Making the Turnaround Podcast

In this episode, The Truth About Repentance, Meredith shares the real biblical meaning of repentance; what it is, looks like, feels like, and most importantly, what the Bible says about it. We are living in a post-modern-day progressive Christian society. This type of false Christianity being taught and promoted, or rather called, 'Churchianity' is not teaching the true Gospel of Jesus Christ. Therefore, many people, based on the false teachings of Churchianity, believe they are saved because they answered an altar call at one point in their lives at a church building, had an emotional experience, said the "ABC's" of faith, or prayed the 'Sinner's Prayer.' The Bible does not list these actions as a prerequisite to salvation. In fact, the Bible is crystal clear that one needs to repent first to become a Christian. Modern-day motivational 'feel-good' preaching is not saving souls but only leading people to false conversions. Meredith talks about this and a lot more in this important and timely episode.

We must keep a transient mentality while living here on earth because the Bible tells us that we are just pilgrims passing through. Our real citizenship is in heaven. In this episode, Meredith shares how easy it is to get caught up with life here on earth. The Apostle Peter tells us that we are aliens and strangers to this world and that this world is the dominion of the evil one. We can see that by all the political, social, and economic turmoil we are currently in, it is crystal clear that we are living on the enemy's turf for now. Our sense of identity should not be derived from America or the things of this world, but from our relationship to God and His people that are heaven bound. This episode will help you ‘Reset’ your mind and soul on things above and encourage you on your earthly pilgrimage.

In this Part 4 Series of Healing, you will learn about the power of fasting and the freedom, deliverance, and victory that you will receive when you fast. Jesus commands us to fast and pray as Christians. It is part of living a Christian life. Many Christians have never fasted and are losing out on the incredible benefits and rewards of this Christian discipline. There is tremendous power and victory in fasting! If you are depressed or suicidal right now and you have tried everything in your power to help yourself, whether it be medical help, medicine, therapy, nutrition, homeopathic approaches, exercise, and nothing has worked, then this episode could radically change your life for the better! Fasting and praying may be the missing link in your journey to healing and deliverance. Meredith shares her story of fasting, the benefits of individual and corporate fasting, Biblical accounts of fasting, as well as a FREE Fasting and Prayer Guide (25 pages) for you to download at www.makingtheturnaround.com in the free resource center.

Did you know that God has over 100 names in the Bible to identify His person, divinity, attributes, and character? In this episode, Meredith shares many of His names and their meanings. Throughout the Old and New Testament, His names define Him more intimately so that we can better understand who He is, relate to Him more personally, and grow in our trust in His divine sovereignty over our lives. Knowing and believing the power of God’s names will be a game-changer in your relationship with Him. You will develop more confidence, love, and intimacy in prayer as you grow closer to Him and His promises for you through His name. You don't want to miss the blessings of this episode!

Depression is just a symptom of something more profound taking place within a person, within the mind, body, spirit, and soul. In this episode, Meredith talks about the pruning process of depression and the blessings that can come from it. In the Gospel of John, the Lord is referred to as the 'Gardener' of our souls. He prunes His children in the act of love to refine us, grow us deeper in His love, and direct us to our God-given call in life. The enemy of God, Satan, wants nothing more than people to give up on life and remain hopeless. The Bible says he comes to kill, steal, and destroy lives. When people fall into such despair during the depression that they contemplate suicide as an option, Satan is achieving his goals of destruction in that person's life. But, when a person understands the pruning process in the life of a child of God and the power of surrendering to it, they can overcome and win the battle of depression. Meredith also shares the biblical view of suicide, what happens to a person's soul if one commits suicide, and how to defeat suicidal ideation through Christ. In this episode, you will also hear about three special benefits Charles Spurgeon says you can obtain if you embrace the depression and see it as a blessing in disguise. This episode could change your perspective on depression; you don't want to miss it!  

Meredith continues this healing series on depression in Part Two by sharing the first key to healing: Surrender. She explains how surrendering yourself, feelings, emotions, and Will to God is paramount in moving forward through the dark valley of depression. Depression, if viewed from the eternal perspective, can be a beautiful gift that leads to a renewed and refined life in Christ. What may seem like a curse may be the greatest blessing. Meredith also shares a story that was the first step in her healing of depression, and it’s about a red lizard. Depression, in its many forms, is always connected to our Spirits. When we seek to be healed from depression (mind, body, and Soul), it can be healing in our Spirits. Don’t miss out on this Healing Series on Depression. Please share with family and friends who may be struggling with this issue.

