The Walk: A Devotional Podcast from Worship Leader Magazine

The tension between being celebrated for your gifting versus pointing the glory back to the Creator, our heavenly Father, is constant for people of faith.. On today’s episode of The Walk, our devotion is brought by a seasoned Worship Leader, songwriter, missionary, and artist, Jon Shabaglian. Jon has a word for all of us who claim to be Christ followers on just how easy it is to make God angry by abusing the gift we have been given for our own personal gain. Jon also has an interesting background which brings an international view of making music given in his history as an Armenian believer. His grandparents were rescued by German Mennonite missionaries and escaped the Armenian genocide during World War I, was part of an historic reconciliation gathering in Istanbul, Turkey, in 2015 to commemorate the 100-year anniversary of the Armenian genocide. He wrote and recorded “Reconciliation Song,” featuring Turkish violinist Orhan Celebi, which was showcased in the documentary “Journey To Redemption.” - - - - - - - - - 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.jonshabaglian.com/ https://www.jonshabaglian.com/psalmist-mission https://www.instagram.com/worshipleader/ https://worshipleader.com/all-podcasts/ https://authenticmedia.company/ https://worshipleader.com/all-podcasts/our-host/ Who is Jon Shabaglian? Jon Shabaglian has been an acclaimed recording artist, songwriter, worship leader and pastor for more than two decades. With eight albums to his credit, Shabaglian has also toured internationally as a music missionary. In addition, he is the founder and leader of Psalmist Mission, a multi-faceted nonprofit presenting annual music and spiritual formation intensives designed to raise up biblically grounded worship leaders and Kingdom artists around the world.  Shabaglian, whose Armenian grandparents were rescued by German Mennonite missionaries and escaped genocide during World War I, was part of an historic reconciliation gathering in Istanbul, Turkey, in 2015 to commemorate the 100-year anniversary of the Armenian genocide. He wrote and recorded “Reconciliation Song,” featuring Turkish violinist Orhan Celebi, which was showcased in the documentary “Journey To Redemption.” Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Michael Bethany of Gateway Worship has been through a lot of transitions in his life. This episode of our devotional podcast, The Walk, starts when Michael was a boy growing up in his father's church and he heard the call to go into ministry.  Michael recently released an album called, Overflow, and it delivers a live worship experience featuring a multicultural sound of worship birthed out of Michael’s personal overflow of intimacy with God that was fostered and developed through the many transitions that Michael has walked through. Genesis 12:1 (NIV) - The Call of Abram - The Lord had said to Abram, “Go from your country, your people and your father’s household to the land I will show you." - - - - - - - - - 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.michaelbethany.com/ https://www.instagram.com/worshipleader/ https://worshipleader.com/all-podcasts/ https://authenticmedia.company/ https://worshipleader.com/all-podcasts/our-host/ Who is Michael Bethany? Stellar Award nominated songwriter and two-time BMI Christian Song Award recipient (Fred Hammond’s No. 1 Billboard hit “They That Wait” and “Here In Our Praise”), Michael Bethany is passionate about creating multicultural worship experiences that activate an overflow of intimacy with God. His freshman independent album, Yours Forever, debuted at No. 5 on Billboard’s Top Gospel Albums chart while his videos have received over 19 million views on YouTube alone. Collaborating with musical greats like Hammond, Leeland Mooring, Kirk Franklin, Marvin Sapp, Tamela Mann and more, Michael is based out of Gateway Church in Southlake, TX where he leads dynamic worship at services and conferences. Featured by TBN, Daystar and other television networks, Michael has mentored and empowered worship ministries around the world, as well as launched the non-profit organization, Overflow Culture. A native of St. Louis, MO, Michael now resides in Fort Worth, TX along with his wife, Chavon, and two sons. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

When the prayer of a parent for the healing of their child goes unanswered it can cause anyone to lose their faith. Chris Llewellyn from Rend Collective is our guest and he brings a devotional that shares some of his personal experiences in an honest and transparent way. During a very difficult time in Chris’s life he clung to this scripture:  2 Timothy 2:13 (NIV) …if we are faithless, he remains faithful, for he cannot disown himself. Even if we don’t have enough faith during lifes most difficult times, God remains faithful.  “We went into a doctor's office and we didn't know what to expect, but we had prayed all the right prayers, and me coming from a charismatic background, I thought that was how it worked. I thought you prayed and you got miracles. I had never experienced that moment before, where you don't get the miracle, or at least it doesn't show up in the way that you expect.” - - Chris Llewellyn - - - - - - - - - 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.liinks.co/chrisllewellyn_ https://www.instagram.com/worshipleader/ https://worshipleader.com/all-podcasts/ https://authenticmedia.company/ https://worshipleader.com/all-podcasts/our-host/ Who is Chris Llewellyn? Chris Llewellyn is an Irish singer/songwriter, now working out of Nashville, Tennessee. True to his Celtic roots, his songs explore life through a lens of honest, inquisitive faith. His lyric driven writing style draws inspiration from the storytellers of his homeland (Van Morrison, Glen Hansard, Foy Vance, U2), while pressing forward musically into expressions as varied as alt-pop, Americana and live looping performances. His solo project co-exists alongside his career as a founding member of platinum-selling worship act, “Rend Collective”. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

