Today Heather shares a devotional that reminds each of us of the place of hope. She says hope is how she gets out of bed in the morning. Hope is how she leans into the tensions of this life. It requires our vulnerability, but it also provides us with strength to keep going.Heather will be bringing you one more meditation next week to close out 2023. We hope these devotionals have challenged your mind, encouraged your heart, and strengthened your hands.Today’s Scriptures, as rendered in the Christian Standard Bible, are Genesis 14:14 and Philippians 4:12: “When Abram heard that his relative had been taken prisoner, he assembled his 318 trained men, born in his household…” “I know how to make do with little, and I know how to make do with a lot. In any and all circumstances I have learned the secret of being content—whether well fed or hungry, whether in abundance or in need.” Host BioHeather Thompson Day is an associate professor of communication at Andrews University in Berrien Springs, Michigan. She is the author of eight books, including I’ll See You Tomorrow and It’s Not Your Turn. Reach out to Heather on X, the app formerly known as Twitter at @HeatherTDay and on Instagram @heatherthompsonday. Get Heather’s weekly inspirational email delivered to your inbox every Friday night at 7 PM EST. Sign up now at: www.heatherthompsonday.com/links. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Today Heather shares a devotional that reminds each of us of the place of hope. She says hope is how she gets out of bed in the morning. Hope is how she leans into the tensions of this life. It requires our vulnerability, but it also provides us with strength to keep going.Heather will be bringing you one more meditation next week to close out 2023. We hope these devotionals have challenged your mind, encouraged your heart, and strengthened your hands.Today’s Scriptures, as rendered in the Christian Standard Bible, are Genesis 14:14 and Philippians 4:12:<ul> <li>“When Abram heard that his relative had been taken prisoner, he assembled his 318 trained men, born in his household…”</li> <li>“I know how to make do with little, and I know how to make do with a lot. In any and all circumstances I have learned the secret of being content—whether well fed or hungry, whether in abundance or in need.”</li> </ul> Host Bio<a href="https://www.heatherthompsonday.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Heather Thompson Day</a> is an associate professor of communication at Andrews University in Berrien Springs, Michigan. She is the author of eight books, including <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Ill-See-You-Tomorrow-Relational/dp/0785290818/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&amp;qid=1655735163&amp;sr=1-6" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">I’ll See You Tomorrow</a> and <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Its-Not-Your-Turn-Breakthrough/dp/0830847766/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3OUOE68RDTZSO&amp;keywords=its+not+your+turn&amp;qid=1651524582&amp;sprefix=its+not+your+turn+%2Caps%2C94&amp;sr=8-1" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">It’s Not Your Turn</a>. Reach out to Heather on X, the app formerly known as Twitter at <a href="https://twitter.com/HeatherTDay" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">@HeatherTDay</a> and on Instagram <a href="https://www.instagram.com/heatherthompsonday/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">@heatherthompsonday</a>. Get Heather’s weekly inspirational email delivered to your inbox every Friday night at 7 PM EST. Sign up now at: <a href="http://www.heatherthompsonday.com/links" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.heatherthompsonday.com/links</a>. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit <a href="https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">podcastchoices.com/adchoices</a>

Why We Choose Hope

On today’s episode Heather sits down with Mike “Mikey” Planeta. You may recognize Mike as one of the contestants on season 17 of the ABC dating and relationship reality television series The Bachelorette featuring Katie Thurston. Mike was eliminated in week 6, right before the show’s hometown dates. He made national news when he revealed on the show that he was a virgin and saving himself for marriage. His celibacy was rooted in his Christian faith, and was a startling departure from the typical storyline we seen on reality television.In this conversation Mike and Heather talk about his experience on The Bachelorette, how he stays grounded in his faith, and what the response was like to his appearance on the show.Heather also chats with our favorite social media expert, Brady Shearer, about the growing sentiment among many Christians that social media is inherently ill-equipped for doing good ministry. Brady’s tips will help remind us that social media is simply a tool that could be used with equal effectiveness for truth or harm.Guest BioMike Planeta was a contestant on the 17th season of The Bachelorette, which aired during the summer of 2021. He had a successful run as a Major League Baseball player before retiring to open a San Diego-based gym and fitness center for high school athletes. He can be reached via Instagram @mikeyplaneta or email mikeplaneta@yahoo.com.Host BioHeather Thompson Day is an associate professor of communication at Andrews University in Berrien Springs, Michigan. She is the author of eight books, including I’ll See You Tomorrow and It’s Not Your Turn. Reach out to Heather on X, the app formerly known as Twitter at @HeatherTDay and on Instagram @heatherthompsonday. Get Heather’s weekly inspirational email delivered to your inbox every Friday night at 7 PM EST. Sign up now at: www.heatherthompsonday.com/links.Viral Jesus is a production of Christianity TodayHost and creator: Heather Thompson DayExecutive Producer: Ed GilbreathProducer: Loren JosephMix Engineer: Alex CarterDirector of CT Podcasts: Mike Cosper Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On today’s episode Heather sits down with Mike “Mikey” Planeta. You may recognize Mike as one of the contestants on season 17 of the ABC dating and relationship reality television series The Bachelorette featuring Katie Thurston. Mike was eliminated in week 6, right before the show’s hometown dates. He made national news when he revealed on the show that he was a virgin and saving himself for marriage. His celibacy was rooted in his Christian faith, and was a startling departure from the typical storyline we seen on reality television.In this conversation Mike and Heather talk about his experience on The Bachelorette, how he stays grounded in his faith, and what the response was like to his appearance on the show.Heather also chats with our favorite social media expert, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/bradyshearer/?hl=en" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Brady Shearer</a>, about the growing sentiment among many Christians that social media is inherently ill-equipped for doing good ministry. Brady’s tips will help remind us that social media is simply a tool that could be used with equal effectiveness for truth or harm.Guest Bio<a href="https://www.instagram.com/mikeyplaneta" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Mike Planeta</a> was a contestant on the 17th season of The Bachelorette, which aired during the summer of 2021. He had a successful run as a Major League Baseball player before retiring to open a San Diego-based gym and fitness center for high school athletes. He can be reached via Instagram <a href="https://www.instagram.com/mikeyplaneta" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">@mikeyplaneta</a> or email mikeplaneta@yahoo.com.Host Bio<a href="https://www.heatherthompsonday.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Heather Thompson Day</a> is an associate professor of communication at Andrews University in Berrien Springs, Michigan. She is the author of eight books, including <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Ill-See-You-Tomorrow-Relational/dp/0785290818/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&amp;qid=1655735163&amp;sr=1-6" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">I’ll See You Tomorrow</a> and <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Its-Not-Your-Turn-Breakthrough/dp/0830847766/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3OUOE68RDTZSO&amp;keywords=its+not+your+turn&amp;qid=1651524582&amp;sprefix=its+not+your+turn+%2Caps%2C94&amp;sr=8-1" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">It’s Not Your Turn</a>. Reach out to Heather on X, the app formerly known as Twitter at <a href="https://twitter.com/HeatherTDay" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">@HeatherTDay</a> and on Instagram <a href="https://www.instagram.com/heatherthompsonday/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">@heatherthompsonday</a>. Get Heather’s weekly inspirational email delivered to your inbox every Friday night at 7 PM EST. Sign up now at: <a href="http://www.heatherthompsonday.com/links" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.heatherthompsonday.com/links</a>.Viral Jesus is a production of Christianity TodayHost and creator: Heather Thompson DayExecutive Producer: Ed GilbreathProducer: Loren JosephMix Engineer: Alex CarterDirector of CT Podcasts: Mike Cosper Learn more about your ad choices. Visit <a href="https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">podcastchoices.com/adchoices</a>

Mike Planeta: Faith, Sex, and ‘The Bachelorette’

Last week Viral Jesus hit 100 episodes. In honor of this milestone, Heather shares some thoughts on consistency, commitment, and patience. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Last week Viral Jesus hit 100 episodes. In honor of this milestone, Heather shares some thoughts on consistency, commitment, and patience. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit <a href="https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">podcastchoices.com/adchoices</a>

The Power of Showing Up

This is our 100th episode! Thank you so much for being a part of the Viral Jesus community. And a special thank you to those of you who have journeyed with us 100 times and back. In honor of episode 100, Heather shares a devotional thought about faith, consistency, and perseverance from Romans 4:19-22.This week, Heather also sits down with author Aaron Armstrong. Aaron’s latest book is called I’m a Christian―Now What? A Guide to Your New Life with Christ. Heather and Aaron discuss Aaron’s experience of converting to Christianity in adulthood, what a pastor did that helped Aaron feel a sense of psychological safety, and the questions Aaron thinks new believers may be asking.Guest BioAaron Armstrong is the author of several books for adults and children, a documentary screenwriter, ministry leader, and podcaster. A Canadian living in the United States, he serves at his local church as a community group leader and as a part of the preaching team. He and his wife, Emily, have three children: Abigail, Hannah, and Hudson.Host BioHeather Thompson Day is an associate professor of communication at Andrews University in Berrien Springs, Michigan. She is the author of eight books, including I’ll See You Tomorrow and It’s Not Your Turn. Reach out to Heather on X, the app formerly known as Twitter at @HeatherTDay and on Instagram @heatherthompsonday. Get Heather’s weekly inspirational email delivered to your inbox every Friday night at 7 PM EST. Sign up now at: www.heatherthompsonday.com/links.Viral Jesus is a production of Christianity TodayHost and creator: Heather Thompson DayExecutive Producer: Ed GilbreathProducer: Loren JosephMix Engineer: Alex CarterDirector of CT Podcasts: Mike Cosper Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This is our 100th episode! Thank you so much for being a part of the Viral Jesus community. And a special thank you to those of you who have journeyed with us 100 times and back. In honor of episode 100, Heather shares a devotional thought about faith, consistency, and perseverance from <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans%204%3A19-22&amp;version=CSB" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Romans 4:19-22</a>.This week, Heather also sits down with author Aaron Armstrong. Aaron’s latest book is called <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Im-Christian_Now-What-Guide-Christ/dp/1683596714?keywords=aaron+armstrong+now+what&amp;qid=1664506516&amp;sprefix=aaron+armstrong,aps,84&amp;sr=8-1&amp;linkCode=sl1&amp;tag=strongarm-20&amp;linkId=0c5c8c03c2446de50db5acd43246dacd&amp;language=en_US&amp;ref_=as_li_ss_tl" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">I’m a Christian―Now What? A Guide to Your New Life with Christ</a>. Heather and Aaron discuss Aaron’s experience of converting to Christianity in adulthood, what a pastor did that helped Aaron feel a sense of psychological safety, and the questions Aaron thinks new believers may be asking. Guest Bio<a href="https://aaronarmstrong.co/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Aaron Armstrong</a> is the author of several books for adults and children, a documentary screenwriter, ministry leader, and podcaster. A Canadian living in the United States, he serves at his local church as a community group leader and as a part of the preaching team. He and his wife, Emily, have three children: Abigail, Hannah, and Hudson.Host Bio<a href="https://www.heatherthompsonday.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Heather Thompson Day</a> is an associate professor of communication at Andrews University in Berrien Springs, Michigan. She is the author of eight books, including <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Ill-See-You-Tomorrow-Relational/dp/0785290818/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&amp;qid=1655735163&amp;sr=1-6" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">I’ll See You Tomorrow</a> and <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Its-Not-Your-Turn-Breakthrough/dp/0830847766/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3OUOE68RDTZSO&amp;keywords=its+not+your+turn&amp;qid=1651524582&amp;sprefix=its+not+your+turn+%2Caps%2C94&amp;sr=8-1" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">It’s Not Your Turn</a>. Reach out to Heather on X, the app formerly known as Twitter at <a href="https://twitter.com/HeatherTDay" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">@HeatherTDay</a> and on Instagram <a href="https://www.instagram.com/heatherthompsonday/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">@heatherthompsonday</a>. Get Heather’s weekly inspirational email delivered to your inbox every Friday night at 7 PM EST. Sign up now at: <a href="http://www.heatherthompsonday.com/links" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.heatherthompsonday.com/links</a>. Viral Jesus is a production of Christianity TodayHost and creator: Heather Thompson DayExecutive Producer: Ed GilbreathProducer: Loren JosephMix Engineer: Alex CarterDirector of CT Podcasts: Mike Cosper Learn more about your ad choices. Visit <a href="https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">podcastchoices.com/adchoices</a>

