Small Steps with God

49 - Lead Like Jesus: Embracing Humility, Love, and Connection

Today we're diving deep into the concept of leadership through the lens of Jesus' teachings. In this episode, we're going to be exploring the book "Lead Like Jesus, Revisited" by Ken Blanchard, Phil Hodges, and Phyllis Hendry. We'll be examining the qualities and characteristics that make Christian leaders effective, with a particular focus on the importance of humility and love.

So, what does it really mean to lead like Jesus? We'll be talking about how true Christian leaders prioritize humility over authority and power, and why leading with love and treating others with kindness and gentleness is so important.

We'll be exploring the internal struggles that leaders face when trying to embody the qualities of Jesus in practice. We'll talk about the tension between aspiration and implementation and how leaders can navigate those tricky waters.

I discuss the negative impact of ego on leadership, emphasizing the importance of putting God at the center and overcoming ego-driven behaviors such as pride and fear. We'll also touch on the significance of seeking solitude and reflection in order to connect with God's guidance and wisdom.

It is important to align one's self-worth with how God sees and values individuals. I'll emphasize the need to focus on eternal treasures rather than worldly possessions and achievements.

https://smallstepswithgod.com/?p=337

https://www.kenblanchardbooks.com/book/lead-like-jesus/

Jill’s Links

https://www.buymeacoffee.com/smallstepspod

https://twitter.com/SmallStepsPod

Email the podcast at [email protected]

48 - The Challenge of Dangerous Prayer

We dive deep into the concept of prayer and how we can take it to the next level by embracing dangerous prayers. Let's be honest, prayer is not about being good or performing, but rather about being present and honest with ourselves and with God. So, what does it mean to pray dangerously? It means going beyond the safe and comfortable prayers we're used to and truly connecting with God on a deeper level.

I discovered the power of dangerous prayers through reading "Dangerous Prayer: Because Following Jesus Was Never Meant to Be Safe" by Craig Groeschel. I used to focus on everyday concerns in my prayers, but I realized I needed to go deeper and explore the bold and desperate prayers of people in the Bible.

In this episode, we highlight three specific prayers as examples of dangerous prayers. The first is from Psalm 139, where the psalmist asks God to search their heart, test their thoughts, reveal any offensive ways, and lead them in the way everlasting. The second prayer is from 1 Corinthians 11, where Jesus's command to "do this in remembrance of me" is examined as a call to embrace the radical change and sacrifice symbolized by the breaking of bread. The third prayer comes from Isaiah 6, where Isaiah responds with "Here I am, send me" when God asks who will go as a messenger.

I know it can be scary and uncomfortable to pray dangerously, especially when it requires stepping out of our comfort zone. But, I want to emphasize the transformative power of such prayers, citing examples from the Bible of individuals whose lives were radically changed when they responded to God's call.

https://www.craiggroeschel.com/books/dangerous-prayers

https://smallstepswithgod.com/?p=333

Jill’s Links

https://www.buymeacoffee.com/smallstepspod

https://twitter.com/SmallStepsPod

Email the podcast at [email protected]

47 - Exploring the Names of God & Jesus

Today, we're going to dive deep into the different names of God found in the Old Testament. Name changes in the Bible signify roles and relationships with God. God's names also indicate roles and relationships with us.

For example, "El" meaning God Most High and "Elohim" denotes the completeness and essence of God. They reflect different aspects and characteristics of God. The exploration of God's names provides insights into His nature and how people perceive and relate to Him.

