Are you stuck in frustration, wondering why growth feels so hard? This week, Fr. Ronald Rolheiser joins us to uncover the hard truth about maturity: it often leads us into the wilderness. But here’s the good news—those wilderness seasons can purify your faith, dismantle harmful self-sufficiency, and transform your emotional and spiritual health.

In this episode, we’ll discuss:

• Why maturity requires us to let go of control.
• How mystery becomes our greatest ally in navigating life’s challenges.
• The role of disillusionment in spiritual growth.
• What bitterness does to our emotional and spiritual health—and how to break free.
• Fr. Rolheiser’s reflections on life, faith, and wisdom from nearly 80 years of experience.

This conversation will inspire and equip you with the tools to embrace your wilderness season and experience breakthrough in your faith journey.

Episode Links

• Show Notes
• Buy my NEW BOOK "Healing What You Can't Erase" here!
• Invite me to speak at your church or event.
• Connect with me @WINTODAYChris on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube.

This week, it's you and me. We’re unpacking how bitterness, cynicism, and unresolved pain can trap us in a cycle of frustration and blindness to God’s work in our lives. Drawing from Luke 4 and Mark 6, we’ll explore how the condition of your heart affects your ability to heal and mature. If you’re feeling stuck, weighed down by offense, or questioning why breakthrough feels out of reach, this conversation will give you practical tools and biblical wisdom to take the next step toward transformation. And I want to start our series here, because, in the weeks that follow, I want you to receive from our guests with an open mind and heart, unencumbered by issues like bitterness, cynicism, and unresolved disappointment.

🎙️ Joining us this month in our series: Father Ronald Rolheiser, Tyler Staton, Loren Covarrubias, and Jenn Johnson from Bethel Music.

Episode Links

• Show Notes
• Buy my NEW BOOK "Healing What You Can't Erase" here!
• Invite me to speak at your church or event.
• Connect with me @WINTODAYChris on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube.

Hey friends, happy new year! I'm excited to share that coming to the podcast this week and running for the next several weeks is Formed, our annual series on spiritual formation. This week, I'm kicking off the series with a teaching on "How a Hardened Heart Blocks Healing and Maturity." Next week, Father Ronald Rolheiser joins us to discuss "Why Maturity Leads Us Into the Wilderness and Dismantles Self-Sufficiency." In two weeks, Tyler Staton teaches us how to lose the illusion of control. On January 22, one of my heroes, Pastor Loren Covarrubias joins us to talk about how to develop spiritual perception and why few believers pursue maturity. And on January 29, Jenn Johnson from Bethel Music joins us to talk about the value of worship in our formation journeys. No doubt, this will be a powerful series. See you on Wednesday, January 1, 2025.

This week, we delve into the hidden forces shaping our world. Veteran journalist Rod Dreher, author of "Live Not by Lies," joins us to discuss the dangers of soft totalitarianism disguised as niceness and comfort. We'll explore censorship, the silencing of dissent, emotional fragility, and the impact of secularism and therapy on our spiritual lives. This conversation is a deep dive into the complex issues affecting our mental, emotional, and spiritual health.

Episode Links

• Show Notes
• Buy my NEW BOOK "Healing What You Can't Erase" here!
• Invite me to speak at your church or event.
• Connect with me @WINTODAYChris on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube.

This week, we delve into a profound exploration of the power of words and the resilience of the human spirit. Joining us is Stephanie Duncan Smith, a gifted writer and editor who has a unique perspective on the complexities of faith and human experience. We’ll discuss the often-overlooked power of language to shape our souls and the importance of embracing uncertainty. Stephanie will share insights on finding peace amidst life's storms, and how to navigate the challenging terrain of grief and loss, particularly during the holiday season. Whether you're seeking solace, inspiration, or simply a deeper understanding of the human condition, this episode is for you.

Episode Links

• Show Notes
• Buy my NEW BOOK "Healing What You Can't Erase" here!
• Invite me to speak at your church or event.
• Connect with me @WINTODAYChris on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube.

This week, we're diving deep into the human experience with the incredible Bob Goff. In this episode, Bob will teach us how to live a more fulfilling life by exploring the power of virtue in a world often consumed by negativity. You'll also learn how to transcend the limitations of ego and embrace a life of authenticity and connection. We'll uncover the secrets to living with accuracy, a principle that can transform your relationships and your overall well-being. Whether you're seeking inspiration, practical advice, or simply a moment of reflection, this episode offers a wealth of wisdom from one of the world's most inspiring thought leaders.

Episode Links

• Show Notes
• Buy my NEW BOOK "Healing What You Can't Erase" here!
• Invite me to speak at your church or event.
• Connect with me @WINTODAYChris on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube.

This week, Strahan Coleman, part of the teaching team at Practicing the Way joins us. In this episode, we'll explore the insidious ways we've commodified God, the impact of Western liberalism on our spiritual lives, and the profound longing for an authentic connection with God. Strahan will guide us on a journey to unhinge our souls from the lie of abandonment and rediscover our deepest desire for God. Whether you're a seasoned believer or just beginning your journey, this episode offers invaluable insights and practical tools to deepen your spiritual formation and maturity.

Episode Links

• Show Notes
• Buy my NEW BOOK "Healing What You Can't Erase" here!
• Invite me to speak at your church or event.
• Connect with me @WINTODAYChris on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube.

This week, we're diving deep with the renowned NY Times Bestselling author, Mark Batterson. We'll explore the intricate relationship between faith and culture, delving into the dangers of cultural relativism and the importance of grounding our beliefs in timeless truth. Mark will challenge us to rethink our understanding of self-creation and instead embrace a theology of dignity. We'll discuss how a diminished view of God can negatively impact our mental health and how a robust faith can offer profound healing and restoration. Join us as we navigate these complex issues with Mark Batterson, a thought leader who blends theological insight with practical wisdom.

Episode Links

• Show Notes
• Buy my NEW BOOK "Healing What You Can't Erase" here!
• Invite me to speak at your church or event.
• Connect with me @WINTODAYChris on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube.

This week, we're joined by Rich Villodas, the Brooklyn-born lead pastor of New Life Fellowship and a key speaker for Emotionally Healthy Discipleship. Rich will be discussing how depersonalization, deception, and division are shaping our souls in a culture of contempt, how to honor people we don't respect, how to know if our souls are in danger, and the false images of God we often construct. Rich is a passionate advocate for emotional health and spiritual growth. He has a unique ability to connect with people from all walks of life and to challenge them to live authentic, fulfilling lives. I'm excited to have him here for the conversation to share his insights and wisdom with us. It's a great conversation.

Episode Links

• Show Notes
• Buy my NEW BOOK "Healing What You Can't Erase" here!
• Invite me to speak at your church or event.
• Connect with me @WINTODAYChris on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube.

This week, we're joined by Chad Veach, founder and lead pastor of ZOE Church in Los Angeles, California. In this episode, we'll discuss the inflection point when self-care becomes selfish. We'll also talk about the prevalence of biblical illiteracy in an age of narcissism, and how complaining can sabotage our futures and the foundations of insecurity. This is an important conversation to have, especially in today's world where mental health is often overlooked.

Episode Links

• Show Notes
• Buy my NEW BOOK "Healing What You Can't Erase" here!
• Invite me to speak at your church or event.
• Connect with me @WINTODAYChris on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube.