4000 avsnitt • Längd: 5 min • Dagligen
Need a spark of joy or a word of encouragement? Listen in for your daily dose of help and hope in Jesus. This four-minute program from Joni Eareckson Tada will inspire you! Your soul will be lifted up and your faith strengthened no matter what trials you may be facing today.
The podcast Joni Eareckson Tada: Sharing Hope is created by Joni and Friends. The podcast and the artwork on this page are embedded on this page using the public podcast feed (RSS).
Listen in to learn how to become God's hands, feet, and his encouraging voice to those who suffer in your community.
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Joni Eareckson Tada just celebrated her milestone 75th birthday on October 15, and you can help honor her in a special way.
Thank you for celebrating with Joni!
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Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
Change is possible; a new and improved you is within reach. And the guarantee is found in 2 Corinthians 3:18.
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Joni Eareckson Tada just celebrated her milestone 75th birthday on October 15, and you can help honor her in a special way.
Thank you for celebrating with Joni!
--------
Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
During Joni’s birthday week, learn about the God given grace she’s experienced that has helped her reach age 75 in her wheelchair. Also, hear why she loves the hymn Amazing Grace so much.
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Help honor Joni in a special way on her 75th birthday!
Thank you for celebrating with Joni!
--------
Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
Click here to receive today's free gift on the Radio Page:
What Does Depression Mean for My Faith? – What should Christians think about clinical depression? How can church leaders respond lovingly to those who face this dark, unsettling, and sometimes baffling dilemma? In this book, author and physician Kathryn Butler addresses common misconceptions about mental illness in the church. She offers grace, relief, and practical help to Christians who feel shame, and she equips church leaders with the tools they need to extend Christ’s love to the vulnerable.
Use the coupon code: RADIOGIFT for free shipping!
*Limit one copy per person*
----
Joni Eareckson Tada is celebrating her milestone 75th birthday on October 15, and you can help honor Joni in a special way.
Thank you for celebrating with Joni!
--------
Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
Click here to receive today's free gift on the Radio Page:
What Does Depression Mean for My Faith? – What should Christians think about clinical depression? How can church leaders respond lovingly to those who face this dark, unsettling, and sometimes baffling dilemma? In this book, author and physician Kathryn Butler addresses common misconceptions about mental illness in the church. She offers grace, relief, and practical help to Christians who feel shame, and she equips church leaders with the tools they need to extend Christ’s love to the vulnerable.
Use the coupon code: RADIOGIFT for free shipping!
*Limit one copy per person*
----
Joni Eareckson Tada is celebrating her milestone 75th birthday on October 15, and you can help honor Joni in a special way.
Thank you for celebrating with Joni!
--------
Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
Click here to receive today's free gift on the Radio Page:
What Does Depression Mean for My Faith? – What should Christians think about clinical depression? How can church leaders respond lovingly to those who face this dark, unsettling, and sometimes baffling dilemma? In this book, author and physician Kathryn Butler addresses common misconceptions about mental illness in the church. She offers grace, relief, and practical help to Christians who feel shame, and she equips church leaders with the tools they need to extend Christ’s love to the vulnerable.
Use the coupon code: RADIOGIFT for free shipping!
*Limit one copy per person*
----
Joni Eareckson Tada is celebrating her milestone 75th birthday on October 15, and you can help honor Joni in a special way.
Thank you for celebrating with Joni!
--------
Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
Click here to receive today's free gift on the Radio Page:
What Does Depression Mean for My Faith? – What should Christians think about clinical depression? How can church leaders respond lovingly to those who face this dark, unsettling, and sometimes baffling dilemma? In this book, author and physician Kathryn Butler addresses common misconceptions about mental illness in the church. She offers grace, relief, and practical help to Christians who feel shame, and she equips church leaders with the tools they need to extend Christ’s love to the vulnerable.
Use the coupon code: RADIOGIFT for free shipping!
*Limit one copy per person*
----
Joni Eareckson Tada is celebrating her milestone 75th birthday on October 15, and you can help honor Joni in a special way.
Thank you for celebrating with Joni!
--------
Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
Click here to receive today's free gift on the Radio Page:
What Does Depression Mean for My Faith? – What should Christians think about clinical depression? How can church leaders respond lovingly to those who face this dark, unsettling, and sometimes baffling dilemma? In this book, author and physician Kathryn Butler addresses common misconceptions about mental illness in the church. She offers grace, relief, and practical help to Christians who feel shame, and she equips church leaders with the tools they need to extend Christ’s love to the vulnerable.
Use the coupon code: RADIOGIFT for free shipping!
*Limit one copy per person*
----
Joni Eareckson Tada is celebrating her milestone 75th birthday on October 15, and you can help honor Joni in a special way.
Thank you for celebrating with Joni!
--------
Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
Click here to receive today's free gift on the Radio Page:
What Does Depression Mean for My Faith? – What should Christians think about clinical depression? How can church leaders respond lovingly to those who face this dark, unsettling, and sometimes baffling dilemma? In this book, author and physician Kathryn Butler addresses common misconceptions about mental illness in the church. She offers grace, relief, and practical help to Christians who feel shame, and she equips church leaders with the tools they need to extend Christ’s love to the vulnerable.
Use the coupon code: RADIOGIFT for free shipping!
*Limit one copy per person*
----
Joni Eareckson Tada is celebrating her milestone 75th birthday on October 15, and you can help honor Joni in a special way.
Thank you for celebrating with Joni!
--------
Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
Joni Eareckson Tada is celebrating her milestone 75th birthday on October 15, and her husband Ken has a special request for you! He's inviting you to help honor Joni in a special way.
Only Jesus could take a 17-year-old girl’s tragedy and turn it into a movement that would reach people living with disability around the world for Christ.
So, let's celebrate God's faithfulness along with Joni as she turns 75!
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Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
Click here to receive today's free gift on the Radio Page:
Shaped By God – This short book from John Piper is an invitation to think and feel along with the Psalms, and in the process to feel God powerfully shape your heart.
Use the coupon code: RADIOGIFT for free shipping!
*Limit one copy per person*
--------
Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
Click here to receive today's free gift on the Radio Page:
Shaped By God – This short book from John Piper is an invitation to think and feel along with the Psalms, and in the process to feel God powerfully shape your heart.
Use the coupon code: RADIOGIFT for free shipping!
*Limit one copy per person*
--------
Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
Click here to receive today's free gift on the Radio Page:
Shaped By God – This short book from John Piper is an invitation to think and feel along with the Psalms, and in the process to feel God powerfully shape your heart.
Use the coupon code: RADIOGIFT for free shipping!
*Limit one copy per person*
--------
Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
Click here to receive today's free gift on the Radio Page:
Shaped By God – This short book from John Piper is an invitation to think and feel along with the Psalms, and in the process to feel God powerfully shape your heart.
Use the coupon code: RADIOGIFT for free shipping!
*Limit one copy per person*
--------
Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
Click here to receive today's free gift on the Radio Page:
Shaped By God – This short book from John Piper is an invitation to think and feel along with the Psalms, and in the process to feel God powerfully shape your heart.
Use the coupon code: RADIOGIFT for free shipping!
*Limit one copy per person*
--------
Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
Click here to receive today's free gift on the Radio Page:
Shaped By God – This short book from John Piper is an invitation to think and feel along with the Psalms, and in the process to feel God powerfully shape your heart.
Use the coupon code: RADIOGIFT for free shipping!
*Limit one copy per person*
--------
Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
Click here to receive today's free gift on the Radio Page:
Joni’s Story: Discovering Hope that Endures – When Joni was paralyzed in a diving accident at the age of seventeen, she quickly understood her life would never be the same. But what she didn’t know was how God would use her story to affect the lives of millions of people from across the globe. This little book is full of biblical truths and important lessons Joni has learned along the way. No matter your situation, you’ll be encouraged as you discover Jesus’ faithfulness in the midst of life’s challenges. As Joni learned, sometimes God permits what he hates to accomplish what he loves—and in that, there is hope enough to last a lifetime.Use the coupon code:
RADIOGIFT for free shipping!
--------
Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
Click here to receive today's free gift on the Radio Page:
Joni’s Story: Discovering Hope that Endures – When Joni was paralyzed in a diving accident at the age of seventeen, she quickly understood her life would never be the same. But what she didn’t know was how God would use her story to affect the lives of millions of people from across the globe. This little book is full of biblical truths and important lessons Joni has learned along the way. No matter your situation, you’ll be encouraged as you discover Jesus’ faithfulness in the midst of life’s challenges. As Joni learned, sometimes God permits what he hates to accomplish what he loves—and in that, there is hope enough to last a lifetime.Use the coupon code:
RADIOGIFT for free shipping!
--------
Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
Click here to receive today's free gift on the Radio Page:
Joni’s Story: Discovering Hope that Endures – When Joni was paralyzed in a diving accident at the age of seventeen, she quickly understood her life would never be the same. But what she didn’t know was how God would use her story to affect the lives of millions of people from across the globe. This little book is full of biblical truths and important lessons Joni has learned along the way. No matter your situation, you’ll be encouraged as you discover Jesus’ faithfulness in the midst of life’s challenges. As Joni learned, sometimes God permits what he hates to accomplish what he loves—and in that, there is hope enough to last a lifetime.Use the coupon code:
RADIOGIFT for free shipping!
--------
Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
Click here to receive today's free gift on the Radio Page:
Pain and Providence - Pain and chronic illness can erode your joy like acid and can lead you to question God and his power. Join Joni in taking a close look at what the Bible says about pain and the sovereign providence of God.
Use the coupon code: RADIOGIFT for free shipping!
--------
Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
Click here to receive today's free gift on the Radio Page:
Pain and Providence - Pain and chronic illness can erode your joy like acid and can lead you to question God and his power. Join Joni in taking a close look at what the Bible says about pain and the sovereign providence of God.
Use the coupon code: RADIOGIFT for free shipping!
--------
Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
Click here to receive today's free gift on the Radio Page:
Pain and Providence - Pain and chronic illness can erode your joy like acid and can lead you to question God and his power. Join Joni in taking a close look at what the Bible says about pain and the sovereign providence of God.
Use the coupon code: RADIOGIFT for free shipping!
--------
Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
Click here to receive today's free gift on the Radio Page:
Pain and Providence - Pain and chronic illness can erode your joy like acid and can lead you to question God and his power. Join Joni in taking a close look at what the Bible says about pain and the sovereign providence of God.
Use the coupon code: RADIOGIFT for free shipping!
--------
Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
Click here to receive today's free gift on the Radio Page:
Pain and Providence - Pain and chronic illness can erode your joy like acid and can lead you to question God and his power. Join Joni in taking a close look at what the Bible says about pain and the sovereign providence of God.
Use the coupon code: RADIOGIFT for free shipping!
--------
Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
Hear Joni Eareckson Tada speak about an exciting new wheelchair called the cub wheelchair that Joni and Friends is now offering to children living with disabilities!
See the cub wheelchair in action:
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Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
Click here to receive today's free gift on the Radio Page:
Anxiety: Knowing God’s Peace - Whether you experience nagging worry or debilitating panic, God’s Word offers hope and help. In this 31-day devotional, pastor and biblical counselor Paul Tautges delves deeply, but gently, into the heart of fear and unbelief, using daily readings, reflection questions, and practical application to fuel the faith that strengthens inner security and peace.
Use the coupon code: RADIOGIFT for free shipping!
--------
Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
Click here to receive today's free gift on the Radio Page:
Anxiety: Knowing God’s Peace - Whether you experience nagging worry or debilitating panic, God’s Word offers hope and help. In this 31-day devotional, pastor and biblical counselor Paul Tautges delves deeply, but gently, into the heart of fear and unbelief, using daily readings, reflection questions, and practical application to fuel the faith that strengthens inner security and peace.
Use the coupon code: RADIOGIFT for free shipping!
--------
Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
Click here to receive today's free gift on the Radio Page:
Anxiety: Knowing God’s Peace - Whether you experience nagging worry or debilitating panic, God’s Word offers hope and help. In this 31-day devotional, pastor and biblical counselor Paul Tautges delves deeply, but gently, into the heart of fear and unbelief, using daily readings, reflection questions, and practical application to fuel the faith that strengthens inner security and peace.
Use the coupon code: RADIOGIFT for free shipping!
--------
Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
Click here to receive today's free gift on the Radio Page:
Anxiety: Knowing God’s Peace - Whether you experience nagging worry or debilitating panic, God’s Word offers hope and help. In this 31-day devotional, pastor and biblical counselor Paul Tautges delves deeply, but gently, into the heart of fear and unbelief, using daily readings, reflection questions, and practical application to fuel the faith that strengthens inner security and peace.
Use the coupon code: RADIOGIFT for free shipping!
--------
Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
Click here to receive today's free gift on the Radio Page:
Anxiety: Knowing God’s Peace - Whether you experience nagging worry or debilitating panic, God’s Word offers hope and help. In this 31-day devotional, pastor and biblical counselor Paul Tautges delves deeply, but gently, into the heart of fear and unbelief, using daily readings, reflection questions, and practical application to fuel the faith that strengthens inner security and peace.
Use the coupon code: RADIOGIFT for free shipping!
--------
Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
If Christ loved you enough to pluck you from the jaws of hell, he has shown himself to be a Savior worth following. Soon the suffering will be behind you, and you’ll see Jesus face-to-face.
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Don't miss our May Match Giving Opportunity! When you give to Joni and Friends today, your gift will be matched!
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Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
Today marks the 42nd anniversary of Joni Eareckson Tada on the radio! Tune in to celebrate this exciting time for the Joni and Friends radio ministry and hear Joni introduce a new friend on-air.
Meet Joni's Friends, Shauna:
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Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
There’s a lot of reasons to pray on this National Day of Prayer. God doesn’t want you to think what will be, will be. If God intends to do something great in this nation, then his Spirit will move upon your heart – revival may be right around the corner.
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Don't miss our May Match Giving Opportunity! When you give to Joni and Friends today, your gift will be matched!
--------
Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
The Bible is filled with good, solid lessons to learn from some of the most wicked people ever born. So, turn away from those beguiling idols in your life – instead, turn for help to Christ on his cross.
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Don't miss our May Match Giving Opportunity! When you give to Joni and Friends today, your gift will be matched!
--------
Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
Click here to receive today's free gift on the Radio Page:
The Beatitudes - Find out what Jesus says about true happiness and blessedness in the Beatitudes. The beatitudes aren’t commands on how to live—they are illustrations of what living for God looks like. From meekness to purity, enjoy digging deeper into the meaning and practical application of each beatitude as you go line-by-line through Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount.
Use the coupon code: RADIOGIFT for free shipping!
--------
Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
Click here to receive today's free gift on the Radio Page:
The Beatitudes - Find out what Jesus says about true happiness and blessedness in the Beatitudes. The beatitudes aren’t commands on how to live—they are illustrations of what living for God looks like. From meekness to purity, enjoy digging deeper into the meaning and practical application of each beatitude as you go line-by-line through Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount.
Use the coupon code: RADIOGIFT for free shipping!
--------
Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
Click here to receive today's free gift on the Radio Page:
The Beatitudes - Find out what Jesus says about true happiness and blessedness in the Beatitudes. The beatitudes aren’t commands on how to live—they are illustrations of what living for God looks like. From meekness to purity, enjoy digging deeper into the meaning and practical application of each beatitude as you go line-by-line through Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount.
Use the coupon code: RADIOGIFT for free shipping!
--------
Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
Click here to receive today's free gift on the Radio Page:
The Beatitudes - Find out what Jesus says about true happiness and blessedness in the Beatitudes. The beatitudes aren’t commands on how to live—they are illustrations of what living for God looks like. From meekness to purity, enjoy digging deeper into the meaning and practical application of each beatitude as you go line-by-line through Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount.
Use the coupon code: RADIOGIFT for free shipping!
--------
Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
Click here to receive today's free gift on the Radio Page:
The Beatitudes - Find out what Jesus says about true happiness and blessedness in the Beatitudes. The beatitudes aren’t commands on how to live—they are illustrations of what living for God looks like. From meekness to purity, enjoy digging deeper into the meaning and practical application of each beatitude as you go line-by-line through Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount.
Use the coupon code: RADIOGIFT for free shipping!
--------
Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
The best Christmas gift of all is that Jesus first loved us. Reflect on these awesome truths this special day and Merry Christmas!
You can give the Perfect Gift this Christmas!
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Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
Help celebrate Joni’s husband – Ken Tada’s birthday today! Hear the couple talk about the joys of the Wheels for the World outreaches he’s attended in the past. Learn how to truly make Ken’s birthday wish come true.
You can give the Perfect Gift in honor of Ken Tada!
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Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
Join Joni in the fellowship of suffering. Trust your wonderful Savior, Jesus Christ for his good – his very good reasons for allowing every affliction in your life.
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Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
Tune in to hear a touching story about a mother and her son’s old wheelchair. God always has a plan and purpose for everything. Giving the gift of something as simple as a wheelchair and the gospel of Jesus Christ can truly change a child’s life.
This Christmas, you can give the Perfect Gift!
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Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
No matter how hard life is, knowing Christ – and knowing him well – is always worth the sacrifice.
This Christmas, you can give the Perfect Gift!
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Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org
Connect on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
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Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
As the season gets started, ask God to put a Christmas hymn or a holiday Gospel song on your heart. And be sure to sing it louder than the music speakers you hear while doing your Christmas shopping.
This Christmas, you can give the Perfect Gift!
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Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org
Connect on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
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Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
Jesus is the perfect gift. Today, on Giving Tuesday, please help Joni and Friends reach into dark places around the world to give the perfect gift to disabled kids like Puumi in Thailand.
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Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
Resources for Disability Ministry in church - see link below:
Church Training Resources | Joni and Friends
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Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
Downloadable chapters of Joni's new book Practicing the Presence of Jesus - link below:
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Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
Downloadable chapters of Joni's new book Practicing the Presence of Jesus - link below:
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Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
Downloadable chapters of Joni's new book Practicing the Presence of Jesus - link below:
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Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
Check out a video of Javier working at our Wheelchair Restoration Center in El Salvador below:
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Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
Navigating Depression: Hope for Heavy Hearts booklet - free offer link below:
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Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
Navigating Depression: Hope for Heavy Hearts booklet - free offer link below:
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Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
Word, forward, God, regain, desire, move, depression, depressed, heart, navigating, hope, heavy, navigation, worship, music, praise, friend, friends
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Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
Navigating Depression: Hope for Heavy Hearts booklet - free offer link below:
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Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
Navigating Depression: Hope for Heavy Hearts booklet - free offer link below:
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Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
Diagnosed With Breast Cancer booklet, free offer link below:
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Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
Diagnosed With Breast Cancer booklet, free offer link below:
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Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
Diagnosed With Breast Cancer booklet, free offer link below:
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Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
Diagnosed With Breast Cancer booklet, free offer link below:
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Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
Diagnosed With Breast Cancer booklet, free offer link below:
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Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
https://joniandfriends.org/calendar/category/wheels-for-the-world/
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Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
Free radio offer gift:
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Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
https://joniandfriends.org/calendar/category/retreats-getaways/
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Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
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Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
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Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
https://ktul.com/news/local/parkinsons-cant-stop-tulsa-man-from-making-people-smile
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Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
https://joniandfriends.org/radio/#mentioned
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Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
https://joniandfriends.org/radio/#mentioned
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Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
https://joniandfriends.org/radio/#mentioned
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Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
https://joniandfriends.org/radio/#mentioned
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Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
https://joniandfriends.org/radio/#mentioned
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Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
https://joniandfriends.org/radio/#mentioned
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Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
https://joniandfriends.org/radio/#mentioned
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Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
Warrior Getaway | Joni and Friends
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Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
Tune in to hear Joni Eareckson Tada reflect on the anniversary of her accident. Whatever hardship is troubling you today, stay in the fight against your feelings, because your fight is always a good one.
Would you like to honor Joni as she celebrates the 56th anniversary of her diving accident?
Donate to Joni and Friends today!
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Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org
Connect on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube.
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Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
Rose, petals, Christ, imitators, imitation, beautiful, fragrance, worship
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Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
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Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
The God of the Bible is a God of intention, even when it involves accidents or mishaps. God has a purpose and a plan, and he is always a giant step ahead of evil, using it to serve his purposes.
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Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
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Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
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Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
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Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
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Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
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Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
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Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
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Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
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Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
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Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
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Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
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Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
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Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
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Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
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Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
Listen to our podcast episode featuring Zach's parents here.
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Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
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Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
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Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
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Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
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Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
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Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
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Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
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Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
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Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
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Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
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Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
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Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
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Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
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Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
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Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
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Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
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Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
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Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
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Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
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Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
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Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
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Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
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Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
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Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
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Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
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Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
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Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
Send your Valentine to Leon and Kim at Joni and Friends, PO Box 3333, Agoura Hills, CA 91376. See their photo at joniradio.org.
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Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
Send your Valentine to Brandon and Kathy at Joni and Friends, PO Box 3333, Agoura Hills, CA 91376. See their photo at joniradio.org.
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Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
Send your Valentine to Delasber and Amoree at Joni and Friends, PO Box 3333, Agoura Hills, CA 91376. See their photo at joniradio.org.
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Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
Send your Valentine to Tracy at Joni and Friends, PO Box 3333, Agoura Hills, CA 91376. See her photo at joniradio.org.
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Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
Send your Valentine to John and Juliana at Joni and Friends, PO Box 3333, Agoura Hills, CA 91376. See their photo at joniradio.org.
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Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
Give a year-end gift that will change a life!
Donate Today!
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Looking for more encouragement? Follow Joni on Facebook and subscribe to her daily devotional. Listen to all of Joni's 4-minute and 1-minute programs at joniradio.org!
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Get involved at joniandfriends.org or on TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube.
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Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
Sign up for the Bible reading plan here!
Give a year-end gift that will change a life!
Donate Today!
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Looking for more encouragement? Follow Joni on Facebook and subscribe to her daily devotional. Listen to all of Joni's 4-minute and 1-minute programs at joniradio.org!
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Get involved at joniandfriends.org or on TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube.
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Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
Sign up for the Bible reading plan here.
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Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
Sign up for the Bible reading plan here!
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Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
Sign up for the Bible reading plan here!
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Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
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Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
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Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
Happy birthday to Ken Tada!
You can help Joni Eareckson Tada celebrate her husband's birthday by giving to Joni and Friends in his honor!
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Looking for more encouragement? Follow Joni on Facebook and subscribe to her daily devotional. Listen to all of Joni's 4-minute and 1-minute programs at joniradio.org!
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Get involved at joniandfriends.org or on TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube.
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Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
Read more about how Joni and Friends is serving people with disabilities amid war in Ukraine.
Donate to support our efforts in Ukraine and Eastern Europe.
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Looking for more encouragement? Follow Joni on Facebook and subscribe to her daily devotional. Listen to all of Joni's 4-minute and 1-minute programs at joniradio.org!
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Get involved at joniandfriends.org or on TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube.
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Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
Get your copy of Joni Eareckson Tada's limited-edition Cradle to the Cross art print!
View the entire Perfect Gift Catalog
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Looking for more encouragement? Follow Joni on Facebook and subscribe to her daily devotional. Listen to all of Joni's 4-minute and 1-minute programs at joniradio.org!
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Get involved at joniandfriends.org or on TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube.
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Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
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Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
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Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
Every Old Testament prophecy finds its fulfillment in Jesus Christ. He is the promised Messiah!
Yesterday was Giving Tuesday and it's not too late to be a voice for those who cannot speak for themselves!
Donate to Joni and Friends make a difference where Christ’s love is needed the most.
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Looking for more encouragement? Follow Joni on Facebook and subscribe to her daily devotional. Listen to all of Joni's 4-minute and 1-minute programs at joniradio.org!
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Get involved at joniandfriends.org or on TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube.
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Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
Today is Giving Tuesday and Joni Eareckson Tada invites you to be a voice for those who cannot speak for themselves! Donate to make a difference where Christ’s love is needed the most.
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Looking for more encouragement? Follow Joni on Facebook and subscribe to her daily devotional. Listen to all of Joni's 4-minute and 1-minute programs at joniradio.org!
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Get involved at joniandfriends.org or on TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube.
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Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
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Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
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Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
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Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
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Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
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Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
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Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
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Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
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Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
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Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
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Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
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Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
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Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
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Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
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Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
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Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
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Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
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Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
We're celebrating Joni Eareckson Tada's 73rd birthday with a bonus episode from the Joni and Friends Ministry Podcast!
After more than 55 years living with quadriplegia and chronic pain, Joni knows what it means to “press on” through suffering. She encourages you to join her in living out Philippians 3:14: “I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.”
Give in Joni’s honor and help others press on in their suffering!
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For more encouragement, subscribe to the Joni and Friends Ministry Podcast and Joni's daily devotional.
Follow us on TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. We provide Christ-centered care through Joni's House, Wheels for the World, and Retreats and Getaways, and offer disability ministry training and higher education through the Christian Institute on Disability.
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Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
As Joni Eareckson Tada celebrates her 73rd birthday, she invites you to join her in sharing the Good News of Jesus with people struggling with disability!
Give in Joni's Honor
Looking for more encouragement? Follow Joni on Facebook and subscribe to her daily devotional. Listen to all of Joni's 4-minute and 1-minute programs at joniradio.org!
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Get involved at joniandfriends.org or on TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube.
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Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
Every day is a gift from God, so number your days and celebrate the life that you’ve been given! As Joni Eareckson Tada celebrates her 73rd birthday, join her in sharing the Good News of Jesus with people struggling with disability.
Give in Joni's Honor
Looking for more encouragement? Follow Joni on Facebook and subscribe to her daily devotional. Listen to all of Joni's 4-minute and 1-minute programs at joniradio.org!
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Get involved at joniandfriends.org or on TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube.
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Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
Every day, you are placed at the front line of a spiritual battle. Ask God to give you strength and courage to trust him and to share the Gospel with those you encounter.
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It's Joni Eareckson Tada’s 73rd birthday this week! Will you join her in sharing the Good News of Jesus with people struggling with disability?
Give in Joni's Honor
Looking for more encouragement? Follow Joni on Facebook and subscribe to her daily devotional. Listen to all of Joni's 4-minute and 1-minute programs at joniradio.org!
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Get involved at joniandfriends.org or on TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube.
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Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
The difficulties along your road to eternity with Jesus remind you that you are on the right road. It’s the same road of suffering Jesus walked on earth.
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Joni’s 73rd birthday is coming up and you can join her in celebrating God’s faithfulness!
Celebrate with Joni
Looking for more encouragement? Follow Joni on Facebook and subscribe to her daily devotional. Listen to all of Joni's 4-minute and 1-minute programs at joniradio.org!
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Get involved at joniandfriends.org or on TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube.
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Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
Every human life has great value and worth, including the lives of people with disabilities! They bear the image of God in special and unique ways, and they are precious to him.
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Joni’s 73rd birthday is coming up and you can join her in celebrating God’s faithfulness!
Celebrate with Joni
Looking for more encouragement? Follow Joni on Facebook and subscribe to her daily devotional. Listen to all of Joni's 4-minute and 1-minute programs at joniradio.org!
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Get involved at joniandfriends.org or on TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube.
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Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
Although you may be enduring a fiery trial today, you can walk through that trial! There is no need to try to solve it in order to get back on the path forward – it is the path forward, to the heart of Jesus. Remember that Jesus is with you in the midst of every trial, walking alongside you.
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Joni’s 73rd birthday is coming up and you can join her in celebrating God’s faithfulness!
Celebrate with Joni
Looking for more encouragement? Follow Joni on Facebook and subscribe to her daily devotional.
Listen to all of Joni's 4-minute and 1-minute programs at joniradio.org!
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Get involved at joniandfriends.org or on TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube.
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Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
God redeems even the most difficult of situations. No one is too far gone for his hand of salvation to reach! Share the Gospel with someone today.
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Joni’s 73rd birthday is coming up and you can join her in celebrating God’s faithfulness!
Celebrate with Joni
Looking for more encouragement? Follow Joni on Facebook and subscribe to her daily devotional.
Listen to all of Joni's 4-minute and 1-minute programs at joniradio.org!
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Get involved at joniandfriends.org or on TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube.
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Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
Are you harboring resentment toward someone who hurt you? Ask God for help to forgive them so that they do not become an idol in your life. Only God can give you a spirit of forgiveness!
Looking for more encouragement? Follow Joni on Facebook and subscribe to her daily devotional.
Listen to all of Joni's 4-minute and 1-minute programs at joniradio.org!
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Joni’s 73rd birthday is coming up and you can join her in celebrating God’s faithfulness!
Celebrate with Joni
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Get involved at joniandfriends.org or on TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube.
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Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
The Holy Spirit can’t bring a Bible verse to your mind that you’ve never read. Hide God’s Word in your heart so that, when you suffer, it’s the first thing you think of. You never know when you may need to draw on Scripture!
Looking for more encouragement? Follow Joni on Facebook and subscribe to her daily devotional.
Listen to all of Joni's 4-minute and 1-minute programs at joniradio.org!
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Joni’s 73rd birthday is coming up and you can join her in celebrating God’s faithfulness!
Celebrate with Joni
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Get involved at joniandfriends.org or on TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube.
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Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
Are you an encourager? Today, encourage your friends when they hurt by being a listening ear and providing something fun and meaningful for them to do.
Looking for more encouragement? Follow Joni on Facebook and subscribe to her daily devotional.
Listen to all of Joni's 4-minute and 1-minute programs at joniradio.org!
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Joni’s 73rd birthday is coming up and you can join her in celebrating God’s faithfulness!
Celebrate with Joni
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Get involved at joniandfriends.org or on TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube.
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Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
Whenever your quiet times of rest occur, take a moment to thank the Lord. Every restful blessing is a small, grace-filled gift from him.
Looking for more encouragement? Follow Joni on Facebook and subscribe to her daily devotional.
Listen to all of Joni's 4-minute and 1-minute programs at joniradio.org!
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Joni’s 73rd birthday is coming up and you can join her in celebrating God’s faithfulness!
Celebrate with Joni
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Get involved at joniandfriends.org or on TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube.
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Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
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Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
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Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
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Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
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Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
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Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
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Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
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Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
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Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
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Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
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Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
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Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
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Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
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Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
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Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
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Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
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Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
See Matt and Julien's story here.
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Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
Visit joniradio.org for photos of Joni and Ken's trip to Yosemite National Park!
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Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
Visit joniradio.org for photos from Joni and Ken's trip to Yosemite National Park!
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Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
You can honor Joni Eareckson Tada on the 55th anniversary of her diving accident! Give $55 to Joni and Friends to provide dignity, practical care, and the good news of Jesus’ love to those living with disability around the world.
Connect on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube.
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Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
You can honor Joni Eareckson Tada on the 55th anniversary of her diving accident! Give $55 to Joni and Friends to provide dignity, practical care, and the good news of Jesus’ love to those living with disability around the world.
Connect on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube.
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Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
You can honor Joni Eareckson Tada on the 55th anniversary of her diving accident! Give $55 to Joni and Friends to provide dignity, practical care, and the good news of Jesus’ love to those living with disability around the world.
Connect on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube.
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Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
You can honor Joni Eareckson Tada on the 55th anniversary of her diving accident! Give $55 to Joni and Friends to provide dignity, practical care, and the good news of Jesus’ love to those living with disability around the world.
Connect on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube.
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Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
You can honor Joni Eareckson Tada on the 55th anniversary of her diving accident! Give $55 to Joni and Friends to provide dignity, practical care, and the good news of Jesus’ love to those living with disability around the world.
Connect on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube.
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Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
What lies are you believing about your suffering? Rebuild those thought patterns by soaking in the truth of Scripture and replacing every lie with the truth.
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Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
Visit joniradio.org.
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Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
Visit joniradio.org for your free copy of the pamphlet "Where's My Miracle?"
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Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
Visit joniradio.org for your free copy of the pamphlet "Where's My Miracle?"
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Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
Visit joniradio.org for your free copy of the pamphlet "Where's My Miracle?"
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Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
Visit joniradio.org for your free copy of the pamphlet "Where's My Miracle?"
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Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
Visit joniradio.org for your free copy of the pamphlet "Where's My Miracle?"
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Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
Visit joniradio.org for a copy of our newsletter.
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Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
Visit joniradio.org to see pictures from Joni and Ken's wedding day and to get your free copy of the pamphlet "PTSD: Healing for Bad Memories."
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Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
Visit joniradio.org for your free copy of the booklet "PTSD: Healing for Bad Memories."
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Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
Visit joniradio.org for your free copy of the pamphlet "PTSD: Healing for Bad Memories" and watch Josh and Stephanie's story at https://youtu.be/CHUCf2GDz0s.
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Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
Visit joniradio.org for your free copy of the booklet "PTSD: Healing for Bad Memories."
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Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
Go to joniradio.org to ask for your free copy of the booklet "PTSD: Healing for Bad Memories."
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Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
Go to joniradio.org for a copy of our newsletter and for more information about the Beyond Suffering Bible.
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Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
Visit joniradio.org for updates on Ukraine.
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Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
Visit joniradio.org to see photos of Joni's father.
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Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
Go to joniradio.org for a copy of our newsletter.
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Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
Watch Arnoldo and Marcela's story here: https://youtu.be/wv9W9uSRzro
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Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
Visit joniradio.org to see a photo of Galyna.
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Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
Go to joniradio.org to see a picture of Andrew's stuffed hamster!
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Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
Visit joniradio.org for Church Training and Resources!
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Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
View the resources mentioned in the program at joniradio.org.
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Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
Joni Eareckson Tada shares the hope of heaven that can be experienced at a Joni and Friends Family Retreat. In the face of such joy, difficulty seems to disappear.
The Good News of the Gospel is meant for people who suffer, to encourage them. Heaven gives us hope that one day we will experience the joy of Christ fully and forever.
Learn more about Joni and Friends Retreats and Getaways!
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org
Connect on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube.
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Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
Visit Joni's Facebook page for updates on our work in Ukraine.
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Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
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Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
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Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
Visit joniradio.org to sign up for the Joni and Friends newsletter.
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Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
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Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
Learn about volunteering at a Family Retreat!
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Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
Request the poem Joni shared!
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Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
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Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org
Connect on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube.
--------
Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
Read more about how Joni and Friends is serving people with disabilities amid war in Ukraine.
Follow Joni and Friends on Facebook and Instagram for updates on how we are mobilizing churches to locate people with disabilities and bring them to safety.
Donate to support our efforts in Ukraine and Eastern Europe.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org
Connect on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube.
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Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
Visit joniradio.org to request a copy of John Piper's book.
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Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
Visit our website to see how you can participate in Wheelchair Collection Month!
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Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
Visit the Joni and Friends Church Resource page.
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Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
Visit joniradio.org for all the resources mentioned in today's show.
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Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
Request the Joni and Friends newsletter.
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Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
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Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
Learn more about Joni's book: Timeless Hymns for Family Worship
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Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
Purchase Joni's devotional "A Spectacle of Glory."
