Walking with the Savior - Testimonies of Jesus Christ in Christian Lives
Christian guests share their stories, testimonies, and journey with the Savior Jesus Christ. Also on Youtube: bit.ly/44Pm0Ug Testimonies range from lifetime believers to inmates transformed by the power of Jesus Christ. Come join us as real life, everyday saints, share their modern day testimony of the Savior.
The Heartbreaking Story That Sparked a Global Mission (Feat. Becky Murray) - EP 141
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On this reuploaded episode of Walking With the Savior, discover the inspiring story of Becky Murray, founder of One By One, an organization dedicated to combating human trafficking, protecting vulnerable children, and reuniting families around the world.
Becky's mission began with a heartbreaking encounter with a young girl in Sierra Leone who believed she had to exchange her innocence for a pair of shoes. That moment changed Becky's life and inspired her to take action against exploitation.
Today, One By One works across multiple countries, including Kenya, Pakistan, Uganda...
God's Plan Is to Let You In, Not Keep You Out (Feat. Ben Karson) - EP 140
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Can you lose your way spiritually and still find your way back to Jesus Christ?
On this episode of Walking With the Savior, host John Merrill Kirkman welcomes Ben Karson, who shares his journey of redemption, repentance, and rediscovering Jesus Christ.
After drifting away from the Church as a teenager, Ben returned to his faith when his future wife began exploring the gospel. Through prayer, daily repentance, and the guidance of a ministering brother, he discovered that true discipleship goes beyond simply attending church.
Ben shares how...
The Secret to Building Stronger Faith Every Day (Feat. Shauna & Oak Norton) - EP 139
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On this episode of Walking With the Savior, host John Merrill Kirkman welcomes Oak and Shauna Norton to explore practical ways to strengthen faith in Jesus Christ.
Oak introduces ScriptureNotes.com, a powerful scripture study tool, while Shanna shares Refill My Soul, her Christ-centered meditation app designed to help people find greater peace.
Together, they discuss Faith Lab, a free app featuring approximately 270 faith experiments that encourage spiritual growth through small, intentional actions. Oak also shares personal experiences of loss and how the Savior's healing power strengthened his testimony.<...
How to Follow God’s Call as a Woman in Business (Feat. Bonnie Wiscombe) - EP 138
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On Walking With the Savior, host John Merrill Kirkman sits down with author and coach Bonnie Wiscombe to discuss her book, Burning Brightly: Answering God’s Call to Build a Business as a Latter-day Saint Woman. Bonnie shares how faith can guide entrepreneurship while reminding us that inspiration from God doesn’t always mean the road will be easy.
They explore motherhood, guilt, anxiety, changing seasons, and the difference between humility and hiding your gifts. Bonnie explains why our worth should remain rooted in Jesus Christ rather than business success and how...
Can You Be Faithful and Still Struggle With Mental Health? (Feat. Nikki Olsen) - EP 137
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On the Walking With the Savior podcast, host John Merrill Kirkman interviews LDS Therapist and Mental Health Educator Nikki Olsen (LDS Mental Health Co.) about mental health and discipleship, addressing why believers can still experience anxiety, depression, addiction, and be overwhelmed despite sincere spiritual habits. Nikki explains how mental health skills can help clear mental “clutter” to better hear the still, small voice, and reframes opposition as part of the Plan of Salvation. An opportunity to rely on the Savior rather than eliminate all problems. They discuss avoiding checklist or perfectionist spirituality, distinguishing Spir...
How to See More Miracles in Your Everyday Life (Feat. Mark Hampton and Alyssa Wilkinson) - EP 136
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On the Walking with the Savior podcast, John interviews Mark Hampton and Alyssa Wilkinson about their book, The Miracle Experiment, and how walking with Jesus Christ can lead to more daily miracles. Alyssa explains how the project grew from recording Mark’s personal miracle stories into a framework for living by the Spirit with confidence. Mark describes an “experiment” of fasting, praying, listening for promptings, acting immediately, and documenting the results, emphasizing the importance of effort, being “interruptible,” and reducing distractions to hear the still, small voice.
They discuss tuning in through pe...
What Your Patriarchal Blessing Is Really For (Feat. Orlando Kelm) - EP 135
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John Merrill Kirkman and Orlando Kelm explore the power of patriarchal blessings and why they should be viewed as lifelong spiritual guidance, not fortune telling or a checklist of future events. They discuss identity, spiritual gifts, purpose, tribal declarations, and using a blessing like a personal Liahona alongside prayer and scripture study. John also shares how his own blessing brought comfort and purpose during difficult teenage years. The episode closes with powerful insights about discovering who God intends us to become and trusting Jesus Christ through life’s challenges.
