July 23-28, 2012

Monday, July 23 – Anne Graham Lotz – Expecting to See Jesus – Today Susie welcomes back author and international speaker Anne Graham Lotz. In a world of severe drought, economic disaster, and a general sense of desperation, we look forward to the day Jesus returns to set things right. We’ll explore Anne’s book, Expecting to See Jesus, and look at holding onto Him in a world that’s lost its way.

Tuesday, July 24 – Susie – World Vision – Today Susie spotlights World Vision on the program! We’ll look at this powerful ministry and discuss how we can get involved through prayer, financial support and more.

Wednesday, July 25 – Susie – World Vision – Today we once again look at the mark and mission of World Vision on the program! We’ll look at this powerful ministry and discuss how we can get involved through prayer, financial support and more.

Thursday, July 26 – Ray Pritchard – Beyond All You Could Ask or Think –The apostle Paul prayed with power, because he prayed with expectation, knowing that it was God Who holds the power. If we truly believed in a powerful, all-knowing, all-loving God, would we not take every large and small concern to Him? Today Susie welcomes Dr. Ray Pritchard back to the show. We’ll talk about his book Beyond All You Could Ask or Think and look at what happens when we pray with full assurance and faith in God.

Friday, July 27 – Kate McCord – In the Land of Blue Burqas – Kate McCord (not her real name) was so moved by the plight of Muslim women that she picked up and moved to Afghanistan to live and minister among them. Today she joins Susie for an engaging and eye-opening discussion about the hunger Muslims have for the true gospel and how we can pray for them. Kate’s book is In the Land of Blue Burqas.

Saturday, July 28 – Paul David Tripp – Eternity in View – Is this all you’re living for? For years, Pastor Paul Tripp understood we were ‘hardwired for forever.’ But he didn’t understand that it was more than a valuable insight. It is a practical tool to help us face the disappointment of everyday life. Today he and Susie will dive into surviving and thriving in the middle of your story, with the final chapter of heaven in view. Instead of embracing the world’s motto—’you only live once’—we unpack the biblical truth of the world as a broken place, longing for a second chance. You’ll be encouraged to relax into the eternal story God is writing for you. Paul’s book is Forever.

July 16-21, 2012

Monday, July 16 – Eric Metaxas – Jesus Hates Dead Religion – Jesus came to die for us and set us free from death, guilt, shame, and dead religion. On Feb. 2 of this year, author Eric Metaxas stood before legislatures, religious leaders, and journalists at the National Prayer Breakfast and courageously said as much. His speech caused a stir both inside and outside the Christian community, and today he joins Susie to unpack his message. Eric’s new book, based on his speech, is titled Jesus Hates Dead Religion.

Tuesday, July 17 – Joanna Weaver (Recorded) – Lazarus, Come Forth – For many of us, moving the truth of God’s love from our heads to our hearts is a lifelong process. As we consider our inadequacies or grieve our shattered dreams, we find it difficult to believe that God cares for us personally. Today Susie and fellow author Joanna Weaver discuss how to embrace the truth that Jesus loves you apart from anything you accomplish, apart from anything you bring. Just as He called Lazarus forth to new life, Jesus wants to free you to live fully in the light of His love, unbound from the graveclothes of fear, regret, and self-condemnation. Love is calling your name. Susie and Joanna invite us to experience a spiritual resurrection that will forever change your understanding of what it means to be the one Jesus loves. Joanna’s book is Lazarus Awakening.

Wednesday, July 18 – Joanne Saxton (Recorded) – More Than Enchanting – Many in the church struggle with the concept of biblical manhood and womanhood. What does it mean to be a man? What are women called to? What does it mean for a woman to be an ezer kenegdo and step into that role with courage and honor? Today Susie and author Joanne Saxton invite women to discover (or rediscover) the gifts and talents that God has vested in them, and more important, the calling He has placed on each of us to seek first the kingdom of God where we are. Joanne’s book is More Than Enchanting.

Thursday, July 19 – Ellen Vaughn (Recorded) – Come and Rest –Today Susie talks with New York Time’s bestselling author Ellen Vaughn about her book, Come and Rest. They’ll encourage those who are emotionally drained, burdened, or spiritually hungry to come and rest in Christ's presence. Listen as they draw us into a deeper connection with God by issuing compelling invitations to come and rest --each an offer for a richer, simpler spiritual life in Christ. In this simplicity, we stop living in black-and-white and begin to enjoy an illuminating life in high-definition color.

Friday, July 20 – Susie Larson – Living the Promised Life – Do you search for and cling to the promises of God in Scripture? Or do you feel as if your life is drifting with nothing to hold on to? Today we’ll once again unpack one of her key messages, Living the Promised Life. We’ll dive into Scripture and uncover God’s many promises as we take your calls. God has given us truths to stand on – tune in this afternoon to find out what they are!