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Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
Send your Valentine to Barbara and Jaysen at Joni and Friends, PO Box 3333, Agoura Hills, CA 91376. See their photo at joniradio.org.
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Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
Send your Valentine to Tamene and Tigist at Joni and Friends, PO Box 3333, Agoura Hills, CA 91376. See their photo at joniradio.org.
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Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
Send your Valentine to Ed and Stephanie at Joni and Friends, PO Box 3333, Agoura Hills, CA 91376. See their photo at joniradio.org.
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Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
Send your Valentines to Reyna at Joni and Friends, PO Box 3333, Agoura Hills, CA 91376. See a photo of Reyna and her kids at joniradio.org.
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Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
Send your notes to David and Traci at Joni and Friends, PO Box 3333, Agoura Hills, CA 91376. See their photo at joniradio.org.
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Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
See photos of the Lockwood family at joniradio.org.
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Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
Join Joni and Ken in reading through the Bible. Go to joniradio.org!
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Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
See Levi's video at joniradio.org.
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Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
Visit joniradio.org for information about Joni's reading plan and the Beyond Suffering Bible.
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Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
Request a copy of "The Christmas Story" at joniradio.org.
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Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
Request a copy of "The Christmas Story" at joniradio.org.
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Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
Donate to the Perfect Gift campaign in honor of Ken Tada.
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Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
Request a copy of "The Christmas We Didn't Expect" while supplies last.
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Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
Request a copy of "The Christmas We Didn't Expect" while supplies last.
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Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
Join us on Giving Tuesday in supporting people with disabilities around the world.
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Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
--------
Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
Request a copy of the Joni and Friends newsletter.
--------
Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
Download "Amazing Grace" at joniradio.org. Order your copy of "Timeless Hymns."
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Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
Download "This is My Father's World" at joniradio.org. Order your copy of "Timeless Hymns."
--------
Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
Visit the Joni and Friends store to order a copy of the new, updated edition of "Joni."
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Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
See Joni's Facebook post about her mentor.
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Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
Watch a special video about Warrior Getaways!
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Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
Request the booklet "Breaking the Bonds of Fear."
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Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
Request Joni's booklet "Breaking the Bonds of Fear."
--------
Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
View Joni's photo and download her list of worship ideas.
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Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
Request the booklet "Guidance: Have I Missed God's Best?"
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Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
Request the booklet "Guidance: Have I Missed God's Best?"
--------
Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
Read the article Joni mentions here: Hostage to Hurry.
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Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
Request the booklet "Guidance."
--------
Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
Check out our church resources!
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Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
Request the booklet "Hope for the Depressed."
--------
Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
Request the booklet "Hope for the Depressed."
--------
Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
Request the booklet "Hope for the Depressed."
--------
Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
Request the booklet "Hope for the Depressed."
--------
Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
Request the booklet "Hope for the Depressed."
--------
Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
--------
Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
--------
Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
Donate to Joni's birthday and help people living with disability around the world!
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Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
Download Joni's song collection, "The God I Love," at joniradio.org.
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Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
Request the free booklet "Bible Promises for Hope and Courage" at joniradio.org.
--------
Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
Download Joni's song collection "The God I Love" at joniradio.org.
--------
Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
Download Joni's collection of praise songs at joniradio.org.
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Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
Request the "Names of Jesus" booklet at joniradio.org.
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Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
Request "The Names of Jesus" at joniradio.org.
--------
Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
Request "The Names of Jesus" at joniradio.org.
--------
Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
See Joni's photos at joniradio.org.
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Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
Request a copy of the Joni and Friends newsletter.
--------
Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
See the photo of Joni's planner at joniradio.org. Order your own planner here!
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Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
We apologize that the offer mentioned in this program is no longer available.
--------
Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
We apologize that the offer mentioned in this program is no longer available.
--------
Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
We apologize that the offer mentioned in this program is no longer available.
--------
Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
We apologize that the offer mentioned in this program is no longer available.
--------
Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
We apologize that the offer mentioned in this program is no longer available.
--------
Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
Listen to the Ministry Podcast about grandparenting. For an additional resource, order our booklet "Help! My Grandchild Has a Disability."
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Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
--------
Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
Request the free book "Tested by Fire...Fueled by Faith." One per household, while supplies last.
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Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
Request the free book "Tested by Fire...Fueled by Faith." One per household, while supplies last.
--------
Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
Request the free book "Tested by Fire...Fueled by Faith." One per household, while supplies last.
--------
Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
Request the free book "Tested by Fire...Fueled by Faith." One per household, while supplies last.
--------
Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
--------
Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
Visit Rick's website. See his photo on the website. Subscribe to the Joni and Friends newsletter.
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Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
See Ken's fishing photos at joniradio.org!
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Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
See the photo of the hawk on Joni's birdbath.
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Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
Learn more about the Luke 14 Project.
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Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
Request your free copy of "Bible Promises for Hope and Courage!"
--------
Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
See the photo of the man with leprosy.
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Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
Request your copy of "Bible Promises for Hope and Courage!" See Joni's puzzle photo.
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Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
We would love to pray for you! Send us your requests.
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Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
Visit Joni's Corner!
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Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
See Joni and Ken's vacation photos at joniradio.org.
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Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
Request your free copy of "Who I Am in Christ."
--------
Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
Request your free copy of "Who I Am in Christ."
--------
Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
Request your free copy of "Who I Am in Christ."
--------
Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
--------
Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
If you need prayer, reach out to us today.
Learn more about Wheels for the World.
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Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
Visit our Family Retreat page!
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Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
Request the Joni and Friends newsletter.
--------
Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
Request John Piper's "Don't Waste Your Cancer."
--------
Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
Request the Joni and Friends newsletter.
--------
Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
Request the John Piper booklet "Don't Waste Your Cancer."
--------
Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
See the photos Joni mentions.
Learn more about our Family Retreats.
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Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
Watch the Family Retreat video!
Find out how you can volunteer at a Family Retreat.
--------
Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
Request the Joni and Friends newsletter!
--------
Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
We would love to pray for you! Send us your prayer requests!
--------
Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
We would love to pray for you! Send us your prayer requests!
--------
Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
Download tips from Joni's mother at joniradio.org.
--------
Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
--------
Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
--------
Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
--------
Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
--------
Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
Make a donation to Joni and Friends.
--------
Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
Watch the video Joni mentions - Can God Bring Good From Suffering?
If you need help with depression, please reach out to the Response Department at Joni and Friends.
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Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
Watch the video Joni mentions - Can God Bring Good From Suffering?
If you need help with depression, please reach out to the Response Department at Joni and Friends.
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Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
Watch the video Joni mentions - Can God Bring Good From Suffering?
If you need help with depression, please reach out to the Response Department at Joni and Friends.
--------
Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
Watch the video - Can God Bring Good From Suffering?
If you need help with depression, please reach out to the Response Department at Joni and Friends.
--------
Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
See Jessica's pictures at joniradio.org.
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Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
View Pastor Dale's video at joniradio.org.
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Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
“May the Mind of Christ, My Savior” by Kate B. Wilkinson, Public Domain
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Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
Previously aired as “Satisfied” on 4/8/10.
Hymn “Satisfied” by Clara Teare Williams, Public Domain
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Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
Watch Joni's video at joniradio.org.
--------
Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
Visit Emily's website at meetemilyshanahan.com.
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Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
Watch the video of Joy and Kekoa here: watch a brief video
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Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
Download a copy of "Floating the Madison" at joniradio.org.
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Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
See Joni's photo at joniradio.org.
--------
Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
View the Wheels for the World video here.
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Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
Listen to the podcast: Joni and Friends Ministry Podcast.
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Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
View "Carried to the Table" here.
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Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
Request "Evidence for the Resurrection" at joniradio.org.
--------
Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
Listen to the podcast with Greg and Gina.
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Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
See Max's artwork at emilycolson.com.
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Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
Request "Evidence for the Resurrection" at joniradio.org.
--------
Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
Request "Evidence for the Resurrection" at joniradio.org.
--------
Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
View the church training video here.
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Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
See the Joni's House video here - Joni's House
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Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
Find out how to donate a wheelchair to Joni and Friends!
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Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
Music: Creator King Words: Don Moen Music: Mary MacLean, © 2003 Vertical Worship Songs (admin. by Integrity Music, Inc.)
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Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
Request "God's Hand in Our Hardship" at joniradio.org.
--------
Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
Request "God's Hand in Our Hardship" at joniradio.org.
--------
Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
Request "God's Hand in Our Hardship" at joniradio.org.
--------
Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
Request "God's Hand in Our Hardship" at joniradio.org.
--------
Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
Request "No Longer Alone" at joniradio.org.
--------
Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
Request "No Longer Alone" at joniradio.org.
--------
Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
Request "No Longer Alone" at joniradio.org.
--------
Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
Request "No Longer Alone" at joniradio.org.
--------
Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
Request "No Longer Alone" at joniradio.org.
--------
Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
Purchase Joni's album at store.joniandfriends.org.
--------
Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
Request "From Fear to Hope" at joniradio.org.
--------
Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
Request "From Fear to Hope" at joniradio.org.
--------
Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
Request "From Fear to Hope" at joniradio.org.
--------
Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
Purchase the Pray for Life Bible at store.joniandfriends.org.
--------
Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
Join Joni and Friends in encouraging a family affected by disability. Peter, Daphne, and their kids would love to receive your cards, verses, and letters as part of “Heart for the Disabled” week!
Send your Valentines to Joni and Friends, P.O. Box 3333, Agoura Hills, CA, 91376.
Read Joni Eareckson Tada's Daily Devotional.
Listen to Joni's inspirational program, A Moment with Joni.
Follow Joni and Friends on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.
Give to Support Joni's Ministry!
Thank you for helping others find this podcast by leaving a 5-star review!
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Founded in 1979 by Joni Eareckson Tada who was left a quadriplegic in a diving accident at 17 years old, the ministry has served thousands of people living with disability worldwide for more than 40 years. Learn more at www.joniandfriends.org.
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Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
Join Joni and Friends in encouraging a family affected by disability. Amy and her kids would love to receive your cards, verses, and letters as part of “Heart for the Disabled” week!
Send your Valentine's to Joni and Friends, P.O. Box 3333, Agoura Hills, CA 91376.
Read Joni Eareckson Tada's Daily Devotional.
Listen to Joni's inspirational program, A Moment with Joni.
Follow Joni and Friends on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.
Give to Support Joni's Ministry!
Thank you for helping others find this podcast by leaving a 5-star review!
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Founded in 1979 by Joni Eareckson Tada who was left a quadriplegic in a diving accident at 17 years old, the ministry has served thousands of people living with disability worldwide for more than 40 years. Learn more at www.joniandfriends.org.
--------
Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
Join Joni and Friends in encouraging a family affected by disability. Peter, Christy and their kids would love to receive your cards, verses, and letters as part of “Heart for the Disabled” week!
Send your Valentine's to Joni and Friends, P.O. Box 3333, Agoura Hills, CA 91376.
Read Joni Eareckson Tada's Daily Devotional.
Listen to Joni's inspirational program, A Moment with Joni.
Follow Joni and Friends on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.
Give to Support Joni's Ministry!
Thank you for helping others find this podcast by leaving a 5-star review!
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Founded in 1979 by Joni Eareckson Tada who was left a quadriplegic in a diving accident at 17 years old, the ministry has served thousands of people living with disability worldwide for more than 40 years. Learn more at www.joniandfriends.org.
--------
Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
Join Joni and Friends in encouraging a family affected by disability. Octavia and her three daughters would love to receive your cards, verses and letters as part of “Heart for the Disabled” week!
Send your cards to Joni and Friends, P.O. Box 3333, Agoura Hills, CA 91376.
Read Joni Eareckson Tada's Daily Devotional.
Listen to Joni's inspirational program, A Moment with Joni.
Follow Joni and Friends on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.
Give to Support Joni's Ministry!
Thank you for helping others find this podcast by leaving a 5-star review!
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Founded in 1979 by Joni Eareckson Tada who was left a quadriplegic in a diving accident at 17 years old, the ministry has served thousands of people living with disability worldwide for more than 40 years. Learn more at www.joniandfriends.org.
--------
Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
A new year presents new opportunities to strengthen yourself in the Lord. Dig into his Word; rehearse God’s promises; remember what he has done for you. When challenges threaten to overwhelm you, hold fast to the trustworthiness of the Lord.
Request the free offer at joniradio.org.
Read Joni Eareckson Tada's Daily Devotional.
Listen to Joni's inspirational program, A Moment with Joni.
Follow Joni and Friends on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.
Give to Support Joni's Ministry!
Thank you for helping others find this podcast by leaving a 5-star review!
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Founded in 1979 by Joni Eareckson Tada who was left a quadriplegic in a diving accident at 17 years old, the ministry has served thousands of people living with disability worldwide for more than 40 years. Learn more at www.joniandfriends.org.
--------
Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
Request the free offer at joniradio.org.
--------
Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
Download Joni's song at joniradio.org.
--------
Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
Download the lyrics at joniradio.org. View the video here.
--------
Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
--------
Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
Request "The Christmas Story" at joniradio.org.
--------
Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
Request "The Christmas Story" at joniradio.org.
--------
Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
Join our Perfect Gift Campaign at joniradio.org.
--------
Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
Request "A Thankful Heart in a World of Hurt" at joniradio.org.
--------
Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
Request "A Thankful Heart in a World of Hurt" at joniradio.org.
--------
Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
View the training video at joniradio.org.
--------
Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
Download Joni's song at joniradio.org.
--------
Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
View the training video at joniradio.org.
--------
Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
Watch the flag folding ceremony.
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Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
--------
Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
--------
Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
Visit www.suethomasministries.org.
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Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
--------
Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
See the photos of Joni's mother at joniradio.org.
--------
Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
Learn more about the Pray for Life Bible!
--------
Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
Learn more about the Pray for Life Bible!
--------
Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
See the Pray for Life Bible at store.joniandfriends.org.
--------
Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
Request Joni's booklet at joniradio.org.
--------
Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
Request a copy of Joni's booklet, "Diagnosed with Breast Cancer: Life After Shock" at joniradio.org.
--------
Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
Request a copy of Joni's booklet, "Diagnosed with Breast Cancer: Life After Shock" at joniradio.org.
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Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
Find Joni's birthday fundraiser at joniradio.org.
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Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
Donate to Joni's birthday at joniradio.org.
--------
Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
Request a copy of the booklet on depression at joniradio.org.
--------
Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
Request the booklet on depression at joniradio.org.
--------
Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
Request the book on depression at joniradio.org.
--------
Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
Purchase Joni's planner at store.joniandfriends.org.
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Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
See the photo of Joni and Ken at joniradio.org.
--------
Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
Register for the Global Access Conference here.
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Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
See the photo at joniradio.org.
--------
Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
Download Ken's recipe at joniradio.org.
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Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
View Joni's sketch at joniradio.org.
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Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
Request "Coronavirus and Christ" by John Piper, and download the list of Joni's favorite books at joniradio.org.
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Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
Download Joni's list of favorite books at joniradio.org.
--------
Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
Download Joni's list of favorite books at joniradio.org.
--------
Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
Download Joni's list of favorite books at joniradio.org.
--------
Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
Download Joni's book list at joniradio.org.
--------
Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
Visit the Joni and Friends store.
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Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
Visit joniradio.org to request your copy of "Don't Waste Your Cancer."
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Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
Learn more about the Luke 14 project.
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Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
Visit Joni's Facebook page!
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Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
Download Sally's poem at joniradio.org.
--------
Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
See the photo of Ken at joniradio.org.
--------
Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
Request the "Names of Jesus" booklet at joniradio.org.
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Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
Request the Bible Promises offer at joniradio.org.
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Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
Download the abortion brief here - https://www.joniandfriends.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/abortion-one-pager.pdf
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Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
See the photos Joni mentioned at joniradio.org.
--------
Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
See our church resources at joniandfriends.org/churches.
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Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
Request the booklet on depression at joniradio.org.
--------
Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
See Joni's wedding photos at joniradio.org,
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Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
View the video of Joni's surprise party at joniradio.org.
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Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
Request John Piper's booklet "Don't Waste Your Cancer" at joniradio.org.
--------
Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
Request John Piper's booklet Don't Waste Your Cancer at joniradio.org.
--------
Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
Request John Piper's "Don't Waste Your Cancer" at joniradio.org.
--------
Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
View Ken Tada's dinner questions at joniradio.org.
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Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
Visit Sue Thomas' website.
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Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
--------
Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
See the video of Angela and her mother at joniandfriends.org.
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Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
Request today's free offer at joniradio.org.
--------
Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
Request today's free offer at joniradio.org.
--------
Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
Request today's free offer at joniradio.org.
--------
Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
Request today's free offer at joniradio.org.
--------
Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
Request this week's free offer at joniradio.org.
--------
Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
Request today's free offer at joniradio.org.
--------
Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
Request today's free offer at joniradio.org.
--------
Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
Request today's free offer at joniradio.org.
--------
Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
Request today's free offer at joniradio.org.
--------
Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
Request today's free offer at joniradio.org.
--------
Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
Request today's free offer at joniradio.org.
--------
Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
Request today's free offer at joniradio.org.
--------
Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
Request today's free offer at joniradio.org.
--------
Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
Request today's free offer at joniradio.org.
--------
Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
Request today's free offer at joniradio.org.
--------
Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
Request today's free offer at joniradio.org.
--------
Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
Request today's free offer at joniradio.org.
--------
Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
Request today's free offer at joniradio.org.
--------
Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
Request today's free offer at joniradio.org.
--------
Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
Request today's free offer at joniradio.org.
--------
Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
Request today's free offer at joniradio.org.
--------
Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
Request a copy of today's free offer at Joniradio.org.
--------
Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
--------
Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
Request the booklet "God's Love: Better Than Unconditional"
--------
Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
Request the booklet God's Love: Better Than Unconditional.
--------
Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
Request the booklet "God's Love: Better Than Unconditional."
--------
Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
Request God's Love: Better Than Unconditional.
--------
Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
Request the booklet www.joniandfriends.org/media/radio/#gift.
--------
Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
If you are a pastor, request your free copy of "Suffering in 3-D."
--------
Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
If you are a pastor, request your free copy of "Suffering in 3-D."
--------
Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
If you are a pastor, visit Joniradio.org to request the book "Suffering in 3-D"
--------
Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
Download Joni's Bible Reading Plan
--------
Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
Download Joni's Bible Reading Plan
--------
Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
Download Joni's Bible Reading Plan
--------
Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
Download Joni's Bible Reading Plan
--------
Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
Download Joni's Bible reading plan
--------
Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
Request your free copy of "From Fear to Hope" - www.joniandfriends.org/media/radio/#gift
--------
Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
Request your free copy of "From Fear to Hope" -www.joniandfriends.org/media/radio/#gift
--------
Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
Read the article Joni references - https://www.lifenews.com/2019/10/29/84-of-dutch-pediatricians-want-to-be-able-to-euthanize-children/
Request your copy of "From Fear to Hope" - www.joniandfriends.org/media/radio/#gift
--------
Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
Request your free copy of "From Fear to Hope" at https://www.joniandfriends.org/media/radio/#gift
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Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
Visit https://www.joniandfriends.org/media/radio/#gift to request a free copy of "From Fear to Hope."
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Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
View the video of Daniel here - https://youtu.be/MmbI0BpwDnE
Visit the family page here - https://www.joniandfriends.org/kevin-sarah/
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Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
Visit the family page here - https://www.joniandfriends.org/ben-jill/
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Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
Visit the family page here - https://www.joniandfriends.org/mary-glen/
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Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
Visit the family page here - https://www.joniandfriends.org/tracy-and-family/
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Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
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Visit the family page here - https://www.joniandfriends.org/mandy-and-kids/
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Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
Sign up for Joni's daily devotionals
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Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
Sign up for Joni's daily devotionals here - http://jaf.convio.net/site/Survey?ACTION_REQUIRED=URI_ACTION_USER_REQUESTS&SURVEY_ID=2403
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Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
Sign up for Joni's daily devotionals here - http://jaf.convio.net/site/Survey?ACTION_REQUIRED=URI_ACTION_USER_REQUESTS&SURVEY_ID=2403
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Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
Please visit joniradio.org to download the tract Joni mentions in the show.
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Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
Visit www.joniradio.org to download the recipe and play mentioned on the show.
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Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
Visit joniradio.org for a free copy of the booklet "For Better or Worse." Offer expires November 8, 2019.
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Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
Have you ever longed to be one of those who wakes up early to pray?
Well hi, I’m Joni Eareckson Tada, and I have a few friends who do, indeed, get up at 5am to have a quiet time and pray. I, I’ve always been a little envious, but I’ll admit, I am not exactly a morning person. It takes quite awhile for me to get to sleep, and so those early morning hours are pretty precious. Well, it is not that way anymore. Maybe I'm still feeling the effects of my recent cancer treatment, or whatever, pain usually wakes me up, it does, around 4:30 in the morning, and I simply cannot find a comfortable position in which to sleep until help comes to get me up at 7:30 in the morning. Now, I used to panic. Like, “I’ve gotta get to sleep. I’ve got to get back to sleep. I don’t want have to wake up Ken again to have him turn me.” And I would pray that God would help me come up with a position where I could sleep without being distracted by pain. I stare at the clock projected on my ceiling, and I groan, and I think to myself, “You mean it’s only 3:30am?!” Yesterday, however, I found this poem and its truth really hit the spot. And I think it will touch you, too. The, the author is unknown, but this is how it goes. It says:
Refuse to fall down; and if you cannot refuse to fall down, refuse to stay down.
And if you cannot refuse to stay down, lift your heart toward heaven, and like a hungry beggar, ask that it be filled. You may be pushed down. You may be kept from rising. But no one can keep you from lifting your heart toward heaven. Only you. It is in the middle of misery that so much becomes clear. The one who says nothing good came of this, is not yet listening.
I love that part about lifting your heart toward heaven. It made the difference for me. Once God helped me release the anxiety, I could not be kept from rising. And at 4am, when I did, wide awake, I heard God whispering to me, “Joni, why don’t you use this time as your early morning prayer time?” And all of a sudden, a light went on. Of course! I’m not gonna lay here anxious. I’m to pray. I was able to embrace my circumstances, and not fight them, not feel defeated or pushed down by them. And so now, when that early hour appears on my ceiling, I see it as an invitation to draw near to God. At a time when, normally, I would never be awake, draw near to Him and praise Him. Actually, more than listing petitions, that 4:30 hour, it really is my time of worship.
Amazing things can happen when we stop resisting the irritating, inconvenient circumstance; you know, the problems we can’t solve. And just lift our hearts to the Lord, He then turns those difficult moments into seasons of worship. You know I'm reminded of that every time I watch this wonderful little video of my stroke-surviving friend, Katherine Wolf. Given that May is National Stroke Awareness month, I posted Katherine’s brief but powerful testimony on my radio page today at joniradio.org. I mean you watch this video, and I tell you you’ll never have a reason to complain again. Katherine was a beautiful, successful model in Los Angeles; a bright young Christian woman married to a Pepperdine law student. And after their first child, she suffered a massive stroke which left its mark in many ways. But Katherine refused to stay down. And her incredible story has been inspiring people like me to do the same ever since. So today, visit joniradio.org, and watch Katherine’s video. Then, be certain to share it with your Facebook friends, or anyone you know who has survived a stroke.
See you later at joniradio.org. I’m Joni Eareckson Tada.
© Joni and Friends
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Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
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As Christians, our eyes have been opened. But still we’re blind.
Hi, I’m Joni Eareckson Tada, and aren’t you glad that God has opened our eyes to what’s wrong, what’s evil, and what’s spiritually dangerous? For the most part, we know what’s really bad for our souls, but sometimes we are blind to that which is, uh, well, just not the best for our souls. Like um, we all know that most of the entertainment on TV these days is totally worthless. Most of today’s sitcoms are raucous and irreligious, and the storylines have no redeeming value. But isn’t it great when you do come across a TV documentary, or, or some innocuous TV show that doesn’t offend your spirit?
And I guess that’s why I, uh, occasionally enjoy watching HGTV and the program “Fixer-Upper.” It’s a totally benign show about a Christian couple who fix up old houses. Nothing bad, nothing dangerous nothing irreligious about that. But if, let’s say, I watch three or four recorded episodes close together, it’s strange, but all that TV as benign as it seems, just, just watching all that “good” TV totally dulls my spirit. Fixer-Upper with Chip and Joanna Gaines is fun, it’s uplifting, but still, after a whole bunch of episodes in a row, I come away feeling mediocre, and not as spiritually sharp, or keen, or aware. Sometimes, not even as interested in the things of God. And that, I do not like! It's why the Holy Spirit inspired Psalm 119, verse 37, it’s a prayer to God, and it says, "Turn my eyes away from worthless things and preserve my life according to your Word." I think another translation says, "Give me life through your Word." Now not that the TV show “Fixer-Upper” is a worthless thing; but too much of it, and what do you know, I’ve drifted away from preserving my spiritual life. Look, we all need to recognize that wrong does not always look wrong to us. What God says is dangerous does not always seem dangerous. Evil does not always appear evil. We need protection from our own blind eyes and wandering hearts. And I’m telling you, a lot of TV will dull the spirit.
So how do we know when something is unhealthy for our souls? Well, again, Psalm 119 asks God to turn our eyes away from worthless things, and give us life through your Word. It’s the word of God that shows us things that are life preserving. The Bible is like wearing a pair of Christ-colored glasses that show us what things have the potential to be worthless. The apostle Paul knew this; he says in First Corinthians chapter 6, "All things are lawful for me, but not all things are helpful. All things are lawful for me, but I will not be dominated by anything." Look, I don’t wanna be thinking about TV episodes in the middle of the night; that’s what it means to be dominated by something. And it doesn’t have to be about TV; it could be someone for whom you have great affection. It could be a book or a movie, a memory, a desire; a special purchase, like clothing or new home. All things are permissible for you as a Christian, but when they dull your hunger for godly things, then they’re not helpful.
As iron sharpens iron, so friends should sharpen their Christian friends. And a good way to do that is to pass this program along on Facebook. And as you do that today, ask God to open your eyes; open the eyes of those you love from anything that might blind them to the superior pleasure, the ultimate satisfaction of loving the Lord Jesus. God bless you today, and thanks for listening to Joni and Friends.
© Joni and Friends
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Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
Hi, I’m Joni Eareckson Tada, and let me share with you about Scripture Earth. And actually I, uh, shared this about a month ago. What, it’s an amazing website, Scripture Earth. It lists the Word of God in every language on earth where the Bible has ever been translated. You need to visit the website, even if just for encouragement. ‘Cause when you look at all the many, many, many obscure languages from the Middle East, from Asia, Africa; I tell you, you’ll be breathless at the sheer number of thousands of languages in which the word of God is printed. It is so encouraging. And, uh, if you know, let’s say, a foreign student on your college campus from Algeria or India, or maybe the waiter at your favorite Vietnamese restaurant, or Thai, or Ethiopian restaurant, or maybe a family from Pakistan who just moved into your neighborhood; I don’t know, bake up a plate of fresh cookies, write a welcome note and provide the link to Scripture Earth. And if you’d like to see this amazing repository of Scripture, just visit joniradio.org where we have a link to the site.
Well, now here’s the story. The last time I talked about this, I had no idea the wife of the designer of Scripture Earth would be listening. So here’s the story. Twenty years ago, Scott and Paula Starker served together as Bible translation and literacy team among the indigenous people of Oaxaca, in southern Mexico. But in the blink of an eye, Scott lost his ability to speak and translate when he experienced a massive stroke, leaving him with aphasia and paralysis on his right side. But God had other plans! After rehab, and over the next 10 years, God used Scott with his background in languages, computers and engineering to create Scripture Earth with 3 other missionary colleagues. God pulled Scott away from a single language and people group, and set him within a team who wanted to design a way to get God’s Word out to millions via the internet. And I mean, imagine the thousands of languages that were mostly in written form back 10 years ago, but had never been catalogued together in one source. Even though Scott has a disability, and can only use one hand on the computer; even though his speech is impaired from his stroke, this humble man ended up serving as the systems administrator and programmer behind this complex website. Praise God – that to me is amazing!
And his wife, Paula, wrote me saying, “Joni, I have never once heard my husband, Scott, complain about his hardships, or having to learn how to become left-handed and type one-handed on the keyboard. He’s humble; he’s focused, he’s committed to serving the Lord with his whole heart.” You know, I just thought this would be a great story to share since it’s National Stroke Awareness Month. And I am so happy to highlight Scott’s Starker’s story today, just to underscore how God delights in using weak people, even weak people with disabilities to accomplish great things for His Kingdom.
Visit joniradio.org where we’ve provided a, a really great photo of Scott and Paula, as well as a link to Scripture Earth. And when you go on that website, click on the feedback tab and just say hi to Scott. Thank him for what he’s done. Just one glance at Scripture Earth, scrolling down and looking at all the thousands of languages in which the Word of God has been translated and printed, it’s gonna make your heart sing. So come and visit us at joniradio.org, and we’ve also got a link to a YouTube video about their testimony. You’ll hear directly from Scott and Paula, and their amazing story.
So, contact us at joniradio.org. That’s a different link to my radio page than you usually hear me say, but it’s a lot easier, joniradio.org. And God bless you today, and thanks for listening to Joni and Friends.
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Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
Hi, I’m Joni Eareckson Tada to tell you about my friend, Don.
I met him years ago when I was speaking at his church in Colorado Springs. I was talking about our “Wheels for the World” outreach; you know where we take wheelchairs and Bibles to needy disabled people overseas. At that time, some of our wheelchairs were being restored at a prison facility in Colorado. Well, Don is sitting there in the congregation listening to all this, and he decides to get involved. He gets his adult Sunday school group to help raise funds to provide more tools and workbenches for the prisoners who are restoring our wheelchairs. He even digs in and helps bring the ’Wheels for the World”restoration shop up to speed.
From there, he helped us collect wheelchairs in his region, and then he decided that he could use his mechanical skills by serving on a “Wheels for the World” team to a developing nation. Well, he wrote me the other day, they said, “Joni, (this is what he said,) having been on 7 trips for “Wheels for the World,” I’ve seen countless times how the gift of a pediatric wheelchair or an adult -sized one really touches family. It’s the gift that helps open their hearts to receive the gospel. They see first-hand how generous the God of the Bible really is. And I tell my friends that there are '5' wins in the Wheels' Ministry: (1) a chair is salvaged; (2) a prisoner has got purpose, (3) someone gets the gift of mobility that changes their life, (4) many people are opened to receiving Christ, and (5) the team that goes to a third world country has a totally new perspective on life and an appreciation for their blessings. No other mission effort that I know of does so many things with 'one' item, a wheelchair!”
Well you know, Don was just sitting there one Sunday morning in the church, and God spoke to his heart. Don’s the kind of guy who, when he sees the need, can’t wait to meet it. That’s just like him. He saw that he could do something to help those prisoners do a better job of refurbishing our wheelchairs. Next thing you know, he’s got his Sunday school involved. He is making a difference. Neither Don nor his Sunday school friends had much connection with prison ministry before, and they weren’t particularly involved with disabled people in their church, but they saw they could do something. They can raise funds. They can donate tools, hammers, wrenches. Make work tables, benches and so much more. Of course, when you see a need or start meeting it, God opens your eyes and you begin to see other needs: the need to collect wheelchairs, the need to minister to prisoners, and ultimately, the need to even serve on a “Wheels for the World” trip.
Acts chapter 20, verse 35 says, "in all things I have shown you that by working hard in this way we must help the weak, and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he himself said, 'It is more blessed to give than to receive.'" That perfectly describes people like Don who see a need and don’t wait around for others to do it. Huh-uh, no, they do it. And they get the blessing. We’ve got a “Wheels for the World” team in China this week fitting wheelchairs to some of the poorest disabled people in the world. Kids with disabilities who are forgotten, neglected. Actually this month, there are three different Wheels teams going to three different big regions in China. I know Don’s gonna be cheering on our “Wheels for the World “team with his prayers, and I sure hope you will, too. And if you’d like to serve on a “Wheels” team or help collect wheelchairs, then help us. Just visit our Wheels for the World page at joniandfriends.org for all the details. Find need, and then roll up your sleeves and meet it.
God bless you today, and thanks for listening to Joni and Friends.
© Joni and Friends
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Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
It’s National Stroke Awareness Month! And Hi! I’m Joni Eareckson Tada,
and I'm here with my friend Shauna Amick, who works with me at Joni and Friends where we are recognizing National Stroke Awareness Month, and we’re doing it with a little help from our friend, Katherine Wolf.
SHAUNA: Oh, and I was blown away the first time I heard Katherine’s story – I mean here she is, this young, successful model in the Los Angeles area. She’s married to Jay Wolf, who’s now going to Pepperdine for Law, and one afternoon, when her six- month- old baby’s asleep in the next room, she just yells out to her husband; crumbles to the floor, and what they found out is she has had a massive brain stem stroke. So, I can’t even imagine, Joni, one day her modeling career is taking off, and the next she’s undergoing neurosurgery where actually part of her brain was removed. To me, simply surviving a trauma like that would be inspirational enough, but here Katherine and her husband Jay, they’ve taught us how to thrive under these incredible circumstances, and I know if Katherine were here with us right now, she’d be saying Happy Stroke Awareness Month! (JONI: She is so happy.) Oh my goodness, these are words I would never put together! But here’s our friend Katherine, a woman who’s had a stroke, telling us that even after that massive life-altering trauma – life is good because God is good.
JONI: Well, Shauna, let me real quickly for our listeners play a clip, just a little clip, from a video that Katherine did for us.
KATHERINE: Everybody wants to think their story is over when they have a stroke. It’s the end of the line for them; life could never be good again. Nothing could be further from the truth. Guess what just happened when you had a stroke? Your life got really exciting, it got amped out. ‘Cause now the world is watching. You get to cling to Jesus and show other people what that looks like through your story. Your life is good, because guess what? God is good! And God is in your story. He is always at work.
SHAUNA: Oh, man, I just love her. She always puts a smile in my heart and that is why Katherine is such an encouragement to all of us. (JONI: Absolutely!) She reminds us that no matter what we’re going through, we can use that as a platform for making much out of Jesus. And Katherine, she states with both confidence and also great humility.
JONI: And you know, Shauna, she speaks with such authority (SHAUNA: She sure does.), and it’s not that she’s got a Bible degree; she’s no theologian, but this woman knows the Word of God. And what gives her authority is the platform that God has given her in her immense suffering. But when you look at her and listen to her, it’s all about the joy of the Lord.
SHAUNA: Oh, it just beams off her face and you hear it in her beautiful voice. Maybe it takes life being undeniably terrible before we can recognize its undeniable splendor.
JONI: Wow, that’s so true.
SHAUNA: It’s so much like Peter when he was walking on the water towards Jesus, we also we need to keep our eyes up looking at the face of our Savior, rather than down on those ugly details. That’s what Katherine and Jay do.
