Understand Your Bible | Bible Verses, Inductive Bible Study, Biblical Encouragement, Bible Study Method, Scripture Study Tools

348 | What It Means to Worship in Spirit and in Truth

What does it really mean to worship “in spirit and in truth”? As we step into a new year, many of us are longing for worship that feels real. Not routine. Not performance. Not something we do because the calendar says Sunday. In this episode, Angie opens the Gather podcast series with Jesus’ words from John 4:24 and unpacks how true worship begins with posture, not place. What you’ll hear in this week’s episode * Why Jesus’ conversation with the Samaritan woman reframes worship from where we gather to how we bow our hearts * Insight from 2 Kings about counterfeit worship and why institutionalized religion still tempts us today * A warm, vulnerable story from Angie about a worship moment that marked her spiritual journey * What the Greek word proskyneō reveals about worship as affection, surrender, and awe * Commentary insights from trusted voices like Tony Evans and Craig Blomberg on worship that is biblically anchored and spiritually authentic * A common lie the enemy whispers about “following the rules” and the freeing truth of Galatians 2:16  Resources Gather (SOU Study) — A 14-week journey inside Steady On University exploring worship, community, and the sacred rhythms that steady our faith. Classes begin January 8, 2026. Learn more: https://livesteadyon.com/steady-on-university/ [https://livesteadyon.com/steady-on-university/] Step By Step Starter Kit (Free) — A two-part masterclass + downloadable workbook that teaches you the Step By Step method Angie uses in every study-focused episode. Includes the Winter Study Guide for the Gather series. Get your Starter Kit: https://steadyon.myflodesk.com/starter-kit-winter-26 [https://steadyon.myflodesk.com/starter-kit-winter-26]  Verse of the Week God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in the Spirit and in truth. John 4:24 (NIV)  Connect with Angie & Steady On: http://www.livesteadyon.com [http://www.livesteadyon.com/] Theme Music: Glimmer by Andy Ellison

347 | God’s Promise for the Year Ahead Isn’t Success—It’s Peace

Do you ever wonder what God’s plan to “prosper” you really means? Maybe you’re stepping into the new year with mixed emotions. You feel hopeful in some ways, weary in others. In this episode, Angie shares encouragement from Jeremiah 29:11 to remind you that God’s plans are never about pressure or performance. They’re about peace. What you’ll hear in this week’s episode * A fresh look at what “I know the plans I have for you” really means when life doesn’t go as planned * The difference between the kind of success the world promises and the kind of security only God can give * Why God’s definition of prosperity (shalom) isn’t about getting more, but becoming whole * Wisdom from trusted voices like Tony Evans and Charles Spurgeon reminding us that God is always at work, even when we can’t see it * Angie’s honest story of enrolling in a costly program that felt all wrong in the moment, but how God used it to grow peace and purpose on the other side * A closing reflection to help you start 2026 trusting the Planner more than the plan Resources Free Bible Study Method Workshop (Live + Replay) — Tuesday, January 6, 2026, 6:00 pm CST. Learn the Step By Step method as we study Isaiah 43:19 together. Registrants receive the replay and a free devotional guide. Register: https://livesteadyon.com/bible-study-method-workshop/ [https://livesteadyon.com/bible-study-method-workshop/] Gather (SOU Study) — A 14-week journey inside Steady On University exploring worship, community, and the sacred rhythms that steady our faith. Classes begin January 8, 2026. Learn more about SOU: https://livesteadyon.com/steady-on-university/ [https://livesteadyon.com/steady-on-university/] Step By Step Starter Kit (Free) — A two-part masterclass + downloadable workbook to help you study Scripture one verse at a time and find personal life application. Get your Starter Kit: https://steadyon.myflodesk.com/starter-kit-fall-25 [https://steadyon.myflodesk.com/starter-kit-fall-25] Verse of the Week “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV) Connect with Angie and Steady On: http://www.livesteadyon.com [http://www.livesteadyon.com] Theme Music: Glimmer by Andy Ellison