Aaron Armstrong: I’m a Christian. Now What?

Today Heather shares a devotional message that reminds each of us that our circumstances do not correlate to God’s presence in our lives. Your circumstances are seasonal, situational, and circumstantial. They are not forever. They are not always. And they are not permanent.We must keep our eyes on Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who is forever. God is with us, even when it feels like our prayer life is blocked.Today’s Scripture can be found in Isaiah 20:2-4 in the Christian Standard Bible:During that time the Lord had spoken through Isaiah son of Amoz, saying, “Go, take off your sackcloth from your waist and remove the sandals from your feet,” and he did that, going stripped and barefoot—the Lord said, “As my servant Isaiah has gone stripped and barefoot three years as a sign and omen against Egypt and Cush, so the king of Assyria will lead the captives of Egypt and the exiles of Cush, young and old alike, stripped and barefoot, with bared buttocks—to Egypt’s shame....”﻿Host BioHeather Thompson Day is an associate professor of communication at Andrews University in Berrien Springs, Michigan. She is the author of eight books, including I’ll See You Tomorrow and It’s Not Your Turn. Reach out to Heather on Twitter @HeatherTDay and on Instagram @heatherthompsonday. Sign up for Heather’s encouraging devotional email, which goes out every Friday night at 7 p.m. EST, at www.heatherthompsonday.com/links. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Today Heather shares a devotional message that reminds each of us that our circumstances do not correlate to God’s presence in our lives. Your circumstances are seasonal, situational, and circumstantial. They are not forever. They are not always. And they are not permanent.We must keep our eyes on Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who is forever. God is with us, even when it feels like our prayer life is blocked.Today’s Scripture can be found in <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Isaiah+20%3A2-4&amp;version=CSB" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Isaiah 20:2-4</a> in the Christian Standard Bible:During that time the Lord had spoken through Isaiah son of Amoz, saying, “Go, take off your sackcloth from your waist and remove the sandals from your feet,” and he did that, going stripped and barefoot—the Lord said, “As my servant Isaiah has gone stripped and barefoot three years as a sign and omen against Egypt and Cush, so the king of Assyria will lead the captives of Egypt and the exiles of Cush, young and old alike, stripped and barefoot, with bared buttocks—to Egypt’s shame....” ﻿Host Bio<a href="https://www.heatherthompsonday.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Heather Thompson Day</a> is an associate professor of communication at Andrews University in Berrien Springs, Michigan. She is the author of eight books, including <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Ill-See-You-Tomorrow-Relational/dp/0785290818/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&amp;qid=1655735163&amp;sr=1-6" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">I’ll See You Tomorrow</a> and <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Its-Not-Your-Turn-Breakthrough/dp/0830847766/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3OUOE68RDTZSO&amp;keywords=its+not+your+turn&amp;qid=1651524582&amp;sprefix=its+not+your+turn+%2Caps%2C94&amp;sr=8-1" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">It’s Not Your Turn</a>. Reach out to Heather on Twitter <a href="https://twitter.com/HeatherTDay" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">@HeatherTDay</a> and on Instagram <a href="https://www.instagram.com/heatherthompsonday/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">@heatherthompsonday</a>. Sign up for Heather’s encouraging devotional email, which goes out every Friday night at 7 p.m. EST, at <a href="http://www.heatherthompsonday.com/links" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.heatherthompsonday.com/links</a>. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit <a href="https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">podcastchoices.com/adchoices</a>

Barefooted Faith

Today’s devotion is for the person who doesn’t know what happens next. I have been reading the Psalms for the past few weeks during my devotional time, and I can’t stop thinking about Psalm 23. You know the one: “The Lord is my shepherd.”Sit with what that means for a moment. For the Lord to be our shepherd, to actually be guiding each of our steps—waiting for us when we wander, picking us up when we stumble, leading us to refreshing waters that will nourish our souls.Sheep are totally dependent on the protection of the shepherd. One of my favorite things that I learned about sheep is that the shepherds in the ancient East would sing or call to their flocks of sheep while those shepherds walked close beside and behind them.And so, because they would sing to them as they walked, the sheep would learn the voice of the shepherd who was guiding them on their path. The sheep would know their shepherd’s voice so well that even if they stopped for water near another shepherd’s flock, all their shepherd would have to do is sing his song, and his sheep would follow.How much more should you and I know the voice of our Father in heaven?To the person right now who doesn’t know what happens next … I’m going to be honest with you. I’m going through some things in my life as well, and I don’t know what happens next. I’ve had several months where I just don’t know. What is supposed to happen the next day? I am praying over and over for deliverance, and I’m seeing nothing.So, what if it’s okay that we don’t know what comes next? What if it’s okay that we can’t see far down the road in our lives?Almost everyone I know right now is in some type of life transition—raising families, navigating job changes, caring for ailing parents. We are tired. We are overwhelmed. And we are just waiting … waiting to know where we’re going and what’s supposed to happen next.But what if it’s okay that we don’t know?If we can learn in this season what it means to stick close to God—to know his voice and be guided by his hand—then I think we may discover that our good shepherd is all we need for what’s next.Spend some time meditating on Psalm 23 this week:“The Lord is my shepherd; I have what I need. He lets me lie down in green pastures; he leads me beside quiet waters. He renews my life; he leads me along the right paths for his name’s sake. Even when I go through the darkest valley, I fear no danger, for you are with me; your rod and your staff—they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Only goodness and faithful love will pursue me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord as long as I live” (CSB).Host BioHeather Thompson Day is an associate professor of communication at Andrews University in Berrien Springs, Michigan. She is the author of eight books, including I’ll See You Tomorrow and It’s Not Your Turn. Reach out to Heather on X, the app formerly known as Twitter, at @HeatherTDay and on Instagram @heatherthompsonday. Get Heather’s weekly inspirational email delivered to your inbox every Friday night at 7 p.m. EST. Sign up now at: www.heatherthompsonday.com/links. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Today’s devotion is for the person who doesn’t know what happens next. I have been reading the Psalms for the past few weeks during my devotional time, and I can’t stop thinking about <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm+23&amp;version=CSB" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Psalm 23</a>. You know the one: “The Lord is my shepherd.”Sit with what that means for a moment. For the Lord to be our shepherd, to actually be guiding each of our steps—waiting for us when we wander, picking us up when we stumble, leading us to refreshing waters that will nourish our souls.Sheep are totally dependent on the protection of the shepherd. One of my favorite things that I learned about sheep is that the shepherds in the ancient East would sing or call to their flocks of sheep while those shepherds walked close beside and behind them.And so, because they would sing to them as they walked, the sheep would learn the voice of the shepherd who was guiding them on their path. The sheep would know their shepherd’s voice so well that even if they stopped for water near another shepherd’s flock, all their shepherd would have to do is sing his song, and his sheep would follow.How much more should you and I know the voice of our Father in heaven?To the person right now who doesn’t know what happens next … I’m going to be honest with you. I’m going through some things in my life as well, and I don’t know what happens next. I’ve had several months where I just don’t know. What is supposed to happen the next day? I am praying over and over for deliverance, and I’m seeing nothing.So, what if it’s okay that we don’t know what comes next? What if it’s okay that we can’t see far down the road in our lives?Almost everyone I know right now is in some type of life transition—raising families, navigating job changes, caring for ailing parents. We are tired. We are overwhelmed. And we are just waiting … waiting to know where we’re going and what’s supposed to happen next.But what if it’s okay that we don’t know?If we can learn in this season what it means to stick close to God—to know his voice and be guided by his hand—then I think we may discover that our good shepherd is all we need for what’s next.Spend some time meditating on Psalm 23 this week:“The Lord is my shepherd; I have what I need. He lets me lie down in green pastures; he leads me beside quiet waters. He renews my life; he leads me along the right paths for his name’s sake. Even when I go through the darkest valley, I fear no danger, for you are with me; your rod and your staff—they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Only goodness and faithful love will pursue me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord as long as I live” (CSB). Host Bio<a href="https://www.heatherthompsonday.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Heather Thompson Day</a> is an associate professor of communication at Andrews University in Berrien Springs, Michigan. She is the author of eight books, including <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Ill-See-You-Tomorrow-Relational/dp/0785290818/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&amp;qid=1655735163&amp;sr=1-6" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">I’ll See You Tomorrow</a> and <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Its-Not-Your-Turn-Breakthrough/dp/0830847766/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3OUOE68RDTZSO&amp;keywords=its+not+your+turn&amp;qid=1651524582&amp;sprefix=its+not+your+turn+%2Caps%2C94&amp;sr=8-1" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">It’s Not Your Turn</a>. Reach out to Heather on X, the app formerly known as Twitter, at <a href="https://twitter.com/HeatherTDay" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">@HeatherTDay</a> and on Instagram <a href="https://www.instagram.com/heatherthompsonday/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">@heatherthompsonday</a>. Get Heather’s weekly inspirational email delivered to your inbox every Friday night at 7 p.m. EST. Sign up now at: <a href="http://www.heatherthompsonday.com/links" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.heatherthompsonday.com/links</a>. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit <a href="https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">podcastchoices.com/adchoices</a>