JONI: They do it every day. So, friend, go to joniradio.org today where you will find a personal video message from Katherine Wolf (you heard part of it just a second ago) but there is so much more that she says that will touch your heart; make you laugh and bring a lot of awareness to what it means to live with stroke and do it with confidence. So, I don’t know if you can say it with me, but “Happy Stroke Awareness Month!” And Katherine’s beautiful smile is right there for you at joniradio.org.
© Joni and Friends
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Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
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I’m Joni Eareckson Tada and I love that God takes up our cause.
I felt it happen the other night. It was around 1 AM and I could not get back to sleep because of all the pain in my hip – because of my paralysis, I cannot turn in bed to make myself more comfortable (once my husband tucks the pillows this way and that, and I’m up on my side, it’s pretty much it until I call him early in the morning to readjust me). So, that sets the stage, okay? But this night this was different. The pain was unusual, and I woke up earlier than I was supposed to. I looked at the time projected up on my ceiling (1 AM) oh, and I groaned. I had hours to go before my normal turn time, and I did not want to wake Ken up again. But as much as I tried to get back to sleep, it was impossible. Anxiety started piling on top of my pain which only made things feel all the more claustrophobic being paralyzed in bed.
But I know what to do during those mad midnight moments. I asked the Holy Spirit, I said, “Jesus, Spirit of Jesus, take up my cause, come shoulder to shoulder next to me so we could do battle together.” Because I know if I’m tempted to cave in to fear or anxiety, dreadful thoughts like ‘what if my pain gets worse’, I’ve got to look at Jesus, I’ve got to remember the example He gave when He was tempted. Three times He went into battle against the devil, and three times He used three simple words: “It is written.” Charles Spurgeon once said that, “With that ‘sword of the Spirit’ in our hands, our cause becomes that of the Holy Spirit Himself, and we shall be as superior in strength to our adversary, as the Spirit of God is to the spirit of darkness.” So, that night as I was lying awake, I felt the Holy Spirit come shoulder to shoulder next to me ready to do battle. And together we fought those anxious feelings. Just as I had hoped, the Holy Spirit brought to mind every promise from God’s word that I could possibly recall, ones I had memorized. From Psalm 46, I said, “it is written...” God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.” And then, from Philippians Chapter 4, it is written…” I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.” And then from first Corinthians Chapter 10, it is written…”God will not let you be tried beyond what you are able to bear, but with the trial will also provide a way out so that you may be able to endure it.” And then again, from 2nd Corinthians Chapter 12, it is written that God’s grace is sufficient for me. And from Nehemiah Chapter 4, it is written that God is going to fight for me. And then from Psalm 20, it is written that the Lord gives victory to his anointed.
What more could I want in the middle of the night? And with the Holy Spirit bringing to mind all those verses, it was like he was in my fox hole handing me ammunition, round after round, bullet after bullet to fire at the enemy. And by what 1:30, 2 o’clock in the morning, it was clear the devil was giving up the contest. The word of God is the weapon that Satan dreads the most. You know, I didn’t develop this habit of memorizing God's Word myself. I was first challenged, years ago, by Elisabeth Elliot when we spoke together at a conference. She understood suffering and she knew the power of God's Word to defeat discouragement. So, I wrote the foreword for her new book Suffering is Never for Nothing and we’ve got it in our online store at joniandfriends.org. So, visit us, would you, and find out more at joniandfriends.org. And, oh by the way, I was able to get back to sleep after 2 o’clock in the morning all because the Word of God was sufficient and the same is true for you. The Word that was sufficient for Jesus is sufficient for you as well.
© Joni and Friends
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Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
Hi, I’m Joni Eareckson Tada from around the world.
I say that because I’m a, I’m a global sort of girl, and I am very excited that tomorrow, our Wheels for the World team comes home from China, having fit hundreds of disabled kids and adults to wheelchairs; we gave away Chinese Bibles, left, right and center, we worked with Chinese Christians to connect these special-needs families (some of them the most impoverished in the world) we connected them to good churches. And when I say that these disabled people are poor and needy, well, let me share something my friend Mark said when he returned home from a “Wheels for the World” outreach into Thailand.
He was serving as a mechanic on the team, and, ah, it was all set up in a gymnasium where everyone was working on wheelchairs. He looked up and saw outside an old, rusty pickup truck pull up in front of the gym. The driver, a Thai, got out, flipped opened the tailgate and there Mark saw huddled against the wheel hub a young paraplegic, oh, maybe in his 30s, and he was crying, and his body was all bruised from being bounced around in the truck. The young man should have been tied down, but on the long drive down from the mountains, he had been tossed back and forth against the sides of the truck like a basketball. Mark learned that his name was Koi and he immediately lifted Koi and did a fireman’s carry with him across the gym to Mark’s workstation. When Mark set Koi down, he spotted more bruises and calluses on his arms. Our Wheels team gathered around Koi who explained that those injuries did not happen in the truck. They were different. He said those calluses and bruises were from crawling down a rocky path to the river to wash clothes for his family. It was something he did all the time and he would hold the clothes bag in his teeth, dragging it as he crawled.
Picture that, because I can hardly imagine it. I mean, no wonder this, this Koi had such a hopeless look in his eyes. And it breaks my heart that his story is repeated thousands and thousands of times in developing nations where we take “Wheels for the World.”
But imagine Koi’s excitement when we cleaned his knees and arms, and carefully lifted him into his wheelchair. Suddenly, someone actually cared enough to lift him out of the dirt. Exactly like Psalm 113 says, “God lifts the poor out of the dust, and the needy He lifts out of the ash heap.” It was like seeing God’s literal word in action. What’s more, we took an hour or so to fit Koi properly to his new chair. And if that were not enough, when we told this young man about Jesus Christ, he immediately recognized hope when he heard it and he embraced Jesus right then and there that day. What a difference – nobody had ever rescued, nobody had ever saved, ever delivered him before. But that day, Christ did. And it happens all the time with Wheels for the World.
When Mark got home, he was filled with joy and told me it had been such a big blessing working with the “Wheels for the World” team in Thailand. And then, he thanked me for the privilege of serving. Me? He thanked me? After hearing about his ministry to that young man in Thailand, oh, I said to Mark: “Friend it’s not me, it’s the God of the Bible. Mark you and I we’re nothing but merely His hands to the poor and needy.” So, friend listening be praying for the many people even now in China over the last 2 weeks who, like Koi, got a new lease on life. And pray for many “Wheels for the World” teams heading out the rest of the summer. God bless you for caring. And if this story blessed you, tell us on our Joni and Friends Facebook page. Thanks for listening today on Joni and Friends.
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Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
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Hi, I’m Joni Eareckson Tada here with my friend, Shauna Amick. Shauna, it’s always good to have you in the studio.
SHAUNA: Thanks Joni.
JONI: And we’re celebrating National Get Caught Reading Month!
SHAUNA: That’s right. I’m, I’m excited about this. I didn’t even know there was such a thing (JONI: Me either) until a little while ago. (JONI: Right!) You know, as soon as I heard that phrase ‘get caught reading,’ it brought me back to the third grade when we had read-a-thons (JONI: Yep) and the contest was to see how many books we could read in a certain amount of time. And boy, I can remember as a little kid my teachers just instilling a love for reading in me then and I’m so grateful I’ve kept that with me all these years later.
JONI: So…what’s on your nightstand nowadays? What particular book has grabbed you?
SHAUNA: Well, are you ready for this? It might surprise you, Joni, but actually I am re-reading this timeless classic, written by Joni Eareckson Tada, (JONI: Oh, come on) I’m, I’m serious. And while I love so many of your books – you know I think of, of course, the Joni book, I think of Ordinary People, Extraordinary Faith (that one touched me so much) – but right now I’m re-reading When God Weeps.
JONI: Oh my goodness, that is not an easy read.
SHAUNA: Well, you know it isn’t, but it’s a needed read. Boy, it was probably 12 years ago when somebody handed me this book, When God Weeps, and boy, at that time, Joni, my youngest child was still a baby, Sarah—with Down syndrome, and her heart defect and all her other genetic abnormalities. And I spent most of my time weeping. And so the title alone (JONI: Yea) is what got me because I thought, ‘Boy, I’m walking around, crying all the time. What would make God weep?’
JONI: Yea, well you know, when I wrote that book, must have been over 20 years ago with Steve Estes (um, he was my spiritual mentor when I got out of the hospital); when I wrote it and people started reading it, some people put it down; they, they just couldn’t stomach it. (SHAUNA: Wow). But the people who really liked that book are the ones who have suffered greatly. They’re the ones who really “get;” they get the message of when God weeps.
SHAUNA: Boy, I can remember right where I was even sitting the first time I read it. I just gobbled it up.
JONI: Well, it’s, it’s about a subject that’s so tough for people to swallow. How do you reconcile the goodness and the sweetness of God, with the horror of evil and suffering that He permits in this world; even our own suffering.
SHAUNA: Early in the book you talk about how we do try to make sense of our suffering. And even in our good intentions of making sense of suffering, they can be self-centered. They can be “me” focused, like suffering helps me understand the Bible better. Or this trial is giving me a better character. Or even, um, God has used this difficult thing to improve my marriage. And in the book you say “Did you hear all the ‘I’s’?” (JONI: Yea, right.) God did too.
JONI: Sometimes we get so “me” focused about our suffering it’s like, what does it do to help my faith? Deepen my love for the Bible? Help my prayer life? And really suffering goes a lot further than just, just yourself, doesn’t it?
SHAUNA: Well, that’s right. Well, you know what you taught me through that book, and you through the book became my spiritual mentor, is that when we choose to trust God the problem of suffering is not about some “thing,” it’s about some “one”. It’s about knowing our Lord Jesus Christ and keeping our eye on him – not keeping our eye on suffering or even suffering’s benefits, but keeping our eye on Jesus.
JONI: You know I learned that truth many years ago from Elisabeth Elliot; her writings really touched me back then. You know, Shauna, her new collection of unpublished works was just compiled in a book called Suffering is Never for Nothing. You ought to put that next on your list, (SHAUNA: I sure will) for which I wrote the foreword I was so honored to do that. And you know we have both books When God Weeps and Suffering is Never for Nothing in our online store this month, so friend listening, if you would like to be caught reading this month, we’ve got lots of selections for you in our online store at joniandfriends.org.
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Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
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I’m Joni Eareckson Tada with a powerful lesson from Mark Chapter 6.
And you know the story well, but we can never hear it enough, start with verse 45, just, just listen. “Immediately Jesus made his disciples get into the boat and go ahead of Him to Bethsaida, while He dismissed the crowd. After leaving them, He went up on a mountainside to pray. Later that night, the boat was in the middle of the lake, and He was alone on land. He saw the disciples straining at the oars, because the wind was against them. Shortly before dawn he went out to them, walking on the lake. He was about to pass by them, when they saw Him walking on the lake, they thought He was a ghost. They cried out, because they all saw Him and were terrified. Immediately He spoke to them and said, ‘Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.’ And then He climbed into the boat with them, and the wind died down. They were completely amazed.”
Now I love this passage because it is about Jesus and the storms He sends our way. And both you and I, what we’ve been through a lot of storms. But when I read this passage this morning, I was struck with these words: “Jesus made the disciples get into the boat and row out.” He did that knowing that they would face a storm, and He knew it would be terrifying. Nevertheless, Jesus commanded them to row directly into a tempest. And what touched me especially was that they obeyed. Even when the storm arises, they don’t turn back. They keep heading toward Bethsaida where Jesus told them to go. And here’s another thing: when the wind and the rain began blowing, I mean you’d think Jesus would have calmed the sea from where He stood on land. But no, He lets His followers battle it out in the worst part of the storm, for hours. Remember it was only right before dawn when Jesus finally chose to enter the hurricane and reveal Himself to the disciples. And He revealed Himself in the storm. The point wasn’t for Him to simply stop the storm, and thereby show them His power over the wind and the waves; Jesus waited to show Himself in the storm with them. Jesus knew that the storm, the, the trial was needed so that they might feel their need of Him.
And oh, it is that way for us, isn’t it? There’s a peace, there is a, a joy, a delight – not when the storm goes away. I mean, my paralysis is not going away and neither is my wheelchair; my chronic pain may not go away, and perhaps not even my cancer. So the delight is not in the storm disappearing, but in seeing Jesus in your personal storm and hearing those life-changing words, “Take courage. It is I. Don’t be afraid.” Jesus says that to you today. “Don’t be afraid. I am here, I’m with you. You obeyed me when I led you into this trial, and I am not gonna abandon you.”
Friend, today may this passage in Mark Chapter 6 speak to you afresh, even though you know the story well. Do not expect Jesus to quiet the wind and the waves before you see Him. Wait until you hear those sweet words, “Take courage! It is I. Yes, the wind and waves are here, but I am here as well. Don’t be afraid.” These encouragements are echoed in Elisabeth Elliot’s new book Suffering is Never for Nothing, for which I wrote the foreword. So be sure to visit joniandfriends.org where we’re offering Elisabeth Elliot’s new book, because suffering is never, ever, ever for nothing; you learned that today right here on Joni and Friends.
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Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
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Hi, I’m Joni Eareckson Tada here with my friend, Shauna Amick. And we are celebrating National Get Caught Reading Month. I bet you didn’t know there was such a thing, right? Because there are so many good books out there, so many good Christian books, too. Isn’t that right, Shauna?
Shauna: That’s right. And I know a great one that you wrote the foreword to, Joni.
Joni: Well, well you are, ok, you’re talking about this new book that has been compiled from the never-before-published essays of Elisabeth Elliot, and it’s called Suffering Is Never for Nothing. It just came out and for any listener who has been blessed over the years by Elizabeth Elliot’s writings like I have, this new one by her is such a blessing.
Shauna: Oh, you were great friends with her, weren’t you, Joni? I’m assuming that’s why you must have written this foreword?
Joni: Well, I guess you’re right on both counts. I first learned about Elisabeth Elliot; it was 1965 when in high school I read her book Through Gates of Splendor. Now the thing is, I had no idea that right after graduation and a diving accident, I would enter those dark valleys that Elisabeth wrote about. Many of our listeners know that she was a missionary wife. Her husband was speared to death by Auca Indians in South America. And I was enthralled with her story. I then met her years later in 1976 when we were both speakers at a conference in Canada. I was only 26 years old with less than a decade under my belt as a quadriplegic. I could hardly believe I was actually sharing the same speaking platform with this saint of the age.
Shauna: I can’t imagine. What was is that really connected you two?
Joni: Well obviously she suffered greatly. Her husband was tragically killed. And of course, I had suffered a diving accident. I guess that’s what drew us together. I think our suffering brought us to each other. At the conference one evening afterward, she came to my hotel room. And as she sat on the edge of my bed, we opened our hearts and shared how God had tenderly helped us both where our pain, our disappointment. And I think we connected real fast through our shared experience of deep suffering. And I mean I couldn’t believe it. Here she was in my own hotel room, and by the end of the evening, we both agreed that no one participates in God’s joy without first tasting the afflictions of His Son. And that is when she smiled at me and said (right before leaving my hotel room, she was at the door and said), “Joni, remember suffering is never for nothing.” It was so Elizabethan, and I thought I understood what she meant back then. I mean after all, nine years of quadriplegia had made me take seriously the Lordship of Christ, and it refined my faith, and had given me a deeper interest in prayer and the Word. But man, I would never have guessed that I had still a long, long, long way to go.
Shauna: Yeah, like, decades of paralysis.
Joni: You’re right, Shauna. And please you know this when affliction is your daily companion, you understand why Elizabeth wrote the things she did: from her I learned that the Bible’s answers are never to be separated from the God of the Bible. That truth has guided me over 50 years of paralysis, and pain, and cancer. And, Shauna, that’s the reason why, when I was asked to write the foreword to this new book of her unpublished works called Suffering Is Never for Nothing. What a privilege!
Shauna: And Joni, I hope don’t mind but I want listeners to know that that book is available. So folks just need to go to joniandfriends.org where they’ll learn everything they need to about this amazing book written by Elizabeth Elliot’s own pen, and learn firsthand suffering is never for nothing.
Joni: Oh, and please know that we at Joni and Friends care about your struggles, too. Our staff gathers every morning to intercede on behalf of friends like you who contact our ministry in need of prayer, whether it’s upcoming surgery, or prodigal child going astray, write us your prayer request at joniandfriends.org. And then please keep us posted on how you’re doing, and what’s going on.
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Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
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Hi, I’m Joni Eareckson Tada with a sweet story for Mother’s Day…
And it’s a story for any mom who is going through a painful trial, or who still has a thorn in her heart from a past wound. Like my own mother, Lindy Eareckson. When I broke my neck, that tragedy became her painful trial, as much as mine. Of course, I didn’t realize what a broken neck meant. I was just a teenager. To me, paralysis was something that would wear off in time. But my mother knew differently. And so, the painful thorn of my life-altering injury went far deeper into her heart than it did into mine. Over time, though, that thorn sank deeper into me as I began to understand the permanency of my paralysis. And while I was in the hospital, I read a little book that helped me adjust. And it was that Christian classic, maybe you’ve read it, “Hind’s Feet on High Places” by Hannah Hurnard. Perhaps you’ve heard of it and, if not, it’s really something worth reading, especially if you are struggling through pain or hardship in your walk with Christ. My mother was blessed by it, too. “Hind’s Feet” is the story of the good Shepherd’s love for a little lame young woman named Much-Afraid. And let me share with you our favorite part where the Shepherd wants to give this lame girl a little seed. Okay, so here it goes:
“Much Afraid, bent forward to look, then she gave a startled little cry and drew back. There was indeed a seed lying in the palm of the Shepherd’s hand, but it was shaped exactly like a long, sharply-pointed thorn… She said shrinkingly, ‘This seed looks very sharp. Won’t it hurt if you put it into my heart?’
He answered gently, ‘It is so sharp that it slips in very quickly. But, Much-Afraid, I have already warned you that love and pain go together, for a time at least. If you would know love, you must know pain as well.’
Much-Afraid looked at the thorn and shrank from it. Then she looked at the Shepherd’s face and repeated his words to herself. ’When the seed of love in your heart is ready to bloom, you will be loved in return,’ and then a strange new courage entered her. She suddenly stepped forward, bared her heart, and said, ‘Please then plant the seed here in my heart.’… Then the Shepherd pressed the thorn deep into her heart. And it was true; it did cause a piercing pain, but it slipped in quickly and then, suddenly, a sweetness she had never felt before tingled through her. It was bittersweet, but the sweetness was the stronger. Her pale, sallow cheeks suddenly glowed pink and her eyes shown. And for a moment Much-Afraid did not look afraid at all.”
You know reading that I can say that was me. And that excerpt from the book also describes my mother. When I broke my neck, both of us learned that joy and pain go together. Peace and suffering do as well. And Tim Keller has said, “The joy of the Lord doesn’t come after the sorrow. It does not come after the weeping. The weeping drives you into the joy, and it enhances the joy, and then the joy enables you to actually feel your grief without it sinking you. And then you find you are finally emotionally healthy.” That’s what happened to me and my mother. And it’s why, for me, Mother’s Day always has in it a hint of sorrow, but a lot of joy. So, for you, mom, listening who may yet still feel the thorn in your heart, let it drive you into the arms of your Good Shepherd. And when you do, this Mother’s Day may well be bitter-sweet. But the sweetness will be all the stronger. And Lindy Eareckson would agree.
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Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
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Hi, I’m Joni Eareckson Tada here with my friend and co-worker, Shauna Amick. Welcome Shauna.
Shauna: Thank you, Joni.
Joni: And we were just swapping mother stories. And with Mother’s Day this week, it’s the perfect time to reminisce, and honor our dear mothers. Now, Shauna, you’re the mom of three children, but today tell me your favorite story of your own mother.
Shauna: Oh, I am so happy to. Joni, you know when I think of my own dear mom, what I always remember is her over a sewing machine. So, my mother, a single mother, really out of necessity taught herself how to become an expert seamstress, and from the time I was a baby, all my clothes were handmade by my mom. And she really was fantastic! I mean not only did she make the clothes I wore to school, my sweaters, but she then made all my prom dresses (Joni: Really!?); she made my wedding dress (Joni: Wow!) I just remember watching her sew one after another a little tiny bead on the bodice of my wedding dress. That is really how she expressed love.
Joni: Oh my goodness. I can’t image. That’s amazing! What a dedicated mother! Tell us more!
Shauna: Well, she was never the kind of lady who would express affection through words. She was a service type girl. (Joni: Ok.) And so that is how I knew my mom loved me. And after I got married, my mom started getting into quilting. She’s made a beautiful quilt for our bed. And as the kids came, one after the other, she would make quilts for each of them. So, it would start out with little tiny quilts that would fit the baby crib. And then as the children got older, the quilts got bigger and bigger.
Joni: Boy, you’ve got lots of family heirlooms to make bequests to your kids. Oh, my goodness, how many quilts does that make?! Many, many.
Shauna: Well, it is many and I haven’t counted, but you’re right, we have plenty. And one of the joys I get now. Now that my mom is, is older, and she is dealing with age related disability, and early onset of dementia is, when I go see her every week in her nursing home, I get to bring one of the quilts that she made and wrap her up in that.
Joni: Oh, my!
Shauna: I know she loves it. And many ways the same ways that she expressed love to me in making them, I get to cover her with my love as I wrap those quilts around her.
Joni: Does she recognize her handiwork? I mean, when you bring that quilt to her, does she know that this is the work of her own hands?
Shauna: She does, and it is very fun because she’ll say, “Oh, I remember this one.”
Joni: Oh, yes!
Shauna: Yes,
Joni: That what a mother wants to know.
Shauna: Yeah, that’s right.
Joni: Isn’t it great? Well, Shauna, you make me think of Isaiah Chapter 66. I love this verse, “As a mother comforts her child, so will I comfort you.” And in so many ways, God who is showing His love on us through our mothers and, in your case, He’s bringing great comfort to your mother through you.
Shauna: Well I pray that Joni. And you know at the same time it just blesses me because I get to honor her for all those years of the sewing, the knitting, and the quilting, really putting her love into me that way.
Joni: Yep, her love language.
Shauna: Oh, you’re right, Joni! And I am curious. What was your mom’s love language?
Joni: Well, my mother was quite the athlete. And even when I was little, I thought the world when she would invite me onto the tennis court. She’d give me a little raquette. I had mine my own size, and when she played tennis with me, I felt so loved, like ‘Mommy wants to play with me!’ I mean it was the strange way of expressing love, but to me it meant the world.
Shauna: It’s quality time, isn’t it?
Joni: Well, friend, how has God shown His love and mercy to you through your mother? We’d love to know. So share your mom story with us by tagging Joni and Friends on your Facebook and Instagram posts, would you? And please go to joniradio.org where you’ll find a sweet photo of Shauna’s mother wrapped lovingly in one of those beautiful quilts that she made many, many years ago. See you later on Facebook or Instagram. Come to our website at joniradio.org.
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Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
There’s nothing like a bond between mother and daughter.
Hi, I’m Joni Eareckson Tada and I’ve seen that bond between Jill Miller and her daughter, Ashley. With Mother’s Day coming up, I can’t think of a more touching story than theirs. Because Ashley was the family’s Mother Theresa – I mean this young woman cared about everybody and their needs. Even when she was little, Ashley had an unusual compassion for hurting people – like her younger sister, Kim, who has autism. It always bothered Ashley that Kim could not speak. But little sister opened big sister’s eyes to a whole world of young people with disabilities, and it’s why eventually Ashley chose special education as a career. Compassionate Ashley even took her sister to a speech computer camp to learn how to speak through a computer. What an unusual, wonderful way for Ashely’s prayers to be answered…Kim can finally speak, all because of a caring older sister.
Well, things got harder when in her mid-30s Ashley was diagnosed with cancer. Her mother Jill was amazed at the selfless way she handled the disease. Jill, and her husband Paul would watch, as their daughter – on her way to the chemo clinic – their daughter would hand out homemade lunches to homeless people. Always this young woman was looking out for others – especially when she married and had children of her own. It’s why it was especially hard on the family when, at the age of 42, this remarkable young woman, Ashley, passed away from cancer. Such an exceptional follower of Christ; taken at such a young age.
And Paul and Jill miss her terribly. I keep in contact with Jill and she often shares how hard it is, how much she misses her beautiful daughter. There’s not a day that goes by that she doesn’t think about her. As a grieving mother, Jill often speaks about that glorious time when she’ll see her dear, brave Ashley again in heaven. And it is for this reason that Jill keeps on her kitchen windowsill a bowl of small potatoes. That bowl of little potatoes is such a comfort. Why is that? Well, as Jill tells me, every day when she’s at her kitchen sink, and looks up and sees that bowl of potatoes, it’s a reminder of a favorite paraphrase of Second Corinthians Chapter 4, verses 17 to 18. Get this, ‘cause I think this paraphrase will bless you, too. It says, “These hard times are small potatoes compared to the coming good times, the lavish celebration prepared for us. There’s far more here than meets the eye. The things we see now are here today and gone tomorrow. But the things we cannot see will last forever.”
What heartwarming words for any mom who’s grieving the loss of her child. And you can see why that bowl of potatoes encourages Jill. And if the idea of heaven encourages you in your loss, think about hunting down a good paraphrase of Second Corinthians Chapter 4. And then, uh, set a few small potatoes on your kitchen windowsill. Keep ‘em as a visible reminder that the hard times we experience here are small potatoes compared to the gloriously good times ahead in heaven. Today, if you’re grieving the loss of your child much like Jill, then I pray this Mother’s Day will be good cause to reflect on all the sweet remembrances of your daughter or your son. And may those memories spur your thoughts on toward heaven. Oh, and please stop by joniradio.org and enjoy a great photo of mother Jill and her precious daughter, Ashley, whom you one day will meet in heaven where there’ll be no more small potatoes. Oh, and one more thing, when we serve the needy, we also please God and it’s why I want you to go over to my radio page today at joniandfriends.org and ask for our Joni and Friends Newsletter. It’s filled with opportunities for you to serve people with disabilities in the name of Jesus.
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Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
Hi, I’m Joni Eareckson Tada and I love caregivers!
And I better had love them ‘cause I’ve got one in my husband, not to mention a few friends who help me lay down at night or get me ready to sit up in my wheelchair every morning. I love them all, and of course I especially appreciate my husband Ken Tada – that’s my term of affection for him, Ken Tada. And I make it a habit of not only affirming him, but each and every person who helps me. And I don’t mean empty flattery or compliments that aren’t sincere. I don’t mean saying sweet things to manipulate my husband to do what I want him to do. No, affirmation is nothing like that at all, to affirm someone is a skill; it’s a skill that Ephesians chapter 1 talks about when Paul prays that the eyes of our heart might be opened. Friend, it’s the skill of opening up your eyes to see what Christ-like characteristics are in your friend or your husband or wife. The life of any other person and then nurturing those godly attributes with words of encouragement.
And boy, does my husband thrive on that, actually, anyone thrives on it, right, when other people observe their honest- to -goodness godly qualities. Ken Tada works hard to take care of me. Like, most often at night (and I will try to say this without crying), my husband has to get up sometimes two or three times to turn me. My paralysis won’t allow me to stay in one position in bed too long; it just hurts too much, and it can cause pressure sores. So, Ken gets up and makes certain (sometimes he sets his watch) to come over, pull back my blankets, put me on my other side, re-tuck my pillows. To me, that is the kind of sacrificial service that honors God – it not only helps me, but it glorifies the Lord. It’s the kind of service that so many caregivers provide to their family members, often losing their sleep, often going without a break to make certain their loved-one is served well.
And that is why even in the middle of the night, it could be 3 AM, 4 AM, I am always certain to be awake enough to say, “thank you, Ken, thank you so much.” When he comes back from the medical supply store with stuff, I commend him, I’ll tell him, thank you for making the extra effort. Or I will brag on him in front of others. I'll look for times when he’s compassionate toward a neighbor or mindful of doing the right thing. I will recognize that, and say something to him like, um, you know, Ken, you bring God such pleasure when you do that. And perhaps the nicest way of affirming someone is looking out for their best interests. So, I try to give caregivers lots of breaks, like with Ken Tada, I’ll arrange for a girlfriend to occasionally sleep overnight with me, or I’ll ask a few girls to stay with me so Ken can go fishing.
You know, I’ve been speaking to caregivers here. But this advice really works for anyone. Wives, we should always be affirming our husbands, and husbands your wives. If you live with a roommate and that person does a great job of holding up their end of household responsibilities, commend them for it. Tell them they have a wonderful sense of responsibility. Use biblical affirmation with your children and tell them when they’ve done well on a chore. And finally, please share this program with any of your Facebook friends who have a disability in their family. Let’s encourage our caregivers, let’s spread the word, because the Bible says that giving affirmation (Biblical affirmation) is like giving a basket full of apples of gold. By the way, I would love to hear what you are praying about or a favorite Bible verse that you are memorizing. Tell me about it; just go my radio page today at joniandfriends.org. Or you can always write me at Joni and Friends, Post Office Box 3333, Agoura Hills, California 91376. God bless you today and thanks for listening to Joni and Friends.
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Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
Hi, I’m Joni Erickson Tada today in the studio with Shauna Amick.
JONI: Shauna, welcome!
SHAUNA: Thank you, Joni.
JONI: And given that Mother’s Day is coming up, friend listening, you’re gonna to hear a little more than usual from Shauna because this woman knows motherhood, and when she told me this great story about a special mother in the Bible and what it meant to her as a mom herself with three kids, one with a disability, well, Shauna why don’t you just share this story as you shared it with me. It was so cool.
SHAUNA: Oh, sure. Well, you know I’ve always loved and appreciated the story of Ruth and Naomi from the book of Ruth. I mean, these are women who know suffering. And I think specifically of Naomi. So first she has to deal with the famine, her husband moves her and her two sons to a foreign land; if that’s not hard enough, then when they get to that new land, well, first her husband dies, then her two sons die. I mean it’s almost too much for one woman to bear.
And yet what does Naomi do? Instead of really turning from the Lord, in this little book called Ruth, she brings her questions and she brings her heart to the Lord, she shows wisdom and discernment and how she mentors her two daughters-in-law, and she exhibits incredible endurance when she chooses to trust God as her Redeemer when really I think she was facing impossible odds.
JONI: You know this must be why so many women I know name their daughters Naomi. She is quite the example in God’s Word.
SHAUNA: Well, she sure is and you know that name means “pleasant”. And for a time there the Word tells us that she wanted her name to be changed to Mara, which means “bitter”. But truly Naomi there means “pleasant” and that is what she showed us. She showed us how to live being pleasant in really very bad times, because in good times or in bad times she shows us that God Himself is still good.
JONI: Well you know, by the end of this book, book of Ruth, we all know it well, we learn that Naomi’s daughter-in-law Ruth, clings by her side; doesn’t forget dear Naomi even after getting remarried and having a baby. And I love what you say about those last several verses of Ruth. Just describe it because I think it was so fun.
SHAUNA: Well, I just love the picture of Naomi holding her new grandson, Obed, in her lap. She looks at his face and she sees the future. She sees new dreams and it always makes me think of that amazing quote from author and counselor Larry Crabb and I’d like to share it right now. It’s about shattered dreams and he says, “Shattered dreams open the door to better dreams, dreams that we don’t properly value until the dreams we improperly value are destroyed. Shattered dreams destroy false expectations, such as the “victorious” Christian life with no real struggle or failure. They help us discover true hope. We need the help of shattered dreams to put us in touch with what we most long for, to create an appetite for better dreams. And living for the better dreams generates a new, unfamiliar feeling we eventually recognize as joy.”
JONI: Oh Shauna, I listen to you read this: that’s your story.
SHAUNA: That’s right.
JONI: I mean, here you are a mother of three children, two of whom have disabilities – one very significant – and you’ve had shattered dreams, but boy has God given you a gracious longing for Himself and a joy unspeakable.
SHAUNA: Oh, He sure has, Joni. He is our Redeemer, bringing empty lives back to full again. He did it for Naomi; He did it for Ruth and He did it for me.
JONI: Well, friend, if you’re struggling over shattered dreams today, go to the Bible, read the book of Ruth, follow Naomi’s example. Trusting Jesus with the future always brings about better hope, hope-filled dreams, because remember, the best is yet to come!
SHAUNA: Amen!
© Joni and Friends
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Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
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Hi, I’m Joni Eareckson Tada with a look at the purpose behind suffering.
Because when you’re a child of God, suffering doesn’t come at you without purpose, without great cause. I love this quote by Alan Redpath, he said, “There is no circumstance, no trouble, no testing, that can ever touch me until, first, it has gone past God, gone past Christ, and then right through to me. And if it has come that far, it has come with a great purpose.” Man, the lady in the wheelchair loves that quote by Redpath; I really believe it. I’m convinced great hardship has the potential for great purpose. So, just what is that purpose behind affliction and suffering?
Well, if we look to the Bible for purposes, we can easily find them. Hebrews Chapter 12 makes it plain that some suffering is given in order to, well, to discipline or chastise or correct a person for his wrongful ways – Jonah is a great example of that. He ran away from God, got into trouble on the stormy sea, was thrown overboard and swallowed by a great fish. Hebrews tells us to endure hardship for the sake of discipline. So right there is one purpose and as I often say to friends (some of you might not like this); but I believe God disciplined me when I had my broken neck. I was off on a really wrong path. I was heading for real moral trouble. God rescued me through this wheelchair. I know, I know, some of you may have a hard time seeing that the rod of God might’ve had something to do with my paralysis, but when I read Hebrews Chapter 12, all I see is a good, good Father who’s got His children’s best interest (my spiritual well-being) at heart. So okay, enough of that. That’s at least one purpose, right? Discipline, correction, reproof.
But some suffering is given not to correct past wrongs, but to prevent future ones, like Joseph who was sold into slavery, all so that he might rescue God's people from famine. And there’s Daniel in the lion’s den, in the fiery furnace, all of it set the stage for the Persian king to look with favor on God’s people in exile. But some suffering has no purpose. No purpose other than to lead a person to love God more ardently for the sake of Christ alone, and then to discover ultimate, perhaps even the highest peace and freedom. I’ve seen God work in my life that way; as I’ve grown older in Christ and lived longer in my wheelchair, I have been led to love Jesus for His own sake – to share in the fellowship of His sufferings, to enjoy His grace, and to lean hard on Him each and every day.