We are in troubling times. We are in a national pandemic with Covid-19, but we are facing an invisible epidemic with the highest suicide and depression rates the United States has ever seen. In the last six weeks, 1 in 4 adults, ages 18-24, have contemplated suicide. In this Healing Series (Part 1), Meredith shares her story of a two-year experience of a deep and dark depression that suddenly came upon her and the steps she took to overcome it. She illustrates how depression is similar to an eclipse but to the soul, and she shares the first two steps in healing and how the enemy of our souls wants everyone to fear this one thing. Current Depression and Suicide Statistic Rate reported by CDC (2:52) Why an eclipse is a great illustration on depression. (5:03) Given enough time on earth, depression will more than likely cross your path. Jesus never said the Christian walk would be easy. He gives us the keys to understanding how to walk through it. (7:20) Why was I going through this terrible darkness? (17:09) In my recovery journey from depression I could not allow myself to trust my feelings (27:20) Powerlessness and Surrender: The First Steps to Healing (28:30) How to receive the Spirit of God and how does that help one with depression? (29:27) Charles Spurgeon comments on the ‘Valley of the Shadow of Death’ (32:25) The worst fear of depression? (33:50) Is depression permanent? (36:00)

The Bible says we are to be "kind and compassionate with one another." And we are to "love our enemies." Often, it is easier said than done. Certain things come up in life that can test our patience, alter our moods, or arouse feelings of frustration, resentment, or anger. It's our response to those challenges that can change the situation for the better- if we choose the right course of action. Kindness is a 'fruit of the Spirit' given to believers in Jesus Christ through the power and strength of the Holy Spirit. In this episode, Meredith shares this biblical concept of choosing kindness to approach all matters in life. She also gives examples of people in the Old and New Testament who chose the path of kindness in the face of evil. This podcast is 15 minutes.

Hope is like lungs full of breath; it is the sustenance that drives us to our next moment, our future destination with excitement. But, what happens when we lose the ‘breath’ of hope? With the crisis of 2020 and the unpredictability of many circumstances, it is easy to get discouraged in our faith and worry about the future. As Christians, we have a surpassing hope that resides in Jesus Christ. We serve a God who can do the impossible! He can calm a storm, heal a disease, mend a relationship, provide sustenance when there is none, Jesus can do for us what we can’t do for ourselves. Meredith shares compelling biblical stories in this episode that will activate your hope once again and give you a new vision for life- a life full of the ‘breath’ of hope!

We are in an invisible war in our nation and world. From the coronavirus to deadly riots, our nation is in upheaval. Who is to blame for all of this mayhem? In this episode, Meredith shares the root cause of the division and lawlessness that is sweeping our nation and how we as Christians can combat the enemy of our souls, Satan. We are in a deep spiritual war and in this type of war we need to be equipped with the right armor to fight back. Meredith shares biblical insight and strategy to win this current war and how to gain victory daily as we live through this invisible war.

GPS, global positioning system, has become a technology that everyone uses to find and navigate their destinations. When we make a wrong turn or are heading in the wrong direction, this system alerts us. As a Christian, God has His own navigation and safety system. God is much bigger than just our globe, He is the universal creator of heaven and earth. He has given us a positioning system, within our souls, that is God’s positioning system (GPS). The navigator of this system is given to the third person of the Trinity. Jesus tells us that the Holy Spirit is our comforter, advocate, helper, intercessor, strengthener, and standby. We can call upon our helper at any moment of the day with any need, and he will intercede on our behalf, and direct our course in life. In this episode, you will learn more about the power and person of the Holy Spirit that is given to every believer in Jesus Christ.

The COVID-19 pandemic is a wake-up call for Christians across the world. The ‘pause’ of the entire world from this pandemic has caused many to reevaluate their lives. To reaffirm what is important, and what is not. Many Christians and non-Christians have sensed this pause to be a time of reflection and decision making, and many are seeking answers to issues that our nation and world are facing. Meredith discusses the ancient ‘Laodicean’ way of living and compares it to how many have been living prior to COVID-19. How will one live after this pandemic is over with? And is this a time of a great revival and awakening throughout the world? As people are being forced to have their body temperatures taken to enjoy commerce and travel, is it possible the Lord is calling us to take our ‘spiritual’ temperatures like he did the Laodiceans? This message is an urgent and dire warning to those of us that call ourselves Christians. This pause may be our last chance to get right with God.

