SHOOT THE BREEZE | Cultivate Relationships

In this episode, Nathan and Lacey sit down six months after a season of Nathan's failure and share an honest update on what God has been doing in their lives. They discuss repentance, recovery, counseling, accountability, learning to recognize vulnerability, and the importance of Nathan addressing root issues instead of just behaviors. They also reflect on the impact on their family, the humility they've gained, and the hope they've found as they continue walking the long road of healing together.

— EPISODE CHAPTERS —

(00:00) An Honest Beginning

Nathan opens with prayer before sharing a candid update on his failure, taking responsibility for the broken trust it caused and affirming that the hope of Jesus and the message of freedom remain true despite personal failure.

(18:45) Catching the Warning Signs

Lacey explains how identifying "circles of behavior" has transformed their recovery journey by recognizing the attitudes, emotions, and habits that lead toward temptation long before destructive choices occur.

(30:54) Humility Changes Everything

Nathan reflects on how recovery has reshaped his view of ministry, admitting past arrogance, embracing the value of other ministries, and learning that God often uses multiple people and approaches in the healing process.

(44:31) Our Family Six Months Later

Nathan and Lacey share an update on their family, discussing grief, change, and the ongoing consequences of failure while also recognizing God's faithfulness, growth, and hope in the middle of a difficult season.

— EPISODE LINKS —

• Walking Free Recovery Ministry

https://www.wfrecovery.org/

• More Content & Resources at Our Website

https://cultivaterelationships.com/

In this episode, Lacey sits down with life and recovery coach Jenni Hubby to talk about addiction, recovery, and God’s heart for those walking through it. Drawing from her own journey into sobriety and decades of experience helping others, Jenni explores common misconceptions Christians often have about addiction. Together they discuss why simply “stopping” a behavior is not the whole story, how faith and practical steps work together in recovery, and what it looks like to walk toward lasting healing and restored identity.

— EPISODE CHAPTERS —

(00:00) Introducing Jenni Hubby

Lacey introduces life and recovery coach Jenni Hubby, sharing her background, her work helping people overcome past obstacles, and the personal connection she and her husband have had supporting Lacey and Nathan’s family during this difficult season.

(23:22) Misconceptions About Addiction in the Church

Jenni reflects on common misunderstandings Christians have about addiction, including the idea that people simply need more faith or should just stop the behavior. She explains why stopping is only the beginning of real recovery.

(46:52) Addressing the Pain Beneath Addiction

The conversation shifts toward the deeper issues that fuel addictive behaviors. Jenni and Lacey discuss how unresolved pain, trauma, and internal turmoil often drive addiction, and why healing those roots is essential.

(1:07:11) Walking Out Faith in Recovery

The episode closes by exploring what it looks like to actively walk out faith during recovery. Jenni shares how lasting change requires both spiritual trust in God and practical steps that help people remain grounded in freedom.

— EPISODE LINKS —

• Jenni Hubby | Life Coach

https://www.jhubconsulting.com/

• More Content & Resources at Our Website

https://cultivaterelationships.com/

There is no easy way to start this description. So I will get right into it.
On January 16, 2026, it came to light that I had been engaging in inappropriate conversations with a woman and with chatbots through apps and texting, seeking and soliciting inappropriate images. Our daughters first discovered this, and in that moment, I did not tell them the truth. It was only after several hours of conversation between Lacey and me that the full extent of what had been happening came to light.
This is in addition to something we shared with our board in the fall of 2025 — that I had returned to pornography for about 9 months after experiencing sixteen years of freedom.
There is no excuse for the choices I made. They were sinful, manipulative, deceptive, and deeply hurtful to my wife and girls. Bringing this into the light is incredibly painful and embarrassing to my family, but I know that it is necessary for my repentance and our healing and restoration to begin.
Last week, the board of Cultivate Ministries met and discussed a plan for our family and this process of restoration. Lacey and our girls will be receiving counseling and support, and I am pursuing intensive help for both this addiction and the deeper, unaddressed issues that led to it. Several trusted men and a ministry team from our church are walking closely with me in this process.
Over the next few months, while I focus my time and attention on personal healing and restoration, Lacey will continue to minister and teach while she also works through her own hurt and brokenness because of what I did.
During this time, we first and foremost ask that you pray for Spirit-led wisdom and direction for our ministry and our family. Pray for healing and restoration to take place in our marriage and in our home with our girls. Pray for Cultivate Relationships and how God might lead you to financially partner with us as we take this necessary time to heal and walk through this process.
We still believe that Jesus’ finished work on the cross is the key to freedom, healing, and restoration for any and every sin.  And this fact is not shaken nor moved by this sin.
Thank you for your grace, your prayers, and for allowing us the space to pursue the help we need.

