The Walk: Real Stories of Faith

On today's devotional podcast, we are blessed to have Seth & Nirva, artists and songwriters out of Chicago, who both bring different stories that intersect surrounding the concept of destroying strongholds and taking every thought captive.  The Bible says in 2 Corinthians 10 that we can make thoughts obey Christ.  3 For though we walk in the flesh, we are not waging war according to the flesh. 4 For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds. 5 We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ, 6 being ready to punish every disobedience, when your obedience is complete. Seth & Nirva's personal stories taught them how overcoming strongholds is actually possible according to God's Word. Listen and learn and be inspired by this thoughtful and passionate couple on this episode of The Walk, devotionals for worshippers.  - - - - - - - - - Please subscribe to our social channels for more information and great content surrounding building a lifestyle of worship. This podcast is brought to you by Authentic Media and Worship Leader. Our host is Joshua Swanson and the show’s co-producer and editor is Matt McCartie. More episodes can be found at the link below. - - - - - - - - - Links: http://sethandnirva.com/ https://www.instagram.com/worshipleader/ https://worshipleader.com/all-podcasts/ https://authenticmedia.company/ https://worshipleader.com/all-podcasts/our-host/ Who is Seth & Nirva? Known for delivering worshipful, vertical songs that uniquely blend a range of pop and gospel influences, Seth & Nirva are each extraordinary artists in their own right. Nirva was a vocalist in TobyMac’s Diverse City Band for over a decade, while Seth served as a backing vocalist for some of Christian music’s leading names, including Kirk Franklin, Chris Tomlin and CeCe Winans. The duo’s 2014 debut, I Need You, was followed by 2016’s Never Alone. The latter project is highlighted by the racial reconciliation anthem “Brother” (feat. TobyMac), its message continuing to open doors for the couple to sing and speak on the subject at churches and conferences throughout the US and abroad. In 2020, Seth & Nirva released One Voice, a 13-track collection of music and spoken-word vignettes further addressing such topics as racial reconciliation and apologetics.     Now based in Virginia, where Nirva serves as an assistant professor of commercial music at Liberty University, Seth & Nirva also continue to co-host the Freemind Podcast. Since its launch in 2018, the podcast has released more than 100 episodes addressing cultural hot-button issues from a biblical perspective. Featured guests have included pro-life advocate Abby Johnson; author, speaker and Moody Bible Institute professor Dr. Christopher Yuan; author, speaker and former atheist Mary Jo Sharp; and John Stonestreet, president of the Colson Center for Christian Worldview, among numerous others. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

There are so many times we come to the Lord thinking that what we bring to him is somehow relevant or important. When, according to our guest Aaron Shust who has written some amazing worship songs like My Savior My God, our Father in heaven doesn't need anything from us, but he simply delights in us coming to him in praise and worship. There's nothing we can bring him that will change how much he loves us.  That love should show us just how WORTHY our King is of our praise. He is worthy of our prayers. He is worthy of our constant attention. Everything is right in the world when we sit in his presence communicating with him without an agenda and without concern for what we can offer him, but instead, simply receiving and worshiping.  - - - - - - - - - Please subscribe to our social channels for more information and great content surrounding building a lifestyle of worship. This podcast is brought to you by Authentic Media and Worship Leader. Our host is Joshua Swanson and the show’s co-producer and editor is Matt McCartie. More episodes can be found at the link below. - - - - - - - - - Links: https://www.aaronshust.com/ https://www.instagram.com/worshipleader/ https://worshipleader.com/all-podcasts/ https://authenticmedia.company/ https://worshipleader.com/all-podcasts/our-host/ Who is Aaron Shust? Aaron’s fascination with music—with unique sounds, melodies, progressions, and techniques—has always been a salient part of who he is. From an early age, Aaron has felt most at home in front of a piano. Just as innate to Aaron is his love of God’s