Walking with the Savior - Testimonies of Jesus Christ in Christian Lives

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What happens when God asks you to leave behind a successful career and step into the unknown? In this inspiring episode of Walking With the Savior, John Merrill Kirkman welcomes Kirk and Marianne Leininger as they share the remarkable story of leaving a thriving medical practice, selling their dream home, and accepting a senior mission call that changed their lives forever.

What began as an office assignment quickly became an unexpected opportunity to lead and strengthen a French-speaking branch. From miraculous Facebook referrals and helping refugees, to teaching and baptizing a man from Libya and witnessing him attend the Houston Temple, they reveal how consecration, simple promptings, and trusting Jesus Christ opened doors they never could have imagined. Their testimony reminds us that when we place the Savior first, He leads us to miracles beyond our expectations.

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#WalkingWithTheSavior #JesusChrist #ChristianPodcast #FaithJourney #SeniorMission #MissionaryLife #Consecration #FollowJesus #Miracles #FrenchBranch #HoustonTexasMission #TempleBlessings #BookOfMormon #Refugees #ServeOthers #DivinePromptings #FaithInAction #LDSPodcast #SpiritualGrowth #WalkWithChrist

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On this episode of Walking With the Savior, John Merrill Kirkman welcomes entrepreneur, author, and former Utah gubernatorial candidate Jeff Burningham to discuss his thought-provoking book, The Last Book Written by a Human: Becoming Wise in the Age of AI. Together they explore how artificial intelligence is rapidly changing our world—and why wisdom, presence, and Christlike love are becoming more valuable than ever.

Jeff explains that while AI is making intelligence increasingly accessible, true human flourishing comes through qualities machines cannot replicate: vulnerability, compassion, relationships, and embodied love. John and Jeff also discuss the attention economy, social media's role in creating division, and Jesus Christ's invitation to seek the kingdom of God within. Their conversation encourages listeners to pursue inner healing, choose unity over polarization, love others including those with whom they may disagree,  and keep their focus on the Savior rather than the distractions of an increasingly digital world.

Order Jeff's book below:
https://www.jeffburningham.com/book/

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00:00 Welcome and Guest Intro
00:44 Meet Jeff Burningham
01:45 Last Book by a Human
03:17 Intelligence Versus Wisdom
05:01 Vulnerability and Success
07:40 Defining Success as Presence
09:41 AI Distraction and Division
13:12 Kingdom Within You
15:12 Embodying Love Daily
18:30 Youre Awesome Challenge
21:13 Divine Unity Explained
22:51 Book Theme Human vs Machine
24:30 Pain as Wake Up Call
25:32 Judgment Day for Humanity
27:04 Stop Dividing Each Other
29:29 Politics Without Contempt
31:07 Loving LGBTQ Family
33:43 Christ Over Checklists
36:14 Healing Trauma in the Body
38:19 Heart Game Not IQ
39:35 Jesus as the Way
41:28 Final Blessing and Wrap
43:06 Rapid Fire Promo Questions
43:20 Presence Love and Legacy

#JesusChrist #ArtificialIntelligence #AI #Faith #Christianity #WalkingWithTheSavior #HumanFlourishing #Wisdom #Technology #JeffBurningham #GodsLove #SpiritualGrowth #ChristianLeadership #InnerHealing #Presence #RelationshipWithJesus #FaithAndTechnology #BiblicalWisdom #KingdomOfGod #WalkWithJesus

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Have you ever felt like the very place you go for healing is where you get hurt the most? In this powerful episode of Walking with the Savior, Ava Bentley shares her raw and honest journey of serving a mission while navigating severe mental health challenges and unexpected church hurt. Her story is a beautiful reminder that even when people let us down, the Savior never does.

Ava opens up about her lifelong battle with ADHD, OCD, and depression, and how a profound experience with the Book of Mormon at age 15 gave her the hope she needed to keep going. She takes us through the highs and lows of her missionary service, from the excitement of her call to the painful reality of personality clashes and leadership struggles. Despite being sent home earlier than she anticipated, Ava discovered a deeper, more resilient relationship with Jesus Christ that changed her life forever.

