet I will be confident.
Under His Wings
Psalm 91He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High, who abides in the shadow of the Almighty, will say to the Lord, “My refuge and my fortress; my God, in whom I trust.” For he will deliver you from the snare of the fowler and from the deadly pestilence; he will cover you with his pinions, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness is a shield and buckler. You will not fear the terror of the night, nor the arrow that flies by day, nor the pestilence that stalks in darkness, nor the destruction that wastes at noonday. A thousand may fall at your side, ten thousand at your right hand; but it will not come near you. You will only look with your eyes and see the recompense of the wicked. Because you have made the Lord your refuge, the Most High your habitation, no evil shall befall you, no scourge come near your tent. For he will give his angels charge of you to guard you in all your ways. On their hands they will bear you up, lest you dash your foot against a stone. You will tread on the lion and the adder, the young lion and the serpent you will trample under foot. Because he cleaves to me in love, I will deliver him; I will protect him, because he knows my name. When he calls to me, I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble, I will rescue him and honor him. With long life I will satisfy him, and show him my salvation.
The Lord Protects His People
2 Thessalonians 3:3But the Lord is faithful; he will strengthen you and guard you from evil.
God Provides a Way Out
1 Corinthians 10:13No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your strength, but with the temptation will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.
No Weapon Shall Prosper
Isaiah 54:17“… no weapon that is fashioned against you shall prosper, and you shall confute every tongue that rises against you in judgment. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord and their vindication from me, says the Lord.”
Greater Is He Within You
1 John 4:4Little children, you are of God, and have overcome them; for he who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.
One Final Word**
_
Romans 16:19-20_
**For while your obedience is known to all, so that I rejoice over you, I would have you wise as to what is good and guileless as to what is evil; then the God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.
For reflections, formation, and community, FOLLOW Draw Near on Social Media:
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Like our podcast? Hit that “follow” button and tell your friends. :)
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Who are "Fred and Kara?" Find out by visiting our home page.
Draw Near Theme © Fred Shellabarger & Kara Kardell
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54 min
June 22Fred's Journey to Christ: From Brokenness to Beloved
TRIGGER WARNING! Many people have asked to hear more of Fred's story. In this episode, he opens up about parts of his life he doesn't often share publicly.
This episode of Draw Near contains adult themes; we do not recommend listening in the presence of children.
Through an honest conversation with Kara, Fred reflects on his childhood, the hardships he experienced, and the wounds throughout his early life. He shares why he often says, "I shouldn't be alive," and how there were moments when his future seemed uncertain.
Yet this episode is about far more than suffering or past wounds. Looking back, Fred can now see how Christ was present even in the darkest seasons: through unexpected people, quiet moments of grace, and circumstances that helped lead him toward healing and faith. What once seemed like random events now reveal a story of God's providence and relentless pursuit.
In this episode, we discuss:
Fred's childhood and family experiences
The challenges and wounds that marked his early years
Why he says he "shouldn't be alive"
The lasting impact of suffering and brokenness
Where Christ was present throughout the journey
How God works even when we cannot see Him
The path that eventually led Fred to deeper faith and conversion
Hope for anyone who feels trapped by their past
Whether your story is marked by loss, pain, disappointment, or unanswered questions, this conversation is a reminder that God is never absent. He is often working in ways we cannot yet understand.
As Jesus says in the Parable of the Prodigal Son (and Kara referenced in the episode):
"For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found." (Luke 15:24)
No wound is beyond Christ's reach. No story is beyond redemption.
*Resources Mentioned
*
OCIA curriculum from Ascension: INVITED Webinar
The Surrender Journal
*Listen Next
*
If this episode resonates with you, consider listening to Fred's other testimony episodes, where he shares more about his conversion, his Catholic faith, and the ways God continues to work in his life today.
Fred's First Testimony Episode: From Heathen to Heaven
"Why are you Catholic?" Testimony
For reflections, formation, and community, FOLLOW Draw Near on Social Media: @drawnearbygrace
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Like our podcast? Hit that “follow” button and tell your friends. :)
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Who are "Fred and Kara?" Find out by visiting our home page.
Draw Near Theme © Fred Shellabarger & Kara Kardell
Support Draw Near
1 hr 6 min
May 07 Real Ministry is Personal
Real ministry is not built on polished content... it is built when we are willing to share our very selves.
In this roadside reflection episode, Kara finally shares what Fred and her recent writing project has been (with Ascension Press) and reflects on a personal passage from St. Paul in 1 Thessalonians 2:8–9:
“So, being affectionately desirous of you, we were ready to share with you not only the gospel of God but also our own selves…”
This conversation dives into vulnerability, discipleship, authentic ministry, loving others even when it is difficult, and what it means to hope for others.
Also, the audio quality is a little different this episode. Life and family obligations have made studio recording difficult lately, so I pray this “roadside reflections” is okay! Enjoy some Brother Francis and Veggie Tales in the background.
Follow Draw Near on social media and join us as we continue building a community centered on prayer, authentic faith, discipleship, and drawing near to God and one another.
For reflections, formation, and community, FOLLOW Draw Near by Grace on all Social Media:
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Draw Near Theme © Fred Shellabarger & Kara Kardell
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16 min
March 25 Grafted Into God: The Interior Life of Romans 11
What if being united to God begins with being cut open?
