Episodes

What changes when faith becomes a personal relationship with Jesus? Alex Horton joins David W. Ebel to share how he moved from loneliness, pride, and feeling that he did not belong toward a life of faith, learning, and service. While preparing his first sermon, Alex read Romans 5:8 and began to grasp God's love in a deeply personal way. In this conversation, he describes the difference between knowing religious rules and knowing Jesus, the meaning of sacrificial love, and the ongoing work of gr...

Jason Dennen joins David W. Ebel on God Says YES! to share his Christian testimony of surviving a near-fatal skydiving accident and rebuilding his life. Before the accident, long workdays had crowded out his health, relationships, and sense of purpose. His prayer became simple: he asked God to lead him, and he committed to follow. Jason recounts the accident, his frightening experiences during a coma, and the long recovery that followed. He describes how familiar Scripture and prayer helped him...

hat has the strongest influence on your choices? In this personal teaching, David W. Ebel explores how our habits, loyalties, and sources of advice can compete for the place that belongs to God. Drawing on Romans 6:16-18, Matthew 6:19-24, Philippians 3:17-21, and Exodus 20:1-3, he invites us to examine what we treasure, what we obey, and what we allow to fill our hearts. Through personal stories and practical illustrations, David encourages a faith that applies Scripture in daily life, practices...

Have you ever looked at someone and wondered how they could be so peaceful? Not because life was easy, but because something seemed settled inside them. That was part of Doug Ell’s story when he joined me on God Says Yes. After years of skepticism and a successful professional life, a return to church awakened something he had not expected. He noticed a peace he wanted to know for himself. We often imagine that a testimony must begin with a crisis. Sometimes it does. But God also meets people through ordinary invitations: a family decision, a church service, a conversation, or a question that keeps coming back. We should leave room for those quieter beginnings. Doug brought his questions with him. He wanted reasons to believe, and he has spent years writing about the arguments that persuaded him. In the interview, he explains why he sees the complexity of life and the universe as pointing toward a Creator. Listeners may come with different levels of agreement about those arguments.…

How do you keep trusting God when prayer feels unanswered? Dr. Elsa John joins David W. Ebel on God Says Yes for an honest conversation about faith, grief, shame, and finding your identity in Christ. Elsa shares how childhood wounds, infertility, pregnancy loss, and prayers for her daughter brought her to a painful crossroads. She describes seeking Christian counseling, learning to bring difficult questions to God, and discovering that her worth could not be earned through achievement or mini...

Losing his mother at seven and his father at thirteen changed Oluwole Babatunde’s childhood. Grief remains part of his story, but so do faith, perseverance, and a desire to help others. In this episode of God Says Yes, David W. Ebel welcomes psychiatrist and author Dr. Oluwole Babatunde for an encouraging conversation about facing adversity and moving forward one day at a time. Born and raised in Nigeria, Oluwole shares how prayer, Scripture, and a growing personal relationship with Jesus ...

Hope, Health and Healing - You don't have to face life alone. Hope is available! This is a quick introduction to David W Ebel for those that are trying to book him for speaking engagements, podcast interviews and other events. David's story is profound. And you can find it on. Godsaysyespodcast.com.

On God Says Yes, David W. Ebel welcomes Moriah Hagel for an encouraging conversation about Christian singleness, waiting, and trusting God’s timing. When life doesn’t follow the schedule you imagined, how do you keep walking in faith? Moriah shares her perspective on trusting God in seasons of uncertainty and finding encouragement while waiting for what comes next. Together, David and Moriah explore the questions that arise when our hopes and expectations meet a different timeline. Their conversation invites listeners to consider how faith shapes the way we wait and how we can continue seeking God in our present circumstances. Whether you’re navigating singleness, waiting for an answer to prayer, or facing an unexpected season, this episode offers encouragement to bring your questions to God and keep growing in your relationship with Him. Listen for a reminder that your present season matters—and that you can trust God before you see what comes next.