My Shepherd, My Lord

Today Heather shares a devotional reminder of the power of gratitude. Did you know that gratitude and stress can’t live in the brain at the same time? If all of our prayers are simply us recounting our worry, have we really worshiped God? Heather invites you to make a list of five things you are grateful for this holiday season. And she exhorts us to “never stop looking for spaces in your life to praise God,” even amid our worries and petitions.Today’s Scripture can be found in Psalm 33:1-5 in the CSB:“Rejoice in the Lord, you righteous ones: praise from the upright is beautiful. Praise the Lord with the lyre; make music to him with a ten-stringed harp. Sing a new song to him; play skillfully on the strings, with a joyful shout. For the word of the Lord is right, and all his work is trustworthy. He loves righteousness and justice; the earth is full of the Lord’s unfailing love.”Remember, Heather will be bringing you a meditation like this one every Monday for the rest of 2023.Thanksgiving blessings to you from the Viral Jesus team.Host BioHeather Thompson Day is an associate professor of communication at Andrews University in Berrien Springs, Michigan. She is the author of eight books, including I’ll See You Tomorrow and It’s Not Your Turn. Reach out to Heather on X, the app formerly known as Twitter at @HeatherTDay and on Instagram @heatherthompsonday. Get Heather’s weekly inspirational email delivered to your inbox every Friday night at 7 PM EST. Sign up now at: www.heatherthompsonday.com/links. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Today Heather shares a devotional reminder of the power of gratitude. Did you know that gratitude and stress can’t live in the brain at the same time? If all of our prayers are simply us recounting our worry, have we really worshiped God? Heather invites you to make a list of five things you are grateful for this holiday season. And she exhorts us to “never stop looking for spaces in your life to praise God,” even amid our worries and petitions.Today’s Scripture can be found in <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm+33%3A1-5&amp;version=CSB" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Psalm 33:1-5</a> in the CSB:“Rejoice in the Lord, you righteous ones: praise from the upright is beautiful. Praise the Lord with the lyre; make music to him with a ten-stringed harp. Sing a new song to him; play skillfully on the strings, with a joyful shout. For the word of the Lord is right, and all his work is trustworthy. He loves righteousness and justice; the earth is full of the Lord’s unfailing love.”Remember, Heather will be bringing you a meditation like this one every Monday for the rest of 2023.Thanksgiving blessings to you from the Viral Jesus team. Host Bio<a href="https://www.heatherthompsonday.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Heather Thompson Day</a> is an associate professor of communication at Andrews University in Berrien Springs, Michigan. She is the author of eight books, including <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Ill-See-You-Tomorrow-Relational/dp/0785290818/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&amp;qid=1655735163&amp;sr=1-6" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">I’ll See You Tomorrow</a> and <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Its-Not-Your-Turn-Breakthrough/dp/0830847766/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3OUOE68RDTZSO&amp;keywords=its+not+your+turn&amp;qid=1651524582&amp;sprefix=its+not+your+turn+%2Caps%2C94&amp;sr=8-1" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">It’s Not Your Turn</a>. Reach out to Heather on X, the app formerly known as Twitter at <a href="https://twitter.com/HeatherTDay" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">@HeatherTDay</a> and on Instagram <a href="https://www.instagram.com/heatherthompsonday/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">@heatherthompsonday</a>. Get Heather’s weekly inspirational email delivered to your inbox every Friday night at 7 PM EST. Sign up now at: <a href="http://www.heatherthompsonday.com/links" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.heatherthompsonday.com/links</a>. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit <a href="https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">podcastchoices.com/adchoices</a>

From Petition to Praise

This week, Heather sits down with writer Dorcas Cheng-Tozun to discuss how to navigate matters of social justice when you’re a reserved or highly sensitive person. Do you have to be an extrovert to inspire people to rally around community needs? Dorcas explains small, quiet ways you can make an impact.In this episode Heather also addresses National Adoption month with Herbie Newell, president and executive director of Lifeline Children’s Services, the largest evangelical adoption agency in the country. Herbie has a special burden for vulnerable children, and he shares with us how Christians can obey God’s call in James 1:27— “Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world” (NIV).Guest BioDorcas Cheng-Tozun is an award-winning writer, editor, and speaker. She is a former Inc.com columnist whose work has also appeared in The Wall Street Journal, Christianity Today, Image Journal, the Unreasonable blog, The Entrepreneurial Leader, and dozens of other publications in the US and Asia. She currently serves as editorial director of the nonprofit Pax, which promotes peace and justice in the twenty-first century.Dorcas’s work with various nonprofits, social enterprises, and faith-based organizations has given her opportunities to engage with a broad range of social issues toward solutions in the areas of homelessness, affordable housing, energy access, youth leadership, HIV/AIDS, and international development. She lives in the San Francisco Bay Area with her social entrepreneur husband and two young sons. Her most recent book is Social Justice for the Sensitive Soul: How to Change the World in Quiet Ways.Host BioHeather Thompson Day is an associate professor of communication at Andrews University in Berrien Springs, Michigan. She is the author of eight books, including I’ll See You Tomorrow and It’s Not Your Turn. Reach out to Heather on X, the app formerly known as Twitter at @HeatherTDay and on Instagram @heatherthompsonday. Get Heather’s weekly inspirational email delivered to your inbox every Friday night at 7 PM EST. Sign up now at: www.heatherthompsonday.com/links.Viral Jesus is a production of Christianity TodayHost and creator: Heather Thompson DayExecutive Producer: Ed GilbreathProducer: Loren JosephMix Engineer: Alex CarterDirector of CT Podcasts: Mike Cosper Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week, Heather sits down with writer Dorcas Cheng-Tozun to discuss how to navigate matters of social justice when you’re a reserved or highly sensitive person. Do you have to be an extrovert to inspire people to rally around community needs? Dorcas explains small, quiet ways you can make an impact.In this episode Heather also addresses National Adoption month with <a href="https://lifelinechild.org/staff/herbie-newell/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Herbie Newell</a>, president and executive director of <a href="https://lifelinechild.org/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Lifeline Children’s Services</a>, the largest evangelical adoption agency in the country. Herbie has a special burden for vulnerable children, and he shares with us how Christians can obey God’s call in James 1:27— “Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world” (NIV). Guest Bio<a href="https://www.chengtozun.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Dorcas Cheng-Tozun</a> is an award-winning writer, editor, and speaker. She is a former <a href="http://Inc.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Inc.com</a> columnist whose work has also appeared in The Wall Street Journal, Christianity Today, Image Journal, the Unreasonable blog, The Entrepreneurial Leader, and dozens of other publications in the US and Asia. She currently serves as editorial director of the nonprofit Pax, which promotes peace and justice in the twenty-first century.Dorcas’s work with various nonprofits, social enterprises, and faith-based organizations has given her opportunities to engage with a broad range of social issues toward solutions in the areas of homelessness, affordable housing, energy access, youth leadership, HIV/AIDS, and international development. She lives in the San Francisco Bay Area with her social entrepreneur husband and two young sons. Her most recent book is <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Social-Justice-Sensitive-Soul-Change/dp/1506483437/ref=sr_1_2_sspa?hvadid=676976473093&amp;hvdev=c&amp;hvlocphy=9017334&amp;hvnetw=g&amp;hvqmt=e&amp;hvrand=2131390795625430878&amp;hvtargid=kwd-1956802788862&amp;hydadcr=22129_13517525&amp;keywords=social+justice+for+the+sensitive+soul&amp;qid=1700077198&amp;sr=8-2-spons&amp;sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9hdGY&amp;psc=1" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Social Justice for the Sensitive Soul: How to Change the World in Quiet Ways.</a> Host Bio<a href="https://www.heatherthompsonday.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Heather Thompson Day</a> is an associate professor of communication at Andrews University in Berrien Springs, Michigan. She is the author of eight books, including <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Ill-See-You-Tomorrow-Relational/dp/0785290818/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&amp;qid=1655735163&amp;sr=1-6" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">I’ll See You Tomorrow</a> and <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Its-Not-Your-Turn-Breakthrough/dp/0830847766/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3OUOE68RDTZSO&amp;keywords=its+not+your+turn&amp;qid=1651524582&amp;sprefix=its+not+your+turn+%2Caps%2C94&amp;sr=8-1" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">It’s Not Your Turn</a>. Reach out to Heather on X, the app formerly known as Twitter at <a href="https://twitter.com/HeatherTDay" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">@HeatherTDay</a> and on Instagram <a href="https://www.instagram.com/heatherthompsonday/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">@heatherthompsonday</a>. Get Heather’s weekly inspirational email delivered to your inbox every Friday night at 7 PM EST. Sign up now at: <a href="http://www.heatherthompsonday.com/links" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.heatherthompsonday.com/links</a>. Viral Jesus is a production of Christianity TodayHost and creator: Heather Thompson DayExecutive Producer: Ed GilbreathProducer: Loren JosephMix Engineer: Alex CarterDirector of CT Podcasts: Mike Cosper Learn more about your ad choices. Visit <a href="https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">podcastchoices.com/adchoices</a>

