The Nook Podcast

Steven Murphy

Real Faith in Real Time. Because faith is messy and rarely symmetrical. Discussions about the real highs and lows of faith in Christ. Current topics addressed via stories with special guests and commentary.

  1. Broken Is the Way Back: Why God Wants Your Surrender, Not Your Strength

    DEC 9

    Broken Is the Way Back: Why God Wants Your Surrender, Not Your Strength

    Send us a text Most of us have been taught to clean ourselves up before we come to God. But Psalm 51:17 flips that idea on its head: “The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise.” In this raw and honest episode, we dive deep into what it really means to come to God not with performance, perfection, or spiritual polish, but with brokenness. God isn’t moved by your highlight reel. He’s drawn to the place where your heart is crushed, humbled, and fully surrendered. We’ll confront the lies of fake strength, tear off the spiritual masks, and rediscover the beauty of repentance, restoration, and real relationship with God. If you’ve been feeling stuck, dry, or ashamed, this episode is a call to come back. And the way back… is brokenness. If this stirred something in you, if you’re ready to leave behind the shallows and pursue the deep things of God, then keep coming back. This podcast is here to walk with you, challenge you, and encourage you to go further than you’ve ever gone in your faith. You were made for the deep… and the deep is calling. *** Hey friends, this has been on my heart for a long time… I’ve wanted to add a charity component to The Nook Podcast—a way for this community to rally together and actually make a difference in the lives of hurting people. And I can’t think of a better recipient than Crisis Aid International. Together, we can be the light in the darkest places. Support the show Questions or comments can be sent to steven@nookpodcast.com Join The Nook Facebook page! Steven's Social Media: Instagram, TikTok and Twitter Your financial support means so much! Venmo: @Steven-Murphy-111

    15 min
  2. Wake Up: Stop Sleepwalking Through Your Faith

    DEC 2

    Wake Up: Stop Sleepwalking Through Your Faith

    Send us a text Romans 13:11–12 tells us the time is short and the day of salvation is nearer than ever. Yet too many of us are sleepwalking through our faith; going through the motions, saying the right words, even serving in church, but disconnected from God’s presence and purpose. In this episode, we unpack Paul’s urgent call to wake up and live with spiritual alertness. We’ll talk about the subtle dangers of spiritual drowsiness, how believers can look alive on the outside but be asleep on the inside, and why Jesus warned His followers to stay awake because His return will be sudden. This isn’t about panic or fear, it’s about urgency rooted in gratitude. You’ll be challenged to cast off the darkness, put on the armor of light, and stop delaying obedience. Because tomorrow isn’t promised. The night is almost gone. The day is at hand. If you’re tired of shallow, autopilot faith, this episode is your wake-up call. Key Takeaways: What it means to be spiritually asleep and the signs to watch for.The dangers of “sleepwalking” Christianity.Why urgency isn’t legalism but stewardship.Practical ways to live awake and ready for Christ’s return.The alarm is ringing. Don’t hit snooze. Wake up. Live ready. Go deeper. *** Hey friends, this has been on my heart for a long time… I’ve wanted to add a charity component to The Nook Podcast—a way for this community to rally together and actually make a difference in the lives of hurting people. And I can’t think of a better recipient than Crisis Aid International. Together, we can be the light in the darkest places. Support the show Questions or comments can be sent to steven@nookpodcast.com Join The Nook Facebook page! Steven's Social Media: Instagram, TikTok and Twitter Your financial support means so much! Venmo: @Steven-Murphy-111

    18 min
  3. Go Deeper: The Power of Thought and Study in Your Faith Walk

    NOV 25

    Go Deeper: The Power of Thought and Study in Your Faith Walk

    Send us a text What are you doing with what God has already revealed to you? In this episode, we dive into Mark 4:24, where Jesus urges us to be intentional with how we hear and respond to His Word. He says, "The measure [of thought and study] you give [to the truth you hear] will be the measure [of virtue and knowledge] that comes back to you." This is a call to stop coasting through sermons and quiet times. It’s an invitation to dig in, to give God our full attention, full hunger, and full obedience. The more deeply we lean into His truth, the more He entrusts to us. If you’re tired of spiritual stagnation and ready to grow, this episode is your wake-up call. Join us as we talk about what it really means to measure our lives by the Word and pursue the deeper things of God with everything we’ve got. If this stirred something in you, if you’re ready to leave behind the shallows and pursue the deep things of God, then keep coming back. This podcast is here to walk with you, challenge you, and encourage you to go further than you’ve ever gone in your faith. You were made for the deep… and the deep is calling. *** Hey friends, this has been on my heart for a long time… I’ve wanted to add a charity component to The Nook Podcast—a way for this community to rally together and actually make a difference in the lives of hurting people. And I can’t think of a better recipient than Crisis Aid International. Together, we can be the light in the darkest places. Support the show Questions or comments can be sent to steven@nookpodcast.com Join The Nook Facebook page! Steven's Social Media: Instagram, TikTok and Twitter Your financial support means so much! Venmo: @Steven-Murphy-111

