web02.fireside.fm Fri, 17 Apr 2026 05:22:05 -0500 Fireside (https://fireside.fm) Draw Near - Episodes Tagged with “Union With God” https://drawnear.fireside.fm/tags/union%20with%20god Wed, 25 Mar 2026 06:00:00 -0500 At Draw Near, we explore the beautiful truth that God, out of His deep and personal love for each of us, takes the first step to draw near. But this divine movement calls for a response—a response that shapes our lives and transforms our hearts. Together, we embark on this journey of faith, discovering the many ways God's grace and the power of the Holy Spirit work within us. Rooted in the Catholic faith, our podcast is a space where authenticity meets joy. We’re two best friends navigating life, family, and faith with honesty, humility, and a lot of love. Each episode is a heartfelt conversation—sometimes deep, sometimes lighthearted, but always real. We strive to be vulnerable, faithful, and passionate, sharing insights and stories to inspire you on your path toward Christ. This is more than a podcast; it’s a shared journey toward sainthood. So come laugh with us, reflect with us, and grow with us as we Draw Near to God and one another. Let’s set out together on this adventure of faith, friendship, and grace. en episodic Helping each person to draw near to Christ and to one another. Fred Shellabarger and Kara Kardell At Draw Near, we explore the beautiful truth that God, out of His deep and personal love for each of us, takes the first step to draw near. But this divine movement calls for a response—a response that shapes our lives and transforms our hearts. Together, we embark on this journey of faith, discovering the many ways God's grace and the power of the Holy Spirit work within us. Rooted in the Catholic faith, our podcast is a space where authenticity meets joy. We’re two best friends navigating life, family, and faith with honesty, humility, and a lot of love. Each episode is a heartfelt conversation—sometimes deep, sometimes lighthearted, but always real. We strive to be vulnerable, faithful, and passionate, sharing insights and stories to inspire you on your path toward Christ. This is more than a podcast; it’s a shared journey toward sainthood. So come laugh with us, reflect with us, and grow with us as we Draw Near to God and one another. Let’s set out together on this adventure of faith, friendship, and grace. no Faith; Christ; Podcast; Catholic; Friends; Draw Near Fred Shellabarger and Kara Kardell drawnear.me@gmail.com Grafted Into God: The Interior Life of Romans 11 https://drawnear.fireside.fm/241 b1a52b24-be63-437c-835d-ccdbe0bfec0e Wed, 25 Mar 2026 06:00:00 -0500 Fred Shellabarger and Kara Kardell full Fred Shellabarger and Kara Kardell Explore the meaning of being “grafted into God” in Romans 11 and what it reveals about the interior life, vulnerability, and union with Christ. This episode unpacks the biblical image of grafting and how God transforms our hearts through grace, leading us into deeper relationship and spiritual fruitfulness. 43:49 no What if being united to God begins with being cut open? In this episode of Draw Near, we explore Romans 11 and the powerful image of being “grafted” into God. Using the biblical metaphor of the olive tree, St. Paul reveals something profound about the spiritual life: union with God is living, dependent, and deeply transformative. Grafting is no gentle process. It requires cutting, exposure, and vulnerability before new life can take hold. And the same is true in our relationship with God. He does not simply improve us from the outside; he works within us, cutting away what is hardened so that we can receive his life more fully. We reflect on how God is the root who sustains us, how we are invited to remain in him, and what it means to bear interior fruit fruit that comes not from our own strength, but from grace. Drawing connections to Ezekiel 36 and the promise of a new heart, this episode invites you to consider how God may be at work in the hidden places of your life; and what areas of your own life have you hardened? If you’ve ever wrestled with vulnerability, struggled to trust God in the midst of difficulty, or wondered how real transformation actually happens—this conversation is for you. Like our podcast? Hit that “follow” button and tell your friends. :) Click here (https://www.patreon.com/c/drawnear/membership) to become a patron! We wouldn't be "Draw Near" without your support! Who are "Fred and Kara?" Find out by visiting our home page. (https://www.drawnear.me/) Draw Near Theme © Fred Shellabarger & Kara Kardell Catholic podcast, Draw Near, Fred and Kara, Romans 11, grafted into God, interior life, Catholic spirituality, Bible study, union with God, spiritual growth, vulnerability and faith, Ezekiel 36, heart of stone, heart of flesh, Christian discipleship, Draw Near podcast, scripture reflection, life in Christ What if being united to God begins with being cut open?

In this episode of Draw Near, we explore Romans 11 and the powerful image of being “grafted” into God. Using the biblical metaphor of the olive tree, St. Paul reveals something profound about the spiritual life: union with God is living, dependent, and deeply transformative.

Grafting is no gentle process. It requires cutting, exposure, and vulnerability before new life can take hold. And the same is true in our relationship with God. He does not simply improve us from the outside; he works within us, cutting away what is hardened so that we can receive his life more fully.

We reflect on how God is the root who sustains us, how we are invited to remain in him, and what it means to bear interior fruit fruit that comes not from our own strength, but from grace. Drawing connections to Ezekiel 36 and the promise of a new heart, this episode invites you to consider how God may be at work in the hidden places of your life; and what areas of your own life have you hardened?

If you’ve ever wrestled with vulnerability, struggled to trust God in the midst of difficulty, or wondered how real transformation actually happens—this conversation is for you.

Like our podcast? Hit that “follow” button and tell your friends. :)

Click here to become a patron! We wouldn't be "Draw Near" without your support!
Who are "Fred and Kara?" Find out by visiting our home page.

Draw Near Theme © Fred Shellabarger & Kara Kardell

Support Draw Near

]]> What if being united to God begins with being cut open?

In this episode of Draw Near, we explore Romans 11 and the powerful image of being “grafted” into God. Using the biblical metaphor of the olive tree, St. Paul reveals something profound about the spiritual life: union with God is living, dependent, and deeply transformative.

Grafting is no gentle process. It requires cutting, exposure, and vulnerability before new life can take hold. And the same is true in our relationship with God. He does not simply improve us from the outside; he works within us, cutting away what is hardened so that we can receive his life more fully.

We reflect on how God is the root who sustains us, how we are invited to remain in him, and what it means to bear interior fruit fruit that comes not from our own strength, but from grace. Drawing connections to Ezekiel 36 and the promise of a new heart, this episode invites you to consider how God may be at work in the hidden places of your life; and what areas of your own life have you hardened?

If you’ve ever wrestled with vulnerability, struggled to trust God in the midst of difficulty, or wondered how real transformation actually happens—this conversation is for you.

Like our podcast? Hit that “follow” button and tell your friends. :)

Click here to become a patron! We wouldn't be "Draw Near" without your support!
Who are "Fred and Kara?" Find out by visiting our home page.

Draw Near Theme © Fred Shellabarger & Kara Kardell

Support Draw Near

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