Travis West: "Call the Sabbath a delight." | Unfolding Short Stories

John Rhys-Davies, narrator of THE CHRIST, joins us to talk about Jesus, Tolkien, and the deeper story behind this four-part Easter audio epic. Through cinematic storytelling, powerful performances, and stirring music, THE CHRIST brings the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus vividly to life. Learn more at: TheChristPodcast.com

Experience the story of Jesus like never before in THE CHRIST, a four-part Easter audio epic. THE CHRIST brings the gospel narrative vividly to life—from the humble manger to the victorious resurrection—through world-class voice talent, cinematic soundscapes, and stirring music. From the halls of Roman power to the wilderness of Judea and the hills of Galilee, this immersive audio drama follows the life, ministry, sacrifice, and resurrection of Jesus of Nazareth—and the people forever changed by Him. Follow the podcast now so you hear each new episode the moment it releases. Listen here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-christ-an-easter-audio-epic/id1870710176 Or here: https://open.spotify.com/show/6oaFRx79AiROdosDof8FME Learn more at TheChristPodcast.com

Faith Podcasts are made possible by your support. You can click here to give.  Emmy-nominated actor Tom Pelphrey (HBO's Task, Netflix's Ozark) joins The Unfolding to talk about stepping into one of the most profound roles imaginable. Tom portrays Jesus in The Christ, a new four-part audio drama from Faith Podcasts that brings the story of Jesus to life through immersive sound and a powerful, star-studded cast. In this conversation, Tom shares what it was like to take on a role that is both deeply personal and universally known; from the challenge of portraying "fully God and fully man," to the surprising way certain scenes, like the temptation in the wilderness, began to echo his own inner dialogue. This episode explores identity, faith, and the voice we choose to listen to, and how an ancient story still speaks into modern life.  Show Notes:   Listen to The CHRIST:  https://thechristpodcast.com/  Tom Pelphrey Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tommypelphrey/  The Christ trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xcMlmFZnlKw  The Christ website: thechristpodcast.com  The Christ socials: Instagram | Facebook | YouTube 

"With God, no season is wasted, no time is wasted."  Haylee Graham shares how God used one short film, one Bible verse, and one unexpected season to bring reconciliation with her father before his sudden death. What became his final film also became a turning point in their relationship. In this Unfolding Short Story, Haylee reflects on grief, God's timing, and the quiet ways He prepares us for what's ahead.  Here's a link to the short film Haylee talks about: "Planted" Here's a link to Haylee's latest book: Take the Horse and Run 

Faith Podcasts are made possible by your support. You can click here to give.  Content warning: This episode contains discussion of child sexual abuse and neglect. Listener discretion is advised.  Mary DeMuth, author of more than 50 books including Restory Your Life, shares her journey from a childhood of abuse and neglect to a life marked by God's healing, hope, and purpose.  Hear how a single prayer as a teenager- "God, would you be the Father who will never leave me?"- set Mary on a path of faith, healing, and ultimately helping others walk through their own pain. She talks candidly about the long, often difficult process of healing, and offers insight into how sharing your story can bring light, encouragement, and restoration.  This episode is a powerful reminder that God can redeem the most painful chapters of our lives, and that your story, no matter how broken, can become a source of hope for others.  Show Notes:  Website:   https://www.marydemuth.com/  Restory Your Life book:   https://www.marydemuth.com/books/restory-your-life/  Pray Every Day podcast:  https://www.marydemuth.com/prayeveryday-2/  Thin Places book:  https://www.marydemuth.com/books/thin-places-2/  Into the Light Bible study:   https://www.marydemuth.com/books/into-the-light-bible-study-book/  The Wall Around Your Heart book:  https://www.marydemuth.com/books/wall-around-heart/ 

  "Lord, please remove this desire to drink."  Karisa Rogers believed in God. She even liked telling people about Jesus. But alcohol still had a grip on her life.  What began as a way to fit in eventually became a way to cope with heartbreak and family pain. After years of struggle, Karisa reached the end of herself and prayed a simple prayer: "Lord, please remove this desire to drink." In this Unfolding Short Story, Karisa shares how God met her in that moment and how her life has been transformed ever since. 

