Small Steps with God

Have you ever said the right thing and watched it go nowhere? Warned someone, told the truth, gave the best counsel you had — and the person nodded and did exactly what they were going to do anyway? That feeling has a name in Scripture, and it belongs to one of the most faithfully obedient people in the entire Old Testament. This episode is about Samuel.The Moment He Lived InSamuel’s life spanned two eras: the last of the judges and the first of the prophets. He served during one of the most turbulent transitions in Israel’s history, as a loosely confederated tribal society insisted on becoming a monarchy like its neighbors. He was a kingmaker who never became king himself, who heard God speak from childhood and carried that voice forward his entire life.Who He Was: Identity Built on ListeningSamuel’s identity was formed in the dark of the tabernacle, hearing his name called three times and finally learning to respond: “Speak, Lord, for your servant hears.” His whole vocation — prophet, judge, anointer of kings — rested on that posture. He was not a strategist or a politician. He was simply someone who heard God and said what God told him to say.What He Got Right: Costly FaithfulnessWhen Israel demanded a king, God told Samuel to warn them what a king would cost. Samuel warned them clearly, completely, and faithfully. They ignored him anyway. And Samuel kept serving. He anointed Saul — a king he disagreed with — and continued his work. He then anointed David, weeping over Saul’s failure, and stepped off the stage when his part was done. Faithfulness when no one is listening. Obedience when the crowd has already made up its mind. This is what costly faithfulness looks like.What He Got Wrong: Grief That Almost Became ParalysisSamuel’s sons were corrupt, taking bribes and perverting justice. The man who listened so carefully to God throughout a nation’s history somehow couldn’t translate that faithfulness into his closest relationships. And when Saul failed, Samuel’s grief tipped toward something God had to interrupt: “How long will you grieve? Get up. There is more work to do.”The Mirror: What Samuel’s Life Says to UsSamuel never saw the fruit of what he planted. He anointed two kings, both failures in different ways, and died before David’s kingdom came together. God never called that a failure. Faithfulness is not measured by outcome. If you have said true things, done right things, and watched them go nowhere — Samuel’s life is permission to grieve that, and then to get up. Your work is not done.Jill’s Linkshttps://jillfromthenorthwoods.com/https://www.youtube.com/@smallstepswithgodhttps://www.buymeacoffee.com/smallstepspodhttps://twitter.com/schmernEmail the podcast at [email protected]“Scripture quotations are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. The ESV text may not be quoted in any publication made available to the public by a Creative Commons license. The ESV may not be translated in whole or in part into any other language.”Scripture quotations marked CSB have been taken from the Christian Standard Bible®, Copyright © 2017 by Holman Bible Publishers. Used by permission. Christian Standard Bible® and CSB® are federally registered trademarks of Holman Bible Publishers.“The Scriptures quoted are from the NET Bible® http://netbible.com copyright ©1996, 2019 used with permission from Biblical Studies Press, L.L.C. All rights reserved”.Bible Maps and images used with permission from https://www.bible.ca/maps/ or https://www.freebibleimages.org/illustrations/bj-ot-world/Copyright 2014 Faithlife / Logos Bible Software. Free for non-commercial use by individuals or organizations. May be presented before live audiences; may be posted on social media; may be re-distributed. May not be used commercially. May not be modified or included in published works without permission; contact [email protected]. Attribute as: “Copyright 2014 Faithlife / Logos Bible Software ()”.By choosing to watch this video or listen to this podcast, you acknowledge that you are doing so of your own free will. The content shared here reflects personal experiences, faith journey, and opinions and is intended for informational and inspirational purposes only. I am not a licensed pastor, theologian, or counselor. Any spiritual reflections, devotional thoughts, or suggestions offered should not be considered a substitute for guidance from your own pastor, faith community, or professional mental health provider. You are solely responsible for any decisions or actions you take based on this content.

How to Use Bible Commentaries Without Losing Your Own VoiceEvery time I open Hebrews, there's a moment where the questions start stacking up. What did that mean to someone in Jerusalem in 60 AD? What is the "order of Melchizedek" anyway? Is that something I'm supposed to already know? Commentaries exist to help with exactly that — but there's a right way and a wrong way to use them. In this episode I want to walk through what a commentary actually is, how to choose one that's honest about its own perspective, and how to use it in a way that deepens your own thinking instead of replacing it.What Is a Commentary, Exactly?A commentary is the condensed work of a scholar, pastor, or theologian who spent years — sometimes a whole career — wrestling with one book or passage of Scripture. When you read Matthew Henry, you're stepping into the mind of someone with a warm devotional instinct and centuries of distance from our present moment. When you read John Gill, you're stepping into detailed linguistic and historical analysis. They're not neutral. No commentary is. But that's what makes them valuable, and it's also why you need to know who you're reading.Why You Need to Know the Tradition Behind the VoiceA Reformed commentary will read Romans 9 very differently than an Armenian one. A Lutheran commentary will approach law and gospel in a way that a Baptist commentary won't. A Catholic commentary carries assumptions about church authority and sacraments that other traditions don't share. None of this makes any of these commentaries unusable — but it does mean you need to understand the tradition behind the voice so you can weigh what you're receiving. Before you invest in a commentary, Google the author. Find out where they sit.Free Resources Worth KnowingYou don't need a seminary degree or an expensive library. Matthew Henry's full commentary is available free at Bible Gateway. John Gill's is free at Blue Letter Bible. Bob Guzik's commentary from Calvary Chapel (Santa Barbara) is free at enduringword.com and is one of the most readable verse-by-verse tools available. Blue Letter Bible also lets you click a single word and see what it meant in Greek or Hebrew, and how it's used throughout Scripture. These resources are genuinely excellent and cost nothing.A Healthier Rhythm: Start Alone, Then Invite the Commentary InHere's the pattern I've landed on: read the passage first. Read it again. Let it sit. Notice what you observe, what confuses you, what seems important. Then bring the commentary in — not to replace your thinking, but to meet it. The commentator can tell you things you never would have found on your own: the historical setting, the original language, what Augustine said about this verse, why scholars disagree here. But you're receiving that information actively, not passively. You come with your own questions.The Problem With Too Many VoicesWith hundreds of commentaries available — and software like Logos that can line them all up at once — there's a real danger of noise replacing clarity. Ten commentators, ten opinions, ten different maps to the restaurant. The solution is to find a few you trust, from traditions you understand, with solid scholarship and honest interpretation of the text itself. Consistency matters more than comprehensiveness. Depth of relationship with a good commentary will serve you better than a broad sampling of everything available.The Goal Is Formation, Not InformationA good commentary is like a hiking guide who can point out things you would have missed: the bird over there, the bend in the river, the history of this trail. But if you're looking at the guidebook the whole time, you never actually see the trail. The Bible itself remains the plumb line. Let the commentary sharpen your thinking, not replace it. Let it lead you back to the text — because that's where the real transformation happens.Thanks for spending time with me today.Jill’s Linkshttps://jillfromthenorthwoods.com/https://www.youtube.com/@smallstepswithgodhttps://www.buymeacoffee.com/smallstepspodhttps://twitter.com/schmernEmail the podcast at [email protected]“Scripture quotations are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. The ESV text may not be quoted in any publication made available to the public by a Creative Commons license. The ESV may not be translated in whole or in part into any other language.”Scripture quotations marked CSB have been taken from the Christian Standard Bible®, Copyright © 2017 by Holman Bible Publishers. Used by permission. Christian Standard Bible® and CSB® are federally registered trademarks of Holman Bible Publishers.“The Scriptures quoted are from the NET Bible® http://netbible.com copyright ©1996, 2019 used with permission from Biblical Studies Press, L.L.C. All rights reserved”.Bible Maps and images used with permission from https://www.bible.ca/maps/ or https://www.freebibleimages.org/illustrations/bj-ot-world/Copyright 2014 Faithlife / Logos Bible Software. Free for non-commercial use by individuals or organizations. May be presented before live audiences; may be posted on social media; may be re-distributed. May not be used commercially. May not be modified or included in published works without permission; contact [email protected]. Attribute as: “Copyright 2014 Faithlife / Logos Bible Software ()”.By choosing to watch this video or listen to this podcast, you acknowledge that you are doing so of your own free will. The content shared here reflects personal experiences, faith journey, and opinions and is intended for informational and inspirational purposes only. I am not a licensed pastor, theologian, or counselor. Any spiritual reflections, devotional thoughts, or suggestions offered should not be considered a substitute for guidance from your own pastor, faith community, or professional mental health provider. You are solely responsible for any decisions or actions you take based on this content.

Before we dive into Hebrews chapter by chapter, there's a mystery to solve — and it's been unsolved for nearly two thousand years. We don't know who wrote this book. What we do know is why it was written, who it was written to, and why it still cuts so close to the bone.A Word of ExhortationHebrews isn't a letter in the usual sense — it reads more like a carefully crafted sermon, written for a specific group of people in a specific kind of crisis. Jewish Christians, already paying a steep social price for their faith, were being pulled back toward the familiar. Back toward family. Back toward safety. The author's response isn't condemnation. It's one relentless argument: Jesus is better.The Authorship QuestionPaul? Apollos? Barnabas? Priscilla? Luke? The scholars have been at this for centuries, and Origen of Alexandria — one of the earliest and most careful — landed here: only God knows. The Greek is the most polished in all of the New Testament, more elevated than anything Paul wrote. Martin Luther made a compelling case for Apollos, and this episode walks through why that argument still holds up.Dating and AudienceThe book was almost certainly written before 70 AD — before the temple in Jerusalem was destroyed. The author writes about temple sacrifices in the present tense, as something still happening. The audience is likely house churches in or near Rome: second-generation believers who had already endured real hardship and were now tired, scared, and wondering if it was all worth it.The Law and the Gospel in HebrewsHebrews is a masterclass in holding law and gospel together. The warnings are real — unbelief is serious, drifting is serious, don't do what the wilderness generation did. And underneath all of it, the gospel runs: we have a merciful and faithful high priest who tasted death and sat down because the work is finished. Both voices are present in every chapter.What We're About to ReadThe old covenant — the law, the priests, the sacrifices, the tabernacle — was never the destination. It was always a pointer. Everything was pointing toward Jesus. Hebrews pulls that thread all the way through, showing that the shadow has given way to the substance. That's what we're walking into, one chapter at a time.Download blank templates, schedules here:https://schmern2.notion.site/Downloads-Template-Word-and-Excel-Schedule-67439d14449d4c20bfe00efe069f78b8Logos RAMPS Workflow - RAMPS Bible Study - The Bible in Small Steps in Logos WorkflowsJill’s Linkshttps://jillfromthenorthwoods.com/https://www.youtube.com/@smallstepswithgodhttps://www.buymeacoffee.com/smallstepspodhttps://twitter.com/schmernEmail the podcast at [email protected]“Scripture quotations are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. The ESV text may not be quoted in any publication made available to the public by a Creative Commons license. The ESV may not be translated in whole or in part into any other language.”Scripture quotations marked CSB have been taken from the Christian Standard Bible®, Copyright © 2017 by Holman Bible Publishers. Used by permission. Christian Standard Bible® and CSB® are federally registered trademarks of Holman Bible Publishers.“The Scriptures quoted are from the NET Bible® http://netbible.com copyright ©1996, 2019 used with permission from Biblical Studies Press, L.L.C. All rights reserved”.Bible Maps and images used with permission from https://www.bible.ca/maps/ or https://www.freebibleimages.org/illustrations/bj-ot-world/Copyright 2014 Faithlife / Logos Bible Software. Free for non-commercial use by individuals or organizations. May be presented before live audiences; may be posted on social media; may be re-distributed. May not be used commercially. May not be modified or included in published works without permission; contact [email protected]. Attribute as: “Copyright 2014 Faithlife / Logos Bible Software ()”.By choosing to watch this video or listen to this podcast, you acknowledge that you are doing so of your own free will. The content shared here reflects personal study, faith perspective, and opinions and is intended for informational and inspirational purposes only. I am not a licensed pastor, seminary-trained theologian, or biblical scholar. Any scriptural interpretation, commentary, or reflections offered should not be considered a substitute for guidance from your own pastor, church body, or faith community. Theological understanding is a lifelong journey — I encourage you to study alongside your own tradition and trusted spiritual leaders. You are solely responsible for any decisions or actions you take based on this content.

It's only 25 verses. You can read it in four minutes. But Philemon may be the most concentrated picture of the gospel in the entire New Testament — and one of the most overlooked books in the Bible. In this episode, we take a flyover of the whole story: a runaway slave, a wealthy believer, an imprisoned apostle, and a letter that reshapes how grace works between people.🔑 The Setup: Paul, Philemon, and OnesimusPaul is under house arrest in Rome, chained to a guard. Philemon is a well-off Christian in Colossae whose home serves as a church. His slave Onesimus has run away — and in the ancient world, that is no small infraction. Running from a bond-service contract could mean branding, torture, or death under Roman law.🔑 The Gospel Pattern in MiniatureOnesimus ends up with Paul, comes to faith, and is now being sent back — not as a legal problem, but as a brother. Paul is stepping into the gap between debtor and contract-holder, absorbing the cost, and asking Philemon to receive this man as he would receive Paul himself. This is exactly what Christ does for us.🔑 Appeal, Not CommandPaul could order Philemon. He is an apostle; Philemon owes his entire faith to Paul's ministry. Instead, Paul appeals on the basis of love — mirroring how God works in us through grace, not coercion. A willing response from the heart is worth more than an obedient one from obligation.🔑 Onesimus: Useful AgainThe name Onesimus means 'useful' — likely not his real name but the kind of label common for slaves. He ran away, making himself useless. Now, the gospel has made him live up to his name. The wordplay is deliberate, and underneath it is something profound: he doesn't earn his way back. He comes back as a new creation.🔑 Structures That Hollow OutPaul doesn't call for the abolition of bond-servitude — but he calls Philemon to receive Onesimus no longer as a slave but as a dear brother. The gospel doesn't always dismantle unjust structures from the outside. It hollows them out from within by changing how we see each other.Philemon is the gospel getting personal — and that's what Small Steps with God is all about.Jill’s Linkshttps://jillfromthenorthwoods.com/https://www.youtube.com/@smallstepswithgodhttps://www.buymeacoffee.com/smallstepspodhttps://twitter.com/schmernEmail the podcast at [email protected]“Scripture quotations are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. The ESV text may not be quoted in any publication made available to the public by a Creative Commons license. The ESV may not be translated in whole or in part into any other language.”Scripture quotations marked CSB have been taken from the Christian Standard Bible®, Copyright © 2017 by Holman Bible Publishers. Used by permission. Christian Standard Bible® and CSB® are federally registered trademarks of Holman Bible Publishers.“The Scriptures quoted are from the NET Bible® http://netbible.com copyright ©1996, 2019 used with permission from Biblical Studies Press, L.L.C. All rights reserved”.Bible Maps and images used with permission from https://www.bible.ca/maps/ or https://www.freebibleimages.org/illustrations/bj-ot-world/Copyright 2014 Faithlife / Logos Bible Software. Free for non-commercial use by individuals or organizations. May be presented before live audiences; may be posted on social media; may be re-distributed. May not be used commercially. May not be modified or included in published works without permission; contact [email protected]. Attribute as: “Copyright 2014 Faithlife / Logos Bible Software ()”.By choosing to watch this video or listen to this podcast, you acknowledge that you are doing so of your own free will. The content shared here reflects personal experiences, faith journey, and opinions and is intended for informational and inspirational purposes only. I am not a licensed pastor, theologian, or counselor. Any spiritual reflections, devotional thoughts, or suggestions offered should not be considered a substitute for guidance from your own pastor, faith community, or professional mental health provider. You are solely responsible for any decisions or actions you take based on this content.

Some letters in the New Testament feel written for a specific ancient crisis. Titus doesn't feel that way — it feels written for right now. A young, unstructured church, false teachers already at work, a surrounding culture known for instability and self-indulgence, and one trusted person left to sort it all out. That's not just first-century Crete. That's familiar territory.Who Was Titus?Titus doesn't appear in Acts at all, which is striking given how much Paul relied on him. He shows up in Paul's other letters as a Gentile believer whom Paul trusted with the hardest assignments — representing Paul to the troubled Corinthian church, organizing famine relief for Jerusalem, and now, being left in Crete to establish order in a chaotic young congregation. He was not famous, but the early church functioned because of people like him.Where Is Crete and Why Does It Matter?Crete is the largest island in Greece, a busy Mediterranean crossroads with a history going back to the Minoans. By the time of this letter, it was a Roman province with a Jewish population — some of whom had been in Jerusalem for Pentecost, heard Peter's sermon, believed, and carried the gospel home with them. The church likely started that way: ordinary people with extraordinary news. But the island had a well-known cultural reputation for dishonesty, self-indulgence, and instability, and that culture was seeping into the congregation.The Three Pillars of the LetterPaul's response to the chaos in Crete was built on three things: get the right people into leadership (chapter one), make the teaching sound, and let the gospel visibly reshape how people actually live — at every age. These aren't three separate programs. They flow from the same source: grace that saves and grace that transforms.Two Theological AnchorsThe letter contains two of Paul's most compact theological summaries. Titus 2:11–14 describes grace as an active force — not just forgiveness received, but a power that trains believers to live differently. Titus 3:4–7 is among the clearest statements of justification by grace in all of Paul's letters: saved not because of righteous works, but by God's mercy, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit.Why This Letter, Why NowEvery generation has its own version of Crete — moral confusion, distorted teaching, cultural pressure toward self-indulgence, and people inside the church going through the motions. Paul's answer is always the same: faithful leadership, sound doctrine, and lives that actually look like the gospel is true. Those three things together make a church stable even in a very difficult place.Jill’s Linkshttps://jillfromthenorthwoods.com/https://www.youtube.com/@smallstepswithgodhttps://www.buymeacoffee.com/smallstepspodhttps://twitter.com/schmernEmail the podcast at [email protected]“Scripture quotations are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. The ESV text may not be quoted in any publication made available to the public by a Creative Commons license. The ESV may not be translated in whole or in part into any other language.”Scripture quotations marked CSB have been taken from the Christian Standard Bible®, Copyright © 2017 by Holman Bible Publishers. Used by permission. Christian Standard Bible® and CSB® are federally registered trademarks of Holman Bible Publishers.“The Scriptures quoted are from the NET Bible® http://netbible.com copyright ©1996, 2019 used with permission from Biblical Studies Press, L.L.C. All rights reserved”.Bible Maps and images used with permission from https://www.bible.ca/maps/ or https://www.freebibleimages.org/illustrations/bj-ot-world/Copyright 2014 Faithlife / Logos Bible Software. Free for non-commercial use by individuals or organizations. May be presented before live audiences; may be posted on social media; may be re-distributed. May not be used commercially. May not be modified or included in published works without permission; contact [email protected]. Attribute as: “Copyright 2014 Faithlife / Logos Bible Software ()”.By choosing to watch this video or listen to this podcast, you acknowledge that you are doing so of your own free will. The content shared here reflects personal experiences, faith journey, and opinions and is intended for informational and inspirational purposes only. I am not a licensed pastor, theologian, or counselor. Any spiritual reflections, devotional thoughts, or suggestions offered should not be considered a substitute for guidance from your own pastor, faith community, or professional mental health provider. You are solely responsible for any decisions or actions you take based on this content.

If you look at the famous names of the Bible and ask what they did for a living when God called them, the answer is almost never: official religious work. Fishermen, tentmakers, tax collectors, seamstresses, shepherds, government administrators, an innkeeper, a foreign field laborer, a nameless slave girl. This episode asks what that overwhelming pattern means for ordinary people today.The List of Ordinary CallingsPeter, Andrew, James, and John were fishing. Paul was building tents — a trade he kept alongside his missionary work. Matthew was collecting taxes for the Roman occupation when Jesus came directly to his office and said, come now. Lydia sold purple cloth and opened her home as a church the day she believed. Dorcas was sewing clothes for widows, and her community grieved her so deeply that Peter raised her from the dead.Shepherds, Government Workers, and CraftspeopleDavid was watching his father's sheep when Samuel came to anoint him. Amos was a shepherd and fig farmer who said plainly: I had no credentials, God grabbed me out of the field. Nehemiah was a royal cupbearer. Daniel administered a pagan empire. Joseph became second-in-command of Egypt. Esther was a Persian queen. These weren't people operating outside the system — God used them right where they were.Ruth, Rahab, and the Woman at the WellRuth was a foreign-born immigrant doing field agriculture because she had nothing to eat. Rahab — innkeeper, possibly prostitute, possibly both — hid the Israelite spies and shows up in the genealogy of Jesus. The Samaritan woman at the well, with five ex-husbands and a reputation, met Jesus at noon and became the first evangelist to her entire town, with no preparation and no credentials whatsoever.How Few Official Religious Workers There Actually WereOut of twelve tribes of Israel, one — the Levites, and specifically the descendants of Aaron — had priestly duties. That's a small fraction of the total population with any official religious role. But before the Levitical system was even established, God told the whole nation at Sinai: you will be a kingdom of priests. Every person. That was always the design.What 1 Peter 2:9 Means for Regular PeopleIn 1 Peter 2:9, Peter writes to ordinary, scattered believers — not leaders of any kind — and says: you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation. In Christ, the original design is restored. Everybody. The work of the gospel travels through farm fields, workshops, government offices, homes, and ordinary Tuesdays. Ordinary life is not a waiting room while someone else does the real work.ClosingYou don't need a title. You don't need credentials. That servant girl in Naaman's household didn't even have a name — and her testimony made it into the eternal record. The job you have, the neighborhood you live in, the conversations you have on a regular Tuesday: that is exactly where God's work in the world happens.Jill’s Linkshttps://jillfromthenorthwoods.com/https://www.youtube.com/@smallstepswithgodhttps://www.buymeacoffee.com/smallstepspodhttps://twitter.com/schmernEmail the podcast at [email protected]“Scripture quotations are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. The ESV text may not be quoted in any publication made available to the public by a Creative Commons license. The ESV may not be translated in whole or in part into any other language.”Scripture quotations marked CSB have been taken from the Christian Standard Bible®, Copyright © 2017 by Holman Bible Publishers. Used by permission. Christian Standard Bible® and CSB® are federally registered trademarks of Holman Bible Publishers.“The Scriptures quoted are from the NET Bible® http://netbible.com copyright ©1996, 2019 used with permission from Biblical Studies Press, L.L.C. All rights reserved”.Bible Maps and images used with permission from https://www.bible.ca/maps/ or https://www.freebibleimages.org/illustrations/bj-ot-world/Copyright 2014 Faithlife / Logos Bible Software. Free for non-commercial use by individuals or organizations. May be presented before live audiences; may be posted on social media; may be re-distributed. May not be used commercially. May not be modified or included in published works without permission; contact [email protected]. Attribute as: “Copyright 2014 Faithlife / Logos Bible Software ()”.By choosing to watch this video or listen to this podcast, you acknowledge that you are doing so of your own free will. The content shared here reflects personal experiences, faith journey, and opinions and is intended for informational and inspirational purposes only. I am not a licensed pastor, theologian, or counselor. Any spiritual reflections, devotional thoughts, or suggestions offered should not be considered a substitute for guidance from your own pastor, faith community, or professional mental health provider. You are solely responsible for any decisions or actions you take based on this content.

