The Wholehearted Journey

START READING/LISTENING TO THE BOOK NOW FREE... @ joeljohnson.orgHave you ever caught a whiff of a familiar scent, or heard a melody that took you down  memory lane? Often, we find ourselves reminiscing about our childhood, the old house, the holidays, the favorite song; each carrying a unique blend of joy and sorrow. But what if these memories can lead us to healing and wholeness? This episode will take you on a spiritual journey, as we delve into the transformative power of childhood memories, and reveal how Jesus, in his profound love, yearns to free us from the shackles of past wounds and guide us towards a better life.This episode is also about embracing our prodigal parts with kindness and compassion, a call from Jesus to unite our hearts and lead us on a path to the divine union with God. It's a journey, scary and wonderful, a path from one lifestyle to another that is only attainable if we have the courage to answer the knock on the door of our hearts. So, join us as we unwrap the mysteries of life, the essence of our existence, and the path to becoming our authentic selves; all under the guidance of Jesus. Get ready to welcome healing, salvation, and wholeness into your life.

START READING/LISTENING TO THE BOOK NOW FREE... @ joeljohnson.orgFeeling the sting of a bull whip and the weight of shame from a painful encounter with my older brother left a deep wound that only one person could heal - Jesus. I invite you to journey with me as I share how I asked Jesus to step into the role of my supernatural brother and guide me into healing and wholeness. Explore with me as we re-interpret the parable of the prodigal son, introducing Jesus as the third brother. As the eldest of all siblings, He represents the perfect image of love and compassion, and is the author of our story and guide into the life we long for.Remember struggling with your siblings? We all do. Now imagine transcending those experiences and finding healing and life in a new way - this is what I'll be discussing with you today. We'll delve into the seven skills essential for this transformation, and how recognizing Jesus as the oldest and best of all siblings can lead us to a more fulfilling life. Discover the healing power of brotherly love and how embracing Jesus as your courageous older sibling can guide you towards a wholehearted life. Join me on this transformative journey and experience the healing and life that Jesus' brothering can bring.

START READING/LISTENING TO THE BOOK NOW FREE... @ joeljohnson.orgHave you ever marveled at the paradox of how our greatest strengths can also serve as our heaviest burdens? We've all had those moments where we've put on a mask to fit into the world's expectations, hiding away our authentic selves. My mentor, John Eldridge, and I had an illuminating journey into this realm of self-discovery. John shared his vision of a future filled with God's work and emphasized the importance of being shepherds after God's heart. Our dialogue became an intimate prayer session, inviting divine wisdom to guide us and reveal our hidden selves.We didn't stop there, diving deeper into exploring the human tendency to dim our lights and cover our faces. What's up with these personas we wear, and how do they stop us from connecting genuinely with our loved ones and God? John and I discuss how to differentiate between our public facades and our real selves. This episode concludes with a forceful call to let down your guard, inviting a deeper connection with others and God. So, join us on this soul-awakening journey, uncover your mask, and embrace your authentic self. It's time to shine!

START READING/LISTENING TO THE BOOK NOW FREE... @ joeljohnson.orgEver wondered how childhood trauma shapes our adult lives, especially within our working environments? I take you through my personal journey, from a deeply abusive childhood to a manipulative workplace and how this led me on an incredible path to healing and self-discovery. Join me as I lay bare my struggles - from an abusive stepfather to the coping mechanisms that helped me survive, and how these same strategies haunted me into adulthood and manifested in a toxic work environment. As we journey together, you'll discover how I learned to identify my triggers, understand their origins, and work through them to reclaim my voice.But the journey doesn’t end there. Ever had a colleague that was a master manipulator, always playing the game? We'll dissect their techniques and give you the tools to predict and counter such maneuvers in your own life - be it in a ministry, a corporation, or a small business. Identifying these patterns is the first step to changing the game. So, get ready to arm yourself with strategies to spot manipulators in your life and how to handle them effectively. Join us and let's shed some light on the darkness together.

