Small Steps with God Jill from The Northwoods

85 - Moses Meets Pharaoh


In today’s episode, we explore Moses’ incredible journey as he transitions from a reluctant shepherd in Midian to a resolute leader confronting the Pharaoh in Egypt. Based on Charles Swindoll’s “Moses, a Man of Selfless Dedication,” we see the key moments of Moses’ transformation, his struggles with self-doubt, and the unwavering faith that propelled him forward.


Moses’ Reluctance: Initially hesitant and filled with excuses, Moses questions his worthiness and ability to lead the Israelites out of Egypt.


Divine Assurance: God’s reassurances and the provision of Aaron as a spokesperson bolster Moses’ resolve.


Confronting Pharaoh: Moses’ persistence despite initial failures and increased suffering for the Israelites showcases his growing faith and determination.


The Plagues: Each plague represents a direct challenge to Egypt’s gods, culminating in the death of Pharaoh’s firstborn and the liberation of the Israelites.


Leadership Lessons: Moses’ journey from self-doubt to faith-fueled leadership serves as an inspirational blueprint for confronting and overcoming our own fears and challenges.


Faith and obedience can transform reluctant individuals into resolute leaders.
Persistence and trust in divine guidance are crucial in overcoming adversity.
Reflect on contemporary ‘gods’ and challenges that hinder personal and communal freedom


https://smallstepswithgod.com/85-moses-meets-pharoh/



Jill’s Links
https://affiliate.notion.so/NorthwoodsJill


https://affiliate.notion.so/NorthwoodsAI



https://www.buymeacoffee.com/smallstepspod


Twitter - https://twitter.com/schmern


https://www.youtube.com/@smallstepswithgodpodcast


Email the podcast at mailto: jill@startwithsmallsteps.com

84 - Moses The First 80 Years


In this episode, we delve into the remarkable story of Moses, exploring his transformation from an Egyptian prince to the leader of the Israelites. We discuss key events in his life, including his flight to Midian, his encounter with God at the burning bush, and his role in leading the Israelites out of Egypt.


1 Moses’ Early Life in Egypt: Raised as an Egyptian prince, Moses enjoyed privilege and power but was always aware of his Hebrew roots.
2 The Turning Point: Moses’ impulsive act of killing an Egyptian slave driver and his subsequent flight to Midian marked the beginning of his transformation.
3 Life in Midian: Moses’ time as a shepherd, his marriage to Zipporah, and the birth of his children.
4 The Burning Bush: Moses’ encounter with God, who called him to lead the Israelites out of slavery.
5 Moses’ Reluctance: His initial hesitation and self-doubt, and God’s reassurance and provision of miraculous signs.


https://smallstepswithgod.com/84-moses-the-first-80-years/



Jill’s Links
https://affiliate.notion.so/NorthwoodsJill


https://affiliate.notion.so/NorthwoodsAI



https://www.buymeacoffee.com/smallstepspod


https://twitter.com/SmallStepsPod


https://www.youtube.com/@smallstepswithgodpodcast


Email the podcast at mailto: jill@startwithsmallsteps.com

83 - Balancing Service and Worship



In this episode, we continue our exploration of Joanna Weaver's enlightening book, Having a Mary Heart in a Martha World: Finding Intimacy with God in the Busyness of Life. The discussion focuses on balancing spiritual devotion with daily responsibilities, a challenge many of us face in our hectic lives. Weaver draws on the biblical story of Mary and Martha, highlighting the importance of both the contemplative spirit and active service in our relationship with God. Mary represents the contemplative aspect, sitting at Jesus' feet and absorbing His teachings, while Martha embodies active service, providing hospitality and care. Both roles are crucial in our spiritual journey, and Weaver explains how we can integrate these aspects into our lives.


A key lesson from the book is adopting Jesus' approach to ministry. Jesus served others selflessly, healing, feeding, teaching, and listening, and we are encouraged to follow His example without seeking external rewards or personal gratification. Weaver also delves into the story of Lazarus to illustrate the significance of understanding God's timing and purpose. Jesus' deliberate delay in coming to Lazarus showcases that God's delays are purposeful, often meant to demonstrate His power and enhance our faith.


Creating time for quiet reflection and Bible study is another essential point Weaver emphasizes. By savoring smaller portions of Scripture, we can engage more deeply with God's Word, thereby strengthening our prayer life. Additionally, the book stresses the importance of hospitality and service, urging us to extend kindness beyond our comfort zones, just as Martha did.


Weaver concludes with a call to introspection, inviting us to evaluate our spiritual journeys. Are we, like Martha, willing to listen and adapt, or do we risk becoming complacent and missing the lessons God wants to teach us? By balancing Mary’s contemplative spirit with Martha’s active service, we can develop a more intimate and fulfilling relationship with God. This episode provides practical insights and encourages us to take small, intentional steps towards spiritual growth. Stay tuned for more discussions on living out Jesus' teachings in our daily lives.


https://smallstepswithgod.com/83-balancing-service-and-worship/


https://www.joannaweaverbooks.com/2016/09/07/having-a-mary-heart-in-a-martha-world-a-special-invitation/


Jill’s Links
https://affiliate.notion.so/NorthwoodsJill


https://affiliate.notion.so/NorthwoodsAI



https://www.buymeacoffee.com/smallstepspod


https://twitter.com/SmallStepsPod


https://www.youtube.com/@smallstepswithgodpodcast


Email the podcast at mailto: jill@startwithsmallsteps.com

In this episode, we discuss Joanna Weaver’s insightful book, “Having a Mary Heart in a Martha World: Finding Intimacy with God in the Busyness of Life.” We explore the biblical story of Martha and Mary and its profound implications for our modern lives. Learn how to prioritize your relationship with God amidst life’s busyness and discover practical tips for creating sacred spaces for spiritual growth.