When are you going to start living like Psalm 23 is actually true? That question stopped me cold. I had been talking through a difficult personal pattern with an AI tool—how I've always felt like the only adult in the room, responsible for everything—and the response that came back changed something in me. In this episode, I want to walk through Psalm 23 slowly, phrase by phrase, and ask what it would actually look like to live it, not just recite it.The Lord Is My Shepherd — I Shall Not WantIn ancient Israel, a shepherd wasn't a romantic figure. He was a working person in rough terrain who knew where to find food and water, tracked every single animal, and fought off predators. When David says 'the Lord is my shepherd,' he's speaking from direct experience—he fought lions and bears before he fought Goliath. 'I shall not want' in Hebrew is closer to 'I lack for nothing essential.' Not luxury. Sufficiency. That's a more stable promise than anything we chase.Green Pastures, Still Waters, and the Sheep That Won't Lie DownSheep only lie down when they're free from fear, free from tension with other sheep, free from pests, and well-fed. A shepherd who makes the sheep lie down isn't forcing them—he's removed every anxiety until rest is possible. Still waters matter too: sheep are frightened by moving water. Their wool soaks and can drag them under. The shepherd finds calm pools. This is specific, attentive, personal care.He Restores My SoulThe Hebrew word is shub—return, bring back. Philip Keller's illustration of the 'cast sheep' (a sheep rolled onto its back that can't right itself) makes the image vivid: restoration isn't just comfort. It's being turned back to the right position. The soul gets depleted. It gets turned upside down. The shepherd flips it back.The Valley of the Shadow of DeathAt the most dangerous moment in the psalm, the language shifts from 'he' to 'you.' David stops describing the shepherd and starts talking directly to God. The danger doesn't disappear in this passage—God doesn't reroute around the valley. He walks through it with you, armed with a rod (to protect) and a staff (to guide). Both tools tell you the shepherd came prepared.A Table in the Presence of My EnemiesIn Near Eastern hospitality culture, a host was obligated not just to feed a guest but to protect them—even from the guest's enemies—as long as they sat at the table. The anointing of oil was the sign of honored guest status. The overflowing cup is not minimum provision. It's abundance. And the enemies are still there, watching, as all of this happens.ClosingSurely goodness and mercy are chasing you. That word 'surely'—no hedging, no 'I hope so.' The same word David used for an enemy in relentless pursuit, he now applies to the goodness and mercy of God. I went to bed with tears, realizing I've been acting like there's no shepherd. There has always been a shepherd. Let's start living like it's true.Jill’s Linkshttps://jillfromthenorthwoods.com/https://www.youtube.com/@smallstepswithgodhttps://www.buymeacoffee.com/smallstepspodhttps://twitter.com/schmernEmail the podcast at [email protected]“Scripture quotations are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. The ESV text may not be quoted in any publication made available to the public by a Creative Commons license. The ESV may not be translated in whole or in part into any other language.”Scripture quotations marked CSB have been taken from the Christian Standard Bible®, Copyright © 2017 by Holman Bible Publishers. Used by permission. Christian Standard Bible® and CSB® are federally registered trademarks of Holman Bible Publishers.“The Scriptures quoted are from the NET Bible® http://netbible.com copyright ©1996, 2019 used with permission from Biblical Studies Press, L.L.C. All rights reserved”.Bible Maps and images used with permission from https://www.bible.ca/maps/ or https://www.freebibleimages.org/illustrations/bj-ot-world/Copyright 2014 Faithlife / Logos Bible Software. Free for non-commercial use by individuals or organizations. May be presented before live audiences; may be posted on social media; may be re-distributed. May not be used commercially. May not be modified or included in published works without permission; contact [email protected]. Attribute as: “Copyright 2014 Faithlife / Logos Bible Software ()”.By choosing to watch this video or listen to this podcast, you acknowledge that you are doing so of your own free will. The content shared here reflects personal experiences and opinions and is intended for informational and inspirational purposes only. I am not a licensed healthcare provider, psychiatrist, or counselor. Any advice or suggestions offered should not be considered a substitute for professional medical or mental health advice. You are solely responsible for any decisions or actions you take based on this content.

Have you ever received a letter from someone who believed in you more than you believed in yourself? That's exactly what Paul's two letters to Timothy are — urgent, personal, and deeply encouraging correspondence from a seasoned mentor to a young man in way over his head. Today I'm introducing both 1 and 2 Timothy together, because you can't fully understand one without the other.Who Was Paul — and Why Does It Matter?Paul began his life as Saul of Tarsus — a Roman citizen, a trained Pharisee under the great teacher Gamaliel, and one of the most passionate persecutors of early Christians. He approved of the stoning of Stephen, dragged believers from their homes, and was on his way to Damascus to haul more of them back in chains when everything changed. By the time he writes to Timothy, he's in his fifties or early sixties, has planted churches across the Roman world on foot and by sea, and has been beaten, shipwrecked, imprisoned, and bitten by a snake. He writes from hard-won experience and deep love.Who Was Timothy — and What Was He Facing?Timothy entered Paul's life during the second missionary journey in Lystra. His mother Eunice and grandmother Lois were believers, and their faith had become his own. Paul recognized something in this young man and took him on as his closest co-worker, calling him 'my true son in faith.' Timothy was naturally cautious — Paul's repeated encouragements not to shrink back make that clear — and he was sent to Ephesus, one of the largest and most religiously charged cities in the Roman Empire, to hold a struggling church together against false teachers from the inside.The City of EphesusThis was no quiet village assignment. Ephesus was a major port city and commercial hub, home to the Temple of Artemis — one of the seven wonders of the ancient world. The church there was dealing with teachers promoting myths, endless genealogies, and speculation that produced confusion rather than faith. Some of these teachers had already shipwrecked their own faith and were pulling others with them.The Purpose of Both LettersPaul states his purpose plainly in 1 Timothy: so that Timothy will know 'how people ought to conduct themselves in the household of God.' False teaching doesn't just create intellectual confusion — it undermines the very reason the church exists. In 2 Timothy, the tone shifts. Paul knows he is near the end. He writes as a man saying goodbye, passing a torch: 'I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.' Now it's Timothy's turn.'Fight the Good Fight'This phrase appears twice in these letters and runs like a spine through both of them. The Greek behind it carries the same root as our word agony — athletic, military, total commitment. Paul doesn't ask Timothy for effort. He asks for everything. These two letters, read side by side, form one of the most compelling arcs in all of Scripture — one man beginning the race, the other finishing it — and both of them insisting: it is worth running.Jill’s Linkshttps://jillfromthenorthwoods.com/https://www.youtube.com/@smallstepswithgodhttps://www.buymeacoffee.com/smallstepspodhttps://twitter.com/schmernEmail the podcast at [email protected]“Scripture quotations are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. The ESV text may not be quoted in any publication made available to the public by a Creative Commons license. The ESV may not be translated in whole or in part into any other language.”Scripture quotations marked CSB have been taken from the Christian Standard Bible®, Copyright © 2017 by Holman Bible Publishers. Used by permission. Christian Standard Bible® and CSB® are federally registered trademarks of Holman Bible Publishers.“The Scriptures quoted are from the NET Bible® http://netbible.com copyright ©1996, 2019 used with permission from Biblical Studies Press, L.L.C. All rights reserved”.Bible Maps and images used with permission from https://www.bible.ca/maps/ or https://www.freebibleimages.org/illustrations/bj-ot-world/Copyright 2014 Faithlife / Logos Bible Software. Free for non-commercial use by individuals or organizations. May be presented before live audiences; may be posted on social media; may be re-distributed. May not be used commercially. May not be modified or included in published works without permission; contact [email protected]. Attribute as: “Copyright 2014 Faithlife / Logos Bible Software ()”.By choosing to watch this video or listen to this podcast, you acknowledge that you are doing so of your own free will. The content shared here reflects personal experiences and opinions and is intended for informational and inspirational purposes only. I am not a licensed healthcare provider, psychiatrist, or counselor. Any advice or suggestions offered should not be considered a substitute for professional medical or mental health advice. You are solely responsible for any decisions or actions you take based on this content.

Can deep Bible knowledge actually protect you from being misled, manipulated, or spiritually shaken? I think it can — and in this episode I'm making the case that the Bible isn't just here to inform us. It's here to form us into something harder to deceive.We Live in a World Full of Loud VoicesInfluencers, new revelations, cultural pressure, fear-based messaging — the world has always had ways of pulling people away from truth. The early church faced all of it: flattery, half-truths, emotional bait, majority pressure. And what Paul was doing in those letters to young churches was giving them the tools to resist. What he was building was an immune system.The Castle of False TeachingFalse ideas don't arrive all at once. They come word by word, sentence by sentence, until the architecture of your thinking has shifted without you noticing. We see this in 2 Corinthians 10: strongholds aren't built overnight. Neither is the foundation that can withstand them. Repeated exposure to true Scripture reshapes how we think — neural pathways literally change with repetition.Why Verses Without Context Are VulnerableOne of the clearest dangers is knowing a verse without knowing its meaning. Satan quoted Scripture in the wilderness temptation of Jesus. Knowing the quote isn't the protection — understanding the context, the book, the audience, the moment, is what makes the armor real. That's why I do this podcast: not just verses, but the structure around them.You Build Immunity Before You're ExposedYou don't build an immune system when you're already sick. Reading Scripture in a calm season is what steadies you when a chaotic one arrives. Early Christians were a minority in the Roman Empire from day one — they knew suffering was coming, and that expectation itself was protective. When suffering is expected, it doesn't destabilize you the same way.What This Looks Like PracticallyRead whole books, not random verses. Revisit passages frequently — yearly if you can. Ask what people say about a passage and whether it holds up. Teach or discuss it out loud — there's something about saying it that cements it. Even this podcast has been valuable to me as much as I hope it is to you.I'm stronger today because of this study than I've ever been. Not because I have all the answers, but because I have a foundation that doesn't move.Jill’s Linkshttps://jillfromthenorthwoods.com/https://www.youtube.com/@smallstepswithgodhttps://www.buymeacoffee.com/smallstepspodhttps://twitter.com/schmernEmail the podcast at [email protected]“Scripture quotations are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. The ESV text may not be quoted in any publication made available to the public by a Creative Commons license. The ESV may not be translated in whole or in part into any other language.”Scripture quotations marked CSB have been taken from the Christian Standard Bible®, Copyright © 2017 by Holman Bible Publishers. Used by permission. Christian Standard Bible® and CSB® are federally registered trademarks of Holman Bible Publishers.“The Scriptures quoted are from the NET Bible® http://netbible.com copyright ©1996, 2019 used with permission from Biblical Studies Press, L.L.C. All rights reserved”.Bible Maps and images used with permission from https://www.bible.ca/maps/ or https://www.freebibleimages.org/illustrations/bj-ot-world/Copyright 2014 Faithlife / Logos Bible Software. Free for non-commercial use by individuals or organizations. May be presented before live audiences; may be posted on social media; may be re-distributed. May not be used commercially. May not be modified or included in published works without permission; contact [email protected]. Attribute as: “Copyright 2014 Faithlife / Logos Bible Software ()”.By choosing to watch this video or listen to this podcast, you acknowledge that you are doing so of your own free will. The content shared here reflects personal experiences and opinions and is intended for informational and inspirational purposes only. I am not a licensed healthcare provider, psychiatrist, or counselor. Any advice or suggestions offered should not be considered a substitute for professional medical or mental health advice. You are solely responsible for any decisions or actions you take based on this content.

What does it really mean to be a man after God’s own heart? The life of David shatters our assumptions about faith, failure, and repentance. His story is not about perfection—but about a heart that keeps turning back to God.This episode explores the life of David as part of the Mirror series, asking what it truly means to be a person after God’s own heart. Rather than presenting a flawless hero, the story reveals a deeply human man marked by courage, worship, devastating failure, and sincere repentance. David’s life becomes a mirror that reflects not only who he was, but who we are—and how God responds to hearts that return to Him again and again.Top TopicsChosen for the Heart, Not the AppearanceDavid’s story begins in obscurity. Overlooked by his own family and left tending sheep, he is chosen by God not for strength or stature, but for his heart. This sets the tone for his entire life: God values inward devotion over outward impressiveness. Shepherding shapes David’s identity through solitude, responsibility, courage, and worship long before he ever holds a crown.Faith That Refuses ShortcutsUnlike Saul, David’s confidence is rooted in who God is, not in public approval. Whether facing Goliath or fleeing for his life, David consistently refuses to take control by ungodly means. Even when given opportunities to kill Saul and secure the throne, he honors God’s timing over his own comfort and advancement.Power, Passivity, and Moral CollapseAt the height of success, David’s vigilance fades. His sin with Bathsheba, followed by deception and murder, marks the darkest chapter of his life. These were not small failures—they caused real harm and lasting consequences. David’s story does not minimize sin, but it does show how unchecked power can amplify what is already in the heart.Repentance That Restores the HeartWhen confronted, David does not deflect blame or protect his image. Instead, he repents fully. His cry in Psalm 51 is not about saving his reputation, but about restoring intimacy with God. This repentance, though it does not erase consequences, renews his relationship with God and defines why he is remembered differently than Saul.TakeawaysDavid’s life teaches that being after God’s own heart does not mean living without failure—it means refusing to live without repentance. God values humility, confession, and a heart that returns, over image management or perfectionism. The mirror David holds up asks hard questions: How do we respond when confronted? What are we guarding in seasons of comfort? And do we return quickly to God when we fall? David’s legacy reminds us that God rejoices in hearts that keep turning back to Him, no matter how far they’ve wandered.Jill’s Linkshttps://jillfromthenorthwoods.com/https://www.youtube.com/@smallstepswithgodhttps://www.buymeacoffee.com/smallstepspodhttps://twitter.com/schmernEmail the podcast at [email protected]“Scripture quotations are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. The ESV text may not be quoted in any publication made available to the public by a Creative Commons license. The ESV may not be translated in whole or in part into any other language.”Scripture quotations marked CSB have been taken from the Christian Standard Bible®, Copyright © 2017 by Holman Bible Publishers. Used by permission. Christian Standard Bible® and CSB® are federally registered trademarks of Holman Bible Publishers.“The Scriptures quoted are from the NET Bible® http://netbible.com copyright ©1996, 2019 used with permission from Biblical Studies Press, L.L.C. All rights reserved”.Bible Maps and images used with permission from https://www.bible.ca/maps/ or https://www.freebibleimages.org/illustrations/bj-ot-world/Copyright 2014 Faithlife / Logos Bible Software. Free for non-commercial use by individuals or organizations. May be presented before live audiences; may be posted on social media; may be re-distributed. May not be used commercially. May not be modified or included in published works without permission; contact [email protected]. Attribute as: “Copyright 2014 Faithlife / Logos Bible Software ()”.By choosing to watch this video or listen to this podcast, you acknowledge that you are doing so of your own free will. The content shared here reflects personal experiences and opinions and is intended for informational and inspirational purposes only. I am not a licensed healthcare provider, psychiatrist, or counselor. Any advice or suggestions offered should not be considered a substitute for professional medical or mental health advice. You are solely responsible for any decisions or actions you take based on this content.

Why did one struggling young church earn two letters from Paul — letters that may be the oldest surviving Christian documents we have? The answer takes us to one of the most important cities in the ancient Roman world, into a clash between a brand-new faith and the most powerful empire on earth, and into some of the most urgent pastoral writing in the entire New Testament.**Thessalonica: A City Worth Understanding**The city of Thessalonica was no backwater. Founded around 315 BC, located at the intersection of the Via Egnatia and the Thermaic Gulf, it was the capital of the Roman province of Macedonia with a population estimated in the hundreds of thousands. It was wealthy, cosmopolitan, and deeply tied to the Roman imperial system — which is precisely what made Paul's arrival there so explosive.**The Imperial Cult and Why Everything Got Violent Fast**Thessalonica was institutionally committed to the worship of Caesar as lord and savior. This was not a private religious preference — it was civic identity. The city's status as a free city depended on that loyalty. When Paul arrived preaching that a man crucified as a Roman criminal was the true Lord, the true Savior, the coming King — you can see immediately why the mob descended on Jason's house and why Paul was smuggled out of the city in the dark.**The Letters: What Each One Was Trying to Fix**Paul could not return to the church he'd planted. He sent Timothy instead, and Timothy's report — largely encouraging but carrying specific concerns — prompted 1 Thessalonians, written from Corinth around 49–51 AD. Paul was defending his character against accusations that he'd abandoned them, addressing grief over community members who had died, and giving the practical ethical instruction he hadn't had time to finish in person. The second letter was written shortly after, in response to a new crisis: some in the church had apparently concluded that the day of the Lord had already happened — and had stopped working as a result. Paul's tone gets notably more firm.**The Language of Empire, Repurposed**One of the most striking aspects of these letters is the deliberate use of imperial vocabulary. Kyrios (lord), Soter (savior), Parousia (the coming/appearing) — these were official titles for Caesar. Paul uses every one of them for Jesus, in a city where Caesar's supremacy was non-negotiable. This was not abstract theology. It was a direct political and theological challenge, and the people who heard these letters read aloud would have understood exactly what was being claimed.These letters are a window into the very beginning of the Christian church — real people, paying real prices, for something they had just recently come to believe. That's what makes them worth reading carefully.Jill’s Linkshttps://jillfromthenorthwoods.com/https://www.youtube.com/@smallstepswithgodhttps://www.buymeacoffee.com/smallstepspodhttps://twitter.com/schmernEmail the podcast at [email protected]“Scripture quotations are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. The ESV text may not be quoted in any publication made available to the public by a Creative Commons license. The ESV may not be translated in whole or in part into any other language.”Scripture quotations marked CSB have been taken from the Christian Standard Bible®, Copyright © 2017 by Holman Bible Publishers. Used by permission. Christian Standard Bible® and CSB® are federally registered trademarks of Holman Bible Publishers.“The Scriptures quoted are from the NET Bible® http://netbible.com copyright ©1996, 2019 used with permission from Biblical Studies Press, L.L.C. All rights reserved”.Bible Maps and images used with permission from https://www.bible.ca/maps/ or https://www.freebibleimages.org/illustrations/bj-ot-world/Copyright 2014 Faithlife / Logos Bible Software. Free for non-commercial use by individuals or organizations. May be presented before live audiences; may be posted on social media; may be re-distributed. May not be used commercially. May not be modified or included in published works without permission; contact [email protected]. Attribute as: “Copyright 2014 Faithlife / Logos Bible Software ()”.By choosing to watch this video or listen to this podcast, you acknowledge that you are doing so of your own free will. The content shared here reflects personal experiences and opinions and is intended for informational and inspirational purposes only. I am not a licensed healthcare provider, psychiatrist, or counselor. Any advice or suggestions offered should not be considered a substitute for professional medical or mental health advice. You are solely responsible for any decisions or actions you take based on this content.