Thank you and God bless,
Nathan & Lacey Steel

BIBLE SCHOOL EDITION - Nathan and Pastor Scott continue their study through Hebrews by confronting how easily believers drift back into external rules, self-effort, and spiritual performance. This episode presses into the heart of the gospel: Jesus didn’t partially replace the old covenant — he fulfilled and rendered it obsolete. The conversation exposes how law-based thinking (a life built on the 10 Commandments) still shapes worship, discipleship, and judgment today, and re-centers salvation as trusting Jesus’ finished work while living empowered by the Holy Spirit, not managed by religious systems. *Please note, this discussion takes place in two episodes. This is episode two.*

— EPISODE CHAPTERS —

(00:00) From Law to Life

The discussion moves from legalistic habits and outward performance to the freedom of trusting Jesus as mediator, exposing how both conservative and charismatic systems subtly replace reliance on the Spirit.

(21:47) One Sacrifice, Once for All

Hebrews 9–10 takes center stage as the conversation clarifies that Jesus’ death didn’t supplement the Law — it ended it. The old system pointed forward; the reality is now fully present in Christ.

(40:53) The End of the Age(s) Explained

Attention turns to “end of the age” language in the New Testament, distinguishing the end of the Law-centered age from the future physical return of Jesus, helping untangle common eschatology confusion.

(51:57) Activation Steps

This episode concludes with the activation step, inviting reflection on how external rules still shape faith and how to practice trust, rest, and obedience empowered by the Spirit.

— EPISODE LINKS —

• Episode Notes

https://cultivaterelationships.com/shoot-the-breeze/stb160/

• Playlist | Revelation

https://cultivaterelationships.com/revelation/

• Playlist | Galatians

https://cultivaterelationships.com/galatians/

• STB074 | BSE | Bible Oddities

https://cultivaterelationships.com/shoot-the-breeze/stb074/

• More Content & Resources at Our Website

https://cultivaterelationships.com/

BIBLE SCHOOL EDITION — Nathan and Pastor Scott begin a series exploring Hebrews 9-13 by setting the theological foundation for why Jesus is greater than everything that came before him (think Old Testament Law and the 10 Commandments). Before diving into doctrine, they dive into the purpose, authorship, and structure of Hebrews. This episode reframes the Old Testament as a shadow pointing to Jesus, clarifying why the law could diagnose sin but never heal it — and why intimacy with the Father is now fully accessible through Jesus. *Please note, this discussion takes place in two episodes. This is episode one.*

— EPISODE CHAPTERS —

(00:00) Introduction to Hebrews: Author and Date

The episode opens with candid conversation and irreverent humor, modeling how emotional awareness, stress, and everyday life matter in spiritual formation before getting into the setting of the book of Hebrews.

(11:10) Why Hebrews Was Written

The discussion shifts to the background of Hebrews — its audience, timing, and likely authorship — explaining why the message was delivered anonymously and why it speaks so directly to Jewish believers.

(24:01) Jesus Is Greater Than the Law

The heart of this section unpacks Hebrews 8.13 and 9.9, showing how Jesus fulfills every role of the Old Testament. The law revealed sin, but only Jesus restores relationship and heals what the law could never fix.

(35:54) Shadows vs. Reality

Finally, this section contrasts the Old Testament as a shadow with Jesus as the substance, using relational analogies to show why clinging to the law after Christ is like choosing a shadow over the real person.

— EPISODE LINKS —

• Episode Notes

https://cultivaterelationships.com/shoot-the-breeze/stb160/

• Playlist | Revelation

https://cultivaterelationships.com/revelation/

• Playlist | Galatians

https://cultivaterelationships.com/galatians/

• STB074 | BSE | Bible Oddities

https://cultivaterelationships.com/shoot-the-breeze/stb074/

• More Content & Resources at Our Website

https://cultivaterelationships.com/

BIBLE SCHOOL EDITION – Nathan and Pastor Scott walk through the process of resolution by defining forgiveness, repentance, reconciliation, and restoration through the lens of Jesus and the gospel. They challenge behavior-based gospel narratives and show how the good news begins with who people are as God designed them, not what they’ve done. This episode reframes salvation, propitiation, reconciliation, and restoration as participation in God’s new creation, inviting Christians to live as ambassadors who reflect grace in real relationships.

— EPISODE CHAPTERS —

(00:00) Why Definitions Matter

The conversation opens by exposing how misunderstanding propitiation, forgiveness, repentance, reconciliation, and restoration can keep people stuck in brokenness, bitterness, and pain. Clear definitions remove fear, dismantle deception, and make it possible to begin the process of resolution.