And I see this in the special-needs families that we serve at our Joni and Friends Family Retreats. Whether the hardship, disability in their lives has been a matter of discipline, or something to prevent worse circumstances in the future, I can’t say. But I can say that these kids and adults with disabilities and their families are drawn so much closer to Christ through their hardships. You gotta see it for yourself. On my radio page today at joniradio.org take a look at a new video highlighting all that happens at a Family Retreat. And when you do, you just might decide you want to volunteer with us, we need more friends like you to chip in and help out, so visit Joniradio.org. And finally, one more word on this topic of suffering and its purpose. Tim Keller once said, "The best people often have terrible lives. Job is one example, and Jesus – the ultimate Job – is another example." Yep, people with hard lives really can and, yes, do discover the highest peace and freedom through their suffering. See it for yourself this summer at a Joni and Friends Family Retreat. And hey, if you need more inspiration you just have to go to my blog today at joniandfriends.org.
© Joni and Friends
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Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
Hi, I’m Joni Eareckson Tada and I’m wondering; how do you sleep? Well, for me lately I have not been sleeping well. As you know I’ve battled cancer and finished radiation therapy – the treatment has caused more-than-the-usual pain and a lot of fatigue that I’m still not over yet. And that, in turn, has resulted in very little sleep. I’ve got the joint pain in my back that keeps me up. I’ve tried everything, nothing helps. Over the last month, I've laid awake at night, watching the digital clock that projects itself on my ceiling, and I stare at it wondering how I will be able to survive on so little rest. I prayed “Lord, what is the way out of this impossible situation involving pain, and lack of sleep, and cancer, and radiation, and fatigue? And I don’t want to wake my husband up to turn me three more times. Will you come to my rescue; will you deliver me from this cycle of no sleep?” Honestly, sometimes at 4 AM, it can feel like I’m in a trap.
But, my heart is steadfast. And I draw courage from Exodus 14, verse 2. Get this; it’s where the Lord ordered Moses (now listen closely), "Tell the Israelites to turn back and encamp near Pi Hahiroth, between Migdol and the sea. Camp there along the shore." Now at first glance, the verse seems like nothing more than directions on MapQuest as to how to, where to set up camp. But if you look at that verse closer, it shows God purposefully telling His people to turn around; stop heading toward Mount Sinai, turn around and head back. Head back where? Well, God told them to turn back and follow Him into an inescapable trap. “Camp there,” he says! With mountains on either side, the sea in front, and Pharaoh’s threatening armies closing in from behind. The Lord personally led them into an impossible situation; a dangerous situation. And there was no answer. And if there were one, it would have to be really, really, really miraculous; I mean, a big time phenomenon, and guess what? It was! God’s people were pressed up against the waves, cowering as they heard the thunderous sound of chariots approaching. But then they look, oh my goodness, the Red Sea begins parting, congealing into two skyscraper walls of water. In faith, believing that God would keep the waters at bay, the Lord’s people then walked through a highway in the ocean, and God received overwhelming glory, and praise and thanksgiving!
So, can you see why Exodus 14:2 is such an encouragement? I'm trusting God to miraculously find a way to help me live with paralysis, and cancer, and radiation, and pain, AND much-needed sleep. Like Moses, I’m confident God has led me to camp on the shore, all so that He might display His wonderous way out, all for His glory. So, if you are feeling trapped, if you are frustrated by the situation in which you find yourself, remember the lesson of Exodus. God says, “Tell the Israelites to turn back, I’m going to lead them into a trap. I’m going to have them encamp in a place where there is no way out and I’ll get the glory when I open a way.” That’s really a funny thing, God tells them twice. Turn around and camp there; that’s right, right there along the shore. Oh friend, God has led you exactly the same way; where He wants you. He will make a way though, a miraculous way if you and I would but trust Him. And it’ll be all to His glory.
As the song goes, “God will make a way where there seems to be no way. He works in ways we cannot see, He will make a way for me. He will be my guide; He'll hold me closely by His side. With love and strength for each new day, He will make a way. Oh friend, remember, He will make a way. Trust Him to miraculously do that for you today and when He does, thank Him, glorify Him for leading you out of the trap. Thanks for listening today on Joni and Friends.
© Joni and Friends
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Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
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Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
Confessing our sins makes us accountable to one another, promotes healing and keeps deception form gaining a foothold in our hearts.
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Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
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Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
This week we focused on World Down Syndrome Day, and for a good reason.
Hi, I’m Joni Erickson Tada, and you know, I was watching the Discovery Channel the other night – um, it was a report on all the new and incredible surgical procedures that are now available. You know, stuff like that really interests me, a person with a disability. But there was one surgery that had to do with Down syndrome that really struck – well it didn’t really strike me – no, it repulsed me. Because in England, parents of a five-year-old girl with Down Syndrome put their daughter through a series of cosmetic surgeries to, as they put it, 'improve' her appearance, things like removing the folds of the skin from the corners of her eyes and operating on her ears and fixing her flattened nose, all so that this child with Down syndrome would somehow 'fit in.' Other surgeries on Down syndrome kids have been performed: some to change the thin lips and the thick neck and the large tongue.
These parents say they just want their children to be happy. One of the mothers was quite insistent, saying that it's all a matter of self-esteem; if you're not happy with yourself, then why shouldn't you fix your appearance?
Well, the way I see it putting braces on your teeth is one thing, but radical, invasive surgeries that completely restructure the face of a child, isn't it only reinforcing the idea that disabled children are the ones who must change in order to be accepted? Don’t you think its better, isn't it more important, more ethical for society to learn to accept people who are different? Like that child with Down syndrome?
You know, as I watched that TV special, I kept thinking of Psalm 139 where it says that God knits us together in our mother's womb, meshing our chromosomes together exactly the way He wants. And even if there is a chromosome mishap – such as in the case of Down syndrome, even then, God is in control. A child with Down Syndrome fits into His plan. And that plan may include changing the people around that child, changing the parent’s perspectives and even changing the attitudes and the values of society. Not every parent of a Down syndrome child wants to change the appearance of their little one. For instance, Rosa is the mother of 12-year-old Domenica, who has Down syndrome. And Rosa says (now get this), “It's a sad indictment of what our 'must-have' society has become, the expectation is for something perfect. Anything which isn't aesthetically perfect, be it breasts, or the bodies or the faces of children just out of babyhood, must be fixed until it is perfect. And that shows a grotesquely skewed sense of values." Wow! Good for you, Rosa.
And this is why we do what we do at Joni and Friends, we promote a biblical worldview on disability, ascribing dignity to every child, no matter how significant the medical condition. And it’s why I’d like you to learn more about Down syndrome and the extraordinary blessings that these young people like Domenica bring to the table. So here at the ministry, we’ve put together a wonderful little booklet written by our own Shauna Amick, mother to Sarah who is a teenager with Down syndrome. In fact, we heard from Shauna on this program earlier this week. She writes from her own experiences but seasons every story with the Word of God. Yes, it is the Bible that helps us understand what God considers important and valuable about children with Downs. So please, contact joniradio.org today and ask for Shauna’s booklet From Fear to Hope. If you are the parent of a child with a disability, the whole message behind Shauna’s booklet is; you can do this. So write today for your free copy, would you? And join us in praying that God will protect this vulnerable population of kids with disabilities who really do need His love.
By: Joni Eareckson Tada
© Joni and Friends
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Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
Hi, I’m Joni Eareckson Tada and I'm pretty excited that so many special needs parents and students, and those who are just looking for practical ways to include people with disabilities are subscribing to our Joni and Friends’ ministry Podcast right now. And if you are interested in caregiving or nursing, or if you are a Special-Ed student this podcast is for you, because this week we’re featuring Shauna Amick, my good friend, co-worker and mother of a teenager with Down syndrome. In fact, let’s tune in to the podcast right now. Let’s listen in…
CRYSTAL: What are some practical ways of including people with disabilities, specifically someone with Down syndrome?
SHAUNA: Well, I think that what we want to remember is that the way we include a person with a disability or a person with Down syndrome specifically is how we would include anybody. So, here’s an example: Every evening at dinner the five of us in our little family, we get together and we eat our meal together and what we’ll say every night is; who’s going to pray tonight? And sometimes it’s my husband; sometimes it’s me; sometimes it’s one of the older kids, but Sarah will often volunteer. And that’s a beautiful way of including her in the family, of letting her use her spiritual gift. And now I gotta tell you Crystal, Sarah’s pretty much nonverbal, so the only one who really understands everything she’s praying is God Himself. Every time we say “amen” I know Jesus is smiling and the whole family is smiling as well.
CRYSTAL: I love that and God does know her heart. He knows exactly what’s she saying. How would you say Sarah’s been welcomed and included at church?
SHAUNA: Well, I’m gonna continue and talk about prayer. If I can, if I can back up, I want to share there was one time when we went to a friend’s house for dinner and Sarah actually volunteered to pray. And although the host allowed it, at the end of the prayer he then felt like he had to pray again because surely, you know, Sarah’s prayer just wasn’t adequate. And we understood. You know, we weren’t offended, but one thing I want to share about church is a time when we were there in our small group study and I asked for someone who’d volunteer in prayer and it was a room full of adults and Sarah. And out of all the adults no one volunteered, at least not very quickly. I don’t know what the reason was, they needed more coffee, maybe they were afraid, they were intimidated—they didn’t know if their prayer was good enough. And Crystal, it was so funny because all of a sudden I saw my daughter’s face and I could tell she could not stand the silence any more. And she just hopped out of her chair; she walked to the front of that small group and she started praying. And this is kind of what it sounded like: Dear God (and then a whole slew of unintelligible words and at the very end (and passionate) “Amen.” And I looked around that little small group and everyone was so blessed. And one gentleman specifically, tears rolling down his checks, he said I’ve never heard a more beautiful prayer. And it just blessed my mother’s heart so much because not only was she included (right?) in the body of Christ, but the value of what she could bring to all the other believers was really seen through those heavenly eyes.
CRYSTAL: What a beautiful testimony. Thank you so much for sharing that Shauna.
JONI: Well I’m glad we could cup our ears and listen to that podcast featuring Shauna Amick given that it’s ‘World Down Syndrome Day’. I sure hope you enjoyed Shauna’s perspective as a mother. In fact, if you would like to hear more just go to joniradio.org to subscribe to our podcast. And while you’re on our radio page ask for Shauna’s booklet. Something you can give to a mother who might parent a child with Downs, or any disability. It’s all there for you at joniradio.org.
By: Joni Eareckson Tada
© Joni and Friends
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Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
Tomorrow is World Down Syndrome Day! That’s right, I’m Joni Eareckson Tada here with my friend and co-worker Shauna Amick, and we’re asking you to do something very fun and a little bit unusual in order to celebrate and support our friends with Down syndrome, aren’t we Shauna.
SHAUNA: That’s right, Joni! Every March 21st it’s World Down Syndrome Day and we encourage people to wear brightly colored socks, mismatched socks, crazy looking pattern socks.
JONI: Where does this idea come from?
SHAUNA: Well, you know that the way this whole idea came up in the first place was that the folks from World Down Syndrome Day, they were looking at striped socks and they were holding them together in such a way that they actually looked like chromosome.
JONI: Oh, my goodness!
SHAUNA: And so when you put those pairs of socks together they were looking like the chromosomes and of course Down syndrome is caused by that one extra chromosome so they just made the connection between socks and that trisomy 21chromosome.
JONI: I love it! What a great way to draw attention to Down syndrome.
SHAUNA: That’s right. That’s right. And now our socks not only can draw attention to Down syndrome, but also to the gospel.
JONI: It’s amazing!
SHAUNA: When people ask about our socks it’s our opportunity to talk about the uniqueness of people with Down syndrome and then even to continue that conversation just the need to invite people with Down syndrome into our schools, our churches, our neighborhoods; really everywhere. So I know I’ll be wearing my silly socks to raise awareness and highlight the value and beauty of all people with Down syndrome and believe it or not – to also showcase one of my favorite Scriptures.
JONI: And what’s that?
SHAUNA: Well, Romans 10 verses 13 to 15 reminds us that everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.
JONI: Oh, I love that one.
SHAUNA: And it goes on to say: But how can they call on Him unless they believe in Him, and how can they believe in Him if they have never heard about Him; how can they hear about Him unless someone tells them? And how will anyone go and tell them without being sent? That’s why the Scriptures say, how beautiful are the feet of the messengers who bring good news!
JONI: Okay, now I get the connection between socks and the beautiful feet of people who bring good news. Very clever, Shauna.
SHAUNA: Well, you know when we’re wearing those brightly colored socks, or those even mismatched socks, or how about only one sock.
JONI: Extra long socks?
SHAUNA: Yes, exactly! We’re gonna to attract attention, aren’t we? And people are going to start talking. They’ll be talking about Down syndrome, for sure, but also talking about Jesus and how He sees people with Down syndrome! So our fun socks then, well, they open the door to talk about the Gospel. And in that way, to anyone who’s rockin’ their crazy socks on World Down Syndrome Day, I say “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!”
JONI: Well, you know what? I think crazy colored socks, mismatched socks that seems to be the rage of the day anyway. So friend show off your crazy socks this World Down Syndrome Day – in support of people with Down syndrome and to tell everyone about Jesus. How about takin’a photo of you and your friends rocking your socks, (I like that, don’t you Shauna?), tagging Joni and Friends on your Facebook and Instagram posts; how about doin’ that? And we can’t wait to see your pictures and hear your stories of how the Lord used your silly socks to start a conversation about Jesus. So visit the Joni and Friends
Facebook page to share today’s program. And while you’re at it, remember to visit joniradio.org and download Shauna’s story about her beautiful daughter Sarah, who has Downs. That booklet is called what, Shauna?
SHAUNA: It’s called From Fear to Hope, and I’m excited for everyone to read it because I hope it encourages not only parents of children with Down syndrome, but parents of children with any disability.
JONI: Okay, friends, so there you have it, be inspired, and get out your mismatched, colorful socks and rock ‘em for World Down Syndrome Day! Can’t wait to see your socks, Shauna. Thanks for listening today on Joni and Friends.
By: Joni Eareckson Tada
© Joni and Friends
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Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
Hi, I’m Joni Eareckson Tada and Spring is right around the corner.
And I know you’re looking forward to a change of seasons and so is my friend Shauna Amick. Shauna is the mother of a child with disabilities. Shauna, you must love Spring, a chance for the kids to get out of the house.
SHAUNA: Oh, I sure do Joni, and get rid of the cabin fever and just love Spring and everything it represents – just new beginnings, new hope, new life. And as Sarah’s mother, with Down syndrome, her heart defect, and the behavioral challenges that comes with her disability, they just keep me running to Jesus and looking out for those new Spring-like perspectives. So Spring, it makes me think of the playground, and getting my spunky little girl out of the house more often and the playground actually makes me think of the love and compassion that Sarah receives from her big brother, Gideon.
JONI: Okay, wait a minute. I can understand that Spring makes you think about going to the playground, but what does Gideon, a teenager, how does he fit in on the playground of all places?
SHAUNA: Well, I am proud to say that Gideon embraces Sarah for who she is with a great deal of compassion. Last Spring when we all went to the playground together Gideon and I were sitting on the bench, we were just watching Sarah do her thing out on the playground, and as she made her way through the slides and the swings, just we were relaxing and enjoying the day. Well, Sarah, she started running toward a group of other kids who were there, and of course she’s running with her awkward gait and her unique style, she just wanted to engage with the other kids on the playground, but they didn’t want anything to do with her.
JONI: Oh, my goodness.
SHAUNA: And while they didn’t say anything hurtful, they did, they turned their backs on her and they just ran in the other direction. It was another painful reminder that living with disability can be very lonely.
JONI: Well, you sittin’ there on the playground park bench lookin’ at that scene it must have broken your heart.
SHAUNA: Oh, it sure did, Joni. But you know what? Before I could even do anything about it, Gideon, he stepped in, just like the Lone Ranger or Superman. He just walked right up to his little sister; he put his arm around her. He physically turned her body in the other direction and he said, “Hey, Sarah, can I push you on the swings?” Well, Sarah forgot all about those other kids and she just took off running to the swing set. And when it was time to leave the playground and head for home, Sarah put her arms around her big brother and she said, “I love you Gideon.”
JONI: Wow!
SHAUNA: It was the longest and clearest sentence that my little girl had ever said in her 13 years.
JONI: Stop. Wait a minute. What did that do for your heart?
SHAUNA: Oh, my goodness. Well, my broken heart just turned into a heart that was overflowing with joy. Sarah, in her own way, she understood the poignancy of that whole situation: the rejection of the other kids, the compassion of her big brother; the joy of being part of a family. And you know I felt like I was watching a living example of Romans 12:10 right before my eyes.
JONI: Which says?
SHAUNA: “Be devoted to one another in brotherly love.”
JONI: What did Gideon have to say about that whole scene?
SHAUNA: What he told me is that no matter what kind of difficulties we go through as a family affected by disabilities or what kind of challenges he and Sarah go through as siblings, ‘cause let’s face it, they still have their challenges, he always wants her to know he loves her.
JONI: Well, that is a demonstration of true love what happened there on the playground. And friend, that’s the kind of love Jesus has for you. No matter what kind of difficulties you’re going through, right now Jesus sees you, He loves you, He is interceding on your behalf not only in the Springtime, but at all times. And given that it’s ‘World Down Syndrome Day’ this coming Thursday, contact joniradio.org would you, and ask for Shauna’s booklet called “From Fear to Hope”. Finally, when you are on my radio page check out a great photo and Gideon and Sarah and find a way to share your own brotherly or sisterly love with someone else in need today. Right, Shauna?
Shauna: Amen
By: Joni Eareckson Tada
© Joni and Friends
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Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
Hi, I’m Joni Eareckson Tada with an interesting observation.
Because every expectant parent hopes that their child will grow up to become a happy person. We dream of children who will do well in school and eventually become lawyers, doctors, responsible citizens in society, children who will join Little League or play tennis. We want kids to eventually marry and have sons and daughters of their own. And for many (and I would venture to say, for most people), the idea of a happy child also means a healthy child.
But think about it: it’s pretty common to ask an expectant mother or father if, let’s say they want a boy or a girl. And the answer is usually, almost always, “You know, we don’t care if it’s a boy or a girl, as long as our baby is healthy.” Of course, any parent wants a healthy baby. No loving parent wants their child to live a life of suffering; no one wants their child to bear a disability. But consider it, stop for a moment – what are we really saying? It’s like, “I’ll take the child; I don’t care about the gender or his eye color or the shape of his nose, so long as he’s healthy, that’s all that matters to me.”Listen to that line one more time: “That’s all that matters to me. I just want my child to be healthy.” What are we actually saying? Well, the underlying tone reflects what society often tells us about disabilities; that an abnormal condition, no matter how slight, is something to be feared and avoided at all costs. It’s something that creates undue hardship and, ultimately, makes the child feel like a burden. Now that is not our intention, or even how we would express it, but words matter. And the Bible is quick to remind us of it. Proverbs 18 says, “Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit.”
I realize that most people would push back; they’d argue with me and they’d say, “Look, Joni, it’s only meant as a figure of speech.” as though words do not actually matter. But listen to this: approximately 9 out of 10 unborn children diagnosed with Down syndrome are aborted, all because a parent did not want an “unhealthy” child. So when we say that “all that matters to me is that my baby will be healthy,” those words convey a fear that takes God and His sovereignty out of the equation. We gotta remember that every child is a gift from God; every child bears His image. So rather than say, “All that matters to me is my child is healthy,” perhaps it’s better to say, “Of course, we pray that our child will be healthy, but if God has other plans, we will accept that and love our baby all the same.” Maybe you’re a parent who has received the news that your child may well have Down syndrome. Or perhaps a friend is heartbroken that their newborn has a disability. If that child is unhealthy, did God make a mistake? And did God not make a mistake, if that newborn has a clean bill of health? Please remember that God formed, He knit together those chromosomes long before that baby was born.
This Thursday is World Down Syndrome Day and I’d love you to learn that line: “Yes, we pray our child will be healthy; but if God has other plans, we will accept that and love our baby all the same.” It’s a good line! For more insight, visit joniradio.org today and pick up your copy of Shauna Amick’s booklet called From Fear to Hope. Shauna is the mother of a teenager with Down syndrome and she can help you love your baby with Down syndrome too. And if you can’t email us, then just write us at Joni and Friends, Post Office Box 3333, Agoura Hills, California 91376 and we will rush off to you right away Shauna’s booklet From Fear to Hope. And one more thing, we at Joni and Friends would love to pray for you and your troubles, so share with us your prayer need today at joniandfriends.org/radio. Again that’s joniandfriends.org/radio.
By: Joni Eareckson Tada
© Joni and Friends
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Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
Hi, I’m Joni Eareckson Tada and you’re listening to "Joni and Friends".
And hey, I'm pretty excited that our Wheels for the World team right now is down in El Salvador delivering hundreds of wheelchairs, Bibles, giving the Gospel, copies of the Joni book in Spanish. Yikes! And of all the disabled people our team is meeting this week in El Salvador, there will be lots and lots of kids with disabilities, most of them needing pediatric wheelchairs. Yep, it’s those child-sized wheelchairs that are in such great demand. And each pediatric wheelchair has a story; each one is so special. Take the time we collected a unique little wheelchair during one of our collection drives down in Texas. During the drive, our Chair Corps volunteer (that’s what we call the wonderful folks who collect the used wheelchairs for us to restore), well anyway, this Chair Corps rep drove out to pick up a very special wheelchair. Because a 6-year-old disabled child named Courtney had recently passed away. And as her mom and dad had been cleaning out her things, they decided that they wanted to give Courtney’s little wheelchair to Wheels for the World. Our Chair Corps rep met the parents and learned about Courtney’s story. But as he started to take the chair and began loading it in the truck to take it back to the collection site, Courtney’s twin brother, 6-year-old Tyler, came rushing to the front door, crying, “Please don’t take that wheelchair,” he called. “That’s where Courtney sat.” To little Tyler, that wheelchair was his last connection with his twin sister. And he could not bear to part with it that is until after his mom and dad comforted him and told him where the chair was going.
Well, when I heard about Tyler and pictured him not wanting to let go of his sister’s wheelchair, it just about broke my heart. I had to write this little boy. And the next day I did, and this is what I put in my letter. I said: “Dear Tyler, you don’t know me, but my friend picked up Courtney’s wheelchair for our Wheels for the World outreach. And oh, how you must miss your sister, and my heart got very sad when I heard that you did not want to give up Courtney’s chair. But you know what, Tyler? I bet Courtney (because she’s in Heaven) is very happy to know that her wheelchair is going to find a new home. The wheelchair that Courtney sat in for so long will now be able to help some other little girl or a boy in a faraway country, a child who has a disability just like your sister’s. When that child in a poor country far away receives Courtney’s little wheelchair, wow! – they are going to know that Jesus is really looking out for them (just like He’s looking out for Courtney in heaven and He’s looking out for you, too). So Tyler, please tell your mommy and daddy how glad I am that your whole family is helping us give God’s love to kids with disabilities all over the world. We love you, Tyler! Your friend, Joni.”
You know stories like Tyler’s and Courtney’s, they happen all the time when we collect wheelchairs. And as I said, we need more wheelchairs like Courtney’s. More than ever before because Wheels for the World is growing, we’re expanding. So would you please consider volunteering with us to serve as a Chair Corps volunteer? You’d be helping so many kids with disabilities around the world as you collect used wheelchairs like Courtney’s. If you’d like to serve with us, just go to joniradio.org and watch a really great video that I posted all about collecting wheelchairs, and what it looks like. There’s also a place where you can sign up or simply get more information. So, get all your questions answered. Come and volunteer with us by collecting used but serviceable wheelchairs for children just like Courtney overseas in developing nations! Visit us at joniradio.org. Thanks for listening today on Joni and Friends.
By: Joni Eareckson Tada
© Joni and Friends
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Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
Hi, I’m Joni Eareckson Tada with a story from Matthew Chapter 15.
And it’s the story of the Canaanite woman who came to Jesus, begging him to heal her daughter who was demon- possessed. She’d heard that Jesus could do miraculous works; her friends had seen the Lord do remarkable things. And being the mother of a little girl in misery? She was begging for help from Jesus.
And how did the Lord respond to her? Well, it says in verse 23, “Jesus answered her not a word.” Can you imagine how that Canaanite woman felt? Here she was longing for Jesus to answer her cry, help her daughter, but she only got silence. Can you picture yourself in that situation? You’re longing for relief from some heartbreaking blow; you go to God for help, but only silence and a sense of mystery meet you. “He answered her not a word.” it says.
Now it is Charles Spurgeon who gives special insight into this story, and I want to pass it on to you. Because if you read the entire account, Jesus isn’t really showing His disapproval, He is showing His desire to bless this special woman because of her love and her persistent trust. Because when she continues to prod Him again and again, asking for help, it’s clear that He is testing her. Pushing her, a bit. For He replies to her, “It is not right to take the children’s bread and toss it to the dogs.” Hmm, what’s she going to say to that? Well, curiously, she does not turn away. Any other person would have done so, perhaps in anger or disappointment. But the Canaanite woman still tries to engage Jesus; she persists and responds: “Yes, Lord, it is, but even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their master’s table.” And that is when Jesus poured out His blessing on this precious woman. Because of her faith; because she was persistent and she hung on and did not become deterred, because of her devotion to her child and her fervor in pursuing Jesus, He answered her prayer. And her daughter was healed.
Yes, God had every intention of blessing that Canaanite woman and her daughter. But He did it in such a mysterious way that, perhaps, only she in the end understood. Because it’s true, isn’t it; that sometimes God will bend over one of His children with smiles and full of love, speaking tender words, showing infinite affection. However, on another child, He might only give a look of loving approval. And then still, on another child, He might pass them by without stopping for a word. God loves all three of those children, but He treats each one differently because of their varied and different stages of spiritual maturity. And the same is true for us.
Some Christians have a fragile faith that requires a different touch from the Lord – perhaps a gentler, kinder touch. God knows their faith will fail if He deals too harshly with them. Other Christians have a stronger faith and God knows they will trust Him however things go and whatever people do, it doesn’t matter. But finally, there are some Christians that God, well… He even seems to neglect them and not notice them. For those, God appears to be dealing with them harshly. But He has a reason, a purpose. For God knows those are the Christians who are not dismayed by circumstances, nor are they dissuaded if the Spirit seems absent. God knows they will trust Him even when their natural inclinations would insist otherwise. And bless their hearts, these are the believers that God, I think, is training for the highest and the holiest service. The lesson here? Will you be like the Canaanite woman? Will you continue to pursue Christ, prod and push no matter what? For it may well be that He is training you for His high and holy service.
By: Joni Eareckson Tada
© Joni and Friends
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Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
Hi, I’m Joni Eareckson Tada and isn’t it amazing how God will lead us?
Like the way He’s led Bernie Punte all these years. Now Bernie was a Christian, but he really wasn’t involved in outreach or ministry. One day, though, he was listening to Christian radio (just like you are) and he happened to come across "Joni and Friends", and when Bernie heard about our outreach to people with disabilities around the world, he gave a donation (bless his heart). And for that, he received a note of thanks and a copy of my book, Joni (which he read). The Joni book really inspired him and got him to thinking and he wondered, "Well, wow! What have I done in my life to serve others?" So, right there, he sensed God was leading him, but to what? Where was he to serve? Well, when he got connected to our ministry, he also learned about ‘Wheels for the World’ and that really got him energized. He decided to travel with us overseas as a wheelchair mechanic on a Wheels team.
For Bernie, serving on the Wheels team was wonderful. It was a chance to make a real impact on the lives of needy, disabled people; giving them not only wheelchairs but Bibles and the message of salvation. When we sensed his enthusiasm, we decided to ask if he would also like to collect wheelchairs for us, but he politely declined as he had a full-time job and could not imagine having the hours to do that as well. Little did he know that God had different plans. Because for the next two days, all Bernie could think about was collecting wheelchairs! He felt strongly that God was leading him to give it a try. And so, he called Joni and Friends back up and he signed up to be a Chair Corps volunteer. And when he did that, he felt such peace. God had led him from one thing to the next, and now, he knew that his service in the kingdom would be to collect wheelchairs to be restored so that disabled people, who have nothing, could now have freedom to move about.
And now? For fourteen years, this man has been gladly collecting wheelchairs in the Baltimore area and beyond. Bernie’s a really friendly guy and he’s made great friends with all sorts of leaders and community organizations and businesses. He’s building relationships; he’s sharing seeds of the Gospel. God has given him such favor, that he’s forged friendships with wheelchair donors who sometimes give as many as 60 wheelchairs at a time. As his success grew, it became necessary for Bernie to acquire a permanent storage space for all these wheelchairs. And through the help of some friends, he was able to buy a trailer that can store up to about 120 wheelchairs at a time. I mean, this guy’s collected thousands of wheelchairs, and he also continues to travel every year as a mechanic with Wheels for the World. Serving on outreaches and fitting refurbished wheelchairs to people moves Bernie's heart. And it energizes him to keep collecting wheelchairs because every year he sees new people whose lives are being changed by the gift of mobility and hope in Jesus. God has led him all this way… so that he could be used of the Lord to bring people to Christ in a most unusual way. Look, friend, God might be asking you to serve and maybe serve as a Chair Corps volunteer like Bernie. If so, he’d say: "Give it a try.” And I would say the same. I’ve posted a video today on what it looks like to actually collect wheelchairs—so for more info on how you can have a ministry, a ministry that changes people’s lives, a ministry like Bernie’s, contact joniradio.org today. And as Hebrews 13 says, God will equip you with all you need for doing His will. That’s a promise from the Word of God to you. Visit my radio page today at joniandfriends.org and while you are there be sure to share a prayer request. When you have a chance today, drop by joniandfriends.org.
By: Joni Eareckson Tada
© Joni and Friends
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Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
Hi, I’m Joni Eareckson Tada with an uneasy story…
You see, there's a new mall in town and my friend and I went to visit it last weekend. I could not believe how many lingerie stores there are now—even Chico's has expanded into lingerie. It seems to be all the rage, but I wheeled right past those shops. I did not even slow down, did not even look at the mannequins, didn't even glance in, because I know from years of experience in this wheelchair I gotta steer clear of places like, like Victoria's Secret. Now, now I don't have anything against lacey, intimate apparel, it's just that because of my quadriplegia, that stuff just isn’t “me.” And besides I don't want to set before my eyes those cute little lacey, frilly things that remind me of what I've lost, what is not mine. I mean, I'm not standing on my feet with a slim, trim figure—again, that’s not me. So, I don't want to go down a road, or into a store in the mall, which will only stir up discontent; that’s the key. I don't want to look at a mannequin wearing something skimpy and start comparing my paralyzed body with someone standing up (even if that someone is a plaster of Paris mannequin in the window of a store).
"Turn my eyes away from worthless things..." That advice is found in Psalm 119, and boy, is it good counsel these days. ‘Cause you know how it is in our culture, right? When coming up out of depression, discouragement, or the despairing news of some medical condition, or other painful chronic problem, we "do our souls a favor" when we stay focused on things that are beneficial to our spiritual health, not a detriment. It's one reason I don't even flip through lingerie catalogs when they come to my house.
Perhaps one of the most challenging yet rewarding roads to spiritual health is the "discipline" of single-minded satisfaction on what has come from God's hand. And the best way to safeguard your contentment in Christ is to ask the Holy Spirit to whisper Psalm 119 into your ear every now and then, "Turn my eyes away from worthless things." Worthless things are the kind that only feed self-pity or self-centeredness. Worthless things carry your mind off into daydreams. Worthless things have no redeemable value, no eternal worth. And remember, the psalmist is asking God: he says, Lord, you, you’re the one, please turn away my eyes, tell me when something is worthless, that is, something that's not worth looking at or pondering or contemplating.
And so, friend, I challenge you to do it today. I'm asking you to join me in disciplining your eyes and your mind—I can think of the worthless things you sometimes see at a shopping mall, or flipping through a magazine. The worthless things that will pop up those ads on your computer, or maybe even the worthless things on a dessert tray, or how about cruising the channels on your television late at night?Yikes! If you want to remain content in Christ and the lot in life with which He's blessed you, then turn your eyes away from everything, everything that's worthless. And instead, turn your eyes toward Jesus who, by the way, the next time, will have you happily convinced that the thing you wanted to look at anyway wasn't worth looking at. Right? Right! And I would like to hear your opinion on this. I'm posting this program on my Facebook page today, so let me hear from you on a post. What are the worthless things that you’d like to stop looking at? Let us know and we will be praying for you. By the way, I would love to hear what you are praying about or a favorite Bible verse that you are memorizing. Tell me about it. Just go to my radio page today at joniandfriends.org or you can always write me at Joni and Friends, Post Office box 3333, Agoura Hills, California 91376. If the Lord has answered some prayer of yours today, guess what? Stop right after we are done here and tell Him “Thanks”.
By: Joni Eareckson Tada
© Joni and Friends
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Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
Hi, I'm Joni Eareckson Tada and I sure wish you could meet Don Bania.
I mean this guy is so heavenly-minded sitting in his wheelchair. Don broke his neck over 45 years ago and he sits tall and straight in his chair with his arms resting on a lap board. He's pretty handsome with his gray beard, clear blue eyes and very winning smile. I'm looking at a photo of him right now sitting in front of racks of used wheelchairs. Don collects wheelchairs for us and in the photo he's got this, this T-shirt on that says, "Got Wheelchairs?"...you know, like the old TV commercial: "Got Milk?"
Don knows he just can't get up and go be a missionary in some foreign country. As it is in his wheelchair, it's hard enough for him to get around his home town. But Don Bania still has a heart for disabled people like him overseas in poorer countries, people who are not able to sit up in a wheelchair like he can, people who spend most of their days in bed, or they crawl around in the dirt because they
cannot afford a wheelchair, and so Don, with his quadriplegia, is doing something about it. Through his network of friends, he is linked up with the kids at Teen Challenge who help him collect used wheelchairs, then there's a local trucking company that picks up those chairs free of charge, then his friends at a local auto and body shop provide free storage for those wheelchairs, and finally, Don's local Wal*Mart transports those wheelchairs to the prisons nationwide where inmates restore them and make them like new. The thing is, Don Bania has assembled this entire team of ministries: people, friends, locals, churches, local businesses, and he's doing it all from his wheelchair. He's kind of like the 'traffic control center,' organizing everything from his home base on his home phone.
When I asked him about this incredible ministry, Don explained to me that he believes that he and his team have "a little part in eternal salvation of those who receive our wheelchairs. Plus, we're also helping them restore their dignity and liberty, he says. It's amazing, he tells me, that a wheelchair which is often seen as an object of hopelessness and sorrow, has become a symbol of mobility and hope as well as spreading the Gospel worldwide."