Something subtle can be more dangerous than something obvious. The church at Colossae wasn't in open rebellion. Nobody was walking away from Christ. They were faithful, hardworking, genuinely devoted believers — and they were quietly being told that Jesus wasn't quite enough. That there were upgrades available. Extra rules, special knowledge, angelic beings, mystical practices that promised something deeper. This episode is the introduction to the book of Colossians, and it's one of the most quietly relevant books in the New Testament.Where Was Colossae — and Why Does It Matter? Colossae was a small city in what is now modern-day Turkey, situated in the Lycus Valley near the wealthier cities of Laodicea and Hierapolis. By the time Paul's letter arrived, the city had already lost its former influence — politically and economically sidelined. The believers there weren't elites. They were farmers, laborers, merchants, and enslaved people trying to follow Christ in a place that felt overlooked, surrounded by Greek philosophy, Roman culture, Jewish tradition, and local religious mysticism.A Church Paul Never Visited Paul didn't plant this church and never set foot in Colossae. The gospel came through a man named Epaphras — a local who heard Paul preach in Ephesus, believed, and took the message home. That matters. This wasn't a celebrity apostle church. It was built by someone who lived among the people, understood their pressures, and loved them. Paul later described Epaphras as a faithful minister, a servant laboring constantly in prayer for his congregation.The Problem That Wasn't a Crisis — Yet Epaphras eventually traveled to Paul — who was under house arrest in Rome — not in a panic, but with a concern. The Colossian believers were being drawn toward teachings that sounded disciplined and spiritually sophisticated: special knowledge, angelic hierarchies, strict observances around food and festivals, mystical practices promising deeper access to God. None of it rejected Christ outright. It just quietly repositioned him — from center to starting point.What Paul's Letter Sets Out to Prove Paul's response is theological and deliberate. His argument: Christ is not a stepping stone, not one spiritual option among many, not something that gets better when you add rules and secret knowledge on top of him. Christ created everything, holds everything together, and is fully supreme. If that's true — and Paul is emphatic that it is — then believers don't need to exhaust themselves chasing upgrades. Growth comes from deeper roots, not more weight.The Pattern We Keep Seeing Paul draws a line that connects the Colossian problem to something older — the tendency to add burden where God never intended burden to be. The Pharisees did it with the law. The Colossian teachers were doing it with mysticism and ritual. The instinct to improve on Christ, to find the hidden layer, to earn something more — it's not new, and it's not always loud. Sometimes faith erodes not through rejection but through distraction and addition.What Epaphras Shows Us About Pastoral Care Epaphras doesn't ask Paul to rebuke his people harshly or give up on them. He wants clarity so he can help them. And Paul tells the Colossians that Epaphras is praying constantly that they would mature in Christ and be fully assured that he is enough. That's the heart of a shepherd — not running from the problem, not panicking, but going to find the truth and bringing it back to the people you love.Colossians is a short book, but it addresses something that never goes out of style: the quiet drift that happens not when we reject Christ but when we start treating him as the beginning of something we need to finish ourselves. This introduction sets the stage for everything Paul is about to argue — and it's worth paying attention to, because the pressure the Colossians felt is not hard to recognize today.Download blank templates, schedules here:https://schmern2.notion.site/Downloads-Template-Word-and-Excel-Schedule-67439d14449d4c20bfe00efe069f78b8Logos RAMPS Workflow - RAMPS Bible Study - The Bible in Small Steps in Logos WorkflowsJill’s Linkshttps://jillfromthenorthwoods.com/https://www.youtube.com/@smallstepswithgodhttps://www.buymeacoffee.com/smallstepspodhttps://twitter.com/schmernEmail the podcast at [email protected]“Scripture quotations are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. The ESV text may not be quoted in any publication made available to the public by a Creative Commons license. The ESV may not be translated in whole or in part into any other language.”Scripture quotations marked CSB have been taken from the Christian Standard Bible®, Copyright © 2017 by Holman Bible Publishers. Used by permission. Christian Standard Bible® and CSB® are federally registered trademarks of Holman Bible Publishers.“The Scriptures quoted are from the NET Bible® http://netbible.com copyright ©1996, 2019 used with permission from Biblical Studies Press, L.L.C. All rights reserved”.Bible Maps and images used with permission from https://www.bible.ca/maps/ or https://www.freebibleimages.org/illustrations/bj-ot-world/Copyright 2014 Faithlife / Logos Bible Software. Free for non-commercial use by individuals or organizations. May be presented before live audiences; may be posted on social media; may be re-distributed. May not be used commercially. May not be modified or included in published works without permission; contact [email protected]. Attribute as: “Copyright 2014 Faithlife / Logos Bible Software ()”.By choosing to watch this video or listen to this podcast, you acknowledge that you are doing so of your own free will. The content shared here reflects personal experiences and opinions and is intended for informational and inspirational purposes only. I am not a licensed healthcare provider, psychiatrist, or counselor. Any advice or suggestions offered should not be considered a substitute for professional medical or mental health advice. You are solely responsible for any decisions or actions you take based on this content.

What if joy isn’t the absence of suffering—but the defiance of it? What if a prison cell became the birthplace of one of the most hopeful messages ever written? And what if ordinary people in a divided city discovered a citizenship that changed everything? This episode explores the real people behind the letter to the Philippians and why Paul wrote to them during one of the hardest seasons of his life. Written around 60–62 AD while Paul was imprisoned—likely in Rome—this letter carries a tone of warmth, gratitude, and deep joy despite uncertain circumstances. The city of Philippi, a Roman colony in Macedonia (modern northern Greece), was proud of its Roman identity, filled with retired soldiers, merchants, and citizens who understood the weight and privilege of citizenship. Into that cultural context, Paul introduces a radical idea: their true citizenship is in heaven. The episode examines how this early Christian community formed, what pressures they faced, and how Paul redefined greatness, unity, and endurance through the example of Christ. Top Topics 1. The City of Philippi and Roman Identity Philippi was not a quiet village but a bustling Roman colony along a major highway. Many residents were retired Roman soldiers who prized status, honor, and citizenship. In a culture obsessed with rank and power, Paul’s message about heavenly citizenship would have landed with powerful clarity. Citizenship meant belonging, responsibility, and privilege—and Paul reframed that concept around allegiance to Christ. 2. The Origins of the Philippian Church (Acts 16) The church began with a strikingly diverse group: Lydia, a wealthy merchant of purple cloth; a formerly demon-possessed slave girl; and a Roman jailer and his household. These individuals represented different social classes, economic backgrounds, and cultural identities—yet they gathered together in house churches as brothers and sisters in Christ. Their unity was a testimony in a divided world. 3. Joy from a Prison Cell Paul wrote this letter while chained and uncertain of his future. Roman prisons were harsh, and execution was a real possibility. Yet Philippians is one of his most joyful letters. Joy, as described here, is not surface-level happiness. It is a settled confidence that God is at work even in suffering. Paul’s calm tone reveals a deep trust in Christ rather than resentment over hardship. 4. Redefining Greatness Through Christ (Philippians 2) In a city shaped by Roman honor culture, Paul points to Jesus—who emptied Himself, obeyed unto death, and was exalted by God. True greatness is humility. True victory is obedience. The early Christian hymn in Philippians 2 reshaped how believers understood power, rank, and success. Key Takeaways Joy is not cheerfulness—it is confidence rooted in Christ. Suffering is not failure, and hardship does not signal God’s absence. Unity within the church matters deeply, especially when cultural tensions exist. Heavenly citizenship reframes identity, allegiance, and daily living. The Christian life is not about escaping the world but living differently within it. Ordinary believers in Philippi learned step-by-step what it meant to belong to Christ—and that invitation still stands today. Download blank templates, schedules here: https://schmern2.notion.site/Downloads-Template-Word-and-Excel-Schedule-67439d14449d4c20bfe00efe069f78b8 Logos RAMPS Workflow - RAMPS Bible Study - The Bible in Small Steps in Logos Workflows Jill’s Links https://jillfromthenorthwoods.com/ https://www.youtube.com/@smallstepswithgod https://www.buymeacoffee.com/smallstepspod https://twitter.com/schmern Email the podcast at [email protected] “Scripture quotations are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. The ESV text may not be quoted in any publication made available to the public by a Creative Commons license. The ESV may not be translated in whole or in part into any other language.” Scripture quotations marked CSB have been taken from the Christian Standard Bible®, Copyright © 2017 by Holman Bible Publishers. Used by permission. Christian Standard Bible® and CSB® are federally registered trademarks of Holman Bible Publishers. “The Scriptures quoted are from the NET Bible® http://netbible.com copyright ©1996, 2019 used with permission from Biblical Studies Press, L.L.C. All rights reserved”. Bible Maps and images used with permission from https://www.bible.ca/maps/ or https://www.freebibleimages.org/illustrations/bj-ot-world/

Circumcision of the heart sounds strange, even unsettling—but it carries one of the deepest spiritual truths in Scripture. This ancient phrase cuts straight through ritual, tradition, and appearances to expose what God has always wanted. If faith has ever felt mechanical, empty, or performative, this conversation explains why.This episode explores the biblical phrase “circumcision of the heart” and unpacks what it truly means for faith, obedience, and transformation. Rather than focusing on physical rituals or outward markers, the discussion traces how this concept begins with Moses, is echoed by the prophets, and finds its fulfillment in the New Testament. The heart—understood as the center of will, emotion, and loyalty—has always been God’s focus. The episode challenges the tendency to replace meaningful obedience with hollow routine and reframes circumcision as a spiritual work accomplished by God, not human effort .Top Topics CoveredOrigins of Circumcision of the HeartThe phrase originates with Moses, not later Christian writers. As Israel prepared to enter the promised land, Moses emphasized loyalty and obedience that went beyond physical signs. Circumcision of the heart addressed Israel’s repeated failure to remain faithful, identifying the real issue as inner resistance rather than outward noncompliance.Ritual Without TransformationPhysical circumcision, temple sacrifice, and other religious practices were never meant to stand alone. Over time, these acts became routine, stripped of their meaning. The episode draws parallels to modern religious behaviors—acts done out of habit, pressure, or convenience rather than love or surrender.Prophets, Paul, and the Heart’s RenewalProphets like Jeremiah expanded the metaphor to include “uncircumcised ears” and lips—organs incapable of responding to God. Later, Paul the Apostle clarified that true circumcision is spiritual, accomplished by the Spirit through Christ. This explains why physical circumcision became unnecessary as a requirement, even while obedience and faithfulness remained central.Cultural Sensitivity vs. Salvation RequirementsThe episode also explains why Timothy was circumcised while Titus was not, showing how cultural accommodation differs from adding requirements to salvation. Faith adapts to context without compromising truth.Key TakeawaysCircumcision of the heart represents inner transformation, not external conformity. It confronts pride, self-reliance, and identity rooted in performance rather than grace. Rituals lose their power when detached from genuine faith, but when the heart is transformed, outward expressions regain meaning.Ultimately, God has always wanted hearts aligned with Him. From the covenant with Abraham to the teachings of Christ, the goal has never been labels, heritage, or ritual compliance—but a heart capable of love, repentance, and obedience empowered by God’s Spirit.

A powerful ancient city. A fearful spiritual world. One letter that redefined identity, belonging, and courage for generations.This episode explores why Paul the Apostle wrote the Epistle to the Ephesians, and why this letter mattered so deeply to believers living in the city of Ephesus. Ephesians was not written in abstraction—it addressed real people living in a powerful, wealthy, and spiritually overwhelming environment. The letter focuses less on correcting bad behavior and more on grounding believers in who they already are in Christ. In a world driven by fear, power, and status, Paul wrote to remind them that their identity was secure, their unity mattered, and Christ already reigned over every unseen force.Ephesus: A Spiritually Noisy CityEphesus was a major hub of commerce, politics, and religion in the Roman Empire. Home to the Temple of Artemis, the city thrived on ritual worship, magic practices, and spiritual fear. Religion shaped economics, identity, and daily life, making belief in Christ both radical and costly.Why Paul’s Relationship MatteredPaul did not merely pass through Ephesus—he stayed for nearly three years, teaching publicly and forming leaders who shaped the wider region. His emotional farewell and warnings about future pressure shaped the tone of the letter. Ephesians flows out of deep relational knowledge and pastoral concern.Identity Over BehaviorRather than correcting scandals, Paul answers a foundational question: Who are believers now? He emphasizes being chosen, adopted, redeemed, and sealed by the Holy Spirit. Identity comes before action. Believers are called to live from who they already are, not to earn belonging through performance.Power, Unity, and Spiritual SecurityPaul reframes power by pointing to Christ’s authority over all heavenly realms. The letter reassures believers that the universe is not chaotic and that spiritual warfare is real—but already won. Unity between Jewish and Gentile believers becomes essential evidence of the gospel at work.Key TakeawaysEphesians teaches that fear no longer defines believers—belonging does. Identity in Christ replaces anxiety driven by unseen forces, cultural pressure, or performance-based worth. Unity is not optional; it is the visible proof of God’s reconciling work. The armor of God is not symbolic bravado but practical confidence rooted in truth, righteousness, faith, and trust in Christ’s authority. Believers are not called to escape difficult cultures but to stand firm within them, living as heirs who already carry God’s seal and purpose.

In this episode of the Mirror Series, we take a deep look at the life of Saul, Israel’s first king. At first glance, Saul seems like the perfect leader—tall, strong, chosen by God, and celebrated by the people. But beneath the surface, his story reveals a struggle many of us know too well: the tension between being called and feeling unqualified, between obedience and control, and between God’s approval and the crowd’s applause. Saul started humble and ended haunted, and in the space between, we find powerful lessons about faith, fear, and the choices we make.Top Topics Covered:1. The Mirror Framework:We explore how biblical figures like Saul serve as reflective mirrors for our own spiritual journey. Each character is examined through the lens of Moment, Identity, Right Choices, Risks & Wrongs, Ongoing Message, and Small Steps.2. Saul’s Humble Beginning:Saul never chased a crown—he was simply looking for lost donkeys when God chose him. His anointing wasn't political; it was divine. Early on, Saul shows promise, leadership, and even moments of spiritual power. But these early victories mask deeper insecurities that slowly unravel his life.3. The Shift from Trust to Control:Saul’s fear of losing influence led him to take matters into his own hands, stepping into roles God never asked him to fill. His downward spiral wasn’t dramatic at first—it started with small compromises, delayed obedience, and a need to please the people. Each decision chipped away at his trust in God.4. The Tragic Pattern of Half-Obedience:From offering sacrifices without Samuel to sparing the Amalekite king against God’s command, Saul’s actions reveal a dangerous trend: obeying only when convenient. His spiritual downfall teaches us that delayed or partial obedience still counts as disobedience.5. The Jealousy Toward David:Once David enters the scene, Saul’s insecurity becomes toxic. What could have been a mentorship turns into paranoia, obsession, and violence. Instead of shepherding Israel, Saul spends his final years chasing shadows and losing himself in fear.Takeaways:Saul’s story reminds us that being chosen isn’t the same as being faithful. His life warns us that fear and insecurity can hollow out even the most promising beginnings. God gave Saul every opportunity to trust, repent, and lead with humility. But Saul chose control over surrender, image over obedience, and fear over faith.So what do we do when we’re tempted to obey halfway? When waiting feels unsafe and we try to “fix” things ourselves? Saul shows us that trusting God fully, even when it’s uncomfortable, leads to lasting peace and purpose. His life is a sobering but necessary reminder: you can start strong and still miss the mark if you let fear drive your choices.We’re invited to choose differently. To obey completely. To surrender control. And to trust that God is enough—even when the crowd is loud, the wait is long, or the outcome feels uncertain.Let Saul’s mirror reflect what needs to change in us—and give us the courage to follow through.Download blank templates, schedules here:https://schmern2.notion.site/Downloads-Template-Word-and-Excel-Schedule-67439d14449d4c20bfe00efe069f78b8Logos RAMPS Workflow - RAMPS Bible Study - The Bible in Small Steps in Logos WorkflowsJill’s Linkshttps://jillfromthenorthwoods.com/https://www.youtube.com/@smallstepswithgodhttps://www.buymeacoffee.com/smallstepspodhttps://twitter.com/schmernEmail the podcast at [email protected]“Scripture quotations are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. The ESV text may not be quoted in any publication made available to the public by a Creative Commons license. The ESV may not be translated in whole or in part into any other language.”Scripture quotations marked CSB have been taken from the Christian Standard Bible®, Copyright © 2017 by Holman Bible Publishers. Used by permission. Christian Standard Bible® and CSB® are federally registered trademarks of Holman Bible Publishers.“The Scriptures quoted are from the NET Bible® http://netbible.com copyright ©1996, 2019 used with permission from Biblical Studies Press, L.L.C. All rights reserved”.Bible Maps and images used with permission from https://www.bible.ca/maps/ or https://www.freebibleimages.org/illustrations/bj-ot-world/Copyright 2014 Faithlife / Logos Bible Software. Free for non-commercial use by individuals or organizations. May be presented before live audiences; may be posted on social media; may be re-distributed. May not be used commercially. May not be modified or included in published works without permission; contact [email protected]. Attribute as: “Copyright 2014 Faithlife / Logos Bible Software ()”.By choosing to watch this video or listen to this podcast, you acknowledge that you are doing so of your own free will. The content shared here reflects personal experiences and opinions and is intended for informational and inspirational purposes only. I am not a licensed healthcare provider, psychiatrist, or counselor. Any advice or suggestions offered should not be considered a substitute for professional medical or mental health advice. You are solely responsible for any decisions or actions you take based on this content.

Understanding the Galatians: History, Culture, and Paul’s Urgent MessageIn this episode, we explore the background of the Book of Galatians and why Paul wrote such a passionate and pointed letter to this particular group. Before jumping into the text itself, we take a closer look at who the Galatians were, their unique cultural identity, and the spiritual crisis that prompted Paul’s response. The historical, political, and theological context of this letter reveals why Galatians stands out among Paul’s writings and why its message still resonates today.Top Topics Covered:1. Who Were the Galatians?The Galatians were descendants of Celtic tribes originally from Gaul—modern-day France—who migrated through Europe and eventually settled in what is now central Turkey. Fierce warriors by reputation, these tribes were eventually absorbed into the Roman Empire but retained much of their cultural identity. Understanding their roots in rebellion, warrior spirit, and eventual assimilation helps explain their temperament and the urgency behind Paul’s words.2. Why Did Paul Write to Them?Paul was responding to a theological crisis: Gentile believers in Galatia were being pressured by Jewish Christians—or perhaps even non-Christian Jews—to adopt full Jewish customs, including circumcision, in order to be accepted as true followers of Christ. Paul writes with intensity, skipping his usual greetings, because he is alarmed by how quickly the Galatians are turning away from the gospel of grace and embracing a law-based system.3. When Was the Letter Written and To Whom?Scholars debate whether Paul wrote to Southern or Northern Galatia, which influences the dating of the letter—either around 49 AD (making it possibly Paul’s earliest letter) or later in the mid-50s. Regardless of timing, the issues at hand were the same: whether faith in Christ alone is enough, or if salvation requires adherence to the Jewish law.4. The Core Message: Grace Over LawPaul emphasizes that salvation is by grace through faith, not by works or ritual observance. His concern is not just theological—it’s pastoral. He sees his spiritual children in danger of trading freedom in Christ for another form of slavery. His message is both a warning and a plea: don’t reduce the gospel to a checklist. God wants transformation of the heart, not just outward compliance.Key Takeaways:This episode is a powerful reminder that spiritual freedom and identity in Christ are not about following a rulebook, but about living in relationship with God. The Galatians were tempted to replace grace with structure, looking for reassurance in rituals. Paul’s letter pushes back with clarity: the gospel is sufficient, and our transformation comes from the inside out—not by returning to the law but by living in the Spirit.The relevance today is striking. Just like the Galatians, many still wrestle with the temptation to define faith by performance instead of grace. Paul’s passionate tone reminds us that adding anything to the gospel subtracts from its power. Whether dealing with doubt, legalism, or a desire for spiritual certainty, the message of Galatians challenges us to embrace the freedom Christ offers—not as another set of rules to follow, but as an invitation to live as beloved sons and daughters of God.Tune in as we begin the journey into Galatians—a short but powerful letter that still speaks truth to hearts seeking God in a complex and demanding world.Download blank templates, schedules here:https://schmern2.notion.site/Downloads-Template-Word-and-Excel-Schedule-67439d14449d4c20bfe00efe069f78b8Logos RAMPS Workflow - RAMPS Bible Study - The Bible in Small Steps in Logos WorkflowsJill’s Linkshttps://jillfromthenorthwoods.com/https://www.youtube.com/@smallstepswithgodhttps://www.buymeacoffee.com/smallstepspodhttps://twitter.com/schmernEmail the podcast at [email protected]“Scripture quotations are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. The ESV text may not be quoted in any publication made available to the public by a Creative Commons license. The ESV may not be translated in whole or in part into any other language.”Scripture quotations marked CSB have been taken from the Christian Standard Bible®, Copyright © 2017 by Holman Bible Publishers. Used by permission. Christian Standard Bible® and CSB® are federally registered trademarks of Holman Bible Publishers.“The Scriptures quoted are from the NET Bible® http://netbible.com copyright ©1996, 2019 used with permission from Biblical Studies Press, L.L.C. All rights reserved”.Bible Maps and images used with permission from https://www.bible.ca/maps/ or https://www.freebibleimages.org/illustrations/bj-ot-world/Copyright 2014 Faithlife / Logos Bible Software. Free for non-commercial use by individuals or organizations. May be presented before live audiences; may be posted on social media; may be re-distributed. May not be used commercially. May not be modified or included in published works without permission; contact [email protected]. Attribute as: “Copyright 2014 Faithlife / Logos Bible Software ()”.By choosing to watch this video or listen to this podcast, you acknowledge that you are doing so of your own free will. The content shared here reflects personal experiences and opinions and is intended for informational and inspirational purposes only. I am not a licensed healthcare provider, psychiatrist, or counselor. Any advice or suggestions offered should not be considered a substitute for professional medical or mental health advice. You are solely responsible for any decisions or actions you take based on this content

The Bible Changes You: Exegesis vs. Eisegesis and the Way We Read ScriptureIn 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 relate to God's word. This episode offers a practical, thoughtful exploration of why the Bible must be read to discover God—not simply to confirm what we already believe.Top Topics:What Are We Really Looking for in Scripture?We often come to the Bible with a personal agenda—seeking comfort, validation, or answers about ourselves. But the deeper question should be: What does this passage tell us about God? When we shift our focus from ourselves to Him, we begin to understand the transformative power of Scripture.Exegesis vs. Eisegesis—Why It MattersExegesis means drawing meaning out of the text as it was originally intended. It involves understanding the historical context, the author's purpose, the genre, and how the passage fits within the broader story of the Bible. Eisegesis, on the other hand, happens when we read our own assumptions, desires, or cultural perspectives into the text. It often starts with what we want to believe and finds verses to support it. Understanding the difference helps preserve the integrity of God’s Word.How Different Traditions Approach InterpretationCatholic, Orthodox, and Protestant traditions all recognize the value of exegesis but apply it differently. The Catholic Church emphasizes interpretation within the magisterium and tradition. The Orthodox Church prioritizes the communal and liturgical reading of Scripture. Protestants often empower individual believers to read and study the Bible with the aid of context, commentaries, and community. Each approach reveals something valuable, but all caution against the dangers of personal interpretations that distort Scripture.Why ‘Looking for Ourselves’ Can Be MisleadingIt’s natural to want to find ourselves in biblical stories. But when we make ourselves the main character, we reduce the Bible to a self-help book with God in a supporting role. Instead, the goal is to look for God first. His mercy, holiness, patience, and faithfulness reveal more about who we are than any self-focused reading ever could.Takeaways:Reading the Bible through the lens of exegesis requires humility and a willingness to be shaped by God’s word—not the other way around. When we let the Bible speak on its own terms, we discover who God is and how He relates to His people. That revelation then helps us understand ourselves more truthfully. The Bible isn’t there to reflect our image back to us; it’s there to reflect God’s character and transform ours. By keeping God at the center of our reading, we’re drawn into the bigger story—His story—and find our true place within it.This episode is an invitation to read the Bible faithfully, thoughtfully, and with the right questions. Not “What does this say about me?” but “What does this tell me about God?” When we get that order right, transformation naturally follows.Download blank templates, schedules here:https://schmern2.notion.site/Downloads-Template-Word-and-Excel-Schedule-67439d14449d4c20bfe00efe069f78b8Logos RAMPS Workflow - RAMPS Bible Study - The Bible in Small Steps in Logos WorkflowsJill’s Linkshttps://jillfromthenorthwoods.com/https://www.youtube.com/@smallstepswithgodhttps://www.buymeacoffee.com/smallstepspodhttps://twitter.com/schmernEmail the podcast at [email protected]“Scripture quotations are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. The ESV text may not be quoted in any publication made available to the public by a Creative Commons license. The ESV may not be translated in whole or in part into any other language.”Scripture quotations marked CSB have been taken from the Christian Standard Bible®, Copyright © 2017 by Holman Bible Publishers. Used by permission. Christian Standard Bible® and CSB® are federally registered trademarks of Holman Bible Publishers.“The Scriptures quoted are from the NET Bible® http://netbible.com copyright ©1996, 2019 used with permission from Biblical Studies Press, L.L.C. All rights reserved”.Bible Maps and images used with permission from https://www.bible.ca/maps/ or https://www.freebibleimages.org/illustrations/bj-ot-world/Copyright 2014 Faithlife / Logos Bible Software. Free for non-commercial use by individuals or organizations. May be presented before live audiences; may be posted on social media; may be re-distributed. May not be used commercially. May not be modified or included in published works without permission; contact [email protected]. Attribute as: “Copyright 2014 Faithlife / Logos Bible Software ()”.By choosing to watch this video or listen to this podcast, you acknowledge that you are doing so of your own free will. The content shared here reflects personal experiences and opinions and is intended for informational and inspirational purposes only. I am not a licensed healthcare provider, psychiatrist, or counselor. Any advice or suggestions offered should not be considered a substitute for professional medical or mental health advice. You are solely responsible for any decisions or actions you take based on this content.