Word—of wrestling with the Scriptures, with the hard and beautiful things they say, and the way they foretell and fulfill a picture of a suffering servant, King Jesus. You’ll hear these twin loves in Shust’s music, from his debut success with “My Savior My God,” winning the 2007 New Artist, Songwriter, and Song of the Year. Later, as he grappled with a surprise Down Syndrome diagnosis for one son and waged a war with chronic illness for two, he continued to declare “My Hope is in You,” a song which spent 14 weeks at #1, and “Ever Be,” which debuted at #3 on the NCA chart. Aaron bolsters the faith of his listeners and surprises them, too, as with his 2014 Christmas Album Unto Us, recorded with the Prague Philharmonic Orchestra. With this collection, Shust turns conventional classics into something fresh and adds his own work to the canon of Christmas music. Over the past several years, Aaron has delved deeply into friendship with Messianic Jews, both in Nashville and Israel, as well as into the Hebrew Scriptures and Jewish tradition that they yield. Here, Aaron and his family have found not only friendship, but also a depth of insight into the rich background of the Yeshua Aaron proclaims, and what this depth of meaning can bring to believers today. You’ll hear the reverence Aaron has developed for this Jewish heritage in Heaven + Earth: The Psalms Project. From melodic patterns and Middle Eastern instruments to passages sung in Hebrew and collaboration with Israeli musicians, Shust is determined that the listener will steep in the Psalmist’s musical vocabulary and therefore, have an intimate and imaginatively accurate experience of this ancient treasure of praise, lament, and contemplation. Shust, a native of Pittsburgh, makes his home in Nashville with his wife Sarah and their sons Daniel, Nick, and Michael, as well as a growing menagerie of pets. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Some Worship Leaders and songwriters have put in more time than others and therefore bring a depth of wisdom that can only be achieved through dedication. Justin Rizzo is one of those individuals. He’s an artist that writes music, movies, plays and has led thousands of hours of worship at the International House of Prayer in Kansas City. On this devotional episode, he addresses what so many of us can relate to - - insecurity around our prayers.  “I want to encourage you today to have boldness and to have confidence in your spirit. God delights in you when you come before him and there's never ever a wasted prayer.” - - Justin Rizzo - - - - - - - - - Please subscribe to our social channels for more information and great content surrounding building a lifestyle of worship. This podcast is brought to you by Authentic Media and Worship Leader. Our host is Joshua Swanson and the show’s co-producer and editor is Matt McCartie. More episodes can be found at the link below. - - - - - - - - - Links: www.justinrizzo.com https://www.instagram.com/worshipleader/ https://worshipleader.com/all-podcasts/ https://authenticmedia.company/ https://worshipleader.com/all-podcasts/our-host/ Who is Justin Rizzo? Justin Rizzo is a worship leader, songwriter, composer, and recording artist based in Kansas City, Missouri. He has released multiple worship albums and been featured on multiple compilation projects, along with writing and producing four full-length musicals. He is a worship leader coach and has a passion to raise up worship leaders and creatives of all types and see them thrive. In addition, he owns a production company called Firelight Creative that focuses on creating musicals and films. He also travels extensively to lead worship and speak at events around the world. He lives in Kansas City, Missouri USA with his with Naomi and their two daughters. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