There is nothing in this world more important than knowing the true authentic Christian faith and what that means for you. Christianity throughout the world, especially in America, has created many ‘cupcake’ Christian teachings that often align with many rampant false teachings that spread like wildfire, including the law of attraction philosophy. In this podcast, Meredith dives into what it means to be a true follower of Jesus Christ, what authentic Christian teachings look like compared to what some Pastors are teaching in our present day (Cupcake Christianity), and what the Apostle Paul meant by his words in 2 Corinthians 13:5 when he says, “Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves”. Meredith shares her own struggle with cupcake Christianity and how she got back on the right path of solid Christian doctrine. She lays out a scriptural litmus test that will reveal if you 'know... that you know... that you know’…. you are a loyal follower of Christ.

In this Easter Episode, Meredith shares her favorite quote from movie, ‘The Gladiator’, and how that quote aligns with what Jesus shares with us in the ‘Parable of the Sower’. As Christians, we should be living ‘Resurrected Lives’, but many of us are not living out our new lives in Christ and we are missing out on our life callings. Living a resurrected life is living an authentic life ordained by God. It’s the life you were meant to live. It’s the life that produces multiple crops like the parable says, 30, 60, or even hundredfold harvests. The resurrected life produces powerful results here on earth and those results continue into eternity... It’s an invested life, an ‘all-in’ approach to the Christian walk committed to call and mission of what God has appointed you to do. So, if you are sick and tired of the life you are living and feel like you are missing something in your life, tune-in for a powerful message that will spark resurrection power in your soul!

In Episode 10, Meredith talks about this unusual time in our nation. The Coronavirus has literally stopped everyone in their tracks. Who would have thought that our nation would be in a literal shutdown-no sports, no schools open, most non-essential businesses are closed, beaches & parks are closed, and what’s worst….the unemployment rate is expected to jump to over 20% by the end of this April during the lockdown. In this unprecedented time, we as Christians, have the opportunity to bring the light of Christ into the world. The last thing that we need to do is..Panic! St. Timothy says, “for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control (2 Tim. 1:7)." Now is the time to walk in all three of these qualities as Christians. Meredith's shares the truth about the power we have as believers in Jesus Christ and where our citizenship and heritage as Christians really lies. We have power and protection as children of God, through the blood of Christ, to trample on all evil in this world and find protection in the wings of Almightly God during any pandemic and crisis. Listen in and find strength today!

Have you ever struggled with prayer? Do you ever find it challenging to pray because you don’t really know where to start in prayer? Or, maybe it’s been awhile since you have prayed and are procrastinating because you feel intimidated or overwhelmed by it?  In this Episode, ‘The Power of the Lord’s Prayer’, Meredith Kirk shares compelling insight into the most powerful prayer given to us as Christians by Christ himself. Before Jesus' death on the cross, he left the disciples with a model for prayer that is literally formulated by God himself. It gives us a pattern in prayer that glorifys Him, covers our needs, and helps us discern His perfect will for our lives. Meredith shares even further insight into the hidden power of this prayer that expels demons and protects oneself from the enemy. The prayer is also a mild form of exorcism. This is an insightful and power-packed episode that can be life changing and lifesaving!

What is God's will for you life? This is a question we all ponder on in our lives at one point or another. This question does not discriminate in age, either. Whether you are a young college student or in your 'winter' season in life…we all have an innate desire within our souls to know God’s plan and purpose for our lives, at any stage and season. In this episode, Meredith shares 3 keys to discovering God's perfect will for your life. She shares her personal testimony of a particular time in her life that she prayed over 24 months for an answer from God about a career endeavor...and her answer was quite supernatural! You may find it encouraging! If you are looking for tips on how to persevere in prayer or learning to wait on God for answers, you may find this episode helpful. Meredith also shares ways to avoid the trappings of modern world of materialism, unhealthy ambition, and self-promotion. Definitely an episode you don't want to miss!

