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

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

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://lp.constantcontactpages.com/cu/nNuXFKn/sou

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
Theme Music: Glimmer by Andy Ellison

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

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://lp.constantcontactpages.com/cu/nNuXFKn/sou

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

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
Theme Music: Glimmer by Andy Ellison

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

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
Theme Music: Glimmer by Andy Ellison

Have you ever thought God calls the super-special and not you?

It’s easy to believe we’re too ordinary or too flawed to be used in a meaningful way. But Psalm 23:5b reminds us that God’s anointing is not about status, it’s about sufficiency. When He calls us, He equips us with His presence and fills us so fully that His goodness overflows through our lives to bless others.

Here’s what you’ll hear in this week’s episode:

• What the Hebrew word dāshēn reveals God’s anointing is about richness, strength, and superabundance that overflows to others
• How translations like The Message (“You revive my drooping head”) highlight God’s care for those who feel unseen or unqualified
• Insights from Tony Evans, Charles Spurgeon, and others about living from God’s abundance rather than striving in comparison
• Angie’s personal story about the “nametag” we resist wearing when we doubt our calling
• The lie we’re tempted to believe: “Who do you think you are?” and the truth from 2 Corinthians 3:5 that our competence comes from God

Goodness & Mercy Giveaway

Download Lesson One of the Goodness & Mercy Bible study and be entered to win a printed workbook plus a bundle of Steady On merch to make your study time extra special.

Get your free Lesson One + enter the giveaway here:
https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/sl/VUifO2a

Grab your FREE Step By Step Starter Kit

This week’s study guide, plus everything you need to follow along through December, is inside! You’ll get:

• A two-video masterclass teaching you how to study one verse, one word at a time
• A quick-reference sheet for the Step By Step method
• A printable blank study sheet to use over and over
• Companion study guides for every fall episode

Get your free Starter Kit here:
https://steadyon.myflodesk.com/starter-kit-fall-25

Verse of the Week

You have anointed my head with oil; My cup overflows.
Psalm 23:5b (NASB1995)

Connect with Angie and Steady On: http://www.livesteadyon.com
Theme Music: Glimmer by Andy Ellison

Have you ever felt like life is running at full speed and there’s no way to keep up?

The holiday season often feels that way. Schedules are full, emotions are high, and quiet moments with God can get pushed aside. But John 8:32 reminds us that even in the busiest seasons, the truth will set us free.

In this episode, Angie shares encouragement and practical ideas for staying connected to Scripture when life doesn’t slow down.

Here’s what you’ll hear in this week’s episode:

• Angie’s personal Advent reflection on The Little Drummer Boy and what it taught her about offering what she has to the Lord
• While shorter, simpler Bible study times are still powerful and meaningful
• 4 categories of practical practices to stay in the Word when life is full: Quiet Time, Community, Intentional Pause, and Digital Tools
• How the Step By Step Starter Kit can anchor you in Scripture with short, meaningful reflections
• The lie we’re tempted to believe: “If I can’t do it all, it’s not worth doing.” And the truth that even a few minutes with God can reframe your day

Goodness and Mercy Giveaway
Download Lesson One of the Bible study and be entered to win a printed workbook plus a bundle of Steady On merch to make your study time extra special.

Get your free Lesson One + enter the giveaway here:
https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/sl/VUifO2a

Grab your FREE Step By Step Starter Kit
This week’s study guide, plus everything you need to follow along through December, is inside! You’ll get:

• A two-video masterclass teaching you how to study one verse, one word at a time
• A quick-reference sheet for the Step By Step method
• A printable blank study sheet to use over and over
• Companion study guides for every fall episode

Get your free Starter Kit here:
https://steadyon.myflodesk.com/starter-kit-fall-25

Verse of the Week
Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.
(John 8:32, NIV)

Connect with Angie and Steady On: http://www.livesteadyon.com/
Theme Music: Glimmer by Andy Ellison

Have you ever felt like everything around you was working against you?

In those places, it can be hard to trust that God will still show up with exactly what we need. But Psalm 23:5a reminds that even in seasons that feel scattered or overwhelming, God’s preparation is deliberate, loving, and full of intention.

Here’s what you’ll hear in this week’s episode:

• What the Hebrew word ʿarak reveals about God’s preparation: orderly, deliberate, and never haphazard
• How translations like The Message (“serve me”) and NCB (“spread”) highlight God as a generous Host who does more than enough
• Insights from commentators, including reminders that God’s table is both provision and protection
• Angie’s personal reflection on resisting the urge to “set the table” herself and learning instead to trust God’s timing and preparation
• The lie we’re tempted to believe: “God isn’t going to put anything in order for you.” And the truth from Proverbs 16:9 that the Eternal guides each step

Goodness and Mercy Giveaway

Download Lesson One of the complete Psalm 23 Bible study and be entered to win a printed workbook plus a bundle of Steady On merch to make your study time extra special.