Dorcas Cheng-Tozun: Social Justice for the Sensitive Soul

Today Heather shares a devotional reminder that will encourage you in whatever waiting season you may find yourself. There is often a period of waiting between an anointing and an appointing—that is, between the event of being selected for an assignment and the act of officially stepping into that new role. David’s wait was nearly 15 years. If you are experiencing what feels like a false start, today’s episode will encourage you. Today’s Scripture can be found at 1Corinthians 9:24-27 and will be read using the Christian Standard Bible: “Don’t you know that the runners in a stadium all race, but only one receives the prize? Run in such a way to win the prize. Now everyone who competes exercises self-control in everything. They do it to receive a perishable crown, but we an imperishable crown. So I do not run like one who runs aimlessly or box like one beating the air. Instead, I discipline my body and bring it under strict control, so that after preaching to others, I myself will not be disqualified.”Heather will be bringing you a meditation like this one every Monday for the rest of 2023.Host BioHeather Thompson Day is an associate professor of communication at Andrews University in Berrien Springs, Michigan. She is the author of eight books, including I’ll See You Tomorrow and It’s Not Your Turn. Reach out to Heather on X, the app formerly known as Twitter at @HeatherTDay and on Instagram @heatherthompsonday. Get Heather’s weekly inspirational email delivered to your inbox every Friday night at 7 PM EST. Sign up now at: www.heatherthompsonday.com/links. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Today Heather shares a devotional reminder that will encourage you in whatever waiting season you may find yourself. There is often a period of waiting between an anointing and an appointing—that is, between the event of being selected for an assignment and the act of officially stepping into that new role. David’s wait was nearly 15 years. If you are experiencing what feels like a false start, today’s episode will encourage you.  Today’s Scripture can be found at <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+Corinthians+9%3A24-27+&amp;version=CSB" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">1Corinthians 9:24-27</a> and will be read using the Christian Standard Bible: “Don’t you know that the runners in a stadium all race, but only one receives the prize? Run in such a way to win the prize. Now everyone who competes exercises self-control in everything. They do it to receive a perishable crown, but we an imperishable crown. So I do not run like one who runs aimlessly or box like one beating the air. Instead, I discipline my body and bring it under strict control, so that after preaching to others, I myself will not be disqualified.”Heather will be bringing you a meditation like this one every Monday for the rest of 2023. Host Bio<a href="https://www.heatherthompsonday.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Heather Thompson Day</a> is an associate professor of communication at Andrews University in Berrien Springs, Michigan. She is the author of eight books, including <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Ill-See-You-Tomorrow-Relational/dp/0785290818/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&amp;qid=1655735163&amp;sr=1-6" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">I’ll See You Tomorrow</a> and <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Its-Not-Your-Turn-Breakthrough/dp/0830847766/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3OUOE68RDTZSO&amp;keywords=its+not+your+turn&amp;qid=1651524582&amp;sprefix=its+not+your+turn+%2Caps%2C94&amp;sr=8-1" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">It’s Not Your Turn</a>. Reach out to Heather on X, the app formerly known as Twitter at <a href="https://twitter.com/HeatherTDay" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">@HeatherTDay</a> and on Instagram <a href="https://www.instagram.com/heatherthompsonday/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">@heatherthompsonday</a>. Get Heather’s weekly inspirational email delivered to your inbox every Friday night at 7 PM EST. Sign up now at: <a href="http://www.heatherthompsonday.com/links" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.heatherthompsonday.com/links</a>. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit <a href="https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">podcastchoices.com/adchoices</a>

In the Meantime

Brady Shearer

This week, Heather sits down with Brady Shearer to talk about all the complexities of social media. Brady is a leader in the online ministry landscape, training churches on how to better navigate their social networks. Today he shares his best practices and tools for pastors, ministry leaders, and pretty much anyone hoping to grow their online presence. Brady, who lives and works in Canada, also shares his “origin story,” of how God redirected his steps and put him on the path to launching his own digital media company.In this episode Heather also shares a testimony from an incident she experienced last week when her friend Vimbo landed her dream job as the executive director of Kuda Vana, an outreach ministry serving an orphanage and school in Vimbo’s native country of Zimbabwe. Learn more about Kuda Vana Partnership and make a donation here. Or contact the ministry’s new director of development, Ms. Vimbo Watson, at vimbo@kudavana.org.Guest BioBrady Shearer is the CEO of Pro Church Tools. His company helps churches navigate the biggest communication shift in 500 years.Host BioHeather Thompson Day is an associate professor of communication at Andrews University in Berrien Springs, Michigan. She is the author of eight books, including I’ll See You Tomorrow and It’s Not Your Turn. Reach out to Heather on X, the app formerly known as Twitter at @HeatherTDay and on Instagram @heatherthompsonday.Additional LinksGet Heather’s weekly inspirational email delivered to your inbox every Friday night at 7 PM EST. Sign up now at: www.heatherthompsonday.com/links.Viral Jesus is a production of Christianity TodayHost and creator: Heather Thompson DayExecutive Producer: Ed GilbreathProducer: Loren JosephMix Engineer: Alex CarterDirector of CT Podcasts: Mike Cosper Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week, Heather sits down with Brady Shearer to talk about all the complexities of social media. Brady is a leader in the online ministry landscape, training churches on how to better navigate their social networks. Today he shares his best practices and tools for pastors, ministry leaders, and pretty much anyone hoping to grow their online presence. Brady, who lives and works in Canada, also shares his “origin story,” of how God redirected his steps and put him on the path to launching his own digital media company.In this episode Heather also shares a testimony from an incident she experienced last week when her friend Vimbo landed her dream job as the executive director of Kuda Vana, an outreach ministry serving an orphanage and school in Vimbo’s native country of Zimbabwe. Learn more about <a href="https://www.kudavana.org" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Kuda Vana Partnership</a> and make a donation <a href="https://www.kudavana.org/donate" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">here</a>. Or contact the ministry’s new director of development, Ms. Vimbo Watson, at <a href="mailto:vimbo@kudavana.org">vimbo@kudavana.org</a>. Guest Bio<a href="https://www.instagram.com/bradyshearer" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Brady Shearer </a>is the CEO of <a href="https://prochurchtools.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Pro Church Tools</a>. His company helps churches navigate the biggest communication shift in 500 years. Host Bio<a href="https://www.heatherthompsonday.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Heather Thompson Day</a> is an associate professor of communication at Andrews University in Berrien Springs, Michigan. She is the author of eight books, including <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Ill-See-You-Tomorrow-Relational/dp/0785290818/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&amp;qid=1655735163&amp;sr=1-6" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">I’ll See You Tomorrow</a> and <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Its-Not-Your-Turn-Breakthrough/dp/0830847766/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3OUOE68RDTZSO&amp;keywords=its+not+your+turn&amp;qid=1651524582&amp;sprefix=its+not+your+turn+%2Caps%2C94&amp;sr=8-1" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">It’s Not Your Turn</a>. Reach out to Heather on X, the app formerly known as Twitter at <a href="https://twitter.com/HeatherTDay" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">@HeatherTDay</a> and on Instagram <a href="https://www.instagram.com/heatherthompsonday/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">@heatherthompsonday</a>. Additional LinksGet Heather’s weekly inspirational email delivered to your inbox every Friday night at 7 PM EST. Sign up now at: <a href="http://www.heatherthompsonday.com/links" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.heatherthompsonday.com/links</a>. Viral Jesus is a production of Christianity TodayHost and creator: Heather Thompson DayExecutive Producer: Ed GilbreathProducer: Loren JosephMix Engineer: Alex CarterDirector of CT Podcasts: Mike Cosper Learn more about your ad choices. Visit <a href="https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">podcastchoices.com/adchoices</a>

Brady Shearer: Shepherding Churches Through Digital Spaces

Viral Jesus is a podcast from Christianity Today about digital communication and the power of social connections. Join author and communication scholar Heather Thompson Day as she dives deep with ministry leaders, content creators, and social media influencers to find out how they're starting important conversations, building community, and sharing their faith in digital spaces.

Every Monday for the rest of 2023, we will be facing our week together, in faith.God is invisible because he is meant to be seen in his people. Anyone who has heard me preach has probably heard me say that, and I mean it. When the world cries out, “Where is God?” It is not an indictment on God. It is an indictment on us, his image bearers, because God has always chosen to make himself known through his people. That’s why we are called his image bearers. That’s why our lives and choices and decisions are so important.I am telling you, when you really believe this, you cannot just “mail it in” in your life anymore. You start to realize that the way you talk and respond and treat people, it all matters. To be an image bearer is to reveal the image of God to the people who are around you. All you’re called to do is be faithful with the relationships, ministries, and assignments God has entrusted to you.God chooses to co-labor with us in this world. There is a responsibility that comes with saying, “I am a Christian.” This is exactly what Dr. Scot McKnight was talking about in our conversation with him a couple episodes ago. This is what it means to be a Christian.It’s an active process. It means I am choosing to walk in the way of the Lamb. Our prayer life shouldn’t just be us asking God to send us someone to help us; it should also be us asking God who he is sending to us for us to help.Let me give you an example. One of my best friends was a new boss for an organization, and she found out that a veteran employee that was working for her hadn’t received a raise in 10 years. So, she went to the board and got a bonus approved and also doubled that worker’s PTO. When my friend told her team member what she had done for her, the woman started to cry. And do you want to know what? I’m pretty sure when this employee went home, she didn’t say, “God, thank you for this new boss.” I can almost assure you that she went home and said, “God, thank you for seeing me. Thank you for acting on my behalf.” And it was because my friend made God visible in her life. God is still active in the world. And he often shows up via the movements and actions of his church. He showed up in the movements and actions of my friend who fought for her worker, even though she didn’t have to. She decided, I’m going to walk in the way of the Lamb. I’m going to be faithful with the people God has placed in my hand.And there is someone this week who will feel closer and more seen by God because of what you choose to say or do. I’m asking you to see people, be present for them, show kindness, open doors, make connections on behalf of someone else.When the world cries out, “Where is God?” It is not an indictment on God. It is an indictment on the church. It is an indictment on God’s people who have ceased to live lives that would make God visible to the world around them.My challenge to all of us this week is to make God visible in whatever sphere of influence you occupy. That is the call of the Christian, to be the hands and feet of our awesome God, who has chosen to be seen through his people.“Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen.” –1 Timothy 1:17, CSBHost BioHeather Thompson Day is an associate professor of communication at Andrews University in Berrien Springs, Michigan. She is the author of eight books, including I’ll See You Tomorrow and It’s Not Your Turn. Reach out to Heather on X, the app formerly known as Twitter, at @HeatherTDay and on Instagram @heatherthompsonday.Additional LinksGet Heather’s weekly inspirational email delivered to your inbox every Friday night at 7 PM EDT. Sign up now at: www.heatherthompsonday.com/links. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Every Monday for the rest of 2023, we will be facing our week together, in faith.God is invisible because he is meant to be seen in his people. Anyone who has heard me preach has probably heard me say that, and I mean it. When the world cries out, “Where is God?” It is not an indictment on God. It is an indictment on us, his image bearers, because God has always chosen to make himself known through his people. That’s why we are called his image bearers. That’s why our lives and choices and decisions are so important.I am telling you, when you really believe this, you cannot just “mail it in” in your life anymore. You start to realize that the way you talk and respond and treat people, it all matters. To be an image bearer is to reveal the image of God to the people who are around you. All you’re called to do is be faithful with the relationships, ministries, and assignments God has entrusted to you.God chooses to co-labor with us in this world. There is a responsibility that comes with saying, “I am a Christian.” This is exactly what Dr. Scot McKnight was talking about in our <a href="https://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/podcasts/viral-jesus/scot-mcknight-rereading-revelation.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">conversation</a> with him a couple episodes ago. This is what it means to be a Christian.It’s an active process. It means I am choosing to walk in the way of the Lamb. Our prayer life shouldn’t just be us asking God to send us someone to help us; it should also be us asking God who he is sending to us for us to help.Let me give you an example. One of my best friends was a new boss for an organization, and she found out that a veteran employee that was working for her hadn’t received a raise in 10 years. So, she went to the board and got a bonus approved and also doubled that worker’s PTO. When my friend told her team member what she had done for her, the woman started to cry. And do you want to know what? I’m pretty sure when this employee went home, she didn’t say, “God, thank you for this new boss.” I can almost assure you that she went home and said, “God, thank you for seeing me. Thank you for acting on my behalf.” And it was because my friend made God visible in her life. God is still active in the world. And he often shows up via the movements and actions of his church. He showed up in the movements and actions of my friend who fought for her worker, even though she didn’t have to. She decided, I’m going to walk in the way of the Lamb. I’m going to be faithful with the people God has placed in my hand.And there is someone this week who will feel closer and more seen by God because of what you choose to say or do. I’m asking you to see people, be present for them, show kindness, open doors, make connections on behalf of someone else.When the world cries out, “Where is God?” It is not an indictment on God. It is an indictment on the church. It is an indictment on God’s people who have ceased to live lives that would make God visible to the world around <a href="http://them.My" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">them.My</a> challenge to all of us this week is to make God visible in whatever sphere of influence you occupy. That is the call of the Christian, to be the hands and feet of our awesome God, who has chosen to be seen through his people.“Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen.” –1 Timothy 1:17, CSB Host Bio<a href="https://www.heatherthompsonday.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Heather Thompson Day</a> is an associate professor of communication at Andrews University in Berrien Springs, Michigan. She is the author of eight books, including <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Ill-See-You-Tomorrow-Relational/dp/0785290818/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&amp;qid=1655735163&amp;sr=1-6" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">I’ll See You Tomorrow</a> and <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Its-Not-Your-Turn-Breakthrough/dp/0830847766/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3OUOE68RDTZSO&amp;keywords=its+not+your+turn&amp;qid=1651524582&amp;sprefix=its+not+your+turn+%2Caps%2C94&amp;sr=8-1" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">It’s Not Your Turn</a>. Reach out to Heather on X, the app formerly known as Twitter, at <a href="https://twitter.com/HeatherTDay" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">@HeatherTDay</a> and on Instagram <a href="https://www.instagram.com/heatherthompsonday/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">@heatherthompsonday</a>. Additional LinksGet Heather’s weekly inspirational email delivered to your inbox every Friday night at 7 PM EDT. Sign up now at: <a href="http://www.heatherthompsonday.com/links" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.heatherthompsonday.com/links</a>. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit <a href="https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">podcastchoices.com/adchoices</a>