START READING/LISTENING TO THE BOOK NOW FREE... @ joeljohnson.orgExperience the cathartic journey of realization, forgiveness, and emotional growth I undertook after being hurt by two individuals from my past - George and Brody. I was consumed by bitterness and self-blame, simmering in the fires of anger. But when I understood the real root of my anger, forgave myself for ignoring the red flags, and let go of my self-blame, I discovered a path to emotional freedom. The second half of this episode illuminates the healing process that follows forgiveness. It's not merely about extending absolution to those who've wronged us; it's about forgiving ourselves first, mourning our losses, and then, offering forgiveness to the offenders. It's crucial to remember that forgiveness doesn't always lead to reconciliation; it's a gift we give ourselves, freeing us from the shackles of resentment. Towards the end, join me in a heartfelt prayer of healing and restoration, as we invite God's love to mend our broken hearts. This episode is not just a tale, but a journey of self-discovery, emotional growth, and the essentiality of understanding and embracing the full spectrum of a person's qualities.

START READING/LISTENING TO THE BOOK NOW FREE... @ joeljohnson.orgStrap in and prepare for a ride as I transport you back to a pivotal moment in my life. Picture this: I was invited to share the gospel at Cal Palace, a venue that held deep personal significance for me. Who knew that this incredible opportunity would serve as the catalyst for hundreds of students to devote their lives to Jesus, thereby expanding my sphere of influence beyond my wildest dreams? Amidst these triumphs, I also encountered hurdles. I had to grapple with the demands of Ed, the event manager, whose stipulations almost breached our agreement. From this, I learned the value of attention to detail in partnerships and the importance of fostering relationships.As we navigate through life's challenges and victories, it's vital to remember the ultimate liberation that Jesus has offered us - freedom from the shackles of sin. Just as the enemy is always plotting to have us sign unfair contracts, we need to be vigilant in guarding our hearts against these manipulations. As believers, we possess the authority to reject these deceitful deals and live in adherence to the Scripture, the most potent law there is. This enlightening discussion explores the significance of spiritual intelligence, the need for courage in the face of adversity, and the preservation of our identity as cherished children of God. Embark on this empowering journey with me and discover how to stand tall in spiritual warfare.

START READING/LISTENING TO THE BOOK NOW FREE... @ joeljohnson.orgEver felt paralyzed by the fear of dreaming too big? Fear not. This episode is your guiding light towards embracing courage, and who better to guide us than Jesus himself? We explore his revolutionary courage as a dangerous truthteller, inviting you to follow him into a deeper understanding of his audacious character. See how he maneuvered life's struggles with unyielding bravery and learn to unpack the connection between courage and a fulfilling relationship with God. Struggling to muster the courage to move past your fear and hurt? You're not alone. In this episode, we reveal the secrets to accessing the true source of courage through a relationship with God. You'll learn the power of opening your heart intentionally to God and how that can spark a torrent of courageous living. We expose the strategies and tactics for navigating life fearlessly, just as Jesus did, and how prayer and surrender can aid us in living a life that God has promised, a life that's better and braver. Join us, and let's confront the fear of dreaming big together. Start living courageously today!

START READING/LISTENING TO THE BOOK NOW FREE... @ joeljohnson.orgHow much control do our maternal relationships have over our emotional growth and our ability to trust? Do you ever feel like there's an unspoken chasm between you and your mother? The invisible thread of maternal influence can have far-reaching effects on our mental and emotional wellbeing. This episode is a deep-seated exploration of how the lack of motherly affection or presence can stunt our emotional development and mar our capacity for trust. We shine a light on the importance of acknowledging our mothers' imperfections and letting go of the idealized versions we've built up in our minds. As we traverse this journey of understanding and forgiveness, we pave the way for setting healthier boundaries and nurturing a mature love.Stepping into the sacred realm of divine love, we draw from the deepest well of comfort and assurance - God's unfathomable love for His children. We anchor our discussions in the heartening prayers of Jesus, showing us the path to true confidence and courage. Embracing the identity of being a beloved child of God instills boldness within us, and we are invited to hold our heads a little higher. The episode unravels the transformative power of recognising God as our ultimate parent, who can fill the voids left by our earthly parents and provide us with the love and security we yearn for. Tune in to embark on this healing journey towards a deeper understanding of divine love.

