Small Steps with God

Sit All the Way Down: Jacob’s Limp and Our Trust In this episode, we explore the transformation of Jacob — from grasping to clinging, from scheming to surrendering. Jacob began life grabbing at a heel but ended life leaning on a staff. His limp wasn’t a mark of shame; it was the sign of grace. Through his story, we learn how to stop “halfway sitting” in our faith and finally rest our full weight i...

Leah: The Unseen Praiser — A MIRRORS Reflection In this episode of Small Steps with God, I launch a new Bible study series called The Mirrors, and our first reflection focuses on Leah—the woman often overlooked in Jacob’s story, but never overlooked by God. Through Leah’s life, I explore what it means to feel unseen, how comparison can distort our identity, and the powerful shift that happens when...

Romans: One Gospel, One Body In this episode, we explore the historical and spiritual background of the Book of Romans. Set in the bustling heart of the Roman Empire around 57 A.D., this letter written by Paul was not only a theological masterpiece but also a timely guide to a fractured and diverse Christian community. I unpack what made this letter so essential then—and why it remains vital for u...

Understanding Paul: From Persecutor to Preacher In this episode, I explore the life and legacy of the Apostle Paul—one of the most influential figures in Christian history. From his beginnings as a Pharisee named Saul to his powerful role as a missionary and author of much of the New Testament, Paul’s story is one of transformation, grace, and bold conviction. This episode serves as a foundational...

Why Do Bad Things Happen to Good People? In this episode, I explore one of the most profound and persistent questions in life and faith: why do bad things happen to good people? Drawing from both biblical stories and modern voices, we reflect on how suffering intersects with God’s purpose, human free will, and the journey of faith. We look at the early church, where James was martyred while Peter...

What Is a Soul? Exploring the Essence of Who We Are Summary: In this episode, we take a thoughtful journey into understanding the soul—the core of who we are as human beings. The soul is often mentioned in Scripture, sermons, and conversations, but what does it truly mean? We explore biblical definitions, theological views, and practical applications to answer the timeless question: what is a soul...

That Shape Faith: Exploring Biblical Vocabulary for a Deeper Walk In this episode, we explore foundational words used in the Bible—like prayer, peace, joy, meditation, repentance, and more—and discover their deeper meanings in both their original languages and practical application today. Understanding these terms helps reshape how we experience God and live out our faith. Whether you’re new to th...

In this episode, I explore the meaning behind some of the most common words in Christian faith—words we hear often but may not fully understand: mercy, grace, forgiveness, faith, belief, peace, and joy. These aren’t just theological terms; they’re foundational truths that impact our daily lives. Mercy Mercy is not pity—it’s God’s active compassion. It means withholding the punishment we deserve an...

In this episode, I reflect on Stilte: The Dutch Art of Quietude by Mirjam van der Witt and the powerful impact that silence can have on our spiritual lives. Silence isn’t just absence—it’s presence. It’s an invitation to slow down, be intentional, and reconnect with God in meaningful ways. We explore the idea that in order to hear God’s voice, we must create room in our lives. That means more than...

114 - The Power of Silence In this episode, I explore the powerful and often overlooked spiritual practice of silence, inspired by the book Stilte: The Dutch Art of Quietude by Mirjam van der Vegt. As someone who thrives on noise and energy, I found this book both challenging and transformative. Silence isn’t just about the absence of sound—it’s about creating space to hear from God. Top Topics: W...

In this episode, I explore the fascinating history of the tribes of Israel, tracing their journey from Jacob’s twelve sons to the time of Jesus. We unpack the land divisions, the political splits, the Assyrian and Babylonian exiles, and the enduring mystery of the “Lost Tribes.” Along the way, we see how centuries-old divisions shaped the world Jesus entered—and how His ministry sought to heal the...

In this episode, we explore strategies 3 through 10 from Robert J. Morgan’s Red Sea Rules, a biblical roadmap for facing life’s toughest moments. These rules aren’t just inspirational—they’re practical guides grounded in Scripture and brought to life through relatable stories and honest reflection. Top Topics Covered: Acknowledge the Enemy Without Losing Focus Life’s problems often come with visib...