Saturday, July 21 – Matt Brown – The Introverted Evangelist – Christians are called to share their faith with neighbors openly and in various ways. But what if you’re uncomfortable with the idea of being so forward? What happens to Christians who are wired for one-on-one evangelism, or feel too timid to share their faith? Listen in today as Susie talks with evangelist Matt Brown about how to share your faith by recognizing the unique way God has wired you.

July 2-7, 2012

Monday, July 2 – Josh Weidmann – Honest to God – Is hypocrisy eroding your trust in relationships, the church, or even yourself? We long to know there is a God and, yes, a community who is big enough to accept us for who we are and loving enough not to leave us that way. Imagine how our relationships and witness would change if Christians everywhere began to live in a more authentic manner. Today Susie talks with author Josh Weidmann about his new book, Honest to God. We'll examine heroes of the faith who lived with daring, messy honesty before God and others, and see that their example is worth following.

Tuesday, July 3 – Joanne Saxton – More Than Enchanting – Many in the church struggle with the concept of biblical manhood and womanhood. What does it mean to be a man? What are women called to? What does it mean for a woman to be an ezer kenegdo and step into that role with courage and honor? Today Susie and author Joanne Saxton invite women to discover (or rediscover) the gifts and talents that God has vested in them, and more important, the calling He has placed on each of us to seek first the kingdom of God where we are. Joanne’s book is More Than Enchanting.

Wednesday, July 4 – John Morris (Recorded) – Life as a Christ-Follower in the Military – What is it like to be a Christian soldier? Today Susie welcomes army chaplain John Morris into the studio to talk about life as a soldier, how to pray for our military, and the importance of holding fast to faith in the midst of a world at war.

Thursday, July 5 – Brady Boyd – Fear No Evil –Brady Boyd had served as New Life’s new senior pastor for exactly one hundred days when a gunman entered the church, killing two people and injuring three others. Today he joins Susie to talk about the shock, wounded faith, and ultimate healing that sprang from the suffering of that fateful December day. We explore the ultimate truth behind his account’s title – “Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will Fear No Evil, for You Are with me.”

Friday, July 6 – Jim Cymbala (Recorded) – Spirit Rising – The Holy Spirit is God’s agent on earth. Yet He is the least understood, least preached about, and least discussed member of the Trinity. Without Him our spiritual lives will always be dry, mechanical, and a struggle. Today Susie is joined by Jim Cymbala, pastor of The Brooklyn Tabernacle. They invite you to experience God in a fresh and vital way. If we want power, confidence, joy, peace, and more love in our lives, then we need a better understanding of how and why the Spirit moves so we can join Him there. Jim’s new book is Spirit Rising.

Saturday, July 7 – Valorie Burton – Where Will You Go From Here? –Has the unexpected knocked you off course? You lost your job to the latest round of layoffs. A relationship you thought would last forever, didn’t. A health challenge is disrupting your life. Life doesn’t always go according to plan, but with the right attitude and skills, you can persevere through even the toughest situations–and emerge stronger and better than ever. Today Susie talks with author Valorie Burton about her book, Where Will You Go From Here? She helps us navigate life’s obstacles and unexpected challenges. You’ll find all the tools you need to be resilient in the face of setbacks, now and in the future.

June 25 - 30, 2012

Monday, June 25 – Kasey Van Norman – Named by God – In many ways, Kasey Van Norman has suffered more heartbreak than one woman can bear. Growing up, she endured her parents' divorce, date rape, and years of addiction to sex and cutting. As an adult, she suffered the pain of an emotional affair, rejection by her friends and community, and her mother's death from cancer. But at the end of this twisting path of heartbreak, Kasey walked out of the wilderness and into a place of God's merciful and miraculous healing. Today Susie and Kasey discuss her new book, Named By God. They explore her story of God's infinite grace and compassion so that other women might learn from her experience and grow in their own relationship with God.

Tuesday, June 26 – Susie – Living the Promised Life – Do you search for and cling to the promises of God in Scripture? Or do you feel as if your life is drifting with nothing to hold on to? Today Susie unpacks one of her key messages, Living the Promised Life. We’ll dive into Scripture and uncover God’s many promises as we take your calls. God has given us truths to stand on – tune in this afternoon to find out what they are!

Wednesday, June 27 – Ginny Yttrup and Leslie Vernick – Overcoming Unhealthy Relationships – Do you find yourself unable to relate to others in a healthy way? Today Susie will talk with author Ginny Yttrup about her faith journey as well as her novel, Lost and Found. Then we talk with counselor and Faith Radio contributor Leslie Vernick about overcoming manipulation and building healthy relationships.