Order Orlando's bo...
Are You Spiritually Ready to Meet the Savior? (Feat. Jerry J Higgins) - EP 134
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On this episode of Walking with the Savior, John Kirkman interviews Jerry “J” Higgins, a U.S. Marine Corps veteran, IT leader, chaplain, and founder of Anchor Points Press, about his 16-week men's Bible study, Revelations: Faithful Until the End. John explains why Revelation should point us toward Jesus Christ, not fear, dates, or prophecy speculation, and challenges men to examine their spiritual readiness to meet the Savior.
They discuss the struggles men often face with anger, poor communication, resentment, and “machismo,” and explore how Christlike leadership replaces those patterns...
Stop Asking “Why Me?” and Start Asking “What Can I Do?” (Feat. John G. Miller) - EP 133
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In this episode of Walking With the Savior, John Kirkman interviews John G. Miller, author of QBQ! The Question Behind the Question, about transforming the way we respond to challenges at work, at home, and in our walk with Jesus Christ.
Miller explains how replacing blame-focused questions like “Why me?” or “When will someone fix this?” with action-focused questions beginning with “What” or “How” can create greater personal accountability. He shares powerful examples of people who chose to take ownership and go...
Healing Through Service: Bullseye the Clown's Journey with Jesus - EP 132
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In this inspiring episode of Walking With the Savior, John Merrill Kirkman sits down with Bullseye the Clown, hose journey from childhood bullying, family trauma, and personal loss led him to discover healing through serving others.
Inspired by the real Patch Adams, Jeff joined clown humanitarian tours that took him to hospitals, orphanages, hospices, and impoverished communities around the world. Along the way, he learned that a simple smile, wave, or laugh can restore hope to someone who feels forgotten. Those experiences eventually inspired him to found Clowns on a Mission...
They Left Everything to Follow Jesus Christ (Feat. Kirk & Marianne Leininger) - EP 131
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What happens when God asks you to leave behind a successful career and step into the unknown? In this inspiring episode of Walking With the Savior, John Merrill Kirkman welcomes Kirk and Marianne Leininger as they share the remarkable story of leaving a thriving medical practice, selling their dream home, and accepting a senior mission call that changed their lives forever.
What began as an office assignment quickly became an unexpected opportunity to lead and strengthen a French-speaking branch. From miraculous Facebook referrals and helping refugees, to teaching and baptizing a...
How to Stay Human in an AI World (Feat. Jeff Burningham) - EP 130
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On this episode of Walking With the Savior, John Merrill Kirkman welcomes entrepreneur, author, and former Utah gubernatorial candidate Jeff Burningham to discuss his thought-provoking book, The Last Book Written by a Human: Becoming Wise in the Age of AI. Together they explore how artificial intelligence is rapidly changing our world—and why wisdom, presence, and Christlike love are becoming more valuable than ever.
Jeff explains that while AI is making intelligence increasingly accessible, true human flourishing comes through qualities machines cannot replicate: vulnerability, compassion, relationships, and embodied love. John and Je...
Why I Served a Mission Despite My Sensory Issues and Anxiety (Feat. Ava Bentley) - EP 129
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Have you ever felt like the very place you go for healing is where you get hurt the most? In this powerful episode of Walking with the Savior, Ava Bentley shares her raw and honest journey of serving a mission while navigating severe mental health challenges and unexpected church hurt. Her story is a beautiful reminder that even when people let us down, the Savior never does.
Ava opens up about her lifelong battle with ADHD, OCD, and depression, and how a profound experience with the Book of Mormon at age 15...
The Intersection of Christianity and Mental Health (Feat. Joshua Kohl) - EP 128
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Can Christians Take Medication and Still Have Strong Faith?
On this episode of Walking With the Savior, John Merrill Kirkman welcomes Christian author and pastor Joshua Kohl to discuss his powerful new book, Still Faithful: When Prayer Meets Prescription. Josh shares his deeply personal journey through depression, ADHD, OCD, shame, addiction, and the difficult road to understanding that trusting God and seeking medical treatment are not opposing choices.
After believing he had been miraculously healed, Josh stopped taking his medication, a decision that led to years of emotional instability...