In this episode of Draw Near, we explore Romans 11 and the powerful image of being “grafted” into God. Using the biblical metaphor of the olive tree, St. Paul reveals something profound about the spiritual life: union with God is living, dependent, and deeply transformative.
Grafting is no gentle process. It requires cutting, exposure, and vulnerability before new life can take hold. And the same is true in our relationship with God. He does not simply improve us from the outside; he works within us, cutting away what is hardened so that we can receive his life more fully.
We reflect on how God is the root who sustains us, how we are invited to remain in him, and what it means to bear interior fruit fruit that comes not from our own strength, but from grace. Drawing connections to Ezekiel 36 and the promise of a new heart, this episode invites you to consider how God may be at work in the hidden places of your life; and what areas of your own life have you hardened?
If you’ve ever wrestled with vulnerability, struggled to trust God in the midst of difficulty, or wondered how real transformation actually happens—this conversation is for you.
Like our podcast? Hit that “follow” button and tell your friends. :)
Click here to become a patron! We wouldn't be "Draw Near" without your support!
Who are "Fred and Kara?" Find out by visiting our home page.
Draw Near Theme © Fred Shellabarger & Kara Kardell
Support Draw Near
44 min
March 18 I Arise Today
St. Patrick’s story is one of suffering, conversion, and mission. Enslaved as a teenager, he encountered God in hardship and later returned to Ireland to preach Christ.
This episode reflects on the Lorica of St. Patrick—a powerful prayer of spiritual strength and protection—and its invitation during Lent: to rise each day not by our own strength, but through the strength of the Trinity and the life of Christ.
Rooted in the Cross, surrounded by the communion of saints, and sustained by Christ’s presence, we are reminded: we do not walk alone.
For reflections, formation, and community, FOLLOW Draw Near on Social Media:
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Like our podcast? Hit that “follow” button and tell your friends. :)
Click here to become a patron! We wouldn't be "Draw Near" without your support!
Who are "Fred and Kara?" Find out by visiting our home page.
Draw Near Theme © Fred Shellabarger & Kara Kardell
Support Draw Near
8 min
March 04 Faith & Fatherhood: A Conversation With My Dad
"I sat down with my dad to ask him what he has learned as a fatherhood."
In this special episode of Draw Near, Kara sits down with her dad for an honest and heartfelt conversation about faith and fatherhood.
Together they reflect on what it means to become a father, how faith shapes parenting, what we can learn from our parents and children, and the quiet ways children absorb what their fathers believe. Along the way, there are stories, wisdom earned over time, and yes — a few classic dad jokes.
Whether you are a father, have a father, or are still healing from that relationship, this conversation invites you to consider how earthly fatherhood reflects (imperfectly but beautifully) the heart of God the Father.
Topics include:
• Growing in faith through parenting
• Spiritual leadership in the home
• Lessons learned the hard way
• What children really notice
Psalm 103:13 reminds us:
“As a father pities his children, so the LORD pities those who fear him.” (RSVCE)
We pray this episode strengthens families, encourages dads, and helps all of us draw nearer to the Father who never fails.
For reflections, formation, and community, FOLLOW Draw Near on Social Media:
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Facebook!
Like our podcast? Hit that “follow” button and tell your friends. :)
Click here to become a patron! We wouldn't be "Draw Near" without your support!
Who are "Fred and Kara?" Find out by visiting our home page.
Draw Near Theme © Fred Shellabarger & Kara Kardell
Support Draw Near
43 min
February 18Penance: The Desert Where God Transforms Us
Suffering is where transformation begins! What does that have to do with Lent?
Many of us approach Lent thinking about what we have to give up. But what if Lent isn’t mainly about loss… but about what God wants to build within us?
In this episode, we explore the deeper meaning of penance, suffering, and the desert season of Lent. Why does the Church begin with ashes and words about death? How does penance actually train the heart? And why does every sacrifice ultimately point toward resurrection?
Journal Questions:
Where in my life right now feels like a desert, and how might God be inviting me to encounter Him there rather than escape it?
What comfort, habit, or attachment might God be asking me to surrender so He can build something deeper in me?
If resurrection always follows the cross, what “new life” might God be preparing in me through this season?
For reflections, formation, and community, FOLLOW us on Social Media:
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Facebook!
Like our podcast? Hit that “follow” button and tell your friends. :)
Click here to become a patron! We wouldn't be "Draw Near" without your support!
Who are "Fred and Kara?" Find out by visiting our home page.
Draw Near Theme © Fred Shellabarger & Kara Kardell
Support Draw Near
41 min
February 11 BJ and Kara’s Date Night: The Power of Words in Marriage
BJ and Kara go on a date, and they invite you to listen in.
This week on Draw Near, Kara is joined by a very special guest: her husband, BJ!! Join a recorded at-home date centered on one of the most important (and challenging) aspects of marriage: communication.
The date follows one of the intentional at-home dates from Draw Near's soon-to-be-released marriage resource, Near to You, a collection of ten guided dates designed to help married couples draw nearer to God and to one another at any stage of marriage.
Set at the kitchen table (in sweats, with homemade cocktails), Kara and BJ invite you into a relaxed evening that includes prayer, Scripture, reflection, meaningful conversation, and a goofy game to close the night. Along the way, they talk honestly about how communication styles develop over time, how conflict and silence can affect intimacy, and how words or actions can become instruments of love within marriage.
Whether you’re newly married, years into marriage, or simply curious about building a healthy faith-filled relationship, this episode offers encouragement, honesty, and practical ideas you can bring into your own relationship.
For more information on this resource or to Pre-Order "Near to You" today CLICK HERE!
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Draw Near Theme © Fred Shellabarger & Kara Kardell
Support Draw Near
51 min

About Draw Near

From the publisher's feed

At Draw Near, we explore the beautiful truth that God, out of His deep and personal love for each of us, takes the first step to draw near. But this divine movement calls for a response—a response…