Announcer 0:01

It's time now to get the hell out of your life. A weekly broadcast with real people, sharing real struggles, and offering real hope. Today's show will encourage, inspire, and empower you to face life's challenges with a bold confidence and renewed hope now. Let's join our host, Ron Myers, the promoter.

Ron Meyers 0:22

Hello, my friends. It is so good to be with you today. Easter weekend brings back many fond memories of my childhood. Easter weekend was probably something like a lot of you do. Just get together, dress up, go to church, family dinner, hide Easter eggs, little Easter baskets for the kids, and everybody having a fun family time. It's a shame that twice a year Christmas and Easter brings families together for some very special things. But shouldn't every day be like Easter or Christmas? And just enjoying the presence of Jesus. I'm Ron Myers, and this is a show called Get the Hell Out of Your Life: Real Stories, Real Struggles, and Real Hope. And today I don't have a guest, so I have a special program for you, something very personal. You know, what is my Easter story? We all have an Easter story. You know, where God came into our lives and changed everything about us. He resurrected that dream and purpose in each of us. And Easter is a story that goes on day in and day out until we leave this world. So I want to share something with you today, very personal. It's from my book, chapter one. It's called The Voice. But before I start, I just want to say a couple things. This show really has a heart for those that don't go to church. Church isn't your thing, or maybe churches hurt you, because Jesus is not limited to only doing work in a building where people attend. No, Jesus is a personal God. He comes in, our life, he moves in, cleans house, and he never leaves. That's right. Once you have Jesus inside you, he never leaves. You can't kick him out. You can't behave your way out of a relationship with Jesus. His grace is limitless. So what a blessing, what an opportunity, what a privilege to share some stories and some time with you today to brag about Jesus. And my story, the one I'm going to share, my Easter story of rescue, purpose, and new life. I share it because we all have an encounter with God at one time in our life, don't we? And if you haven't had an encounter with God that he introduces his son Jesus to you, well, you're going to one day. You will. And perhaps maybe it's today. And one of the most powerful truths about Easter is this that God writes himself into our story. What I mean is God is so loving, so cool, that he came to earth. The Bible says the word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. And Jesus said the Son of Man came to seek and save the lost. So how does he save the lost? How is he going to reach us? Well, most of the time in my stories that I've had for over the last seven years validate this. Most people that I know met Jesus when they got to the end of themselves. They were tired, they were desperate. They didn't know what to do. And see, that is what the incarnation is so beautiful about. That God created us, he sees us, he sees us struggling, searching. Sometimes we're flailing, sometimes we're sinking. And he does not stand at a distance. He doesn't say, Well, clean up your act and then come to me and I'll fix you up. No, he loved us so much that he writes himself into our story. A lot of you right now, maybe you don't have that relationship with God. That's okay, no judgment here. I'm glad you're listening. But if you look back in the rearview mirror of your life, I absolutely believe you will see how God has been a part of your story. How many times were you in the right place at the right time, got the right call at the right time? And how many times did bad things happen to you? But a year later, that bad thing ended up to be one of the best things that's ever happened in your life. Because it takes us to get tired of being sick and tired. It takes us to basically almost hit bottom in the emotional scale and say, I need help. Jesus, I can't do this anymore. So I'm so glad to share something with you today. And it's really how God shared himself with me, how he wrote himself into my story as a youngster. And I was going to cash in. I was going to end my life. But something happened. So I want to share that with you today. Today's episode is from my book, chapter one. It's called The Voice. And this is my story of being resurrected into a new life with Jesus, a life that has been nothing I could have ever imagined. It is absolutely amazing the things that I have been able to do in my life, and I never was trained or even desired to do what I'm doing. But Jesus, when he is part of you, he inspires you with ideas and directs you down certain paths and roads that are incredible. And I've always said he does this so we can never take credit. I can't take credit for what I'm doing today here on the radio or on a podcast. Because Jesus inspired me with the idea. And people often ask me, Ron, you're very passionate about Jesus, aren't you? Yes, it's not just belief, but I'm addicted to Jesus. He's my life, he's my friend, he's my mentor, he's my savior, and he's my king. Why? Because he saved my life. He saved my life, and because of him today, I've had a good life. Oh, I've had a lot, of lot of troubles. But I have a family, grandchildren. I have so many things that I'm so grateful and blessed to have in my life. And that's why every week I like to share a message with you to just brag about my Jesus. So let me tell you about the moment in my