How do find purpose in my life? (Feat. Dustin Peterson) - EP 127
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On this episode of Walking with the Savior, host John interviews leadership trainer and career coach Dustin Peterson, author of Meant for More, about discovering a unique, God-given life purpose. Dustin shares his longtime struggle to find purpose, explains why he believes everyone has a specific purpose, and distinguishes purpose (outward-focused contribution) from goals (often self-focused and short-term), using examples and analogies.
They discuss the “purpose deficit,” how purpose fuels motivation, resilience, and wellbeing, and why retirement without purpose can feel empty. Dustin teaches how to craft a memorable purpose statement in 10...
Forgiveness, Reconciliation & the Enabling Power of Jesus Christ (Feat. Roger Connors) - EP 126
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In this episode of Walking With the Savior, the John Kirkman interviews author and leadership consultant Roger Connors about his book Healing the Wounded Heart: Forgiving One Another Through the Enabling Power of Jesus Christ. Connors explains a key misconception: divine forgiveness is conditional on repentance, while brotherly forgiveness is unconditional, and confusing the two leads people to wait for apologies or restitution.
He discusses why the our savior commands forgiving all, how trusting Christ as the perfect judge helps release the burden of resentment, and why forgiveness is a process...
How to Trust God During Stressful Times (Feat. Donna Strong) - EP 125
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Have you ever felt betrayed by the people you trusted most in your faith community? It can be devastating when the place meant for healing becomes a source of pain, but there is a way to find total reliance on God even in the middle of a storm. Join us for a powerful conversation about finding strength and maintaining your faith when life feels impossible.
In this episode of the Walk with the Savior podcast, we are joined by Donna Strong, author of the book Trust: Total Reliance Under Stressful Times...
The Ultimate Wedding Reception - WWTS DAILY - EP 27
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Have you ever felt small in a room full of important people? In this heartfelt episode, John Merrill Kirkman shares a powerful experience from an unforgettable wedding reception filled with community leaders, influential people, and excitement about who might walk through the door next. While standing in the crowd, John had a profound realization about the Second Coming of Jesus Christ.
Drawing on Christ's comparison of Himself as the Bridegroom and His followers as the bride, John shares a beautiful perspective: when the Savior returns, He won't be focused on the...
What God Does When You Hit Your Limit - WWTS DAILY - EP 25
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Ever feel like you've hit your limit? Like your battery is stuck at 1% and there's nothing left to give? In this encouraging episode, John Merrill Kirkman shares a powerful truth from 2 Corinthians 12:9: God's strength shows up strongest when we feel weakest. What feels like the end of the road may actually be the beginning of a divine plot twist.
When life gets heavy, Christ doesn't show up with condemnation or a demand to "try harder." Instead, He offers grace, strength, and the reminder that His power is made perfect in our...
Feeling Left Behind? Watch This - WWTS DAILY - EP 25
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Ever feel like everyone else has life figured out while you're just spinning in circles? In this playful and heartfelt devotional, John Merrill Kirkman shares the story of "Ducky" a little duck who feels out of place in a big, busy river. Through this simple analogy, John reminds us of a profound truth found in Deuteronomy 7: God sees you as special, chosen, and deeply loved.
No matter how tangled, discouraged, or imperfect your journey feels, the Lord knows your name and reaches out with a mighty hand to rescue, strengthen, and...
Don't Let Your Spiritual Fire Fizzle Out - WWTS DAILY - EP 24
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Ever feel like your spiritual fire has fizzled out? In this fun and relatable message, John Merrill Kirkman compares our faith to a campfire. Just like a campfire needs fresh wood every day, our spiritual lives need daily connection with Jesus Christ. Through humor, camping stories, marshmallows, and practical faith lessons, John reminds us that needing to start again isn't failure—it's simply part of being human.
If you've ever felt discouraged because your motivation, peace, or faith seems to come and go, this episode offers hope. Christ invites us back da...
Sitting with the Savior - WWTS DAILY - EP 23
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What if one of the most powerful things you could do this week is simply sit with the Savior?
In this special Miracle Monday Meditation Mantra, John Merrill Kirkman shares a simple yet profound spiritual practice called Sitting with the Savior. Inspired by the teachings of Henry B. Eyring, this guided reflection invites you to slow down, breathe deeply, and reconnect with Jesus Christ in a personal and meaningful way.
Instead of striving to have all the answers, this practice teaches us to rest in Christ's presence, ask sincere...
From Broken to Restored: Finding Your Identity in God (Feat. Marilyn Johnson) - EP 124
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Have you ever felt like your life was a broken glass, unable to hold onto love or peace no matter how hard you tried? In this moving episode of the Walking with the Savior podcast, guest Marilyn shares her incredible transformation from a childhood marked by emotional neglect and abandonment to a life of divine restoration in Christ.
