The New Norm
When I was in high school, one of my nicknames was “Norm.” In my first real job out of college, I was one of two “Steves” at the office. Because the other was my boss, I became Norm again. Thus, the “New Norm.” I’ve worked in churches for over twenty years, and part of my current journey is learning, re-learning, and unlearning some critical lessons I picked up along the way. (I also had stints as group fitness instructor, a volunteer police chaplain, and trainer at an ice cream plant, but those are stories I can unpack later.) I’m currently a wr...
Who Does God Say You Are?
Steve unpacks what Ephesians 2 teaches us about anchoring out identity in Christ.
Naming Names
Not everyone who claims to speak for God is sent by God. This is why prophets in both the Old and New Testaments warn God’s people about the threat of false prophets. Steve explores episodes in the life of Jeremiah where he calls out prophets for speaking convenient and compelling, though terribly false messages.
The Only Miracle You’ll Ever Need
When Jesus heals a paralyzed man in dramatic fashion, he reminds us the best miracles in our lives are often the hardest to see.
Prayers on the Road to Damascus
There’s an episode in Elijah’s life where he feels frightened and overwhelmed. When he’s most tempted to look inward and focus on himself, God invites him to look around for how might influence others.
The Power of Blessing
“Blessing” can be a foreign concept for many of us. But blessing is a key piece of every thriving relationship. In this episode, Steve talks about what blessing is and how to incorporate it into our families.
What’s Yours to Carry?
In the midst of all the spinning plates in your life these days, how do you know what to focus on? Steve dives into the book of Numbers to help us discern what we should, and should not, be about.
When Kings Go AWOL
The story of David and Bathsheba is a famous cautionary tale for Bible readers. But what if it’s as much about sloth and it is about lust?
Doing the Work
How do you know what you’re supposed to focus on these days? Steve examines King David’s charge to his son Solomon and what we can learn from it about our current calling.
Freedom Revisited
Steve explores how our understanding of personal freedom may differ from what the Bible says.
How To Be Good
We all want to walk in goodness; sometimes we’re not sure how to go about it. In this episode, Steve pulls a pathway for pursuing goodness from Romans 6.
Upside Down Imposter Syndrome
What do you do when you realize God’s thinks more highly of you than you do of yourself?
Reading the Story from the Beginning
Steve looks at why it’s important for us to read the story of the gospel, and of our lives, from the first chapter of the Bible.
Letting Grudges Go
Steve unpacks a story of David choosing to release his enemy, Saul, from resentment.
Practicing Forgiveness
Steve examines a pivotal moment in Jesus’s life where he models forgiveness for us.
Standing Firm in Surrender
Steve explores lessons we learn from how Jesus responds to temptation.
The Best Goodbye
Steve explores what we can learn from Samuel's farewell speech.
The Pastor Problem
Is “pastor” a role? Or is it a title? How do pastors and churches better understand the power dynamic between them so that relationship can be shaped by wisdom and trust?
The Third Day
Steve explores the tragic story of civil war in ancient Israel to help us understand how to respond when we feel like we’re obeying faithfully and not experiencing results.
What Time Is It?
Steve unpacks insights from Judges, Ecclesiastes and James to help us reflect on this question: What season does God currently have us in?
When You’re Stuck in a Cave
Steve unpacks the benefits of being in a “cave” season.
Note for a Frustrated Dad
Steve responds to a dad with concerns about the ideology at his child’s school.
Good Boundaries Are Your Friend
Steve talks about the importance of boundaries for healthy relationships.
Mental Health Crises and Spirituality
In this episode, Steve explores two passages (1 Sam. 16 & Mark 5) and how to respond to crises moments with both mental and spiritual dimensions.
Responding to Anxiety
Steve explores two passages in Psalms and Philippians that help us process anxiety.
The King’s Copy
In this episode, Steve unpacks an often overlooked passage in Deuteronomy about why it’s critical for leaders to have a regular practice of engaging scripture.
The Gift of the Thorn
Steve explores how Paul’s thorn gives him a new perspective on God’s grace.
Biblical Conflict Resolution: Two Approaches
Steve unpacks Matthew 18 and Galatians two and the lessons they teach us about leaning into conflict.
God’s Maddening Patience
Steve discusses how to respond when it seems like God’s justice is delayed.
Miriam’s Mistake
Steve talks about how to respond when a community member behaves badly.
Eunuchs and the Kingdom
Steve wrestles with Matthew 19, a passage where Jesus talks about eunuchs and their place in God’s kingdom.
The King and the Crisis
Steve unpacks a challenging passage about God’s response to his people after a brutal crime and what the king does to deliverance justice.
Marriage on Mission
While the Bible has a lot to say about marriage, there aren’t many examples of healthy marriages. Acts 18 includes a powerful portrait of a couple who are committed to a marriage on mission.
Responses to Deconstruction
Steve explores how to understand and respond when someone in our world says they are deconstructing.
Crime and Punishment - Part 1
Steve unpacks a passage on how churches should respond to evidence of misconduct.
The Word of the Year Is…
Steve unpacks his word of the year and how it’s impacting his view of God and others.
When God Seems Late
Steve examines how Martha and Mary respond when Jesus doesn’t respond on their timeline.
Between the Prison and Palace
How do you survive a season of waiting?
Steve looks at lessons in endurance from Joseph’s life.
Lesson on Transition and Loss
What do you do when you’re going through chaos?
Steve explores insights from a storm in Paul’s life from Acts 27.
When Love Comes to Town
In this “classic” Norm episode, Steve offers a Christmas devotional.
Understanding “Speaking in Tongues”
Steve provides a brief biblical overview on a much discussed topic.