life where everything almost ended. Not as a grown man, not after years of mistakes, but as a scrawny little kid who didn't know anything really about life or God growing up in Iowa. I was alone, confused, and convinced I didn't matter. And in that moment, when I believed the world would be better without me, I heard a voice. That's right, friends. I heard a voice, not loud, not demanding, but undeniable. It said, Ronnie, don't hurt yourself. I love you. I have a plan for you. And that voice has never left me. So today's show is my Easter message of hope, peace, and purpose. Easter isn't just about what happened to Jesus. It's about what happens to us. From darkness into life, from confusion into purpose, from believing lies to discovering truth. So let me take you back to my childhood growing up in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. I wasn't the one teachers bragged about. And I surely wasn't the smart kid. I wasn't the star of the Little League baseball team. I was the kid on the bench. That's right, even my own dad, my coach, he coached me in Little League. And he'd say, Not yet. You gotta sit this one out. I knew I wasn't any good at baseball. I could barely hit the ball. I could barely catch the ball. But come on, dad, I'm your son. Let me play. And then you tell yourself, ah, it's just a game. But when it keeps happening, it starts to feel like it's not just baseball. It's you. I started to really say, Man, am I good at anything? Now on the outside, we look like that perfect little suburban family growing up in a nice little neighborhood. But on the inside, I felt like the odd one out. I was the black sheep, the one who couldn't get it right. And when you constantly hear you will never amount to anything, you're too much to handle, you begin to believe it. And then something shifts. You don't just hear those voices anymore, you start repeating them. You start telling yourself, I'm no good, I'm not going to amount to anything. Let me be honest. I wasn't just misunderstood, according to my mom. I was a juvenile delinquent. I was a class clown troublemaker, always pushing the limits. But you know, I think about this a lot. I was the class clown for that minute, two minutes, I had the class looking at me, laughing at me because I did something sometimes so stupid. And I was always sent to the principal's office. Was it worth it? Absolutely. Because underneath all of that, I was hungry. I was starving for attention. I was hungry to be seen, hungry to be valued, and hungry to feel like I mattered. My life mattered. Because when I got a laugh for a moment from the class, I wasn't invisible. I was the star of the show. But eventually, you just don't fight all those negative feelings that come into your life. You just say, well, I guess that's that's how I was born. But here's the best part God was getting ready to write himself into my story. Out of seven kids, I was the only one that went to a Catholic school. Now, if you have listened to this show for a long time, you know recently I've been talking about it seems like things are rigged in life, that God rigs situations or encounters with people because he's setting us up for something that's coming down the road. So, as I said, I was the only one that went to a Catholic school, not because I was special, but because I was the problem. The public school told my parents, we can't handle your son anymore. You need to take your son and get some psychiatric exams. And then we'll talk about him coming back to school. Well, my dad took me to the University of Iowa where they did all these tests and I was doing puzzles and seeing shapes and images. They came back and said, Vron has a few issues. He's got a high IQ and he is bored with school. He needs a stricter environment. Well, at that time, that felt like rejection. I was gonna leave a public school where all my friends were, my brothers were, my sister was, and go to a Catholic school all by myself. I didn't know anybody on that side of town because we lived on the west side of town where, you know, the middle class lived, and all the rich kids went over to the Catholic school. But now I see it differently. That was God setting me up. He was getting ready to write himself into my story because I did not learn about Jesus at home. I learned about Jesus from the nuns and the priest. And if I don't go to that Catholic school, I never hear about him. If I never hear about him, I would have never recognized his voice. If I never recognize his voice, I don't survive what came next. So here's the morning that changed everything. Before sunrise, the house was quiet. Too quiet, actually. Have you ever noticed that how everything seems to slow down when you're about to make a decision you cannot undo? And I made a decision. I can't do this anymore. I was going to end my life. And then I thought, when I'm gone, then they'll notice me. They'll wish they treated me better. In that desperation plea in my mind that I needed to end it, I heard something. I heard a voice, a beautiful voice. And the voice said, Ronnie, don't hurt yourself. I love you. I have a plan for you. I heard that. Not outside of me, but inside of me. It was clear, it was gentle, and it was full of something I never had felt before in my life. Love. And just like that, Jesus showed up. And I knew it was Jesus because of Sister Mary Catherine. She said, Jesus will talk to you when you need him to. And he did that day. He showed up in a room in a house where he had no business being. We didn't even talk about Jesus at the house. We were those