Get your free Lesson One + enter the giveaway here:
https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/sl/VUifO2a

Grab your FREE Step By Step Starter Kit

This week’s study guide, plus everything you need to follow along through December, is inside! You’ll get:

• A two-video masterclass teaching you how to study one verse, one word at a time
• A quick-reference sheet for the Step By Step method
• A printable blank study sheet to use over and over
• Companion study guides for every fall episode

Get your free Starter Kit here:
https://steadyon.myflodesk.com/starter-kit-fall-25

Verse of the Week
You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies.
(Psalm 23:5a, NASB1995)

Connect with Angie and Steady On: http://www.livesteadyon.com/

Theme Music: Glimmer by Andy Ellison

Have you ever wondered if God’s correction meant He was disappointed in you?

It’s so easy to confuse His discipline with His disapproval. But Psalm 23:4b shows us that even discipline can be a form of God’s comfort and care.

Here’s what you’ll hear in this week’s episode:

• What the Hebrew word nacham reveals about God’s comfort, meeting us in both our deepest emotions and our turning points of change
• How translations like The Passion Translation and The Message highlight that God’s comfort is about strength, courage, and security, not passivity
• What shepherds used rods and staffs for, and why those tools are a picture of both protection and correction
• Insights from commentaries, including Tony Evans’ reminder that God holds power in one hand and grace in the other
• Angie’s personal story of hearing God’s correction through someone else’s testimony and how His “tap-tap” discipline became an invitation back to closeness
• The lie we’re tempted to believe: “Why is He picking on you? You’re fine.” and the truth from Proverbs 3:11–12 that God disciplines those He loves

Goodness and Mercy Giveaway

Download Lesson One of the complete Psalm 23 Bible study and be entered to win a printed workbook plus a bundle of Steady On merch to make your study time extra special.

Get your free Lesson One + enter the giveaway here: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/sl/VUifO2a

Grab your FREE Step By Step Starter Kit

This week’s study guide, plus everything you need to follow along through December, is inside! You’ll get:

• A two-video masterclass teaching you how to study one verse, one word at a time
• A quick-reference sheet for the Step By Step method
• A printable blank study sheet to use over and over
• Companion study guides for every fall episode

Get your free Starter Kit here: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/sl/LpSQB9m

Verse of the Week
Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.
(Psalm 23:4b, NASB1995)

Connect with Angie and Steady On: http://www.livesteadyon.com/

Theme Music: Glimmer by Andy Ellison

Have you ever worried that following God might take you somewhere you don’t want to go, or that you wouldn’t be able to keep up if you tried?

In Psalm 23:3b, David writes, “He guides me in the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake.” The Hebrew word nachah means to guide, to govern, to lead forth. It’s not just about pointing out the path. It’s about walking with us, rerouting us when we wander, and strengthening us to keep moving forward.

Here’s what you’ll hear in this week’s episode:

• What synonyms and antonyms of “guide” reveal about God’s trustworthy leadership
• How translations like The Passion Translation and The Voice paint vivid pictures of God steering us off worn, hard paths and into places of life and beauty
• Insights from commentaries, including the reminder that obedience isn’t about knowing every option, it’s about staying close to the Shepherd
• Tony Evans’ GPS comparison and what it means for God to lovingly reroute us
• The characteristics of God revealed in this verse: Guide, Righteous, Strong Tower
• Angie’s story of preparing for a young woman’s funeral and how God miraculously guided her, not because she figured it out, but because He was faithful

Grab your FREE Step By Step Starter Kit
This week’s study guide, plus everything you need to follow along through December, is inside! You’ll get:

• A two-video masterclass teaching you how to study one verse, one word at a time
• A quick-reference sheet for the Step By Step method
• A printable blank study sheet to use over and over
• Companion study guides for every fall episode

Get your free Starter Kit here: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/sl/LpSQB9m

Listener Survey
Help shape what’s ahead on the podcast! Take the short survey here: https://forms.gle/ke4VJ1qJTRLkZzzF7

Verse of the Week:
He guides me in the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake.
(Psalm 23:3b, NASB1995)

Connect with Angie and Steady On: http://www.livesteadyon.com/

Theme Music: Glimmer by Andy Ellison