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Chapters
0:00 Intro and meeting Ava Bentley
3:15 Early struggles with mental health and ADHD
7:45 Finding hope through the Book of Mormon
11:30 The decision to serve a mission despite sensory issues
15:20 A miraculous interview with the Bishop
19:40 Entering the mission field and meeting her trainer
24:10 Being judged for her personality and style
28:50 The struggle to be understood by mission leaders
32:15 Feeling broken and hitting rock bottom
36:40 Dealing with hurtful comments from companions
41:00 Finding strength in Christ during lonely moments
45:30 Understanding the Atonement and forgiveness
49:15 Reaching out to past companions to heal
53:45 Navigating difficult mission leadership and returning home
58:20 Meeting her husband and processing the mission experience
1:02:10 Separating the people from the Savior
1:04:30 Final testimony on the love of Jesus

If this story touched your heart or helped you feel less alone in your struggles, please subscribe to the channel and share this video with a friend. We would love to hear your thoughts in the comments below.

#Faith #MentalHealth #JesusChrist #ChurchHurt #LDS

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Can Christians Take Medication and Still Have Strong Faith?

On this episode of Walking With the Savior, John Merrill Kirkman welcomes Christian author and pastor Joshua Kohl to discuss his powerful new book, Still Faithful: When Prayer Meets Prescription. Josh shares his deeply personal journey through depression, ADHD, OCD, shame, addiction, and the difficult road to understanding that trusting God and seeking medical treatment are not opposing choices.

After believing he had been miraculously healed, Josh stopped taking his medication, a decision that led to years of emotional instability, hidden struggles with pornography, alcohol, strip clubs, and an affair. With the support of his wife and a renewed relationship with Jesus Christ, he returned to treatment, rediscovered his identity through the Gospel of John, and found lasting hope. Together, John and Josh explore why mental illness is a real illness, why medication can be an act of faith rather than fear, and why no struggle can separate us from the love of Christ or disqualify us from serving Him.

Order Joshua's book now at the link below:
https://a.co/d/0ezonALD

Follow Joshua at:
https://www.facebook.com/joshua.kohl


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00:00 Welcome and Guest Intro
00:28 Still Faithful Big Questions
02:54 Diagnosis and Hidden Struggles
03:55 Lies About Worth and Ministry
05:40 Prayer Culture and Shame
07:54 Quitting Meds and Rollercoaster
08:57 Micro Addictions and Dopamine Chase
11:36 Belonging and Hitting Bottom
14:59 Marriage Wake Up Call
17:10 Clarity Through Medication and Scripture
19:01 Finding Identity in John
21:18 Peter’s Calling Turning Point
21:59 How Jesus Sees You
23:24 Is Jesus Real
25:24 Faith And Medication
28:28 Blacksmith In The Fire
31:02 Not Disqualified
33:14 Healing Looks Different
34:52 Peter Still Himself
38:53 Mental Illness Is Illness
40:17 Youre Awesome Mission
43:07 Final Blessing And Book

#JesusChrist #MentalHealth #ChristianMentalHealth #Faith #Christianity #WalkingWithTheSavior #DepressionRecovery #Anxiety #ADHD #OCD #IdentityInChrist #Healing #GodsLove #Prayer #PrescriptionMedication #HopeInChrist #ChristianTestimony #OvercomingAddiction #SpiritualGrowth #WalkWithJesus

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On this episode of Walking with the Savior, host John interviews leadership trainer and career coach Dustin Peterson, author of Meant for More, about discovering a unique, God-given life purpose. Dustin shares his longtime struggle to find purpose, explains why he believes everyone has a specific purpose, and distinguishes purpose (outward-focused contribution) from goals (often self-focused and short-term), using examples and analogies. 

They discuss the “purpose deficit,” how purpose fuels motivation, resilience, and wellbeing, and why retirement without purpose can feel empty. Dustin teaches how to craft a memorable purpose statement in 10 words or less and helps John refine his own. They also address helping teenagers find purpose through forward-looking questions and connect purpose to Jesus Christ’s teachings to love God and others.

