In the Stillness Podcast

In Matthew 23:1–12 , Jesus brings His public debates with the religious leaders to a close — not by arguing more, but by exposing what was driving their hearts. He warns against valuing status over surrender and position over a right heart posture to God. This teaching isn’t just about ancient leaders; it challenges anyone tempted to prioritize image, recognition, or titles over a humble, transfor...

A lot of us have heard the greatest commandments before — love God and love others — maybe so many times that they’ve started to feel familiar, even cliché. But, familiarity doesn’t mean we’re living it out. In Matthew 22:34–40 , Jesus strips away religious performance and points to what actually matters: wholehearted love. This episode takes a deeper look at what it truly means to love God with a...

Today, we read Isaiah 49:8–18 and reflect on full restoration & God’s heart toward His people. Though originally spoken to Israel, this promise extends to all who are grafted in by faith in Jesus. If you’ve been feeling weary, forgotten, or overwhelmed by the pace of life, let this episode refresh your soul and remind you of who your Father is — faithful, present, and leading you into freedom....

In this episode, we walk through Matthew 22:15–22 , where religious & political leaders attempt to trap Jesus in His words. What looks like a simple question about taxes actually reveals something much deeper — the subtle strategies of the enemy and the reality of spiritual warfare. Jesus shows us how to respond when we’re tested: not with fear, compromise, or reaction, but with truth, integri...

In today’s episode, we dive into Matthew 22:1–14 -- one of my fav passages! It’s easy to envision, deeply personal, and very revealing about the choices we make every day. Jesus paints a picture of a King who prepares a lavish wedding banquet for His Son — and yet, many of those invited turn it down. Not because the feast wasn’t good… but because they were “not impressed” and too busy with their o...

In this episode, we sit with one of Jesus’ most confronting parables in Matthew 21:28–32 . At first glance, obedience seems obvious. But Jesus flips the script, revealing that God is far more concerned with repentant hearts & obedient lives than the "right" words and religious appearances. This is a direct, but loving, conversation about motives, repentance, and what it actually mean...

In Matthew 21:18–22 , Jesus curses a fig tree that looks healthy from a distance but bears no fruit—and then teaches His disciples about praying with faith that moves mountains. At first glance, these moments may seem disconnected, but together they reveal a powerful truth about spiritual fruit, authenticity, and prayer. Today, we talk about the danger of outward appearances without inward transfo...

In Matthew 21:12–17 , Jesus enters the temple and does something unexpected...He clears it. What was meant to be a house of prayer had slowly become crowded with distraction, self-interest, and misplaced priorities. In this episode, we talk about how spiritual drift happens subtly, how even “good” things can crowd out God’s presence, and why Jesus is passionate about pure worship. We’re also remin...

This passage from Matthew 21:1–11 is one many of us recognize...but its familiarity doesn't mean it can't still challenge us. It's far from shallow!! We look at Jesus’ humble entrance into Jerusalem and reflect on what it truly means to follow Him—not just in moments of praise, but in everyday obedience. We’ll talk about obedience in the small & ordinary things, trusting God one st...

In today’s episode, we walk through Matthew 20:20–28 , where Jesus redefines greatness and reveals what true leadership looks like. As the disciples focus on position & status, Jesus redirects them, showing that greatness is found in serving others , and reminding us that when we ask God for something, He alone knows what we truly need and what we’re ready to carry. This passage invites us to trus...

In this episode, we study Matthew 20:1–16 , where Jesus tells a story that powerfully reminds us that salvation is not earned, deserved, or ranked. It is a gift of grace. We reflect on how comparison can quietly steal our joy, why Jesus Himself is the true reward, and how God’s kindness calls both new and longtime believers to humility and gratitude. This passage invites us to lay down pride, rele...

In today’s episode, we talk through the story of the rich young man in Matthew 19:16–30 — a passage that challenges us to examine what truly has our hearts. Jesus lovingly exposes the one thing the young man wasn’t willing to surrender. We will explore what it means to love God fully, why salvation is rooted in faith, and how eternal rewards far outweigh temporary comforts. We’ll think about how w...

