Hello! Welcome to The Determined People Podcast, hosted by John Harrell, bestselling author, inspirational speaker, blogger and now podcaster.The Determined People Podcast is a two-pronged approach to podcasting. Every day I will offer a short, 1-2 minute inspirational message designed to start your day the right way. It’s not rah-rah stuff or fluff. The messages are designed to make you think, to inspire you, and to sustain you as you face the unknown challenges of the day. Weekly I will interview real people with honest, relatable stories. People who are willing to share their experience, strength and hope from their own life’s difficulties. When you listen to their stories, it is my hope you think, if they made it, so can I. Our world needs hope, and everyone I meet has a story. All of us have faced difficulties. In fact, we are facing one now…the global pandemic which has compromised our lives, our mental health and has impacted all of us uniquely. By sharing our stories, we connect at the heart level. We are unguarded. And through podcasting, these stories are available whenever you need them. So let’s get started.
There is good and bad all around us. But why does there have to be bad? In today's episode I give you some perspective on this...
Scripture is God-breathed. Lives are transformed when we take what we learn from Scripture and apply it in our lives. This is especially true with the teachings of Jesus.
In yesterday's episode I talked about the benefits of discipline. There's more to the story.
A goal without discipline and commitment is just a daydream. But when you combine discipline with commitment, you have already won the battle.
My liberal arts education shaped my thinking. It allowed me to see the world through different perspectives. My worldview was opened to the possibilities that are out there.
Sometimes we want to blend in with the crowd. That is, until we don't. It's in those moments when it's your time to lead. Embrace it. Don't run from it.
Forgiveness frees you from past hurts. But it comes with a little sadness, too.
Our bodies are meant to be in motion. Taking care of yourself doesn't have to be complicated or expensive. You have everything you need at home. Just get started!
Elon Musk recently became the world's first trillionaire. At least he is on paper. I think it's pretty cool! Already the feckless politicians are calling for more taxes from his success. Elon still holds the record for the largest payment to the IRS in history, about $11-12 billion.
When we purchase an item, it comes with an instruction manual. If we don't read the instructions, we have to learn the hard way. Life is the same. God gave us a manual to guide us through this life. It's called the Bible. But you gotta read it and apply it to reap the benefits.
Some things never go out of style: listening well, showing true compassion, and here are a few more.
Allen Banks was playing Division I basketball, then opportunity struck that changed his life forever.
Social media posts are nice, but how many of the images posted are genuine? We find our self-worth by seeing ourselves through the eyes of our Creator.
There are a lot of lies on the internet. I'm not sure why this is happening, but today's message is a reminder that we should question anything that seems too good to be true.
Technology is a wonderful tool for saving time and making our lives more efficient. We mustn't become so dependent on our phones and social media to replace human connection. We are better together...
Every day is an unknown. You might even call it an adventure. But there is no need for worry or concern. God is already ahead of us today and every day.
It seems like many people are searching for fame, the spotlight. But there is one who knows us best, even if we don't really know Him.
We are in a fight every day of our lives. Many people don't realize there is an invisible battle going on all around them.
When we exercise, we should stretch before and after. But today's episode is about a different kind of stretching...stretching our faith. Take a moment to listen.
In today's episode, I share my own story of how I became a faithful tither. God showed up when I was in my worst financial position in my adult life.
Our worship should not be rote or scripted. We find meaning when we have a relationship with our Creator. And don't worry! Having a relationship with God will not turn you into a religious freak standing on the street corner holding a sign. But God will use you in a different, better way.
The success of a company depends on the quality of the people. Great people produce exceptional results.
People return to God when things go wrong in their lives. Sometimes the people they reach out to aren't good people. But stay hopeful because most people are good...
Giving something lip service is meaningless. Get involved. Take action!
We must never take our freedoms for granted. Many people died so we have them. God bless the United States of America...
Today I examine the story of Jesus walking on water, and how it applies to our lives today.
Open the door to forgiveness and let the light in. Light floods the darkness from our lives...
Cities change. Some of the change is good and some is not so good. But it is inevitable...
Where you are in life is the result of the decisions you made.
Chasing fame and fortune will keep you chasing all your life. There is a better way.
Do the hardest thing first. There are many benefits to this, and in today's episode I list just a couple of them for your consideration.
Reflecting on the past is okay. Just make sure you remember to live in the present.
We don't like to think of ourselves as sinners because we are doing life the right way. But when we consider ourselves in relation to God, we just don't hold up. But there is hope...
Clickbait is a waste of time and energy. Here is your invitation to open something that is real and powerful.
There is a kid's game called keep away. In today's episode, I make the observation that some churches are playing the same game.
When we are tasked with delivering a difficult message, timing is everything. Choose wisely.
No one is right all the time. Let's humble ourselves and admit when we are mistaken.
The rules of religion have been used to control people and make them feel guilty. This is inconsistent with the teachings of Jesus.
Mother's Day was started in 1908 by a woman in West Virginia. Today's episode is a brief history lesson.
Wealth isn't measured by the size of your bank account. There's more. So much more...
Sometimes the weight we need to lose is not measured in pounds.
Strongholds exist in this world, even though the perpetrators are unseen in the supernatural world around us. But we have hope in the One who can break any chain that binds us.
Forgiving those who did you wrong isn't giving them a hall pass. But it does free you from the enemy within that can destroy you if left unresolved.
I had some bad teachers, but I had several who were outstanding. They were difference makers in my life.
Practicing what you preach demonstrates consistency and builds trust.
Peace is priceless. Do not allow anyone to rob you of yours.
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