Dustin Peterson's book is available now on Amazon.
https://www.amazon.com/Meant-More-Waking-Life-Were/dp/1462150438

Learn more about Dustin at:
https://dustinpeterson.org/

Learn more about Cedar Fort Publishing:
https://www.cedarfort.com/

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00:00 Welcome and Tacos
01:56 Meet Dustin and His Book
04:58 Why Purpose Matters
06:56 Extrinsic vs Intrinsic Drive
09:40 Do You Have a Unique Purpose
11:45 The Purpose Deficit
13:26 Purpose vs Goals Explained
20:29 Purpose Outcomes and Power
23:28 Purpose Statement in 3 Words
25:49 10 Words or Less Rule
28:20 Crafting John's Purpose Live
30:22 Ten Word Purpose
32:48 Book Title Teaser
33:56 Journey Map Exercise
35:40 Purpose Questions Youth
38:14 Eulogy Vision Resilience
42:33 Purpose And Risk Choices
43:51 Turning To Jesus
48:28 Scripture Study Listening
50:09 Jonah Fear And Action
56:11 Purpose Statements Examples
58:04 Rapid Fire Wrap Up
01:01:33 Final Blessing Outro

#Purpose #LifePurpose #FindingPurpose #GodsPurpose #JesusChrist #Faith #Christianity #WalkingWithTheSavior #PersonalGrowth #Leadership #LeadershipDevelopment #CareerCoaching #PurposeDrivenLife #Motivation #Resilience #PersonalDevelopment #MeaningfulLife #GoalSetting #TeenDevelopment #SpiritualGrowth

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In this episode of Walking With the Savior, the John Kirkman interviews author and leadership consultant Roger Connors about his book Healing the Wounded Heart: Forgiving One Another Through the Enabling Power of Jesus Christ. Connors explains a key misconception: divine forgiveness is conditional on repentance, while brotherly forgiveness is unconditional, and confusing the two leads people to wait for apologies or restitution.

He discusses why the our savior commands forgiving all, how trusting Christ as the perfect judge helps release the burden of resentment, and why forgiveness is a process that can come in a decisive moment through the Savior’s power.

The conversation explores reconciliation as the ultimate goal, the mental and physical costs of unforgiveness, developing a forgiving nature, forgiving oneself, and becoming a peacemaker.

Roger Connors book is available for preorder now with the book releasing July 1 on Amazon.

Link to order below:
https://a.co/d/0j8i5WX0

Learn more about Cedar Fort Publishing:
https://www.cedarfort.com/

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Email John: [email protected]

00:00 Welcome and Guest Intro
00:57 Roger Connors Background
02:05 Why Write This Book
03:46 Two Types of Forgiveness
05:26 Why Forgiveness Matters
07:37 How to Actually Forgive
08:37 Trusting Christs Atonement
12:44 Reconciliation and Healing
15:52 Stories of Forgiveness Moments
21:41 Rest and the Pickleball Reset
24:51 Forgiveness Research and Empathy
27:27 Mental Health Models
28:54 Bitterness Hurts Health
30:12 The 25 Pound Metaphor
32:04 Marriage Forgiveness Exercise
35:17 Pickleball Grudge Lesson
37:01 Building A Forgiving Nature
39:51 Revenge Versus Vengeance
41:07 Choosing Not To Offend
45:07 Decision To Forgive
47:02 Forgiveness Is A Process
48:39 Forgiving Yourself Too
50:20 Peacemakers In Families
53:32 Proof You Truly Forgave
55:23 Book Release And Farewell

#WalkingWithTheSavior #JohnKirkman #RogerConnors #HealingTheWoundedHeart #Forgiveness #JesusChrist #ChristianPodcast #FaithInChrist #ChristianLiving #HealingTheHeart #ForgiveOneAnother #EnablingPowerOfJesusChrist #Reconciliation #Peacemaker #OvercomingResentment #ChristianAuthor #SpiritualGrowth #SelfForgiveness #ChristianLeadership #GospelPrinciples

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Have you ever felt betrayed by the people you trusted most in your faith community? It can be devastating when the place meant for healing becomes a source of pain, but there is a way to find total reliance on God even in the middle of a storm. Join us for a powerful conversation about finding strength and maintaining your faith when life feels impossible.

In this episode of the Walk with the Savior podcast, we are joined by Donna Strong, author of the book Trust: Total Reliance Under Stressful Times. Donna shares the incredible legacy of her family’s faith, starting with her parents' heartbreaking journey through five miscarriages and the miracle of her own birth. We dive deep into the difficult and often taboo topic of church hurt, discussing how to stay grounded in your relationship with Christ when religious leaders or communities let you down through false accusations and broken trust.

Donna reminds us that while people are imperfect and the church can sometimes feel like a hospital for the broken, God remains faithful. We explore the powerful connection between our personal struggles and the journey Jesus took to Calvary, highlighting the fact that even the Savior experienced religious betrayal and hurt from those who should have supported him. This episode is a must-watch for anyone looking to rebuild their faith, find the power of forgiveness, or discover peace during a season of intense stress and uncertainty.