It's always incredible when a story that we've heard our entire lives turns into a story that we feel like we're hearing for the first time. As we grow in our faith and understanding of his Word, the Lord reveals more layers of truth and allows us to experience things that open up our eyes to new revelations. This story of Noah, as told from the perspective of our special guest Yancy, is one of those special stories that takes on new meaning as we are faced with challenges.  Genesis 6:9 This is the account of Noah and his family. Noah was a righteous man, blameless among the people of his time, and he walked faithfully with God.  God is asking for our "Yes." So often we miss that because we're not listening. Yancy's fantastic devotional challenges us to stop, listen, and respond to the voice of the Lord with the same passion and commitment that Noah did when he was asked to build a giant boat. It made no sense at the time, but he had given his "Yes" to God, and because of that Noah's actions changed the course of history. Thanks, Noah! - - - - - - - - - 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://yancyministries.com/ https://www.instagram.com/worshipleader/ https://worshipleader.com/all-podcasts/ https://authenticmedia.company/ https://worshipleader.com/all-podcasts/our-host/ Who is Yancy? From Yancy: “From the time in my life that I was single digits, I always knew God had put me on this earth to do music. Looking back I realize a lot of adults that surrounded me were aware, at least on some level, of what God had for me because they were cheering me on and encouraging me in an unprecedented way. I made my first album and hit the road performing concerts when I was a senior in high school and never looked back. In so many ways these twenty-five years have played differently than what I dreamed. The journey has certainly looked different than what my mind’s eye teenage dream could imagine, but to be fair, the pieces of my story have in many ways been so much sweeter. Ephesians 3:20 & 21 are still two of my favorite verses and for this milestone of my career and ministry, I can’t help but smile and realize that it truly has been better than what I could ask, think or imagine. I’ve spent all 25 years of my music career as an independent artist. I’m certainly an unconventional artist and the fact that God has allowed me to fulfill my calling to make and perform music full-time is icing on the cake. Part underdog, part Energizer bunny. Part the little engine that could: I’m still here. Still doing what I love making Jesus loud. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

"Beaming" in from New Zealand, one of our friends, Grant Norsworthy is our guest on this devotional episode of The Walk. From his days in Sonicflood leading I Could Sing Of Your Love Forever to an encounter with God on stage when he said, "Grant, I never asked you to sing of my Love. Instead, I asked you to be my love," Grant has a big message for all worshippers. He brings us back to the basics of what words like "worship" and "awesome" mean.  James 1:26 (NIV) Those who consider themselves religious and yet do not keep a tight rein on their tongues deceive themselves, and their religion is worthless. - - - - - - - - - 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.grantnorsworthy.com/ https://www.instagram.com/worshipleader/ https://worshipleader.com/all-podcasts/ https://authenticmedia.company/ https://worshipleader.com/all-podcasts/our-host/ Who Is Grant Norsworthy Grant Norsworthy is not another singer who talks too much. He’s a speaker who sings songs. An Aussie who was based in Nashville, Tennessee, USA from 2002 to 2018, Grant Norsworthy achieved considerable success as a professional musician including a Grammy® nomination, a Dove Award, extensive touring, recording and radio hits with bands like Paul Colman Trio and Sonicflood. Now conducting global ministry work from his Nelson, New Zealand home base, Grant uses his musicianship, freewheeling wit and uncommon candour to encourage audiences to deeper faith in Christ and good works. As the founder, content developer and principal instructor for More Than Music Mentor, he provides high quality online and onsite training for the heart and the art of worshiping musicians everywhere. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