It’s no secret that some of the best songwriters pull their inspiration from personal experiences. In this episode of our devotional podcast, The Walk, once of worship’s most celebrated songwriters, Benji Cowart, shares how his son taught him a lesson that he’s carried with him his entire life. “I popped in and I'm like, ‘Hey bud.’ And he's like, ‘daddy, can you play with me?’ And I'm like, ‘sure.’ I was thinking I was gonna sit down for two minutes, hang out with him, and then move on. And then he said, ‘but daddy, take your shoes off.’ He, at that age, even understood if I had my shoes off I wasn't going anywhere else.”  - - - - - - - - - Please subscribe to our social channels for more information and great content surrounding building a lifestyle of worship. This podcast is brought to you by Authentic Media and Worship Leader. Our host is Joshua Swanson and the show’s co-producer and editor is Matt McCartie. More episodes can be found at the link below. - - - - - - - - - Links: http://www.cowartcreative.com/ https://www.instagram.com/worshipleader/ https://worshipleader.com/all-podcasts/ https://authenticmedia.company/ https://worshipleader.com/all-podcasts/our-host/ Who is Benji Cowart? Born and raised just north of Nashville in Hendersonville, TN, Benji’s roots are in Music City. Growing up in a home that encouraged creativity and musical expression.  Whether he was singing around the house, at church or in a kid’s choir, christian music was a big part of Benji's life. It wasn't until middle school that he discovered his love for writing which was heavily was influenced by one of his English teachers. Since then Benji has always been involved in some form of ministry. With his wife Jenna Cowart, Benji has served on staff at churches in North Port, Florida; Las Vegas, Nevada; Buffalo, New York; and Covington, Louisiana. Through his work in the church, Benji learned how to write songs for the congregations he was leading, and it was through this time of serving that he wrote "The Only Name (Yours Will Be)" and "Redeemed" which became his first major radio cuts with Big Daddy Weave.  In 2013 Benji returned home to Nashville to begin his professional songwriting career signed under Word Entertainment where he has continued to write songs for christian music and sync.  At the end of 2021 Benji signed with TIM Publishing. He is currently living in Franklin Tennessee with his wife Jenna and their four kids. He looks forward to his time at TIM Publishing and hopes to continue to write songs that God will use to impact people in very deep and profound ways. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

A true friend is not only someone who builds you up with “kisses and kindness,” but also someone who is willing to deliver hard truths that help you grow into a better person. A person more aligned with God’s vision for you. A person willing to love you by being fully honest with you. In this devotional episode of The Walk, Robbie Reider from Crossroads Church in Cincinnati, Ohio, shares an intimate look at a time in his life when his “Savior Complex” almost got in the way of God’s plan for his life. But, were it not for a true friend willing to deliver a truth that wasn’t so fun to hear, Robbie may have veered off course and missed the huge blessing that God had right in front him. - - - - - - - - - Please subscribe to our social channels for more information and great content surrounding building a lifestyle of worship. This podcast is brought to you by Authentic Media and Worship Leader. Our host is Joshua Swanson and the show’s co-producer and editor is Matt McCartie. More episodes can be found at the link below. - - - - - - - - - Links: Crsrdsmusic.com https://www.instagram.com/worshipleader/ https://worshipleader.com/all-podcasts/ https://authenticmedia.company/ https://worshipleader.com/all-podcasts/our-host/ Who is Robbie Reider? Each of us are musicians and worship leaders who serve weekly at Crossroads Church sites across the Cincinnati area. We’re also friends, mothers, fathers, sons and daughters who believe in the power of music and the power of God. Our hope is to create music that’s useful to our church. And our songs are written to help you connect with God in whatever season of life you find yourself. If you’re struggling and seeking hope, or if you’re joyful in redemption, or lost in confusion — we have a song for you to sing. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

When one thinks of the heroes of worship in the Bible, who are some of the characters that come to mind? Abraham? Of course, he was a great man of faith and the first official “worshipper” in the Bible. (Genesis 22:1-19) King David? Well, he wrote most of the Psalms, which our modern Christian songwriters use to supplement their own lyrics, so that makes sense.  But what about Job? Brent McCorkle is a songwriter, composer, worship leader, editor, and film director. He recently Co-Directed the popular film, The Jesus Revolution, and shares an introspective story about how Job changed the way he looks at worship, and in turn changed his life, forever.   - - - - - - - - Please subscribe to our social channels for more information and great content surrounding building a lifestyle of worship. This podcast is brought to you by Authentic Media and Worship Leader. Our host is Joshua Swanson and the show’s co-producer and editor is Matt McCartie. More episodes can be found at the link below. - - - - - - - - - Links: https://www.brentmccorkle.com/ https://www.instagram.com/worshipleader/ https://worshipleader.com/all-podcasts/ https://authenticmedia.company/ https://worshipleader.com/all-podcasts/our-host/ Who is Brent McCorkle? Director/Writer/Composer Brent McCorkle makes films that are known for their heartfelt and visually compelling storytelling. Prior to co-directing JESUS REVOLUTION, Brent co-wrote, co-edited, directed 2nd unit, and composed the original score on the Kingdom Story Company Lionsgate hit, I CAN ONLY IMAGINE. The faith-based family film starred Dennis Quaid and J. Michael Finley, was theatrically released in 2018, and grossed over $83 million at the box office. McCorkle’s first project with the Erwin Brothers was WOODLAWN, a sports drama based on the true story of Miami Dolphins superstar running back Tony Nathan. When Woodlawn High School in Birmingham, Alabama, was controversially desegregated in 1973, Nathan became the first black football superstar in Alabama and is credited with helping to unify the mainly white football team at a time when racial tensions were high. Starring Sean Astin, Nic Bishop, Caleb Castille, Sherri Shepherd, and Jon Voight, WOODLAWN is directed by the Erwin Brothers, with McCorkle serving as co-editor and co-composer. McCorkle’s feature film directorial debut was the biographical drama UNCONDITIONAL, which starred Michael Ealy and Lynn Collins. In addition to writing, directing, editing, and co-scoring the film, UNCONDITIONAL was also nominated for Outstanding Independent Motion Picture by the NAACP Image Awards in 2013. A credited screenwriter on UNCONDITIONAL and I CAN ONLY IMAGINE, Brent has also composed original score scores for UNCONDITIONAL, I CAN ONLY IMAGINE, WOODLAWN and STEVE MCQUEEN: AMERICAN ICON. Brent co-directed JESUS REVOLUTION. Brent currently resides on a farm in Nashville, Tennessee with his wife, their five children, and goats(!). Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Psalm 40:2 (NIV) 2 He lifted me out of the slimy pit,     out of the mud and mire; he set my feet on a rock     and gave me a firm place to stand. So often in life, we must be broken before the Lord puts us back together and reveals in that brokenness his true plan for our lives. Iveth Luna is one of Contemporary Christian Music’s newcomers and she’s on a mission to point listeners to Jesus. In this episode, she talks about her call to leading worship and singing for the Lord. Her reference scripture is Psalm 40:2, which is a constant reminder that the rock in our life can’t be our dreams, our jobs, or anything else that’s tangible in this world. Our “rock” is actually the faith we have that Jesus is alive and the promises in the Bible are true. Therefore, when we fall into a pit of despair, we can have faith that the Lord is there to lift us up, put our feet back on solid ground, and as long as we’re pointing our hearts to heaven, he will guide our path. - - - - - - - - - Sponsor: Song Discovery www.songdiscovery.com - - - - - - - - - Please subscribe to our social channels for more information and great content surrounding building a lifestyle of worship. This podcast is brought to you by Authentic Media and Worship Leader. Our host is Joshua Swanson and the show’s co-producer and editor is Matt McCartie. More episodes can be found at the link below. - - - - - - - - - Links: https://www.ivethluna.com/ https://www.instagram.com/worshipleader/ https://worshipleader.com/all-podcasts/ https://authenticmedia.company/ https://worshipleader.com/all-podcasts/our-host/ Who is Iveth Luna? Named one of the “Top 10 Unforgettable Artists of 2022” by Air1 Radio, Red Street Records’ Iveth Luna is one of Contemporary Christian Music’s newcomers on a mission to point listeners to Jesus. Iveth’s musical journey started early in the Church, where she felt called to use her talents to honor the Lord. When music and God’s word were combined, it brought healing for her through hard times, she began writing music to share with others this message of hope and truth. Tapping into her experience as a worship leader combined with her pop/Latin roots, Iveth’s distinct sound, and bilingual talents give her an edge within the genre. With over 7 million streams in 2022, her debut single “In You”, reached #28 on the Billboard Christian Airplay Chart and was included on Air1 Radio’s “Top 10 Unforgettable Songs of 2022.” Iveth is hopeful that her music will bring healing to others as it did for her. You can find information about upcoming music and events on her social media: @ivethlunamusic or her website: www.ivethluna.com. Hear her latest release, “Ears to Hear”, available everywhere you stream music now. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