Can faith help you begin again after addiction? On God Says Yes, David W. Ebel welcomes Erin Zandstra for an honest conversation about alcohol addiction, sobriety, and her journey from brokenness toward restoration. Erin shares how her Christian faith became part of her recovery and how her experiences in China and Thailand shaped her story. She also discusses her involvement with Soul Care at church and the importance of addressing the struggles beneath the surface. Together, David and Erin explore the hope of a changed life, the courage it takes to face painful realities, and the value of finding support as you move forward. If you or someone you love is struggling with addiction—or wondering whether a new beginning is possible—this Christian testimony offers encouragement to seek help and keep taking steps toward healing. Listen as Erin shares what faith and recovery have meant in her life.

OVERWHELMED? ASK GOD THIS Core promise: An honest conversation about prayer, daily priorities, compassion, and the next faithful step when life feels overwhelming. Margaret describes raising eight children as a single mother while working and studying full time. Her turning point was bringing her responsibilities to God and asking what He wanted her to do that day

Can a mind trained in science, mathematics, and computer code find reasons to believe in God? In this episode of God Says Yes, David W. Ebel welcomes software engineer and author Mark Neyer for an honest conversation about doubt, purpose, grace, and learning to trust Jesus. Raised in a Christian home, Mark began questioning faith as a teenager. His search for certainty led him away from belief, while academic achievement and a promising technology career left deeper questions unanswered. Mark shares his struggles with depression, marijuana dependence, and mental health crises, along with the family pressures that prompted him to pray again—even while unsure anyone was listening. Through relationships, study, and encounters with grace, he began reconsidering the God he had rejected. He also explains how faith has changed his approach to marriage, fatherhood, work, and regret, and why he wrote his book, Rebooting Belief, for people who wrestle with intellectual barriers to C…

What do you do when the obstacles in front of you seem bigger than the promise God has given you? In this special teaching episode of God Says Yes, David W. Ebel explores the account of the twelve spies in Numbers 13–14 and asks a personal question: What giants are keeping you from moving forward in faith? Fear, past failures, financial limitations, and the hurtful words of others can leave us feeling small and unqualified. David encourages us to bring those struggles to God and trust His faithfulness as we take the next step. Drawing on more than fifty years in ministry, David shares how a new ministry grew from an 1,100-square-foot rented space into a 28,000-square-foot facility built debt-free through community support. His story illustrates the importance of prayer, accountability, perseverance, and depending on God when our own resources fall short. David also offers practical encouragement for growing in faith through Scripture, a church community, and daily surrende…

How do you hold on to hope when someone you love struggles with addiction for decades? In this episode of God Says Yes, David W. Ebel welcomes author and speaker Robert Ruesch for an honest conversation about faith, family, loss, and trusting Jesus through life’s hardest seasons. Robert shares his daughter’s journey through more than 30 years of addiction and the hope of seeing her rebuild her life in recovery. Their story became the book The Long Road Home: A Family’s Journey Through Addiction, written together to encourage others facing similar struggles. He also reflects on the death of his son Shane, who lived with cerebral palsy, and more than 20 years of ministry placing chaplains in RV parks across America. Along the way, Robert shares how everyday kindness and a simple offer of prayer can open doors to meaningful ministry. For anyone praying for a loved one, grieving a loss, or wondering how God can use their story, Robert offers a simple encouragement to carry int…

What happens when money, success, and the party life leave you feeling empty? In this episode of God Says Yes, David W. Ebel talks with Michael Muccio about his journey from troubled youth and nightclub manager to pastor and prison minister. Michael shares how his search for meaning led him to the Bible, how faith changed his life and influenced his family, and why he chose to live alongside inmates to share the hope of Jesus. But one of his deepest lessons was learning that serving God involves more than enthusiasm and hard work. Through ministry and marriage, Michael began discovering what it means to surrender his striving and let God love him. If you have ever felt empty despite outward success, struggled to prove your worth, or wondered whether God could use your past, this conversation offers encouragement: your story can become a message of His love and grace. God Says YES, David W Ebel