You know I read that comment of Don's and I just can't wait for heaven on that wonderful day when he will finally rise up out of his wheelchair to receive his eternal prize. And by his side will be many hundreds like him from every tongue, tribe and nation, people who, like Don Bania, will have shed their disabilities and they will rise up on grateful, glorified legs to praise the Father for His gracious gift of salvation. Hallelujah, I can't wait, because you know what, I'm one of them!
Well, maybe you're not able to go on the mission field like Don Bania, maybe you too have significant limitations which keep you close to home. Well, believe me you can have a part in eternal salvation of needy people in other parts of the world. Like my friend Don, you, I believe you; can collect wheelchairs for Wheels for the World. We need people like you. I’ve posted a video on joniradio.org today that shows you exactly what it’s like to collect used but serviceable wheelchairs in your community. And if you have more questions, I’ve included a link where you can get more info. ‘Cause we need more Chair Corps volunteers, as we call helpers like Don Bania. So, please consider serving with us, would you, by collecting chairs for needy, disabled people. Come on, get involved. Find out how you can get engaged at joniradio.org. Again, that’s joniradio.org to become a Chair Corps rep and collect wheelchairs for people all over the world. Thanks for listening to Joni and Friends.
By: Joni Eareckson Tada
© Joni and Friends
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Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
I've got a 4” scar on my neck and I wouldn't change it for anything.
Hi! Welcome to Joni and Friends and I'm Joni Eareckson Tada. And, yes, even though decades have passed since I broke my neck, you can still see that scar. I should tell you though it didn't happen when I dove in the water. I got this scar when the surgeons opened up the front of my neck in order to fuse the interior of the two cervical vertebrae that I had broken. For many months, almost a year after that surgery, I tried so hard to cover up that 4” ugly red gash in the front of my neck. I tried rubbing vitamin E on it, hoping that it would go away. It was too big to mask with makeup and so, for a while, I wore nothing but turtleneck sweaters ... even in the summer; that’s how embarrassed I used to be about this scar.
Well, over time, the red color began to disappear and, I guess, all that Vitamin E on it even made it look smooth. And over more time, my attitude about that scar changed as well. But something else had changed – I had been reading God's Word, especially the parts about His plan and purpose in the midst of our sufferings. And that is what made all the difference. My perspective on scars and the suffering that they represent began to change when I became convinced that God was going to do something wonderful and powerful through that broken neck. And when I began to see that wonderful thing God was doing… (you know, seeing how my wheelchair opened doors for giving the Gospel) well, I tell you that scar was the symbol of my broken neck and it became something in which I could boast. I was able to boast in my affliction, boast in the scar, just as the Bible was telling me to do… and that scar on my neck showed that I belonged to Jesus in a very unique, unusual and special way. It was my—well for lack of a better word – it was my initiation mark into the fellowship of sharing in His sufferings.
You know, I thought about this not long ago when I read the Apostle Paul’s words in Galatians Chapter 6, verse 17. He says there, “For I bear on my body the scars that show that I belong to Jesus.” Wow! Think about that. Just like the apostle, that gash on my neck is God's mark of ownership on me. And, listen, even the Lord carries those marks for Isaiah chapter 49 tells us that “He has engraved us on the palm of His hand.” You know, I like to imagine that when God says He engraved us on the palms of His hands that that engraving, that scar is the very wound from the nails that were driven through His hands. He looks at those nail prints and thinks of us. Wow!
So, friend, what is God's mark of ownership on you? Maybe it is a scar, or a pair of crutches, a hearing aid or a back brace or knee brace. Well, if that physical problem has forced you to lean harder on Jesus, it means something. It’s a tangible reminder of your need of God. So think, your body has been marred so that it displays God's ownership of your life. Everybody can see you belong to Him. So, whatever that scar or physical reminder is, take a minute to boast in it, would you … to tell others, as well as the unseen world of demons and angels looking on, that that scar that you used to be embarrassed about keeps you depending on Jesus and you belong to Him and not to the world ... and as you do boast, remember that the Lord bears His own physical reminder that you belong to Him, as well … and because you’re engraved right in the palm of His hand. Wow! What a scar that is!
Contact us at joniradio.org. That’s a different link to my radio page than you usually hear me say, but it’s a lot easier: joniradio.org. God bless you today and thanks for listening to Joni and Friends.
© Joni and Friends
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Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
Hi, I’m Joni here to tell you about my friend, the x-ray machine.
I better explain that. Uh, not many people would say a machine was their friend, but the large and lumbering 3D-Conformal Radiation Machine has been our fiercest ally in my battle against cancer. I even posted today on joniradio.org a photo of me and Ken standing in front of this huge x-ray machine. So, click on my radio page, give it a look and laugh with us, okay?! And you should know we’ve even named this machine. I call it Jael, that’s spelled J,a,e,l., and if you know your Old Testament, you might recognize that name and the spelling. Jael was the heroine in the book of Judges who ruthlessly killed Sisera, the commander of the Canaanite armies; she drove a stake through his head and nailed him to the ground, all to help rescue Israel from her enemies. So, it wasn’t Barak or even Deborah who God's people lauded that fateful day – no, it was a Bedouin woman who simply seized the opportunity to act on behalf of the people of God.
So now do you see why I call this big x-ray machine Jael, the woman who drove that stake through the temple of a man, killing him instantly? Okay, alright, I know, the story sounds awful, but not when applied to a machine that ruthlessly obliterates enemy-cancer cells :-). Yep, Jael is our friend. And like the Jael of the Bible, this machine has got great aim. So, take a look at that fun photo on joniradio.org and take a moment to praise God for modern technology, like this radiation machine, something that He uses to kill cancer.
And I share all this today because last week was my final session of radiation. I went through 35 sessions under that big machine, and during each treatment when they aimed those x-rays on my chest wall, I thanked God for bringing every one of His resources to bear against this dreaded disease. They say in that area that’s been radiated, there’s only a 2-5% chance of it reoccurring in that part that’s been x-rayed. So…what about any renegade cancer cells that may have migrated beyond the treated area of my chest wall? Well, for the rest of my life, I am on a drug that inhibits estrogen, as well as fast-growing cells. That drug is intended to destroy any maverick little cancer cells floating around elsewhere.
And you know what? I'm excited. I mean, come on, I'm still sitting up, and I’m out and about in my wheelchair and, well…I’m talking to you and am serving the Lord and doing work with Joni and Friends. So, man, I couldn’t be happier -- whether or not all this treatment eradicates all the cancer; whether or not it comes back, right now is not my worry. I'm not concerned for the future. I can take great confidence that Ken and I have done everything we could possibly do, and so we trust God for the months and years to come.
Like another hero in the Old Testament, the prophet Samuel, I can say “thus far the Lord has helped us, and He will continue to help us.” The future is His. And worry fades away when we are convinced that God can be trusted with the future. So, thank you for praying for me and my husband Ken as we battled this cancer. We have felt so surrounded, so supported in prayer (as though we were hydroplaning on top of everyone’s intercessions). And hey, don’t forget to visit joniradio.org today and enjoy this really fun photo of Ken and me in front of that big radiation machine…our friend Jael (who’s really, really good at killing the enemy).
© Joni and Friends
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Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
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Hi, I’m Joni Eareckson Tada and welcome to "Joni and Friends."
Sarah loves her work as a physical therapist, and she works hard at it. But because she knows Jesus, there was always this, um… I don’t know, drive in her to somehow, someway, use her physical therapy skills in ministry. Now, it’s pretty hard to do that in a church setting or in a Bible study, but Sarah just knew there was a niche for her to do ministry somewhere as a physical therapist. And that’s when she decided to go on-line and start exploring. After typing in ‘international mission organizations,’ she found out about Joni and Friends. Aha! As she explored our website, Sarah found all kinds of ways to use her physical therapy skills in ministry. In a short time, the Lord led her to serve at our International Family Retreats in Guatemala and Peru. In those developing countries, rarely do special-needs families connect with a healthcare professional like Sarah. And so, this young woman did double-duty in helping moms and dads get better trained in assisting their son or daughter in a wheelchair. From there, though, Sarah went on. She went on to serve on a Wheels for the World outreach. And when she came home from that, she decided to sign up as a Chair Corps volunteer, collecting wheelchairs and walkers to be refurbished and used on Wheels’ trips. Sarah was hooked, and before long, she and her husband were leading a Beyond Suffering small group at her local church.
‘Man, thank you Jesus,’ she prayed. ‘I'm really using my physical therapy skills to do ministry for you.’ Well, Sarah was about to see just how much ministry, because in 2016, when she was in Peru, it all came together. She was leading a Bible study for mothers of special-needs children. And after the Gospel was shared, for some reason she just felt led, felt compelled to stand up and sing “In Christ Alone” and she did it in her halting Spanish. When she finished the song, all the mothers were silent; they were dabbing their eyes. Sarah’s co-leader asked in Spanish if any of the women would like to receive Christ as their Savior. “Salvation,” she said, “is not about doing things Christ wants us to do; salvation is about Christ and Christ alone.” That was a different slant for these special-needs moms, and all of them – not just four or five – but all of them stood up and gave their lives to the Lord Jesus. Sarah said it was beautiful, there were hugs and tears, and over the next few days, every woman gave her testimony of how God had changed her life. “And it wouldn’t have happened without this Family Retreat in our nation,” they all chimed in and said that. Not one of those mothers had ever considered that their child with a disability could be a blessing; could be made in the image of God. All those moms went away from retreat amazed that their children were a gift from God, disability or not.
Yes, Sarah loves her job as a physical therapist, but she really loves the ministry that it affords her through Joni and Friends. And, um, I don’t know; if you’re a physical therapist, maybe you’d say the same. In fact, if you are a physical therapist, Sarah would say: “Come and serve with Joni and Friends.” Just go on joniradio.org for all the details. And while you’re on my radio page, I posted a wonderful video that shows up close and personal how much fun and fellowship can be found at an International Family Retreat. So please today check out the video at joniradio.org, and visit our International Family Retreat page to learn more how you can get involved – just like Sarah. God bless you today and thanks for listening to Joni and Friends.
By: Joni Eareckson Tada
© Joni and Friends
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Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
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Hi, I’m Joni Eareckson Tada and if you know me, you know I love hymns. And that’s why I’ve got my good friend in studio today, Tommy Walker. Tommy, thanks for coming over.
TOMMY: Thank you. It’s an honor to be here.
JONI:Well, the reason I want to introduce my listening audience to you is because you love hymns too.
TOMMY: That’s right!
JONI: You really do. But your music, oh my goodness, you give hymns an upbeat, contemporary kind of ‘kick it up a notch’, and energize it a bit more, and pump it up with a bit more enthusiasm. You take some of the classics like “Rejoice, the Lord is King” and you make it downright fun. And Tommy, I’ll never forget the first time that I heard your album “Generation Hymns.” I was blown away. It became tops on my playlist down the 101 freeway every time I was driving. So, what inspired you to just take hymns and make them so fresh?
TOMMY: Well, I grew up with the hymns; so blessed to be in a Christian family. I remember falling asleep under my mom’s grand piano hearing her play the hymns and little did I know; the truth, the theology was all being planted in my as a little kid hearing those hymns over and over again. So I also see the hymns as generational worship, generational connectors, you know, as they have been to the past generations, so I want them to continue to be that.
JONI: Recently I was so blessed, humbled, when you invited me to do harmony, to sing along with you on an original piece that you wrote – not a hymn – a contemporary song called “Number of My Days” and it is from a favorite verse, Psalm 90, verse 12, “Teach me to number my days, O Lord, that I might apply my heart to wisdom.” What inspired you to write this song?
TOMMY: Well, I was just sitting depressed, realizing that I will be forgotten one day when I die and then the Lord reminded me, “But you’ll never be forgotten in the world yet to come, because you will be with me.” That and going along with just wanting to be a person that has heaven ever before me.
JONI: (Singing): It won’t be long I’ll be forgotten by this world…
TOMMY: (Singing): I’ll never be forgotten in the world that’s yet to come, ’cause I’ll see the One who knew me before I was known.
JONI/TOMMY: (Singing): So I’m counting the number of my days.
JONI: You know, Tommy, I often say to people when they ask ‘how do you manage quadriplegia, life in a wheelchair, cancer, chronic pain? I tell them I sing my way through suffering. Good advice, would you agree?
TOMMY: Absolutely. Singing forces us to put our whole being into declaring what is actually true. According to Google, at least, over 200 times the Bible mentions to sing to the Lord and I think it’s because it is a way of expressing what is absolutely, actually true with our whole being.
JONI: Well, Tommy again you helped me sing my way through suffering because any one of us, my friends listening, we’ve got hardships, our emotions, our feelings, have us go constantly wayward thinking the most darkest thoughts, doubting the goodness of God, doubting His sovereignty, but it is the doctrine, the solid good words of timeless hymns that were written by people who suffered much that helps us keep the ballast. So, Tommy, thank you for doing that.
TOMMY: Amen.
JONI: I really want you to see this video of Tommy and I recording,
TOMMY: “Number of my Days”
JONI: Thank you! Just go to joniradio.org today where I’ve got a link to Tommywalkerministries.org and you’ll have a chance to not only see the video of the day that we actually recorded that fun song, but also check out his other albums there, especially “Generation Hymns.” Tommywalkerministries.org and enjoy the entire website, check it out, and sing along. Thanks Tommy.
TOMMY: Thank you, Joni.
By: Joni Eareckson Tada
© Joni and Friends
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Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
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Hi, I’m Joni Eareckson Tada with a real miracle story.
And miracles happen all the time at a Family Retreat; especially one that’s held in a developing nation. Like this month, we’ll be holding an International Family Retreat near Lutsk, Ukraine. Moms and dads who have kids with disabilities in a place like Ukraine, well…there’s a lot of social stigma; parents are often afraid to even bring their special-needs kids out in public; they’re shoved aside, they’re maligned, moms and dads are even told to take their kids out of the store. You’re not welcome here. And that was the case with Paul and his parents. Paul’s a 17-year-old boy with a hefty dose of autism and a limited ability to speak. Paul barely says anything, and his parents had come to accept that…that is, until Talent Night at last year’s International Family Retreat in Serbia. Now talent night is a chance to celebrate and applaud the gifts God has given special-needs kids. Paul’s parents assumed that their son would not want to participate – I mean, he’d never shown any talent for anything.
But that night, to his parent’s surprise, Paul decided to get up and sing a pop song. His mom and dad stared wide-eyed, I mean, what was their son doing? Paul did not typically like crowds and had never sung before in his life! Okay, so this 17-year- old grabs the microphone and sang a contemporary song, but then he stops. He smiles at everyone and very clearly in English, word for word, he sang, “There is none like You. No one else can touch my heart like you do. I can search for all eternity, Lord, and I’ll find there is none like You.” What?! I mean, Paul’s family weren’t even believers; they had never been open to the Gospel message. And here, their kid is perfectly singing a praise song. Well, it seems that one of the volunteers had sung it earlier in the week, and Paul kept listening intently—he quickly learned it. Well this kid could not only sing; he could speak! I mean, that praise song contains, what, 25 words. And this was amazing for a teenager who had never strung three words together. And that night, after finishing his song, he yelled into the microphone, “Hvala ti, Isuse!” which they say in Serbian means, “Thank you, Jesus!” Everyone jumped to their feet, wildly applauding; even they knew that this was a miracle.
Now as you’d guess, Paul and his parents experienced a life-transformation. Not only as it related to his autism, but to their faith, because before talent night was over, this boy and his mom and dad bowed their hearts before Jesus and embraced Christ as their Savior. Later that evening during debrief, the leader of that International Family Retreat said to the others, she said, “You know, I have witnessed all kinds of things at our Family Retreats, but to see a child that barely speaks, and does not sing, did not grow up in church, never had heard the Gospel, suddenly sing to Jesus and then thank Him in front of a crowd, it was a pure miracle beyond all my expectations. God is obviously raising up kids with disabilities to take his great Gospel into their homes!” And you know what, that leader is right.
So this month as we hold another International Family Retreat in Ukraine, be praying for kids like Paul. Be praying that these children and their parents come to accept Christ as their Savior. And if you’d like to see a really cool video of what a Family Retreat looks like in a developing nation, like Serbia or Ukraine, watch the one we posted today at joniradio.org. And one more thing, we at Joni and Friends would love to pray for you and your troubles, so share with us your prayer need today at joniradio.org.
By: Joni Eareckson Tada
© Joni and Friends
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Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
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Hi, I’m Joni Eareckson Tada and welcome to Joni and Friends.
Where we sure do love “Wheels for the World”. It’s our program where we take refurbished wheelchairs and Bibles to very needy disabled children around the world who crawl in the dirt and cannot go to school for lack of a wheelchair. Our trained physical therapy volunteers do such a great job. They hand-fit each wheelchair to whatever disabled child or adult. These disabled people hear the good news, they receive a Bible in their own language, and their family is connected with a caring church who provides follow-up. It’s a great outreach and my husband Ken and I love participating on “Wheels” trips.
I remember when Ken and I landed in Havana, Cuba on one of our “Wheels for the World” trips. My power wheelchair really threw the airport officials into a tizzy, and I they escorted me to an airport doctor's office. Uh, they looked at my chair and I think they thought I was "sick" and I needed supervision before boarding our connecting flight to Santiago de Cuba. This really irked me because I knew it was going to delay our team as well as our chartered flight. I shook my head, thinking, God, why now? Why this? Well, I was taken to a small office where I met two female doctors and a disabled woman who was also waiting (no one spoke English in this little room). And looking around, I realized, Lord, I think I see what you’re doing here; this is a unique opportunity, a chance to evangelistic-ly think outside the box. I got a feeling you want me to do an "outreach" right here with my high school Spanish.
So, I began to sing out loud in Spanish (Joni singing in Spanish). It was the only Christian song I knew. And oh my goodness, did that get people's attention. I then asked in halting Spanish, (Joni speaking in Spanish). The two doctors stared at one another. One asked in Spanish, "We see you are an American. Why, why are you in our country?" And again I explained in my high school Spanish that we were bringing (Joni speaking in Spanish) wheelchairs and Bibles as gifts to the disabled people of Cuba. I went on to describe the mandate of our Savior to go into all the world and share the good news. "What is this good news?" she asked in a softer voice.
And at that, her fellow doctor brightened, ran up back to her cubicle, and returned holding a battered, bent-paged Bible she had gotten from a Josh McDowell outreach like decades earlier. And before I knew it, this doctor began explaining the gospel in sixty-mile-an-hour Spanish to her coworker. It was clear that this Christian doctor had just been waiting, and she’d been praying for an opportunity to open up and share Christ with her friend, and suddenly it all happened with me and my song. This Christian doctor then found the courage to share her faith in Jesus! And I sat there and watched in amazement as the Christian doctor pointed to various passages in Romans and then back at the Gospels. Her fellow doctor, the unbeliever, was fascinated and she looked up and kept smiling at me… actually, both of them smiled at me. And I could tell there had been a real breakthrough.
Who knows what you might get started once you take that first step of faith and share a word about your Savior! The challenge is to think outside the box, right? and go beyond the program, and reach the people God places in your path right then. So, would you please pray right now for our “Wheels for the World” team today as they head to the Dominican Republic with wheelchairs and Bibles, all to the end of leading Spanish-speaking people to Christ. Just like those two doctors in Cuba. Hey friend, at Joni and Friends we’d like to pray for you so share with us your thoughts and your prayer needs at joniandfriends.org.
By: Joni Eareckson Tada
© Joni and Friends
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Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
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I’m Joni Eareckson Tada with a fun follow-up to “Heart for the Disabled”.
Back in January you heard me share those 5 stories of precious people and their disabled loved ones who needed encouragement. And oh my goodness, did you respond! I don’t know how we do it, but every year we seem to keep breaking records. Thank you for responding with your heart and writing such wonderful notes of encouragement laced with scripture and undergirded by prayer. Many of you sent wonderful gifts: handmade cards and homemade items, and yes, even gift cards to restaurants and Amazon and many more. And I cannot thank you enough. But rather than me thank you, let’s hear from one of the families.
This is what they wrote: “Dear Joni, We are so humbled, and we want to thank you for blessing us immensely on Heart for the Disabled week for Valentine’s Day!!! We were so excited when we got our box! In your cover letter, Joni, you wrote that maybe our box of cards and gifts would come on just a day that we were needing a little boost of encouragement. Well, our box sure did! It was delayed in arriving and did not come until the week after Valentine’s Day. But that was great because that week we were actually having a really tough time; not in a pity party way, but without much outside help at all and we were feeling low, thinking that no one really understood what we’re go through and how much we really do need help. But then your box of Heart for the Disabled things arrived, and it was God’s way of saying, I know! I can see you! And the Lord really blessed us with that Valentine’s box on our doorstep!!!
“We spent literally hours going through it all, reading all the beautiful notes and personal messages, as well as meditating on all the scriptures that were handpicked and written for us! We were beyond blessed (and shocked!!) at all the notes, and cards, and letters, and gift cards, and gifts!!! And then, lo and behold, a little over a week later when we had to rush to the ER, we came home exhausted and – oh my goodness – there was a second box of gifts and cards (I suppose it came from people whose cards and things were mailed a little late). We could not believe it. Once again, God encouraged us exactly when we needed it. And we love your second cover letter with that second box, as well, reminding us that God’s never going to abandon us.
“Oh, how we were chosen by you, Joni to be honored in this way astounds us, and then to be blessed by so many of your people around the country. I just want you to know, and your listeners, that we felt so loved, so much a part of the huge family of God from around this nation. And we just want to thank you and thank all the many friends who took part in your Heart for the Disabled.” Wow!
Oh my goodness! Friend, if you participated in Heart for the Disabled back in January, God bless you. God bless you for reminding all 5 families this year that God’s grace can sustain them through their hardships, no matter how difficult the disability in the family, and no matter how painful. Thank you for taking the time – not everyone takes time to be “kind to the needy,” as it says in Proverbs 19. But that kindness, it also says, honors God. So friend listening, let that be your reward. Your cards, notes, scriptures gifts brought honor to God. You were kind to the needy, and it reflected wonderfully on your Savior. So, from all of us at Joni and Friends, and all those 5 families who received all your encouragement, thank you! Thank you again for participating in Heart for the Disabled this year! God bless you, and we hope you will participate next year. Thanks for listening today on Joni and Friends.
By: Joni Eareckson Tada
© Joni and Friends
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Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
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“Jesus, I am Resting, Resting.” It’s a favorite hymn and I love the arrangement that my friend Buddy Green does on this particular hymn.
Jesus, I am resting, resting, In the joy of what Thou art
I am finding out the greatness of Thy loving heart.
Thou had’st bid me gaze upon Thee and Thy beauty fills my soul
For by Thy transforming power, Thou had’st made me whole.
O, how great Thy loving kindness, vaster, broader than the sea,
O, how marvelous Thy goodness, lavished all on me.
I hope you love that arrangement as much as I do.
And I have sung it in so many places, but never in so odd a place as the Country Buffet restaurant in Kirkland, Washington some time ago. I was to speak at a conference in the area that night and I’d gone to the restaurant for an early dinner. So instead of saying grace around the table, we sang a hymn – there weren’t a lot of people in the restaurant and we didn’t think it would disturb anyone.
Little did we realize that the family who were sitting about four tables away in the corner from us, they heard us. And the mother came over to tell us that they were Christians. She said that her elderly parents were joining them for dinner and before we knew it, after dessert, we meandered over to their table, pulled up a few chairs, and we started singing hymns. It was wonderful! And a few Christians who came into the Country Buffet even joined us after eating. We had a real “hymn sing”; a great time!
Not long ago I received an email from the woman who came up to our table. She said, “Dear Joni, I don’t know if you will ever realize how much our time together meant to my elderly parents, especially to my mother. She talked about singing hymns together till her dying day. And I thank you for doing that. I believe that Jesus was standing there in the midst and blessing all of us – for sure, singing praises to our Father in a restaurant was a first for me.”
The Bible says, “Speak to one another in psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs.” Friend, you can do that no matter where you are: in your car, around your dinner table, at a church on any given Sunday morning, at prayer meeting, and you can even sing hymns and spiritual songs at the Country Buffet restaurant in Kirkland, Washington. But there’s something else to learn here. And that is, learn to sing your way through suffering. One of the reasons that I always hum a hymn is because I need to—even if it’s in a restaurant.
So today, not only sing to others, but speak Psalms and hymns and spiritual songs to yourself, to your own heart. Contentment and peace and joy will be yours for the simple price of, well, nothing but a song, a song that uplifts the Lord Jesus. Singing hymns is a great way to keep your focus on Christ and His Word. So share your spiritual songs with me today on my Facebook page. And together, would you, let’s um, let’s sing our way through suffering. How about it?
By: Joni Eareckson Tada
© Joni and Friends
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Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
This is Joni Eareckson Tada and welcome to “Joni and Friends.”
If there's one thing God has opened the eyes of my heart to, it is this: to live each day with an eye on eternity. Oh, my goodness… Live with the goal of investing in the heavenly kingdom. And there something else I might pray almost every morning, I’ll pray "Lord, I'm not satisfied with the Joni I was yesterday. Today, I want to partner with your Holy Spirit to be changed, be transformed. I want to become more like Jesus than I was yesterday." That's a great prayer, as well as a great perspective.
And it’s why, every morning when I wheel into the Joni and Friends International Disability Center, our headquarters, I cannot help but sing. Coming through the front doors, it might be "Every Day with Jesus Is Sweeter Than the Day before” or going up the ramp to the 2nd floor it will be "Happy day, happy day, when Jesus washed my sins away — he taught me how to watch and pray, and live rejoicing every day. Happy day, happy day when Jesus washed my sins away." Some people ask why I sing so much, and I tell them that I have to. With me in this wheelchair I don't trust my emotions one bit; I know I am way too prone to let pain and paralysis ambush my attitude for the day, and so I rule my emotions by not just talking to my soul (as did King David when he said to himself, 'Oh soul, why art thou so downcast?'). No, more than talking to myself, I’ll singing to myself.
Sometimes we are only prone to praise God or singing worship songs when life is good, and we feel that the coast is clear, the bills are paid, and it's smooth sailing. When circumstances are delightful, when things are good, we feel that God is good. But then if the circumstances turn sour, it's another story, isn’t it? When things go haywire, it’s “Okay, okay, God, what’s going on here? What’s up with this? Like what’s happening? Have you forgotten me here?” The sun does not always shine, birds do not always sing, and the sky is not always clear of clouds. Life is hard — and most often, that is when we have a tough time singing praise to the Lord.
We’re so influenced, we’re so prone to let our circumstances — whether good or bad — we’re so inclined to let the situation of the day dictate our view of God for the moment. But time and again, the Bible tells us that God is the same good, happy Father in bright times, as He is in devastatingly difficult times. He does not change, no matter what our circumstances. Deuteronomy Chapter 7, verse 9 says, “Know therefore that your Lord your God is God; He is faithful. He is the faithful God, keeping His covenant of love to a thousand generations of those who love Him and keep His commands.”
So friend, let that fact sink in and it’ll help you live each day with an eye on eternity. A fact like that will get you actively engaged in your own sanctification each morning, especially when you wake up, and who knows, you may be tone deaf, but He’ll put a song on your heart. The book of Hebrews describes God as the Father “with whom there is no shadow of turning.” Scripture alone should be our frame of reference for who the Lord is rather than our circumstances being that frame of reference. So today, whether it’s grand or gloomy, whether it’s happy or hard, sunshine or rainy, sunny or sour remember: Every Day with Jesus is Sweeter Than the Day Before.”
By: Joni Eareckson Tada
© Joni and Friends
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Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
Hi, I’m Joni Eareckson Tada, and welcome to Joni and Friends.
You know, um, I’m winding up this treatment for cancer and I have received so many letters and emails, posts on Facebook from you friends listening, and asking about some of the details of what it’s been like to go through this battle. And I wish I could answer every single letter, but, you know, I thought today it might be good to get my husband in here, into the studio in front of the microphone to help answer some of those questions. Our listeners know that 8 years ago I had my first bout against cancer, but we’re back in the boxing ring with this cancer again, coming up on the last few radiation treatments that I have to have.
KEN: You know what Jon? If it wasn’t for the people who are out there praying for us, it would have made this journey an awfully lot more difficult.
JONI: Absolutely. I have felt, and I think you have too, we’re like hydroplaning on people’s intercessions.
KEN: Aw man.
JONI: It’s amazing. And we need it because for me, going to radiation, it’s not like anybody else, who might change their clothes and get into a hospital gown, and hop up on the table. It’s a real feat of energy and effort, isn’t it?
KEN: We need to rely on friends, as well as the technicians who are there. It’s interesting, with chemotherapy it’s different. You go in, and you get an infusion. But with radiation, you have to get up on the table, every day. We couldn’t do it by ourselves.
JONI: I’ve got one x-ray technician, usually it’s Steve or Jason, on the other side of the table, he’s reaching over, and on one, two, three, you guys kind of like lift me up on this high table, and get me situated just perfectly, so that I’m in line with the machine. It’s not easy. But I’m kind of glad that it’s not, because it gives us a chance to involve more people in our journey. Not just the girlfriends who come with me to help me get undressed, but the x-ray technician, like Jason and Paul and Gene and others that we’ve met, who assist me in getting up on that table. They see our vulnerability. And when we enlist them to help us, it kind of like gives us a platform to share the Good News of Jesus. Doesn’t it?
KEN: Oh, absolutely. It’s a team effort.
JONI: Have you given Joni books to all of them?
KEN: I start off with tracts…
JONI: Okay.
KEN: You know, the Joni tract, and then develop a little bit of relationship with them. And I say, “You know what? Joni’s written this great story, I’d like to share with you…” and then they take the books and are very thankful. And hopefully we get a chance to talk with them…
JONI: Great! When I was going through chemotherapy 8 years ago, in the chemo lab, someone had put out a big bowl of these little rocks, with words like hope, and breathe, and faith, and also some scriptures written on these rocks. And it was so encouraging to know that somebody had prayed over all those rocks. And the people like me who take one. And I still have my rock from 8 years ago. And I thought I’d pass on the idea to these other people. And part of what has inspired us is Genesis chapter 50, verse 20. You know, the story of Joseph when he tells his wicked brothers, “You might have meant this for evil, but God intended it for good...” And I love this part, “… for the saving of many lives.” If anybody gets cancer, if anybody breaks their neck, if anybody gets the flu, has an injury or illness, or experiences brokenness, it should all be for the platform of showcasing your trust and confidence in God to others.
KEN: People say isn’t it a shame that Joni’s gotten this cancer again, but if there are lives that are going to be changed, and will come to know Jesus because of it, then it was all well worth it.
JONI: So it’s all an opportunity to spread the Good News of Jesus… which has made this radiation cancer battle, journey thing, so much more meaningful.
KEN: And I think as we learned from the first bout, it’s brought us closer together.
JONI: Yeah.
KEN: Cause we can’t do it without each other.
JONI: No we can’t. Well Ken we’re finishing up, as I said, this cancer, radiation treatment. It’s been 35 tough, difficult sessions but with your help, and with the help of the x-ray technicians and with the help of our friends listening, who are praying, it’s been an amazing journey of faith and a chance to share the Gospel. Right?
KEN: Right! Onward and upward, cancer be gone!
© Joni and Friends
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Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
Hi, I’m Joni Eareckson Tada with a confession about cancer.
I’m sure you’ve heard that I’m back battling cancer again; for the second time. And this time it’s a little different. The cancer is a bit faster-growing and I’ve just about completed radiation. Now, as a quadriplegic, it has concerned me. After more than 50 years of total paralysis, my lungs are not in the best of shape, and the radiation is being focused on my chest wall where my mastectomy was done. So, my lungs have kind of been in danger. Thankfully, I had one of those newfangled, high-tech machines that target the radiation very specifically so as to not damage healthy tissue, but still, it’s a little scary.
And I want to give you the Bible verse that I clung to (and I’m still clinging to) throughout the whole process. First Peter Chapter 1, verse 13 says, “Prepare your minds for action, keep sober in spirit, fix your hope completely on the grace to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ.” You know, back in December, early January before I began radiation, even back in late November when I found out I had this cancer, I started preparing my mind for action. From the very onset, I had to be sober in spirit. I knew I had to be super-careful of private little thoughts that could undermine my confidence in Christ.
Look, I remember when I went into respiratory failure a few years ago, and had to be trached for the second time. it was almost scarier and more panicky than the first time, some 20 years prior. My mind had to battle the, “Oh no, here we go again,” and fears of experiencing the same terrible claustrophobia. Like, I was thinking, I know I’m going to die sometime, is this the time? If so, how hard should I try to battle the illness? Even back then, I felt spiritually ready for heaven, with my “bucket list” pretty much complete. But, “giving up,” did not seem to be the answer, even back then, years ago.
And you know what? It wasn’t the answer; it was not my time. I survived pneumonia and respiratory failure. I survived all those panicky scary feelings that did me no good at all. And so I learned back then, when awful things were happening – like right now, with this new cancer, and radiation – my mind is prepared for action. I tell you what, I am sober in spirit. I have fixed my hope completely on the grace God gives me. That’s what first Peter tells me to do, and it’s such wise advice. Because I simply cannot allow my thoughts to wander down that dark, ugly path to depression and despair. Believe me, I’ve been there; that’s where my feelings will take me. I know. And so, over these last few months, ever since November when doctors removed that tumor, I have been safeguarding and double checking my mind, my thoughts; as soon as I find myself thinking: “I know these side effects are going to do me in… I know my cancer is going to recur somewhere else”… well, I don’t know that, only God does. And it’s silly – actually it’s reckless – to allow my thoughts to pull my spirits down, causing more doubts about God and fears of the future. So, in this new cancer journey, I am fixing my hope completely on the grace of God. Now, you may not have cancer, maybe you do, but I encourage you to do the same. Is something scary looming ahead? Some bad medical condition? Well, prepare your mind for action. Safeguard your thoughts. Be sober in spirit. And ratchet your hope completely on the grace of God. That way, you never, ever lose. God bless you today, and thanks for listening to Joni and Friends.
By: Joni Eareckson Tada
© Joni and Friends
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Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
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Hi, I’m Joni Eareckson Tada with a great story about the power of prayer.
