Shows / Traveler’s Tales
Traveler’s Tales
Life is a journey. Those who follow the Lord receive encouragement and instruction from those that have gone before. In Traveler’s Tales, Greg Dowdy will guide us through stories of God’s faithfulness and wonderful work in this world. This Enjoying the Journey podcast is designed to engage the audience with remarkable stories and encourage them to follow the Lord more closely because of it. Join us for a new broadcast every Thursday morning.
Episodes
Traveler’s TalesThe Missing Spear in Ephesians 6
The Apostle Paul famously used the imagery of a Roman soldier while listing the armor of God in Ephesians 6: the helmet, breastplate, shield, sword, belt, and…
Traveler’s TalesHymn History: Savior Like A Shepherd Lead Us
On a moonlit Civil War night, a Union soldier singing “Savior, Like a Shepherd, Lead Us” was spared by a Confederate soldier who was about to fire on him…
Traveler’s TalesFragile Flowers and Eternal Words
This episode uses the spring wildflowers of Israel and Isaiah 40:6-8 to illustrate the brevity of our lives and the eternal nature of God’s Word. Spring in the…
Traveler’s Tales"He Went Down" | Samson’s Tragic Descent
This episode visits the Sorek Valley to tell Samson’s story—a man chosen by God who repeatedly ‘went down’ toward the Philistine plain, surrendered to…
Traveler’s TalesChristians You Should Know: Amy Carmichael
Amy Carmichael had one childhood wish: blue eyes, instead of brown. Yet, it seemed this simple prayer went unanswered. In the wisdom of God, Amy became a…
Traveler’s TalesJesus, Savior, Pilot Me: The Sailor’s Hymn (And Ours!)
Pastor Edward Hopper ministered to 19th-century New York sailors and anonymously wrote the hymn "Jesus, Savior, Pilot Me," using nautical word pictures to…
Traveler’s TalesEbenezer: "The Stone of Help"
In this episode of Traveler's Tales, Greg Dowdy recounts 1 Samuel 7, when Samuel set up the stone Ebenezer after God's miraculous deliverance of Israel from…
Traveler’s TalesUnder the Fig Tree: Nathanael's Encounter with Jesus
This episode explores John 1's brief but powerful encounter where Jesus tells Nathanael, "When thou wast under the fig tree, I saw thee," explaining the fig…
Traveler’s TalesJohn Leland: The Preacher Who Defended Religious Liberty
John Leland, an 18th-century Baptist preacher, championed religious liberty. He was instrumental in securing those freedoms for the United States. Leland…
Traveler’s TalesHymn History: "I Am Thine"
Is your heart's longing to draw nearer to God or simply to escape the challenges you are facing? This episode shares the life and ministry of Fanny Crosby, a…
Traveler’s TalesWilliam Bradford's Stepping Stones of Faith
Journey back to the Mayflower and meet William Bradford, a Pilgrim leader whose life was shaped by Scripture, steadfast faith, and a willingness to endure…
Traveler’s TalesBe Thou My Vision: The Blind Poet With Spiritual Insights
Do you need God to increase your vision? Think again. You need God to be your vision. To guide your heart into alignment with His. In this Traveler's Tale…
Traveler’s TalesGod in Egypt
God sometimes leads His people into hard, unfamiliar places. Jacob sought God's guidance at Beersheba and received the comforting promise, "I will go down with…
Traveler’s TalesA Bible Student: The Remarkable Work of G. Campbell Morgan
G. Campbell Morgan was one of the greatest Bible teachers and preachers of his time. He spent years immersing himself in Scripture and let that one Book shape…
Traveler’s TalesThe Personal Awakening of George Whitefield
George Whitefield, an insecure Oxford convert, wrestled with fear and unworthiness before surrendering to God’s call to preach. Despite initial resistance, his…
Traveler’s TalesAlmonds and the Promises of God
Nothing is in the Bible by chance - even the Almonds have an eternal lesson for us. This edition of Traveler's Tales explores Jeremiah’s vision of an almond…
Traveler’s TalesGod Never Forgets His Own: "When the Roll Is Called Up Yonder"
Traveler's Tales explores the true story behind the famous hymn "When the Roll Is Called Up Yonder." The account begins with what seemed like a chance…
Traveler’s TalesBible Theme: Lessons from the Wilderness
This episode explores why God often meets his servants in the wilderness — from Moses and David to Elijah, John the Baptist, and Jesus — and how barren places…
Traveler’s TalesRaymund Lull: Captive to Christ and Compelled by Love