(24:06) Identity v Behavior

Using 2 Corinthians 5, the discussion reframes the gospel as identity-first. People are not defined by sin or behavior, but by who God says they are — reshaping how we view repentance, forgiveness, and ultimately, evangelism.

(1:03:27) Ambassadors of Reconciliation

Attention turns to our role as participants in God’s work. Believers don’t repeat Jesus’ sacrifice, but they do carry His message — inviting others to repent, return, and live from their restored design.

(1:22:58) Activation Steps

This episode closes with reflection and application, inviting listeners to examine how they view people, release behavior-based judgments, and actively practice reconciliation as ambassadors of God’s new creation.

— EPISODE LINKS —

• Episode Notes

https://cultivaterelationships.com/shoot-the-breeze/stb159/

• Podcast Playlist | Forgiveness

https://cultivaterelationships.com/forgiveness/

• Podcast Playlist | Revelation

https://cultivaterelationships.com/revelation/

• The Freedom Booklet

https://cultivaterelationships.com/the-freedom-booklet/

• What is the Septuagint?

https://cultivaterelationships.com/bible-tools/old-testament/#ot-texts

• More Content & Resources at Our Website

https://cultivaterelationships.com/

BIBLE SCHOOL EDITION — Nathan and Pastor Scott conclude their two-part teaching on anger by clarifying how anger reveals what’s happening in the heart. In this second episode, they move from unhealthy expressions of anger (smoldering and explosive) into a biblical understanding of righteous anger, showing how anger can either protect one's self or serve restoration. The conversation challenges listeners to discern motive, submit reactions to the Holy Spirit, and practice repentance that leads toward maturity, forgiveness, and reconciliation. This episode brings both teachings together, offering a clear pathway for handling anger in a way that reflects the heart of our Heavenly Father. *Please note, this discussion takes place in two episodes. This is episode two.*

— EPISODE CHAPTERS —

(00:00) From Smoldering to Explosive Anger

The episode wraps up smoldering anger (quiet resentment, avoidance, passive control) and transitions into explosive anger—how outbursts, escalation, and intimidation often reveal unprocessed offense and unmet desires.

(21:28) Righteous Anger

The focus shifts to righteous anger—how anger can be a Spirit-led response when it protects what is good, confronts what harms, and refuses to let injustice or distortion stand, without becoming self-righteous or cruel.

(33:42) Application: Checking Our Anger

This section closes the righteous anger teaching with application questions that help expose motives. The aim is discernment: is anger rooted in love and restoration, or in ego, control, fear, and self-protection?

(50:20) Activation Steps (for episodes 1 & 2)

This episode closes by combining the activation questions from both parts—identifying your anger pattern, inviting the Holy Spirit to search your heart, repenting where needed, and taking practical steps toward repair.

— EPISODE LINKS —

• Episode Notes

https://cultivaterelationships.com/shoot-the-breeze/stb158/

• STB157 | BSE | Conflict: Anger E1

https://cultivaterelationships.com/shoot-the-breeze/stb157/

• Bookshelf | UnLove

https://cultivaterelationships.com/bookshelf/#unlove

• The Habit Tree

https://cultivaterelationships.com/the-habit-tree-worksheet/

• The Freedom Booklet

https://cultivaterelationships.com/the-freedom-booklet/

• Lacey's Story with Anger

https://cultivaterelationships.com/small-group-videos/cwc-laceys-story/

• More Content & Resources at Our Website

https://cultivaterelationships.com/

BIBLE SCHOOL EDITION — Nathan and Pastor Scott begin a two-part conversation on conflict by reframing anger through the lens of Scripture. Rather than suppressing anger or labeling it as a sin, this episode examines indignation as a morally neutral response that reveals our motives and how we respond to offense. Together, they unpack how unresolved anger creates space for the enemy, how misapplied Bible verses fuel control instead of maturity, and why learning to process anger rightly is essential for healthy relationships, leadership, and spiritual growth. *Please note, this discussion takes place in two episodes. This is episode one.*

— EPISODE CHAPTERS —
(00:00) Irreverent Humor and Honest Humanity
The episode opens with unscripted humor and cultural banter, setting a relational tone that contrasts with the weight of the topic ahead. This opening reminds listeners that conflict and anger are discussed best within real, human connection.
(15:41) Be Angry, But Do Not Sin
The teaching begins by examining Ephesians 4.26–27. Anger is defined as neutral, while sin is determined by how it’s expressed or stewarded. Misusing this passage to force resolution is challenged in favor of heart-level responsibility.
(39:26) Indignation, Control, and the Heart
The conversation turns to indignation as a shared biblical word used of both Jesus and his opponents. The distinction isn’t necessarily the behavior, but rather, the underlying motivation — a righteous response versus self-righteousness or unrighteousness.
(46:46) Smoldering Anger vs Explosive Anger
The conversation turns to two unhealthy, unrighteous, and self-righteous expressions of anger. Smoldering anger hides beneath passivity and avoidance, while explosive anger surfaces through outbursts and control. Both avoid honest processing and set the stage for deeper conflict if left unresolved.

