The Jules Show

The Jules Show

Jules shares inspiring stories of God’s goodness and grace. read less
Religion & SpiritualityReligion & Spirituality
ChristianityChristianity

Episodes

He Needed To See Proof
Jan 8 2021
He Needed To See Proof
These days, Don Nelson has what in anyones mind would be a nice life. A satisfying career as a college professor at the University of Georgia, a lovely wife, two kids and a comfortable home. He's done well for himself. So when he's teaching a class called Breaking The Cycle, a course on life skills for people experiencing homelessness, no one really believes him when he tells them "I understand, because I have been where you are." In this episode of The Jules Show, Don unwraps his story of growing up in a Christian home, going to a very traditional church. It left him feeling numb, ritual but no relationship. To Don, it didn't seem like the people around him bore evidence of being filled with the spirit. So while he had a logical, knowledgeable belief in Jesus, he had no real relationship. During his teen years and in his twenties, Don took some wrong turns with drugs and alcohol, leaving him essentially homeless. Amazingly enough, he managed to muddle his way through graduate school and was even able to secure a teaching position. Fast forward a few years, when he's finally enjoying success as a college professor.  As you might guess, Don is a very logical and reasoned individual. Finding an emotional connection to Christ wasn't easy for him. Additionally, he desired to see evidence of how faith really played out in other believers lives. Without realizing it at the time, he was searching for a spirit filled and spirit led church. In our interview, he shares with me how he found one in a most unlikely place at a most interesting time in hi life. You can reach out to Don at https://www.heclab.org/ Jules on instagram
Re-EnJoy: The Hot Dog Club
Nov 26 2020
Re-EnJoy: The Hot Dog Club
Jesus tells us in Matthew 28 to "Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations...". This is called the Great Commission and it's probably the second most familiar scripture in the New Testament after, of course, John 3:16. But have you ever found yourself wondering what this means for you in your day-to-day life? Exactly how are we supposed to live this admonition out? After all, the apostles set a pretty high bar for service; and I can't help but feel, sometimes, I will never be able to meet their level of dedication. Thankfully, the Bible also tells us we are all gifted differently; and we can serve the Kingdom in countless different ways. So for some folks, that means being a missionary in a country halfway around the world from home. But for others of us, it means serving right where we've always been. My friends, Shirley and David Duncan, are prime examples of serving right where you are. And for the Duncans, that doesn't mean serving in their town or in their church. It means serving, quite literally, in their own home. Their story begins one hot afternoon in Middle Georgia. The Duncans live in a modest home in an average neighborhood in Macon, GA. David is handicapped, having lost both legs to complications from diabetes, so he is home most afternoons. On this particularly hot afternoon, a little neighborhood boy came by the house and asked David if he could have a cup of water. A lot of folks would have brushed the kid aside, but not David. He brought the boy a cup of water with crushed ice. It was just a small gesture of kindness. But that simple cup of ice water turned into a snack a few days later, then into snacks for another kid a few days after that and pretty soon...well, you know what happens when you feed kids and cats! Now, less than a year later, the school bus stops in front of their house and deposits over 20 neighborhood kids into their care EVERY DAY for after school snacks. Yes, you read correctly - they feed snacks to over 20 kids EVERY DAY! "Wow, that's great, but how is this a ministry, Jules?" I'm glad you asked! The Duncans have upped the ante. They are now serving a hot meal for supper on Friday nights, which they have affectionately dubbed, 'The Hot Dog Club'. However, they're not just providing a hot meal, they are also leading a Bible study for the kids and their families - many of whom have never heard the Gospel. It's like a Bible Block Party every week at their house. The Duncans also help these kids learn manners, respect for others, and the value of sharing and thinking of others. The kids are seeing up close and personal how virtual strangers are willing to show them kindness and love. In my interview with Shirley and David, they share how the Lord placed it on their hearts to help these kids. Most of them come from single parent homes and virtually all of them are low income. David shared with me that this ministry should not even be possible since they are approaching retirement age and are on a fixed income themselves. They never know from week to week if they are going to have the resources to support The Hot Dog Club. But somehow, they always do. People and resources just show up, quite literally, like manna from heaven. Through the generosity of people all over Macon, the Duncans are able to share the love of Jesus with folks right outside their door. Y'all have just GOT to listen to my interview with David and Shirley Duncan. They're an absolute hoot! Their lives have been an amazing adventure of service to God and such a fantastic example of how NOTHING is impossible when you step out in faith. Shirley and David's story will inspire you, too. They are showing us that sometimes the scripture "love thy neighbor" means, quite literally, the person next door!