This episode tells the story of Raymond Lull, a 13th-century scholar and missionary who was transformed by Christ and devoted his life to preaching the gospel…
Traveler’s TalesAbide With Me: The Dying Pastor's Final Prayer
On his deathbed, pastor Henry Francis Lyte wrote the hymn "Abide with Me," a simple prayer for Christ's presence as life’s shadows fell. The hymn, born from…
Traveler’s TalesThe Rainbow in Scripture
After the flood, God sets a bow in the clouds as a lasting sign of His covenant, transforming a weapon of war into a symbol of mercy. This episode explores how…
Traveler’s TalesSaved by Grace: The Hymn of Crosby and Moody
This episode tells the true story behind Fanny Crosby’s hymn "Saved by Grace" — how a blind hymn writer, encouraged by Moody and others, found a once private…
Traveler’s TalesNoah Webster: A Man of Words and the WORD
Noah Webster spent decades shaping the American language and education, but his deepest conviction was that a society must be grounded in the Word of God. This…
Traveler’s TalesHymn History: Jesus Paid It All
On a Sunday in 1865 at Monument Street Methodist Church in Baltimore, a choir member, Mrs. Hall, was so moved by a sermon on the crucifixion that she wrote a…
Traveler’s TalesBible Stories You Should Know: Elijah on Mount Carmel
On Mount Carmel, the prophet Elijah confronted 450 prophets of Baal in a dramatic showdown recorded in 1 Kings 18. After repairing the neglected altar of the…
Traveler’s TalesThe Man Behind 'Holy, Holy, Holy': Reginald Heber's Story
Discover the story behind the beloved hymn "Holy, Holy, Holy" and the devoted life of Reginald Heber, who penned it for a special Sunday while writing hymns to…
Traveler’s TalesJ.C. Penney: The Golden Rule is Not Enough!
Join host Greg Dowdy on Traveler’s Tales as he retells the surprising spiritual journey of James Cash Penney — the man behind the J.C. Penney empire. This…
Traveler’s TalesA Trunk, A Railroad Disaster, and Sacrificial Love: The Story of "I Will Sing of My Redeemer"
This Traveler's Tales episode tells the story of Philip Paul Bliss, a humble teacher and hymn writer who, shaped by family faith and encouraged by D.L. Moody…
Traveler’s TalesThe Scarlet Thread: Rahab's Symbol of Hope
Journey to ancient Jericho and meet Rahab, whose simple scarlet cord marked her home for salvation. By hiding Israel’s spies and acting on faith, she and her…
Traveler’s TalesStreetcorners to a Sinking Ship: The True Story of John Harper
On April 15, 1912, as the Titanic slipped beneath the water, a Scottish preacher named John Harper spent his final minutes drifting in the icy Atlantic, asking…
Traveler’s TalesBible Stories You Should Know: David's Sling
Unlike how many think of the account of David and Goliath. Ancient slings were a serious instrument that this young man had prepared himself with. He had…
Traveler’s TalesThe True Story Behind 'Tis So Sweet to Trust in Jesus'
This episode tells the story of Louisa M. R. Stead, who, after witnessing her husband's tragic death, wrote the hymn "Tis so sweet to trust in Jesus" out of…
Traveler’s TalesBedford Prison and God's Purpose: The Story of John Bunyan
In 17th-century England, a tinkerer named John Bunyan experienced the transforming power of the gospel. He became a Baptist pastor but was imprisoned for…
Traveler’s TalesJesus Loves Me: The Simple Poem that Reached the World
This episode tells the true story of Anna and Susan Warner, two sisters who lost their fortune but found their ministry. Living on Constitution Island, they…
Traveler’s TalesThe True Story Behind "Rescue the Perishing"
"Rescue the perishing, care for the dying." Those words were the marching orders behind the life of Fanny Crosby, a blind hymn writer who penned thousands of…
Traveler’s TalesR.A. Torrey: Strong Faith and Faithful Service
Some lives are loud, others are steady, and sometimes the most powerful legacy is not found in a dramatic moment, but in a lifetime of quiet faithfulness. This…
Traveler’s TalesRunning Your Race: The Story of Eric Liddell
During the weeks of preparation before the track and field events of the 1924 Olympics, Eric Liddell was informed that his best races would be held on a…
Traveler’s TalesHymn History: At Calvary
God used a once apathetic and stubborn young minister's son to bring us the beloved hymn, At Calvary. What a blessing it is to know that Christ's sacrifice…
Traveler’s TalesHymn History: I'd Rather Have Jesus
At the age of 23, George Beverly Shea (1909 – 2013) had a hard decision to make. He could accept a job offer in a secular singing position in New York City…