— EPISODE LINKS —
• Episode Notes
https://cultivaterelationships.com/shoot-the-breeze/stb157/
• Bookshelf | UnLove
https://cultivaterelationships.com/bookshelf/#unlove
• The Habit Tree
https://cultivaterelationships.com/the-habit-tree-worksheet/
• The Freedom Booklet
https://cultivaterelationships.com/the-freedom-booklet/
• Lacey's Story with Anger
https://cultivaterelationships.com/small-group-videos/cwc-laceys-story/
• More Content & Resources at Our Website
https://cultivaterelationships.com/

BIBLE SCHOOL EDITION — Nathan and Pastor Scott wrap up the Identity series by focusing on participation, clarifying how redemption invites us into active cooperation with what the Holy Spirit is rebuilding. After an opening conversation on humor, reverence, and knowing your audience, the study begins by confronting the idea that participation equals performance. Instead, obedience is framed as a response to grace, not an attempt to earn it. Drawing from Isaiah 61, this episode shows how true participation requires submission, stretches comfort, and forms maturity as we join God in His ongoing work of restoration.

— EPISODE CHAPTERS —

(00:00) Irreverent Humor, Reverence, and Knowing Your Audience

Before the study begins, the conversation wrestles with “irreverence”: being accused of it, pulling back in group threads, and sorting out when humor is healthy (and when it can unnecessarily offend).

(15:48) Participation Is Not Performance

The study begins by reframing participation in God’s work. Obedience is not earning, striving, or religious effort—it’s responding to what the Spirit is already rebuilding through redemption.

(41:45) Rebuilding Requires Submission

Using Isaiah 61, the discussion clarifies that restoration involves cooperation. Participation often stretches comfort, challenges control, and reveals where surrender—not self-direction—produces maturity.

(1:13:20) Activation Steps

This episode closes with an invitation to ask the Holy Spirit where participation has been confused with performance and where submission is needed to join what God is actively rebuilding.

— EPISODE LINKS —

• Episode Notes

https://cultivaterelationships.com/shoot-the-breeze/stb156/

• Podcast Playlist | Galatians Series

https://cultivaterelationships.com/galatians/

• Bookshelf | Identity Booklet

https://cultivaterelationships.com/bookshelf/#identity

• STB107 | Grieving the Loss of a Child + Sarah P1

https://cultivaterelationships.com/shoot-the-breeze/stb107/

• Podcast Playlist | Forgiveness

https://cultivaterelationships.com/forgiveness/

• More Content & Resources at Our Website

https://cultivaterelationships.com/

BIBLE SCHOOL EDITION — Nathan and Scott continue the Identity series by focusing on redemption, not as behavior management, but as restoration to God’s original design. They explore how redemption is not merely forgiveness of sin, but a reclaiming of purpose, desire, and identity—freeing us to live as God intended from the beginning. This episode challenges reductionistic views of redemption and invites listeners into Spirit-empowered transformation that reshapes how we think, live, and relate.

— EPISODE CHAPTERS —
(00:00) Redeemed to God’s Design
The conversation opens by reframing redemption as being restored to how God originally designed humanity—good, relational, and empowered—rather than merely being rescued from wrongdoing.
(18:07) Desire, Design, and Distortion
Attention turns to how desires themselves are not sinful, but become distorted when disconnected from God’s design, shaping unhealthy habits, beliefs, and identity.
(35:48) Transformation Beyond Behavior
This section explores how true transformation goes deeper than behavior modification, addressing thought patterns, motivations, and identity through ongoing submission to the Spirit.
(59:29) Activation Steps
This episode closes with an invitation to ask the Holy Spirit to reveal where redemption has been reduced to rule-following and to embrace restoration into God’s original design.

— EPISODE LINKS —
• Episode Notes
https://cultivaterelationships.com/shoot-the-breeze/stb155/
• Bookshelf | Salvation Booklet
https://cultivaterelationships.com/bookshelf/#salvation
• More Content & Resources at Our Website
https://cultivaterelationships.com/