The New Norm

Sometimes we get stuck in situations we don’t like and didn’t ask for. Maybe that discomfort is God’s gentle way of leading us to place we would not have otherwise gone. This episode examines the story of Joseph in Matthew 2 and Isaac in Genesis 26 as examples for how to respond to seasons of crisis.

I once heard someone refer to the concept of grace as scandalous. It’s crazy to think someone should get something they don’t deserve. And yet, grace is at the very core of the gospel and that’s what Steve addresses in this episode.

A new year brings new opportunities for reflection and perspective. This week Steve explores lesson we can learn from Hagar as she stood on the edge of a new chapter of her life.

The Magi are a mysterious group of characters in the Christmas story. In this episode, Steve talks about who they are, where they come from, and what we can learn from them.

What do you do when you're grieving when everyone else is excited about Christmas? This week Steve looks at passage in Matthew where God acknowledges the very real pain the families in Bethlehem are experiencing. It’s a reminder that, despite our deep heartache, God as not forgotten us.

In 1 Sam. 26, when David has a chance to attack King Saul, he refuses to “strike the Lord’s anointed.” In some traditions this verse has been interpreted to mean no one should ever challenge anyone in a position of spiritual authority. In this episode, Steve examines this passage to see what it might mean for us today.

Part of walking in mercy is choosing to forgive, sometime more than you thought you would. In this episode, Steve explores Jesus’s command in Matthew 6 to forgive so that we might be forgiven

Genesis 1 describes the Spirit of God "hovering over the surface of the waters” immediately before God declares “Let there be light!” What might it look like to imagine and perceive the Holy Spirit hovering in your life and relationships? What might the Spirit be preparing to do in and around you next?

Sometimes we’re in a set of circumstances we didn’t ask for. This was true of the people of Israel, who were suffering in exile in Babylon. Steve explores the promises God has for us in the midst of these moments from Ezekiel 39.

What does it look like to be totally dialed in on the task God has for you in this season of your life? Steve looks at a passage in Nehemiah 6 that shows us how we can rise above distractions and finish the work God has for us.

They say “Pride comes before a fall.” That’s certainly the case in the story of King Uzziah in 2 Chronicles 26. His arrogance results in an unsettling consequence and affects all those around him.

There’s nothing quite as scary as pastors who are willing to harm their people for their own personal gain. This week Steve will investigate Ezekiel 34, a passage where God rails against dangerous spiritual leaders.

Steve digs into Paul’s letter to Titus to find out what makes a great pastor.

Steve unpacks the story of Jesus and the woman at the well in John 4. This passage is a call for us to move beyond the well of shame to Christ, our redeemer and healer.

Steve digs into Matthew 18 to explore Jesus’s parable about forgiving others in the same way that God forgives us.

In this episode, Steve reflects on God’s invitation for Elijah to pay attention when his nemesis, Ahab, turns a spiritual corner. It’s gentle reminder that people you and I have written off are not beyond the reach of God’s grace.

This week Steve takes a look at the beauty and the power of living in the truth of Psalm 23.

Steve unpacks what Ephesians 2 teaches us about anchoring out identity in Christ.

Not everyone who claims to speak for God is sent by God. This is why prophets in both the Old and New Testaments warn God’s people about the threat of false prophets. Steve explores episodes in the life of Jeremiah where he calls out prophets for speaking convenient and compelling, though terribly false messages.

When Jesus heals a paralyzed man in dramatic fashion, he reminds us the best miracles in our lives are often the hardest to see.

There’s an episode in Elijah’s life where he feels frightened and overwhelmed. When he’s most tempted to look inward and focus on himself, God invites him to look around for how might influence others.

“Blessing” can be a foreign concept for many of us. But blessing is a key piece of every thriving relationship. In this episode, Steve talks about what blessing is and how to incorporate it into our families.

In the midst of all the spinning plates in your life these days, how do you know what to focus on? Steve dives into the book of Numbers to help us discern what we should, and should not, be about.

The story of David and Bathsheba is a famous cautionary tale for Bible readers. But what if it’s as much about sloth and it is about lust?

How do you know what you’re supposed to focus on these days? Steve examines King David’s charge to his son Solomon and what we can learn from it about our current calling.