This special mid-week drop of The Walk is an interview with Scott Volk from Together for Israel.  Together for Israel is a non-profit ministry that exists to fulfill the biblical mandate to support those laboring in the land of Israel. We support the believers in Israel by unashamedly raising funds that specifically go to those who are laboring in the Land for the Gospel (Rom. 15:26-27). We are also a support for the Church as we bring clear Biblical teaching regarding God’s heart for Israel as well as themes related to the Church coming into its necessary ‘fullness’ which must happen before Israel is saved (Rom 11:25-26). WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO WORSHIP THROUGH ISRAEL? Worship is acknowledging and declaring the worthiness of God and His deeds when we meet Him in Spirit and in Truth. We invite you to Worship Through Israel with us. Bring your God given gifts & offer them as a sacrifice to God during this unforgettable journey through Israel. RETURN TO THE HEART OF WORSHIP IN THE HOLY LAND WITH MEREDITH ANDREWS & SPECIAL GUESTS Not your average tour, our journey though the Holy Land will leave you changed forever. This tour is curated to awaken your heart for worship, inspire your mind and draw you nearer to God. Each day we will learn together, share meals, and build friendships that last a lifetime. This tour will include nights of worship and ministry with Meredith Andrews and a special guest (who we will be announcing very soon), as well as songwriting workshops, devotional times filled with praise and more. https://www.worshipthroughisrael.com/ https://www.togetherforisrael.org/ Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Everyone has an origin story and some are faced with trauma and hardship at an early age. On today’s episode of our devotional podcast, The Walk, Nathan Sheridan tells his story and it’s not an easy story to hear. He faced incredible challenges throughout his childhood, but God brought him through.  Romans 8:28-29 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who[i] have been called according to his purpose. For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters. That verse can seem hollow for those in the midst of hardships, but be encouraged, God will see you through and he will work this for the good of those who love him. That “love” word is key to really understanding the verse. Press in to Jesus during those difficulties and fall in love with his Word and his promises and you will find a pathway forward. - - - - - - - - - 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.nathansheridanofficial.com/ https://www.instagram.com/worshipleader/ https://worshipleader.com/all-podcasts/ https://authenticmedia.company/ https://worshipleader.com/all-podcasts/our-host/ Who is Nathan Sheridan? Born in Pensacola, Florida, to parents dealing with addiction, Nathan Sheridan was raised in Louisiana by his grandparents. Following a tumultuous childhood that included the loss of his older sister to brain cancer, Sheridan made a commitment to Christ when he was 14. Upon high school graduation he enlisted in the National Guard and served his country for six years. While deployed in Kuwait, Sheridan led worship for fellow soldiers, providing a foundation that impacts his ministry today. His critically acclaimed full-length debut, Broken With You, released in 2018 and features the poignant track “Again.” Paying tribute to veterans of the Greatest Generation, the music video for “Again” premiered on CMT in 2019 as part of its “Artist Discovery" platform. Sheridan's inspiring life story has been featured on The 700 Club, 100 Huntley Street and the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association's GPS: God. People. Stories. podcast, among other outlets; and he has opened for such artists as Matthew West, Tasha Layton and CAIN. After signing with Amplo Records in 2022, Sheridan bowed his label debut, “Something Worth Singing About,” and the single has garnered more than three million streams to date. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Some situations are so painful that telling the story is just too hard, so the testimonies never get shared. In this episode of The Walk, Jess Loper (Chambers) shares a very personal experience that ends in redemption and healing. The strength and leadership that she displays just by being willing to share about her situation is a testament to who she is at her core; a strong, faithful, forgiving, servant of Jesus. Romans 8:28 (ESV) And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. Way to go, Jess. Thank you for being transparent and you’re not alone. There are so many others with a similar story and we know that your being willing to share will bring courage and healing to others as well. - - - - - - - - - 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.gotee.com/ https://www.instagram.com/worshipleader/ https://worshipleader.com/all-podcasts/ https://authenticmedia.company/ https://worshipleader.com/all-podcasts/our-host/ Who is Jess Loper? Jess Loper, Senior VP of Brand Management (Gotee Records), President of Publishing (Emack Music) and Founder, Without Labels Collective. Jess Loper began her career in the newsroom serving as an Editor with Business Wire who services the Associated Press with press releases for publicly held companies. From there she took her love of words into the music industry in the A&R department at Capitol CMG/Universal Music. In this position she was an integral part of the production process for CMG’s roster of artists while also handling business affairs, union negotiations, and film & tv licensing for the label. In 2017, she’s joined the team at Gotee Records as the Senior VP of Brand Management (Gotee Records) and President of Publishing (Emack Music). Gotee Records and Emack Music are a record label and a music publishing and administration company started in 1994 under the leadership of artist, TobyMac and label president, Joey Elwood. Recently, she also launched Without Labels Collective, a company that focuses on music supervision and licensing for film & television (The Jesus Music Documentary, Trinity Broadcasting Networks, The Huckabee Show, Compassion International, and Thrive just to name a few). This new venture is also focused on educating and supporting songwriters & artists on the business side of the creative process. Outside of her career in the music industry, her writing has been featured in the Huffington Post & Business Week among other digital news outlets and printed publications. Her greatest role in life has been getting to be a mom to Brody (14) & Kellen (12) and bonus mom to Jackson Loper (14).  She married her favorite songwriter, Brent Loper, in the spring of '22 on the front porch of their little farmhouse in Culleoka, TN. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

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.