Cheryl Scruggs
An all new, solo episode of Thriving Beyond Belief, with Cheryl Scruggs!
Jarrett Stephens
enJune 03, 2021
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About this Episode
Welcome back everyone! Today on the Thriving Beyond Belief podcast is our guest, Jarrett Stephens!
A message of hope for an anxious day: God never changes. He is still here and ready to transform our lives. What we must ask is if we are ready to respond to him.
In these turbulent times, many wonder where God is…and why he doesn’t seem to be intervening. Sure, he performed miracles in the Bible, but what about now? What about us? In The Always God: He Hasn’t Changed and You Are Not Forgotten (Jun 1, 2021, Multnomah), Pastor Jarrett Stephens reveals how God is always present, always working, and always faithful.
In The Always God, Jarrett, pastor of Champion Forest Baptist Church in Houston, Texas, gives hope to those who think God has given up on us. It invites us to quiet ourselves and listen to the God who does not change or forget us. Not ever. And that changes everything.
Jarrett asks readers: Do you wonder if God has forgotten you?
He responds,
“I wrote this book for you because I’ve been where you are. As a pastor, I walk with people who are where you are: in the midst of a trial, needing to be reminded that our God is always God and needing to be invited to journey with him to a place of greater assurance and intimacy. Regardless of how things may seem, he is always the same and can always be trusted.”
Jarrett shares moments of his wild and sometimes painful journey, including:
- As a boy, when he was a victim of sex abuse from a little league coach for four years
- When he and his wife lost a child to miscarriage
- The years he prayed for a prodigal brother
- The suffering of a dear friend with cancer
Bringing sound biblical teaching along with comforting guidance, he can help your audience answer such questions as: Is God listening and does he see me? Can I have an unwavering confidence that God is always here and always working? Can I get to a place where, no matter what happens, doubt won’t overtake me?
Jarrett’s prayer is that every reader will discover in a very personal and powerful way just how faithful the always God really is.
Jarrett Stephens is the senior pastor of Champion Forest Baptist Church, in Houston, Texas, one of the largest and most diverse churches in America, and he is the author of The Mountains Are Calling.Previously, he served as a teaching pastor at Prestonwood Baptist Church alongside Dr. Jack Graham. He has a bachelor of arts in biblical studies and psychology from Ouachita Baptist University, a master of divinity from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, and a doctorate of ministry from Liberty Theological Seminary. Jarrett has been featured on The 700 Club, I Am Second and dozens of radio and podcast shows.
“In these pages, you’ll find empathy, wisdom, encouragement, and a thoroughly biblical perspective for times when God seems distant or disinterested. Jarrett Stephens doesn’t flinch as he courageously confronts some of the most nettlesome issues that vex so many followers of Jesus. Whatever you do, don’t miss this journey toward wholeness. Let Jarrett lead you to a place of genuine hope and faith!”
—Lee Strobel, bestselling author of The Case for Christ and The Case for Miracles
Recent Episodes from Thriving Beyond Belief with Cheryl Scruggs
Laura L. Smith
Laura L. Smith is an author who intertwines her personal experiences, biblical truths, and creative practices to address mental health struggles through a faith-based lens. Her latest work emphasizes the importance of self-care as a biblical principle, advocating for a holistic approach that includes therapy, medicine, movement, healthy boundaries, and more. Her book aims to show the depth of Jesus' love in the midst of fear, anxiety, and depression, providing practical tools for mental health care. For more about Laura and her work, you can visit her website.
Related Links:
- WEBSITE: LauraSmithAuthor.com
- INSTAGRAM: @laurasmithauthor
- FACEBOOK: /LauraLSmithAuthor
Carole Holiday: I Don't Know Who I am Anymore
Wonder. Mystery. Awe.
The older I get, the more I value these things. Perhaps because somewhere along the way, life had not gone as planned. There were losses and griefs and new labels like “Divorced” to check off on the forms at the doctor’s office. There were no easy answers for the hard stuff, so I chose to give myself grace as I figured it all out.
I never thought I would be writing a book at the same time that I qualified for Social Security.
I never thought that anyone would pay a dime for anything I had to say.
I never thought a woman with a senior discount would be taken seriously at any place other than the Michael’s checkout register.
Yet, here I am. What are your “never thoughts?”
Love, Carole
Related Links:
- WEBSITE: Carole Holiday
Cheryl Scruggs (Solo Episode)
The first episode of 2024!