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 Topics:Why We Quit Bible Reading Plans:January often starts strong with fresh plans and new motivation, but burnout sets in quickly. I explore the root causes—overly ambitious plans, guilt from missed days, and treating Bible reading like a task instead of a relationship.Shifting to a Sustainable Practice:Learn how to turn your Bible time into a space of reflection, presence, and transformation instead of checklist pressure. We talk about the value of curiosity, asking good questions, and giving yourself permission to go slow.Different Study Methods That Work:I outline multiple ways to approach Scripture—book studies, topic studies, liturgical readings, chronological Bibles, companion podcasts—and help you find what fits your season of life and personality.Finding the Right Translation:We explore the differences between word-for-word, thought-for-thought, and paraphrased Bibles. I also share which ones I personally use and why, along with how to combine them for clarity and depth.Takeaways:It’s not about finishing the Bible in a year. It’s about engaging with it in a way that shapes your heart and draws you closer to God. Consistency matters more than volume. Missed days aren’t failures—they’re invitations to return. Find a study rhythm that brings joy and depth, and don’t be afraid to go slow. Whether you’re reading alone, in a group, or listening on a walk, Scripture can meet you right where you are—and change your life one step at a time. Download blank templates, schedules here:https://schmern2.notion.site/Downloads-Template-Word-and-Excel-Schedule-67439d14449d4c20bfe00efe069f78b8Logos RAMPS Workflow - RAMPS Bible Study - The Bible in Small Steps in Logos WorkflowsJill’s Linkshttps://jillfromthenorthwoods.com/https://www.youtube.com/@smallstepswithgodhttps://www.buymeacoffee.com/smallstepspodhttps://twitter.com/schmernEmail the podcast at [email protected]“Scripture quotations are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. The ESV text may not be quoted in any publication made available to the public by a Creative Commons license. The ESV may not be translated in whole or in part into any other language.” Scripture quotations marked CSB have been taken from the Christian Standard Bible®, Copyright © 2017 by Holman Bible Publishers. Used by permission. Christian Standard Bible® and CSB® are federally registered trademarks of Holman Bible Publishers.“The Scriptures quoted are from the NET Bible® http://netbible.com copyright ©1996, 2019 used with permission from Biblical Studies Press, L.L.C. All rights reserved”. Bible Maps and images used with permission from https://www.bible.ca/maps/ or https://www.freebibleimages.org/illustrations/bj-ot-world/Copyright 2014 Faithlife / Logos Bible Software. Free for non-commercial use by individuals or organizations. May be presented before live audiences; may be posted on social media; may be re-distributed. May not be used commercially. May not be modified or included in published works without permission; contact [email protected]. Attribute as: “Copyright 2014 Faithlife / Logos Bible Software ()”.By choosing to watch this video or listen to this podcast, you acknowledge that you are doing so of your own free will. The content shared here reflects personal experiences and opinions and is intended for informational and inspirational purposes only. I am not a licensed healthcare provider, psychiatrist, or counselor. Any advice or suggestions offered should not be considered a substitute for professional medical or mental health advice. You are solely responsible for any decisions or actions you take based on this content.

2 Corinthians: Ministry, Pain, and the Power of ReconciliationIn 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 reconciliation, and the radical power of God working through weakness. 1. The Chaos of CorinthWe begin by setting the scene. Corinth was a booming port city, filled with wealth, corruption, and religious confusion. Paul planted a church there, but it faced enormous cultural challenges. The believers were struggling to separate their new faith from old habits, making ministry in Corinth especially difficult.2. The Painful Visit and the Missing LetterBetween Paul’s first and second letters, something dramatic occurred. A painful visit ended with public humiliation for Paul. Betrayed and grieved, he left and wrote a severe letter—now lost to time—pleading for repentance and healing.3. The Emotional Heart of 2 CorinthiansUnlike the instructive tone of 1 Corinthians, the second letter is emotional and poetic. Paul opens up about his suffering, his fears, and the critics who questioned his apostleship. He shares his vulnerability and the toll that real ministry takes on the human spirit.4. Strength Through WeaknessPaul pushes back against the idea that external success equals divine favor. Instead, he explains that his many hardships are the very places where God’s power shines brightest. Suffering becomes a platform for God’s strength.5. A Message for Today’s ChurchThis letter isn’t just ancient history. It speaks powerfully to our current struggles in ministry, leadership, and church life. Reconciliation is messy, but worth it. Weakness isn’t disqualification—it’s the doorway to divine grace.Takeaways:Ministry isn’t glamorous. It’s often heartbreaking, emotional, and full of setbacks. Yet through all of it, God calls us to keep loving, keep leading, and keep forgiving. 2 Corinthians encourages us to stop measuring success by worldly standards and instead embrace the power of God working through our brokenness. If you’ve ever felt unqualified, betrayed, or worn out in your faith journey, this episode is for you. You’re not alone—and your weakness may be the very thing God is using for something greater. Download blank templates, schedules here:https://schmern2.notion.site/Downloads-Template-Word-and-Excel-Schedule-67439d14449d4c20bfe00efe069f78b8 Logos RAMPS Workflow - RAMPS Bible Study - The Bible in Small Steps in Logos Workflows Jill’s Linkshttps://jillfromthenorthwoods.com/ https://www.youtube.com/@smallstepswithgod https://www.buymeacoffee.com/smallstepspod https://twitter.com/schmern Email the podcast at [email protected] “Scripture quotations are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. The ESV text may not be quoted in any publication made available to the public by a Creative Commons license. The ESV may not be translated in whole or in part into any other language.” Scripture quotations marked CSB have been taken from the Christian Standard Bible®, Copyright © 2017 by Holman Bible Publishers. Used by permission. Christian Standard Bible® and CSB® are federally registered trademarks of Holman Bible Publishers. “The Scriptures quoted are from the NET Bible® http://netbible.com copyright ©1996, 2019 used with permission from Biblical Studies Press, L.L.C. All rights reserved”. Bible Maps and images used with permission from https://www.bible.ca/maps/ or https://www.freebibleimages.org/illustrations/bj-ot-world/ Copyright 2014 Faithlife / Logos Bible Software. Free for non-commercial use by individuals or organizations. May be presented before live audiences; may be posted on social media; may be re-distributed. May not be used commercially. May not be modified or included in published works without permission; contact [email protected]. Attribute as: “Copyright 2014 Faithlife / Logos Bible Software ()”. By choosing to watch this video or listen to this podcast, you acknowledge that you are doing so of your own free will. The content shared here reflects personal experiences and opinions and is intended for informational and inspirational purposes only. I am not a licensed healthcare provider, psychiatrist, or counselor. Any advice or suggestions offered should not be considered a substitute for professional medical or mental health advice. You are solely responsible for any decisions or actions you take based on this content.

Why “Share” Completes the RAMPS Bible StudyThis 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 transform the heart, but to ripple outward into the world. Without the “Share” step, spiritual insights remain sealed within. With it, Bible study becomes a lived and visible testimony that builds up others and deepens faith. Why “Share” Was Added to the RAMPS MethodThe RAMPS method initially focused on internal transformation. Yet Scripture repeatedly calls believers to share what they’ve received. “Faith comes by hearing,” and hearing requires someone to speak. Sharing completes the spiritual cycle by moving the message outward.Sharing Strengthens Both the Giver and the ReceiverWhen biblical truth is expressed out loud or in action, it moves from short-term understanding to long-term conviction. The act of articulating Scripture to others not only encourages them—it cements those truths in the sharer’s own heart as well.Simple, Everyday Ways to Share God’s WordSharing doesn’t require a sermon or a platform. It can take the form of a kind word, a thoughtful message, a Scripture shared in conversation, or a visible act of grace. It’s about honest expressions of faith that fit naturally into daily life.Scriptural Models of SharingThe Bible is filled with examples of people who encountered God and immediately shared their experience. The Samaritan woman ran to tell her village. The shepherds proclaimed what they saw. Andrew invited his brother to meet Jesus. These weren’t theological lectures—they were simple, powerful moments of witness.Takeaways:Sharing is the outward breath of everything breathed in during time with God. It brings the truth of Scripture into conversations, relationships, and actions. Faith is not meant to remain internal; it is meant to be lived, spoken, and shown.Adding “Share” to the RAMPS method transforms study into movement. It turns reflection into relationship and converts knowledge into action. The most lasting spiritual change often begins with a small expression of truth spoken, written, or lived out in front of others.This step completes the circle of spiritual growth and makes space for God’s Word to multiply—one seed at a time. Download blank templates, schedules here:https://schmern2.notion.site/Downloads-Template-Word-and-Excel-Schedule-67439d14449d4c20bfe00efe069f78b8 Logos RAMPS Workflow - RAMPS Bible Study - The Bible in Small Steps in Logos Workflows Jill’s Linkshttps://jillfromthenorthwoods.com/ https://www.youtube.com/@smallstepswithgod https://www.buymeacoffee.com/smallstepspod https://twitter.com/schmern Email the podcast at [email protected] “Scripture quotations are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. The ESV text may not be quoted in any publication made available to the public by a Creative Commons license. The ESV may not be translated in whole or in part into any other language.” Scripture quotations marked CSB have been taken from the Christian Standard Bible®, Copyright © 2017 by Holman Bible Publishers. Used by permission. Christian Standard Bible® and CSB® are federally registered trademarks of Holman Bible Publishers. “The Scriptures quoted are from the NET Bible® http://netbible.com copyright ©1996, 2019 used with permission from Biblical Studies Press, L.L.C. All rights reserved”. Bible Maps and images used with permission from https://www.bible.ca/maps/ or https://www.freebibleimages.org/illustrations/bj-ot-world/ Copyright 2014 Faithlife / Logos Bible Software. Free for non-commercial use by individuals or organizations. May be presented before live audiences; may be posted on social media; may be re-distributed. May not be used commercially. May not be modified or included in published works without permission; contact [email protected]. Attribute as: “Copyright 2014 Faithlife / Logos Bible Software ()”. By choosing to watch this video or listen to this podcast, you acknowledge that you are doing so of your own free will. The content shared here reflects personal experiences and opinions and is intended for informational and inspirational purposes only. I am not a licensed healthcare provider, psychiatrist, or counselor. Any advice or suggestions offered should not be considered a substitute for professional medical or mental health advice. You are solely responsible for any decisions or actions you take based on this content.

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 Topics Covered:Prayer as Response, Not Ritual:Prayer is portrayed in the Bible as a heartfelt response—sometimes a sigh, a cry, or a confession. It emerges naturally from reflection and opens the door to deeper intimacy with God.Balancing Knowledge with Humility:While analysis is important, prayer guards us from spiritual pride. It reminds us that knowing something isn’t the same as living it and calls us to ask for help in applying the truth.Praying Through Scripture:Practical steps include echoing verses, identifying what stood out, voicing confusion, asking for help, and sitting in stillness. These turn study into a living encounter.Scripture as Mirror:Meditation reveals what’s within us; prayer is the moment we give that to God. It’s not just about being convicted but about being changed.Takeaways:Prayer is not a side activity—it’s central to understanding and living out the Bible. When we pray through scripture, we invite God to shape our character, guide our thoughts, and soften our hearts. Prayer waters the seeds of truth planted through study, ensuring that they grow into real, lasting change. If you’re studying scripture but not praying, you’re missing the part where the Word becomes alive in your life. Let prayer be the step that turns knowledge into transformation. Download blank templates, schedules here:https://schmern2.notion.site/Downloads-Template-Word-and-Excel-Schedule-67439d14449d4c20bfe00efe069f78b8 Logos RAMPS Workflow - RAMPS Bible Study - The Bible in Small Steps in Logos Workflows Jill’s Linkshttps://jillfromthenorthwoods.com/ https://www.youtube.com/@smallstepswithgod https://www.buymeacoffee.com/smallstepspod https://twitter.com/schmern Email the podcast at [email protected] “Scripture quotations are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. The ESV text may not be quoted in any publication made available to the public by a Creative Commons license. The ESV may not be translated in whole or in part into any other language.” Scripture quotations marked CSB have been taken from the Christian Standard Bible®, Copyright © 2017 by Holman Bible Publishers. Used by permission. Christian Standard Bible® and CSB® are federally registered trademarks of Holman Bible Publishers. “The Scriptures quoted are from the NET Bible® http://netbible.com copyright ©1996, 2019 used with permission from Biblical Studies Press, L.L.C. All rights reserved”. Bible Maps and images used with permission from https://www.bible.ca/maps/ or https://www.freebibleimages.org/illustrations/bj-ot-world/ Copyright 2014 Faithlife / Logos Bible Software. Free for non-commercial use by individuals or organizations. May be presented before live audiences; may be posted on social media; may be re-distributed. May not be used commercially. May not be modified or included in published works without permission; contact [email protected]. Attribute as: “Copyright 2014 Faithlife / Logos Bible Software ()”. By choosing to watch this video or listen to this podcast, you acknowledge that you are doing so of your own free will. The content shared here reflects personal experiences and opinions and is intended for informational and inspirational purposes only. I am not a licensed healthcare provider, psychiatrist, or counselor. Any advice or suggestions offered should not be considered a substitute for professional medical or mental health advice. You are solely responsible for any decisions or actions you take based on this content.

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.Top Topics:What Christian Meditation Is (and Isn’t)I talk about how Christian meditation differs from popular views shaped by mindfulness apps and Eastern practices. It’s not about emptying the mind, but about filling it with God’s Word and presence.Scriptural Foundations and Historical RootsWe look at what the Bible really says about meditation. From Psalm 1 to Joshua 1:8, meditation has always been meant as a daily practice of reflection. I also talk about how early Christians embraced this deeply in monastic traditions like Lectio Divina and hesychia.Three Ways to Meditate TodayI walk through three practical forms of meditation you can start immediately: Scripture meditation, breath prayer, and imaginative gospel meditation. Each one is powerful and approachable—even for beginners.Modern Challenges and Why It MattersOur world is noisy, and I share my own struggles with constant distraction. Christian meditation helps me (and can help you) refocus on God’s voice, find peace, and be transformed from within.Takeaways:Christian meditation isn’t complicated, and it’s not something that requires hours of your day. Just two minutes can open a door to hearing God’s voice more clearly. It brings the truth of Scripture from your head into your heart, and cultivates empathy, patience, and clarity. Whether you’re overwhelmed, spiritually dry, or simply seeking more connection with God, Christian meditation offers a gentle and powerful path forward.This practice is about trust and consistency. Don’t worry if your mind wanders. Return again and again. That’s where transformation begins. Download blank templates, schedules here:https://schmern2.notion.site/Downloads-Template-Word-and-Excel-Schedule-67439d14449d4c20bfe00efe069f78b8 Logos RAMPS Workflow - RAMPS Bible Study - The Bible in Small Steps in Logos Workflows Jill’s Linkshttps://jillfromthenorthwoods.com/ https://www.youtube.com/@smallstepswithgod https://www.buymeacoffee.com/smallstepspod https://twitter.com/schmern Email the podcast at [email protected] “Scripture quotations are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. The ESV text may not be quoted in any publication made available to the public by a Creative Commons license. The ESV may not be translated in whole or in part into any other language.” Scripture quotations marked CSB have been taken from the Christian Standard Bible®, Copyright © 2017 by Holman Bible Publishers. Used by permission. Christian Standard Bible® and CSB® are federally registered trademarks of Holman Bible Publishers. “The Scriptures quoted are from the NET Bible® http://netbible.com copyright ©1996, 2019 used with permission from Biblical Studies Press, L.L.C. All rights reserved”. Bible Maps and images used with permission from https://www.bible.ca/maps/ or https://www.freebibleimages.org/illustrations/bj-ot-world/ Copyright 2014 Faithlife / Logos Bible Software. Free for non-commercial use by individuals or organizations. May be presented before live audiences; may be posted on social media; may be re-distributed. May not be used commercially. May not be modified or included in published works without permission; contact [email protected]. Attribute as: “Copyright 2014 Faithlife / Logos Bible Software ()”. By choosing to watch this video or listen to this podcast, you acknowledge that you are doing so of your own free will. The content shared here reflects personal experiences and opinions and is intended for informational and inspirational purposes only. I am not a licensed healthcare provider, psychiatrist, or counselor. Any advice or suggestions offered should not be considered a substitute for professional medical or mental health advice. You are solely responsible for any decisions or actions you take based on this content.

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 personal biases. It’s not about having all the answers—it’s about slowing down, asking thoughtful questions, and allowing the Bible to reveal its meaning in context. 1. Reading Without BiasWe often come to the Bible with assumptions. This episode encourages readers to pause and read scripture with fresh eyes—observing first, interpreting second.2. Context MattersWe dive into the importance of historical, cultural, and literary context when analyzing scripture. It’s not just what is said, but who it’s said to and why.3. Tools That Help (And Don’t Overwhelm)Bible software, commentaries, and even color-coding can enrich your understanding. But the heart of analysis is your willingness to engage and question.4. Word Studies and RepetitionWe discuss the value of tracing repeated words and themes across chapters and books. Whether it’s “love,” “kingdom,” or “forgiveness,” repetition reveals emphasis.5. Application to Modern LifeFrom ancient idol worship to modern brand loyalties, we reflect on how seemingly outdated texts are surprisingly relevant today.Key Takeaways:Analyzing the Bible is a form of worship. It doesn’t require credentials—just curiosity, humility, and attention. Whether you’re diagramming verses, comparing translations, or highlighting repeated words, the goal is the same: to understand what God is saying and how that truth speaks to us today. We don’t have to be experts—we just have to be willing to explore the text thoughtfully and faithfully. Download blank templates, schedules here:https://schmern2.notion.site/Downloads-Template-Word-and-Excel-Schedule-67439d14449d4c20bfe00efe069f78b8 Logos RAMPS Workflow - RAMPS Bible Study - The Bible in Small Steps in Logos Workflows Jill’s Linkshttps://jillfromthenorthwoods.com/ https://www.youtube.com/@smallstepswithgod https://www.buymeacoffee.com/smallstepspod https://twitter.com/schmern Email the podcast at [email protected] “Scripture quotations are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. The ESV text may not be quoted in any publication made available to the public by a Creative Commons license. The ESV may not be translated in whole or in part into any other language.” Scripture quotations marked CSB have been taken from the Christian Standard Bible®, Copyright © 2017 by Holman Bible Publishers. Used by permission. Christian Standard Bible® and CSB® are federally registered trademarks of Holman Bible Publishers. “The Scriptures quoted are from the NET Bible® http://netbible.com copyright ©1996, 2019 used with permission from Biblical Studies Press, L.L.C. All rights reserved”. Bible Maps and images used with permission from https://www.bible.ca/maps/ or https://www.freebibleimages.org/illustrations/bj-ot-world/ Copyright 2014 Faithlife / Logos Bible Software. Free for non-commercial use by individuals or organizations. May be presented before live audiences; may be posted on social media; may be re-distributed. May not be used commercially. May not be modified or included in published works without permission; contact [email protected]. Attribute as: “Copyright 2014 Faithlife / Logos Bible Software ()”. By choosing to watch this video or listen to this podcast, you acknowledge that you are doing so of your own free will. The content shared here reflects personal experiences and opinions and is intended for informational and inspirational purposes only. I am not a licensed healthcare provider, psychiatrist, or counselor. Any advice or suggestions offered should not be considered a substitute for professional medical or mental health advice. You are solely responsible for any decisions or actions you take based on this content.nt.