START READING/LISTENING TO THE BOOK NOW FREE... @ joeljohnson.org  My mother, a beacon of courage, found escape from an abusive relationship by whisking my brother and me into the wilderness. This voyage into the unknown, both literal and metaphorical, became a potent symbol of grit, transformation, and personal growth. In this riveting episode, we discuss the inherent wildness of life transitions and their necessity for growth. We argue that instead of removing us from these wild times, Jesus equips us to face them with resilience.As we venture further, we turn to the Bible and examine how Jesus, too, matured and grew through transitions and wilderness experiences. Embracing change, stepping out of comfort zones, and facing uncertainty head-on are themes we navigate throughout this discussion. To enrich this conversation, we announce a free resource - a podcast where we join forces with a therapist to explore the seven skills discussed in this episode. Strap in and brace yourself for an enlightening conversation filled with spiritual and practical wisdom to guide you through your own wild transitions.

START READING/LISTENING TO THE BOOK NOW FREE... @ joeljohnson.org  Growing up with an absent father and an addict in the family was far from easy. However, those challenging experiences have shaped me into the person I am today, and I am here to share my journey with you. I'll be discussing how the harsh environment of my upbringing forced me to learn valuable life lessons that led to my success. We'll also cover the importance of knowing who you are at the core and how to reclaim your heart to guide you through life's hurdles. In the second part of the episode, we'll confront the emotional trauma and the quest for abundance. Delving into the spiritual warfare that often fuels our life's trauma, we'll reveal how it can hinder us from embracing the abundant life Jesus promised. By identifying the spiritual enemies that detest us and their manipulative tactics, we can reclaim the abundance that's rightfully ours. Remember this isn't about comparing trauma stories, it's about acknowledging them and embarking on a journey to rediscover your inner self and embrace abundance. Let's take this journey together, through the wilderness of childhood challenges, towards the promise of an abundant life.

START READING/LISTENING TO THE BOOK NOW FREE... @ joeljohnson.orgDo you ever feel as though you're putting on a facade of cheerfulness and confidence, while deep inside you're crumbling under the weight of anxiety and depression? If that resonates, you're not alone. We're opening up a conversation about the very real struggle with mental health issues faced by many believers and Christians, as we delve into the personal journey of a pastor who appeared to have it all, yet was on the brink of losing everything to internal turmoil. The struggle is real, and it's time we talked about it.This powerful episode takes you through this pastor's journey from fear and despair, to resilience and restoration. We explore the alarming reality that, as per a 2020 Barna study, 54% of practicing Christians admit to facing emotional or relational mental health issues that impact their lives. And no, simply attending church isn't solving the problem. So, where does the solution lie? In this candid conversation, we highlight the path to restoration, the untapped strength within us, and the route to the better life Jesus promised. Do stay with us for an episode that's about providing strength and comfort to those feeling lost or alone. For a deeper insight into this journey, head to JoelJohnsonorg to download free chapters or audiobook chapters, including the inspiring forward by John Eldridge.

START READING/LISTENING TO THE BOOK NOW FREE... @ joeljohnson.orgAre you prepared to embark on a thrilling journey of self-discovery and growth? Have you ever thought about life as a chaotic motorcycle ride in a foreign city? Just like my bewildering experience of learning to ride a motorcycle in the bustling city of Akitos, Peru, life can be unpredictable and full of challenges. We often find ourselves without clear instructions or protective gear, navigating through a path filled with unexpected turns and thrilling accelerations. Join me in this episode as I draw parallels between this exhilarating experience and our journey through life.In this eye-opening session, I'll be sharing some valuable life truths, skills, and tools that can help you maneuver through your journey. Be ready to tackle challenges that come your way and embrace the breathtaking environment you were created for. This episode is more than just a podcast, it serves as a metaphorical road map for your life. So, buckle up and prepare for a ride like no other! And if you want more, don't forget to visit JoelJohnsonorg to engage with the forward, introduction, and the first chapter, available both in written and audiobook versions for free.