Faith Podcasts are made possible by your support. You can click here to give.    Dennis Ritter spent decades battling heart disease, living with the knowledge that his time might be shorter than most.  But suffering didn't make him bitter. It deepened his faith. When Dennis' health declined, his family gathered to say goodbye. In this deeply moving episode of The Unfolding, Dawn Ritter and her children, Ben and Karen, share the story of Dennis' final days, the legacy of faith he left behind, and the hope that carries them through heartbreaking loss. They talk honestly about grief, unanswered prayers for healing, and why their faith in God remained steady even when the miracle they asked for didn't come.  Because sometimes God doesn't remove the suffering. Sometimes He meets us in it.   Show Notes:   Books:  Every Moment Holy Vol. 2 Death, Grief, and Hope  https://www.amazon.com/Every-Moment-Holy-II-Hardcover/dp/1951872053     Grieving with Hope  https://www.amazon.com/Grieving-Hope-Walking-Jesus-Heartbreak/dp/164507448X     A Grace Disguised  https://www.amazon.com/Grace-Disguised-Revised-Expanded-through/dp/0310363594     When Mountains Crumble  https://www.amazon.com/When-Mountains-Crumble-Rebuilding-Someone/dp/0802425569     Walking with God through Pain and Suffering   https://www.amazon.com/Walking-God-through-Pain-Suffering/dp/1594634408     Podcasts:  The Widowed Mom Podcast by Krista St. Germain - https://www.coachingwithkrista.com/podcast/     The Widow Coach Podcast by Karen Sutton.  https://www.karensutton.co.uk/podcasts/the-widow-podcast     A Widow's Heart Podcast with Pam Lundell  https://www.myfaithpodcasts.com/podcasts/a-widows-heart/     Website:   Never Alone Widows - a nationwide ministry to widows.  https://www.neveralonewidows.com/ 

  "There are no winners in what we went through… only Hannah."  Gary and Mari Malychewski share the story of losing their young daughter in a tragic accident. In the days and years that followed, they faced questions of grief, guilt, and forgiveness that few parents ever have to carry. Looking back, they say God had been quietly preparing their hearts long before that day arrived. This is a story about loss, faith, and the difficult grace of learning to forgive in the middle of unimaginable pain. 

Faith Podcasts are made possible by your support. You can click here to give.    Dennis died three times. What he experienced while his heart stopped changed the way he—and his family—would live the rest of their lives.  Dennis spent his life trying to outrun the heart disease that ran in his family. He exercised. Ate well. Stayed disciplined. Then one day, without warning, he collapsed from a massive heart attack. His heart stopped three times. Dennis says during those moments he experienced something almost impossible to describe.  It was an overwhelming sense of love and peace.  While doctors fought to save him, his wife Dawn stood in the hospital hallway praying, clinging to Scripture, and surrendering her husband's life to God. When Dennis came back, everything changed. They didn't just get survival. They got bonus time. A deeper intimacy with God. And a new understanding of how God had been preparing them long before this moment.  Show Notes:  Book Dennis mentioned:  https://www.amazon.com/90-Minutes-Heaven-Story-Death/dp/0800759494 

Travis West knows what it feels like to run on empty. Early in his marriage he was working multiple jobs and caring for his wife Mariah through a long illness. A study trip to Jerusalem changed everything. When the city slowed to a standstill on Friday nights, Travis experienced Sabbath rest for the first time. In this episode he explains how that weekly pause brought new life to his family and why he believes Sabbath is a practical gift for anyone today.  Book:   The Sabbath Way: Making Room in Your Life for Rest, Connection, and Delight  www.travis-west.com  https://www.travis-west.com/practices