Jill from The Northwoods

Small Steps with God

Religion EN ↓ 165 episodes

Small Steps with God is a practical guide to learning how to study the Bible thoughtfully and faithfully. Through clear teaching on exegesis, historical context, and careful reading, this podcast helps listeners move beyond surface-level interpretations and grow in confidence as students of Scripture. Episodes explore how meaning is drawn from the text—not read into it—along with series like MIRRORS, which examine biblical figures and historical groups to reflect on faith, obedience, and daily life. This is a place for steady growth, honest thinking, and learning to walk closely with God—one s...

Author

Jill from The Northwoods

Category

Religion

Podcast website

smallstepswithgod.com

Latest episode

Jul 7, 2026

Where to listen?

Podcasts in the app Replaio Radio Coming soon

Podcasts are coming to the app soon. Install now and be the first to see a whole new take on podcasts

Get it on Google Play Install for free Android 5M+ downloads · 4.8 rating iOS soon

Episodes

136 - The Bible Changes You: Exegesis vs. Eisegesis and the Way We Read Scripture 13.01.2026

The Bible Changes You: Exegesis vs. Eisegesis and the Way We Read Scripture In this episode, we’re unpacking one of the most essential practices in Christian life: how we read and interpret the Bible. At the heart of this conversation are two critical approaches—exegesis and eisegesis. Understanding the difference between them can shape how we experience Scripture, how we grow in faith, and how we...

135 - Build a Bible Habit That Actually Sticks 07.01.2026

Build a Bible Habit That Actually Sticks In this episode, I share why so many Bible reading plans fall apart—and offer a practical, grace-filled approach to making your Bible reading more meaningful and sustainable. Whether you’re a first-time reader or a long-time believer feeling stuck, this conversation will help you reframe your relationship with Scripture and build a practice that lasts. Top...

134 - 2 Corinthians: Ministry, Pain, and the Power of Reconciliation 07.01.2026

2 Corinthians: Ministry, Pain, and the Power of Reconciliation In this episode, we explore the profound emotional and spiritual depths of Paul’s second letter to the Corinthians. Far more than a follow-up to his first letter, this message reads like a vulnerable journal entry from a pastor who has been wounded, but still loves deeply. It captures the messiness of real ministry, the challenge of re...

133 - Why “Share” Completes the RAMPS Bible Study 30.12.2025

Why “Share” Completes the RAMPS Bible Study This episode explores the essential final step in the RAMPS Bible study method—Share. Originally structured as Read, Analyze, Meditate, and Pray, the method served as a powerful tool for personal growth in Scripture. However, the realization soon emerged that something critical was missing: the outward expression of faith. Scripture is not only meant to...

132 - Prayer That Transforms: The "P" in the RAMPS Bible Study Method 23.12.2025

Prayer That Transforms: The “P” in the RAMPS Bible Study Method In this episode, we explore the role of prayer in the RAMPS Bible study method. After reading, analyzing, and meditating on scripture, prayer becomes the essential step that turns study into relationship. It’s not just about talking to God—prayer is where we respond, wrestle, and open ourselves to be changed by what we’ve learned. Top...

131 - What Is Christian Meditation Really About? 16.12.2025

What Is Christian Meditation Really About? In this episode, we explore the often misunderstood practice of Christian meditation. While the world associates meditation with emptying the mind and Eastern practices, Christian meditation invites us to fill ourselves with the presence and truth of God. It’s not about detachment but about attentiveness—and it’s deeply rooted in Scripture and tradition....

130 - How to Analyze the Bible Like a Pro (Without Going to Seminary) 09.12.2025

How to Analyze the Bible (Without a Seminary Degree) In this episode, we explore the “Analyze” step in the RAMPS Bible Study method—a practical and approachable way for everyday readers to deeply understand scripture. Many of us have read the Bible, but how many of us have truly analyzed it? We talk about how to examine the Bible inductively, starting with the text itself and setting aside persona...