Traveler’s TalesWilliam Wilberforce and the Battle Against Slavery
There have been many wicked scourges throughout history. One of the darkest is the slave trade. Few today understand the dark and dreadful realities of that…
Traveler’s TalesFreedom Through Forgiveness: The Story of Corrie ten Boom
Few people recall the name of Corrie ten Boom. Fewer still have heard of the deep work God did in her as she endured some of the greatest difficulties known to…
Traveler’s TalesHymn History: Jesus, I Am Resting, Resting
“Jesus, I Am Resting, Resting” was Hudson Taylor's favorite song. During the dark and gruesome days of the Boxer Rebellion, this song was constantly on his…
Traveler’s TalesOperation Auca // January 8, 1956
On January 8th, 1956, Operation Auca ended with the death of 5 men: Jim Elliot, Nate Saint, Pete Fleming, Ed McCulley, and Roger Youderian. It was not a…
Traveler’s TalesChristians You Should Know: Charles Wesley
Brother to the famous John Wesley, Charles Wesley wrote well over 7,000 hymns, second only to Fanny Crosby in the number of songs created. Along with Isaac…
Traveler’s TalesCarol History: I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day
Henry Longfellow had a beautiful wife and five children. Life was good. On July 10, 1861, some drops of wax fell on his wife’s dress, causing it to catch fire…
Traveler’s TalesCarol History: Silent Night
The year was 1818. Joseph Mohr was the pastor of a church in Obendorf, a village near Salzburg, Austria. The church’s custom was to have a Christmas Eve…
Traveler’s TalesCarol History: Hark! The Herald Angels Sing
Prolific hymn-writer Charles Wesley wrote the original words to ‘Hark! The Herald Angels Sing’ in 1739. The writing marked the first anniversary of his…
Traveler’s TalesChristians You Should Know: Peter Marshall
Dr. Peter Marshall's preaching, prayers, and counsel encouraged and guided many of America's leaders through those dark times of trouble during WW2. But his…
Traveler’s TalesChristians You Should Know: Mary Slessor
The life and ministry of Mary Slessor speaks for itself. This courageous woman of faith labored for decades where few others would dare to visit. She was…
Traveler’s TalesChristians You Should Know: John Newton
From a blasphemer to a pastor. From wretched to redeemed. The testimony of John Newton is a stirring reminder of the transformative power of the gospel. The…
Traveler’s TalesLady Jane Grey: "The Nine Day Queen"
The testimony of 17-year-old Lady Jane Grey is one of the most compelling accounts of Christian steadfastness in Church history. The true story of "The Nine…
Traveler’s TalesHymn History: The Ninety and Nine
It was 1874 when the poem, “The Ninety and Nine,” was discovered, set to music, and sent out on its worldwide mission. Its discovery seemed as if by chance…
Traveler’s TalesHymn History: Let The Lower Lights Be Burning
Songwriter Philip Bliss was traveling with the famous evangelist D.L.Moody. While preaching, Mr. Moody told this true story behind what later became, Let the…
Traveler’s TalesChristians You Should Know: Booker T. Washington
Booker T. Washington began life with far greater challenges than most of us will ever face. In his youth, Washington wished for an opportunity to excel without…
Traveler’s TalesChristians You Should Know: Jim Elliot
"God, I pray, light these idle sticks of my life, and may I burn up for Thee. I seek not a long life but a full one like Yours, Lord Jesus." (A prayer from Jim…
Traveler’s TalesHymn History: My Savior First of All
The words to My Savior First of All were written by Fanny Crosby at the age of 71 in response to a statement by a minister. He mentioned to her that it was a…
Traveler’s TalesChristians You Should Know: Charlie Kirk
Millions are talking about the remarkable life and tragic death of Charlie Kirk. He was a vocal defender of Biblical values and a bold witness for Jesus to…
- Traveler’s Tales
Hymn History: Sweet By And By
This is the only hymn ever written in a drugstore. For decades, millions of people have sung the lyrics to his famous hymn; yet, only a handful know the name…
Traveler’s TalesChristians You Should Know: William Carey
William Carey was a pioneer in missions because he understood the great heart of God to save lost sinners. The salvation of the lost consumed William Carey…
Traveler’s TalesChristians You Should Know: John Wesley
The ministry of John Wesley has been researched and written about extensively. Apart from the many accounts of his life, volumes were written by Wesley…