When people in church hurt you, how do you find your way back to trusting Jesus? In this episode of God Says Yes, David W. Ebel welcomes singer-songwriter and worship leader Brigitte Donoho for a heartfelt conversation about moving from spiritual hurt and darkness into hope, freedom, and a life of worship. Brigitte shares how hypocrisy and legalism pushed her away from faith as a teenager—and how an unexpected encounter with God drew her back. She reflects on finding strength through grief, learning to depend on Jesus, and discovering that worship reaches far beyond a song into everyday life. She also tells the moving story of her son’s diagnosis of severe speech apraxia, the difficult outlook her family received, and the remarkable progress she credits to God’s healing work. Today, she says, he speaks freely and is thriving. The episode includes Brigitte’s performance of her song “Pure Worship” and stories of sharing Jesus in unexpected places. If you have been wounded…

Have you ever wondered whether you have wandered too far from God to come back? In this episode of God Says Yes, David W. Ebel welcomes author and ministry founder Matthew Wingo for an honest conversation about hidden pain, broken relationships, and the grace that welcomes us home. Behind a successful technology career and a picture-perfect family life, Matthew carried wounds he was afraid to reveal. He shares how buried hurt, bitterness, and unforgiveness contributed to destructive choices and a seven-year prodigal

How do you find hope when life changes your plans—and the struggle lasts for years? In this episode of God Says Yes, David W. Ebel welcomes author Ayis Caperonis for a heartfelt conversation about surviving a brain tumor, living with lasting disabilities, and holding on to faith through depression. Raised in an athletic family with dreams of following his father’s Olympic example, Ayis faced a dramatically different future after surgery affected his movement, balance, coordination, and vision. During rehabilitation, children facing their own disabilities inspired him to keep trying with what he had. Ayis shares the accomplishments and disappointments that followed—from swimming in college and earning degrees to facing barriers in the workplace. He also describes how meeting his wife deepened his relationship with Jesus and opened a new chapter of marriage, fatherhood, and writing. Together, David and Ayis reflect on gratitude, recognizing what you can do, and trusting God …

Who are you when the job, role, or ministry that defined you is suddenly gone? In this episode of God Says Yes, David W. Ebel welcomes author, illustrator, educator, and publisher Dawn Stephens for an honest conversation about identity, burnout, church hurt, and discovering that God’s purpose reaches beyond what we do. Through teaching, motherhood, business, and publishing, Dawn repeatedly found fulfillment in a role—only to feel lost when that role changed or ended. Those experiences inspired her story, The Little Pot, and a life-changing lesson: our identity is found in our relationship with the Creator, rather than the things He gives us to hold. Using the stories of a little pot, a teapot, an oil lamp, and a small jar, Dawn explores growing the fruit of the Spirit, serving others, sharing our faith, and trusting God with our wounds. She also shares how job loss, painful events in her church community, and an isolating move during the pandemic led to a new chapter of he…

What happens when a health crisis becomes a turning point in your walk with God? In this episode of God Says Yes, David W. Ebel welcomes author, podcaster, and Bible teacher T. S. Wright for a conversation about surrender, growing in faith, and finding hope when life becomes difficult. T. S. shares how coming to Jesus in college sparked a deep hunger for Scripture—and how learning to live fully for Christ took time. He also recounts a frightening heart episode in 2016, the reassuring medical results that followed, and the healing he credits to God. His journey eventually led him from coaching and teaching into writing, podcasting, and full-time ministry. Along the way, he learned the importance of discerning God’s direction, testing what he hears against Scripture, and allowing Christ to work through him. T. S. also introduces his discipleship book, Embracing the Truth, and shares encouragement from Revelation 3:20: Jesus is knocking, inviting us into a relationship with H…