Marilyn opens up about the deep wounds that led her down destructive paths as a teenager, including the shame of teen pregnancy and the fear of being unlovable. She explains her powerful parable...
Remember Who You Are - WWTS DAILY - EP 22
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What if one of the greatest battles you'll ever face is simply remembering who you really are?
In this inspiring Walking With the Savior Daily episode, John Merrill Kirkman shares powerful teachings from Elaine Dalton and reminds us that our identity is not defined by the world, our mistakes, or our circumstances. We are sons and daughters of God with a divine heritage, a royal birthright, and a purpose that was prepared long before we came to earth.
Through a memorable story about the son of a king who...
Jesus Christ Is Your Strength - WWTS DAILY - EP 21
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What if you could hear exactly what Jesus Christ would say to you if He stood before you today?
In this powerful Walking With the Savior Daily clip, John Merrill Kirkman shares inspiring words from Dieter F. Uchtdorf about the Savior's deep love, confidence, and belief in each of us. Instead of focusing on our mistakes, fears, and shortcomings, Christ invites us to see ourselves through His eyes—as beloved sons and daughters of God with limitless potential through Him.
If you've ever struggled with self-doubt, felt weighed down by...
Look & Live - WWTS DAILY - EP 20
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What if the answer to your struggles was simpler than you think? In this powerful devotional message, John Kirkman reflects on the story of the Israelites and the fiery serpents. Faced with pain and consequences, they were given a surprisingly simple invitation from God: look and live. Yet many missed their healing because the solution seemed too easy.
John draws a direct connection to our lives today. When discouragement, fear, doubt, regret, failure, or sadness begin to weigh us down, we often search everywhere for relief except the one place where...
This Hits Me Harder Than Expected - WWTS DAILY - EP 19
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A simple story from a father at a girls' camp delivers a powerful lesson about faith, trust, and listening for God's voice. As his blindfolded daughter navigates an obstacle course, she eventually finds herself confused and off track until she asks the question many of us ask in life's difficult moments: "Dad, are you there?" The answer reminds us of an eternal truth—God never leaves us. Sometimes we simply stop listening. This short but impactful message is a reminder that no matter where you are, Heavenly Father is still there, ready to gu...
Jesus' Words To You - WWTS DAILY - EP 18
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Start your week with peace, confidence, and a deeper connection to Jesus Christ through this Miracle Monday Meditation Mantra. In this guided experience, John Merrill Kirkman invites listeners to release limiting beliefs, fear, self-doubt, and negative stories they have carried for years. As you visualize sitting beside the Savior near a peaceful stream, you'll be reminded of powerful truths about His love, guidance, forgiveness, and presence in your life. This uplifting meditation is designed to help you begin each day rooted in faith, confidence, and the assurance that Christ walks beside you.
<...You Are Not Disqualified: Finding Hope After 5 Failed Marriages (Feat. Anjel Camenzuli) - EP 123
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Do you ever feel like your past mistakes have permanently disqualified you from God's love or a meaningful life? Maybe you feel like you have burnt every bridge and there is no hope left for your situation. In this episode of the Walking with the Savior podcast, we sit down with Anjel, a woman who shares her incredible journey from feeling like a modern day woman at the well to finding total restoration and joy.
Anjel opens up about the heavy shame of five failed marriages and the lie that she...
Garden of the Heart - WWTS DAILY - EP 17
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John Merrill Kirkman shares a thought-provoking message inspired by As a Man Thinketh about the power of our thoughts and the “garden” we cultivate in our minds. Using the analogy of planting seeds, this episode reminds listeners that whatever thoughts we repeatedly allow into our hearts will eventually shape our lives. Through scripture, faith, and practical encouragement, John teaches that we are not powerless victims of circumstance—we are spiritual gardeners choosing what grows inside us. Plant fear, and anxiety grows. Plant truth, gratitude, and faith in Jesus Christ, and a beautiful life begins...
Keep Moving Forward - WWTS DAILY - EP 16
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John Merrill Kirkman shares an uplifting message about persistence, endurance, and continuing forward even when progress feels slow. Drawing from an ancient proverb and Philippians 3:14, this episode reminds listeners that growth is often quiet and gradual—not dramatic or instant. Through faith in Jesus Christ, we are called to keep pressing forward, trusting the process, and refusing to stand still. No matter how slow the journey may feel, every faithful step matters.