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 how modern technology gives us unprecedented access to scripture, and how we can use that to deepen our faith.Top Topics Covered:1. The Importance of Reading Scripture DailyReading the Bible isn’t just a good habit—it’s transformative. From the Old Testament laws to the life of Jesus, reading scripture is shown to be crucial for spiritual strength, wisdom, and clarity.2. Historical Practices and Revival Through ReadingFrom King Josiah’s reforms to Ezra’s public reading, we look at how rediscovering the Word has always sparked spiritual renewal and national reform.3. Access to Scripture Then and NowI talk about the challenges people faced throughout history just to read the Bible—and how today’s technology offers limitless access through apps, audio, and more.4. Reading as a Personal and Communal PracticeScripture is both deeply personal and intended to be shared. I reflect on how hearing scripture read aloud in community adds a new dimension to understanding.5. The RAMPS FrameworkI introduce the RAMPS method (Read, Analyze, Meditate, Pray, Share) and how it structures a full experience with scripture that goes beyond reading alone.Key Takeaways:Reading the Bible grounds us. It keeps us aligned, like a plumb line, giving us a firm foundation amid life’s uncertainty. It’s not just about study; it’s about transformation. When we read the Bible, we’re plugging into the source of truth and direction for our lives. Scripture has empowered people from the time of Moses to the digital age—and it can do the same for us today. Whether you listen, read, or study with others, what matters is making the Bible a regular part of your life. It is a gift. And it’s for everyone. Download blank templates, schedules here:https://schmern2.notion.site/Downloads-Template-Word-and-Excel-Schedule-67439d14449d4c20bfe00efe069f78b8 Logos RAMPS Workflow - RAMPS Bible Study - The Bible in Small Steps in Logos Workflows Jill’s Linkshttps://jillfromthenorthwoods.com/ https://www.youtube.com/@smallstepswithgod https://www.buymeacoffee.com/smallstepspod https://twitter.com/schmern Email the podcast at [email protected] “Scripture quotations are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. The ESV text may not be quoted in any publication made available to the public by a Creative Commons license. The ESV may not be translated in whole or in part into any other language.” Scripture quotations marked CSB have been taken from the Christian Standard Bible®, Copyright © 2017 by Holman Bible Publishers. Used by permission. Christian Standard Bible® and CSB® are federally registered trademarks of Holman Bible Publishers. “The Scriptures quoted are from the NET Bible® http://netbible.com copyright ©1996, 2019 used with permission from Biblical Studies Press, L.L.C. All rights reserved”. Bible Maps and images used with permission from https://www.bible.ca/maps/ or https://www.freebibleimages.org/illustrations/bj-ot-world/ Copyright 2014 Faithlife / Logos Bible Software. Free for non-commercial use by individuals or organizations. May be presented before live audiences; may be posted on social media; may be re-distributed. May not be used commercially. May not be modified or included in published works without permission; contact [email protected]. Attribute as: “Copyright 2014 Faithlife / Logos Bible Software ()”. By choosing to watch this video or listen to this podcast, you acknowledge that you are doing so of your own free will. The content shared here reflects personal experiences and opinions and is intended for informational and inspirational purposes only. I am not a licensed healthcare provider, psychiatrist, or counselor. Any advice or suggestions offered should not be considered a substitute for professional medical or mental health advice. You are solely responsible for any decisions or actions you take based on this content.

Loved by Jesus: The Lazarus Story and the Hope That WaitsIn 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, finished, or forgotten — and reminds us that love still finds us there.Key Topics in This Episode:When God Feels LateThe episode opens with the emotional weight of Jesus’ delayed arrival. What do we do when God doesn’t show up the way we expected? When grief feels final? Lazarus’ story teaches us that divine timing often looks different than ours — and even delays can hold purpose.Identity Rooted in Love, Not PerformanceLazarus is remembered not for anything he said or did, but as “the one Jesus loved.” That identity — relational, not reputational — challenges the way we define our worth and invites us to rest in the knowledge that being loved by Jesus is enough.Obedience in the TombJesus calls Lazarus by name — and even wrapped in grave clothes, Lazarus responds. It’s a picture of obedience in darkness, responding even when we feel confused or unready. It reminds us to practice faith even when it feels hard.The Power of VulnerabilityOpening the tomb required facing the pain and decay of death. Sometimes, resurrection begins with acknowledging the smell, the loss, the grief. Only then can healing begin.Takeaways for Today:When life feels like a sealed tomb, remember that Jesus still calls us by name. You might feel stuck, silent, or spiritually “dead,” but your story isn’t over. God is still working. Even in the moments that feel forgotten, your identity as someone loved by Jesus remains unshaken. Like Lazarus, your life can be a quiet yet powerful testimony — not because of your words, but because of His presence.Whether you’re waiting for hope to return, standing outside your own metaphorical tomb, or just trying to take a small step of faith — today’s story reminds us: you are loved. And you are not alone.Download blank templates, schedules here:https://schmern2.notion.site/Downloads-Template-Word-and-Excel-Schedule-67439d14449d4c20bfe00efe069f78b8Logos RAMPS Workflow - RAMPS Bible Study - The Bible in Small Steps in Logos WorkflowsJill’s Linkshttps://jillfromthenorthwoods.com/https://www.youtube.com/@smallstepswithgodhttps://www.buymeacoffee.com/smallstepspodhttps://twitter.com/schmernEmail the podcast at [email protected]“Scripture quotations are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. The ESV text may not be quoted in any publication made available to the public by a Creative Commons license. The ESV may not be translated in whole or in part into any other language.”Scripture quotations marked CSB have been taken from the Christian Standard Bible®, Copyright © 2017 by Holman Bible Publishers. Used by permission. Christian Standard Bible® and CSB® are federally registered trademarks of Holman Bible Publishers.“The Scriptures quoted are from the NET Bible® http://netbible.com copyright ©1996, 2019 used with permission from Biblical Studies Press, L.L.C. All rights reserved”.Bible Maps and images used with permission from https://www.bible.ca/maps/ or https://www.freebibleimages.org/illustrations/bj-ot-world/Copyright 2014 Faithlife / Logos Bible Software. Free for non-commercial use by individuals or organizations. May be presented before live audiences; may be posted on social media; may be re-distributed. May not be used commercially. May not be modified or included in published works without permission; contact [email protected]. Attribute as: “Copyright 2014 Faithlife / Logos Bible Software ()”.By choosing to watch this video or listen to this podcast, you acknowledge that you are doing so of your own free will. The content shared here reflects personal experiences and opinions and is intended for informational and inspirational purposes only. I am not a licensed healthcare provider, psychiatrist, or counselor. Any advice or suggestions offered should not be considered a substitute for professional medical or mental health advice. You are solely responsible for any decisions or actions you take based on this content.

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 BreakdownM – Moment:Mary chooses to sit at Jesus’ feet while her sister serves, revealing that true discipleship begins with stillness, not striving.I – Identity:She’s not defined by her productivity, but by her posture of intimacy. Jesus loved her for her attention, not her activity.R – Right Choices:She listens when others work, weeps when others withdraw, and worships when others criticize—three postures that mark deep faith.R – Risks/Wrongs:Her devotion drew misunderstanding and judgment, yet Jesus defended her every time. Her worship was countercultural and costly.O – Ongoing Message:Wherever the gospel is told, her story echoes: The truest offering is time at His feet.R – Reflection:Are you striving like Martha, grieving like Mary at the tomb, or pouring out your all like Mary at the banquet?S – Steps:Protect stillness with GodBring pain honestly to His presenceWorship with what costs you somethingLead quietly but faithfullyKey Verse:“Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.” — Luke 10:42Takeaway:Mary’s story teaches us that in a world obsessed with movement, the holiest act is to stop and listen. Download blank templates, schedules here:https://schmern2.notion.site/Downloads-Template-Word-and-Excel-Schedule-67439d14449d4c20bfe00efe069f78b8 Logos RAMPS Workflow - RAMPS Bible Study - The Bible in Small Steps in Logos Workflows Jill’s Linkshttps://jillfromthenorthwoods.com/ https://www.youtube.com/@smallstepswithgod https://www.buymeacoffee.com/smallstepspod https://twitter.com/schmern Email the podcast at [email protected] “Scripture quotations are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. The ESV text may not be quoted in any publication made available to the public by a Creative Commons license. The ESV may not be translated in whole or in part into any other language.” Scripture quotations marked CSB have been taken from the Christian Standard Bible®, Copyright © 2017 by Holman Bible Publishers. Used by permission. Christian Standard Bible® and CSB® are federally registered trademarks of Holman Bible Publishers. “The Scriptures quoted are from the NET Bible® http://netbible.com copyright ©1996, 2019 used with permission from Biblical Studies Press, L.L.C. All rights reserved”. Bible Maps and images used with permission from https://www.bible.ca/maps/ or https://www.freebibleimages.org/illustrations/bj-ot-world/ Copyright 2014 Faithlife / Logos Bible Software. Free for non-commercial use by individuals or organizations. May be presented before live audiences; may be posted on social media; may be re-distributed. May not be used commercially. May not be modified or included in published works without permission; contact [email protected]. Attribute as: “Copyright 2014 Faithlife / Logos Bible Software ()”. By choosing to watch this video or listen to this podcast, you acknowledge that you are doing so of your own free will. The content shared here reflects personal experiences and opinions and is intended for informational and inspirational purposes only. I am not a licensed healthcare provider, psychiatrist, or counselor. Any advice or suggestions offered should not be considered a substitute for professional medical or mental health advice. You are solely responsible for any decisions or actions you take based on this content.

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 were made in God’s image and how Jesus restores that reflection when sin has distorted it. It introduces the “MIRRORS” framework as a new lens to see ourselves more clearly—through the divine light we were created to reflect.Introducing the MIRRORS FrameworkWe explore a fresh biblical tool for personal reflection: the acronym MIRRORS. Each letter represents a step—Moment, Identity, Right choices, Risks and wrong choices, Ongoing message, Reflection, and Steps—to better understand how biblical figures (and ultimately ourselves) mirror God’s design. For God and Jesus, some letters shift slightly, recognizing their perfection and divinity.2. Made in God’s Image – What Does It Mean?Genesis 1:27 tells us we’re made in the image of God—but not as copies. We carry His characteristics and His intention. God as Creator, compassionate ruler, and relational Father becomes the standard for how we reflect love, order, and purpose in our lives.3. Jesus: The Clear Mirror of the FatherJesus not only revealed God but restored our distorted image through sacrificial love. His humility, obedience, and compassion make him a divine blueprint for us. He reflects the Father so that we, in turn, can reflect him. Through Christ, we regain the clarity of our identity and purpose.4. The Distortions of Our MirrorSin smudges the mirror. Pride, shame, comparison, and distraction warp our reflection. We become like a funhouse mirror—no longer seeing who we truly are. Whether it’s arrogance or insecurity, each one interferes with the divine image we’re meant to reflect.5. Steps to Polish the MirrorRestoration comes through small, faithful actions. Forgiveness, patience, creativity, kindness—these polish the mirror and realign us with God’s image. Reflection is also daily: asking “Did I see Jesus in me today?” helps us grow closer to that pure reflection.Takeaways:This episode leaves us with a call to reclaim the image we were created in. God made us to reflect His light, and Jesus gave us the model and grace to do so. Even if sin has warped that mirror, every small step—every act of grace or love—clears away the distortion. We are not mirrors that create light; we reflect it. The closer we are to Jesus, the brighter we shine. This is not about perfection; it’s about participation in God’s renewing work within us. Through awareness, spiritual discipline, and compassion, we begin to see who we truly are: image-bearers of the divine.Download blank templates, schedules here:https://schmern2.notion.site/Downloads-Template-Word-and-Excel-Schedule-67439d14449d4c20bfe00efe069f78b8Logos RAMPS Workflow - RAMPS Bible Study - The Bible in Small Steps in Logos WorkflowsJill’s Linkshttps://jillfromthenorthwoods.com/https://www.youtube.com/@smallstepswithgodhttps://www.buymeacoffee.com/smallstepspodhttps://twitter.com/schmernEmail the podcast at [email protected]“Scripture quotations are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. The ESV text may not be quoted in any publication made available to the public by a Creative Commons license. The ESV may not be translated in whole or in part into any other language.”Scripture quotations marked CSB have been taken from the Christian Standard Bible®, Copyright © 2017 by Holman Bible Publishers. Used by permission. Christian Standard Bible® and CSB® are federally registered trademarks of Holman Bible Publishers.“The Scriptures quoted are from the NET Bible® http://netbible.com copyright ©1996, 2019 used with permission from Biblical Studies Press, L.L.C. All rights reserved”.Bible Maps and images used with permission from https://www.bible.ca/maps/ or https://www.freebibleimages.org/illustrations/bj-ot-world/Copyright 2014 Faithlife / Logos Bible Software. Free for non-commercial use by individuals or organizations. May be presented before live audiences; may be posted on social media; may be re-distributed. May not be used commercially. May not be modified or included in published works without permission; contact [email protected]. Attribute as: “Copyright 2014 Faithlife / Logos Bible Software ()”.By choosing to watch this video or listen to this podcast, you acknowledge that you are doing so of your own free will. The content shared here reflects personal experiences and opinions and is intended for informational and inspirational purposes only. I am not a licensed healthcare provider, psychiatrist, or counselor. Any advice or suggestions offered should not be considered a substitute for professional medical or mental health advice. You are solely responsible for any decisions or actions you take based on this content.

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. From spiritual pride to lawsuits, from disordered worship to divisions within the body, Paul addresses a young church caught between grace and chaos. 1. Corinth’s Cultural ClimateWe explore what made Corinth such a challenging environment for a new church: wealth, trade, moral looseness, and religious diversity. The culture of excess and indulgence directly influenced the church’s struggles with identity and holiness.2. Divisions and Leadership IdolatryPaul calls out the factions forming around popular leaders like Apollos, Peter, and himself. He reminds the church that the only foundation is Christ, not personalities or eloquence.3. Moral Challenges in the ChurchThe episode highlights shocking moral failures, including sexual immorality being openly tolerated. Paul’s sharp response reflects how serious he is about holiness in the community.4. Ethics, Worship, and OrderFrom confusion over food offered to idols to lawsuits among believers, Paul tackles daily ethical issues with pastoral care. He also brings clarity to worship practices, emphasizing love and unity.5. Love and ResurrectionWe dive into the significance of 1 Corinthians 13 and the focus on love over spiritual gifts. Paul’s insistence on the resurrection of Christ as foundational to faith wraps the letter in deep theological grounding.Key Takeaways:1 Corinthians is not just a corrective letter—it’s a guidebook for every generation of believers. Paul’s emphasis on humility, unity, and love remains vital today. In a divided and distracted culture, his pastoral voice urges the church to stay grounded in the gospel, love others well, and walk with integrity. This episode is a reminder that even the most gifted communities need spiritual guidance, and that transformation comes not through pride or prestige, but through the cross of Christ. Download blank templates, schedules here:https://schmern2.notion.site/Downloads-Template-Word-and-Excel-Schedule-67439d14449d4c20bfe00efe069f78b8 Logos RAMPS Workflow - RAMPS Bible Study - The Bible in Small Steps in Logos Workflows Jill’s Linkshttps://jillfromthenorthwoods.com/ https://www.youtube.com/@smallstepswithgod https://www.buymeacoffee.com/smallstepspod https://twitter.com/schmern Email the podcast at [email protected] “Scripture quotations are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. The ESV text may not be quoted in any publication made available to the public by a Creative Commons license. The ESV may not be translated in whole or in part into any other language.” Scripture quotations marked CSB have been taken from the Christian Standard Bible®, Copyright © 2017 by Holman Bible Publishers. Used by permission. Christian Standard Bible® and CSB® are federally registered trademarks of Holman Bible Publishers. “The Scriptures quoted are from the NET Bible® http://netbible.com copyright ©1996, 2019 used with permission from Biblical Studies Press, L.L.C. All rights reserved”. Bible Maps and images used with permission from https://www.bible.ca/maps/ or https://www.freebibleimages.org/illustrations/bj-ot-world/ Copyright 2014 Faithlife / Logos Bible Software. Free for non-commercial use by individuals or organizations. May be presented before live audiences; may be posted on social media; may be re-distributed. May not be used commercially. May not be modified or included in published works without permission; contact [email protected]. Attribute as: “Copyright 2014 Faithlife / Logos Bible Software ()”. By choosing to watch this video or listen to this podcast, you acknowledge that you are doing so of your own free will. The content shared here reflects personal experiences and opinions and is intended for informational and inspirational purposes only. I am not a licensed healthcare provider, psychiatrist, or counselor. Any advice or suggestions offered should not be considered a substitute for professional medical or mental health advice. You are solely responsible for any decisions or actions you take based on this content.

Martha’s Better Portion: From Performance to PresenceM — MomentBethany’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 — IdentityMartha was the dependable one, the problem-solver, the planner. Her love language was labor, her rhythm responsibility. Many of us see ourselves in her—doing all the right things for everyone else, hoping Jesus notices the effort. Her temperament was her strength, until it began to drain her spirit.R — Right ChoicesMartha’s faith was fierce. She welcomed Jesus when others stayed distant and later declared Him “the Messiah, the Son of God.” Her story reminds us that God values our initiative and our hospitality. Service isn’t wrong—it just needs to flow from presence, not pressure.R — Risks/WrongsHer risk was substitution: mistaking activity for intimacy. Jesus’ tender call, “Martha, Martha,” revealed how worry had replaced worship. Like her, we can be pulled in circles—doing for God without being with God. The danger isn’t exhaustion alone; it’s missing the joy of His nearness.O — Ongoing MessageThe “better portion” isn’t about doing less—it’s about being anchored. Psalm 16:5 echoes through the scene: “You, Lord, are my portion and my cup.” Martha teaches us that purpose without presence loses its pulse. When we sit at Jesus’ feet first, our service becomes sacred again.R — ReflectionWhere are you serving but not listening? Where has performance replaced presence? Jesus calls your name twice too—not to shame, but to soothe. You are seen, valued, and loved, not for what you accomplish but for who you are in Him.S — StepsPause before you pour. Start the day in silence with the prayer: “You are my portion.”Transform tasks into worship. Let chores become quiet spaces of gratitude.Ask for help. Partnership honors both humility and community.Rest on purpose. Sabbath is not optional; it’s obedience that restores.Rehearse truth. Say aloud: “I am loved, not evaluated.”Key Quote“Jesus delights in your company more than He delights in your competence.”This conversation invites every overextended heart to rediscover peace in the Presence of Christ. It’s not about being less Martha—it’s about becoming Martha transformed: hands still serving, heart finally still.Download blank templates, schedules here:https://schmern2.notion.site/Downloads-Template-Word-and-Excel-Schedule-67439d14449d4c20bfe00efe069f78b8Logos RAMPS Workflow - RAMPS Bible Study - The Bible in Small Steps in Logos WorkflowsJill’s Linkshttps://jillfromthenorthwoods.com/https://www.youtube.com/@smallstepswithgodhttps://www.buymeacoffee.com/smallstepspodhttps://twitter.com/schmernEmail the podcast at [email protected]“Scripture quotations are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. The ESV text may not be quoted in any publication made available to the public by a Creative Commons license. The ESV may not be translated in whole or in part into any other language.”Scripture quotations marked CSB have been taken from the Christian Standard Bible®, Copyright © 2017 by Holman Bible Publishers. Used by permission. Christian Standard Bible® and CSB® are federally registered trademarks of Holman Bible Publishers.“The Scriptures quoted are from the NET Bible® http://netbible.com copyright ©1996, 2019 used with permission from Biblical Studies Press, L.L.C. All rights reserved”.Bible Maps and images used with permission from https://www.bible.ca/maps/ or https://www.freebibleimages.org/illustrations/bj-ot-world/Copyright 2014 Faithlife / Logos Bible Software. Free for non-commercial use by individuals or organizations. May be presented before live audiences; may be posted on social media; may be re-distributed. May not be used commercially. May not be modified or included in published works without permission; contact [email protected]. Attribute as: “Copyright 2014 Faithlife / Logos Bible Software ()”.By choosing to watch this video or listen to this podcast, you acknowledge that you are doing so of your own free will. The content shared here reflects personal experiences and opinions and is intended for informational and inspirational purposes only. I am not a licensed healthcare provider, psychiatrist, or counselor. Any advice or suggestions offered should not be considered a substitute for professional medical or mental health advice. You are solely responsible for any decisions or actions you take based on this content.

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 in God’s promises.🪞 MIRRORS BreakdownMoment:The tension between belief and control — when we say we trust God but still keep a tight grip on the outcome.Identity:Jacob’s temperament: ambitious, persistent, strategic — yet anxious and restless. The same drive that once deceived became the determination that refused to let go of God.Right Choices:At Jabbok, Jacob wrestled all night and refused to release God’s presence until he was blessed. This was the pivot from manipulation to dependence.Risks/Wrongs:His striving fractured relationships and fueled exile. Like Jacob, our need to control often births conflict and exhaustion.Ongoing Message:The limp becomes the lesson: God’s blessing flows through surrender, not strength. His faithfulness remains even when ours wavers.Reflection & Steps:Name your “halfway in the seat” place.Trade striving for stillness.Revisit your Bethel—where God first spoke promise.Turn your limp into testimony.Walk toward reconciliation.Sit all the way down and trust God to carry the rest.✨ Key Scripture“Look, I am with you and will watch over you wherever you go… I will not leave you until I have done what I have promised you.” — Genesis 28:15 (CSB)💬 TakeawayWhen you finally stop grasping and start clinging, you’ll find what Jacob found — not defeat, but divine nearness. God doesn’t just bless your victory; He blesses your limp.🙌 Call to ActionShare this episode with someone who’s in a season of wrestling.Tag us and tell your “limp story” — how God met you in the place of surrender and turned striving into strength. Download blank templates, schedules here:https://schmern2.notion.site/Downloads-Template-Word-and-Excel-Schedule-67439d14449d4c20bfe00efe069f78b8 Logos RAMPS Workflow - RAMPS Bible Study - The Bible in Small Steps in Logos Workflows Jill’s Linkshttps://jillfromthenorthwoods.com/ https://www.youtube.com/@smallstepswithgod https://www.buymeacoffee.com/smallstepspod https://twitter.com/schmern Email the podcast at [email protected] “Scripture quotations are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. The ESV text may not be quoted in any publication made available to the public by a Creative Commons license. The ESV may not be translated in whole or in part into any other language.” Scripture quotations marked CSB have been taken from the Christian Standard Bible®, Copyright © 2017 by Holman Bible Publishers. Used by permission. Christian Standard Bible® and CSB® are federally registered trademarks of Holman Bible Publishers. “The Scriptures quoted are from the NET Bible® http://netbible.com copyright ©1996, 2019 used with permission from Biblical Studies Press, L.L.C. All rights reserved”. Bible Maps and images used with permission from https://www.bible.ca/maps/ or https://www.freebibleimages.org/illustrations/bj-ot-world/ Copyright 2014 Faithlife / Logos Bible Software. Free for non-commercial use by individuals or organizations. May be presented before live audiences; may be posted on social media; may be re-distributed. May not be used commercially. May not be modified or included in published works without permission; contact [email protected]. Attribute as: “Copyright 2014 Faithlife / Logos Bible Software ()”. By choosing to watch this video or listen to this podcast, you acknowledge that you are doing so of your own free will. The content shared here reflects personal experiences and opinions and is intended for informational and inspirational purposes only. I am not a licensed healthcare provider, psychiatrist, or counselor. Any advice or suggestions offered should not be considered a substitute for professional medical or mental health advice. You are solely responsible for any decisions or actions you take based on this content.