There are some tests that take 40 years to turn into testimonies. In this episode of The Walk, we hear about Ryan Stevenson’s amazing mother and her 40 years of faithfulness. He also covers his perspective on God versus Jesus, which is both relevant and timely for so many of us that grew up in legalistic environments where the love of Christ was second to the discipline needed to build a relationship with a distant and unloving God. Ryan is best known for songs like Eye of the Storm, and for co-writing, Speak Life, with Toby Mac. But his thoughtful commentary on the love of God and his goodness shows that Ryan is a deep thinker and passionate about cultural change and transformation. Ephesians 3:20-21 (ESV) 20 Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, 21 to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen. - - - - - - - - - Sponsor: Ear Trumpet Labs https://www.eartrumpetlabs.com/ - - - - - - - - - Please subscribe to our social channels for more information and great content surrounding building a lifestyle of worship. This podcast is brought to you by Authentic Media and Worship Leader. Our host is Joshua Swanson and the show’s co-producer and editor is Matt McCartie. More episodes can be found at the link below. - - - - - - - - - Links: https://www.ryanstevensonmusic.com/ https://www.instagram.com/worshipleader/ https://worshipleader.com/all-podcasts/ https://authenticmedia.company/ https://worshipleader.com/all-podcasts/our-host/ Who is Ryan Stevenson? A GRAMMY® and Billboard Music Award nominee with Dove and ASCAP Christian Music Awards to his credit, Ryan Stevenson’s music has provided a soundtrack of hope and encouragement for listeners around the world for more than a decade. Co-writer of TobyMac’s 2014 GRAMMY®-nominated #1 hit “Speak Life,” Stevenson was further propelled into the spotlight with his own Gold-certified, Dove Award-winning 2016 chart-topper “Eye of the Storm,” which held the top spot at Christian radio for 16 weeks. A Pacific Northwest native who spent seven years as a paramedic before signing with Gotee Records in 2013, Stevenson’s acclaimed discography includes Fresh Start (2015), No Matter What (2018), and Wildest Dreams (2020), among other releases. His latest recording, Able, released April 28. Also known for such radio favorites as “No Matter What” (feat. Bart Millard), “Amadeo (Still My God),” and “When We Fall Apart" (feat. Vince Gill & Amy Grant), Stevenson’s music has achieved six #1 Billboard charting radio singles (four as an artist or featured artist and two as a co-writer). He has toured with top artists including TobyMac, MercyMe and Newsboys, and since 2020 Stevenson has been headlining intimate concerts in churches, theaters and homes. In three years he has played more than 170 shows to a total of 34,000 fans, his deeply personal songs and stories encouraging communities around the country.  Stevenson is the author of Eye of the Storm: Experiencing God When You Can’t See Him(Harvest House), and host of the “Weathering the Storm” Podcast on K-LOVE’s AccessMore. His podcast guests have included Amy Grant, TobyMac, MercyMe's Bart Millard and The Shack author Paul Young, among many others. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Brett Younker may be best known as a songwriter and worship leader with Passion City Church in Atlanta, but, as you’ll hear in this outstanding devotional, he’s a church planter and most definitely a preacher. His heart for God is apparent and his challenge to all of us to open our whole hearts to God and allow the Holy Spirit to guide us through his plan for our lives is always a relevant message. Brett quotes A. W. Tozer in this episode and here is another relevant Tozer quote for this great devotional: “If the Holy Spirit was withdrawn from the church today, 95 percent of what we do would go on and no one would know the difference. If the Holy Spirit had been withdrawn from the New Testament church, 95 percent of what they did would stop, and everybody would