Great Stories by Haven Today

#43: Aaron House on How to Memorize Scripture Simply and Effectively

When’s the last time you tried to memorize God’s Word?

The Bible teaches that there is value in hiding God’s Word in our hearts, but it’s an undertaking many of us don’t attempt very often. The good news is that once you finally commit to memorizing Scripture, you quickly discover it’s easier than you think and the benefits are endless. 

On today’s episode, Aaron House joins Charles Morris to discuss the benefits of memorizing Scripture while sharing some of his best tips on getting started. As the founder and Executive Director of Piercing Word, a ministry of theatre professionals focused on performing Scripture in dramatic and musical presentations, Aaron has memorized enormous sections of God’s Word, including the entire New Testament.

#42: Barbara Juliani - Story of a Prodigal Daughter

Have you ever experienced the pain of watching a loved one leave the faith? Even in the most discouraging moments we can be encouraged because God is in the business of leading prodigals home. In this episode of the Great Stories podcast, Charles Morris returns to an interview he did in Philadelphia with his old friend Barbara Juliani.

The daughter of a prominent pastor, Barbara decided to leave home at 18 and turn her back on Christianity. Many of the highs and lows of her story parallel the parable of the prodigal son who finally returns home to loving arms. If there’s someone in your life who has run from the faith, Barbara’s story will encourage you to not lose hope that prodigals often do indeed come home.

#41: Zack Eswine Offers Realistic Hope for those who Suffer from Depression

Did you know Charles Spurgeon, one of history’s greatest preachers, suffered from what he called “the minister’s fainting fits.” Today, we just call it depression. On this episode of the Great Stories Podcast, Charles Morris talks with pastor Zack Eswine, who is also the author of a book called Spurgeon’s Sorrows. Charles and Zack have both struggled with depression at various times in their own lives. Listen in as they discuss realistic hope for Christians going through dark times.

If you or someone you know is struggling through loneliness, grief, or depression, we’ve put together a resource page to help. Click here for additional blogs, books, and music that will help you recenter on the God who loves you and accompanies you in good times and bad.

#40: Jeremy Camp: The Story Behind "I Still Believe"

Jeremy Camp has sold over 4.5 million records with 37 No. 1 hit songs. But before all of this happened, he was a young man in love with a woman who had cancer. Hear him tell this dramatic story in his own words to Charles Morris. The events described here are the basis for the new movie I Still Believe.

#39: Francine Rivers on Going from Steamy Romance Novels to Stories of Redemption

Francine Rivers is one of the most prolific Christian novelists at work in the field today. But before she wrote stories of redemption, she was known for a very different kind of writing. On today’s episode, hear how Francine went from writing steamy romance novels to stories of redemption. You’ll also hear how the Lord led her to write her most popular work: Redeeming Love.

#38: M.D. Perkins on Gender and Sexuality in the Church

Gender and sexuality have become some of the most controversial topics facing the church today. Far from new, these issues continue to be hotly debated in the church.

Why is this conversation so pressing today? And how can Christians engage the issue with compassion and truth? M.D. Perkins is a researcher, director, and producer for American Family Association. Today, he joins Charles Morris to talk about his new movie In His Image: Delighting in God’s Plan for Gender and Sexuality, while also digging into Scripture, research, and why this issue isn’t going away any time soon.

#37: Dr. Michael Gillian on How a Smart Person Can Believe in God

We live in a world that often tells us that it’s foolish to be a Christian, which begs the question: Can a smart person believe in God?

Dr. Michael Guillen is a physicist, three-time Emmy winning science journalist, and former editor for ABC News. He’s also a great example of how a scientifically-minded person would not only believe in God, but love Jesus with his whole heart. In this interview, Dr. Guillen talks about how he came to believe in God—not in spite of science—but in harmony with what he’s learned about the physical world.

#36: Ray and Betty Whipps Tell Their Story of Faith and Love in World War II

In Europe during WWII, Ray Whipps served as an infantryman under General Patton in the trenches of Normandy, Paris, and Belgium. Betty was a field nurse in Cherbourg, France. After Ray was injured in a mortar blast, the two met and bonded over their shared faith. As Betty nursed Ray back to health, they fell in love and vowed to marry after the war.

But then things went terribly wrong. Hear Ray and Betty introduce their remarkable story of faith and love amidst the calamities of World War II.

#35: Louis Zamperini: Story of an Olympian, WWII Hero, and Unbroken Follower of Christ

A lesser man would have broken. Louis Zamperini was already a national hero as an olympic athlete, but then his bomber went down in WWII, leaving him adrift for 47 days. There he faced sharks, exposure, and starvation. Finally rescued, he was then forced to face relentless torture as a prisoner of war.

Today's episode recovers an interview Charles conducted with Louis Zamperini just after he turned 90. Hear Louis in his own words describe the incredible events that became a bestselling book and blockbuster movie. This fascinating conversation will keep you on the edge of your seat.

#34: Dr. Michael Williams on Reading the Bible through the Jesus Lens

What is the Bible all about? If this isn't your first time listening, then you may already know Charles' answer: Jesus. On today's episode, you'll get introduced to Dr. Michael Williams, author of How to Read the Bible Through the Jesus Lens. He explains that Scripture comes into much better focus when we realize that every book of the Bible has an identifiable theme that is ultimately fulfilled in the person and work of Jesus. By the end, you'll know how to easily find Jesus in Joel, Ruth, Hosea, Daniel, Isaiah, and Philemon.