Leah: The Unseen Praiser — A MIRRORS ReflectionIn 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 we stop striving for human love and start standing firm in God’s truth. Using the MIRRORS method, I walk through her life and what it still teaches us today.MIRRORS BreakdownM – MomentLeah’s story unfolds in Haran, a major Mesopotamian trade center during the Bronze Age. She lived among herds, household idols, arranged marriages, and deep family traditions. This wasn’t a mythic backdrop—it was real life, with all its mess and beauty. Understanding her moment helps us relate to her not as a distant figure, but as a woman who lived a life full of ordinary pain and extraordinary grace.I – IdentityLeah was the daughter of Laban, the older sister of Rachel, and the wife Jacob never chose. Her name was associated with weakness, and her story was overshadowed by Rachel’s beauty. But over time, Leah’s identity changed—not because her circumstances improved, but because her heart turned to God. She stopped seeing herself through Jacob’s eyes and started seeing herself through God’s.R – Right ChoicesIn the face of rejection, Leah chose faithfulness. She kept showing up, kept loving, and ultimately began praising. When she gave birth to Judah, something shifted. Her words—“This time I will praise the Lord”—marked a spiritual awakening. She stopped striving to be chosen and started standing in being seen.R – Risks and FailuresLeah’s journey wasn’t perfect. She tried to earn love through more children. She traded for time with her husband. She even gave her maid to Jacob to compete with Rachel. Those choices were born from deep hurt. But her flaws didn’t make her unworthy. God still used her in a profound way, because His grace doesn’t require perfection.O – Ongoing MessageLeah’s life speaks across the centuries: being overlooked by people doesn’t mean being overlooked by God. He saw her. He opened her womb. He wrote her into the lineage of Jesus. Her quiet faith was never forgotten. Her life reminds us that worship begins not when things are right, but when we choose to praise in the midst of the pain.R – ReflectionI found myself in Leah’s story—and maybe you will too. Have you ever loved deeply and felt taken for granted? Have you watched others get the recognition while you did the work? Leah’s story asks us to reflect: Where have I been chasing love or approval? Where have I been measuring my worth by someone else’s gaze instead of God’s?S – StepsThis episode ends with real, tangible steps:Pray before you compare.Name something you’re grateful for and turn that into praise.Write Leah’s words in your journal: “This time I will praise the Lord.”Speak encouragement to someone else who feels like Leah.Replace scrolling and comparison with scripture, worship, or rest.These small steps aren’t about achieving. They’re about aligning—letting God’s love define you, not someone else’s attention.TakeawaysThis episode is a mirror. Leah’s story reflects so many of our own struggles—feeling unnoticed, trying hard to be chosen, hoping our efforts will be enough. But Leah’s transformation began when she let go of that chase and anchored herself in worship. Her life didn’t change overnight—but her focus did. She found her freedom in praising God, not in being picked.If you’ve ever felt like the background person, the overlooked one, the quiet supporter who no one seems to recognize—Leah’s story is for you. Her life reminds us that God sees the unseen, honors the faithful, and turns quiet worship into eternal legacy.“This time, I will praise the Lord.” That’s the step. That’s the shift. And maybe, that’s the start of your own transformation too.Download blank templates, schedules here:https://schmern2.notion.site/Downloads-Template-Word-and-Excel-Schedule-67439d14449d4c20bfe00efe069f78b8Logos RAMPS Workflow - RAMPS Bible Study - The Bible in Small Steps in Logos WorkflowsJill’s Linkshttps://jillfromthenorthwoods.com/https://www.youtube.com/@smallstepswithgodhttps://www.buymeacoffee.com/smallstepspodhttps://twitter.com/schmernEmail the podcast at [email protected]“Scripture quotations are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. The ESV text may not be quoted in any publication made available to the public by a Creative Commons license. The ESV may not be translated in whole or in part into any other language.”Scripture quotations marked CSB have been taken from the Christian Standard Bible®, Copyright © 2017 by Holman Bible Publishers. Used by permission. Christian Standard Bible® and CSB® are federally registered trademarks of Holman Bible Publishers.“The Scriptures quoted are from the NET Bible® http://netbible.com copyright ©1996, 2019 used with permission from Biblical Studies Press, L.L.C. All rights reserved”.Bible Maps and images used with permission from https://www.bible.ca/maps/ or https://www.freebibleimages.org/illustrations/bj-ot-world/Copyright 2014 Faithlife / Logos Bible Software. Free for non-commercial use by individuals or organizations. May be presented before live audiences; may be posted on social media; may be re-distributed. May not be used commercially. May not be modified or included in published works without permission; contact [email protected]. Attribute as: “Copyright 2014 Faithlife / Logos Bible Software ()”.By choosing to watch this video or listen to this podcast, you acknowledge that you are doing so of your own free will. The content shared here reflects personal experiences and opinions and is intended for informational and inspirational purposes only. I am not a licensed healthcare provider, psychiatrist, or counselor. Any advice or suggestions offered should not be considered a substitute for professional medical or mental health advice. You are solely responsible for any decisions or actions you take based on this content.

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 us today. 1. Life in First-Century RomeRome was the epicenter of culture, politics, and religion. I describe the unstable climate under Emperor Nero, the widespread acceptance of multiple religions, and the growing suspicion toward Christianity as it expanded beyond its Jewish roots.2. Jewish and Gentile TensionsReturning Jewish Christians found a changed church, now led by Gentiles with different practices. These divisions led to friction over everything from food laws to Sabbath observance. Paul’s letter sought to heal that divide and unify the body of believers.3. Paul’s Purpose and MessagePaul didn’t write Romans to address a crisis but to explain the Gospel clearly. I talk about how he used legal and theological language to build a case for justification by faith, addressing misunderstandings about grace, and preparing the church for future persecution.4. The Role of PhoebePhoebe played a significant role in delivering and likely reading the letter to house churches across Rome. I highlight her as a key figure in spreading Paul’s message and helping the early church understand its identity.5. Timeless LessonsFrom Augustine to Martin Luther, Romans has shaped Christian thought for centuries. I emphasize why it’s still one of the most studied and transformative letters in the Bible.Takeaways:Romans teaches that no matter your background, status, or mistakes, you stand on equal ground before God. Faith in Christ—not works or heritage—brings salvation. It reminds us that grace is not a license to sin but an invitation to live transformed lives. Most importantly, it urges unity in a diverse community of believers. As we begin this journey through Romans, we do so not just to understand Scripture, but to live it—faithfully, humbly, and together. Download blank templates, schedules here:https://schmern2.notion.site/Downloads-Template-Word-and-Excel-Schedule-67439d14449d4c20bfe00efe069f78b8 Logos RAMPS Workflow - RAMPS Bible Study - The Bible in Small Steps in Logos Workflows Jill’s Linkshttps://jillfromthenorthwoods.com/ https://www.youtube.com/@smallstepswithgod https://www.buymeacoffee.com/smallstepspod https://twitter.com/schmern Email the podcast at [email protected] “Scripture quotations are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. The ESV text may not be quoted in any publication made available to the public by a Creative Commons license. The ESV may not be translated in whole or in part into any other language.” Scripture quotations marked CSB have been taken from the Christian Standard Bible®, Copyright © 2017 by Holman Bible Publishers. Used by permission. Christian Standard Bible® and CSB® are federally registered trademarks of Holman Bible Publishers. “The Scriptures quoted are from the NET Bible® http://netbible.com copyright ©1996, 2019 used with permission from Biblical Studies Press, L.L.C. All rights reserved”. Bible Maps and images used with permission from https://www.bible.ca/maps/ or https://www.freebibleimages.org/illustrations/bj-ot-world/ Copyright 2014 Faithlife / Logos Bible Software. Free for non-commercial use by individuals or organizations. May be presented before live audiences; may be posted on social media; may be re-distributed. May not be used commercially. May not be modified or included in published works without permission; contact [email protected]. Attribute as: “Copyright 2014 Faithlife / Logos Bible Software ()”. By choosing to watch this video or listen to this podcast, you acknowledge that you are doing so of your own free will. The content shared here reflects personal experiences and opinions and is intended for informational and inspirational purposes only. I am not a licensed healthcare provider, psychiatrist, or counselor. Any advice or suggestions offered should not be considered a substitute for professional medical or mental health advice. You are solely responsible for any decisions or actions you take based on this content.

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 guide for those who are about to study Paul’s epistles or simply want a deeper appreciation for the man behind the letters.Top Topics Covered:Paul’s Background and EducationRaised in Tarsus, Paul was both a Jew and a Roman citizen. He studied under the famous rabbi Gamaliel and became a Pharisee known for his zeal and scriptural knowledge.The Damascus Road ConversionPaul’s dramatic encounter with Jesus left him blind and transformed. This event marked the beginning of his mission to spread the gospel to the Gentiles.The Hidden Years in ArabiaBefore launching into public ministry, Paul spent time in Arabia. Though scripture says little, this season parallels the wilderness times of other biblical figures.Missionary Journeys and ImpactPaul traveled extensively, preaching, planting churches, and debating religious and political leaders. His ability to connect with Jews, Greeks, and Romans set him apart.Character InsightsBeyond his theology, Paul was deeply emotional, committed to his churches, and resilient in the face of persecution. He was also mystical, legal-minded, and compassionate.Takeaways:Paul’s story is a powerful reminder that no one is beyond redemption. His transformation shows that passion, when redirected toward truth, can change the world. His life also teaches us the value of perseverance, of leaning into our calling even when it’s difficult. Whether you’re studying his letters or just starting to learn about him, Paul offers a model of how to live a bold and faithful life. Download blank templates, schedules here:https://schmern2.notion.site/Downloads-Template-Word-and-Excel-Schedule-67439d14449d4c20bfe00efe069f78b8 Logos RAMPS Workflow - RAMPS Bible Study - The Bible in Small Steps in Logos Workflows Jill’s Linkshttps://jillfromthenorthwoods.com/ https://www.youtube.com/@smallstepswithgod https://www.buymeacoffee.com/smallstepspod https://twitter.com/schmern Email the podcast at [email protected] “Scripture quotations are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. The ESV text may not be quoted in any publication made available to the public by a Creative Commons license. The ESV may not be translated in whole or in part into any other language.” Scripture quotations marked CSB have been taken from the Christian Standard Bible®, Copyright © 2017 by Holman Bible Publishers. Used by permission. Christian Standard Bible® and CSB® are federally registered trademarks of Holman Bible Publishers. “The Scriptures quoted are from the NET Bible® http://netbible.com copyright ©1996, 2019 used with permission from Biblical Studies Press, L.L.C. All rights reserved”. Bible Maps and images used with permission from https://www.bible.ca/maps/ or https://www.freebibleimages.org/illustrations/bj-ot-world/ Copyright 2014 Faithlife / Logos Bible Software. Free for non-commercial use by individuals or organizations. May be presented before live audiences; may be posted on social media; may be re-distributed. May not be used commercially. May not be modified or included in published works without permission; contact [email protected]. Attribute as: “Copyright 2014 Faithlife / Logos Bible Software ()”. By choosing to watch this video or listen to this podcast, you acknowledge that you are doing so of your own free will. The content shared here reflects personal experiences and opinions and is intended for informational and inspirational purposes only. I am not a licensed healthcare provider, psychiatrist, or counselor. Any advice or suggestions offered should not be considered a substitute for professional medical or mental health advice. You are solely responsible for any decisions or actions you take based on this content.

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 was rescued—why one and not the other? This leads into broader questions about randomness, purpose, and divine will. I also share insights from the book of Job, a man who endured immense suffering yet held onto faith without answers.We explore how suffering is not a reflection of a person’s sinfulness or godliness. Instead, it’s often part of a bigger story, sometimes used by God to refine, strengthen, or witness to others. Through figures like Dietrich Bonhoeffer, Corrie ten Boom, and C.S. Lewis, we see how real-life faith endures even the most heartbreaking trials.Faith isn’t about avoiding pain—it’s about trusting God through it. The episode touches on how pain can be a spiritual megaphone, a catalyst for transformation, and a means for deepening trust and compassion.Top Topics:Acts 12 and the Early Church: Reflecting on why James was killed and Peter saved—and what that means for our understanding of suffering.Job and the Theology of Pain: Job’s suffering wasn’t punishment. His story challenges the simplistic belief that blessings and suffering are always earned.Modern Faith and Loss: How C.S. Lewis, Bonhoeffer, and Corrie ten Boom show the real cost—and purpose—of suffering in the Christian walk.Suffering as Transformation: Pain shapes us. It draws us closer to God, humbles us, and can become a testimony to others.Hope and Trust in the Unknown: We may not always understand God’s plan, but we are invited to trust His heart.Takeaways:Suffering is not a measure of one’s righteousness or sin. Faith does not guarantee comfort, but it does promise God’s presence. In seasons of loss, we’re reminded that our trust in God is what anchors us, not answers. We’re also called to support each other in grief, just as the early church did in Acts.In the end, suffering reveals what is real: our dependence on God, our calling to love others, and our hope in redemption beyond this life. Download blank templates, schedules here:https://schmern2.notion.site/Downloads-Template-Word-and-Excel-Schedule-67439d14449d4c20bfe00efe069f78b8 Logos RAMPS Workflow - RAMPS Bible Study - The Bible in Small Steps in Logos Workflows Jill’s Linkshttps://jillfromthenorthwoods.com/ https://www.youtube.com/@smallstepswithgod https://www.buymeacoffee.com/smallstepspod https://twitter.com/schmern Email the podcast at [email protected] “Scripture quotations are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. The ESV text may not be quoted in any publication made available to the public by a Creative Commons license. The ESV may not be translated in whole or in part into any other language.” Scripture quotations marked CSB have been taken from the Christian Standard Bible®, Copyright © 2017 by Holman Bible Publishers. Used by permission. Christian Standard Bible® and CSB® are federally registered trademarks of Holman Bible Publishers. “The Scriptures quoted are from the NET Bible® http://netbible.com copyright ©1996, 2019 used with permission from Biblical Studies Press, L.L.C. All rights reserved”. Bible Maps and images used with permission from https://www.bible.ca/maps/ or https://www.freebibleimages.org/illustrations/bj-ot-world/ Copyright 2014 Faithlife / Logos Bible Software. Free for non-commercial use by individuals or organizations. May be presented before live audiences; may be posted on social media; may be re-distributed. May not be used commercially. May not be modified or included in published works without permission; contact [email protected]. Attribute as: “Copyright 2014 Faithlife / Logos Bible Software ()”. By choosing to watch this video or listen to this podcast, you acknowledge that you are doing so of your own free will. The content shared here reflects personal experiences and opinions and is intended for informational and inspirational purposes only. I am not a licensed healthcare provider, psychiatrist, or counselor. Any advice or suggestions offered should not be considered a substitute for professional medical or mental health advice. You are solely responsible for any decisions or actions you take based on this content.

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, and why does it matter? Top Topics Covered: Defining the Soul BiblicallyWe start by unpacking the Hebrew and Greek words used in Scripture (nephesh and psyche), examining how the Bible speaks of the soul not just as an ethereal ghost, but as the full, living being. The Soul and the Body: One or Two?We explore theological views—dualism, tripartite, and unified perspectives—on how the soul relates to the body and the spirit, and why that matters in Christian life. The Functioning SoulBorrowing from the work of Dallas Willard, we explore how the soul is formed by spirit, will, mind, emotions, and body—all interconnected layers that shape who we are. Life After DeathWe talk about the eternal nature of the soul and the Christian belief in bodily resurrection, giving comfort and clarity to the idea that we don’t become ghost-like after death—we remain ourselves. Caring for the SoulFrom prayer and repentance to discipline and grace, we explore spiritual practices that nourish the soul, paralleling how we care for our physical health. Key Takeaways:The soul is not just a theological idea; it’s the blueprint of our being. When we understand the soul, we can better understand ourselves and our purpose. By caring for our soul as seriously as we care for our body, we align ourselves more closely with God’s will and find greater peace and direction. Whether you’re curious about what happens after death or how to grow spiritually, this episode offers clarity and inspiration for the journey. Download blank templates, schedules here:https://schmern2.notion.site/Downloads-Template-Word-and-Excel-Schedule-67439d14449d4c20bfe00efe069f78b8 Logos RAMPS Workflow - RAMPS Bible Study - The Bible in Small Steps in Logos Workflows Jill’s Linkshttps://jillfromthenorthwoods.com/ https://www.youtube.com/@smallstepswithgod https://www.buymeacoffee.com/smallstepspod https://twitter.com/schmern Email the podcast at [email protected] “Scripture quotations are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. The ESV text may not be quoted in any publication made available to the public by a Creative Commons license. The ESV may not be translated in whole or in part into any other language.” Scripture quotations marked CSB have been taken from the Christian Standard Bible®, Copyright © 2017 by Holman Bible Publishers. Used by permission. Christian Standard Bible® and CSB® are federally registered trademarks of Holman Bible Publishers. “The Scriptures quoted are from the NET Bible® http://netbible.com copyright ©1996, 2019 used with permission from Biblical Studies Press, L.L.C. All rights reserved”. Bible Maps and images used with permission from https://www.bible.ca/maps/ or https://www.freebibleimages.org/illustrations/bj-ot-world/ Copyright 2014 Faithlife / Logos Bible Software. Free for non-commercial use by individuals or organizations. May be presented before live audiences; may be posted on social media; may be re-distributed. May not be used commercially. May not be modified or included in published works without permission; contact [email protected]. Attribute as: “Copyright 2014 Faithlife / Logos Bible Software ()”. By choosing to watch this video or listen to this podcast, you acknowledge that you are doing so of your own free will. The content shared here reflects personal experiences and opinions and is intended for informational and inspirational purposes only. I am not a licensed healthcare provider, psychiatrist, or counselor. Any advice or suggestions offered should not be considered a substitute for professional medical or mental health advice. You are solely responsible for any decisions or actions you take based on this content.

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 the Bible or a seasoned reader, this episode is a refreshing guide to revisiting the building blocks of biblical truth. What Is Prayer Really About?We dig into the Hebrew and Greek meanings of prayer, exploring how Jesus modeled communication with God. It’s not about rituals—it’s about relationship, honesty, and surrender. Peace Beyond CalmPeace isn’t just the absence of conflict. It’s a state of reconciliation and wholeness. We look at shalom and its implications for personal and communal well-being. Joy That EnduresBiblical joy, unlike happiness, persists through trials. We connect joy to grace, understanding that it flows from God’s presence—not our circumstances. Meditation, ReimaginedChristian meditation isn’t about emptying your mind but filling it with God’s Word. We explore ancient practices like Lectio Divina and practical tools for daily life. Repentance and TransformationMore than guilt or punishment, repentance is an invitation to rethink and return to God. It’s a change of direction that brings freedom. Salvation, Sanctification, and Your IdentityWe clarify the difference between salvation (God’s gift) and sanctification (our ongoing growth). You are set apart for something holy. Justice and RighteousnessBiblical justice protects the vulnerable and corrects wrongs. Righteousness is about living rightly, not looking perfect. Both are central to God’s kingdom. Key Takeaways This episode shows how understanding biblical language helps us connect more deeply with God’s truth. These words aren’t just theological—they’re practical tools for transformation. Prayer becomes honest dialogue. Peace becomes a daily posture. Joy becomes rooted in grace. And justice and righteousness guide our actions with compassion and integrity. The more we understand the meanings behind these words, the more we can live them out. Even if you’ve heard them a hundred times, hearing them again—through the lens of Scripture and everyday life—can bring new clarity and encouragement Download blank templates, schedules here:https://schmern2.notion.site/Downloads-Template-Word-and-Excel-Schedule-67439d14449d4c20bfe00efe069f78b8 Logos RAMPS Workflow - RAMPS Bible Study - The Bible in Small Steps in Logos Workflows Jill’s Linkshttps://jillfromthenorthwoods.com/ https://www.youtube.com/@smallstepswithgod https://www.buymeacoffee.com/smallstepspod https://twitter.com/schmern Email the podcast at [email protected] “Scripture quotations are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. The ESV text may not be quoted in any publication made available to the public by a Creative Commons license. The ESV may not be translated in whole or in part into any other language.” Scripture quotations marked CSB have been taken from the Christian Standard Bible®, Copyright © 2017 by Holman Bible Publishers. Used by permission. Christian Standard Bible® and CSB® are federally registered trademarks of Holman Bible Publishers. “The Scriptures quoted are from the NET Bible® http://netbible.com copyright ©1996, 2019 used with permission from Biblical Studies Press, L.L.C. All rights reserved”. Bible Maps and images used with permission from https://www.bible.ca/maps/ or https://www.freebibleimages.org/illustrations/bj-ot-world/ Copyright 2014 Faithlife / Logos Bible Software. Free for non-commercial use by individuals or organizations. May be presented before live audiences; may be posted on social media; may be re-distributed. May not be used commercially. May not be modified or included in published works without permission; contact [email protected]. Attribute as: “Copyright 2014 Faithlife / Logos Bible Software ()”. By choosing to watch this video or listen to this podcast, you acknowledge that you are doing so of your own free will. The content shared here reflects personal experiences and opinions and is intended for informational and inspirational purposes only. I am not a licensed healthcare provider, psychiatrist, or counselor. Any advice or suggestions offered should not be considered a substitute for professional medical or mental health advice. You are solely responsible for any decisions or actions you take based on this content.