Making the Invisible Visible

Taylor Lorenz

This week, Heather sits down with nationally renowned tech journalist Taylor Lorenz to discuss her bestselling book, Extremely Online: The Untold Story of Fame, Influence, and Power on the Internet. Taylor, one of the earliest and most consequential reporters on the social media beat, catalogs the sociological story of the internet starting with how “mommy bloggers” changed the social landscape. Taylor helps us explore the world of content creation, how social power has usurped the gatekeepers, and why influencers are here to stay. She also shares a few of her favorite faith-based digital creators.In this episode Heather is also joined by her best friend and co-blogger, Scarlett Longstreet, for a spirited Safe Space conversation inspired by Taylor’s book. Heather and Scarlett discuss why the term influencer has always made them feel uncomfortable. Is it about ego, or is it about misogyny?Guest BioTaylor Lorenz is a technology columnist for The Washington Post’s business section covering online culture and the content creator industry. She was previously a technology reporter for The New York Times business section, The Atlantic, and The Daily Beast. Her writing has appeared in New York Magazine, Rolling Stone, Outside, and more. She frequently appears on NBC, CNN, MSNBC, CBS, and the BBC. She was a 2019 Knight Visiting Nieman Fellow at Harvard University and is a former affiliate at Harvard’s Berkman Klein Center for Internet and Society. She lives in Los Angeles, and you can follow her @TaylorLorenz on Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube. Extremely Online is Taylor’s first book.Host BioHeather Thompson Day is an associate professor of communication at Andrews University in Berrien Springs, Michigan. She is the author of eight books, including I’ll See You Tomorrow and It’s Not Your Turn. Reach out to Heather on X, the app formerly known as Twitter, at @HeatherTDay and on Instagram @heatherthompsonday.Additional LinksGet Heather’s weekly inspirational email delivered to your inbox every Friday night at 7 PM EST. Sign up now at: www.heatherthompsonday.com/links.Viral Jesus is a production of Christianity TodayHost and creator: Heather Thompson DayExecutive Producer: Ed GilbreathProducer: Loren JosephMix Engineer: Alex CarterDirector of CT Podcasts: Mike Cosper Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week, Heather sits down with nationally renowned tech journalist Taylor Lorenz to discuss her bestselling book, <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Extremely-Online-Untold-Influence-Internet/dp/1982146869/ref=sr_1_1?crid=L8XU4NCT7AZK&amp;keywords=extremely+online+taylor+lorenz&amp;qid=1698885544&amp;sprefix=Extrem%2Caps%2C153&amp;sr=8-1" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Extremely Online: The Untold Story of Fame, Influence, and Power on the Internet</a>. Taylor, one of the earliest and most consequential reporters on the social media beat, catalogs the sociological story of the internet starting with how “mommy bloggers” changed the social landscape. Taylor helps us explore the world of content creation, how social power has usurped the gatekeepers, and why influencers are here to stay. She also shares a few of her favorite faith-based digital creators.In this episode Heather is also joined by her best friend and co-blogger, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/scarlettlongstreet/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Scarlett Longstreet</a>, for a spirited Safe Space conversation inspired by Taylor’s book. Heather and Scarlett discuss why the term influencer has always made them feel uncomfortable. Is it about ego, or is it about misogyny?Guest Bio<a href="https://www.instagram.com/taylorlorenz/?hl=en" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Taylor Lorenz</a> is a technology columnist for The Washington Post’s business section covering online culture and the content creator industry. She was previously a technology reporter for The New York Times business section, The Atlantic, and The Daily Beast. Her writing has appeared in New York Magazine, Rolling Stone, Outside, and more. She frequently appears on NBC, CNN, MSNBC, CBS, and the BBC. She was a 2019 Knight Visiting Nieman Fellow at Harvard University and is a former affiliate at Harvard’s Berkman Klein Center for Internet and Society. She lives in Los Angeles, and you can follow her @TaylorLorenz on Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube. <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Extremely-Online-Untold-Influence-Internet/dp/1982146869" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Extremely Online</a> is Taylor’s first book.Host Bio<a href="https://www.heatherthompsonday.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Heather Thompson Day</a> is an associate professor of communication at Andrews University in Berrien Springs, Michigan. She is the author of eight books, including <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Ill-See-You-Tomorrow-Relational/dp/0785290818/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&amp;qid=1655735163&amp;sr=1-6" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">I’ll See You Tomorrow</a> and <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Its-Not-Your-Turn-Breakthrough/dp/0830847766/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3OUOE68RDTZSO&amp;keywords=its+not+your+turn&amp;qid=1651524582&amp;sprefix=its+not+your+turn+%2Caps%2C94&amp;sr=8-1" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">It’s Not Your Turn</a>. Reach out to Heather on X, the app formerly known as Twitter, at <a href="https://twitter.com/HeatherTDay" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">@HeatherTDay</a> and on Instagram <a href="https://www.instagram.com/heatherthompsonday/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">@heatherthompsonday</a>.Additional LinksGet Heather’s weekly inspirational email delivered to your inbox every Friday night at 7 PM EST. Sign up now at: <a href="http://www.heatherthompsonday.com/links" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.heatherthompsonday.com/links</a>. Viral Jesus is a production of Christianity TodayHost and creator: Heather Thompson DayExecutive Producer: Ed GilbreathProducer: Loren JosephMix Engineer: Alex CarterDirector of CT Podcasts: Mike Cosper Learn more about your ad choices. Visit <a href="https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">podcastchoices.com/adchoices</a>

Taylor Lorenz: Extremely Online

“Prayer doesn’t change anything” is a sentiment Heather has heard often, even from Christians. Today, she shares a devotional reminder that will hopefully encourage you to pray confidently, no matter how dire the circumstance.Every Monday for the rest of 2023, Heather is bringing you brief messages of encouragement to provide an extra boost for your week.Today’s Scripture begins with Daniel 9:23, where the angel Gabriel tells Daniel, “As soon as you began to pray, a word went out, which I have come to tell you, for you are highly esteemed.” And in Daniel 10:12, the angel continued, “Do not be afraid, Daniel. Since the first day that you set your mind to gain understanding and to humble yourself before your God, your words were heard, and I have come in response to them” (NIV).Daniel’s example of faithfulness inspires us to persevere in prayer. Keep circling, keep seeking, keep believing. The Lord is near, and our prayers to him matter.Host BioHeather Thompson Day is an associate professor of communication at Andrews University in Berrien Springs, Michigan. She is the author of eight books, including I’ll See You Tomorrow and It’s Not Your Turn. Reach out to Heather on X, the app formerly known as Twitter, at @HeatherTDay and on Instagram @heatherthompsonday.Additional LinksGet Heather’s weekly inspirational email delivered to your inbox every Friday night at 7 PM EDT. Sign up now at: www.heatherthompsonday.com/links Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