know the difference.” - - - - - - - - - Sponsor: Worship Leader www.worshipleader.com - - - - - - - - - Please subscribe to our social channels for more information and great content surrounding building a lifestyle of worship. This podcast is brought to you by Authentic Media and Worship Leader. Our host is Joshua Swanson and the show’s co-producer and editor is Matt McCartie. More episodes can be found at the link below. - - - - - - - - - Links: https://passioncitychurch.com/topic/brett-younker/ https://www.instagram.com/worshipleader/ https://worshipleader.com/all-podcasts/ https://authenticmedia.company/ https://worshipleader.com/all-podcasts/our-host/ Who is Brett Younker? A movement founded by Louie and Shelley Giglio in 1995, Passion has been rooted in the truth of Isaiah 26:8 – “Yes Lord, walking in the way of Your truth we wait eagerly for You, for Your name and Your renown are the desire of our hearts” – existing to glorify God by uniting students in worship, prayer, and justice for spiritual awakening in this generation. Passion has ushered in the writing, recording, and leading of some of the most recognizable and unforgettable worship anthems of this generation and is led by Kristian Stanfill, Brett Younker, Melodie Malone, and a new wave of voices including Sean Curran and Chidima. Chris Tomlin, Matt Redman, Crowder, Christy Nockels, and more have also lent their voices alongside Passion throughout the years. Passion’s latest full-length album, “I’ve Witnessed It,” was recorded live at Passion 2023, which was held in two locations with more than 30,000 students in attendance across the two events. The first gathering in Dallas/Ft. Worth, TX at Dickies Arena, followed by Passion's home base in Atlanta, GA at State Farm Arena. With more than 3.3 Billion global streams, 3 RIAA Certified Gold Singles including “Glorious Day,” “Even So Come,” and “One Thing Remains” and a multitude of chart-topping singles such as “Build My Life,” “God, You’re So Good,” “How Great Is Our God,” “God Of This City,” and “10,000 Reasons (Bless the Lord),” listeners across the world continue to be impacted by the music of Passion. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Martin Smith’s father set him on a course that would define the direction of his life just two weeks after he was born. What could have been a tragedy was turned into a life of serving the church and spreading the gospel through songwriting and worship leading. This incredible testimony from the frontman of arguably the most influential UK Christian rock/worship band, Delirious?, makes for an exciting devotional episode.  The scripture Martin bounces off of is 1 Samuel 16:14-16 (ESV) - 14 Now the Spirit of the Lord departed from Saul, and a harmful spirit from the Lord tormented him. 15 And Saul's servants said to him, “Behold now, a harmful spirit from God is tormenting you. 16 Let our lord now command your servants who are before you to seek out a man who is skillful in playing the lyre, and when the harmful spirit from God is upon you, he will play it, and you will be well.” - - - - - - - - - Sponsor: Song Discovery www.songdiscovery.com - - - - - - - - Please subscribe to our social channels for more information and great content surrounding building a lifestyle of worship. This podcast is brought to you by Authentic Media and Worship Leader. Our host is Joshua Swanson and the show’s co-producer and editor is Matt McCartie. More episodes can be found at the link below.   - - - - - - - - - Links: https://martinsmithmusic.com/ https://www.instagram.com/worshipleader/ https://worshipleader.com/all-podcasts/ https://authenticmedia.company/ https://worshipleader.com/all-podcasts/our-host/ Who is Martin Smith? For the last three decades, UK worship artist, songwriter, and producer Martin Smith has been penning songs that bring fresh air to the lungs of the Church. From “Did You Feel the Mountains Tremble?” and “Waiting Here for You” to “I Could Sing of Your Love Forever” and “History Maker,” Martin’s songs have connected generations, inspiring and influencing worship leaders and worshippers alike. And whether as frontman for the ground-breaking band Delirious?, lead singer of Army of Bones, or as a solo worship leader, Martin has been involved with almost every aspect of the modern worship movement. Married to Anna, father to six children, and part of St. Peter’s Church in Brighton, England, Martin continues to write, tour and lead worship. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.