In this episode, we explore how God leads us even in the toughest situations—when we feel boxed in with no way out. Inspired by Robert J. Morgan’s The Red Sea Rules, this message reflects on how God is both present and purposeful in our hardest moments. With personal stories, Biblical insights, and practical takeaways, we focus on the first two of Morgan’s ten rules for navigating difficult times....

In this episode, we explore the fascinating life and legacy of John the Baptist. As a voice crying in the wilderness, John’s message of repentance, humility, and preparation still resonates deeply. From his miraculous birth to his bold ministry, and ultimately to his martyrdom, John stood at the threshold between the Old Testament and the new covenant of grace. This episode looks at who he was, wh...

In this episode, I reflect on the misconceptions many of us carry about heaven and offer a richer, more biblically grounded view, inspired by Elise Fitzpatrick’s book Home: How Heaven and the New Earth Satisfy Our Deepest Longing. It’s a message of restoration, purpose, and joyful anticipation of what’s to come. Rather than floating in the clouds, we’re invited to imagine heaven as the fulfillment...

108 - Eden Matters In this episode, I explore the deep spiritual significance of the Garden of Eden, not just as the beginning of the biblical story but as a model for what’s to come. Inspired by Nancy Guthrie’s book Even Better Than Eden, we reflect on how Eden wasn’t a final destination but a launching pad. From the trees in the garden to the New Jerusalem, each part of the biblical narrative sh...

107 - The Spiritual Strength of Forgiveness In this episode of Small Steps with God, we explore the transformative power of forgiveness through insights from R.T. Kendall’s book Total Forgiveness. We discuss the biblical foundation of forgiveness, personal struggles, and the spiritual healing that comes when we choose to release resentment. Whether it’s forgiving others, letting go of bitterness t...

106 - Jesus and the People of His Time: From Priests to Publicans This episode explores the various groups of people active during the time of Jesus and how their distinct beliefs and roles shaped their responses to His ministry. From religious leaders to revolutionaries and everyday citizens, each group played a critical part in the Gospel narrative. Understanding these groups helps to clarify ma...

105 - Was Herod Great? In this episode, I explore the life and legacy of Herod the Great—one of the most powerful and polarizing figures in biblical history. He’s known as the king who tried to kill baby Jesus, but there’s so much more behind the name. From brutal family betrayals to epic building projects like the Second Temple, Masada, and Caesarea, Herod’s reign shaped the political and religio...

In this episode, I explore a deeply reassuring and powerful question: Are there prayers that God will always say yes to? Based on personal Bible study and reflection—not from a specific book—I share fifteen types of prayers that align so closely with God’s heart that the answer is always yes. Becoming Like Jesus One of the foundational prayers God always affirms is the desire to reflect Jesus in o...

103 - God Leads Us Through, Not Around In this heartfelt episode, I share a powerful truth that has shown up in my life again and again: God doesn’t always remove our challenges—He leads us through them. From biblical stories to personal reflections, this episode explores the importance of enduring trials instead of avoiding them and how God uses hardship to shape who we are becoming. Biblical Exa...

102 – Matthew Matters In today’s episode, we take a closer look at Matthew, one of the twelve apostles and the author of the first Gospel in the New Testament. We explore his surprising background, his unique calling by Jesus, and the lasting impact of his life and writings. Whether you’re familiar with Matthew or just learning about him, this episode offers a fresh and accessible way to understan...

101 - The Apostles Holy Week This episode is a heartfelt reflection on the events of Holy Week—from the cheering crowds on Palm Sunday to the quiet shock of Holy Saturday and the joy of Easter morning. I walk through each day, imagining what it must have felt like for the apostles and others around Jesus during that final week. It’s a story full of hope, confusion, love, and transformation, and I...

100 - Can a Christian Be Stoic? In this episode, I explore a question that has shaped much of my spiritual journey: can a Christian embrace Stoicism? I share how I discovered Stoicism at a young age and how its principles helped me build resilience during difficult times. Later, when I became a Christian, I had to ask whether those Stoic values still had a place in my life—and what I found was bot...

99 - RC Sproul On Christmas In this episode, Jill from the Northwoods explores Advent of Glory: 24 Devotions for Christmas by R.C. Sproul. Through the lens of Sproul’s insights, we examine the deep spiritual significance of Christ’s birth, its historical context, and the enduring message of hope and redemption it brings. Jill connects personal reflections with biblical truths, urging listeners to...