When life is hard or sad, it can feel like joy is out of reach. And when we’re in a really difficult season, the “overflowing joy” spoken of in Scripture can seem impossible to experience. But it’s not true, my friend! We can experience joy in any circumstance and experience it in full. Today’s guest, author and Bible teacher Tara Dew, explains that if you’re willing to take Jesus up on His word, you’ll find that God’s pruning, God’s presence, and God’s commands have the power to deliver a...

Get ready! You are coming with me to a Fresh Grounded Faith event where we’re hanging out with Ann Voskamp, Tammy Trent, and Michael O’Brien. We’re talking about the importance of community, tips for memorizing Scripture, and how to stay on fire for God. Oh, and there’s even a special—and hilarious—call out to all the single ladies. Then we tackle some heavy topics like what to do if you feel anger toward God, how to deal with others who lack empathy for your struggle, and where to turn if...

Do you ever beat yourself up when how you feel doesn’t line up with how you think you should feel? You may be saying, “I shouldn’t feel this way” or “Why does this even bother me?” Well, my friend, there's a reason you feel the way you feel, and those inner tensions don’t have to result in guilt, shame, or being frustrated with yourself. Today on the 4:13, Dr. Alison Cook is back to help you walk through the conflicting thoughts and emotions that leave you confused and feeling defeated....

Life. It seems to move so fast, doesn’t it? Our days are filled with noise, pressing deadlines, and ever-increasing demands. And with all that’s going on in the world, worry and fear easily become our constant companions. So in the middle of all this chaos, is it even possible to experience peace in this world?” Well, good news, my friend! Jesus offers peace because He IS peace. And today’s guest, author and Bible teacher Melissa Spoelstra, reveals how it really is possible to slow down and...

As Christians, we’re instructed to imitate Jesus, right? But is that even possible? Think about it! Jesus was sinless, He performed miracles, and He was God’s beloved Son! So how could we possibly come anywhere close to being like Him? Well, today’s guest, author Cynthia Heald shares how God Himself makes this possible. Through Scripture, she’ll teach you how God shapes our hearts, motivations, and actions so we’re conformed into His likeness. Plus, she shares the biggest myths or...

In a tense and divided cultural climate, is it possible to engage in conversations with others who think differently? And if so, how do you disagree without compromise and be respectful without disregarding your convictions? Whew! This can seem impossible sometimes, right? Well today, Distinguished Professor of Law and Religion John Inazu teaches you how to balance being gracious and kind with being honest when you do have disagreements. Not only will he help you handle interactions with...

Do you want to experience the presence and love of God through every joy and struggle in your life? Do you long to enrich your prayer life and grow closer to God? Well, the psalms can help you do just that. They can guide you into fresh encounters with God, and today’s guest, author Leslie Leyland Fields, is going to show you how. You’ll learn how the psalms invite you to talk with God, and you’ll be inspired when you understand how the living Word of God can affect your whole self—mind,...

God has given you a divine purpose, but sometimes life has this way of beating us down and robbing us of our confidence. So instead of following God’s calling, we’re left paralyzed with feelings of insecurity, doubt, or fear of being unqualified or unworthy. But today, Nancy Gavilanes will help you break free from the chains of doubt and fear so you can live out God’s purpose for your life. She’ll speak directly to your heart, offering hope and encouragement through six transformative truths...

We all have limitations, don’t we? Whether we recognize them or not, they exist and can lead to frustration as we try to meet our goals, chase our dreams, or simply get through the day. It would be so much better if those limits weren’t there at all, right? But what if those areas of your life you resent the most—the places where you feel the most overextended—are actually the doorways to rich intimacy with God? What if your limitations were, in fact, your greatest gift? Well today, you’ll...

Have you ever found yourself in an unexpected season where you’re struggling with uncertainty or an unknown future? Maybe you’re even thinking to yourself—and perhaps saying to God—“This is not what I signed up for!”  Well, on this episode of the 4:13, counselor and Bible teacher Nicole Unice will help you remain faithful in those difficult seasons. Because it’s often in life’s twists, turns, and in-between spaces where God is growing something essential in your soul. So today, Nicole takes...

We often approach the Bible like an instruction manual for living our lives, reading it primarily with ourselves in mind and viewing it through the lens of our current culture. But what if we read Scripture differently—through the Middle Eastern lens in which the Bible was originally written and understood? Well, today’s guest, professor and biblical culturalist Kristi McLelland, highlights the importance of the historical, cultural, geographic, and linguistic contexts of Scripture. She’ll...

All things ever seem to do is change. And just as soon as you get your footing, the ground shifts under you again. So, how can you keep your balance in such a disorienting world? Well, you can start by going to the book of Ecclesiastes! That’s right! Today’s guest, Hannah Anderson, is going to take us on a tour of the ancient book of Ecclesiastes to help us find a solid foundation for when the seasons change. You’ll discover how Ecclesiastes is far more than self-help or good advice. But,...