I was at BWI Airport outside of Baltimore city and waiting to go home. Unfortunately, our flight was late, and the seats in the waiting area of gate D-7 were full. My traveling companions, Judy and Bunny gathered around me to pray, something we always do before flights. But this prayer was a little different. Bunny knew I needed a lift. She knew I was pretty down over a number of things, including the disappointing news that a certain foundation in Baltimore, my hometown of all things, had just turned down our funding request for a project to help disabled children overseas. I was discouraged. We were so hoping, we were so sure that the funding would come through, because without it the project just wasn’t going to happen.
So, as we gather together to pray, Bunny reached for our hands, and, after a few words of praise and thanksgiving, she said, "Lord, would you please send forth the corn and the wine and the oil. Send forth the early rains, the late rains, and produce a wonderful crop of blessings." Her words were quietly spoken but laced with such power, conviction and confidence: God sending forth the corn and wine and oil, the early rains? I recognized these words in her prayer from Joel Chapter 2 verse, 19. That passage of Scripture is about Israel’s desperate plight, and the prayer is pretty much Joel’s earnest, last ditch, it-ain’t-gonna-happen-without-you, God, prayer.
As we continue to huddle and quietly pray, I suddenly sensed the presence of a fourth and fifth person who joined our huddle. It was a husband and wife, we learned later, who had entered our circle right then and crowded close. Together they punctuated Bunny's prayer with quiet affirmations, saying, “Yes, Lord.” When Bunny said amen, I looked up and saw the husband folding a hundred dollar bill into Bunny’s hand. Then as suddenly as these two appeared they had to rush off to catch their flight. I didn’t even get their names to thank them. I tell you, when Bunny opened her hand, we kept staring at that $100 bill, but it didn't surprise us. When Bunny prays, things happen. "Joni," she said, tucking the bill into my coat pocket, "forget your disappointment, sweetheart. Have hope, for this gift is the first fruits of what God will supply."
And she was right. Ultimately, God supplied our need and those disabled children were given wheelchairs and the message of salvation, along with their families. Yes, because Bunny prayed in faith, but she has also learned how to pray using God's own words, from the Bible, such as she did when she referenced in her prayer that passage from the book of Joel. When we use God’s word in our prayers, it’s like talking to Him in His own language, His dialect, so to speak. And that has to have power, right? It’s what gives confidence and conviction. Because the Bible tells us there are two things God honors and exalts above all else: His name and (you guessed it) His Word. Prayer that is spiced with His Word is exalted prayer. Its powerful prayer!
First Thessalonians Chapter 2 says that we should accept the Word as it actually is, the Word, the very language of God which is “at work” in any of us who believe. So today, put Scripture to work in your prayers. As you read the Bible, underline portions that speak to your heart, make them personal, and then pray them right back to God. After all, the Lord sure loves to hear people speak in His language.
By: Joni Eareckson Tada
© Joni and Friends
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Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
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Hi, I’m Joni Eareckson Tada and welcome to "Joni and Friends." I’d like to tell you about a friend of mine named Muni; he has the brightest, most contagious smile I’ve ever seen. Muni lives in India and his joy is a stark contrast to his circumstances. You see, Muni contracted polio at three years of age and has been crawling through the dirt ever since. Muni is the Client Services Director for ProVision Asia, a Joni and Friends partner in Bangalore, India. He met Jesus years ago and now he dedicates his life to securing housing, food and medication – even adapted 3-wheeled motorcycles—for his disabled clients.
Now let me tell you how Muni finds his clients. He crawls up onto his three-wheeled motorcycle three times a week and goes out into the smog-infested streets of Bangalore, looking for the poor and destitute, the discarded and disabled. These are the people no one else is reaching; the people no one wants to reach. And recently, Muni came across a disabled beggar on the verge of death.
His name was Mahesh, and he lived inside a dark, wet tunnel that links two highways. Mahesh's filthy bed of rags and towels, a bed he has not left in months, perhaps years, is his only comfort. Nobody stops to wish him well; no one cares. He is a low-life, a non-issue, on the bottom of the cast, and to others, he is a non-person, invisible and abandoned. But as Muni was driving through that tunnel, he spotted Mahesh; he stopped his motorcycle, crawled off of it and proceeded to make his way across the dirty, oil-stained asphalt pavement to reach this beggar. Mahesh was surprised to see someone care, and he greeted Muni as this caring individual approached him. Muni, on the other hand, was a little stunned when he heard Mahesh’s greeting—Mahesh spoke in beautiful English with a British accent. It revealed that this beggar had an educated background. It seemed incomprehensible that such a well-spoken man could live in such filth and starvation, among thousands who pass him every day.
Mahesh told us that five years ago, he fell from the balcony of his home, breaking both his legs. Then he added, “My disability has disgraced my family and they have put me out. I have lost respect, they fear the same. It is the tradition of India.” But as Muni told this dear beggar, it’s not the tradition of our Lord Jesus. And it wasn’t the tradition of Christ’s representative, Muni. Grabbing Mahesh’s hand, completely blind to his filthy condition or the smell coming from his unwashed body, Muni began to share the beautiful Gospel of Jesus Christ. As he shared, tears fell down Mahesh’s face as the words of truth washed over the broken soul of his. Outcast no longer, Mahesh joined Muni in prayer. At that point, Mahesh beckoned Muni closer and said, “Your Jesus is Light and the Light is now within me, just as it is within you.”
The next day, our Wheels for the World team member went with Muni to give Mahesh a new wheelchair. We worked hard to custom-fit the chair for Mahesh right there on the sidewalk; then he was taken back to the clinic for health care and to begin the process of restoring him to life, to society, to wholeness in Jesus’ name. It’s what happens all the time on a Wheels for the World trip. The least and the last are found. They are given dignity as they are lifted from the dirt and seated alongside others. It’s what happens when you touch the untouchable in Jesus’ name!
By: Joni Eareckson Tada
© Joni and Friends
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Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
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Hi, I'm Joni Eareckson Tada with a quotation that you are going to like.
Well, maybe you won’t like it. We’ll see. The quote originates with one of the early church fathers, Saint Sebastian, who helped guide the fledgling church back in the early 200s. Yikes, that is going back a ways to a time when persecution against Christians was hot and heavy. Back then, our brothers and sisters in Christ were heaven-bent on standing strong in the midst of life-threatening suffering; they set their face like flint on the hope of heaven, committed to hold on until the end, until they saw their Savior and heard those wonderful words: “Well done.” But, as you’d guess, there were others. Others who collapsed under the weight, caved in, threw in the spiritual towel and recanted their faith. For them, suffering for Christ – that is suffering as a Christian – was just too hard.
In the midst of all this, Sebastian spoke wise and stirring words to his congregation. He said, “When we get to heaven, we will not regret that we suffered; we will regret that we suffered so little, and that little, so badly.” His words were intended to shame those who were quietly intending to renounce or disavow the blood of Christ over their lives. With that brief sentence, Sebastian was inasmuch saying: “Don’t you dare forsake, don’t you dare abandon your Lord in these trying times. Yes, life is hard and our adversaries are vicious, but God's reputation is riding on the back of your response to these times and these trials. Don’t give your neighbors reason to think that your God isn’t worth it; isn’t worth staying the course. That His grace is insufficient; don’t let them think that He’s not strong enough to sustain you, because He is. He is your ever-present help in any and every trouble.”
That was good advice for Christians many, many hundreds of years ago and its great advice for you and me today, because we, too, need to be heaven-bent on standing strong when trials hit us hard. We, too, need to set our face like flint as we set our minds and hearts on things above where Christ is seated, where Christ is watching and yes, even interceding for us to stay the course and remain faithful to His name. Can we believe, will we believe, that God's grace is indeed enough for our problems? I pray so. Because I do not – and I don’t think you – want to be numbered among those who shame the reputation of Jesus. Like Hebrews says, “None of us have suffered to the point of shedding blood.” I mean, no one in your American cul-de-sac is being martyred today, right? So stay strong. Live well. Hold fast to the One who is holding you fast. Because you don’t want to be known as less in the kingdom of God (that’s right, the Bible speaks clearly of those who will considered lesser in the kingdom, just as there are those who will be great). Friend, don’t diminish or jeopardize the richness of your eternal destiny by caving in, or by throwing in the spiritual towel.
Suffer well. Suffer faithfully. If you need prayer, if you are faltering; if you think you need help, then let us know at Joni and Friends, because we get it. We understand how hard hardship can be. So, leave your prayer request on our Facebook page, connect with us through our website, send us a text, or post your request at joniradio.org. We care and we’re here to help those who hurt with words that have been encouraging Christians like you, since the ancient of times. Let me hear from you today on my Facebook page or you can always post a comment on my Blog at joniandfriends.org.
By: Joni Eareckson Tada
© Joni and Friends
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Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
Hi, I’m Joni Eareckson Tada and I am a sinner.
I don’t mind saying that one bit. I don’t just sin; I am a sinner. But I’m a redeemed sinner, thanks to Jesus, and He has saved me from the penalty of sin and the power of sin (there’s always grace to overcome sin), but He has not saved me from its presence. I live in a fallen world and you do too. We still wrestle against the flesh, the sinful nature, this body of sin and death as the book of Romans calls it, and it’s not easy. Because one of the most cunning aspects of sin is that it will try to deceive you. It wants to say to you: “Oh, you don’t lie; you only fudge the truth and that’s not so bad, everybody does that.” Sin will deceive you into thinking that you are not a prideful person when, in fact, you really do cherish inflated ideas of your own importance; you really do think you are a paragon of virtue. But sin really pulls the wool over our eyes when it convinces you it can be acceptable, that there are lots of gray areas, forget about things being black-and-white! You’re not so bad. In fact, you’re not bad at all. You’re pretty good, all things considered.
I call that an effort to housebreak sin, to domesticate it. If there’s anything that proves we are all sinners, it’s that we are always trying to tame our transgressions and make them look respectable. And it’s fair to ask, what sins have you housebroken? What secret, small transgressions have you tamed to make your own? A private fantasy that you keep replaying, a daydream you've shielded from the scrutiny of the Spirit.
I had a friend in college who enjoyed gossiping with one particular classmate. She wasn't loose with her tongue with anyone else, she was strict about that. But oh, did that classmate get an earful! My college friend thought she had housebroken her gossip, and made it respectable just because she only gossips with one person.
The major problem with our minor offenses is that we tend to whitewash them. We think that they are not all that offensive to God. If you are harboring small sins in an attempt to housebreak them, tenderize your heart, would you, with this advice from one of my favorite theologians, JC Ryle. Bishop Ryle wisely says:
“We are too apt to forget that temptation to sin will rarely present itself in its true colors. Never when we are tempted will we hear sin say to us, ‘I am your deadly enemy, I want to ruin your life.’ That's not how it works. Sin, instead, comes to us like Judas with a kiss. Sin is deceitful. It comes to us like Joab with outstretched hands and flattering words. Sin, in its beginnings, seems harmless enough—like David walking idly on his palace roof which just happened to overlook the bedroom of a woman. You and I may give wickedness smooth-sounding names, but we cannot alter its nature and character in the sight of God.”
You know, we don’t like to talk about this sort of thing nowadays. And we hardly hear many pastors preach on sin. But the book of Hebrews is clear. Sin entangles us. It hinders, it trips us up. It’s why the Bible tells us to throw off today (not tomorrow) but today any sin that entangles, or deceives, or tries to appear housebroken and respectable. Do not minimize your sin by making excuses for it. Ask God to help you see your transgressions, great or small, as things that deeply offend the Lord Jesus. For the sake of Christ, let’s disentangle ourselves from it and never get entangled again. When you have a chance today, drop by joniandfriends.org.
By: Joni Eareckson Tada
© Joni and Friends
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Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
You are listening to Joni and friends. Hi, I’m Joni Eareckson Tada.
Last fall, I took one of those strength assessment tests alongside my coworkers at Joni and Friends. It’s the kind of test where you learn if you are a support person (on the scale, those people are colored blue) or if you are a detail person (that’s green) or an assertive person (that’s red). Well, my husband Ken Tada and I work with six other women in our department, and everybody was mostly a support person colored blue. I was the only one who came out red. Don’t jump to conclusions, red on this assessment test means many good things. But it also means a few not-so-nice things about who I can be as a person. Like some of that assertiveness can come out as aggressiveness. I also can be very stiff-necked, very perfectionist, and very stubborn.
I thought about that test recently after I committed a stubborn, willful sin (I’m not going to go into details here), but I knew what I was doing when I resisted the Spirit’s caution. But guess what, I didn’t care. The “red” in me was coming through, and I knew I was being stubborn. It was one of those “it’s my way or the highway” sort of things, you know what I mean? Well, about two or three days afterward, I sensed the distinct withdrawal of the Holy Spirit’s power in my life. It felt awful! It wasn’t until I cried out to God while reading Psalm 51, “[O Lord,] take not your Holy Spirit from me” that I once again sensed His nearness and approval… and for me it was an even better lesson than taking that strength assessment test! In fact, I looked at all the bad aspects of my “red” character on those test results and I prayed earnestly: “Oh Jesus, keep me from becoming like that; willful and stubborn, and aggressive.”
In short, keep me from falling back into my natural self. The things of the flesh war against the things of the spirit, and I want the Holy Spirit to do war on my behalf. I want him to keep me from being led astray. And friend listening, I want you to join me in asking God to keep you from disobeying when the shorter, easier route is tempting. Keep us in our youth when our passions are strong; Oh Father, keep us in old age when we think we know it all; Oh Jesus, keep us in the valley when we’re prone to complain. God, keep us from hogging the spotlight and failing to give credit where credit is due. Lord Jesus, keep us from constantly talking about ourselves, and keep us focused on the needs of others, rather than on our own. Keep us from nagging, scolding, chiding and manipulating. Keep us from fudging the truth. Keep me from stubborn, willful, stiff-necked behavior. In short, oh Jesus, keep me from overdoing the “red” parts of who I am!
The nearness of the Holy Spirit is a very precious thing. You don’t want to risk, you don’t want to jeopardize that closeness with Him. And it’s why it is wise to ask Him to keep you; to fight for you. And Jude 23-25 says it best: “To him who is able to keep you from falling and to present you before His glorious presence; to the only God our Savior be glory, and majesty, and power and authority, through Jesus Christ our Lord, before all ages, now and forevermore! Amen.” Did you catch that? God is able to keep you from falling, falling back into the default mode that is your own old nature. So today, please, please ask the Holy Spirit to keep your heart pure, your spirit bright, and your conscience clean, no matter if you are a “blue” support person or a “green” detail person or like me, “red” to the core. God bless you and thanks for listening.
By: Joni Eareckson Tada
© Joni and Friends
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Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
Hi, I’m Joni Eareckson Tada with a beautiful poem from a good friend.
And I’m a big fan of good poetry, especially poems that have been written in the furnace of affliction. I have a friend like that. Her name is Lisa Marie and honestly, she is such an inspiration to me. When Lisa was around 12 or 13 years old, she started suffering from unusual achiness in her joints; she was always seemed tired and listless. Her parents took her to one doctor after the next, but they never got a clear diagnosis. The achiness and tiredness turned into exacerbating pain, and an overwhelming weariness. Brain fog and super-sensitivity to light and sound eventually drove her indoors when she would spend long periods in bed. Finally, it was determined that Lisa Marie was dealing with an unusual form of Lyme’s disease, among other autoimmune disorders.
But as her body declined, her heart inclined to God. Her young faith took a beating, but her disease could not defeat her. At the age of 20, Lisa Marie became bedridden. It’s not what any young girl would want, and Lisa Marie kept praying and hoping that things would get better; that they would come up with a treatment for this strange Lyme’s disease gone crazy that relegated her to one room in her house, and a dark room at that, given her sensitivity to light.
Get this – that was 20 years ago. And now Lisa Marie is more than 40 years old and she is still in the same situation, living daily with pain that most medications just can’t reach. Yes, and she is still in her bedroom, spending most of her time in the dark. Lisa Marie wears sunglasses when she works on her computer and so this valiant woman is able to write inspirational poems and she posts them on our private pain pal page. Not only that, she prays regularly for each of us in our pain, interceding with great empathy and bolstering our spirits with comforting scriptures. She wrote a poem recently that touched me so much—touched all the “Pals”; I just had to read it for you. She calls it “Cup of Anguish.” And it goes: “Sometimes it all seems too much, This overflowing anguished cup. I say, “I can’t. I’m not this tough.” But then I see upon that tree, The Man of Sorrows slain for me – Unshakable even to death. And though my strength has nothing left, I feel a deep, steadying Breath. For a sacrifice so infinite, May my gratitude be evident. In Your strength, I know I can. So, precious Lord, with all I am. I surrender to Your perfect plan.”
Right underneath her poem, Lisa Marie wrote Psalm 119, verse 143, “Trouble and anguish have taken hold on me; yet Your commandments are my delights.” Well, I think you can tell Lisa finds the Word of God her biggest delight; it’s what sustains her day in and day out as she lies on her bed.
Hebrews tells us to encourage one another daily, and that’s what I hope Lisa’s story has done for you. If you are troubled and you feel as though anguish has taken over, remember the power and protection, even the delight that is found in the word of God. Because if the Bible, as well as God’s grace, can sustain Lisa Marie, on her bed for some 20 years, He can be your help. By the way, if you’d like a copy of Lisa Marie’s poem called “Cup of Anguish,” just download it off of my radio page at joniradio.org. Or for a hard copy, write to Joni and Friends, P.O. Box 3333, Agoura Hills California, 91376. God bless you today and thanks for listening at Joni and Friends.
By: Joni Eareckson Tada
© Joni and Friends
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Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
Well hi, I’m Joni Eareckson Tada and it’s wonderful to imagine what that garden must have looked like: the first animals, the first flowers and trees. Well, we know that there was the tree of life in the middle of the garden, but perhaps you did not realize there were two trees in the middle of the garden. Listen to Genesis Chapter 2, verse 9, then let me flip over to Genesis Chapter 3, right after the man and the woman ate the fruit.
It says, “In the middle of the garden were the tree of life and the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. And the Lord God said, 'The man has now become like one of us, knowing good and evil. He must not be allowed to now reach out his hand and take also from the tree of life and eat and live forever.'" Wow! It’s the old, old story. The serpent beguiled Eve, and she and her husband ate from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. Suddenly they understood the difference between what was good and what was evil, and because they did not obey God, death, sorrow, and disease became a fact of life.
Now, some people think that God was unkind in banishing Adam and Eve from the Garden, but not so. God was just, because God is just. From the very beginning, disobedience carried a penalty; fellowship between God and man had been completely severed. So, God was just, but (get this) He was also kind, very kind. Because –listen to this from Chapter 3, "After [God] drove the man out, He placed on the east side of the Garden of Eden cherubim and a flaming sword flashing back and forth (now get this) to guard the way to the tree of life."
How good and merciful of God to keep diseased and sin-sick Man from eating of the tree of life. The tree of life is a big deal. If you look in the book of Revelation, it’s right there – when we get to heaven, we will eat of the tree of life, and we will live forever. Had Adam and Eve not been banished from the garden to prevent them from eating from the tree of life, it's likely that mankind, in his very sad and sorry state would have lived forever. Yes, in his sinful state forever. That is terrible. Oh my goodness, how awful! Who wants to live forever in a body of sin and death? Certainly not me!
So, when you read about God throwing Adam and Eve out of the garden and setting up strong angels to prevent them from coming back, He’s not being unfair and He’s certainly not being unkind. Far from being a story of heavy-handed, cruel justice, the real story in the Garden is one of God's wisdom, compassion and protection.
Because like I said, the tree of life not only grew in the Garden of Eden, but it will one day grow in the new heavens and new earth. Revelation Chapter 22, "On each side of the river stood the tree of life, bearing twelve crops of fruit, yielding its fruit every month. And the leaves of the tree are for the healing of the nations. No longer will there be any curse." Praise God! I’m so grateful that the Lord prevented Adam and Eve in all their sin from reaching for the fruit on the tree of life. But you and I sure can reach for that tree as we reach out for the cross where the Lord of life died not only for Adam and Eve’s sin, but for your sin and mine. Hold fast to that cross, and you’ll experience what it means to really eat and enjoy fruit from the tree of life. Enjoy eating that tree today as you open up the Word of God. When you have a chance today, drop by joniandfriends.org.
By: Joni Eareckson Tada
© Joni and Friends
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Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
Hi, I’m Joni Eareckson Tada thanking God for His protection.
And speaking of protection, I love Psalm 5, where it says, "But let all who take refuge in You. [Oh Lord] be glad; let them ever sing for joy. Spread Your protection over them that those who love Your name may rejoice in You."
I love that because when God protects us, it’s great cause for rejoicing, I have a fun story to prove that. Some years ago, as I was getting ready to go to Africa with Wheels for the World, I was stuck with every kind of needle, from yellow fever shots to hepatitis. I took malaria pills. I took immune boosters. And when I left the doctor's office, I relaxed, knowing I had done every responsible thing from my end, and now I was under God's protection. While overseas, I was doubly careful with the food and water, not eating anything from kiosks on the street or in homes (although my friends did). I pretty much stuck to our hotel restaurant. I became doubly cautious when, midway through our trip, everyone else was running to the restroom. They looked at me and kind of went, “uh-oh!” We all knew that if I became sick like that, it would be awful; it would be impossible – I just can’t get up out of my wheelchair and run to a bathroom!
In my efforts not to become ill, mealtimes were a challenge. To make things worse, I lost my special spoon again (it’s the one I feed myself with and it has a certain length and an angle so it fits snugly into my arm splint). Well, it got lost. My friend thought she had cleaned it off after breakfast and put it back in my handbag. But we looked and it wasn’t there. I was so demoralized, knowing that someone would have to feed me all the time. We looked at my suitcase, under the bed; we called the restaurant I was at the night before. Nothing! I asked the Lord to show me where that spoon was, but He was strangely quiet on the subject.
But right near the close of the trip during our last meal, I was suddenly struck by a crystal-clear thought. I had the strongest impression, as though the Holy Spirit were speaking to me, saying: “Joni, you lost your spoon because it was contaminated. Had you used it, you would have become sick.” Immediately I shared this with my friends at the table. One of them dropped her fork and gasped. She said, "God just told me that exact same thing this very instant." When we talk about it, it was obvious. I mean, other people are constantly handling that spoon with their hands. It sits on tables. Once in a while, people forget to wash it thoroughly; they only wipe it. In Africa that’s asking for trouble. That spoon could easily become full of germs. My friends and I were amazed. God was no longer quiet on the subject. Neither was I. It was just like Psalm 5: “Spread Your protection over them that those who love Your name may rejoice.” Really, I kept rejoicing; I kept praising Him and happy to not only be healthy, but to be able to hear His reasons for “losing” my spoon.
We say it all the time. We pray to the Lord, "Deliver us from evil." God answers that prayer with a resounding "I will," yet we cannot see the thousands of ways He does it every day. But He does. Time and again, He is protecting us. In fact, if you have especially observed how God has spread His protection over you, then take a moment, take all day, rejoice. Thank Him and give Him praise. Every day, our great God is delivering you and protecting you. And guess what, I lift my spoon to that! Oh, and by the way, if you have a prayer request, let me know on our radio page and our Joni and Friend staff will lift up your need before the Lord.
By: Joni Eareckson Tada
© Joni and Friends
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Hi, I'm Joni Eareckson Tada with a good word from Mark, Chapter 1.
That’s the scene where Jesus is walking along the shore and he calls to Simon and Andrew “Come, follow me,” and they obey, leaving their nets at once to follow Jesus without delay. Don’t you love that? They dropped everything and obeyed at once without dragging their heels or second-guessing his call. How compelling must’ve been that call of Jesus! Not only did those men leave their nets behind, but I tell you what, they left their identity. They left their livelihood. They left everything, by which they had been known. They were no longer fishermen; they became fishers of men.
To me, that’s inspiring, because that’s the way I want to live. When I hear God’s word, I don’t want to second-guess it, I don’t want to drag my heels, I want to be a doer of it. If I hear a truth from the Bible, I want to act on it. I don’t want to believe Satan’s lies. But so many times I end up believing lies without even thinking about it, I listen to lies like: “I’m powerless; there’s nothing I can do to make this bad situation any better!” Or I’ll listen to a lie like: “I can’t tell my friend how I really feel; it’ll ruin our relationship.” Or I cave in, telling myself, “Sure, I believe in spiritual warfare, but I’d really rather watch “American Pickers” right now and not do any battles; not fight them.” I hate thinking like that. It’s kick-it-into-neutral thinking, cowardly thinking. It’s do-nothing thinking. Because the truth is, I do have power—I have God’s power—to make a bad situation better. And telling the truth is the best path for any friendship. And every spiritual battle is worth fighting, no matter what your emotions insist.
When the Holy Spirit whispers to me, or calls me forth into battle, or tells me to rise to some new, yet harder obedience, I need to not only listen, but act on it; actually wrap my hands around the challenge, and put some weight behind it, give it effort; give it honest, spiritual muscle and fight back against laziness or lies. In other words, I have to leave my nets and follow Jesus at once without delay.
Spurgeon once wrote: “When God calls you to do something, hasten right then to fulfill it before the holy glow departs from your soul. Leave your nets at once and do not give place to the devil by delaying.” Love that! Perhaps Jesus is telling you to talk about Him to your coworkers; you know, share your testimony and talk up Jesus. It sounds great at first, doesn’t it? You feel courageous as you picture how you’re going to approach that group of coworkers in the lunch area; you see yourself saying this and that, and your heart swells with anticipation. But if you delay in doing it, over time you are going to lose the glow; you start second-guessing what the Lord wants you to do, putting up resistance and saying, “you know, God, I’m not sure I heard you quite right. I really don’t think my coworkers are ready right now to hear my story”. We check and double check what we think we heard God say, until we have convinced ourselves it wasn’t Him who spoke anyway, in the first place. Like Spurgeon says: “When God calls you to do something, hasten right then to fulfill it before the holy glow departs from your soul. In other words friend, leave your nets at once and do not give place to the devil by delaying.” Don’t second-guess God and rationalize away His calling in your life. Listen to His call and join me in being not just a hearer, but a doer of His word. When you have a chance today, drop by joniandfriends.org.
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Hi, I’m Joni Eareckson Tada and yes, I am tired.
But I am so happy! We are getting closer to the end of my radiation therapy and I am so, so grateful for the prayers of so many of you who have remembered me, and my husband Ken in your intercessions. We are beating back this cancer with radiation and after it’s over I will be on other medications for a long, long time. But that’s okay. I’ve made it! And Lord willing, my lungs have done okay. In the future, you may hear some gravel in my voice, but hey, my lungs will be doing the best they can, and that is good enough. And I'm using my lungs today to simply express my gratitude to you for your concern and for your prayers.
I was sustained by many things over the last few months since my surgery back in late November to remove that tumor. But none was so precious as these first few verses from Psalm 116. Get this: I love the Lord, for He heard my voice; He heard my cry; He heard my cry for mercy. Because he turned his ear to me, I will call on him as long as I live. The cords of death entangled me, but then I called on the name of the Lord: “Lord, save me!” The Lord is gracious and righteous; our God is full of compassion.” My goodness, that passage describes me to a T, and that I have made it this far after surgery and radiation, I’m going to call on the Lord as long as I live.
There’s another thing that really bolstered my spirits, it’s a quote from Charles Spurgeon and when I found it, I cut, pasted, and printed it out so I’d have it with me. This is what Spurgeon wrote, he says: "I know of nothing in which I could hold Pontius Pilate as an example to you, save this one thing; he placed the Name of Jesus on the cross. Writing these words with his own hand, he refused to alter them: 'Jesus of Nazareth the King of the Jews.' Here Pilate, the vacillating governor, for once stuck to the truth, and would not be driven from it. So now whenever you have a cross, write the Name of King Jesus above it and stand to what you have written. He has himself carried a cross far heavier than yours, and His hearty sympathy is WITH you. He is so united to you that all your crosses are His own. Even when the cross weighs heaviest upon you, rejoice that you are honored to suffer with Christ, and are thus be crowned as well as crossed. Write his name on all your crosses!" And that’s exactly what I did. And because I constantly attached the name of Jesus to my trial, it didn’t feel heavy; it wasn’t burdensome. Jesus kept telling me, “Joni, my burden is light, so keep lifting it with my grace.” And what a difference that made.
And finally, these words from Mary from Luke, Chapter 1 in a paraphrase called The Message. I just grabbed hold of this and made it my own, because Mary says: “I am bursting with God-news; I am dancing the song of my Savior God. God took one good look at me, and look what happened – I am the most fortunate woman on earth! What God has done for me will never be forgotten, the God whose very name is holy, set apart from all others. His mercy flows in wave after wave on those who are in awe before Him. He remembered and piled on the mercies, piled them high. It’s exactly what he promised, beginning with Abraham and right up to now.” I love those words from Mary. So friend, whatever cross you are bearing today, write the name of Jesus on it, call on Him as long as you live, and keep bursting with God-News and dancing the song of your Savior.
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Hi, I’m Joni Eareckson Tada and has this ever happened to you?
Okay, here’s the scene—tell me if you see yourself in it, okay? It was just a few weeks ago and I wheeled up to the kitchen table with every intention of spending about a half hour or so in my Bible. Before I had a chance to open the Word, sitting right there on the table, my eyes glanced to a couple of catalogs which had arrived in the mail that morning. Now, I love Coldwater Creek and immediately I spotted this brightly colored blouse on the cover. Under that was a Soft Surroundings catalog and I started thinking about the fitted sheets on our bed, and how the elastic is starting to fray. That’s when, out of the corner of my eye, I saw my Bible again. A little stab of guilt made me whisper a quick prayer; Oh Jesus, I know, I know I'll get to my reading, I promise, but I just want to take a minute to glance through these catalogs.” Twenty minutes later, I still had my nose in the magazines. I'm ashamed to say, my time in the Bible was pushed aside.
And this is why I have learned to pray Psalm 119:36, "[Lord], incline my heart unto your testimonies, and not to covetousness." Friends, there are days when I don't even want to pick up the Bible. But I know if I succumb to a ho-hum attitude toward the Word of God, my spirit will shrivel, my faith will shrink, and my hope will become dull and dim. Like you, I have experienced those dry seasons of the soul when the Bible holds no interest and you and I know that’s not good! Yes, I confess, I will get sidetracked now and then and yes, by something as innocuous as Coldwater Creek. And that’s exactly why I find myself constantly pleading, "Lord, don't let me get away with this! Put the 'want-to' in my heart, persuade my heart, bring it around, predispose my heart and prompt it. I know you won’t give up on me, Holy Spirit, so please, incline my heart to your Word and don't let me covet anything in its place, especially something as stupid as a clothes catalog!"
Another good prayer to offer up is from Psalm 86, "Give me an undivided heart, that I may fear Your name." You know, it’s hard to find undivided hearts these days, even among Christians. Maybe it’s this age of social media or everything on demand; maybe it’s that next shiny object. All these things have lessened our attention span, and our hearts become fragmented, easily distracted, they go every which way. I'm thinking about laundry to pick up, a project to finish for Sunday school, a birthday card I need to put in the mail, a "warning" light on my dashboard that needs to get checked. So many things vie for my heart's attention. I just have to ask God to gather the fragments, pull my heart together, and unite it to fear His name.
How about you? Do you have an undivided heart toward the Lord? If, when it comes to reading the word, you find that your heart has gone AWOL, then ask God to go grab it, unite it, incline it, persuade it; ask God to bring it around; give it a good shake so that the King of glory might be the Lord of your heart. Give God full reign to rule it. Invite Him to sit on the throne of your heart. And then, when the Holy Spirit whispers to you, “Put down those magazines, that catalogs (or, turn off that TV, or now’s not the time for a snack, or listening to your playlist, or raiding the refrigerator, whatever), when the Holy Spirit whispers it, you will be inclined, more inclined to obey. And hey, if you need more inspiration, you just have to go to my blog today at joniandfriends.org. Again, that’s my blog at joniandfriends.org.
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Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
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A disability doesn’t have to destroy you – that’s today’s issue on "Joni and Friends".
Hi, I'm Joni Eareckson Tada and I'll be the first to confess: when you get that bad medical report, when you learn the broken neck means paralysis, when you hear you have some terminal disease, when any of these physical hardships hit you broadside, it can come close to breaking you. I’ve experienced many of these things and Jesus is right when He said, “In this world you will have trouble.” Because this world is so very broken, and God wired it to be very difficult. Disability is part of it and it is not easy. And it’s the little things that can get you down -- like this battle with cancer you know I'm going through right now? It’s making it harder for me to feed myself with my right arm where the muscles have been weakened where I had the tumor removed. Suddenly something that I had taken for granted for decades has been taken away from me – so for the first time, as I sit at the dining room table with Ken (having to feed myself everything on my plate), well… let’s just say Ken has to help me, and sometimes he has to have the Kleenex nearby, because it’s just so disappointing.
But I have learned these many years that embracing God in the midst of a physical affliction involves a lifetime of small choices. And if you are going through a physical hardship right now, I invite you to join me in committing to four simple things: First, give thanks to God for great and small things. I Thessalonians 5:18 tells us that in everything we are supposed to give thanks. So as I’m sitting there at the dining room table, I’m thanking God -- but I can’t feed myself as well as I used to. It prevents bitterness from getting a toehold.
Next, if you want to learn how to embrace God in the midst of a disability, learn to look out for other’s interests before your own. I often say to Ken: “No, no, it’s your turn to take a bite of your own food.” Philippians Chapter 2 tells us to do that, even though a disability seems to scream for your own attention; even though your arthritis or autoimmune disease can turn your focus inward, learn to resist that temptation, and always think about other’s needs. I’ll encourage Ken ‘Oh, take a break from helping me, you help yourself.’
Another tip: Take responsibility. Galatians Chapter 6 tells us that we need to carry the load that God gives us. Yes, there are many ways others can share your burden, but you are the one who must face your own physical limitations head-on. So as much as possible, manage the needs surrounding your disability. Are there things you can do for yourself? Then do them (I tell you, trying to feed myself with weak muscles is not easy. More food spills on my lap than gets in my mouth). But I want to encourage you as the weeks have gone by and as I am getting near to the end of radiation, I am able to feed myself a lot better and I was never so thankful as when I was finally able to feed myself again with my right arm).
Finally, if you want to learn how to embrace God in your hardship, then don’t forget to have hope in your future. God's plans are not to harm your soul, but to strengthen it, to refine and mature your soul. Friend, our cynical world is looking for Christians who will act on their beliefs and exhibit grace in hardship. So I’d like you to join me in this challenge. After all, He does have the final word. God gives it and the word is ‘hope’. Hey, if you’d like to learn how to help people with disabilities like me, then contact joniradio.org and ask for your free copy of “Start with Hello.” Because there’s so much hope available for anyone with a disability, and I should know having had to learn to feel myself all over again. So go to joniradio.org today and ask for the free booklet “Start with Hello.”