Key Points:
1 Martha vs. Mary: Understanding the contrasting approaches of Martha’s busyness and Mary’s focus on Jesus.
2 Relationship Over Rules: Emphasizing the importance of a heartfelt connection with God over mere rule-following.
3 Busyness as Avoidance: Recognizing how constant activity can be a way to avoid deeper spiritual needs.
4 Creating Sacred Spaces: Practical tips for establishing a routine and a dedicated space for prayer and reflection.
5 Community and Fellowship: The role of genuine connections with others in enriching our spiritual journey.
6 Vine and Branches Analogy: The importance of staying connected to God to lead a fruitful life.


Takeaways:
Prioritize your relationship with God over tasks and responsibilities.
• Establish a sacred space and routine for spiritual practices.
• Foster genuine connections with others for a supportive faith community.
• Maintain a daily connection with God through prayer, meditation, and reflection.


https://smallstepswithgod.com/82-the-relationship-god-wants/


https://www.joannaweaverbooks.com/2016/09/07/having-a-mary-heart-in-a-martha-world-a-special-invitation/


Jill’s Links
https://affiliate.notion.so/NorthwoodsJill


https://affiliate.notion.so/NorthwoodsAI



https://www.buymeacoffee.com/smallstepspod


https://twitter.com/SmallStepsPod


https://www.youtube.com/@smallstepswithgodpodcast


Email the podcast at mailto: jill@startwithsmallsteps.com

81 - From Busy to Serenity


Welcome to today's episode where we review Joanna Weaver's transformative book, "Having a Mary Heart in a Martha World." This episode explores how we can find intimacy with God amidst the busyness of life, drawing from the biblical story of Mary and Martha. Why this book is a must-read for those feeling overwhelmed by life's demands.


The Mary and Martha Dilemma: Contrast between Mary's choice to focus on Jesus and Martha’s preoccupation with tasks. Reflections on how this story mirrors our modern struggle with busyness and spiritual neglect


Lessons from the Living Room vs. the Kitchen: The symbolism of the living room as a space for spiritual nourishment versus the kitchen, a place of work and worry
How to prioritize what truly matters without getting lost in the hustle
Transformative Insights:


Discussing key lessons on how to shift from anxiety and busyness to a peaceful and purposeful spiritual life. Practical tips from the book on realigning daily tasks to enhance spiritual growth.


Recap of the main takeaways and how they apply to our daily lives
Encouragement to choose the 'better part' as Mary did, focusing on being present with God. Set aside daily time for reflection and communion with God
Identify tasks that can be simplified or eliminated to reduce busyness.


Join us as we explore how Joanna Weaver’s insights can help us navigate the challenges of a busy life while deepening our relationship with God. Remember, it's not about doing more, but being more.


https://smallstepswithgod.com/81-from-busy-to-serenity/


https://www.joannaweaverbooks.com/2016/09/07/having-a-mary-heart-in-a-martha-world-a-special-invitation/


Jill’s Links
https://affiliate.notion.so/NorthwoodsJill


https://affiliate.notion.so/NorthwoodsAI



https://www.buymeacoffee.com/smallstepspod


https://twitter.com/SmallStepsPod


https://www.youtube.com/@smallstepswithgodpodcast


Email the podcast at mailto: jill@startwithsmallsteps.com

80 - Read, Interpret, and Apply!



In this episode, we dive into the heart of inductive Bible study, a method that promises a richer, more personal understanding of the Bible. Our discussion unpacks the three core steps of this approach: observation, interpretation, and application, and explores how they can transform your Bible study experience.


Observation: We start by examining the text closely, noting what it explicitly states. This step requires us to set aside our assumptions and see the scripture with fresh eyes.


Interpretation: Next, we delve into the meaning behind the text, considering its historical, cultural, and theological context. This deeper exploration helps us grasp the broader message.


Application: Finally, we reflect on how the scripture’s teachings can be applied in our lives today, making the Bible’s ancient wisdom relevant to our modern experiences.


Featuring practical tips and real-life examples, such as the parable of the mustard seed, we show how inductive study can offer new insights and personal growth. Whether you’re new to Bible study or looking to deepen your practice, this episode provides valuable tools and inspiration for your spiritual journey.


https://smallstepswithgod.com/80-tips-for-an-inductive-bible-study/


Jill’s Links
https://affiliate.notion.so/NorthwoodsJill


https://affiliate.notion.so/NorthwoodsAI



https://www.buymeacoffee.com/smallstepspod


https://twitter.com/SmallStepsPod


https://www.youtube.com/@smallstepswithgodpodcast


Email the podcast at mailto: jill@startwithsmallsteps.com