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. MercyMercy is not pity—it’s God’s active compassion. It means withholding the punishment we deserve and stepping into our suffering with love. It’s deeply tied to God’s faithfulness and shows up repeatedly throughout Scripture as a rescue mission when we are powerless. GraceGrace is the unearned, beautiful generosity of God. It’s the gift we didn’t work for but still receive. More than just forgiveness, grace empowers and restores. It lifts us up and sustains us through every challenge. ForgivenessForgiveness is a powerful choice to release someone from a moral debt. It’s not forgetting the wrong, nor is it always restoring a broken relationship instantly. It’s about freedom—for them and for us—modeled by Jesus’ ultimate sacrifice. Faith and BeliefFaith is resilient trust built on God’s proven character, and belief is full-bodied confidence in Him. These aren’t feelings or blind leaps—they’re about living a life rooted in the reliability of God’s promises. Peace and JoyPeace is more than stillness—it’s wholeness, reconciliation, and security in God. Joy isn’t tied to happiness but to the presence and promises of God, remaining firm even in trials. Key Takeaways: These words are more than spiritual vocabulary—they are transformational realities. Mercy teaches us how to treat others with compassion. Grace reminds us we’re loved without conditions. Forgiveness frees us and heals our relationships. Faith and belief give us strength to keep going when life gets hard. Peace keeps us grounded, and joy sustains us with God’s presence. If we understand these words, we don’t just know more—we live differently. We forgive more freely, trust more deeply, and experience peace and joy more consistently. These words are the foundation of living a life that reflects Christ’s love in the real world. Download blank templates, schedules here:https://schmern2.notion.site/Downloads-Template-Word-and-Excel-Schedule-67439d14449d4c20bfe00efe069f78b8 Logos RAMPS Workflow - RAMPS Bible Study - The Bible in Small Steps in Logos Workflows Jill’s Linkshttps://jillfromthenorthwoods.com/ https://www.youtube.com/@smallstepswithgod https://www.buymeacoffee.com/smallstepspod https://twitter.com/schmern Email the podcast at [email protected] “Scripture quotations are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. The ESV text may not be quoted in any publication made available to the public by a Creative Commons license. The ESV may not be translated in whole or in part into any other language.” Scripture quotations marked CSB have been taken from the Christian Standard Bible®, Copyright © 2017 by Holman Bible Publishers. Used by permission. Christian Standard Bible® and CSB® are federally registered trademarks of Holman Bible Publishers. “The Scriptures quoted are from the NET Bible® http://netbible.com copyright ©1996, 2019 used with permission from Biblical Studies Press, L.L.C. All rights reserved”. Bible Maps and images used with permission from https://www.bible.ca/maps/ or https://www.freebibleimages.org/illustrations/bj-ot-world/ Copyright 2014 Faithlife / Logos Bible Software. Free for non-commercial use by individuals or organizations. May be presented before live audiences; may be posted on social media; may be re-distributed. May not be used commercially. May not be modified or included in published works without permission; contact [email protected]. Attribute as: “Copyright 2014 Faithlife / Logos Bible Software ()”. By choosing to watch this video or listen to this podcast, you acknowledge that you are doing so of your own free will. The content shared here reflects personal experiences and opinions and is intended for informational and inspirational purposes only. I am not a licensed healthcare provider, psychiatrist, or counselor. Any advice or suggestions offered should not be considered a substitute for professional medical or mental health advice. You are solely responsible for any decisions or actions you take based on this content.

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 just finding a quiet space—it means cutting out distractions, setting new priorities, and approaching rest as an essential spiritual practice. Top Topics Covered: The Discipline of SilenceSilence doesn’t just happen—it must be cultivated. We discuss how stillness can become a regular rhythm, not a rare exception. Creating a Sanctuary at HomeWhether it’s a special room, a bench in your backyard, or a spot in nature, creating a dedicated place for stillness and reflection is key to connecting with God. Pruning DistractionsIt’s not easy, but sometimes we need to eliminate things we love—video games, TV shows, even social media—to make room for what really matters. Redefining RestSabbath is more than rules. It’s restoration. We explore how rediscovering rest can lead to deeper joy and closeness with God. Writing and ReleasingJournaling can clarify emotions and spiritual struggles. But sometimes, the most healing step is to write—and then destroy—the things that weigh us down. Takeaways: Finding time for God isn’t about squeezing Him into a packed schedule. It’s about changing the schedule altogether. If we’re feeling spiritually dry, it may be that we’re not hearing God’s voice simply because we haven’t made space to listen. By reclaiming stillness, creating sacred spaces, and cutting out distractions, we open the door to a deeper relationship with God. It’s not always easy, especially for those of us who love to stay busy—but it’s necessary. Silence is not empty. It’s full of God’s presence. Let this be the push to set aside 20 minutes. Light a candle. Read a psalm. Start where you are. The transformation starts in the quiet. Download blank templates, schedules here:https://schmern2.notion.site/Downloads-Template-Word-and-Excel-Schedule-67439d14449d4c20bfe00efe069f78b8 Logos RAMPS Workflow - RAMPS Bible Study - The Bible in Small Steps in Logos Workflows Jill’s Linkshttps://jillfromthenorthwoods.com/ https://www.youtube.com/@smallstepswithgod https://www.buymeacoffee.com/smallstepspod https://twitter.com/schmern Email the podcast at [email protected] “Scripture quotations are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. The ESV text may not be quoted in any publication made available to the public by a Creative Commons license. The ESV may not be translated in whole or in part into any other language.” Scripture quotations marked CSB have been taken from the Christian Standard Bible®, Copyright © 2017 by Holman Bible Publishers. Used by permission. Christian Standard Bible® and CSB® are federally registered trademarks of Holman Bible Publishers. “The Scriptures quoted are from the NET Bible® http://netbible.com copyright ©1996, 2019 used with permission from Biblical Studies Press, L.L.C. All rights reserved”. Bible Maps and images used with permission from https://www.bible.ca/maps/ or https://www.freebibleimages.org/illustrations/bj-ot-world/ Copyright 2014 Faithlife / Logos Bible Software. Free for non-commercial use by individuals or organizations. May be presented before live audiences; may be posted on social media; may be re-distributed. May not be used commercially. May not be modified or included in published works without permission; contact [email protected]. Attribute as: “Copyright 2014 Faithlife / Logos Bible Software ()”. By choosing to watch this video or listen to this podcast, you acknowledge that you are doing so of your own free will. The content shared here reflects personal experiences and opinions and is intended for informational and inspirational purposes only. I am not a licensed healthcare provider, psychiatrist, or counselor. Any advice or suggestions offered should not be considered a substitute for professional medical or mental health advice. You are solely responsible for any decisions or actions you take based on this content.

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: Why Silence Matters in the Christian LifeI share how noise has become a default mode for many of us and how that constant buzz may be crowding out our connection with God. Silence is more than absence; it’s sacred space. Stages of Stillness: From Relief to ClarityThe book outlines three stages of silence: relief, confrontation, and clarity. I break down each stage and reflect on my own journey through them, especially the messy middle part where our own thoughts can become overwhelming. Filling the Quiet with God’s PresenceWe discuss the difference between Christian meditation and other practices—how our goal is not just to empty our minds, but to fill them with the Holy Spirit. Practical Rhythms of SilenceDrawing from the author’s suggested structure, I talk through what a lifestyle of regular silence might look like—daily, weekly, monthly, and annually. Takeaways: I walked away from this book with a deeper respect for the discipline of silence. It’s not easy—especially for those of us who are wired for action—but it’s essential. I’m learning that quiet isn’t just restful, it’s relational. It’s where God speaks most clearly. I now have a dedicated space in my home to be still and listen. And I invite you to consider doing the same. Silence might not come naturally, but it could be the very thing your soul has been craving. Download blank templates, schedules here:https://schmern2.notion.site/Downloads-Template-Word-and-Excel-Schedule-67439d14449d4c20bfe00efe069f78b8 Logos RAMPS Workflow - RAMPS Bible Study - The Bible in Small Steps in Logos Workflows Jill’s Linkshttps://jillfromthenorthwoods.com/ https://www.youtube.com/@smallstepswithgod https://www.buymeacoffee.com/smallstepspod https://twitter.com/schmern Email the podcast at [email protected] “Scripture quotations are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. The ESV text may not be quoted in any publication made available to the public by a Creative Commons license. The ESV may not be translated in whole or in part into any other language.” Scripture quotations marked CSB have been taken from the Christian Standard Bible®, Copyright © 2017 by Holman Bible Publishers. Used by permission. Christian Standard Bible® and CSB® are federally registered trademarks of Holman Bible Publishers. “The Scriptures quoted are from the NET Bible® http://netbible.com copyright ©1996, 2019 used with permission from Biblical Studies Press, L.L.C. All rights reserved”. Bible Maps and images used with permission from https://www.bible.ca/maps/ or https://www.freebibleimages.org/illustrations/bj-ot-world/ Copyright 2014 Faithlife / Logos Bible Software. Free for non-commercial use by individuals or organizations. May be presented before live audiences; may be posted on social media; may be re-distributed. May not be used commercially. May not be modified or included in published works without permission; contact [email protected]. Attribute as: “Copyright 2014 Faithlife / Logos Bible Software ()”. By choosing to watch this video or listen to this podcast, you acknowledge that you are doing so of your own free will. The content shared here reflects personal experiences and opinions and is intended for informational and inspirational purposes only. I am not a licensed healthcare provider, psychiatrist, or counselor. Any advice or suggestions offered should not be considered a substitute for professional medical or mental health advice. You are solely responsible for any decisions or actions you take based on this content.

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 them. Top Topics Covered: The Origin of the Twelve TribesJacob, renamed Israel, fathered twelve sons who became the heads of Israel’s tribes. Joseph’s two sons, Ephraim and Manasseh, each received their own territory, maintaining twelve land-holding tribes in the Promised Land. The Division of the KingdomAfter Solomon’s death, the kingdom split into Israel in the north and Judah in the south. This rift laid the groundwork for centuries of tension, vulnerability, and eventual exile. The Scattering of the Northern TribesAssyria’s conquest in 722 BC scattered the northern tribes, giving rise to the mystery of the “Ten Lost Tribes,” with possible descendants in Ethiopia, India, Nigeria, South Africa, Persia, and beyond. The Samaritans and Deep-Seated TensionsThose who remained in the north became the Samaritans, keeping their own temple and traditions. By Jesus’ time, distrust between Jews and Samaritans was strong and deeply personal. Jesus’ Radical Bridge-BuildingJesus defied the norms by traveling through Samaria, speaking to the Samaritan woman, healing a Samaritan leper, and making a Samaritan the hero in His parable. He broke through centuries of hostility to offer unity in God’s kingdom. Takeaways:The history of the tribes of Israel is a reminder that division is nothing new—it can be political, cultural, or spiritual, and often stems from long-forgotten conflicts. Jesus’ example teaches us that reconciliation requires intentional action. He crossed barriers that others avoided, choosing connection over separation. In our own lives, the same principles apply. Differences, if left unchecked, can widen over time, but healing begins when we take that first step toward understanding and unity. The call is to see beyond labels and histories, and to embrace one another as one people under God’s care. Reconciliation isn’t instant—it starts with small, deliberate steps. Download blank templates, schedules here:https://schmern2.notion.site/Downloads-Template-Word-and-Excel-Schedule-67439d14449d4c20bfe00efe069f78b8 Logos RAMPS Workflow - RAMPS Bible Study - The Bible in Small Steps in Logos Workflows Jill’s Linkshttps://jillfromthenorthwoods.com/ https://www.youtube.com/@smallstepswithgod https://www.buymeacoffee.com/smallstepspod https://twitter.com/schmern Email the podcast at [email protected] “Scripture quotations are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. The ESV text may not be quoted in any publication made available to the public by a Creative Commons license. The ESV may not be translated in whole or in part into any other language.” Scripture quotations marked CSB have been taken from the Christian Standard Bible®, Copyright © 2017 by Holman Bible Publishers. Used by permission. Christian Standard Bible® and CSB® are federally registered trademarks of Holman Bible Publishers. “The Scriptures quoted are from the NET Bible® http://netbible.com copyright ©1996, 2019 used with permission from Biblical Studies Press, L.L.C. All rights reserved”. Bible Maps and images used with permission from https://www.bible.ca/maps/ or https://www.freebibleimages.org/illustrations/bj-ot-world/ Copyright 2014 Faithlife / Logos Bible Software. Free for non-commercial use by individuals or organizations. May be presented before live audiences; may be posted on social media; may be re-distributed. May not be used commercially. May not be modified or included in published works without permission; contact [email protected]. Attribute as: “Copyright 2014 Faithlife / Logos Bible Software ()”. By choosing to watch this video or listen to this podcast, you acknowledge that you are doing so of your own free will. The content shared here reflects personal experiences and opinions and is intended for informational and inspirational purposes only. I am not a licensed healthcare provider, psychiatrist, or counselor. Any advice or suggestions offered should not be considered a substitute for professional medical or mental health advice. You are solely responsible for any decisions or actions you take based on this content.

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 FocusLife’s problems often come with visible causes, but there’s also a spiritual dimension at play. Like the Israelites at the Red Sea, we face real opposition. The key is to recognize this while keeping our spiritual eyes fixed on God. Raw Prayer and Calm TrustNot all prayers are eloquent. Sometimes they’re desperate cries. And that’s enough. The Israelites prayed in fear—and God still answered. We also talk about the importance of giving God time and space to work, even when answers don’t come quickly. One Small Step at a TimeWhether hiking 100 miles or facing a life decision, progress happens one step at a time. We talk about how to identify the “next right step” and how faith often requires movement before clarity. Experiencing God’s PresenceThough we don’t have visual signs like pillars of fire today, we can still feel God’s presence. Drawing near to Him, visualizing His nearness, and recognizing every moment as holy changes how we experience hardship. God’s Unique Ways and GratitudeFrom feeding prophets with ravens to healing in unpredictable ways, God doesn’t follow formulas. Trusting His unique rescue plan builds faith. And finally, we’re reminded to praise Him—gratitude seals the story. Takeaways:This episode invites listeners to stop fixating on fear and instead move forward with simple, intentional steps. Prayer doesn’t have to be fancy—it just needs to be real. Sometimes the miracle is in the motion. And in all things, we are never alone—God walks with us. Praise, patience, and presence are the themes that carry us through the Red Sea moments in our lives. By choosing to watch this video or listen to this podcast, you acknowledge that you are doing so of your own free will. The content shared here reflects personal experiences and opinions and is intended for informational and inspirational purposes only. I am not a licensed healthcare provider, psychiatrist, or counselor. Any advice or suggestions offered should not be considered a substitute for professional medical or mental health advice. You are solely responsible for any decisions or actions you take based on this content. Download blank templates, schedules here:https://schmern2.notion.site/Downloads-Template-Word-and-Excel-Schedule-67439d14449d4c20bfe00efe069f78b8 Logos RAMPS Workflow - RAMPS Bible Study - The Bible in Small Steps in Logos Workflows Jill’s Linkshttps://jillfromthenorthwoods.com/ https://www.youtube.com/@smallstepswithgod https://www.buymeacoffee.com/smallstepspod https://twitter.com/schmern Email the podcast at [email protected] “Scripture quotations are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. The ESV text may not be quoted in any publication made available to the public by a Creative Commons license. The ESV may not be translated in whole or in part into any other language.” Scripture quotations marked CSB have been taken from the Christian Standard Bible®, Copyright © 2017 by Holman Bible Publishers. Used by permission. Christian Standard Bible® and CSB® are federally registered trademarks of Holman Bible Publishers. “The Scriptures quoted are from the NET Bible® http://netbible.com copyright ©1996, 2019 used with permission from Biblical Studies Press, L.L.C. All rights reserved”. Bible Maps and images used with permission from https://www.bible.ca/maps/ or https://www.freebibleimages.org/illustrations/bj-ot-world/ Copyright 2014 Faithlife / Logos Bible Software. Free for non-commercial use by individuals or organizations. May be presented before live audiences; may be posted on social media; may be re-distributed. May not be used commercially. May not be modified or included in published works without permission; contact [email protected]. Attribute as: “Copyright 2014 Faithlife / Logos Bible Software ()”. By choosing to watch this video or listen to this podcast, you acknowledge that you are doing so of your own free will. The content shared here reflects personal experiences and opinions and is intended for informational and inspirational purposes only. I am not a licensed healthcare provider, psychiatrist, or counselor. Any advice or suggestions offered should not be considered a substitute for professional medical or mental health advice. You are solely responsible for any decisions or actions you take based on this content.

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. Top Topics: 1. The Wilderness as a Spiritual Metaphor:The wilderness appears often in the Bible—not as chaos, but as a space where God leads us and works in us. Life’s hard places aren’t always mistakes; they can be divine appointments. 2. Rule 1 – God Means for You to Be Where You Are:It’s difficult to believe that God could lead us into struggle. Yet in Exodus 14, God instructed Moses to camp in an impossible spot—so He could perform a miracle. The same God who leads in will lead out. 3. Rule 2 – Concern for God’s Glory Over Our Relief:When Pharaoh mocked the Israelites, God used that moment to reveal His power. Often, our struggles serve as a stage for God’s glory, not just our comfort. It’s not about ego—it’s about others seeing God through our endurance. 4. Learning from Life and Scripture:From biblical figures like Joseph and Hagar to personal stories of hardship, we see a repeated pattern: suffering can have purpose. And God never wastes our pain. Takeaways: The challenges we face aren’t always about fixing problems—they’re often about reshaping us. Even when it’s hard, God is at work. He sees the map when we only see a few steps. He leads with compassion, purpose, and eternity in mind. Whether it’s a career upheaval, family tension, or personal failures, we’re reminded to reframe it through God’s eyes. Our story is part of something bigger, and our job is to keep walking—one small step at a time—with God beside us. By choosing to watch this video or listen to this podcast, you acknowledge that you are doing so of your own free will. The content shared here reflects personal experiences and opinions and is intended for informational and inspirational purposes only. I am not a licensed healthcare provider, psychiatrist, or counselor. Any advice or suggestions offered should not be considered a substitute for professional medical or mental health advice. You are solely responsible for any decisions or actions you take based on this content. Download blank templates, schedules here:https://schmern2.notion.site/Downloads-Template-Word-and-Excel-Schedule-67439d14449d4c20bfe00efe069f78b8 Logos RAMPS Workflow - RAMPS Bible Study - The Bible in Small Steps in Logos Workflows Jill’s Linkshttps://jillfromthenorthwoods.com/ https://www.youtube.com/@smallstepswithgod https://www.buymeacoffee.com/smallstepspod https://twitter.com/schmern Email the podcast at [email protected] “Scripture quotations are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. The ESV text may not be quoted in any publication made available to the public by a Creative Commons license. The ESV may not be translated in whole or in part into any other language.” Scripture quotations marked CSB have been taken from the Christian Standard Bible®, Copyright © 2017 by Holman Bible Publishers. Used by permission. Christian Standard Bible® and CSB® are federally registered trademarks of Holman Bible Publishers. “The Scriptures quoted are from the NET Bible® http://netbible.com copyright ©1996, 2019 used with permission from Biblical Studies Press, L.L.C. All rights reserved”. Bible Maps and images used with permission from https://www.bible.ca/maps/ or https://www.freebibleimages.org/illustrations/bj-ot-world/ Copyright 2014 Faithlife / Logos Bible Software. Free for non-commercial use by individuals or organizations. May be presented before live audiences; may be posted on social media; may be re-distributed. May not be used commercially. May not be modified or included in published works without permission; contact [email protected]. Attribute as: “Copyright 2014 Faithlife / Logos Bible Software ()”. By choosing to watch this video or listen to this podcast, you acknowledge that you are doing so of your own free will. The content shared here reflects personal experiences and opinions and is intended for informational and inspirational purposes only. I am not a licensed healthcare provider, psychiatrist, or counselor. Any advice or suggestions offered should not be considered a substitute for professional medical or mental health advice. You are solely responsible for any decisions or actions you take based on this content.