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Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
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Hi, I’m Joni with an interesting observation about the apostle Paul.
You and I both know that Paul has got to be one of the best examples in Scripture of what it means to follow Jesus, and follow him closely. Yes, you are very much like Paul when you’re filled with the Holy Spirit; when you are out there doing great spiritual conquests, when you are energized by the Word, and you just can’t stop talking, you can’t stop singing, you can’t stop witnessing about Jesus. All this makes you feel filled with God’s power, and even your faith seems enlarged, like anything is possible. That’s like Paul because he is just like that in the book of Acts.
The golden days of Paul's ministry are recorded in Acts. It seemed no effort for him to be wide awake at midnight in a jail cell, earnestly praying despite his weary, aching body feeling weighted by chains. Even then, especially then, he was singing hymns at the top of his lungs. Scripture tells us the jail doors flew open and everyone's chains fell off. Prisoners applauded him, and the jail keeper, whom God saved instantly, even invited him to his house. Things were looking up! There were countless spiritual victories; miraculous healings and huge advancements on the mission field. This new fledgling church was growing and Paul’s preaching kept bringing more and more into the fold. No wonder Paul was filled to overflowing with joy.
But then, time goes by and if you look closer at his last epistle, you see a different, a softer side. Sure, Paul was in jail again when he wrote Second Timothy. But this time there was no loud singing, there was no miracle, there was no escape. Winter was approaching and Paul felt old and tired. Deserted by his friends, he struggled against sickness. Even his companion Trophimus was sick, yet Paul couldn't do a thing to heal his friend. He couldn't even heal himself! Yet the old apostle didn't allow discouraging circumstances to get him down. Things were not the same as the "golden days of old," yet he hung on courageously to God, sharing honestly with his readers about his need for prayer. He isn’t too proud to admit that he is in dire need of spiritual support, for he writes in his 2nd epistle in the 4th chapter, "For I am being poured out like a drink offering, and the time has come for my departure. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith, but do your best to come to me quickly, for Demas, because he loved this world, has deserted me and has gone to Thessalonica. Crescens has gone to Galatia, and Titus to Dalmatia. Only Luke is with me." You can almost hear the weariness and even a little bit of loneliness in his words.
And there’s a lesson from Paul’s life for us. Because some days you feel like life is on the up-swing, and other days it's totally flat. Sometimes you sense the miracle in your life, and other times everything seems very ordinary. Are you energized today to meet a challenge head-on? Or do you feel tired and trapped? Life's circumstances can make you feel like a yo-yo, can’t they, but don't allow the "ups and downs" to get you down. Learn a lesson from the apostle Paul at both ends of his wonderful ministry. Don’t look at your situation; just keep looking at your Savior. Just keep committing to God to fight the good fight, finish the race, and keep up the faith no matter what your age might be. Let us hear from you today on my radio page at joniandfriends.org.
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Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
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Hi, I’m Joni Eareckson Tada with a good word about our Abba daddy.
Yep, our Abba heavenly Father daddy who is totally invested in the spiritual battles that His children face every day. God is a warrior: a daddy-warrior who fights hard on behalf of His children, you and me, and when I am in a tough spiritual battle, mostly against those irksome demons that harass me constantly—you know, harassing spirits of discouragement, lying spirits, or even battling against false guilt over past sins that I know have been forgiven and forgotten. When those battles start raging in my heart, when the spiritual bullets start zinging by me, I appeal to my Abba-daddy-heavenly-father-warrior. I know the enemy will try to divide and conquer; he will try to separate me from Jesus, tempting me to think that God is off somewhere listening to the prayers of more obedient Christians, or that he is busy taking care of someone else’s separation or divorce, or that God is off in the Middle East fulfilling biblical prophecy, or whatever. But I know well enough to even recognize that is a lie.
And so… I’ll come up with Psalm 143 and pray insistently, “Oh Lord, in your mercy put an end to my haters, and send destruction on all those who are against my soul; for I am your servant.” Man, I love that verse! Because the psalmist is not just talking about the Philistines, the Amalekites or the Midianites; no, he’s talking about the father of all those pagan nations, Satan himself – Satan and his miserable minions.
And it’s so comforting, so encouraging, so incredibly reassuring that our heavenly Father, our daddy-warrior immediately jumps right in the ring with us when we cry out to Him. All we need to do is cry out, and he’s going before us, he’s landing a knockout blow to the enemy. And why wouldn’t he? He’s the Father of all compassion: your Father, your daddy, your defender. And just listen to the way He loves you and fights for you when you are discouraged and feeling overwhelmed. In Zechariah chapter 2, verses 8 and 9 (I love this) God says to you, "… whoever touches you touches the apple of the My eye. I will surely raise My hand against them." (Love that). The New Living Translation states it as "anyone who harms you, harms My most precious possession. I will raise My fist to crush them." And here’s the way the Message paraphrase puts it: God says "anyone who hits you, hits me - bloodies my nose, and blackens my eye, they will be stripped down and thrown out." Whoa! What a picture of fierce loyalty and protection. God is the One who fights every battle for you. You are loved beyond measure, and you never have to face a battle alone.
Look, you and I both know that the spiritual battle is getting harder and hotter; it’s getting fiercer and more serious. It sometimes feels like all the forces of darkness are marshaled against you, doesn’t it? And yes, you fall easily for the trap that tells you God is off somewhere, He’s uncaring, and He’s not that interested in your struggles. Well, as you fight against guilt or temptation, or a complaining spirit or selfishness; as you battle against pride or self-importance; as you fight the good fight – and a fight against any sin is a good fight – God’s got His gloves on, because you are the apple of His eye and any dark demon that tries to raise its hand against you, His most precious possession, is going to feel the knockout blow from your Heavenly Father. Because the God of Zechariah, your God, is a warrior, a warrior who loves to obliterate your adversary. So just count on Him!
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Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
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Hi, I’m Joni Eareckson Tada and welcome to Joni and Friends.
Not long ago I found myself in a prayer meeting at an international church. When I arrived, I immediately noticed many people, all of them believers in Jesus, and they were obviously from different nationalities. Some of them were dressed in African garb, others looked Middle Eastern. One or two people even wore turbans, and I noticed a few women wearing Indian saris. I thought to myself, ‘Oh, this is going to be interesting’, and I was right. More than just interesting, it was absolutely heavenly when we all started praying; oh, sure some in English, but many chose to pray in their own language. And at the close when we sang a few familiar worship songs, the words were indescribable (actually they were indiscernible), but oh, the sound took my breath away. Like I said, it sounded like heaven.
My heart is always stunned and stirred when I hear people from different nations giving praise to God in their own language. And if it thrills me here on earth, what will it be like in the throne room of God? Revelation Chapter 7 says, “… I saw a vast crowd, too great to count, from every nation and tribe and people and language, standing in front of the throne and before the Lamb. They were clothed in white robes and held palm branches in their hands. And they were shouting with a great roar: ‘Salvation comes from our God who sits on the throne and from the Lamb!’” Will we say all speak in English, or in French, or Russian? Or will it be the language that people all enjoyed speaking together before the Tower of Babel when God divided that one language into many. Look, I don’t know what it will be like, but that description in Chapter 7 makes me want to lie prostrate in amazement!
Recently, I had that same feeling of amazement when a friend shared a link to a fascinating website called Scripture Earth. It catalogs every (and I mean every) known bit of Scripture available in every language on every continent. You can click and listen to (or you can choose to read) scripture spoken and written in all kinds of languages; those well-known and others that are completely obscure. I played around on the website for a while, clicking here and there, looking at John 3:16 written in Achagua and Abidji, wherever those languages are spoken! It is astounding—not only to think of the variety of tribes and peoples God has created, but to imagine standing alongside them from all those nations (those people) as we praise God together. What a glorious day that is going to be.
So get ready, get started for the party by visiting joniradio.org and clicking on the link to Scripture Earth. And the best part – if you know someone in your town or on your college campus who speaks Vietnamese, Uzbek, Tamil, Hindi or some other way-different language, hop on the website, cut and paste a few encouraging Bible verses in their tongue, or perhaps your favorite Psalm or maybe your life verse; find it in their language, print it out, and hand it to them with a smile, and maybe a hug :-). After all, it’s a wonderful way – and a simple way – of sharing favorite Bible verses. So today, find the link to Scripture Earth on joniradio.org because God's Word changes lives, so let's do all we can to reach our international friends with God's love, after all, I know you want them to join us before God's throne, praising their Savior on that glorious day! God bless you today and thanks for listening to Joni and Friends.
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Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
Hi, I’m Joni Eareckson Tada and have you ever wondered exactly why God created you? Or why He created your children or your grandchildren? God couldn't have spelled it out any plainer than in Isaiah 43:6-7. He created you and me for one purpose: to showcase His glory, to enjoy it, display it, and demonstrate it every day to all those we encounter. God says in Isaiah 43 "Bring my sons [and my daughters] from afar, everyone who is called by my name, whom I created for my glory, whom I formed and made." Oh friend, He formed you, he made you just as you are; he created you to reflect, to mirror the glory of God; to display and showcase His glory. But glory is an interesting word, how do we glorify Him?
What does it mean to put His glory on display? Well, here’s the thing, it means highlighting His attributes and characteristics. Of course, we do that when we talk up God the Father, or we talk up the Holy Spirit or Christ, our Savior, when we express to others our devotion to the Lord, or our delight in Him, when we describe his loveliness and compel others to trust Him, all that makes Him look bigger and brighter, in other people’s eyes. To glorify God with our words is to magnify – to make larger-looking – the excellency of Jesus in the eyes of others. To tell others why we think He is worthy and why we think He is laudable; it is wise to trust him, all these are ways of glorifying God.
When we give to the poor, we are glorifying God because He cares for the poor. When we help the young mother down the street who lost her husband, we are glorifying God because He cares for the widow. When we advocate on behalf of an elderly person in a nursing home, we are glorifying God because He’s concerned about the rights of the oppressed, the needs of the lonely, and the welfare of the forgotten. When we show mercy to a friend who has wronged us, oh my goodness, then we are glorifying God and His nature to forgive.
But it also means making hard choices to do the right thing: that is, the righteous thing. It means biting your tongue from gossiping, going out of your way for a neighbor in need, telling the truth even when it's hard, not snapping back when someone hurts you, or speaking freely and openly about your Father in heaven. In short, it's living like Jesus lived when He walked on earth.
God is invisible. In the Old Testament, you know as well as I, whenever He wanted to display His character, His innermost being, He did so through something visible like a burning bush, a pillar of cloud or of fire, or a "theophany" as they call it (an appearance of the pre-incarnate Christ). In the New Testament though, God displayed His glory through His Son, Jesus. But hey, it’s 2000 years later, Jesus doesn't physically walk on earth anymore, and bushes that burn are only in prairie fires or piles of raked leaves. So how does an invisible God display His glory in this age? Through you! Oh, my goodness, what a privilege.
It’s why God created you. You are Christ’s ambassador, His representative, you are His mirror. When people look at you and talk to you, they should see Jesus. And to delight in Christ is to glorify the Father. It’s so amazing to think that you and I are God’s burning bushes, we are His pillar of cloud and fire, pointing people to Christ and bringing Him glory upon glory upon glory upon glory. Would you do that today? God bless you and thanks for listening to Joni and Friends.
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I love that beautiful gospel song, something that you often sing right before communion. So if you know it, sing it with me today.
Let us break bread together on our knees
Let us break bread together on our knees
When I fall down on my knees
With my face to the rising sun
Oh, Lord, have mercy on me.
I love this old hymn, especially the part when we sing “On our knees.” I grew up in a Reformed Episcopal Church, a solid little evangelical congregation and we took the Lord's Supper up front kneeling at the Communion railing. When our knees are actually bowed, it should be a physical symbol of a spiritual reality. It’s a sign of humility. And that’s why I so love this poem. It’s credited to Carol Wimmer, but whoever wrote it sure knows something about humility, especially as it concerns our life in Christ.
She writes, “When I say, ‘I am a Christian,’ I'm not shouting ‘I'm clean livin.’ I'm whispering, ‘I was lost, now I'm found and forgiven.’ When I say ‘I am a Christian,’ I don’t speak of this with pride. I'm confessing that I stumble and I need Christ to be my guide. “When I say ‘I am a Christian,’ I'm not trying to be strong. I'm professing that I'm weak and I need His strength to carry on. When I say ‘I am a Christian,’ I'm not bragging of success. I'm admitting I have failed and I need God to clean my mess. When I say ‘I am a Christian,’ I'm not claiming to be perfect. My flaws are far too visible but God believes I am worth it. When I say ‘I am a Christian,’ I still feel the sting of pain. I have my share of heartaches, so I call upon His name. When I say ‘I am a Christian,’ I'm not holier than thou; I'm just a simple sinner who received God's good grace, somehow!”
Don’t you love the spirit of humility in that beautiful poem? Because it accurately reflects the way our hearts, the way our knees should bow before the Lord Jesus when we break bread together. When we come to the Lord's table, we divest ourselves of all our strength and pride, all our abilities and resources and we admit: Oh, God we are nothing; without Jesus, we can’t do anything, we are nothing! It’s the best position to be in to receive the abundant grace God gives so graciously, so abundantly, at the communion table where it is a means of grace. So friend, whether you’re breaking bread, or fellowshipping with friends, reading the Word, praying with someone, or going before the Lord Jesus on your own, find a moment today (it might be different for you) to fall down on your knees, would you? At least figuratively. I'm in a wheelchair, I can no longer drop to my knees literally, but I do so figuratively; and if you have arthritis or bad legs, you may not be able to kneel before the Lord either, but we can bow our hearts; we can make our souls drop to their knees to reflect submission, to show humility before our Savior. And hey, it doesn’t have to be communion; it’s the way to break bread with the Lord Jesus every day!
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I’m Joni Eareckson Tada with an interesting verse from Romans 13.
I say interesting because it’s so curious, and you might tend to gloss over it. Paul says in Romans Chapter 13 verse 11, “Salvation is nearer to us now than when we first believed.” Think about that. Your salvation is nearer to you now than when you first believed. Like, hello, what does that mean?
Well, let’s look at that word “nearer.” When things are nearer to you, they are closer, they are more intimate, in fact, they may well be much more dear to you. And that’s what this verse conveys. I know that my salvation is so much dearer, sweeter and precious and nearer to me than when I first believed as a teenager. Way back then, I appreciated what Jesus did for me when I was new in the faith, but I never considered Jesus... precious. Only elderly Christians and missionaries and old hymn writers spoke of Him as precious! Well, now that I am older and over the years, Jesus has become my true Friend, my Fortress when I am frightened, my Beloved when I give Him praise, my Righteousness when I have sinned, the Shepherd who seeks me when I've gone astray.
How did Jesus become so precious to me? Well, this is the way I look at it: Today is the first day of the rest of my salvation! The Christian idea of salvation involves the past (like when I was a teenager), it involves the present (like right now), and the future. Ephesians Chapter 2, verse 8 says "By grace you have been saved….". First Corinthians Chapter 1, verse18 says "The Gospel is the power of God to us who are being saved." And then as far as the future is concerned, Romans Chapter13, verse 11 says "Salvation is nearer to us now than when we first believed." We have been saved. We are being saved. And again, that thing about our salvation being nearer now than when we first believed, we will be saved. Ultimately, it means that we are nearer to the time when we will experience the final part of our salvation, in heaven we’re going to be glorified. At every stage we are saved by the death of Christ. In the past, our sins were paid for by Christ – that’s when we were justified. And in the present time, the death of Jesus secures the power of God's Spirit to save us from the domination of sin – that is what is happening right now as we are being sanctified. And in the future, it will be the blood of Christ that saves us from the wrath of God to come and will usher us into perfection and joy eternal, and that, praise God, is when we will be glorified.
Oh Christian friend, I know that is a lot to take in, but I hope you can appreciate that your salvation is nearer now to you than when you first believed. I hope you are faring well through your sanctification as you daily die to sinful habits and keep striving to please the Lord Jesus by obeying. And I sure hope you have your eye on heaven, where you will, finally, be saved from your body of sin and death, and will experience the everlasting joy of being glorified. Every day, it’s getting better and better, nearer and nearer. As the old Gospel song goes, "Every day with Jesus is sweeter than the day before; every day with Jesus, I love him more and more!" So I want you to grasp the sweetness of all that Christ purchased for you in the past, in the present, and in the future. Today, get actively engaged in your present salvation, and praise the Lord that you will be saved to finally enter God’s eternal joy.
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What are you doing with the mission that God has given you?
Hi, I’m Joni Eareckson Tada and we all have a mission. It’s virtually the same as our Lord's and it is laid out in Luke Chapter 19 verse 10, "For the Son of Man came to seek and to save what was lost." Oh, friend, it couldn’t be simpler or plainer. Jesus came to seek and save the lost, and our mission is the same. God saved us so that we might be His agents of mercy in sharing the Salvation message with others.
Now, there’s something you can learn from the way Jesus sought out the lost. In order to carry out His mission, He connected with virtually every person the Father put in His path, every kind of individual in every strata of society. He didn’t bypass anyone. Look at the ones Jesus sought out. In the first few verses of Mark Chapter 5, He befriends this guy with a serious mental illness, something no Jewish fellow would be caught dead doing. Then in Luke Chapter 5, He started up a relationship with a tax collector; a conniver and a known cheater. In John Chapter 4, He connects with a Samaritan: a woman who was a loner, a rebel. In Luke 15, we see Jesus going to parties with bums. He gets to know people with questionable reputations. He goes to see shut-ins, widows, and elderly folks. He connects with town leaders and magistrates. And as we’ve already seen, Jesus seeks and saves the lost among those riddled with disease and wracked with psychiatric disorders. Whoa!
Now here’s the thing: If we are to follow in Christ's steps and carry out His mission, (that is our mission) we have to do the same. It won't be easy; it’ll take you out of your comfort zone and you’ll be tempted to relate only to those with whom you identify, you know, people with whom you feel at ease. But if we want to follow Jesus, then it will mean making inroads, that is seeking out those we don't normally connect with.
My good friends Paul and Jill Miller recently lost Ashley, their adult daughter to an aggressive cancer. But when she was alive, even as the cancer was spreading and even as she was undergoing treatment, Ashley never forgot her mission. Because not only were the medical staff part of her mission field; so were the people she encountered on the way to the chemo clinic. Like the homeless people she would meet on the street or at red lights. Whenever Ashley went in for a treatment, she’d pack up small bags filled with items like socks, a tooth brush, tooth paste, a sandwich, a bottle of water, hand sanitizer, and a hand-written Bible verse. That way, when Ashley passed someone who was homeless, she’d have something to offer, something to show them the love of Christ. These homeless people never saw in this lovely, successful looking woman any indication that she was suffering horribly with cancer or that she would soon lose her life. But that made her effort even more glorifying to God. In her own loss, Ashley carried out the mission Jesus had given her – a mission He has given us all, to seek and save the lost at every cost.
Every day we bypass people who are considered outsiders, loners and second-class citizens. Yet God has put these individuals around us in our neighborhoods, on our street corners, at the mall and in parking lots. Ashely did not allow her cancer to deter her from her mission; in fact, her cancer expanded her mission field to people she might not have normally met. Like her, let’s make inroads in our community "mission field." Ashley sought out the lost. Can you do the same?
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Hi, I’m Joni Eareckson Tada and I love a beautiful garden.
Like my sister Jay’s garden back on the Maryland farm. On many days I would sit by the farmhouse window that overlooked her vegetable and flower gardens. She had cordoned off two different plots from our pasture! The vegetable garden was large and there she would be, raking and tilling rows of zucchini, butternut lettuce, tomatoes and silver queen corn (my favorite). Jay Kay took pride in her rows of vegetables – as well as the long, straight lines of marigolds in between the veggies to keep the bugs away. Even those rows were neat and tidy. It was so fascinating to watch my sister tend to her garden – she worked hard to keep away invaders like bugs, varmints, weeds, thorns and dandelions and rabbits.
When I lived on the farm and my sister, Jay and I would read the Bible together and she resonated with scriptures that spoke about gardens, like Song of Solomon Chapter 5, verse one, God (as the gardener) calls us His garden. He says, “Come into my garden, my lover, my bride.” Well, we also gleaned from Charles Spurgeon a few thoughts on what it means to be “God’s garden”. We are a lovely, set apart and reserved plot that He has purchased. We are His, and we can learn a valuable gardening lesson or two from that, given that a garden is not a wild and unruly wilderness. No, it is separate from what grows wild. It’s protected, it’s fenced in, it’s something somebody owns, a gardener claims it, and like any garden, God really works it and protects it, or I should say, He works us and protects us, rakes and tills us to produce something good in this world of weeds of our lives. And as the garden, we need to respect that, because although we may be in this world, we are not of it. God did not purchase us to be wild and unruly. No, when we make compromises, trying to edge as close to the world’s ways as we possibly can without becoming tainted (we think). Grace dries up, it stays low, it diminishes. Grace doesn’t flow easily and liberally. God’s not going to waste time watering the weeds and thorns in your life, oh, no. He has no intention of encouraging your compromised ways; if anything, He roots those things out. To God, a garden is a place that reflects His design, His intention, it’s a place of beauty where good and lovely things grow. And so, as His word says, “We should grow in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.” And growth can be rapid when you yield to God and His rake.
And as much as the Bible talks about rest, how we are to rest in Christ, enter God’s Sabbath rest? Well, resting in Him is quite a theme in Scripture, and so a garden is a place of rest. It’s a place of retirement. I want my life, my heart to be reserved for Jesus. As most of you know, I’ve got to get out of my wheelchair early, shortly after dinner and that’s the time I lie flat in bed, just communing with the Lord, praying to Him or singing, quoting back to Him words of Scripture or a hymn. Ah, what rest, rest for me, and rest with my Savior, the gardener of all things good. I gleaned all these thoughts from Charles Spurgeon, a devotional that he had written. And you know what, we’re into winter right now, and maybe you are already planning a garden for next spring. If so, make it personal. Learn the lessons. Draw the parallel to your own life. You are God’s garden, purchased and owned by Him; you are the garden intended to grow and produce good things, beautiful things, to be free of thorns, and most of all, to be that wonderful place of rest for communing with the Lord Jesus.
© Joni and Friends
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I’m Joni Eareckson Tada sharing a follow-up to Jim Elliot’s story.
You know the background well. In the mid-50s, Jim Elliot and four other missionaries, including their pilot, Nate Saint, left for Ecuador to evangelize the Huaorani, an ancient tribe never reached by man. They made contact with the tribe from the airplane using a loudspeaker and a basket to pass down gifts. After several months, the missionaries decided to build a base just a short distance from the village. Encouraged by one or two friendly encounters, they began plans to visit the Huaorani. Then in January 1956, they landed a plane on a small beach in the river near the village. At first, the Huaorani seemed friendly, but raising their spears, they attacked, and Jim Elliot was, that day, the first of the five missionaries to be speared to death, including Nate Saint, the pilot.
It was a tragic massacre, but the blood spilled by those martyrs provided a seed for the gospel to go forth, because not long after that, Mincaye, one of the Huaorani men who speared to death Nate Saint, he became a Christian. The word of God spread and many years later Mincaye became an elder in the village church. He later said of the change in his tribe, “We acted badly, badly, until they brought us God’s carvings (that’s the Bible). Then, seeing his carvings and following his good trail, now we live happily and in peace.” Years later, Mincaye met the young son of Nate Saint whom he had murdered. Steve Saint and his family had come to live among the Huaorani.
Because he had killed Steve’s father, Mincaye felt a special responsibility in helping to raise him. A kinship bond was formed and Mincaye adopted Steve as his tribal son. In 1995 when Steve was older and brought his family to live permanently with the tribe, Mincaye considered Steve’s children as his grandchildren. It is an amazing story of God’s healing, grace and mercy – this man, Mincaye, who was rescued from savagery and heathenism is part of Nate Saint’s family, the man he murdered many decades ago. I had the blessing of meeting Steve and Mincaye years later at a big event in Holland organized by Billy Graham. And, over the years, we’ve stayed in touch, Steve and I.
That is why, not long ago Steve Saint called our ministry at Joni and Friends. He let us know that Mincaye is now 90 years old with very weak legs, unable to walk and he needs a wheelchair. Steve asked: “Can you help us find a wheelchair that would be suitable for rugged terrain in Ecuador?” Well, I tell you what, our ‘Wheels for the World’ team was happy to provide just the right wheelchair for Steve to take with them to Ecuador for Mincaye. We normally don’t provide individual wheelchairs to people overseas, but this was an extraordinary case. And I’m so proud of our ‘Wheels for the World’ team because they bent over backward and worked so hard to provide just the right wheelchair.
If you’d like to see a photo of Mincaye in his brand new chair, I’ve posted it on our radio page today at joniradio.org. I am also posting a photo of the wonderful Wheels for the World team, our friends and our staff who put this wheelchair together. If the story of Steve Saint or Jim Elliot has inspired you over the years, then you know all about this remarkable man, Mincaye. Please pray for him as it is not easy to be 90 years old and live with pain, especially in a jungle. Pray that his spirits remain bright, and that the wheelchair will be a testimony of God’s grace and provision and that the church in that area will continue to grow. Pray for him and his congregation in Ecuador. And don’t forget to come by and see Mincaye’s photo at joniradio.org.
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Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
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Hi, I’m Joni Eareckson Tada sharing something worth repeating.
Not long ago I offered up some thoughts about suffering that must’ve really struck a chord with you listeners. Of course, you already know I am battling cancer – it’s a little more aggressive than the last cancer I had eight years ago, and so my treatment has been just as aggressive. But that’s okay. I thank God for great radiologists and oncologists! Most of all I thank God for his wisdom and grace.
And that is what has troubled some people. I have received a couple of emails from Christians – and they are really great people, great friends – but they have hinted that God is putting me through too much, you know: quadriplegia, chronic pain, my previous cancer and now this new one? I don’t know, maybe you think the same. I guess if I let my own thoughts wander, I might even say the same. Rather than doing me good, it could appear as though God were out to harm me. And I can’t blame these Christian friends for feeling that way; it’s natural. And that’s the trouble. Christians really should know that to entertain such feelings shows that we not only have a low view of God, but they don’t understand what the Bible says about suffering.
Now some would say, “Joni, there are countless references telling us that God does no harm to his children, only good. There’s Jeremiah 32, verse 41 where God himself says, “I will find joy in doing good for them.” Then there’s Psalm 84, verse 11, “The Lord will withhold no good thing from those who do what is right.” And perhaps the most famous one (and perhaps you know it) is Jeremiah 29:11 “For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not to harm you, to give you a future and a hope.” These are great verses, and there are countless others just like them in the Bible. So why would God allow so much chronic pain, my quadriplegia, cancer, and now this new cancer? Well, simply this: God is less interested in my physical well-being, and much more interested in strengthening my soul. Sure, painful hardships are the dark, driving rain of God’s sovereignty, and yes, those painful things hurt and harm the body. But the sunshine of His sovereignty is the good that’s being done in my soul – oh my goodness—the depth of faith, the scarred and seasoned wisdom, the unshakable peace, settled-ness of soul, unwavering devotion to Christ, and the building up of the ironclad trust that comes from walking through that valley of the shadow of death. And the really good stuff that comes out of suffering is that it supports your testimony and convinces skeptics and unbelievers that God is really worth trusting. He is that wonderful, because when they see your smile through the toughest of pain, it shames them and shows them that God’s grace really, really is able to sustain.
So, those Bible verses I mentioned, like when God says the plans I have for you are for good and not to harm you? Friend, God is talking about doing good for your soul. Sure, they may be harm that comes to your body, but never your soul. And if you tend to disagree, thinking that suffering only makes you complain, worry, and become bitter, then, friend, you are not appropriating the grace God that He makes available. You don’t have to complain, you do not have to be bitter. You can trust and hold fast to His grace. You can trust Him and learn how to be courageous. You can make your soul brave, and that is the ‘good’ that God is talking about in those precious Bible verses. And there is certainly no harm in that.
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Hi, I’m Joni Eareckson Tada with an update on my health.
I know you have heard that I am back in the boxing ring again with cancer; in there going at round 2 after my original battle 8 years ago. This cancer was a big surprise and we discovered it by accident when my doctor ordered a PET scan before I attempted any new pain therapies. He said, “Just to be sure, just to be safe let’s do it.” And then added, “But I’m certain we won’t find anything.” Well, we did. Thankfully, the tumor on my chest wall was removed quickly and after I healed, I began undergoing radiation. That’s something I did not do with my previous cancer because of my fragile lungs. But technology has vastly improved in the last 8 years, and so I’m confident that my lungs are going to be safe. After all, I’ve got to have enough breathe to talk to you, right? And do my work at Joni and Friends, don’t you agree? And so, thank you for praying for me as I continue on through radiation therapy.
For now, all I can say is, this cancer has made me so grateful to be alive, to have strength and stamina; it has drawn my husband Ken and me even closer together; it’s made my friendships and connections with my family seem so much more precious. Honestly, believe it or not at night I lie in bed and have to fight back tears as I count all my blessings.
It was Eugene Peterson once described the apostle Paul as a “scarred veteran; a man who visited the extremes.” Well, I wouldn’t put myself in the same class as Paul, but I do know something about scars and about visiting the extremes – the extremes of pain, the rigors of cancer therapy, the difficulties of aging with quadriplegia. But that’s okay. As First Peter Chapter 2 verse 21 says, “to this you were called because Christ Jesus suffered for us, leaving you an example that us and example that we should follow in His steps.” There’s one more thing Eugene Peterson adds. He says, “Paul knows that what God has done within him is far more important and lasting than anything that could be done to him.” Wow! I say “amen” to that. This entire battle, this whole journey is all about bringing glory to God.
And I know I’m glorifying God because he is changing me in all of this. I’m just not the same Joni as I was before this new cancer. I know it, I can feel, I sense I am becoming a little more like Jesus, and I love that! It was Harry Reader who wrote, “Circumstances do not dictate your character, they reveal it and become the opportunity to refine it.” Yep, this cancer does not dictate who I am; it’s an opportunity though to refine who I am. And it’s always invigorating when we can demonstrate our loyalty to the Lord Jesus through a really tough trial. I mean, we can actually do something to delight, to please the Lord, because it gives Him great joy to see that we love holding tightly onto Him through any trial. When we do that, it’s another way of glorifying God. And that’s been Ken’s focus and mine too, through this whole ordeal. So, today as the Holy Spirit nudges you, would you please pray for me and pray for my husband too as he helps me undergo radiation therapy the rest of this month and perhaps next? And as you do, my prayer for you is that your circumstances won’t dictate your character; but that every circumstance will reveal what you are made of and become the glorious opportunity to refine all that you are. That’s the purpose behind my cancer and that is the purpose behind all the challenges you face, as well.
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Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
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Hi, I’m Joni Eareckson Tada and it’s something I will never forget.
I was at one of our Joni and Friends’ Family Retreats last year, and I was sitting across the lunch table from Susan, a single mother with two kids with disabilities. This woman looked so tired and she looked sad – which to me was odd, because it was the first day of the retreat. Susan wasn’t even sure how she came to be at Family Retreat. It wasn’t the sort of thing that she would normally do, bring her disabled kids to a Family Retreat, especially with a week off from work. Things were hard back home and I could tell this woman was full of lots of resentment and some questions, as well.
The next morning at breakfast, Susan seemed a little more relaxed, more with-it. She had this somewhat surprised look on her face as she glanced around the dining hall. Usually, she would be anxious, she told me, not knowing where her kids were or who they were with. But at the retreat, she found herself just beginning to let go a little. Susan really liked the volunteer we had assigned to her two children. And now, over eggs and bacon, she was flabbergasted – even a little grateful – that she could take a few deep breaths and just talk to someone. Like me.
The next day we found ourselves talking more. There was something different about her countenance and I could tell that she really enjoyed the morning devotional time and the worship. That afternoon we sat at lunch together again and she told me in a soft voice and with wide eyes, “never, never have I experienced anything like this. I’m a new person!”
I found out later why she said that. She really was new. She had opened her heart to Christ in the woman-to-woman session earlier that day. From then on out, there was no more resentment and even her weary countenance seemed to be lifted as she began networking more closely with the other mothers.
Susan is just one single parent. She’s just one of many parents who are raising not only one child, but two children with disabilities. It’s a hard haul for women like her, and it’s why I’m so hoping that many more “Susans” will be coming to Christ at this summer’s Joni and Friends’ Family Retreats—we’ve got four new retreats we’re holding and that totals over 50 this season. So we’re able to accommodate many more special-needs families, many more kids with disabilities and their parents; parents like Susan.
And it’s a good thing. Single moms like her really need to know that Jesus Christ cares and that His people care, too. Our Savior says in Matthew 11, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” Sometimes He’ll not only give rest, but He’ll give fun and fellowship, new friends, and a chance to know Him better at a Family Retreat. This summer’s retreats are already filling up fast, in fact we’ve already closed one or two retreats, so if you know a family who has a disabled child or an adult, if you know a couple who have a disability, then you only have a short time to let them know about this year’s retreats. You can learn more details at joniandfriends.org, and if there are financial needs, we have scholarship funds available. Let’s make certain that families like Susan’s hear and experience the love of Christ no matter what the disability! Again, get all the details today at joniandfriends.org. If you are in the world of “snail mail” (that’s okay, many of us are) you can always write us at Joni and Friends, P.O. Box 3333, Agoura Hills, California, 91376. Oh, and by the way, if you have a prayer request, let me know on our radio page and our Joni and Friends staff will lift up your need before the Lord. God bless you today, and thanks for listening to Joni and Friends.
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Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
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Everybody is saying how fast life is flying by!
I’m Joni Eareckson Tada. You know, there’s something about this fast-paced culture of ours… this culture of MSNBC, CNBC, everything is so quick and snappy, the events, the current events which are causing us to live life on fast forward. There’s something about this mindset that can absolutely kill one of the most important principles of meaningful living as a Christian. It is the principle – I should say – the art of keeping in step with the spirit, living life one day at a time… sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof… don’t worry about tomorrow… take life one day at a time. Our national leaders are telling us to do that and the Bible keeps telling us to do that.