Christians that went to church on Easter and Christmas. We didn't talk about Jesus at home. So that day, that voice changed everything. It wasn't just a moment. That was the beginning of a relationship. Because from that day on, I started talking to him. I walked the streets, I talked to him, and it wasn't religion, it wasn't rules. I was developing a relationship that would grow stronger over the next 40, 50, 60 years in a tight relationship. And looking back now, through every bad decision, every wrong turn, and I've made a lot of wrong turns, and every moment I thought ruined my life, that voice, Jesus, never left me. He counseled me, he disciplined me, he showed me the path to take. And when I failed and I sat there and I was miserable and I cried, why did this happen to me? That voice comforted me. And friends, that is why I am addicted to Jesus. He has never let me down. He will never let you down. He has never laughed at me. He will never laugh at you. He will never call you stupid. He will never tell you your life doesn't matter. He will never do anything except build you up, inspire you, and encourage you, and empower you to become the person he created you to be. I know he did that to me. And I didn't go to a seminary, I didn't go to school. I let Jesus teach me. When you hold on to Jesus as if your life depends on it, and mine did, it is the best thing you'll ever do. Because then Jesus does what he does best. Minister to us, speak to us, heal us, love us. He literally loved the hell out of my life. Now here's the Easter message. Easter says your story is not over. Nope. Darkness doesn't win. Despair doesn't win. Death doesn't win. Life wins. Jesus wins. You are not a misfit to God. You've never been a misfit to God. You are wanted. Your life matters. The cross was God telling us, I choose you. His resurrection is I'm not leaving you. You are not your darkest thought. You are not your worst moment. And this is what we need to hear more. And I don't know why the churches don't talk about this more. You are a new creation, unconditionally loved. You have limitless grace and you don't climb to Jesus. You don't earn your way to Jesus. Jesus begins to write our story. He comes into your life and then things begin making sense. And you know the first thing that he did. I remember this as that child of 13 years old. When I heard that voice of Jesus to not hurt yourself, I have a plan for you. I had a peace. I don't know what it was. I probably didn't even use that term peace at that age, but I knew that everything would be all right. And all the situations in my life that I've had some serious things when my wife left me for the next door neighbor when I was only 21, and I had a two-year-old and a one-year-old, and I became a single dad with two kids. I remember that night looking up in the sky, saying, Lord, what am I going to do? 21, two kids, and I don't know what to do. It was a flashback to sitting on the floor in my bedroom. I heard that same thing. Everything is going to be okay. And friends, I raised those children, and I never, never regretted one bit of it. It turned out good. When my wife left, it looked like disaster. Everybody was saying, How could a wife do that? How could a mom do that to their kids? But it was my blessing. I had the privilege to raise my son Ron Jr. and my daughter Dawn until nine years later. And then I got married to my current wife. God is in the business of taking our mess and turning it into a message that resonates with people all over the world, people in your neighborhood, at your work, your relatives. It's all about Jesus. I look at these people on TV now that hate Trump, they hate ICE, they hate, hate, hate. But yet sometimes they talk about God or how could God do this? They don't have a clue who God is. Because when you have Jesus in you, when you get squeezed and the world is just coming at you from every single angle, when you get squeezed and that beautiful Jesus is the only thing that comes out, that's what keeps us sane in a crazy goofy world. And I'm telling you right now, friends, this Easter message today, where Jesus came to live in you, to write himself into your story, is more important than you probably think. Because I do believe times are going to get worse. But those that have Christ are going to not have that fear. They're going to have a peace. They are going to know everything is going to be all right. Jesus has our backs. Friends, he really does have our back. And he's more than just something you talk about and or sing about on Sunday, Easter, or Christmas. It's something that you do every minute. He's my praise, he's my worship, he's my prayer, he's my life. And when he becomes your life, you see through the eyes of grace. You hear through the ears of grace. You see what nobody else sees, and they don't need to see it because God lets you see it so you can share it with the world. We need to begin sharing Jesus. And how do we share Jesus? We share Jesus by sharing our story. We become passionate. We tell people what Jesus did for us. Friends, I was a youngster, and that day I did not want to live anymore. And today I spend my money buying time on radio stations and producing podcasts to tell everyone in the world that Jesus is real. He wants to live with you. And when the world gets tough and people have tossed you out of their life, or they've terminated you, and you're all alone, or you have a bad doctor's report. I'm going to take a break, and when I return, I have some life lessons, some action steps, and a prayer to close out this week's show.