- WEBSITE: Jeff & Cheryl Scruggs
- INSTAGRAM: @CherylScruggs
- AMAZON: Book: Thriving Beyond Belief
David Pelzer
In "A Child Called 'It'," author Dave Pelzer recounts a profoundly shocking personal history of childhood mistreatment, marking it as one of the most extreme cases of child abuse recorded in California. The memoir garnered significant attention, staying on the New York Times best-seller list for an extended period and earning a nomination for the Pulitzer Prize.
The narrative begins with Pelzer's early school years, highlighting the onset of abuse by his mentally unstable and alcoholic mother. From first through fifth grade, he endured severe physical, emotional, and psychological abuse. His mother's cruelty escalated to the point of denying his identity, referring to him as "it" rather than his name. The constant abuse nearly led to his death, until intervention by authorities. Despite the harrowing experiences, Pelzer's resolve to survive and his faith were undiminished, driving him to not only overcome these challenges but to share his story with the world.
Born on December 29, 1960, in San Francisco, Pelzer is recognized for his autobiographical and self-help writings. His 1995 memoir reached significant commercial success, staying on The New York Times Best Seller list for numerous years and selling over 1.6 million copies within five years. The publication of this book brought Pelzer widespread fame, though it has also been the subject of debate and skepticism, with some family members and journalists questioning the authenticity of certain events depicted.
Related Links:
- WEBSITE: David James Pelzer
Chuck & Ashley Elliott
Meet Chuck and Ashley Elliott, a dynamic duo in the realm of relationship guidance, active since 2009. Their journey began with Community Marriage Builders, where they honed their skills in conducting both intimate and large-scale workshops. With certifications in eight diverse Psycho-educational programs, the Elliotts specialize in fostering relational triumphs.
Their portfolio includes the creation and instruction of various marriage enrichment programs, and they are passionate advocates for discussing all facets of relationships.
Chuck brings a unique perspective as a pastor at Bethel Church in Evansville, Indiana, enriching lives with spiritual insights. Meanwhile, Ashley's expertise as a counselor at Auxilium Psychological Services is complemented by her academic prowess. She notably led the Psychology and Addictions Counseling Program at Oakland City University for over a decade. There, she developed an impressive array of Psychology courses, engaged in groundbreaking research, and even formulated a unique Communication Theory. This theory, a joint effort with Chuck, has been showcased across numerous universities and business platforms nationwide.
Outside their professional lives, Chuck, Ashley, and their three sons cherish the outdoors with activities like hiking and mountain biking. And let's not forget those rare but memorable family dance parties that add rhythm to their lives!
Related Links:
- WEBSITE: ChuckandAshley.com
- INSTAGRAM: @chuckandashleyelliott
- FACEBOOK: /chuckandashley
- YOUTUBE: Chuck and Ashley
Cheryl Scruggs: Are You Struggling with FEAR? (Solo Episode)
Are you thriving beyond your wildest dreams? Want to do this together? Listen in to this episode and challenge yourself to THRIVE!
In this episode we deal straight up with FEAR!
LINKS:
- WEBSITE: Jeff & Cheryl Scruggs
- INSTAGRAM: @CherylScruggs
- AMAZON: Book: Thriving Beyond Belief
- AUTOGRAPHED COPY: Order here
Cheryl Scruggs: Are You THRIVING? (Solo Episode)
Are you thriving beyond your wildest dreams? Want to do this together? Listen in to this episode and challenge yourself to THRIVE!
- WEBSITE: Jeff & Cheryl Scruggs
- INSTAGRAM: @CherylScruggs
- AMAZON: Book: Thriving Beyond Belief
- AUTOGRAPHED COPY: order here
Kia Stephens
Kia Stephens is a wife (of 19 years) and a mom of two who is literally in the trenches of motherhood. Most days are spent driving her teen and tween around like an overworked and underpaid taxi driver.
A few years ago, however, she acted on her desire to become a writer and created The Father Swap Blog to help women exchange their father wounds for the love of God the father. Five years later she is a contributor for iBelieve and Proverbs 31 Ministries and the host of the Hope For Women With Father Wounds Podcast. Her writing has been featured on Ann Voskamp’s Blog, Christianity Today, Crosswalk, Beloved Women, and Incourage.
GUEST LINKS:
- WEBSITE: Kia Stephens
Sarah Molitor: Well Said
Words matter. Our words matter. And Well Said* explains why they do, how to make the most of them and why doing this can change our lives. Most importantly, Sarah’s practical tips intertwined with personal life stories are grounded in Biblical truth and convey God’s love for each person. Choosing to use our words to speak life allows the Lord to work in ways we never imagined or could dream for ourselves. It’s not easy and it’s not instant but it will be life-challenging and life-changing.
GUEST LINKS:
- WEBSITE: Sarah Molitor
- BOOK: Well SAID