129 - Why Reading the Bible Still Matters 02.12.2025

Why Reading the Bible Still Matters In this episode, I talk about why reading the Bible is a foundational practice for every believer. We’re kicking off a mini-series based on the RAMPS Bible Study method—starting with the “R” for Read. I explore why scripture reading has always been vital, how it shapes us, and how it has been preserved and passed down through generations. We’ll also reflect on h...

128 - Mirrors - Loved by Jesus: The Lazarus Story and the Hope That Waits 25.11.2025

Loved by Jesus: The Lazarus Story and the Hope That Waits In today’s episode, I reflect on the powerful and deeply human story of Lazarus of Bethany — the man Jesus raised from the dead. But this isn’t just a miracle story. It’s a story about silence, grief, waiting, and hope. Lazarus never speaks a word in the Bible, but his life speaks volumes. He mirrors the parts of our lives that feel silent,...

127 - MIRRORS - Mary of Bethany - Quiet Love, Eternal Legacy 18.11.2025

At His Feet: The Stillness That Changes Everything In this episode, we step into the home at Bethany and meet a woman whose worship was quiet but unforgettable—Mary of Bethany. While others rushed to serve or explain, she simply sat at Jesus’ feet. Through her story, we explore how stillness can be strength, and how presence with God often does more than performance for Him. ✨ MIRRORS Breakdown M...

123 - Mirrors - Reflecting God, Mirroring Jesus 16.11.2025

Reflections of the Divine: Seeing God and Jesus as Our Mirrors ✨ In this foundational episode of the Mirrors series, we take a closer look at the ultimate models of reflection—God the Father and Jesus Christ. The core question guiding this discussion is simple but powerful: Can God and Jesus be mirrors for our lives? Through thoughtful insight and biblical exploration, this episode unpacks how we...

126 - Understanding 1 Corinthians – A Message to a Divided and Morally Conflicted Church 11.11.2025

Who Were the Corinthians and Why Did Paul Write to Them? In this episode, we take a closer look at the church in Corinth and why the Apostle Paul felt compelled to write such a direct, passionate letter. Exploring the background of the city, the challenges facing the believers, and the structure of Paul’s pastoral advice, this episode sets the foundation for a deeper understanding of 1 Corinthians...

125 - Mirrors - Martha’s Better Portion: From Performance to Presence 04.11.2025

Martha’s Better Portion: From Performance to Presence M — Moment Bethany’s kitchen clattered with dishes and devotion. Martha opened her home—and her heart—to Jesus, believing that service was love in motion. Yet in her busyness, she missed the stillness that transforms. This episode takes us into that living room moment, where Jesus gently redirects her heart toward peace. I — Identity Martha was...

124 - Sit All the Way Down: Jacob’s Limp and Our Trust 28.10.2025

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...

122 - Mirrors - Leah – The Unseen Praiser: Finding Worth When You Feel Overlooked 15.10.2025

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...

121 - Romans: One Gospel, One Body 06.10.2025

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...

120 - Understanding Paul: From Persecutor to Preacher 30.09.2025

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...

119 - Why Do Bad Things Happen to Good People? A Christian Reflection on Suffering 23.09.2025

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...

118 - You Don’t Have a Soul… You ARE One! 16.09.2025

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...

117 – Part 2 - Understanding Foundational Christian Words 09.09.2025

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...

116 – Understanding Foundational Christian Words 02.09.2025

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...

115 - Creating Sacred Silence: Practical Ways to Reclaim Stillness in a Noisy World 19.08.2025

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 13.08.2025

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...

113 - Tribes of Israel from Jacob to Jesus 05.08.2025

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...

112 - Strategies for Difficult Times 29.07.2025

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...

Listen to the Small Steps with God podcast in Replaio

Radio and podcasts in one app - free, with no sign-up. Install today and do not miss the launch

Get it on Google Play

Replaio is not a podcast publisher; show names, artwork and audio belong to their authors and are distributed through public RSS feeds.