What if the key to forgiving others more freely is realizing just how much you’ve been forgiven? In today’s episode, we walk through Matthew 18:21–35 , where Jesus tells the parable of the unforgiving servant. This story becomes a powerful reminder that awareness of God’s forgiveness transforms the way we love. Reflection Questions: 1. Where have you forgotten how much you’ve been forgiven? 2. Who...

In this episode, we go through Matthew 18:6–9 , when Jesus gives one of His strongest warnings against sin & temptation. Coming right after His teaching on childlike faith, this passage reminds us that while we are called to trust God fully as His children, we are also called to grow in maturity and obedience. We'll talk about the responsibility believers have toward one another, the impor...

In this episode, we read through Matthew 17:1–13 . As Jesus is transfigured on the mountain, we see Him not only as Savior and friend, but as the holy Son of God , fulfilling the Law and the Prophets. This passage reminds us that following Jesus begins with an invitation and a willingness to obey, not striving or earning. We’re challenged to examine how we see Jesus, how closely we walk with Him,...

In this episode, we read through Matthew 16:21–28 , a turning point where Jesus clearly reveals His mission and invites His followers to understand the true cost of following Him. As Peter reacts from a human perspective, Jesus exposes the subtle pull toward comfort and self-preservation. This passage challenges us to deny ourselves, take up our cross, and live with an eternal perspective rather t...

In this episode, we pause and do something a little different! I share a personal “love letter” — each line rooted in God’s Word — and invite you to listen as if God is speaking these truths directly over you. This is a reminder of the Gospel we can so easily forget. We reflect on the overwhelming, pursuing love of a perfect Father who chose you, saw you, and deemed you worth His life. My prayer i...

In this episode, we read through Matthew 16:13–20 and sit with, arguably, the most important question Jesus ever asks: “But what about YOU...who do YOU say I am?” Peter boldly declares Jesus as the Messiah — and in doing so, he discovers his identity and purpose. This passage challenges us to examine whether Jesus is truly Lord of our lives or simply one voice among many others. We’re reminded tha...

In this episode, we read through Matthew 16:1–4 and reflect on Jesus’ response to the Pharisees and Sadducees as they demand a sign from heaven. Though they could read the signs of the weather, their hardened hearts kept them from recognizing the truth standing before them. This passage challenges us to examine the difference between faith and skepticism, and reminds us that belief in Jesus is not...

In this episode, we go through Matthew 15:21–28 and look at a powerful encounter between Jesus and a mother who refused to stop crying out...even in the silence. This passage reminds us to trust God’s timing, believe in His heart, and approach Him with humble persistence . We see that silence does not mean absence, and that God often works within us before answering what’s happening around us. Ref...

In this episode, we journey through Matthew 15:1–20 as Jesus confronts religious legalism. With the Pharisees' focus on tradition and outward appearance, Jesus redirects them to check out the condition of their hearts. This passage reminds us that faith is not about what we do for God, but about what God has already done for us. Our obedience is meant to be a response of gratitude, not a way t...

In this episode, we read through Matthew 14:22–33 and reflect on Jesus walking on the water. Though this is a familiar passage, it invites us to slow down and consider the power and tenderness of Christ in the midst of fear and uncertainty. We see a Savior who meets His disciples with reassurance, calls them into active faith, and brings peace where there was chaos. This passage challenges us to e...

In this episode, we read through Matthew 14:13–21 and reflect on the heart of Jesus as He feeds the 5,000. This passage reveals a compassionate Savior who meets both emotional and physical needs...even in His own sorrow. We’re reminded that what may feel like “not enough” in our hands becomes MORE than enough when placed in the hands of Jesus. This is an invitation to trust God with your whole hea...

In this episode, we read through Matthew 14:6–12 and confront the danger of people-pleasing over obedience to God. Through the story of Herod and John the Baptist, we see how choosing comfort and approval can lead us away from righteousness. It's is a sobering reminder that living for people will always cost us something, but living for God leads to LIFE. This is an invitation to stand firm in...

In this episode, we read through Matthew 13:53–58 and the danger of letting familiarity limit our faith. When Jesus returned to His hometown, people missed who He truly was — because their faith was small. This passage is a convicting reminder that pride and comfort can subtly keep us from experiencing all God has for us. It is an invitation for us to pray boldly, live expectantly, and trust that...