“Prayer doesn’t change anything” is a sentiment Heather has heard often, even from Christians. Today, she shares a devotional reminder that will hopefully encourage you to pray confidently, no matter how dire the circumstance.Every Monday for the rest of 2023, Heather is bringing you brief messages of encouragement to provide an extra boost for your week.Today’s Scripture begins with Daniel 9:23, where the angel Gabriel tells Daniel, “As soon as you began to pray, a word went out, which I have come to tell you, for you are highly esteemed.” And in Daniel 10:12, the angel continued, “Do not be afraid, Daniel. Since the first day that you set your mind to gain understanding and to humble yourself before your God, your words were heard, and I have come in response to them” (NIV).Daniel’s example of faithfulness inspires us to persevere in prayer. Keep circling, keep seeking, keep believing. The Lord is near, and our prayers to him matter.Host Bio<a href="https://www.heatherthompsonday.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Heather Thompson Day</a> is an associate professor of communication at Andrews University in Berrien Springs, Michigan. She is the author of eight books, including <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Ill-See-You-Tomorrow-Relational/dp/0785290818/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&amp;qid=1655735163&amp;sr=1-6" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">I’ll See You Tomorrow</a> and <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Its-Not-Your-Turn-Breakthrough/dp/0830847766/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3OUOE68RDTZSO&amp;keywords=its+not+your+turn&amp;qid=1651524582&amp;sprefix=its+not+your+turn+%2Caps%2C94&amp;sr=8-1" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">It’s Not Your Turn</a>. Reach out to Heather on X, the app formerly known as Twitter, at <a href="https://twitter.com/HeatherTDay" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">@HeatherTDay</a> and on Instagram <a href="https://www.instagram.com/heatherthompsonday/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">@heatherthompsonday</a>.Additional LinksGet Heather’s weekly inspirational email delivered to your inbox every Friday night at 7 PM EDT. Sign up now at: <a href="http://www.heatherthompsonday.com/links" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.heatherthompsonday.com/links</a> Learn more about your ad choices. Visit <a href="https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">podcastchoices.com/adchoices</a>

Let Us Pray Anyway

Scot McKnight

This week, theologian Scot McKnight walks Heather through what we may be misunderstanding about the Book of Revelation. McKnight, a professor of New Testament at Northern Seminary, tackles popular misconceptions about the mysterious final book of the Bible that both fascinates and frightens its readers. Drawing from his latest book, Revelation for the Rest of Us (written with Cody Matchett), McKnight shares what John means in his use of the images of dragons, lambs, and beasts; and how the symbolism of Revelation, which was so powerful in those ancient days of Rome, still speaks profoundly to the present day—though not necessarily in the way most of us think.This conversation between two energetic communicators will have your rapt attention from beginning to end. In fact, this interview is so rich and packed with insight on how to be a better interpreter of Scripture that you will probably want to listen to it on repeat. McKnight challenges us to view Revelation not just as a novel assortment of visions and prophecies, but as a guide for radical discipleship and nonconformity to the world. But there is good news, says Dr. McKnight: Despite facing beasts, in the end, the Lamb wins!In this episode Heather also shares what you, the Viral Jesus community, shared with her online. Testimonies are part of how we share our experiences and faith. They encourage others by sharing real-life examples of how we have experienced God. Thank you for sharing your testimonies with us.Guest BioScot McKnight (PhD, University of Nottingham) is a world-renowned speaker, writer, professor, and equipper of the church. He currently serves as professor of New Testament at Northern Seminary in suburban Chicago. He is a recognized authority on the historical Jesus, early Christianity, and the New Testament. His books have been translated into Chinese, Korean, Russian, and Portuguese. He is the author of The Jesus Creed, The Blue Parakeet, The King Jesus Gospel, Revelation for the Rest of Us, numerous commentaries, and is now writing a sixteen-volume series of reflections called The Everyday Bible Study.Host BioHeather Thompson Day is an associate professor of communication at Andrews University in Berrien Springs, Michigan. She is the author of eight books, including I’ll See You Tomorrow and It’s Not Your Turn. Reach out to Heather on X, the app formerly known as Twitter, at @HeatherTDay and on Instagram @heatherthompsonday.Additional LinksGet Heather’s weekly inspirational email delivered to your inbox every Friday night at 7 PM EDT. Sign up now at: www.heatherthompsonday.com/links.Viral Jesus is a production of Christianity TodayHost and creator: Heather Thompson DayExecutive Producer: Ed GilbreathProducer: Loren JosephMix Engineer: Alex CarterDirector of CT Podcasts: Mike Cosper Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week, theologian Scot McKnight walks Heather through what we may be misunderstanding about the Book of Revelation. McKnight, a professor of New Testament at Northern Seminary, tackles popular misconceptions about the mysterious final book of the Bible that both fascinates and frightens its readers. Drawing from his latest book, <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Revelation-Rest-Us-Prophetic-Dissident/dp/0310135788" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Revelation for the Rest of Us</a> (written with Cody Matchett), McKnight shares what John means in his use of the images of dragons, lambs, and beasts; and how the symbolism of Revelation, which was so powerful in those ancient days of Rome, still speaks profoundly to the present day—though not necessarily in the way most of us think.This conversation between two energetic communicators will have your rapt attention from beginning to end. In fact, this interview is so rich and packed with insight on how to be a better interpreter of Scripture that you will probably want to listen to it on repeat. McKnight challenges us to view Revelation not just as a novel assortment of visions and prophecies, but as a guide for radical discipleship and nonconformity to the world. But there is good news, says Dr. McKnight: Despite facing beasts, in the end, the Lamb wins!In this episode Heather also shares what you, the Viral Jesus community, shared with her online. Testimonies are part of how we share our experiences and faith. They encourage others by sharing real-life examples of how we have experienced God. Thank you for sharing your testimonies with us. Guest Bio<a href="https://www.seminary.edu/faculty/scot-mcknight/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Scot McKnight</a> (PhD, University of Nottingham) is a world-renowned speaker, writer, professor, and equipper of the church. He currently serves as professor of New Testament at Northern Seminary in suburban Chicago. He is a recognized authority on the historical Jesus, early Christianity, and the New Testament. His books have been translated into Chinese, Korean, Russian, and Portuguese. He is the author of The Jesus Creed, The Blue Parakeet, The King Jesus Gospel, Revelation for the Rest of Us, numerous commentaries, and is now writing a sixteen-volume series of reflections called The Everyday Bible Study.Host Bio<a href="https://www.heatherthompsonday.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Heather Thompson Day</a> is an associate professor of communication at Andrews University in Berrien Springs, Michigan. She is the author of eight books, including <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Ill-See-You-Tomorrow-Relational/dp/0785290818/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&amp;qid=1655735163&amp;sr=1-6" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">I’ll See You Tomorrow</a> and <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Its-Not-Your-Turn-Breakthrough/dp/0830847766/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3OUOE68RDTZSO&amp;keywords=its+not+your+turn&amp;qid=1651524582&amp;sprefix=its+not+your+turn+%2Caps%2C94&amp;sr=8-1" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">It’s Not Your Turn</a>. Reach out to Heather on X, the app formerly known as Twitter, at <a href="https://twitter.com/HeatherTDay" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">@HeatherTDay</a> and on Instagram <a href="https://www.instagram.com/heatherthompsonday/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">@heatherthompsonday</a>.Additional LinksGet Heather’s weekly inspirational email delivered to your inbox every Friday night at 7 PM EDT. Sign up now at: <a href="http://www.heatherthompsonday.com/links" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.heatherthompsonday.com/links</a>. Viral Jesus is a production of Christianity TodayHost and creator: Heather Thompson DayExecutive Producer: Ed GilbreathProducer: Loren JosephMix Engineer: Alex CarterDirector of CT Podcasts: Mike Cosper Learn more about your ad choices. Visit <a href="https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">podcastchoices.com/adchoices</a>

Scot McKnight: Rereading Revelation

Your life is not meaningless. This day actually matters. What if you were to see your life through the lens of backward design? How would it change your perspective? Today Heather shares a devotional reminder that will stir your sense of purpose and remind you that God is always working for your good, even when it feels like you’re sinking backward into a quagmire of hopelessness.Every Monday for the rest of 2023 Heather will bring you an encouraging word in under ten minutes. This week’s Scripture passage is Philippians 1:6, which says:“I am sure of this, that he who started a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus” (Christian Standard Bible).Host BioHeather Thompson Day is an associate professor of communication at Andrews University in Berrien Springs, Michigan. She is the author of eight books, including I’ll See You Tomorrow and It’s Not Your Turn. Reach out to Heather on X, the app formerly known as Twitter, at @HeatherTDay and on Instagram @heatherthompsonday.Additional LinksGet Heather’s weekly inspirational email delivered to your inbox every Friday night at 7 PM EDT. Sign up now at: www.heatherthompsonday.com/links. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Your life is not meaningless. This day actually matters. What if you were to see your life through the lens of backward design? How would it change your perspective? Today Heather shares a devotional reminder that will stir your sense of purpose and remind you that God is always working for your good, even when it feels like you’re sinking backward into a quagmire of hopelessness.Every Monday for the rest of 2023 Heather will bring you an encouraging word in under ten minutes. This week’s Scripture passage is <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Philippians+1%3A6&amp;version=CSB" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Philippians 1:6</a>, which says:“I am sure of this, that he who started a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus” (Christian Standard Bible). Host Bio<a href="https://www.heatherthompsonday.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Heather Thompson Day</a> is an associate professor of communication at Andrews University in Berrien Springs, Michigan. She is the author of eight books, including <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Ill-See-You-Tomorrow-Relational/dp/0785290818/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&amp;qid=1655735163&amp;sr=1-6" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">I’ll See You Tomorrow</a> and <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Its-Not-Your-Turn-Breakthrough/dp/0830847766/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3OUOE68RDTZSO&amp;keywords=its+not+your+turn&amp;qid=1651524582&amp;sprefix=its+not+your+turn+%2Caps%2C94&amp;sr=8-1" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">It’s Not Your Turn</a>. Reach out to Heather on X, the app formerly known as Twitter, at <a href="https://twitter.com/HeatherTDay" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">@HeatherTDay</a> and on Instagram <a href="https://www.instagram.com/heatherthompsonday/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">@heatherthompsonday</a>.Additional LinksGet Heather’s weekly inspirational email delivered to your inbox every Friday night at 7 PM EDT. Sign up now at: <a href="http://www.heatherthompsonday.com/links" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.heatherthompsonday.com/links</a>. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit <a href="https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">podcastchoices.com/adchoices</a>