Let me explain. When I was back in that hospital so many years ago, everything, life just seemed… impossible. When doctors told me I’d remain a quadriplegic for the rest of my life, I looked at them blankly. It just didn’t compute. I mean, this was a whole new definition for normal I had to come up with. I think the terrifying reality of “hands that wouldn’t work” and “legs that wouldn’t walk” just bounced off my brain. After many months, reality begin to sink in and I think that’s when depression hit. The future seemed unthinkable. Do you identify with that? Well, I used to wonder, “Am I gonna end up in a nursing home? Will I ever be able to hold down a job? How will I survive not ever being able pick up things or run or drive a car?!”
These are tough questions and they are real questions. But the skill of dealing with a life-altering situation is honestly to take that life one day at a time in bite-sized, swallowable chunks. Now think about it: in this fast-paced culture of ours, we really indeed are living with life-altering situations everyday. All you have to do is watch the evening news, right? The principle of taking one day at a time – well, everything goes against that, doesn’t it?
And I think this is why I’m so grateful that I was forced to slow down and start keeping in step (that is wheeling alongside) the Spirit. I began to find solutions when I did – I went back to college, began slowly painting, I learned to drive a van with a joystick clamped to my arm, I began to manage my own health care, I made decisions and took responsibility for finding people to help me get up, I went to work…
But most of all, I began taking God at His Word. I just couldn’t live paralyzed… and I don’t think you can either. We can’t be afraid of the future – especially when God tells us not to rush ahead, not to fall behind, but to wake up every morning to His new mercies, great is His faithfulness, trust that He won’t abandon you, that He will give you the smile that you lack, the energy that you need, the hope that you can’t muster. The horizon, which sometimes seems dark especially now-a-days, it always clears and brightens when you pray “God, help me today. Help me to make it through today” and then you move into that challenge by faith and you watch His grace help you to take one day at a time.
So friend, push the pause button today if you are facing that life-altering challenge, the changes that seem so overwhelming… learn to take life, learn to handle the problems one day at a time. It’s the way Jesus Christ wants you to live.
I invite you to visit me today at our website at joniandfriends.org. Until next time, this is Joni and Friends.
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Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
Hi, I’m Joni Eareckson Tada and I just bet you know Nick Vujicic. Like, who does not know Nick, right? The leader of “Life Without Limbs”, he is the International Evangelist who has become so well-known for his passion in giving the gospel. Millions of people have heard Nick Vujicic speak and I am sure as many have responded to his invitation to come to Christ as Lord and Savior. Nick is known well because he was born without arms or legs. He has a small foot – and boy does he do a lot with that foot. And the fact that he lives without limbs gives him such authority when he speaks about the trustworthiness of Jesus Christ; how despite any limitation the Lord is always worthy of our confidence and obedience. In short, God brings such satisfaction, such joy, that it overrides the inconvenience of not even having arms or legs.
God raised up Nick Vujicic to be a prophet to the younger generation; to millennials and kids born into the digital age. I say all this because this morning at 9 AM Pacific time (that’s 12 noon East Coast time) Nick and I will be on Facebook Live together. We have come together because this is Sanctity of Life week and both he and I are strong advocates of the sacredness of life. Nick may not have arms or legs, he may have to be carried up steep steps, but he is a beautiful image-bearer of God. Nick knows that he is made in the image of God. He is made as a moral human being who can choose between right and wrong. He is made to love, made to care and be compassionate. He is made to think and create and work and delight in every good thing that comes down from the father. In other words, Nick Vujicic is made to reflect God and giving glory. Oh, will Nick be doing exactly that this morning when we go live together on Facebook. We will be covering pretty interesting topics as well as celebrating the 40th anniversary of Joni and Friends. Nick may be sharing a few surprises as well. So we hope you will post your comments as we open our hearts.
Also, on today’s Facebook Live, I will be inviting my good friend, Katherine Wolf to say a few words. If you are on the East coast and it’s not 12 noon yet; or if you are on the West coast and it’s almost 9 AM, visit my Facebook page and watch our live presentation. If right now you are hearing my voice after the fact, if it’s late in the day and our Facebook Live event has already transpired, that’s okay. You can still watch it on my Facebook page. We’ll have it up all day and when you watch it post our comments because I would love to hear your thoughts on sanctity of life.
Also I would love to hear what you have to say about our 40th anniversary. That’s right. This month begins a year-long celebration of our four decades of ministry. Joni and Friends has been reaching people with disabilities for Christ all around the globe for 40 years and that’s a lot of people reached for Jesus. So, go on Facebook; watch my discussion with Nick and post a big “thumbs up” or “like it” or maybe “love it”, and best of all please share it with your way of celebrating Sanctity of Life this week. See you on Facebook Live, or get on line and watch the fun video of our discussion and then please share it will all your friends.
By the way, I would love to hear what you are praying about or a favorite Bible verse that you are memorizing. Tell me about it. Just go to my radio page today at joniradio.org, or you can always write me at Joni and Friends, P.O. Box 3333, Agoura Hills, California 91376. If the Lord has answered some prayer of yours today, guess what, stop right after we are done here and tell Him “Thanks”.
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Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
I’m Joni and how about singing this contemporary worship song with me…
When Satan tempts me to despair
And tells me of the guilt within
Upward I look and see Him there
Who made an end to all my sin
Because the sinless Savior died
My sinful soul is counted free
For God, the just, is satisfied
To look on Him and pardon me
To look on Him and pardon me
Now I realize that wasn’t the first verse, but this particular verse, the second one, is my favorite; I always have a tough time getting through it – maybe you resonate when I say there are days when Satan really tempts me to despair… and I start looking inward… but I have learned that when that happens (I sing this beautiful song to help get my focus back on Jesus)… when Satan tempts me to despair, I turn immediately to the Word of God. Period! God’s Word is the only thing that clears my thoughts, lightens my load, brightens my heart… because God’s Word gets me focused on the Savior and all that He did on the cross… as well as all that He is doing even now as He intercedes for me… and for you.
So, friend, if you’re looking inward today, maybe a little too focused on your problems or guilt, you and I need to do the same thing – we need to look on Him. Look to Jesus because today He is interceding for you. I know, you’ve got lots of other friends, lots of folks at church who are praying for you through this challenging time you are going through (maybe an illness, a divorce, a sickness in your family, a recent bad medical report, foreclosure, bankruptcy…), but you’ve probably got a lot of people praying for you, but you need to remember Jesus is praying for you. He’s your most important intercessor; He hasn’t forgotten you; He is right now taking your need, every detail before the throne of God. And when Satan tempts you to despair you need to remember the role that Jesus Christ plays right now in interceding for you.
And that’s why today I invite you to come and see me today at joniandfriendsradio.org – fire up your computer and log onto our radio page because I have a special gift I want to send you today to get your focus on Jesus — to get your focus on His Word. It’s a little 14-page booklet I’ve been offering this week called “How to Study the Bible.” Because there are important things you need to know about Jesus and His work on your behalf right now. There are promises He’s made. There are insights to strengthen you against every temptation Satan throws at you. There are assurances in God’s Word that will lift you up out of despair.
But it means studying – not skatin’ on the surface of or playin’ around with the Bible, not just perusing it to kinda look for a little buzz, something that tickles your ear – no, you have to study the Word of God. Be a workman approved by Him who knows how to handle the Word of God. So right now I want you to click on joniandfriendsradio.org for your free and personal copy of “How to Study the Bible” — I highly recommend it. And don’t forget: keep singing and keep focused on the Savior, because when Satan tempts you to diaper and tells you about your guilt within look up and see Jesus there. He made an end to your sin.
Music: Charitie Lees Bancroft and Vikki Cook, c 1997 PDI Worship
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Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
Hi, I’m Joni Eareckson Tada and welcome to the new year!
And what does God say about it? Well, He says I’m going to do a brand new thing. See, I’ve already begun. That’s from Isaiah Chapter 43, verse 19 and a good verse it is for me personally and for the ministry of Joni and Friends. Because this year, 2019, Joni and Friends has reached an amazing milestone: we are celebrating 40 years of Christ-centered outreach to the people with disabilities and their families all around the world.
As we begin 2019, I see it as the start of a new era; God is going to do a brand new thing because Joni and Friends is not just about my work; it’s about the heart-felt service of all the “friends” connected to Joni and Friends and that’s YOU whether you tune in daily to Joni and Friends here on this station, or you volunteer at our Family Retreats, or you have served with us on a Wheels for the World team, or used our curriculum on your special needs Sunday school – whatever. However you are involved, this 40th anniversary is about you too. Because when it comes to this ministry, we all have an important part to play for we all have a place in the global movement to reach the poor and the injured and the lame and the blind. It’s a movement that is surging across new countries that we are now reaching into through Joni and Friends.
If you appreciate, if you pray for or support, or if you serve with Joni and Friends, then you have embraced the Luke 14 call of Jesus. Our Savoir wants every one of us to compel the poor and the crippled and the blind and the lame to enter His Father’s house.
And I have something else new and fun to announce. Something that goes with our anniversary and with this new year of outreach because as we enter this era of expanding global outreach with you, Joni and Friends is marking it with a brand new ministry logo. A logo that represents our mission and the people we serve. The logo includes an innovative icon that highlights the different things we do; like friends supporting one another, upholding Bibles encircled by a wheel of the world. Our video tags even focus on a cross within the icon. I would love for you to see this icon that from now on will go with the name of Joni and Friends and you can see it right now at joniradio.org.
Speaking of other new things, we have also rewritten the text of Joni and Friends. We are minimizing that big, blue sweeping “J” in my name and from now on it will be simple, more refined and more contemporary because now the words “Joni and Friends” are in lower case as one word, because we serve as one together with you, the friends who make up the Christ-centered backbone of our ministry. I never, ever want this ministry to be focused on me, but on Jesus and the precious hurting people we are reaching together with you. We serve as one together with Jesus. So, if you would like to see this new text that we will be using on our newsletters and correspondence, again just go to my radio page at joniradio.org.
Hey, it’s a fresh look for our ministry as we head into the future lifting up Christ and His gospel. I’m so grateful to God and to you for bringing us to this milestone 40th anniversary, wow! Together as friends let’s carry the torch of the gospel into the decades to come because it’s all about the future and filling God’s house with the world’s oft neglected friends around the world with disabilities. Again, take a look at that icon in our new text at joniradio.org. And by the way, if you have a prayer request, let me know on our radio page and our Joni and Friends staff will lift up your need before the Lord. God bless you today, and thanks for listening to Joni and Friends.
© Joni and Friends
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Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
Welcome to “Joni and Friends” where I’ve got some important things to tell you today about how to study the Bible!
Many years ago when I got out of the hospital, I was a little shaky spiritually, had a lot of questions. My faith was weak, but I knew that if I was going to survive, I had to start studying – not just reading, not just the parts that were inspiring or devotional like flippin’ the pages of the Bible to look for a buzz – no, I had to start digging and studying the Word of God. And so…
Back then I got involved in a Precept Bible study in my neighborhood. You know about Precept and Kay Arthur’s stuff, right, because I wanted to get serious. I had read in 2 Timothy 2:15, “Do your best [hear that? I wanted to do my best] to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who rightly handles the word of truth.” Coming out of the hospital I didn’t want to feel ashamed about God’s sovereignty anymore – I didn’t want to feel bad about Him allowing my accident to happen, if He could have prevented it. In short, I didn’t want to be ashamed of God for letting my spinal cord injury occur. I wanted to correctly understand and handle the Word of Truth so that I could better understand God’s control over things, His sovereignty over injuries and illnesses.
Now I had heard that there are all different ways to study the Bible, but the best way – and now, even years later, I believe it still is the best way – the best way to dig into God’s Word is through “inductive” Bible study. That’s where you find out for yourself what the Bible says – you read and re-read a passage using basic principles (in other words, there are certain questions you ask when you read… reading things in context… looking into the background of the passage… praying about the whole message… comparing this passage with others; things like that).
Anyway, you read for that kind of meaning and understanding – not just going to a passage and jumping to conclusions, but praying for the Spirit to guide you – and then you apply what you’ve learned. I mean “apply” it… just don’t think you know it because you’ve memorized it or written it on a 3×5 card, but actually do it… apply it!
And that’s what I did in those early years. I did an inductive Bible study on First Thessalonians, Chapter 5, and, friend, it made such a big difference – especially when I applied it. In fact, I am still “in all things giving thanks” and that’s what I learned in that Bible study and it’s made a huge difference in my life in this wheelchair!
And, oh, friend, as we start this New Year together, I want you to experience the same. To really learn how to study the Word of God… ask the right questions… learn how to read things in context… learn how to compare one passage to another, because the Holy Spirit wants to speak to you. He wants you to grow in 2019!
So right now, if you’re able, or if you’re not near your computer, do it later this evening… right now I want you to visit me at joniandfriends.org and get your personal copy of this wonderful 14-page foldout that details exactly how to do an inductive Bible study. This foldout is amazing! For as concise as it is, it has a ton of good stuff in it that will help you get started right away. So don’t forget, before I run out of supplies, please visit me today at joniandfriends.org, click on the picture of the little booklet, become the Christian described in 2 Timothy 3:16, and be “… the man of God [who is] adequate, equipped for every good work.” Every good work through inductive Bible study in 2019!
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Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
Welcome to the last and best day of our “Heart for the Disabled” week.
Hi, I’m Joni Eareckson Tada and all this week I’ve been telling stories about families with special needs (big needs) so that you could write notes of encouragement and Valentine cards. And, boy, are you responding — so many of you have already sent in your cards and letters. But I’ve got one more family to tell you about.
John and Tracy are parents to a couple of teenage boys who are on the autism spectrum. Their oldest son, 16-year-old Aiden, is pretty high functioning, but he often struggles to fit in with kids around him in high school and that’s not easy when you have autism. And Aiden so longs to be part of the gang in school. Often, though, he’s left out of the action. Miles, who is 12 years old, is not as high functioning as his older brother. He is unable to communicate verbally with people around him, and he’s often frustrated by his inability to connect with the family and with what few friends he has at school. Both kids do their best in and out of the home, and that really pleases John and Tracy, their dad and mom. Life at home is not easy for these parents, what with disability routines, medical bills and challenges at school, and just, well… trying to live a normal life. This little family had a wonderful time at Family Retreat, the year before, back in 2017. But in early 2018 when they planned to register for last summer’s Family Retreat, they were stopped in their tracks.
At the beginning of last year, Tracy learned that she had breast cancer. They had to cancel their Family Retreat application in the wake of this terrible news and, a short time later, Tracy had to have a double mastectomy. This brave woman faced it with courage, though – she had served in the military and understood what it was like to stand strong in a battle. Still though, Tracy is continuing to go through chemotherapy as her husband, John, carries on the heavy job of keeping up the house and caring for their two disabled sons, Aiden and Miles, who have autism. And sometimes, John and Tracy wonder how much more they can take.
Well, I want you to remind them that the grace of our Lord Jesus really is sufficient. Yes, even for these new challenges in the family. So take a moment to jot a note or a card to John and Tracy, as well as Aiden and Miles. Let them know you are praying for them. Include a favorite scripture or, as I shared earlier this week, tuck in a copy of an inspirational poem or the words to a hymn that you love. I know they’d be blessed to hear that you are cheering them on. And if you really want to be creative, tuck in your envelope a small gift card to Starbucks or whatever. I know Ken and I will be doing that for this family, but the important thing is your words and your prayers, and the references from God’s Word that you include.
Make sure you get your card to John and Tracy, and their sons Aiden and Miles. Then mail it in care of Joni and Friends, P.O. Box 3333, Agoura Hills, California 91376. If you don’t have a pencil to write down the address or if you have missed any details, please visit joniradio.org for all the info. Thanks for caring, friend! I’m so grateful for your help this week – God bless you for having a heart for the disabled and a heart for John, Tracy, Aiden and Miles. If you need any details get the whole scoop at joniradio.org. Thanks for having a heart for the disabled. God bless you today, and thanks for listening to Joni and Friends.
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Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
I’m Joni Eareckson Tada; welcome to “Heart for the Disabled” week.
That’s right. All this week I’ve been mentioning the stories of families with special needs — moms and dads and disabled kids and their siblings, all of them bone-tired, weary people who really, really need the encouragement of Christ. And you are helping me give that encouragement as you’ve written notes, Valentine’s cards, and letters to the people I’ve mentioned each day. For those of you who haven’t yet written, I’ve got a family who really needs an uplifting word.
Kelly and Rebecca Robinson came to Family Retreat for the first time last summer. And they came with a car full of oxygen tanks. You see, when their own children grew up, and Kelly and Rebecca became empty-nesters, they adopted two children from an orphanage in China. Claire and Colton both of these have significant disabilities. Claire is 14 years old and has a heart and liver disease, pulmonary hypertension, and needs to be on oxygen 100% of the time. Claire also has some cognitive problems. But she is a happy little girl and she loves to smile. Colton, who is 11 years old, is blind in one eye, has an orthopedic impairment, and a heart defect. Well. Well, I tell you, when this little family came to retreat, Kelly and Rebecca already looked worn out. Claire is fragile, her medical condition was wearing on them – someone has to sleep with her at all times. At Family Retreat, 14-year-old Claire had one prayer – she wanted to make a friend (she doesn’t have friends back home; she’s always in and out of the hospital). But at Family Retreat she was not disappointed. This little teenager made many friends, especially a few girls her own age. And Colton? This guy was the hit at the talent show. His has a great voice. Claire even put together a little band with her new girlfriends and they sang all about Jesus being the light of the world.
Not long after retreat, however, Claire had to go into the hospital again. It was a surgery with lots of risks, but it had to be done. She could hardly breathe. Well, a few months ago, Claire was taken into surgery one more time. She did not make it; she went home to be with Jesus. And at Claire’s funeral Colton was brave and sang the song that he did at the Family Retreat talent show.
As you can imagine, Kelly and Rebecca are still reeling. This family would very much appreciate a couple of uplifting words in a note or a letter. I know that God can use your words, your favorite scriptures, maybe a favorite hymn or poem. I don’t need to tell you, just let the Holy Spirit tell you what to write. The important thing is, just write and when you do pray for Kelly, Rebecca, and little Colton. I know this special-needs family would appreciate hearing that there are brothers and sisters in Christ who are remembering to lift them up before Jesus Christ. So, please send this family true Christian encouragement. And then mail it off to Joni and Friends, P.O. Box 3333, Agoura Hills, California 91376. If you’ve missed any details, go to my radio page at joniradio.org for the full story where we’re even posted a photo on our Facebook page.
Thanks for coming alongside, praying for, writing a letter or note to bless this family who have gone through so much loss, so much expense, and have expended so much care and compassion. God bless you for caring for little Colton and of course for Kelly and Rebecca during this year’s Heart for the Disabled campaign! And if you need any details, get the whole scoop at joniradio.org. Thanks for having a heart for the disabled.
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Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
It’s “Heart for the Disabled” week here at Joni and Friends!
That’s right, I’m Joni Eareckson Tada and this week I am asking you to help me give real Christian encouragement to disabled people who have attended our Family Retreats because it’s mid-winter, the skies are gray, and these precious friends are in need of a lift; what with all the disability routines day after day. So I’m asking you (as I’ve been doing all week) to pick up a pen and jot a Valentine’s card or a note, send a poem, include scriptures, just a brief letter to someone who is very near and dear to my heart. Let me share her story.
I met Jeri Payne (her name is spelled J-E-R-I) many years ago at one of our earliest Family Retreats way back in the 1990s. She came with her four sons, one of whom, Zach, had a really strange neuromuscular disease; although he could sort of half-walk, his arms were limp and he breathed through a ventilator. But Zach was the cutest kid at camp, wanting to try every activity, even bouncing on the trampoline with his ventilator. Jeri’s husband did not attend Family Retreat that year, nor the next, or the next. But Jeri won the hearts of us all, tending to her four energetic boys, including little Zach with all his disabilities. Years passed and Zach suffered some complications which eventually took his little life. The family grieved the loss of this special little guy, but the years continued and Jeri and the family healed. Then, her other son, Sammy, passed away in 2004. In the midst of that shock, Jeri was hit with an undiagnosed neuromuscular disease that landed her in a wheelchair. Now, she was the one struggling with the serious disability. It was rough and shortly thereafter, her husband of 31 years left her.
But Jeri’s friends at Family Retreat were her support. And she really needed it. Because when she moved to Oregon with another son, she was hardly settled in when (get this) he died of cardiac arrest. And now? Well, Jeri is still in her wheelchair and she’s still living up in Oregon with her only remaining son who is her primary caregiver. My Family Retreat friends in Oregon recently sent me a picture of dear Jeri in her wheelchair, smiling, persevering, and looking as hopeful as ever, all because this woman knows (really knows) Jesus Christ. Yet still, she’s human. She’s lost so much: her three sons, her health, her marriage, and she needs your prayers and support.
Friend listening, I want you to know that Jeri got her spiritual grounding at Family Retreat. Yes, it was back in the 1990s, but she still reflects on those wonderful years. She was able to bring her boys, including Zach, to Retreat. But right now, living with her one remaining son, Jeri needs to be reminded of uplifting passages from God’s word, so please pray for her because she is still waiting for Medicaid to kick in. Reminder of the love of Jesus Christ, and if you want to go the extra mile, tuck in a gift certificate to Taco Bell or something like that. She needs to hear from listeners like you. So be sure to jot your note today. Just inscribe it to Jeri (J-E-R-I) then send it to Joni and Friends, P.O. Box 3333, Agoura Hills, California 91376, and we’ll make certain to package it up with all the other notes to Jeri and her caregiving son so it’ll arrive in time for Valentine’s Day. And if you need any details, get the whole scoop at joniradio.org. And thanks for having a heart for the disabled.
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Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
Hi, I’m Joni Eareckson Tada and its “Heart for the Disabled” week!
Here at Joni and Friends we are asking you to help make this upcoming Valentine’s Day very special for a family with disabilities, just by writing a note of encouragement. And the family I want to tell you about today is in such need of hope. Josh Mitchell is a military veteran who now works with the U.S. Postal Service and he has a wife, Emily, who is a stay-at-home mom who takes care of their two blonde haired daughters, Gracie, age 5, and Addie, age 7.
Addie is the one with the disabilities. Although she is so sweet and shy with budding artistic talents, Addie has had medical issues since birth and she’s been through several surgeries. She has a kind of cerebral palsy, as well as sensory processing problems. She is mostly nonverbal; she doesn’t speak, although I am excited to tell you that this past year at Family Retreat, she said two new words! News spread like wildfire at Family Retreat – everybody was saying, “did you hear? Addie spoke two words!” Josh and Emily were absolutely thrilled and little Gracie was, too. Everybody understood that this was a big deal for seven-year-old Addie. But hold on, because there was also some not-so-good news, as well. Last summer, the Mitchell’s were able to purchase their first home and right after moving in, Emily, the mother, the rock of this family, was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. And now Emily finds herself often fatigued; she suffers from debilitating migraines. Trying to take care of her daughters is doubly difficult now, and discouragement is knocking at her door. You can imagine how this diagnosis of multiple sclerosis has put a damper on all the excitement of a new home, and even on Addie’s new spoken words. Right now, this little family is feeling overwhelmed. Between Addie’s cerebral palsy and other problems, and Emily’s new diagnosis of MS, well, this family is really in need of your help.
So would you write the Mitchell family an uplifting note and assure them of your prayers? Perhaps have your children crayon a picture for Addie and Gracie? Share a favorite scripture about the sovereignty of God. Or send a poem, or the words to a much-loved hymn. And if you happen to be the parent of special-needs kids like little Addie, offer a few empathetic words from your experience. Oh, and how about congratulating Josh on his military service? And encouraging Emily to persevere? Send them a little gift card to Burger King or Baskin-Robbins. I’m convinced they will really appreciate your help, your letter and your Valentine card so much.
Just send your card to Josh and Emily, and their daughters Gracie and Addie, the one who has all the disabilities. Mail it to Joni and Friends at P.O. Box 3333, Agoura Hills, California 91376. And send it soon so that your card or note will arrive in time for Valentine’s Day. If you miss any details, well you can always get the spelling of everyone’s names, as well as their whole story on my radio page at Joniradio.org. And if you were able to jot down exactly where to mail your card, our Joni and Friends address is right there on my radio page at joniradio.org. Thank you for having a “Heart for the Disabled.” And tell your friends to tune in tomorrow to hear about another special-needs family on our “Heart for the Disabled” campaign; a family who needs your Christ-centered encouragement and your prayers.
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Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
Hey, it’s Heart for the Disabled week here at Joni and Friends!
Thanks for joining me, Joni Eareckson Tada, as we begin my favorite campaign of the year. This is when I ask you to take a few minutes to write a note of encouragement to special-needs families who attended last summer’s Family Retreats. Many of you have done this before (once again, last year you beat the record; the response was overwhelming) and it has meant the world to these kids with disabilities and their parents who receive, well, Valentine’s cards, letters, notes with scriptures, words of a hymn, inspirational poems, gifts. And today, I’m thinking of Brittany, her husband, Ryan and their three beautiful daughters – Juliette, age 13, Audrey age 11, and Little Brook at 8 years old who is nonverbal and has multiple disabilities, including cerebral palsy, developmental delays, a visual impairment (can you believe all this), and seizures.
Last year this family came to Family Retreat a little reticent, a little nervous and apprehensive about how they’d be received. Because Brooks seizures are nonstop and, at times, are pretty violent. In fact, they are life-threatening. You see, Brooke takes a medication to control the aggressive seizures, but these medications have a devastating side effect. The drug is damaging Brooke’s vision in both eyes, slowly destroying the retina and causing cataracts. Her parents, Brittany and Ryan, are facing a choice no parent wants to have to make. They either stop the medications that control these seizures or they continue the medications at the risk of causing total blindness for their little daughter. Doctors have tried 15 other seizure medications which have all failed. Emergency hospital visits are routine every week for this family, and the physical and emotional toll it’s taking on everyone is just overwhelming. Yes, Brooks’ older sisters are amazing helpers, but the pressure of having a sibling with a significant disability has really been a burden on these sweet girls – Juliette suffers from migraine headaches, and Audrey struggles with anxiety.
Now here’s the thing: Brittany and Ryan and their daughters know nothing about our Heart for the Disabled program, and with a card or note from you, you can assure this young family that you are praying for them, especially for Brooke and her sisters. They just want to know they’re not alone; that God will see them through; that there is hope. And friend, you can offer that hope by sharing some uplifting scriptures, praying, or ask your children or grandkids to crayon a picture for Brooke. Maybe send a gift card to McDonald’s or tuck a favorite inspirational poem in the envelope. Be as creative as you’d like, but please, just let this little family know that you are cheering them on and interceding for them.
Send your scriptures, card, note or letter to Ryan and Brittany, and their daughters, Juliette, Audrey and little Brooke with her disabilities. Send it in care of Joni and Friends, P.O. Box 3333, Agoura Hills, CA 91376. If you miss any details, I’m posting this story on my radio page today at joniradio.org. Oh, and would you please extend hope to this weary family? We need you to send your note in right away to ensure it arrives in their mailbox in time for Valentine’s Day. Again, pray for this family and write your card today and send it to Joni and Friends, where we love serving families like Brittany and Ryan’s in the name of Jesus. Thank you for having a heart of the disabled.
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Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
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Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
Hi, I’m Joni Eareckson Tada with a hymn that comforts me so much…
Beneath the cross of Jesus I fain would take my stand,
The shadow of a mighty rock within a weary land;
A home within the wilderness, a rest upon the way,
From the burning of the noontide heat, and the burden of the day.
I love singing this hymn because it reminds me that the safest, most secure, most peaceful, wonderful place you could ever rest your soul, is at the foot of the cross. A place where you let go of yourself and your fears and desires and anxieties, and you cling to the feet of Jesus, your only help and hope. When you are resting beneath the shadow of the cross, you are not only quick to confess sin, and ready to acknowledge weakness; you are confident that the devil can’t reach you (he hates anything to do with the cross of Christ), and because of that, you can be confident that you have the protection and provision of God.
I thought about this the other day when I read this true account written by E. M. Bounds. He says, “I’m a huntsman and I rose early one morning and heard the barking of a number of dogs chasing deer. Looking at a large open field I saw a young fawn coming toward me, making its way across the field, its race almost run. It leaped over the rails of our enclosed place and crouched within ten feet of where I stood. A moment later, two of the hounds came over the rails and the fawn ran in my direction and pushed its head between my legs. I lifted the little thing to my breast and, swinging round and round, fought off the dogs. It was a fierce battle, but just then I felt that all the dogs in the West could not and would not capture that fawn after its weakness had appealed to my strength. So it is when human helplessness appeals to Almighty God.”
I hope you see yourself in this story, because I sure do. Like you, I’m just like that fawn. I’m running, I am racing to Jesus— “oh, please help me. The world, the flesh and the devil are after me and I so what you to lift me into your arms and protect me.” What am I doing when I say that? In my weakness, I am appealing to God’s strength. And you better know, that God’s on it in an instant. When I am in the arms of Christ, when I am safe in the shadow of His cross, all the hounds of the adversary cannot touch me, reach me or capture me… all Satan’s minions and lesser demons cannot even draw near when I cower at the cross – because in my weakness I have appealed to God’s strength. Join me today, would you, at the foot of the cross, for it’s at that humbling place; the place where he is everything and I am nothing —that we find all the protection, all the safety, all the peace, all the rest and all provision you will ever need for your soul.
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Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
Hi, this is Joni Eareckson Tada and welcome to Joni and Friends. It’ll be Epiphany Sunday this weekend and it always makes me think of the Reformed Episcopal Church I grew up in. There they preached the gospel, read the liturgy, sang hymns from the heart and they kneeled in prayer. Worship was a serious thing, and I learned as a child what it meant to bend my knees before the Lord.
Now, I’m not making a big thing of kneeling in prayer, it’s just that I sure wish I could do it. Being paralyzed in a wheelchair, it’s impossible to literally bend my knees and bow in prayer. But I remember not long ago, I was at a banquet at a big conference and I was sitting, along with everyone else in this huge banquet room.
At the close of the message, the speaker asked everyone to do something unusual. He asked us to push our chairs away from our tables and, if we feel comfortable in doing so, get out of your chair and kneel on the carpeted floor in prayer. Well, I sat there in my wheelchair and I watched as everyone else in the room – there had to be maybe 500 or 600 people—all of them got out of their chairs and they got down on their knees for a brief time of worship. With everyone kneeling in the banquet room, I sat there kind of standing out. I looked around and I was sticking up, way up, the only one sitting there in this huge room. And looking around, I could not stop the tears.
Oh, and I was not crying out of pity. I mean I wasn’t crying because I felt strange or different that I was the only one sitting. No, my eyes were wet because it was so beautiful to see everyone kneeling in prayer. And it made me think of the day when I, too, will be able to get up out of this wheelchair on new resurrected legs.
I can’t wait for that day because when I get my glorified body, the first thing I’m going to do with my resurrected legs is to fall down on grateful, glorified knees. I will once again have the chance to say with Psalm 95:6, “Come let us bow down in worship, let us kneel before the Lord our Maker.”
You know, I realize that in heaven I’ll have the chance then to jump and dance and walk and run. It will be my privilege, a new body that can move will be a blessing for a job well done on earth, but I think that kneeling very still on bended knees, glorified knees. I think when I get to heaven that’ll be my sacrifice of praise. To not move, when I will be able to move, will be my one last chance to show the Lord how thankful I really am.
Today would you flip to Psalm 95:6 read it aloud and then do what it says? Kneel before the Lord God your Maker and be grateful, would you, for your knees that bend.
I hope you’ve been inspired and refreshed by our time together today. I just want you to know that I treasure these few minutes we have together. And I’d like to hear from you, I’d like to hear your story. Write me today, would you, at PO Box 3333 Agoura Hills, CA 91376. Or you can always visit Joni’s Corner at joniandfriends.org.
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Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
Hi, I’m Joni Eareckson Tada and hurray, it’s Tuesday!
The week has just begun and with it the start of the New Year! Oh, my goodness! Does that sound like the beginning of an adventure, or what? For me it’s kind of like, roll up your sleeves, rub your hands together, and let’s get going into this New Year.
Now what I like about 2019 is that, so far, (we’re just one day into it, okay) it is unscathed, untouched, and it’s to be explored. It kind of reminds me of that passage in Isaiah 43 that says, “I am the Lord, who opened a way through the waters, making a path right through the sea. I called forth the mighty army of Egypt with all its chariots and horses to lie beneath the waves. But forget that [God says], it is nothing compared to what I’m going to do, for I am going to do a brand-new thing. See, I have already begun. I will make a road through the wilderness of the world for my people to go home.” Is that a great verse, or what? I sure do like the idea of God’s people going home. Do you think it could happen, even in 2019? Well, whatever happens, it’s going to be a brand new thing. God promises.
It is a great attitude to have as we start off the New Year. I mean, think of it: was last year, 2018, a year of special memories for you? Was this past year one that lifted you to new spiritual heights? Do you look back on a couple of warm sweet moments and wonder if you will ever experience that kind of joy again this year? Well, although each of these 2018 memories may be special, please remember, God wants to do a new thing with you. Because the Lord always wants to take us to new heights. I have an idea that His plans for you for this year may even outshine the past. He’s preparing surprises; He’s getting ready to fill your days with good reasons to give Him praise.
Friend, this is why you can begin 2019 with an “Isaiah 43” attitude. Don’t expect the Lord to do the same thing in exactly the same way He did this past year. Don’t ask God for something He’s already done. God never does encores, so expect something fresh. Look for something new. This year could really take you by surprise.
So if you don’t, mind on this first day of the year, let’s join our hearts together and spend a moment praying, so together, let’s pray, “Lord Jesus, we stretch our faith right now and together we want to believe You for something far greater than what happened last year. We want to believe you for more souls saved within our network of friends and family, because we trust that You are able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine according to Your power that is at work within us. Thank you for that promise of Isaiah 43, which tells us to forget the former things, the old things, and not to dwell on this past year. We want to look forward to the new things you are going to do; to the new ways you are going to express yourself. To the new insights you will give us in your Word; to new depths of prayer; to new relationships and friendships. We pray for peace in our troubled world, especially for peace in the Middle East. We pray for those who need to know Jesus… we pray for those who are sick or injured… we lift up our families and we pray for our country. Oh, my goodness, yes we do, oh Lord, we trust in you. It’s a big year but we hold onto Your hand, Lord God because you are a big God, so we pray: lead the way!”
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Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.
Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
En liten tjänst av I'm With Friends. Finns även på engelska.