The names we use to refer to God can be incredibly personal, and understanding their meanings can deepen our connection with Him. It sheds light on the depth and richness of these names and their significance in understanding the Bible.

https://smallstepswithgod.com/?p=326

Jill’s Links

https://www.buymeacoffee.com/smallstepspod

https://twitter.com/SmallStepsPod

Email the podcast at [email protected]

46 - The Power of Letting Go and Moving On

Today we're diving into the essential steps of truly forgiving someone and walking down that path. Our focus is on the inspiring story of Joseph, who forgave his brothers despite being sold into slavery by them. It's a powerful reminder of the importance of forgiveness and how it can break the chains of bitterness and selfishness. We also talk about the Lord's Prayer and how forgiveness is a daily need, just like daily bread. Forgiveness is not persecution, and we should not judge or seek vengeance on others. Instead, we should make an intentional choice to forgive and keep what happened personal. We should pray for our enemies, and forgiveness should be built-in for ultimate durability. In this episode, we'll share examples of people who forgave despite having every reason not to, such as Corrie Ten Boom and Martin Luther King Jr. The challenge is to take the next step of forgiveness and not just forgive someone but pray for them to prosper and find the Lord. It's an intentional choice that can be difficult, but the rewards are immeasurable.

https://rtkendallministries.com/total-forgiveness-2

https://smallstepswithgod.com/?p=322

Jill’s Links

https://www.buymeacoffee.com/smallstepspod

https://twitter.com/SmallStepsPod

Email the podcast at [email protected]

45 - Exploring the Biblical Experience of Forgiveness

In this episode, I will talk about something really important: forgiveness. It's a concept that can be difficult to grasp and even harder to put into practice, but it's crucial for our own well-being and for building healthy relationships with others.

We'll be drawing heavily from the book "Total Forgiveness" by R.T. Kendall, which explores the biblical experience of forgiveness.

We'll cover everything from what forgiveness is (and what it's not) to the different types of forgiveness and even some personal anecdotes to illustrate the challenges of forgiveness. I'll be sharing some biblical passages that support the concept of forgiveness

I'm going to challenge you to take the first step toward forgiveness in your own life. And who knows, you might just find a sense of peace and freedom that you never thought possible.

https://smallstepswithgod.com/?p=318

total-forgiveness-2https://rtkendallministries.com/total-forgiveness-2

Jill’s Links

https://www.buymeacoffee.com/smallstepspod

https://twitter.com/SmallStepsPod

Email the podcast at [email protected]

44 - Worship of Idols in the Bible

We're talking about paganism in the Bible and how it still affects us today. Have you ever wondered about the gods mentioned in the Bible and how they were worshipped in the polytheistic religions of their time? Or how the concept of idolatry can manifest in our lives today, even in seemingly secular practices?

We're also going to examine the resurgence of paganism in modern times. Why are people turning to these ancient beliefs? Is it because they're rejecting traditional Christianity, or is it because they're seeking something counter-cultural and different? We'll explore these questions and more, so get ready to have your mind blown.

We'll also delve into what defines a religious system. What is the creation story, end goal, philosophy of life, and item or entity of worship that make up a religion? And get this - we'll even uncover how seemingly secular practices like feng shui or yoga can be part of a larger religious system.

But before we get started, let's take a moment to reflect on the nature of idolatry and what it means for our lives today. Are we worshipping reason and scientific evidence to the point of idolatry? Are we putting too much faith in any entity, whether religious or secular? Let's explore those questions and more and find out together what it all means for us.

https://smallstepswithgod.com/?p=306

Jill’s Links

https://www.buymeacoffee.com/smallstepspod

https://twitter.com/SmallStepsPod

Email the podcast at [email protected]

43 - Exploring Cancel Culture and Authenticity

Today we’re diving deep into the world of cancel culture and social media. We’re going to explore how your public image can impact your sense of self and how cancel culture can lead to mob mentality.

We’re also discussing Sadie Robertson Huff’s incredible new book, “Who Are You Following? Pursuing Jesus in a Social Media Obsessed World.” It’s an amazing read that encourages you to become someone worth following rather than just focusing on growing your followers. It reminds us to build a strong relationship with the Lord and become a more authentic version of ourselves.

But we’re not just talking about the book today. We’re also challenging ourselves and our listeners to engage in real discussions, even with those who hold different viewpoints. We need to be comfortable with uncomfortable conversations and not just unfollow or mute people who disagree with us.