The Wisdom of Backward Design

This week, Heather sits down with Viral Jesus “honorary co-host” Karen Swallow Prior to discuss the origins of the evangelical movement’s PR troubles. And few thought leaders are better qualified to put the issue into a hopeful perspective than Karen Swallow Prior. Fun Fact: This is Karen’s third appearance on Viral Jesus, and the most of any of our guests so far.Karen’s latest book, The Evangelical Imagination, is about how art, literature, and popular culture have helped push evangelicals into an existential crisis of sorts. And of course, social media, with its penchant for both joy and destruction, plays a role in this evangelical saga.In her wide-ranging conversation with Heather, Karen brings sociological context to the recent talk of evangelical deconstruction; she makes the case for a return to virtue; and she offers a postmortem on purity culture, showing how its roots can be spotted in the pages of classic literature. This crackling, high-energy chat will leave you ready to get your copy of Karen’s book posthaste.In this episode Heather also spends some quality time with her best friend and co-blogger Scarlett Longstreet for this week’s Safe Space segment. Today, Heather asks Scarlett, who is not a Christian, to share what she likes and dislikes about the Christian influencers that she follows.Guest BioKaren Swallow Prior, PhD, is a reader, writer, and professor. She is the author of The Evangelical Imagination: How Stories, Images, and Metaphors Created a Culture in Crisis (Brazos, 2023). She has a monthly column for Religion News Service. Her writing has appeared at Christianity Today, The New York Times, The Atlantic, The Washington Post, First Things, and Vox.Host BioHeather Thompson Day is an associate professor of communication at Andrews University in Berrien Springs, Michigan. She is the author of eight books, including I’ll See You Tomorrow and It’s Not Your Turn. Reach out to Heather on X, the app formerly known as Twitter, at @HeatherTDay and on Instagram @heatherthompsonday.Additional LinksGet Heather’s weekly inspirational email delivered to your inbox every Friday night at 7 PM EDT. Sign up now at: www.heatherthompsonday.com/links.Viral Jesus is a production of Christianity TodayHost and creator: Heather Thompson DayExecutive Producer: Ed GilbreathProducer: Loren JosephMix Engineer: Alex CarterDirector of CT Podcasts: Mike Cosper Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week, Heather sits down with Viral Jesus “honorary co-host” Karen Swallow Prior to discuss the origins of the evangelical movement’s PR troubles. And few thought leaders are better qualified to put the issue into a hopeful perspective than Karen Swallow Prior. Fun Fact: This is Karen’s third appearance on Viral Jesus, and the most of any of our guests so far.Karen’s latest book, <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Evangelical-Imagination-Stories-Metaphors-Created/dp/1587435756/ref=sr_1_1?crid=16KYA5AUNXU5A&amp;keywords=The+Evangelical+Imagination&amp;qid=1675279231&amp;sprefix=the+evangelical+imagination%2Caps%2C142&amp;sr=8-1" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Evangelical Imagination</a>, is about how art, literature, and popular culture have helped push evangelicals into an existential crisis of sorts. And of course, social media, with its penchant for both joy and destruction, plays a role in this evangelical saga.In her wide-ranging conversation with Heather, Karen brings sociological context to the recent talk of evangelical deconstruction; she makes the case for a return to virtue; and she offers a postmortem on purity culture, showing how its roots can be spotted in the pages of classic literature. This crackling, high-energy chat will leave you ready to get your copy of Karen’s book posthaste.In this episode Heather also spends some quality time with her best friend and co-blogger <a href="https://www.instagram.com/scarlettlongstreet/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Scarlett Longstreet</a> for this week’s Safe Space segment. Today, Heather asks Scarlett, who is not a Christian, to share what she likes and dislikes about the Christian influencers that she follows.Guest Bio<a href="https://karenswallowprior.com/about/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Karen Swallow Prior, PhD</a>, is a reader, writer, and professor. She is the author of The Evangelical Imagination: How Stories, Images, and Metaphors Created a Culture in Crisis (Brazos, 2023). She has a monthly column for Religion News Service. Her writing has appeared at Christianity Today, The New York Times, The Atlantic, The Washington Post, First Things, and Vox.Host Bio<a href="https://www.heatherthompsonday.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Heather Thompson Day</a> is an associate professor of communication at Andrews University in Berrien Springs, Michigan. She is the author of eight books, including <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Ill-See-You-Tomorrow-Relational/dp/0785290818/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&amp;qid=1655735163&amp;sr=1-6" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">I’ll See You Tomorrow</a> and <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Its-Not-Your-Turn-Breakthrough/dp/0830847766/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3OUOE68RDTZSO&amp;keywords=its+not+your+turn&amp;qid=1651524582&amp;sprefix=its+not+your+turn+%2Caps%2C94&amp;sr=8-1" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">It’s Not Your Turn</a>. Reach out to Heather on X, the app formerly known as Twitter, at <a href="https://twitter.com/HeatherTDay" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">@HeatherTDay</a> and on Instagram <a href="https://www.instagram.com/heatherthompsonday/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">@heatherthompsonday</a>. Additional LinksGet Heather’s weekly inspirational email delivered to your inbox every Friday night at 7 PM EDT. Sign up now at: <a href="http://www.heatherthompsonday.com/links" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.heatherthompsonday.com/links</a>. Viral Jesus is a production of Christianity TodayHost and creator: Heather Thompson DayExecutive Producer: Ed GilbreathProducer: Loren JosephMix Engineer: Alex CarterDirector of CT Podcasts: Mike Cosper Learn more about your ad choices. Visit <a href="https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">podcastchoices.com/adchoices</a>

Karen Swallow Prior: Christian Culture in Crisis

Today Heather shares a devotional reminder that you belong to a King. Your life is never in the hands of a single individual, organization, or opportunity. We serve a sovereign and compassionate King. And Kings usually have more information than we do. They have a broader perspective, as well as resources that their servants can’t even fathom. Today’s Scripture can be found in Psalm 47:1-2 in the Christian Standard Bible:“Clap your hands, all you peoples; shout to God with a jubilant cry. For the Lord, the Most High, is awe-inspiring, a great King over the whole earth.” Every Monday for the rest of 2023, we will be facing our week together in faith. These devotional episodes will always be under ten minutes, perfect for a morning-worship meditation or as a soundtrack for your commute to work. If you enjoy these brief messages, please pass them along to encourage someone else. Host BioHeather Thompson Day is an associate professor of communication at Andrews University in Berrien Springs, Michigan. She is the author of eight books, including I’ll See You Tomorrow and It’s Not Your Turn. Reach out to Heather on X, the app formerly known as Twitter, at @HeatherTDay and on Instagram @heatherthompsonday.Additional LinksGet Heather’s weekly inspirational email delivered to your inbox every Friday night at 7 PM EDT. Sign up now at: www.heatherthompsonday.com/links. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Today Heather shares a devotional reminder that you belong to a King. Your life is never in the hands of a single individual, organization, or opportunity. We serve a sovereign and compassionate King. And Kings usually have more information than we do. They have a broader perspective, as well as resources that their servants can’t even fathom. Today’s Scripture can be found in <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm+47%3A1-2&amp;version=CSB" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Psalm 47:1-2</a> in the Christian Standard Bible:“Clap your hands, all you peoples; shout to God with a jubilant cry. For the Lord, the Most High, is awe-inspiring, a great King over the whole earth.” Every Monday for the rest of 2023, we will be facing our week together in faith. These devotional episodes will always be under ten minutes, perfect for a morning-worship meditation or as a soundtrack for your commute to work. If you enjoy these brief messages, please pass them along to encourage someone else.  Host Bio<a href="https://www.heatherthompsonday.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Heather Thompson Day</a> is an associate professor of communication at Andrews University in Berrien Springs, Michigan. She is the author of eight books, including <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Ill-See-You-Tomorrow-Relational/dp/0785290818/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&amp;qid=1655735163&amp;sr=1-6" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">I’ll See You Tomorrow</a> and <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Its-Not-Your-Turn-Breakthrough/dp/0830847766/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3OUOE68RDTZSO&amp;keywords=its+not+your+turn&amp;qid=1651524582&amp;sprefix=its+not+your+turn+%2Caps%2C94&amp;sr=8-1" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">It’s Not Your Turn</a>. Reach out to Heather on X, the app formerly known as Twitter, at <a href="https://twitter.com/HeatherTDay" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">@HeatherTDay</a> and on Instagram <a href="https://www.instagram.com/heatherthompsonday/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">@heatherthompsonday</a>.Additional LinksGet Heather’s weekly inspirational email delivered to your inbox every Friday night at 7 PM EDT. Sign up now at: <a href="http://www.heatherthompsonday.com/links" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.heatherthompsonday.com/links</a>. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit <a href="https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">podcastchoices.com/adchoices</a>

Jesus, Our King

Esau McCaulley

This week, Heather sits down with Viral Jesus Hall of Famer Esau McCaulley to discuss his powerful new book, How Far to The Promised Land, Esau explains why it is important to reexamine the idea of Black excellence, and he encourages us to remember that we are a part of a story that started long before us and will continue long after.In this episode Heather also taps into a lighter conversation with her best friend and co-blogger Scarlett Longstreet in Safe Space, a new segment in which Heather and Scarlett discuss social media, popular culture, and other random topics. Today they discuss what it’s like to maintain a close friendship with someone who possesses different values. Heather and Scarlett are very different. They don’t share the same religion or ethnic background, but they’ve done a good job of creating a Safe Space for both meaningful and casual conversation. Guest BioEsau McCaulley is associate professor of New Testament at Wheaton College and theologian in residence at Progressive Baptist Church, a historically Black congregation in Chicago. His latest book, How Far to the Promised Land: One Black Family’s Story of Hope and Survival in the American South, released in September 2023. He is also the author of the award-winning book Reading While Black and the children’s book Josey Johnson’s Hair and the Holy Spirit. He is a contributing opinion writer for The New York Times. His writings have also appeared in The Atlantic, The Washington Post, and Christianity Today.Host BioHeather Thompson Day is an associate professor of communication at Andrews University in Berrien Springs, Michigan. She is the author of eight books, including I’ll See You Tomorrow and It’s Not Your Turn. Reach out to Heather on X, the app formerly known as Twitter, at @HeatherTDay and on Instagram @heatherthompsonday.Additional LinksGet Heather’s weekly inspirational email delivered to your inbox every Friday night at 7 PM EDT. Sign up now at: www.heatherthompsonday.com/links.Viral Jesus is a production of Christianity TodayHost and creator: Heather Thompson DayExecutive Producer: Ed GilbreathProducer: Loren JosephMix Engineer: Alex CarterDirector of CT Podcasts: Mike Cosper Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week, Heather sits down with Viral Jesus Hall of Famer Esau McCaulley to discuss his powerful new book, How Far to The Promised Land, Esau explains why it is important to reexamine the idea of Black excellence, and he encourages us to remember that we are a part of a story that started long before us and will continue long after.In this episode Heather also taps into a lighter conversation with her best friend and co-blogger <a href="https://www.instagram.com/scarlettlongstreet/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Scarlett Longstreet</a> in Safe Space, a new segment in which Heather and Scarlett discuss social media, popular culture, and other random topics. Today they discuss what it’s like to maintain a close friendship with someone who possesses different values. Heather and Scarlett are very different. They don’t share the same religion or ethnic background, but they’ve done a good job of creating a Safe Space for both meaningful and casual conversation. Guest Bio<a href="https://esaumccaulley.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Esau McCaulley</a> is associate professor of New Testament at Wheaton College and theologian in residence at Progressive Baptist Church, a historically Black congregation in Chicago. His latest book, How Far to the Promised Land: One Black Family’s Story of Hope and Survival in the American South, released in September 2023. He is also the author of the award-winning book Reading While Black and the children’s book Josey Johnson’s Hair and the Holy Spirit. He is a contributing opinion writer for The New York Times. His writings have also appeared in The Atlantic, The Washington Post, and Christianity Today.Host Bio<a href="https://www.heatherthompsonday.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Heather Thompson Day</a> is an associate professor of communication at Andrews University in Berrien Springs, Michigan. She is the author of eight books, including <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Ill-See-You-Tomorrow-Relational/dp/0785290818/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&amp;qid=1655735163&amp;sr=1-6" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">I’ll See You Tomorrow</a> and <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Its-Not-Your-Turn-Breakthrough/dp/0830847766/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3OUOE68RDTZSO&amp;keywords=its+not+your+turn&amp;qid=1651524582&amp;sprefix=its+not+your+turn+%2Caps%2C94&amp;sr=8-1" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">It’s Not Your Turn</a>. Reach out to Heather on X, the app formerly known as Twitter, at <a href="https://twitter.com/HeatherTDay" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">@HeatherTDay</a> and on Instagram <a href="https://www.instagram.com/heatherthompsonday/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">@heatherthompsonday</a>.Additional LinksGet Heather’s weekly inspirational email delivered to your inbox every Friday night at 7 PM EDT. Sign up now at: <a href="http://www.heatherthompsonday.com/links" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.heatherthompsonday.com/links</a>.Viral Jesus is a production of Christianity TodayHost and creator: Heather Thompson DayExecutive Producer: Ed GilbreathProducer: Loren JosephMix Engineer: Alex CarterDirector of CT Podcasts: Mike Cosper Learn more about your ad choices. Visit <a href="https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">podcastchoices.com/adchoices</a>