Thursday, June 28 – Skye Jethani – With – Why are American Christians, who have more access to biblical teaching than any other people in history, failing to experience the freedom of the Christian life? Why are pastors, those closest to the work and ministry, burning out at an alarming rate? Why do many church members, who give large amounts of their time and wealth to Christ and his kingdom, secretly question the legitimacy of their efforts? Is it possible we've misunderstood the call of the Christian life? Today Susie welcomes editor, consultant, and pastor Skye Jethani (Juh-TAH-nee) to the show to talk about his book, With. They talk about how a life lived in rich communion "with" God cultivates faith, hope, and love in a way that transforms both us and the broken world we inhabit.

Friday, June 29 – Nicole Serrano (In Studio) – The Ministry of Music – Music is one of the many ways we can encounter God. What worship song is ministering to you right now? Today we welcome singer-songwriter Nicole Serrano back into the studio for another hour of worship, Scripture, and praising our faithful God.

Saturday, June 30 – Gary Hoag – Handling Money to the Glory of God – God calls us to stewardship, and today on Live the Promise we unpack that phrase! Susie is joined in studio by the Generosity Monk, Gary Hoag. We talk about his new project, The Stewardship Bible.

June 18-23, 2012

Monday, June 18 – RT Kendall – Unashamed to Bear His Name – Whether through public criticism or the quiet loss of respect, it is hard--and becoming harder--to be known as a Christian. Even as believers try to follow the will of God, they are often misunderstood and left to deal with the awkward, sometimes painful results. Today Susie welcomes well-known Bible teacher R. T. Kendall to talk about his book, Unashamed to Bear His Name. Turning the idea of stigma on its head, he shares his own story of rejection and embarrassment in the name of Christ--and how it became the source of unimaginable blessing. With warmth and understanding, he urges us to embrace the offense that comes from commitment to Jesus Christ and learn “the fellowship of His sufferings.”

Tuesday, June 19 – Adam Stadtmiller – Discover Your Kids’ Spiritual Gifts – Do you find yourself wondering how God has gifted your children? Today Susie welcomes back author and father Adam Stadtmiller to talk about his book, Discover Your Kid’s Spiritual Gifts. Together we examine the biblical evidence for childhood spiritual gifts and look closely at the stories of David, Mary, Samuel and Jesus–all young people who demonstrated God’s gifts at work in their lives. We discover specific ways to help our children serve the body of Christ through their gift or mix of gifts.

Wednesday, June 20 – Wendy Blight – Hidden Joy in a Dark Corner – One week after Wendy Blight's college graduation, she walked into her apartment to find a masked man holding a knife and waiting for her at the top of the stairs. After being sexually assaulted, she lived for years cocooned in a prison of fear, despair, and hopelessness. Finally, after years of vain searching and believing she had nowhere else to turn, she fell on her knees before God and poured out her tears, anger, and questions to Him.  Today Susie welcomes Wendy to share her story of transformation from trauma to rebirth through the power of the Word of God. Wendy’s book is Hidden Joy in a Dark Corner.

Thursday, June 21 – Pete Wilson – Empty Promises – God has a plan to heal the soul's gnawing inner emptiness that is always longing for just a little more. Every person experiences an inner emptiness of the soul, that gnawing feeling and unquenchable longing that often drives us to sacrifice everything we have and everything we are so we become more beautiful, more successful, and more powerful. We are by design a worshiping people, giving our lives and our devotion to something to pursue and adore, somebody to idolize. Today Susie welcomes back author and pastor Pete Wilson of Cross Point Church to talk about his new book, Empty Promises. They explore what drives this attempt for something more, and how to find our heart's true desire for significance, worth, and value met only in the person and worship of Jesus Christ.

Friday, June 22 – Jennifer Kennedy Dean – Altar’d – We are created to live in an “altar’d” state surrendered, yielded, free. The noun altar is usually understood to be a place of worshipful offering. When we turn the noun altar into a verb altar our fear, our failure, our possessiveness, our need to control all those things that hold us captive and keep us from running the race at full throttle are released.  Today Susie welcomes back celebrated author and prayer expert Jennifer Kennedy Dean to talk about her new book, Altar’d. They’ll guide us through what it means to truly live a life dead to flesh and alive to the spirit.

Saturday, June 23 – Ann Voskamp – One Thousand Gifts – Ann Voskamp has overcome serious tragedy in her life, and has learned to give thanks to God in every situation.  But it didn’t happen overnight.  It happened one thankful moment at a time as Ann allowed the Holy Spirit to show her the blessings God has given her.  Ann is a wife and mother who sometimes battles to see God in all circumstances, and that there are as many gifts in the grittiness of life as in the moments of celebration. Today she shares her story with Susie along with her powerful book, One Thousand Gifts.