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, what he did, and why his role matters today. Top Topics Covered: Miraculous Origins: John’s birth was foretold by the angel Gabriel, and his name—meaning “Yahweh is gracious”—marked him as a special figure in salvation history. Symbolic Wilderness Life: We discuss John’s choice to live in the wilderness, his symbolic dress and diet, and how his life mirrored that of the prophet Elijah. A Bold Message for All: John preached repentance and readiness, challenging listeners not to rely on their heritage but to prepare their hearts. Baptizing Jesus: This pivotal moment shifted the spiritual landscape. We explore how John recognized Jesus and why his humble act was so meaningful. Martyrdom and Legacy: John’s courageous stand against Herod and his death are examined alongside historical accounts by Josephus and reflections from early church fathers. Takeaways:John the Baptist’s life reminds us to live with courage, clarity, and conviction. He calls us to be truth-tellers, to live with spiritual focus, and to recognize our place in a larger story. Whether we’re in the wilderness or in the spotlight, John challenges us to decrease so something greater can increase in our lives. He was not just a prophet—he was a witness. And his message still calls each of us to prepare the way. By choosing to watch this video or listen to this podcast, you acknowledge that you are doing so of your own free will. The content shared here reflects personal experiences and opinions and is intended for informational and inspirational purposes only. I am not a licensed healthcare provider, psychiatrist, or counselor. Any advice or suggestions offered should not be considered a substitute for professional medical or mental health advice. You are solely responsible for any decisions or actions you take based on this content. Download blank templates, schedules here:https://schmern2.notion.site/Downloads-Template-Word-and-Excel-Schedule-67439d14449d4c20bfe00efe069f78b8 Logos RAMPS Workflow - RAMPS Bible Study - The Bible in Small Steps in Logos Workflows Jill’s Linkshttps://jillfromthenorthwoods.com/ https://www.youtube.com/@smallstepswithgod https://www.buymeacoffee.com/smallstepspod https://twitter.com/schmern Email the podcast at [email protected] “Scripture quotations are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. The ESV text may not be quoted in any publication made available to the public by a Creative Commons license. The ESV may not be translated in whole or in part into any other language.” Scripture quotations marked CSB have been taken from the Christian Standard Bible®, Copyright © 2017 by Holman Bible Publishers. Used by permission. Christian Standard Bible® and CSB® are federally registered trademarks of Holman Bible Publishers. “The Scriptures quoted are from the NET Bible® http://netbible.com copyright ©1996, 2019 used with permission from Biblical Studies Press, L.L.C. All rights reserved”. Bible Maps and images used with permission from https://www.bible.ca/maps/ or https://www.freebibleimages.org/illustrations/bj-ot-world/ Copyright 2014 Faithlife / Logos Bible Software. Free for non-commercial use by individuals or organizations. May be presented before live audiences; may be posted on social media; may be re-distributed. May not be used commercially. May not be modified or included in published works without permission; contact [email protected]. Attribute as: “Copyright 2014 Faithlife / Logos Bible Software ()”. By choosing to watch this video or listen to this podcast, you acknowledge that you are doing so of your own free will. The content shared here reflects personal experiences and opinions and is intended for informational and inspirational purposes only. I am not a licensed healthcare provider, psychiatrist, or counselor. Any advice or suggestions offered should not be considered a substitute for professional medical or mental health advice. You are solely responsible for any decisions or actions you take based on this content.

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 of everything we were made to be. Top Topics: The Misconception of Heaven as BoringMany think of heaven as static—clouds, harps, endless choir practice. I share how Fitzpatrick dismantles this image and replaces it with a vibrant vision rooted in scripture: a renewed earth, rich with joy, work, community, and creativity. Homesickness and the Longing for MoreThat deep feeling of not fully belonging here? It’s not an accident. We were made for more. Fitzpatrick describes this as a longing hardwired into our souls—a longing for our true home. Heavenly Work and PurposeWe won’t be idle in heaven. Instead, we’ll experience perfect alignment between who we are and what we do. I talk about how even now, we can begin discovering that purpose through the things that bring us joy and meaning. The Role of Evangelism and Living as AmbassadorsWe’re not called to escape the world but to live with urgency and love. I use a metaphor about a collapsed bridge to illustrate why sharing the gospel isn’t just kind—it’s critical. Heaven on Earth Moments: Sacraments as Sacred GlimpsesBaptism, communion, and even marriage offer small but powerful tastes of eternity. These aren’t chores or rituals—they’re moments where heaven breaks through. Takeaways: Heaven is not an abstract idea. It’s a physical, joyful, purpose-filled reality that restores everything good and removes everything broken. The longing in our hearts is a signal that eternity is real and coming. We don’t have to wait to experience a piece of it—we can live today as ambassadors of that future, using our gifts and passions to reflect God’s glory. Let that longing remind you of where you’re going—and give purpose to every small step you take. Download blank templates, schedules here:https://schmern2.notion.site/Downloads-Template-Word-and-Excel-Schedule-67439d14449d4c20bfe00efe069f78b8 Logos RAMPS Workflow - RAMPS Bible Study - The Bible in Small Steps in Logos Workflows Jill’s Linkshttps://jillfromthenorthwoods.com/ https://www.youtube.com/@smallstepswithgod https://www.buymeacoffee.com/smallstepspod https://twitter.com/schmern Email the podcast at [email protected] “Scripture quotations are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. The ESV text may not be quoted in any publication made available to the public by a Creative Commons license. The ESV may not be translated in whole or in part into any other language.” Scripture quotations marked CSB have been taken from the Christian Standard Bible®, Copyright © 2017 by Holman Bible Publishers. Used by permission. Christian Standard Bible® and CSB® are federally registered trademarks of Holman Bible Publishers. “The Scriptures quoted are from the NET Bible® http://netbible.com copyright ©1996, 2019 used with permission from Biblical Studies Press, L.L.C. All rights reserved”. Bible Maps and images used with permission from https://www.bible.ca/maps/ or https://www.freebibleimages.org/illustrations/bj-ot-world/ Copyright 2014 Faithlife / Logos Bible Software. Free for non-commercial use by individuals or organizations. May be presented before live audiences; may be posted on social media; may be re-distributed. May not be used commercially. May not be modified or included in published works without permission; contact [email protected]. Attribute as: “Copyright 2014 Faithlife / Logos Bible Software ()”. By choosing to watch this video or listen to this podcast, you acknowledge that you are doing so of your own free will. The content shared here reflects personal experiences and opinions and is intended for informational and inspirational purposes only. I am not a licensed healthcare provider, psychiatrist, or counselor. Any advice or suggestions offered should not be considered a substitute for professional medical or mental health advice. You are solely responsible for any decisions or actions you take based on this content.

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 shows us a path from brokenness to glory. Eden as a Mission FieldEden was designed to grow. It was never meant to be static but to flourish under human partnership with God. This changes how we see our role in creation—not as passive recipients, but as active participants. The Fall and the Nature of SinSin didn’t begin with rebellion but with doubt. The serpent’s question, “Did God really say?” still echoes in our minds today, pulling us away from trust. Nine Redemptive ThemesGuthrie outlines nine key narratives—from the wilderness to the city—that mirror the Eden story and show how God is restoring all things through Christ. The Cross as the Redeemed TreeThe tree that led to the fall finds its counterpart in the cross, where redemption and restoration begin. Takeaways: This episode reminds us that we’re not stuck in the wilderness forever. Eden’s loss wasn’t the end—it was the beginning of a bigger story that culminates in a new heaven and a new earth. We are invited into that story, not just to be saved but to participate in the restoration of all things. If you’re feeling the ache of life’s hardships, know that it’s the echo of Eden calling you home—and God’s promise that something even better is coming. Download blank templates, schedules here:https://schmern2.notion.site/Downloads-Template-Word-and-Excel-Schedule-67439d14449d4c20bfe00efe069f78b8 Logos RAMPS Workflow - RAMPS Bible Study - The Bible in Small Steps in Logos Workflows Jill’s Linkshttps://jillfromthenorthwoods.com/ https://www.youtube.com/@smallstepswithgod https://www.buymeacoffee.com/smallstepspod https://twitter.com/schmern Email the podcast at [email protected] “Scripture quotations are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. The ESV text may not be quoted in any publication made available to the public by a Creative Commons license. The ESV may not be translated in whole or in part into any other language.” Scripture quotations marked CSB have been taken from the Christian Standard Bible®, Copyright © 2017 by Holman Bible Publishers. Used by permission. Christian Standard Bible® and CSB® are federally registered trademarks of Holman Bible Publishers. “The Scriptures quoted are from the NET Bible® http://netbible.com copyright ©1996, 2019 used with permission from Biblical Studies Press, L.L.C. All rights reserved”. Bible Maps and images used with permission from https://www.bible.ca/maps/ or https://www.freebibleimages.org/illustrations/bj-ot-world/ Copyright 2014 Faithlife / Logos Bible Software. Free for non-commercial use by individuals or organizations. May be presented before live audiences; may be posted on social media; may be re-distributed. May not be used commercially. May not be modified or included in published works without permission; contact [email protected]. Attribute as: “Copyright 2014 Faithlife / Logos Bible Software ()”. By choosing to watch this video or listen to this podcast, you acknowledge that you are doing so of your own free will. The content shared here reflects personal experiences and opinions and is intended for informational and inspirational purposes only. I am not a licensed healthcare provider, psychiatrist, or counselor. Any advice or suggestions offered should not be considered a substitute for professional medical or mental health advice. You are solely responsible for any decisions or actions you take based on this content.

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 toward God, or praying for those who hurt us, this episode is a heartfelt reflection on how forgiveness is not just a command—but a path to emotional and spiritual freedom. Top Topics Covered: The True Nature of Forgiveness:Forgiveness doesn’t mean excusing bad behavior or denying the hurt caused. It’s about freeing ourselves from the poison of resentment and choosing peace over vengeance. Powerful Biblical Examples:Stories like Joseph forgiving his brothers, David sparing Saul, and Jesus praying for his persecutors show the depth and strength of godly forgiveness. These accounts aren’t just ancient history—they’re roadmaps for our own lives. Forgiveness as a Strength, Not a Weakness:Contrary to popular belief, forgiving someone is an act of strength. It means refusing to let bitterness control your life. It’s about saying, “I forgive, and I’m finished with it.” When Forgiveness Feels Impossible:Sometimes we’re not emotionally ready. That’s okay. The journey can start with a simple prayer: “Lord, help my heart to catch up.” We explore how to begin even when the feelings aren’t there. Radical Acts of Forgiveness in Modern Times:From Corrie ten Boom to Martin Luther King Jr. and Professor Okumu in Kenya, we see how forgiveness can transcend personal pain and become a force for peace and justice. Takeaways:Forgiveness isn’t about the other person—it’s about your own healing. You don’t have to wait for an apology or perfect conditions. You can start now with prayer. Ask God for the willingness to forgive and for blessings for those who’ve wronged you. As you release others, you’ll find your own spirit becoming lighter. This episode challenges us to take that first small step—because in doing so, we choose freedom over bitterness, and grace over grudges. Download blank templates, schedules here:https://schmern2.notion.site/Downloads-Template-Word-and-Excel-Schedule-67439d14449d4c20bfe00efe069f78b8 Logos RAMPS Workflow - RAMPS Bible Study - The Bible in Small Steps in Logos Workflows Jill’s Linkshttps://jillfromthenorthwoods.com/ https://www.youtube.com/@smallstepswithgod https://www.buymeacoffee.com/smallstepspod https://twitter.com/schmern Email the podcast at [email protected] “Scripture quotations are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. The ESV text may not be quoted in any publication made available to the public by a Creative Commons license. The ESV may not be translated in whole or in part into any other language.” Scripture quotations marked CSB have been taken from the Christian Standard Bible®, Copyright © 2017 by Holman Bible Publishers. Used by permission. Christian Standard Bible® and CSB® are federally registered trademarks of Holman Bible Publishers. “The Scriptures quoted are from the NET Bible® http://netbible.com copyright ©1996, 2019 used with permission from Biblical Studies Press, L.L.C. All rights reserved”. Bible Maps and images used with permission from https://www.bible.ca/maps/ or https://www.freebibleimages.org/illustrations/bj-ot-world/ Copyright 2014 Faithlife / Logos Bible Software. Free for non-commercial use by individuals or organizations. May be presented before live audiences; may be posted on social media; may be re-distributed. May not be used commercially. May not be modified or included in published works without permission; contact [email protected]. Attribute as: “Copyright 2014 Faithlife / Logos Bible Software ()”. By choosing to watch this video or listen to this podcast, you acknowledge that you are doing so of your own free will. The content shared here reflects personal experiences and opinions and is intended for informational and inspirational purposes only. I am not a licensed healthcare provider, psychiatrist, or counselor. Any advice or suggestions offered should not be considered a substitute for professional medical or mental health advice. You are solely responsible for any decisions or actions you take based on this content.

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 many of the tensions and dialogues found in the New Testament. The Pharisees and Their Rule-Based FaithThe Pharisees were devoted to obeying God’s law to the letter, often adding layers of tradition to avoid even the possibility of sin. Their commitment to purity led to a rigid interpretation of the law, often putting them at odds with Jesus, who emphasized the spirit rather than the letter of the law. The Sadducees and Political PowerSadducees were aristocratic and aligned with Roman power. They rejected resurrection and only followed the Torah. Their cooperation with Rome gave them control over the temple and high positions, but it also made them unpopular and resistant to Jesus’ spiritual authority. Scribes, Priests, and Temple LawyersScribes interpreted the law, priests maintained temple rituals, and legal experts judged religious cases. This structured legal-religious system often clashed with Jesus’ direct appeal to God’s authority and justice, especially in defending the oppressed. Zealots and Essenes: Conflict and WithdrawalZealots sought political revolution against Rome, while Essenes retreated into the wilderness to preserve spiritual purity. Both groups hoped for a messianic deliverer but were disappointed by Jesus’ peaceful and spiritual mission. Publicans, Hellenized Jews, and Am Ha’aretzPublicans, like Matthew, were reviled collaborators with Rome. Hellenized Jews embraced Greek culture, and Am Ha’aretz represented the ordinary people. These groups highlight how Jesus’ ministry often embraced the outcasts, the forgotten, and the culturally marginalized. Takeaways:Understanding the social and religious context of Jesus’ time reveals the radical nature of His message. Each group saw the world differently, and Jesus challenged all of them—not to fit into their expectations but to invite them into something deeper. His kingdom was not built on political alliances or legal perfection, but on love, grace, and truth. This reminds us today that faith should reach across social divides, challenge power, and prioritize people. Download blank templates, schedules here:https://schmern2.notion.site/Downloads-Template-Word-and-Excel-Schedule-67439d14449d4c20bfe00efe069f78b8 Logos RAMPS Workflow - RAMPS Bible Study - The Bible in Small Steps in Logos Workflows Jill’s Linkshttps://jillfromthenorthwoods.com/ https://www.youtube.com/@smallstepswithgod https://www.buymeacoffee.com/smallstepspod https://twitter.com/schmern Email the podcast at [email protected] “Scripture quotations are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. The ESV text may not be quoted in any publication made available to the public by a Creative Commons license. The ESV may not be translated in whole or in part into any other language.” Scripture quotations marked CSB have been taken from the Christian Standard Bible®, Copyright © 2017 by Holman Bible Publishers. Used by permission. Christian Standard Bible® and CSB® are federally registered trademarks of Holman Bible Publishers. “The Scriptures quoted are from the NET Bible® http://netbible.com copyright ©1996, 2019 used with permission from Biblical Studies Press, L.L.C. All rights reserved”. Bible Maps and images used with permission from https://www.bible.ca/maps/ or https://www.freebibleimages.org/illustrations/bj-ot-world/ Copyright 2014 Faithlife / Logos Bible Software. Free for non-commercial use by individuals or organizations. May be presented before live audiences; may be posted on social media; may be re-distributed. May not be used commercially. May not be modified or included in published works without permission; contact [email protected]. Attribute as: “Copyright 2014 Faithlife / Logos Bible Software ()”. By choosing to watch this video or listen to this podcast, you acknowledge that you are doing so of your own free will. The content shared here reflects personal experiences and opinions and is intended for informational and inspirational purposes only. I am not a licensed healthcare provider, psychiatrist, or counselor. Any advice or suggestions offered should not be considered a substitute for professional medical or mental health advice. You are solely responsible for any decisions or actions you take based on this content.

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 religious landscape of Judea in profound ways. I walk through his rise to power, his Roman alliances, his manipulation of Jewish leadership, and how his actions formed the backdrop of Jesus’ world. Herod’s Rise to PowerHerod didn’t just land in power—he maneuvered his way into it through deep connections with Julius Caesar, Mark Antony, and Augustus. I talk about how he played the Roman game perfectly, securing his rule in a politically volatile region by aligning himself with whoever held power in Rome at the time. Architectural AmbitionOne of the most lasting parts of Herod’s legacy is what he built. The Temple Mount, the fortress at Masada, Herodium, and the city of Caesarea were all his creations. These weren’t just grand—they were strategic, designed to show strength, control rebellion, and win favor from both Rome and his own people. Paranoia and BrutalityHerod was deeply paranoid. He executed his wife Miriam, several of his sons, and many in the Sanhedrin. I explore how his fear of losing power led to cruelty and chaos, even in his own family. Augustus famously said it was safer to be Herod’s pig than his son. Herod and Jewish LeadershipHe restructured the Sanhedrin to be more politically convenient, aligning with Sadducees who shared his vision and were more open to Roman rule. I go into how this power grab weakened Jewish self-governance and set the tone for religious dynamics in the time of Jesus. Herod’s End and LegacyHerod’s death was long, painful, and gruesome. But even after his death, his influence carried through his dysfunctional children and the political systems he created. I talk about how his rule became the foundation of the New Testament world—even if he never met Jesus. Takeaways:Herod the Great was a brilliant political strategist and a visionary builder, but he ruled through fear, manipulation, and bloodshed. His architectural wonders remain, but so does his legacy of paranoia and oppression. The systems he put in place—the temple, the Sanhedrin, the power dynamics with Rome—became the very environment Jesus stepped into. While Herod tried to eliminate the Messiah, he actually helped set the stage for the most important story in history. His life challenges us to ask what true greatness really looks like—and reminds us that legacy is measured not just by what we build, but by how we lead. Download blank templates, schedules here:https://schmern2.notion.site/Downloads-Template-Word-and-Excel-Schedule-67439d14449d4c20bfe00efe069f78b8 Logos RAMPS Workflow - RAMPS Bible Study - The Bible in Small Steps in Logos Workflows Jill’s Linkshttps://jillfromthenorthwoods.com/ https://www.youtube.com/@smallstepswithgod https://www.buymeacoffee.com/smallstepspod https://twitter.com/schmern Email the podcast at [email protected] “Scripture quotations are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. The ESV text may not be quoted in any publication made available to the public by a Creative Commons license. The ESV may not be translated in whole or in part into any other language.” Scripture quotations marked CSB have been taken from the Christian Standard Bible®, Copyright © 2017 by Holman Bible Publishers. Used by permission. Christian Standard Bible® and CSB® are federally registered trademarks of Holman Bible Publishers. “The Scriptures quoted are from the NET Bible® http://netbible.com copyright ©1996, 2019 used with permission from Biblical Studies Press, L.L.C. All rights reserved”. Bible Maps and images used with permission from https://www.bible.ca/maps/ or https://www.freebibleimages.org/illustrations/bj-ot-world/ Copyright 2014 Faithlife / Logos Bible Software. Free for non-commercial use by individuals or organizations. May be presented before live audiences; may be posted on social media; may be re-distributed. May not be used commercially. May not be modified or included in published works without permission; contact [email protected]. Attribute as: “Copyright 2014 Faithlife / Logos Bible Software ()”. By choosing to watch this video or listen to this podcast, you acknowledge that you are doing so of your own free will. The content shared here reflects personal experiences and opinions and is intended for informational and inspirational purposes only. I am not a licensed healthcare provider, psychiatrist, or counselor. Any advice or suggestions offered should not be considered a substitute for professional medical or mental health advice. You are solely responsible for any decisions or actions you take based on this content.

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 JesusOne of the foundational prayers God always affirms is the desire to reflect Jesus in our character. This isn’t just about moral behavior, but about becoming a living reflection of God’s grace, patience, and compassion in everyday life. God’s Unfailing ForgivenessI highlight the ever-open door of God’s mercy. Confessing sin isn’t about shame—it’s about freedom. The Bible assures us that no matter how far we’ve strayed, forgiveness is always available. Wisdom, Strength, and PeaceFrom decisions in daily life to weathering life’s storms, prayers for wisdom, strength, and peace are ones God loves to answer. We might not avoid challenges, but we are always equipped to endure them with His help. Bold Prayers that TransformSome prayers are more than just words—they’re life-altering. Asking to be used for God’s purpose, to love like Him, or to have our hearts broken by what breaks His, are prayers that lead to deep internal shifts and sometimes uncomfortable growth. Takeaways: These prayers aren’t a formula, but a starting place. They work because they align with God’s will for our lives. When we ask for wisdom, strength, forgiveness, or to be filled with His Spirit, we are asking for what He already wants to give. These prayers reorient our focus away from just asking for things to becoming the kind of people who live by faith, hope, and love. If you’ve ever felt stuck in your prayer life or unsure what to say to God, let these prayers be your guide. They’re not just “safe” prayers—they’re spiritually rich, powerful, and full of life. And the best part? God always says yes. Download blank templates, schedules here:https://schmern2.notion.site/Downloads-Template-Word-and-Excel-Schedule-67439d14449d4c20bfe00efe069f78b8 Logos RAMPS Workflow - RAMPS Bible Study - The Bible in Small Steps in Logos Workflows Jill’s Linkshttps://jillfromthenorthwoods.com/ https://www.youtube.com/@smallstepswithgod https://www.buymeacoffee.com/smallstepspod https://twitter.com/schmern Email the podcast at [email protected] “Scripture quotations are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. The ESV text may not be quoted in any publication made available to the public by a Creative Commons license. The ESV may not be translated in whole or in part into any other language.” Scripture quotations marked CSB have been taken from the Christian Standard Bible®, Copyright © 2017 by Holman Bible Publishers. Used by permission. Christian Standard Bible® and CSB® are federally registered trademarks of Holman Bible Publishers. “The Scriptures quoted are from the NET Bible® http://netbible.com copyright ©1996, 2019 used with permission from Biblical Studies Press, L.L.C. All rights reserved”. Bible Maps and images used with permission from https://www.bible.ca/maps/ or https://www.freebibleimages.org/illustrations/bj-ot-world/ Copyright 2014 Faithlife / Logos Bible Software. Free for non-commercial use by individuals or organizations. May be presented before live audiences; may be posted on social media; may be re-distributed. May not be used commercially. May not be modified or included in published works without permission; contact [email protected]. Attribute as: “Copyright 2014 Faithlife / Logos Bible Software ()”. By choosing to watch this video or listen to this podcast, you acknowledge that you are doing so of your own free will. The content shared here reflects personal experiences and opinions and is intended for informational and inspirational purposes only. I am not a licensed healthcare provider, psychiatrist, or counselor. Any advice or suggestions offered should not be considered a substitute for professional medical or mental health advice. You are solely responsible for any decisions or actions you take based on this content.