Esau McCaulley: Are We There Yet?

Today, as we observe Indigenous Peoples’ Day, Heather wants to remind us that our God is not superficial. He sees the unfair systems around us. He understands our struggles against inequality and injustice. He does not take our brokenness lightly. He will have the final word. But right now, we must find hope in the promise that God does not leave us alone in this tension. Every Monday for the rest of 2023, we will be facing our week together in faith. These devotional episodes will always be under ten minutes, perfect for a morning-worship meditation or as a soundtrack for your commute to work. If you enjoy these brief messages, please pass them along to encourage someone else. Today’s Scripture verse is found at Jeremiah 6:13-14 and will be read by Heather from the Christian Standard Bible: “For from the least to the greatest of them, everyone is making profit dishonestly. From prophet to priest, everyone deals falsely. They have treated my people’s brokenness superficially, claiming ‘Peace, peace,’ when there is no peace.”Host BioHeather Thompson Day is an associate professor of communication at Andrews University in Berrien Springs, Michigan. She is the author of eight books, including I’ll See You Tomorrow and It’s Not Your Turn. Reach out to Heather on X, the app formerly known as Twitter, at @HeatherTDay and on Instagram @heatherthompsonday.Additional LinksGet Heather’s weekly inspirational email delivered to your inbox every Friday night at 7 PM EDT. Sign up now at: www.heatherthompsonday.com/links. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Today, as we observe Indigenous Peoples’ Day, Heather wants to remind us that our God is not superficial. He sees the unfair systems around us. He understands our struggles against inequality and injustice. He does not take our brokenness lightly. He will have the final word. But right now, we must find hope in the promise that God does not leave us alone in this tension. Every Monday for the rest of 2023, we will be facing our week together in faith. These devotional episodes will always be under ten minutes, perfect for a morning-worship meditation or as a soundtrack for your commute to work. If you enjoy these brief messages, please pass them along to encourage someone else. Today’s Scripture verse is found at Jeremiah 6:13-14 and will be read by Heather from the Christian Standard Bible: “For from the least to the greatest of them, everyone is making profit dishonestly. From prophet to priest, everyone deals falsely. They have treated my people’s brokenness superficially, claiming ‘Peace, peace,’ when there is no peace.” Host Bio<a href="https://www.heatherthompsonday.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Heather Thompson Day</a> is an associate professor of communication at Andrews University in Berrien Springs, Michigan. She is the author of eight books, including <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Ill-See-You-Tomorrow-Relational/dp/0785290818/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&amp;qid=1655735163&amp;sr=1-6" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">I’ll See You Tomorrow</a> and <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Its-Not-Your-Turn-Breakthrough/dp/0830847766/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3OUOE68RDTZSO&amp;keywords=its+not+your+turn&amp;qid=1651524582&amp;sprefix=its+not+your+turn+%2Caps%2C94&amp;sr=8-1" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">It’s Not Your Turn</a>. Reach out to Heather on X, the app formerly known as Twitter, at <a href="https://twitter.com/HeatherTDay" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">@HeatherTDay</a> and on Instagram <a href="https://www.instagram.com/heatherthompsonday/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">@heatherthompsonday</a>.Additional LinksGet Heather’s weekly inspirational email delivered to your inbox every Friday night at 7 PM EDT. Sign up now at: <a href="http://www.heatherthompsonday.com/links" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.heatherthompsonday.com/links</a>. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit <a href="https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">podcastchoices.com/adchoices</a>

God Is Not Superficial 

Hosanna Wong

Today Heather sits down for a heartfelt chat with Hosanna Wong, the best-selling author and spoken-word poet responsible for viral-video hits such as “I Have a New Name.” If you have ever struggled with issues of identity or self-worth, today’s episode is for you. Hosanna also shares her reflections on the complicated reality of grace, and how sometimes it feels like God’s grace isn’t fair.In this episode Heather also taps into a lighter conversation with her best friend and co-blogger Scarlett Longstreet in Safe Space, a new segment in which Heather and Scarlett discuss social media and popular culture. Today they discuss oversharing. How much is too much when it comes to sharing the details of your life online?Heather and Scarlett are very different. They don’t share the same religion or background, but they respect each other and have done a good job of creating a Safe Space for both meaningful and casual conversation.Guest BioHosanna Wong is an international speaker, best-selling author, and spoken word artist helping everyday people know Jesus for real. Widely known for her spoken-word piece, “I Have a New Name,” Hosanna shares in churches, conferences, prisons and other events around the world. She reaches across various denominations, backgrounds and cultures and her latest book is called You Are More Than You’ve Been Told.Host BioHeather Thompson Day is an associate professor of communication at Andrews University in Berrien Springs, Michigan. She is the author of eight books, including  I’ll See You Tomorrow and It’s Not Your Turn. Reach out to Heather on X, the app formerly known as Twitter, at @HeatherTDay and on Instagram @heatherthompsonday.Additional LinksYou can sign up for Heather’s encouraging email that goes out every Friday night at 7pm EST at www.heatherthompsonday.com/linksViral Jesus is a production of Christianity TodayHost and creator: Heather Thompson DayExecutive Producer: Ed GilbreathProducer: Loren JosephAssociate Producer: Azurae PhelpsMix Engineer: Alex CarterDirector of CT Podcasts: Mike Cosper Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Today Heather sits down for a heartfelt chat with <a href="https://www.hosannawong.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Hosanna Wong</a>, the best-selling author and spoken-word poet responsible for viral-video hits such as “<a href="https://www.hosannawong.com/spokenword" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">I Have a New Name</a>.” If you have ever struggled with issues of identity or self-worth, today’s episode is for you. Hosanna also shares her reflections on the complicated reality of grace, and how sometimes it feels like God’s grace isn’t fair.In this episode Heather also taps into a lighter conversation with her best friend and co-blogger <a href="https://www.instagram.com/scarlettlongstreet/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Scarlett Longstreet</a> in Safe Space, a new segment in which Heather and Scarlett discuss social media and popular culture. Today they discuss oversharing. How much is too much when it comes to sharing the details of your life online?Heather and Scarlett are very different. They don’t share the same religion or background, but they respect each other and have done a good job of creating a Safe Space for both meaningful and casual conversation. Guest Bio<a href="https://www.hosannawong.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Hosanna Wong</a> is an international speaker, best-selling author, and spoken word artist helping everyday people know Jesus for real. Widely known for her spoken-word piece, “<a href="https://www.hosannawong.com/spokenword" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">I Have a New Name</a>,” Hosanna shares in churches, conferences, prisons and other events around the world. She reaches across various denominations, backgrounds and cultures and her latest book is called <a href="https://www.amazon.com/More-Than-Youve-Been-Told/dp/078524350X" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">You Are More Than You’ve Been Told</a>.Host Bio<a href="https://www.heatherthompsonday.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Heather Thompson Day</a> is an associate professor of communication at Andrews University in Berrien Springs, Michigan. She is the author of eight books, including <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Ill-See-You-Tomorrow-Relational/dp/0785290818/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&amp;qid=1655735163&amp;sr=1-6" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">I’ll See You Tomorrow</a> and <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Its-Not-Your-Turn-Breakthrough/dp/0830847766/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3OUOE68RDTZSO&amp;keywords=its+not+your+turn&amp;qid=1651524582&amp;sprefix=its+not+your+turn+%2Caps%2C94&amp;sr=8-1" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">It’s Not Your Turn</a>. Reach out to Heather on X, the app formerly known as Twitter, at <a href="https://twitter.com/HeatherTDay" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">@HeatherTDay</a> and on Instagram <a href="https://www.instagram.com/heatherthompsonday/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">@heatherthompsonday</a>.Additional LinksYou can sign up for Heather’s encouraging email that goes out every Friday night at 7pm EST at <a href="http://www.heatherthompsonday.com/links" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.heatherthompsonday.com/links</a> Viral Jesus is a production of Christianity TodayHost and creator: Heather Thompson DayExecutive Producer: Ed GilbreathProducer: Loren JosephAssociate Producer: Azurae PhelpsMix Engineer: Alex CarterDirector of CT Podcasts: Mike Cosper Learn more about your ad choices. Visit <a href="https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">podcastchoices.com/adchoices</a>

Hosanna Wong: ‘You Have a New Name’

Viral Jesus

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