In the podcast, Meredith shares the three most powerful and greatest words ever spoken by Jesus! These words were cried out on the cross by Jesus in his last breath to give us victory, salvation, and hope. They give us the strength to continue our life journey with purpose, joy, and obedience to our life calling on earth and to our eternal calling in heaven. What Jesus did through His perfect earthly existence, sacrificial death, and glorious resurrection fully completed the work the Father had given Him to do. Not only did He complete His salvific work, but His accomplishment is fully in effect today and will be forevermore.  The undeniable, factual, historic, and eternal work of Jesus Christ has been completed--is complete--and will forever remain completed. "IT... IS... FINISHED!" If you are needing hope and strength today, this podcast is for you! Let it pour into your soul, and give you the strength and courage to come bodly and confidently to the throne of God, through Christ, to find redemption and peace for your soul...today--tomorrow--and for eternity.

How many times have we all got stuck in the spin cycle of worry with a fear-based mentality of incessantly worrying about everything little thing in life? Everyday, each of us has over 60,000 thoughts and many of those thoughts are wasted on worrying. In this episode, you will discover the origin of worry and it's connection to fear. Meredith shares key Bible verses that unlock the secrets to escaping the frenzy of worrying and ways to release your worries to God so that you can find true rest for your soul.  

On this episode, Meredith talks about how to ‘draw a line in the sand’ and learning how to step over it into a new life. Sometimes we just need a pivotal moment in life where we say...“enough is enough”. If you have had enough with life and where you are at in it and are struggling to move forward in life, feeling stuck in the past, and desiring change in your life…this episode is for you! You will learn the secret to really letting go of the past. Meredith will also undercover the hidden blessings in the Jewish festivals, Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, and how they play a role for us as Christians in the New Covenant as we learn to move away from the past and into a new life with Jesus Christ.

We all lose our joy at times in life. Often, the burdens and busyness of this life creep in and steal this precious fruit of the spirit. As Christians, we have the power through Christ to live a joyful life daily, even in stressful and challenging times. In this episode, you will find out where joy comes from, why we lose our joy, and how to get your joy back. I hope and pray this episode blesses you and brings hope and joy back into your life today!

Do you ever get frustrated with sin? Is there something in your life that you keep doing over and over again and want to stop... but don't know how? You are not alone. We all get trapped in sin at some point in our lives. If you looking for freedom over the 'sin-cycle' and want to know how to finally oversome sins that you haven't been able to overcome in the past...this is the podcast for you! As you listen, you will also discover the love of God, which surpasses all human understanding, and it's driving force behind the freedom from all sin. I pray this blesses you!

What is the 'abundant' life that Jesus talks about in John 10:10? How do we as Christians live life with overflow? In this episode you will discover how to live a more meaningful, purposeful, and joyful life overflowing with all the blessings from God. You will also discover that the abundant life is a life that exceeds all things here on earth, but it is a life that is eternal focused.

In this Episode, you will discover that from the beginning of creation, God has had a plan for your life. You did not just magically ‘show up’ one day by chance in your Mother’s womb. You were specifically placed there, in God’s perfect timing. There is a special reason and purpose for your life, and in that purpose, you can discover your maker, the creator that intricately put you together in the womb, bone to bone, fiber by fiber, muscle to muscle, tendon to tendon…every little detail was put into you. If you want to know God's perfect will and plan for your life, you don't want to miss this episode because once you discover why you were here...your life will never be the same again.

Hey Everyone! I'm your host, Meredith Kirk, it's nice to meet you! Living a victorious Christian life is not always easy. Our journey’s in life at times can be full of twists, turns, and dead ends. Each of us comes to a crossroad in life where we have a choice of continuing on the road we are on or turning around.In the Bible, turning around is the meaning of the word ‘repentance’. We often associate the word ‘repent’ as telling God that we are sorry for our sins and poor choices, but that is only part of the word’s meaning. Repentance is a verb, it’s an action, that requires change. It means stopping where we are at and turning around and going in the opposite direction and often times, it's a challenge to make that turn around. Maybe that’s what you have experienced, the challenge of making the turnaround. Whatever you story is, no matter what road you have been on, the good...the bad… or the ugly…you can always make a turnaround and that is what this podcast is about. Each episode will inspire, encourage, and strengthen you to continue turning around, away from the past, and into the future with a new life in Jesus Christ. No matter your circumstances, there is always hope, and God is ready to meet you right where you are at and help you discover your God given destiny..which includes living a victorious life. You can join me on this journey every Wednesday! Go to www.makingtheturnaround.com and subscribe to this podcast on multiple platforms. If you have any questions, feel free to email me at: makingtheturnaroundpodcast@gmail.com