#387: Can I Start a Morning Prayer Routine? With Tara Beth Leach

The practice of waking early to seek God in prayer is woven into the fabric of Scripture. But... what if you're not a morning person? Oh friend, I get it! But whether you greet the sunrise with joy or hit snooze like it's your spiritual gift, today you'll be challenged to rethink what's possible with God. Joining me on the 4:13 is author Tara Beth Leach who shares why mornings matter, how even night owls or those with busy schedules can make space for God, and what it looks like to build a structured yet flexible morning rhythm that actually sticks. You'll walk away with practical guidance, spiritual encouragement, and inspiration for starting your day surrendered to God's presence. So if mornings feel intimidating—or impossible—don't worry. You'll discover that God meets us there with grace, purpose, and renewal. Wake up, buttercup! This one's for you! SHOW NOTES: 413Podcast.com/387  Enter to win the GIVEAWAY and read the episode TRANSCRIPT in the show notes. Get my weekly email, Java with Jennifer, to be notified when a new podcast episode releases. Subscribe HERE.

When Lysa TerKeurst experienced the painful, unwanted end of her nearly 30-year marriage, she found herself asking hard questions and searching Scripture for real answers. She didn't just need comfort—she needed clarity, truth, and a way forward. On today's episode of the 4:13, Lysa shares the resource she wishes she had during that season and tackles some of the most difficult questions many women quietly carry: Does God hate divorce? How do I move forward when I'm still angry? How do I rebuild a life I never envisioned? She'll walk you through what the Bible says about divorce, correct some of the misguided messages often accepted, and assure you that you are not alone—even if it feels that way. So, whether you're walking through a divorce right now, still carrying pain from years ago, or loving someone who is in the throes of it all, this conversation offers hope, truth, and practical steps for the road ahead. SHOW NOTES: 413Podcast.com/386   Enter to win the GIVEAWAY and read the episode TRANSCRIPT in the show notes. Get my weekly email, Java with Jennifer, to be notified when a new podcast episode releases. Subscribe HERE.

Do you ever feel let down in your daily experience as a Christian? You're not alone. Pastor and bestselling author Gary Thomas understands that frustration—which he says often comes from believing lies we don't even realize we've embraced. Today on the 4:13, Gary unpacks the subtle deceptions that quietly shape our expectations, steal our joy, and keep us from the abundant life God promises. He reveals 12 common lies many Christians believe and—using Scripture—helps you recognize those lies and replace them with truth. You'll learn to discern the trap of a self-centered salvation, why a family-first mentality does more harm than good, and how entitlement sneaks into our faith more easily than we think. Plus, you'll be introduced to a perspective of being rescued that can transform everything! So, get ready to renew your mind, deepen your trust, and live the life you were reborn to live! SHOW NOTES: 413Podcast.com/385  Enter to win the GIVEAWAY and read the episode TRANSCRIPT in the show notes. Get my weekly email, Java with Jennifer, to be notified when a new podcast episode releases. Subscribe HERE.

You may know Nicole C. Mullen as an incredible singer-songwriter, but did you know she's also a certified Bible nerd? That's right! And she not only knows the Word, but she can teach it too, bringing it to life in a powerful, practical way. So today on the 4:13, Nicole takes us into Scripture to remind us that it's never wrong to do the right thing—even when it's difficult or costly. Because, let's be honest, none of us are perfect, and we don't always make the wisest choices. But no matter what decisions you've made or the consequences you face, God can redeem your past and move you from regret to renewal. As Nicole walks us through the Word and opens up about some of her own not-so-great decisions, you'll be encouraged, challenged, and reminded that hope is never off the table! SHOW NOTES: 413Podcast.com/384  Read the episode TRANSCRIPT in the show notes. Get my weekly email, Java with Jennifer, to be notified when a new podcast episode releases. Subscribe HERE.

Before we rush into the new year, KC and I are taking a moment to look back on 2025 — the fun moments, the hard moments, the lessons learned (and unlearned), and the ways God has faithfully carried us through it all. We hope this conversation inspires you to reflect on your own year, celebrate what God has done, and step forward with expectancy for all He has ahead. Happy New Year! 🎉 SHOW NOTES: 413Podcast.com/383  Read the episode TRANSCRIPT in the show notes. Get my weekly email, Java with Jennifer, to be notified when a new podcast episode releases. Subscribe HERE.