Daring To Dream Big
Oct 15 2020
Daring To Dream Big
So here's a question for you to consider: When was the last time you sat down and thought about the dreams you have for your life? If you haven't thought about your dreams in a while and could use some inspiration to do so, then check out my latest podcast interview with an incredible young woman named Maria Anifowose. Maria grew up in extreme poverty in Nigeria, where opportunities are few and far between, especially for girls. Being Christian in a heavily Muslim community didn't make it any easier, but Maria always knew God had big plans for her. She knew education would be her ticket out of poverty and she dreamed one day of traveling abroad to further her education. When a poster went up at her school advertising a writing contest with a trip to London as the prize, she figured this was her big chance. Maria's story is an inspiring example of the value of daring to dream big, of being patient and of having the faith to believe God would answer her prayers. Hearing Maria's story reminded me of the Bible verse in Habakkuk 2:2 where the prophet is told to "write the vision and make it plain on tablets," and it occurred to me I cannot ask God to bless my dreams if I don't even know what they are. Maria helped me realize I may need to revisit my dreams and spend some time checking in with God to see if they line up with His plan! Maria is currently attending college in Gainesville, Georgia through the kindness of scholarship donations made to her GoFundMe account. If you are moved by her story and would like to contribute, you may do so at the link below. Contribute to Maria's Go Fund Me account CONNECT @jules_show
Pastors Don't Just Work One Day A Week
Oct 1 2020
Pastors Don't Just Work One Day A Week
Every pastor has heard that old joke about how they only work one day a week. And that's only a joke to the folks saying it. Little tip: pastor's don't think that line is funny. At all. If you have a good relationship with our pastor, you probably know that preaching a sermon on Sunday is just a small part of their responsibilities. They're on call virtually 24/7. Researches have done studies and determined being a pastor is one of the top five most stressful jobs in America. So, for Pastor Appreciation Month, I sat down with a man who knows a little about the subject, to get some details on how we as the body can better love on our pastors. Bill Westafer has been a pastor for years, and he drew on his personal experience and interviews with lots of pastors from all denominational backgrounds, to write a sort of "how to" book on helping pastors deal with stress. In his new book, "Clergy Stress: Causes and Cures," Bill outlines the six major stressors for pastors, and numerous ways to help manage them and avoid burnout. In my interview, Bill shares with us some of the heartbreaking stories of what some pastors have gone through, as well as some heartwarming stories of how congregations have loved on and given pastors the support they need to stay the course of their calling. Bill gives us some great counsel on how we can show our appreciation to our pastors this month, and every month. Bill's book "Clergy Stress: Causes and Cures" is available on Amazon. Follow him on Instagram at b_westaf
Best of The Jules Show: Abortion, A Story Of Redemption
Jul 9 2020
Best of The Jules Show: Abortion, A Story Of Redemption
[As we reset for season three of The Jules Show Podcast, Producer Anne, Editor Jeff and Jules have picked their favoite podcasts from the past. This week, it's Anne's pick which originally posted July 16, 2018] Let's face it, if we're really honest, most of us have done something in our past which we now regret. And while we know in our minds God forgave us of our sins when we accepted Jesus Christ as our savior, so often times, believing it in our hearts is not so easy. Miriam Nelson is a woman who knows a great deal about God's redemptive grace. As the director of the Athens Pregnancy Center, Miriam shared with me her personal journey of seeking God's forgiveness after having an abortion when she was 17 years old. Miriam regularly shares her testimony with clients at APC as well as with churches and other organizations, and one of the main take aways I learned from my interview with her was that whatever mistakes we have made, God forgives us and wants us to use our brokenness for His glory. Miriam has been able to share her story of regret and pain and ultimately redemption, with countless women who find themselves believing the lie that having an abortion is a decision they will not regret.  Miriam's regret was abortion, but her story of redemption is one from which we all can learn. She surrendered the guilt and shame, and taught me that nothing we do is too big for God to forgive. But we have to choose to LET Him. And then, we need to use our experience to help others.