Whether it’s intentional or not, lots of Christians today call on the Holy Spirit like a cosmic butler there to meet our every need. But when things don't go as hoped, they often wonder if the Holy Spirit is even real or question His purpose if not to give us what we ask for. Well, my friend, it shouldn’t be this way because that’s not who the Holy Spirit is to us! So today, author and pastor Costi Hinn uses clear and sound interpretation of Scripture to clarify who the Holy Spirit is—and...

Have you ever read the whole Bible? How about in just three months? Well, according to today’s guest, author Mary DeMuth, you can supercharge your walk with God by reading the entire Bible—cover to cover—in just 90 days. Now, I know what you’re thinking, but believe me when I say it’s totally doable and has a profound impact. It will transform how you view Scripture, build your confidence in handling the Word of God accurately, and immerse you into a powerful spiritual discipline. So, if...

Today on this very special BONUS episode of the 4:13, the Kendrick Brothers are taking us behind the scenes of their newest film … The Forge! And here’s something exciting… I’ve got both Alex and Stephen Kendrick with me, so this conversation is twice as good, twice as insightful, and twice as fun with two guys I really respect.  As we talk about the movie, you’ll get the inside scoop into the cast, the script, the shoot, and the never-ending editing process. Plus, you’ll be inspired as we...

This wasn’t part of the plan. My story wasn’t supposed to go this way. I didn’t sign up for this. If you’ve ever had these thoughts, chances are your story has shifted in some unexpected way. Well, you aren’t alone, my friend, and God is with you as you go down this new path. Today, author Sarah Frazer will take you through the unexpected plot twists in the story of Moses to help you see that even when your life seems completely derailed, God’s plan still goes forth, His presence always...

Today, you’re coming with me to Fargo, North Dakota for a Fresh Grounded Faith event. I’m sitting at the bistro table with author and speaker Margaret Feinberg and singer-songwriter Michael O’Brien, and we are spilling the beans! We talked about how to get into the habit of meeting with God and the difference between your gifting and your calling. And we also got really honest about how to forgive when you don’t want to or feel like you can’t. Then we dealt with a few hard subjects,...

Think about the way you feel when you see a sunset. Or think about other moments of beauty and peace that capture your heart—moments you sense are offering you a hint of Heaven. And what about the longing you feel when you attend a funeral or experience sorrow? It’s true these moments are meant to point you to eternity, but what if they could do more? What if they could help you live more fully on the way there? Well today, author Amy Baik Lee will invite you to pay attention to those...

Through the killing fields of Vietnam, Winston Bui’s family traveled on foot, by truck, and by a rocket-damaged boat at sea, barely escaping the war that was engulfing their country and threatening to take their father as a political prisoner. Now, decades later, Winston is on the 4:13 to tell his story of God’s rescue and redemption. From a refugee with no country to a redeemed child in God's family with a forever home, Winston shares how his story is just a snapshot of the bigger story of...

You have the best weapon against shame… the Word of God. So today, author Scarlet Hiltibidal is back on the 4:13 to help us move beyond shame to the joy-inducing, peace-producing thrill that comes from a relationship with Jesus. Scarlet will expose the sources of shame, give you scriptural strategies to combat them, and help you live in the light and victory of God’s Word. She’ll also explain the connection between shame and humility, helping you discover the deep, freeing truth that being...

Have you ever been with friends who make you laugh, make you grateful, and just plain make you a better person? Well, I was at a Fresh Grounded Faith event with two friends who do that for me: best-selling author Karen Kingsbury and podcaster extraordinaire, Annie F. Downs. We spilled the beans about dating apps, how to help someone who is struggling with a loss, and how to love the season you’re in. Plus, we shared how to help someone when they’re having a panic attack and how to hold fast...

We’ve been doing a Summer Sizzle around here, which means for the past four weeks, we’ve enjoyed four of the hottest, most shared episodes on the 4:13. And for our final week, we’re taking you back to Episode 40: Can I Overcome Sadness? Because we all find ourselves down in the dumps sometimes, don’t we? And there’s no quick fix for it—it’s not like you can prevent it or talk yourself out of it when it hits. So what do you do when you are just plain sad? Well today, we’ll give you six...

We are in the middle of a Summer Sizzle around here, and we’re so glad you joined us for this five-week throwback to your most shared, hottest episodes on the 4:13! Today, we’re bringing back Episode 37: Can I Show Good Judgment Without Being Judgmental? Because none of us want to be “judgy,” but we do want to show good judgment, right? Well today, you’ll learn some practical ways to use good judgment without being judgmental. We’ll give you four questions to ask yourself to determine if...

It’s hot out there and that means it’s time for another Summer Sizzle episode on the 4:13. We’ve been featuring your most shared episodes, and they’ve been so practical and inspiring. Well today, we’re bringing back Episode 48: “Can I Trust God When Life is Scary?” Because we all face hard things and have to deal with life’s uncertainties. And when we’re hurting, our heads can become cloudy and our hearts so heavy that we feel we can't bear the weight of our next decision. So on this...