This is a very merry episode of the 4:13 Podcast today because … it's Christmas, and we want to sprinkle a little extra joy into your celebration!  We're talking about the wonder and joy of Christmas—but also the mess of Christmas, because let's be real, it can get a little messy, right? So, we'll laugh together, share a few stories, and remind your heart that Jesus shows up right in the middle of the mess to bring you hope and peace! And to top it off, we're ending this episode with a very special song called "HOPE (Behold Emmanuel)" for you to carry with you throughout this Christmas season. So, be sure to listen until the very end. SHOW NOTES: 413Podcast.com/382  Read the episode TRANSCRIPT in the show notes. Get my weekly email, Java with Jennifer, to be notified when a new podcast episode releases. Subscribe HERE.

We are deeply relational people, longing to be connected and known. That's how we were created! Yet despite having endless ways to connect these days, loneliness is on the rise. So today on the 4:13, author Alli Patterson addresses the loneliness epidemic and breaks down how you can build relationships that actually nourish your soul! But here's the best part…  Alli went straight to God's Word to learn what the Gospels reveal about Jesus and His relationships. And what she discovered is fascinating! She'll walk you through the five essential relationship types Jesus built during His ministry—from His inner circle to the big crowds—and show you why each one matters. You'll see how Jesus intentionally cultivated His relationships and how those same relational rhythms can transform our lives today. So, if you've been craving deeper, healthier relationships, get ready! This conversation is rich with insight and will give you a practical blueprint to begin. SHOW NOTES: 413Podcast.com/381  Enter to win the GIVEAWAY and read the episode TRANSCRIPT in the show notes. Get my weekly email, Java with Jennifer, to be notified when a new podcast episode releases. Subscribe HERE.

Are you feeling overwhelmed by out-of-control thoughts, consuming worry, or the nagging weight of guilt? Well, I've got good news: Your thoughts don't have to control your life! Instead, you can tame those thoughts, and here to help you do it is "America's Pastor," Max Lucado. Through Scripture and biblical wisdom, Max will teach you how to renew your mind and change your thinking—one thought at a time. He tackles common thought struggles like anxiety and guilt, and he offers practical tools to help you rewire those unruly thought patterns, including a tool for identifying UFOs! Wait… UFOs? Yep! Just listen in, and you'll see what I mean. 😉 This conversation will equip you to take every thought captive and discover the peace that comes from a mind anchored in God's truth. Oh friend, there's no one quite like Max to bring gentle and profound clarity to our lives, so get ready to tame your thoughts and transform your life. SHOW NOTES: 413Podcast.com/380  Enter to win the GIVEAWAY and read the episode TRANSCRIPT in the show notes. Get my weekly email, Java with Jennifer, to be notified when a new podcast episode releases. Subscribe HERE.

When life gets hard—really hard—it can be tempting to throw in the towel. But today you're going to hear an incredibly powerful testimony of why you shouldn't.  Pastor Shawn Johnson talks about how he received a devastating brain disease diagnosis that left him wrestling with despair, doubt, and the desire to give up on everything, including his faith and his future. But through vulnerability, community, and choosing to worship even in the middle of his pain, Shawn discovered that joy can coexist with suffering. He'll give you three reasons to keep fighting as well as seven strategies for resilience to help you hold on to hope when everything in you wants to let go. You'll learn how to balance vulnerability with strength, humility with courage, and faith with perseverance—so one day you can look back and say, "Thank God I didn't give up, because look what God has done!" This was such a deeply meaningful conversation that I decided to end this episode by singing over you a song I wrote called "Take Me to the Cross," because that's the place we all need most.   SHOW NOTES: 413Podcast.com/379  Enter to win the GIVEAWAY and read the episode TRANSCRIPT in the show notes. Get my weekly email, Java with Jennifer, to be notified when a new podcast episode releases. Subscribe HERE.

Thanksgiving may come once a year, but thankfulness is for every day. So in this special edition of the 4:13, we're looking at what Scripture says about cultivating an attitude of gratitude—not just today, but always! We hope you'll meditate on these verses and let them shape your perspective—no matter what season you're in—because there's an abundance of joy that comes from a heart full of gratitude! So, while you're in the kitchen preparing a meal or driving to see friends and family, listen in and let us be your Thanksgiving soundtrack. SHOW NOTES: 413Podcast.com/378  Read the episode TRANSCRIPT in the show notes. Get my weekly email, Java with Jennifer, to be notified when a new podcast episode releases. Subscribe HERE.