    15 min
  4. You Were Made for More: Surrender, Purpose, and the Real Jesus

    NOV 18

    You Were Made for More: Surrender, Purpose, and the Real Jesus

    Send us a text In this episode, we reflect on a powerful quote by the late pastor and author Tim Keller: “The real Jesus requires more than you ever thought, but offers more than you ever imagined.” Too often, we settle for a comfortable, convenient version of Jesus; a Savior who fits into our schedule but doesn’t disrupt our lives. But the real Jesus isn’t just looking to inspire us, He wants to transform us. This episode invites you to go deeper in your faith, to surrender more fully, and to receive the unimaginable beauty of a life centered on Christ. We’ll explore what Jesus truly requires of us and the far greater reward He promises. If you've ever felt like there must be more to your walk with God, this is your call to step into it. Scripture highlights: Luke 9:23, Colossians 1:17, Romans 12:2, John 10:10, 2 Corinthians 5:17, 1 Corinthians 2:9, Psalm 16:11 *** Hey friends, this has been on my heart for a long time… I’ve wanted to add a charity component to The Nook Podcast—a way for this community to rally together and actually make a difference in the lives of hurting people. And I can’t think of a better recipient than Crisis Aid International. Together, we can be the light in the darkest places. Support the show Questions or comments can be sent to steven@nookpodcast.com Join The Nook Facebook page! Steven's Social Media: Instagram, TikTok and Twitter Your financial support means so much! Venmo: @Steven-Murphy-111

    21 min
  5. Seek First the Kingdom: Why Shallow Faith Isn’t Working

    NOV 11

    Seek First the Kingdom: Why Shallow Faith Isn’t Working

    Send us a text In this episode of the Go Deeper series, we unpack one of Jesus’ most challenging and liberating commands: “Seek first the Kingdom of God…” (Matthew 6:33). Too many believers are stuck in shallow faith, chasing peace while clinging to control. But Jesus offers a better way, a deeper way. This message isn’t about tweaking your priorities. It’s about flipping the entire order of your life around God's rule and reign. We’ll explore how seeking God first transforms your desires, kills anxiety, and leads to true Kingdom purpose. We’ll connect this powerful teaching with 1 Chronicles 16:11 (“Seek His presence continually”) and Psalm 37:4 (“Delight yourself in the Lord...”), reminding us that joy, peace, and provision flow after surrender, not before. If you’re tired of half-hearted Christianity and hungry to go deeper, this episode will challenge, convict, and call you into something real. If this stirred something in you, if you’re ready to leave behind the shallows and pursue the deep things of God, then keep coming back. This podcast is here to walk with you, challenge you, and encourage you to go further than you’ve ever gone in your faith. You were made for the deep… and the deep is calling. *** Hey friends, this has been on my heart for a long time… I’ve wanted to add a charity component to The Nook Podcast—a way for this community to rally together and actually make a difference in the lives of hurting people. And I can’t think of a better recipient than Crisis Aid International. Together, we can be the light in the darkest places. Support the show Questions or comments can be sent to steven@nookpodcast.com Join The Nook Facebook page! Steven's Social Media: Instagram, TikTok and Twitter Your financial support means so much! Venmo: @Steven-Murphy-111

    14 min
  6. When God Doesn’t Make Sense: Trusting the Infinite

    NOV 4

    When God Doesn’t Make Sense: Trusting the Infinite

    Send us a text Do you ever catch yourself trying to make sense of God? Expecting Him to move the way you would, think the way you think, or fit neatly into your logic? This episode will challenge all of that. God isn’t just bigger than you, He’s entirely “other.” Isaiah 55:8–9 reminds us that His thoughts and ways are far beyond anything we could imagine. In this powerful, extended message, we confront the dangerous trend of shrinking God down to human terms, and rediscover the awe, reverence, and wonder we were made for. This is a wake-up call to leave behind shallow faith and worship the untamable, holy, all-powerful God who invites us to know Him, not figure Him out. This episode will help you: Embrace the mystery of God’s waysLet go of your need to understand everythingReclaim a reverent, awe-filled relationship with GodWorship Him with humility, boldness, and depthIf you’re ready to stop playing it safe with your faith and start worshipping God as He truly is, this message is for you. If this stirred something in you, if you’re ready to leave behind the shallows and pursue the deep things of God, then keep coming back. This podcast is here to walk with you, challenge you, and encourage you to go further than you’ve ever gone in your faith. You were made for the deep… and the deep is calling. *** Hey friends, this has been on my heart for a long time… I’ve wanted to add a charity component to The Nook Podcast—a way for this community to rally together and actually make a difference in the lives of hurting people. And I can’t think of a better recipient than Crisis Aid International. Together, we can be the light in the darkest places. Support the show Questions or comments can be sent to steven@nookpodcast.com Join The Nook Facebook page! Steven's Social Media: Instagram, TikTok and Twitter Your financial support means so much! Venmo: @Steven-Murphy-111

    27 min
4.9
out of 5
21 Ratings

About

Real Faith in Real Time. Because faith is messy and rarely symmetrical. Discussions about the real highs and lows of faith in Christ. Current topics addressed via stories with special guests and commentary.