So, let’s all take a step back and consider the amount of time we spend on social media and how we can portray a more honest and vulnerable version of ourselves online. It’s time to focus on building strong roots and connections with God rather than just getting caught up in the numbers game.

https://smallstepswithgod.com/?p=303

https://www.christianpost.com/news/sadie-robertson-christians-should-be-social-media-influencers.html

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fprPkcU9qiQ

See Past Your Own Perspective https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HDjM5lw8OYo

Jill’s Links

https://www.buymeacoffee.com/smallstepspod

https://twitter.com/SmallStepsPod

Email the podcast at [email protected]

42 - Navigating Social Media as a Christian

We talk about all things social media and how it impacts our lives as Christians. Today, we’re diving into Sadie Robertson Hough’s book “Who Are You Following?” and discussing the dangers of social media.

Let’s face it, social media can be a pretty toxic place. The constant comparison game, the pressure to gain followers and likes, it can all be pretty overwhelming. But here’s the thing, we don’t have to let it control us. Instead, we can choose to guard our hearts and focus on Jesus as our plumb line.

But that’s not all, we can even use social media to be a positive influence and bring people to Jesus. Imagine that! It all starts with being intentional about what we post and making sure that we’re leading people toward God rather than away from Him.

In this episode, we’ll be sharing personal anecdotes and experiences related to social media and the challenges of using it in a way that aligns with our faith. We’ll also be giving you practical tips for using social media in a way that is positive and uplifting.

https://smallstepswithgod.com/?p=300

https://www.christianpost.com/news/sadie-robertson-christians-should-be-social-media-influencers.html

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fprPkcU9qiQ

Jill’s Links

https://www.buymeacoffee.com/smallstepspod

https://twitter.com/SmallStepsPod

Email the podcast at [email protected]

41 - Pursuing Jesus in a Social Media Obsessed World

In this episode, we discuss the impact of social media on our lives and the importance of following Jesus in a social media-obsessed world. Our guest, Sadie Robertson Hough, shares her insights from her book, "Who Are You Following? Pursuing Jesus in a Social Media Obsessed World."

Sadie talks about the impact of social media on our lives, especially on millennials, who were the first to be greatly impacted by it. Social media has the power to influence our thoughts, behaviors, and emotions, and it's important to be aware of its impact. She also highlights the importance of finding a balance between using social media and following Jesus.

Sadie shares her personal experience with social media and how it has helped her stay connected with friends and promote her podcast. However, she acknowledges the dark side of social media, such as cyberbullying and harmful content. She encourages listeners to be intentional about who they follow on social media and to seek first the kingdom of God.

I challenge us to think about who they want to be on the internet and how they can use social media to influence others positively. I emphasize the importance of seeking good fruits and following Jesus above all.

https://www.christianpost.com/news/sadie-robertson-christians-should-be-social-media-influencers.html

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fprPkcU9qiQ

https://smallstepswithgod.com/?p=298

Jill’s Links

https://www.buymeacoffee.com/smallstepspod

https://twitter.com/SmallStepsPod

Email the podcast at [email protected]

40- Embracing God's Love

In this episode, we explore the true meaning behind John 3:16 and how we can take away hope and love from this passage. We continue our conversation about Max Lucado's book, John 3:16, where he delves into the significance of God giving his only Son to save the world. The word "whoever" is explored in depth, and we learn that it means every human being, regardless of their past or present actions. God loves everybody and wants everyone back, and there's no time or place too late to turn to him.

We also touch upon the topic of eternal punishment and how people often reject God without realizing the consequences. The prodigal son story is used as an analogy for how God always welcomes us back with open arms, no matter how lost we may feel. It's not about the actions we take to gain God's love, but about our relationship with him and how we show our love for him.

Throughout the episode, we are reminded of God's love and how his grace is available to everyone. We are encouraged to let John 3:16 become the banner of our lives and to remember that God loves us unconditionally. Small steps can lead us to a deeper understanding of God's love and our relationship with him. So let's take those steps and embrace the love of God in our lives.

https://smallstepswithgod.com/?p=290

https://maxlucado.com/products/316-the-numbers-of-hope/

Jill’s Links

https://www.buymeacoffee.com/smallstepspod

Twitter SmallStepsPod

Email the podcast at [email protected]