346 | Immanuel: He Is With You Right Where You Are

It’s Christmas Eve. Matthew 1:23 reminds us that a child was born, and they called Him Immanuel, meaning “God with us.” This episode invites you to pause in the middle of the season and remember that His presence is here and His comfort is near.   Here’s what you’ll hear in this week’s episode * What the name Immanuel means and how it traces from Hebrew → Greek → English * Why Matthew’s use of the prophecy from Isaiah 7:14 is “the essence of Christmas” (Tony Evans) * Insights from Enduring Word, Charles Spurgeon, and John Wesley on what “God with us” reveals about the miracle of the Incarnation * Angie’s honest reflection on asking, Where was God for her? Where was God for me?, and the moment she remembered He was still there * The lie we often believe: “If God is really with me, why am I hurting?” and the truth that His presence is proven by faithfulness, not ease * The comfort of Romans 8:38–39: nothing can separate us from the love of the God who came near   Resources When Church Hurts: Finding Truth After Spiritual Wounds is a gentle, Scripture-based resource for anyone healing from church hurt or spiritual disappointment. Download When Church Hurts here: https://steadyon.myflodesk.com/churchhurt [https://steadyon.myflodesk.com/churchhurt] The Step By Step Starter Kit is a free bundle of tools designed to help you study Scripture with confidence, one verse at a time. Get your free Starter Kit here: https://steadyon.myflodesk.com/starter-kit-fall-25 [https://steadyon.myflodesk.com/starter-kit-fall-25] If you’re ready to take another step toward community, consider joining us for Gather, our upcoming study inside Steady On University. Together we’ll explore worship, community, and the sacred rhythms God gave His people. Classes begin January 8, 2026. Learn more about SOU here: https://livesteadyon.com/steady-on-university/ [https://livesteadyon.com/steady-on-university/]   Verse of the Week “The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel (which means ‘God with us’).” Matthew 1:23 (NIV)   Connect with Angie and Steady On: http://www.livesteadyon.com [http://www.livesteadyon.com/] Theme Music: Glimmer by Andy Ellison

345 | When Church Hurts: Finding Truth After Spiritual Wounds

There’s no hurt like church hurt. As we move through this Christmas season, Angie pauses to address a reality many of us know too well: spiritual wounds that leave us questioning whether community, worship, and trust in spiritual leaders are worth the risk again. With compassion and honesty, Angie shares part of her own story, reflects on John 10:14, and walks through five common struggles believers face after church hurt. Through Scripture, she reminds us that while human shepherds may fail, the Good Shepherd never does. Whether you’re actively engaged in a church community or still finding your way back, this episode will meet you with gentleness and invite you to take a small, Spirit-led step toward healing.   What You’ll Hear in This Episode * Angie’s personal story of disappointment with a spiritual leader and what the Holy Spirit taught her about truth and discernment * The comfort of John 10:14 and how Jesus, the Good Shepherd, contrasts with failed earthly shepherds * Five common struggles that follow church hurt and the Scriptures that speak healing into each one * Encouragement for those who feel spiritually weary, disconnected from worship, or hesitant to re-enter community * A gentle invitation to take a small step toward re-engagement this Christmas Resources Download When Church Hurts: 5 Common Struggles and How Scripture Helps Us Heal It’s a free companion resource that offers verses and reflection questions to help you process your own journey. Download When Church Hurts here: https://steadyon.myflodesk.com/churchhurt [https://steadyon.myflodesk.com/churchhurt] If you’re ready to take another step toward community, consider joining us for Gather, our upcoming study inside Steady On University. Together we’ll explore worship, community, and the sacred rhythms God gave His people. Classes begin January 8, 2026. Learn more about SOU here: https://livesteadyon.com/steady-on-university/ [https://livesteadyon.com/steady-on-university/] The Step By Step Starter Kit is a free bundle of tools designed to help you study Scripture with confidence, one verse at a time. Get your free Starter Kit here: https://steadyon.myflodesk.com/starter-kit-fall-25 [https://steadyon.myflodesk.com/starter-kit-fall-25] Verse of the Week I am the good shepherd; I know My sheep, and My sheep know Me. John 10:14 (VOICE)   Connect with Angie and Steady On: http://www.livesteadyon.com [http://www.livesteadyon.com/] Theme Music: Glimmer by Andy Ellison

344 | Dwell in His Presence

Have you ever longed for a place that truly feels like home? Psalm 23:6b reminds us that God’s presence is that place. When David writes, “I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever,” he’s not only looking ahead to eternity. He’s declaring a daily commitment to stay close to the Shepherd who never leaves his side.   Here’s what you’ll hear in this week’s episode * What the Hebrew word yashab (H3427) reveals that dwelling is about stability, nearness, and making your home in God’s presence * Why some studies reference shuv (H7725) and how “returning” and “remaining” work together in our relationship with God * Insights from Charles Spurgeon, the Bible Knowledge Commentary, and the Faithlife Study Bible about David’s confidence in God’s unfailing love * Angie’s personal story of growing up in parsonages and how God offers a permanent home even when we’ve never had one that lasts * The lie we’re tempted to believe, “When you feel separated from God, you are,” and the truth from Romans 8:38–39 that nothing can separate us from His love Grab your FREE Step By Step Starter Kit As you’re choosing gifts for the people you love this season, don’t forget to pick up one for yourself! This one helps you stay rooted in God’s Word. The Step By Step Starter Kit is a free bundle of tools designed to help you study Scripture with confidence, one verse at a time. If you already have it, keep an eye on your inbox! Next week you’ll receive the brand-new Understand Your Bible study guide for January through March. Get your free Starter Kit here: https://steadyon.myflodesk.com/starter-kit-fall-25 [https://steadyon.myflodesk.com/starter-kit-fall-25] Verse of the Week I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever. Psalm 23:6b (NASB 1995)   Connect with Angie and Steady On: http://www.livesteadyon.com [http://www.livesteadyon.com/] Theme Music: Glimmer by Andy Ellison