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God Is The Good Guy - WWTS DAILY - EP 15
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John Merrill Kirkman shares a powerful message about the true character of God and why understanding His goodness changes everything. Drawing from author John Bushman and scripture in James 1:17, this episode challenges the common belief that God causes suffering to teach lessons. Instead, listeners are reminded that we live in a fallen world, and God’s role is not to hurt us but to heal, strengthen, comfort, and walk beside us through life’s pain and struggles. When we truly understand that God is good, it transforms the way we trust, pray, and conn...
Are You Plugged In? - WWTS DAILY - EP 14
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John Merrill Kirkman shares a powerful analogy comparing our spiritual lives to a phone battery. Just like a phone can’t function without being plugged into power, we were never meant to navigate life disconnected from Jesus Christ. Drawing from Philippians 4:13 and John 15, this episode reminds listeners that true strength doesn’t come from relying solely on ourselves—it comes from staying connected to Christ. When we remain plugged into Him, we gain the power, peace, and strength needed to face life’s hardest challenges.
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Walking With Jesus - WWTS DAILY - EP 13
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John Merrill Kirkman leads a calming and uplifting guided meditation designed to help listeners release fear, self-doubt, and negative thoughts while reconnecting with the love and presence of Jesus Christ. Through deep breathing, visualization, and faith-filled affirmations, this powerful episode reminds listeners that they are never alone. Christ walks beside them, strengthens them, and helps them move forward with peace, confidence, and hope. A perfect spiritual reset for anyone needing encouragement, calm, and connection with the Savior.
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Why Your Career Success Is Leaving You Spiritually Empty (Feat. Jill Cirillo) - EP 122
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Are you feeling successful on the outside but spiritually exhausted on the inside? It is time to stop trying to add God on top of your life and start walking with him as your true source of identity and peace.
In this episode of the Walking with the Savior podcast, host John Merrill Kirkman sits down with leadership coach Jill Cirillo to discuss how to integrate faith into your daily work and life. Jill shares her vulnerable story of moving from corporate momentum to spiritual disconnection and the radical shift that...
What Are You Focusing On? - WWTS DAILY - EP 12
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John Merrill Kirkman shares a powerful lesson from the story of the 12 spies in the book of Numbers, showing how two people can face the exact same challenge yet walk away with completely different perspectives. While 10 spies focused on fear and obstacles, Joshua and Caleb focused on God’s power and promises. This inspiring daily episode reminds listeners that what we focus on shapes what we believe—and what we believe shapes our future. The giants may be real, but God is greater.
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The Power Of Thoughts - WWTS DAILY - EP 11
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John Merrill Kirkman shares a powerful message about the connection between our thoughts, our faith, and the life we create. Drawing from Marcus Aurelius, Dale Carnegie, scripture, and the story of Nephi building the ship, this episode reminds listeners that thoughts rooted in fear lead to doubt, while thoughts rooted in faith lead to growth and possibility. Through Jesus Christ, we can challenge negative thinking, remember our divine worth, and align our minds with truth instead of fear. What you repeatedly think about matters—and faith-filled thoughts can change your life.
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He Suffered So We Don't Have To - WWTS DAILY - EP 10
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John Merrill Kirkman shares a deeply moving message about the atonement of Jesus Christ and the true meaning of repentance. Drawing from Doctrine and Covenants 19, this episode reminds listeners that Christ’s suffering was real, personal, and done completely out of love. Repentance is not punishment—it’s relief. Jesus Christ already carried the pain, guilt, shame, and burden so we wouldn’t have to carry them alone. This powerful devotional invites listeners to stop holding onto what Christ already paid for and instead be reconciled to God through Him.
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Does Gratitude Spare Us From Sarrow - WWTS DAILY - EP 9
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John Merrill Kirkman shares a powerful message about gratitude and how it changes the way we experience life’s hardest moments. Inspired by President Russell M. Nelson’s teaching, this episode reminds listeners that gratitude doesn’t erase pain, sorrow, or struggle—but it does steady the heart and shift perspective toward hope. Even in the middle of life’s storms, gratitude helps us recognize God’s presence, see the good that still exists, and find peace through Jesus Christ.
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Miracle Monday Morning Mantra Meditation - WWTS DAILY - EP 8
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John Merrill Kirkman guides listeners through a peaceful and uplifting “Miracle Monday Morning Mantra Meditation” designed to help start the week centered on Jesus Christ. Through deep breathing, affirmations, and quiet reflection, this daily meditation reminds listeners that they are loved, guided, and capable through the Savior. A calming spiritual reset focused on faith, hope, purpose, and walking with Christ throughout the week.
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