Small Steps with God

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...

98 - Unexpected Heroes of Christmas In this heartfelt episode, we dive into the profound lessons from The Characters of Christmas by Daniel Darling. The story of Jesus’ birth is filled with ordinary people thrust into extraordinary roles, from Joseph and Mary to lowly shepherds and devout elders like Simeon and Anna. We explore how their lives and choices can inspire us to live with faith, humilit...

97 - Man-Made Religion vs. Christianity What makes Christianity unique compared to religions humans might invent? In a podcast exploring this thought-provoking question, the stark differences between a faith designed for human gratification and the teachings of Christianity emerge. Far from catering to human desires, Christianity challenges its followers to embrace humility, self-sacrifice, and lo...

96 - Growth and Challenges of the Early Christian Church Jesus’ ascension to its establishment across continents. Faced with persecution, the early followers exhibited unwavering faith, and over time, Christianity spread far beyond the Roman Empire, shaping cultures and societies. Key figures like Justin Martyr and Tertullian, significant councils, and the strategic use of Roman infrastructure all...

95 - How We Got Our Liturgies In this episode, we dive into the fascinating history of Christian liturgy, exploring how it evolved from the earliest apostles to the structured services we recognize today. Liturgy, which means “work of the people” in Greek, plays a significant role in worship across many Christian denominations. Origins of Liturgy: We explore how early Christian liturgies were infl...

94 - How to Live Boldly for Christ In this episode, we dive into Ken Harrison’s book, Daring Faith in a Cowardly World, exploring how Christians can live with courage and boldness in their everyday lives. Too many believers are content with waiting for heaven, but Harrison encourages us to focus on how God can work through us now. His book challenges the idea of living a polite Christian life and...

93 - Moving Beyond Simplistic Views of the God In this episode, we explore how many people hold onto limited or distorted views of God. Drawing inspiration from J.B. Phillips’ book Your God is Too Small, we discuss how these views hinder spiritual growth and how we can embrace a fuller understanding of God’s immense nature. We touch on how God’s vastness coexists with His intimate care for each in...

92 - Reassessing Our Image of God In this episode, we dive into the thought-provoking ideas from Your God is Too Small by J.B. Phillips. The book offers a powerful reflection on the limiting ways people tend to think about God. From portraying God as an authoritarian rule-enforcer to viewing Him through the lens of our earthly parents, Phillips challenges us to reconsider these misconceptions. Res...

91 - Imagine God and Heaven In this episode, we dive deep into the fascinating world of near-death experiences (NDEs) through the lens of John Burke’s extensive research. Initially a skeptic, Burke’s journey into studying over a thousand NDEs has led to some compelling insights about what might lie beyond death. This episode discusses the common themes found in NDEs, their profound impact on those...

90 - You’re Heart Will Lead You Astray In today’s episode, we explore the dangers of self-worship, a prevalent theme in modern culture that encourages us to prioritize our own desires and emotions above all else. Drawing inspiration from Thaddeus J. Williams’ book, Don’t Follow Your Heart: Boldly Breaking the Ten Commandments of Self-Worship, we discuss how this mindset can lead to emptiness and h...

89 - Digging In Deeper With Hard Questions In this enlightening episode, we explore Gregory Koukl’s book “Tactics: A Game Plan for Discussing Your Christian Convictions.” Koukl offers a practical guide for engaging in faith conversations, focusing on asking strategic questions to promote deeper thinking. The episode covers his renowned Columbo Method, techniques for handling common objections, and...

88 - Conversations and Questions With Doubters Greg Koukl’s book, “Tactics: A Game Plan for Discussing Your Christian Convictions.” is a guide for anyone looking to engage in meaningful conversations about faith, particularly with challenging individuals. Koukl’s approach combines knowledge, wisdom, and character, emphasizing respectful dialogue and thoughtful questioning. The Essence of Tactical...

87 - Jesus, Aslan, and Destiny The Christian themes and allegories embedded in C.S. Lewis’s beloved series give us a way to look at Jesus and life in The Chronicles of Narnia. We explore how these stories reflect deep messages of faith, redemption, and morality and discuss their significance for both children and adults. Join us as we uncover the profound spiritual lessons that can be gleaned from...