Announcer 20:58

You're listening to Get the Hell Out of Your Life with your host, Ron Myers. Real stories, real struggles, and real hope.

SPEAKER_00 21:08

Here's a refreshing word for you today from Galatians chapter 2, 20. I have been crucified with Christ, and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.

SPEAKER_03 21:25

I was ten and we were in Minnesota. There was this huge animated figure of Paul Bunyan, the legendary giant lumberjack. And as I approached, they suddenly hear him booming out, Hello, Ronnie, freak me out. Turns out my dad tells the ticket guy my name, he tells the guy with the mic. All I know is the big guy knew my name. Well, you know, that's what's so amazing about Jesus. The biggest guy of all knows your name. It's Easter morning. Mary Magdalene has come to Jesus' tomb as a mourner. She's all alone in the garden weeping, and suddenly she hears a familiar voice Mary. Jesus is alive and calling her name. Well, my friend Jesus is alive and he's calling your name. He went to that cross to pay for your sin so you could have the relationship with him you were made for. And there in your brokenness, he's calling you to him. Today could be your Jesus day. Contact us at 888 Meet Him or chattaboutJesus.com. The risen Christ is calling you. It's not how you live and will change it. You don't like where your head will rearrange.

Announcer 22:44

Get the hell out of your life.

unknown 22:48

Get the hell out of your life.

Ron Meyers 22:52

As I wrap up today's show, I want to share some life lessons, some action steps, and pray for you before you head out for the day. Life lesson number one don't listen to the lies and the accusations from the enemy. You are one with Jesus, clean, new, and fully forgiven. Number two, God meets you at your lowest and he never leaves you. He comforts and works in you right in the middle of that mess. Number three, your story isn't over. Grace is writing the next chapter. He who began a good work in you will carry it on. Number four, God is never going to leave you. In fact, he is always pursuing you, and now he lives in you. No distance, no delay. You are his forever home. Number five, your pain has a purpose. Training, not punishment. Discipline is God's love coaching, never payback. Here's some action steps you can use on a daily basis. When you have troubles or questions, talk to Jesus. Be real. I call it conversations with Jesus and share everything. Be open and be honest. He's your indwelling counselor. Number two, let the body of Christ support you. Listen, even if you don't go to church, there are people that believe like you do. They love Jesus. Meet in a coffee shop, talk to him, have a friend. Number three, take one small step, a step of faith. Say, God, I know Ron said to trust you, so I'm going to take a step forward. I trust you. I commit my life to you. I give you my life. Let's do life together. Number four, replace the lies with truth. Renew your mind with who you are in Christ. Fully forgiven and righteous. Remember Jesus' last words. It is finished. Read the word. And number five, stay connected to other people. Don't isolate yourself. You are one with Jesus. Enjoy community that reminds you of it. The bottom line, my friend, Jesus finished the work, made you new and lives in you. So rest in him and watch his life express itself through you by grace. And now a prayer. Jesus, for the one listening right now, meet them right where they are. Let them hear your voice. No shame, no failure, but unconditional love. Remind them they are deeply loved and never alone. And most importantly, you will never leave them and you will never forsake them. Amen. Friends, keep your eyes fixed on Jesus, and I'll be back next week with another grace-filled episode of Get the Hell Out of Your Life available wherever you listen to podcasts. And if today's show has touched you and you know someone that needs to be encouraged, inspired, or empowered, send them a link to listen to this podcast. And if you're interested in my book, The Promoter, go to my website, thepromoter.org. It's free. If you want to do a donation, that's great. It's only used to spread the good news of Jesus Christ. And please hear this. I love you. Jesus loves you. And when you give your heart to Jesus, you not only get the hell out of your life, but life begins to make sense.

Announcer 26:53

Today's show was produced by Ron Myers Ministries, a listener-supported ministry. For a copy of today's broadcast, please visit our website, thepromoter.org. And would you prayerfully consider making a tax-deductible donation so that we may continue to share stories of God's amazing grace with the world? And join us next week for another broadcast of Get the Hell Out of Your Life. Real people, sharing real struggles, and offering real hope.

SPEAKER_02 27:22

Hi, I'm Dr. Andrew Farley, host of the Grace Message. Got a Bible question, struggling with a personal issue, wondering about a tricky verse? At BibleQuestions.com, you'll get clear, grace-based answers in 10 seconds or less. No fluff, no confusion, just practical biblical truth. Ask anything, anytime, and experience the power of God's love. Visit BibleQuesti.com. That's BibleQuestions.com. Your go to for biblical clarity.