Buy Donna's book at the link below:

https://www.amazon.com/TRUST-Total-Reliance-Under-Stressful/dp/B0FPVRRJPL

Follow Donna at:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/125708704687168/user/717392237/

Listen to the song My Legacy by Nail Print:

https://youtu.be/UsXXjznarqo?si=2u9sIH8PwB-i4gKk

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Email John: [email protected]

Chapters

0:00 The real reason we go to church
1:45 Introducing Donna Strong and her book Trust
3:30 A story of five miscarriages and a miracle birth
6:15 Answered prayers and childhood healing
8:45 Facing false accusations and church hurt
11:15 Keeping faith when people let you down
13:30 Jesus and the ultimate example of trust
15:01 Conclusion

If this message spoke to you today, please give this video a thumbs up and subscribe to the channel for more inspiring interviews and spiritual encouragement. We would love to hear your own stories of finding trust in difficult times in the comments below!

#faith #trustgod #churchhurt #christianity #hope

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Have you ever felt small in a room full of important people? In this heartfelt episode, John Merrill Kirkman shares a powerful experience from an unforgettable wedding reception filled with community leaders, influential people, and excitement about who might walk through the door next. While standing in the crowd, John had a profound realization about the Second Coming of Jesus Christ.

Drawing on Christ's comparison of Himself as the Bridegroom and His followers as the bride, John shares a beautiful perspective: when the Savior returns, He won't be focused on the famous, influential, or well-known. He'll be looking for you. To Jesus Christ, you are not lost in the crowd. You are known, loved, remembered, and eagerly anticipated. This uplifting message is a reminder that no matter how ordinary you may feel, you are extraordinary to Him.

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 #WalkingWithTheSavior #JesusChrist #SecondComing #ChristianPodcast #Faith #HopeInChrist #BrideOfChrist #SpiritualGrowth #DailyDevotional #ChristianEncouragement #RelationshipWithJesus #GodsLove #FaithJourney #BibleTeaching #ChristianMotivation #JesusIsComing #KnowYourWorth #IdentityInChrist #Savior #YouAreKnown 

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Ever feel like you've hit your limit? Like your battery is stuck at 1% and there's nothing left to give? In this encouraging episode, John Merrill Kirkman shares a powerful truth from 2 Corinthians 12:9: God's strength shows up strongest when we feel weakest. What feels like the end of the road may actually be the beginning of a divine plot twist.

When life gets heavy, Christ doesn't show up with condemnation or a demand to "try harder." Instead, He offers grace, strength, and the reminder that His power is made perfect in our weakness. If you're tired, overwhelmed, discouraged, or ready to quit, this message will remind you that your breaking point may be the exact place where God begins His greatest work in your life.

Visit Our Website: https://walkingwiththesavior.com/episodes/

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 #WalkingWithTheSavior #JesusChrist #ChristianPodcast #Faith #HopeInChrist #GodsGrace #StrengthInChrist #ChristianEncouragement #DailyDevotional #SpiritualGrowth #FaithJourney #BibleStudy #2Corinthians12 #TrustGod #GodsStrength #OvercomingChallenges #ChristianMotivation #NeverGiveUp #RelationshipWithJesus #InspirationalMessage 

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Ever feel like everyone else has life figured out while you're just spinning in circles? In this playful and heartfelt devotional, John Merrill Kirkman shares the story of "Ducky" a little duck who feels out of place in a big, busy river. Through this simple analogy, John reminds us of a profound truth found in Deuteronomy 7: God sees you as special, chosen, and deeply loved.

No matter how tangled, discouraged, or imperfect your journey feels, the Lord knows your name and reaches out with a mighty hand to rescue, strengthen, and redeem. This message is a reminder that your worth is not based on perfection or comparison. You are loved by God just as you are, and the Savior is still guiding you forward one step—or paddle—at a time.

Visit Our Website: https://walkingwiththesavior.com/episodes/

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https://www.buzzsprout.com/2620328

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 #WalkingWithTheSavior #JesusChrist #ChristianPodcast #GodsLove #Chosen #Faith #SpiritualGrowth #DailyDevotional #HopeInChrist #FaithJourney #ChristianEncouragement #IdentityInChrist #YouAreLoved #RelationshipWithJesus #BibleStudy #Deuteronomy7 #ChristianMotivation #Grace #NotAlone #YouAreAwesome 

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