You can look strong on the outside while your faith and marriage are quietly drifting apart. In this episode of God Says Yes, David W. Ebel welcomes men’s ministry leader and podcast host Mark Osbourne for an honest conversation about pride, repentance, and developing a personal relationship with Jesus. Mark shares how witnessing his father’s transformation first drew him to faith, but bullying made him afraid to speak openly about Jesus. For decades, he remained involved in church while struggling to build a deeper spiritual life. Later, a successful fitness journey brought confidence and attention—but also fed his ego. Mark candidly describes how an emotional affair wounded his marriage and became a turning point toward repentance, counseling, and genuine discipleship. Through prayer, Bible study, and accountability, Mark began rebuilding his relationship with God and his wife. Today, he helps other men grow in faith through his ministry and podcast, The Valiant Forge. …

Have you ever felt that one failure ruined your testimony—or that God could no longer use you? In this episode of God Says Yes, David W. Ebel welcomes teacher, author, and ministry leader Jason Johnson for an honest conversation about overcoming shame, understanding grace, and learning to trust God through painful seasons. Jason shares how childhood abuse and depression shaped his early years, and how his sister’s encouragement, Christian hip-hop, and a powerful testimony helped lead him to Jesus at sixteen. His newfound faith inspired him to use music to share the gospel and later pursue Bible college and missions. But following Jesus also brought lessons about legalism, unrealistic expectations, and the crushing weight of trying to prove his worth. Jason describes how a personal failure left him feeling disqualified—and what he learned about confession, forgiveness, and receiving support from other believers. He also discusses biblical discernment and his ministry encour…

Have painful experiences, past failures, or your age left you wondering whether God still has a purpose for your life? In this episode of God Says Yes, David W. Ebel welcomes clinical psychologist, professor, author, and podcast host Dr. James Torkildson—known as Dr. T—for a heartfelt conversation about grace, forgiveness, and the courage to begin again. Dr. T shares his journey from childhood poverty and family brokenness to a life-changing encounter with Jesus while serving in the military. With renewed purpose, he pursued an education he once seemed unlikely to attain and built a career helping others through counseling and behavioral health services. But retirement brought another beginning. At seventy, he felt called to write, opening a new chapter of authorship, speaking, and ministry. Together, David and Dr. T explore how disappointment, resentment, and shame can hold us back—and how receiving God’s grace and forgiving others can help us move forward. His central…

Have you wondered whether your best days are behind you—or whether God still has something meaningful for you to do? In this episode of God Says Yes, David W. Ebel welcomes pastor, musician, and author Drew Mcholm for an encouraging conversation about belonging, perseverance, and following Jesus through life’s changing seasons. Adopted as a baby and raised by loving Christian parents in Scotland, Drew knew the Bible but needed a personal relationship with Christ. At fifteen, an unexpected encounter with God at a youth camp changed his direction and sparked a lifelong calling to serve. Drew shares how his adoption helped him understand what it means to be chosen and loved by his heavenly Father. He reflects on decades of pastoral ministry, work in the business world, and learning to trust God when circumstances and assignments change. Inspired by Caleb’s courage at eighty-five, Drew offers a simple challenge: “Don’t quit. Keep climbing.” He also discusses writing a suspense…

How do you forgive someone who deeply hurt you—especially when they never apologize? In this episode of God Says Yes, David W. Ebel welcomes author and retired school counselor Carla Shelton for an honest conversation about workplace mistreatment, bitterness, and the journey toward forgiveness. Carla shares how repeated verbal abuse and public humiliation left her dreading work. After leaving her position, career setbacks and financial hardship affected her entire family. She began recognizing how deeply the hurt had shaped her decisions and relationships. Her healing journey was gradual. Through prayer, Scripture, and learning about forgiveness, Carla began releasing resentment, confronting painful emotions, and forgiving herself for choices she regretted. She eventually returned to school counseling and reached her dream position before retirement. Carla explains that forgiveness does not excuse mistreatment or give someone permission to hurt you again. For her, it meant…