The True North Podcast | Christian Podcast on Navigating Faith & Life

Have you ever finished reading your Bible and thought, “Okay… but what was I supposed to get out of that?”

Maybe part of the problem is that we’ve been approaching Scripture with ourselves at the center.

In this episode of The True North Podcast, we’re talking about how to read and study the Bible without making yourself the main character. Because while the Bible was written for you, not every passage was written about you. Scripture is ultimately the story of God—who He is, what He has done, and His plan to redeem and restore humanity through Jesus Christ.

We’ll look at familiar passages like David and Goliath and Jeremiah 29:11 to see how easy it is to pull Scripture out of context and immediately ask, “What does this mean for me?” Instead, we’ll learn to start with a better question: “What does this show me about God?”

In this episode, we talk about:

• Why Christians can accidentally make themselves the main character of the Bible
• The difference between biblical interpretation and application
• Why context matters when studying Scripture
• How to understand who a passage was originally written to
• The Bible’s overarching story of creation, fall, redemption, and restoration
• What David and Goliath actually teaches us beyond “defeating your giants”
• The deeper context behind Jeremiah 29:11
• A simple Bible study method you can use during your quiet time
• How Scripture reveals the character of God
• Why knowing God should come before asking what we can get from Him
• How to confidently apply the Bible to your everyday life

A Simple Bible Study Framework

Before asking, “What does this verse mean for me?” try asking:

1. What does it say?
What is literally happening in this passage?

2. What does it mean?
Who wrote it? Who were they writing to? What was happening historically and culturally? What comes before and after this passage?

3. What does this show me about God?
Look for His character, commands, promises, holiness, grace, faithfulness, mercy, and redemptive work.

4. How should I respond?
Only after understanding the passage should we bring ourselves into the conversation. What needs to change in my heart, thinking, or actions because of what I've learned?

My favorite commentary to use while studying scripture: Enduring Word

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Have you ever felt like walking away from church—or even from Jesus—because of the way Christians have treated you?

Church hurt is real. Maybe you were made to feel like you had to be perfect to belong. Maybe your questions weren’t welcome, your struggles were something you were supposed to hide, or someone who represented Jesus to you left you hurt, disappointed, or questioning everything you believed.

But what if the faith you’re rejecting isn’t actually Jesus at all?

In this solo episode of the True North Podcast, Mykah talks honestly about church hurt, religious pressure, perfectionism, and what it looks like to find your way back to Jesus after being hurt by Christians or the church.

We’re unpacking the difference between performative Christianity and a personal relationship with Jesus—and why the failures of imperfect people don’t have to determine the future of your faith.

In this episode, we talk about:

• How church hurt can impact your relationship with God

• Why you may be rejecting religious expectations rather than Jesus Himself

• The pressure to be the “perfect Christian”

• How to separate who Jesus really is from the people who have misrepresented Him

• Why reading Scripture for yourself matters

• Doubt, questions, and the story of Thomas

• Rebuilding your faith around grace instead of guilt

• Finding Christian community again after being hurt

• Why there is still a place for you in the Church

If you’ve experienced church hurt, religious trauma, Christian perfectionism, or simply feel distant from God and don’t know how to come back, this conversation is for you.

If this episode encouraged you, share it with someone who needs this reminder and leave a review of the True North Podcast. Be sure to follow True North on social media for more faith-filled conversations, upcoming episodes, and announcements.

And don’t forget—you can shop True North sweatshirts on our website. 🤍

What happens when your entire life changes in an instant?

In this powerful episode of The True North Podcast, Baylee shares the incredible story of surviving a devastating accident that resulted in the loss of her leg—and how she encountered the presence of God in the middle of unimaginable pain.

Rather than allowing tragedy to define her story, Baylee has discovered what it means to trust God through suffering, learn to walk again alongside her young daughter, and find purpose in the hardest season of her life.

This conversation isn't just about surviving trauma—it's about discovering that God is still faithful when life doesn't go the way you planned.

In this episode, we discuss:

• How Baylee's faith sustained her immediately after the accident
• Learning to trust God when everything changes overnight
• The power of Scripture during suffering and uncertainty
• Learning to walk again—and the spiritual lessons that came with it
• How the body of Christ showed up in practical, life-changing ways
• Why asking for help is an act of faith, not weakness
• How to support someone after trauma, grief, or tragedy
• Finding purpose, hope, and joy after unimaginable loss
• Why your testimony can point others to Jesus in just 30 seconds

Whether you're walking through grief, navigating unexpected loss, supporting someone through a difficult season, or simply wondering where God is in your own suffering, this episode is a powerful reminder that God's presence is often most tangible in our hardest moments.

If this conversation encouraged you, be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with someone who needs hope today. For more biblical encouragement, podcast episodes, and free resources, visit https://truenorth-ministries.com/

If Baylee's story encouraged you, be sure to connect with her and follow along as she shares life as a mom, amputee, and follower of Jesus. Through honest conversations about faith, healing, motherhood, and finding purpose after tragedy, Baylee is a constant reminder that God is faithful in every season.

📸 Instagram: @tobayleeandbeyond
🎥 YouTube: To Baylee & Beyond
🎵 TikTok: @beyondbaylee

The Book of Ruth doesn't just end with a love story—it ends by revealing God's greater story.

In the final episode of our Ruth Bible Study, we're walking through Ruth Chapter 4, where Boaz redeems Ruth, Naomi's emptiness is transformed into joy, and an unexpected genealogy reveals God's plan stretching far beyond anything these characters could have imagined.

Together, we talk about why God's timing is always purposeful, how He restores what feels lost, and why your past is never too messy for God to use. We also unpack the often-overlooked genealogy at the end of Ruth and why it beautifully points us to Jesus and God's faithfulness across generations.

In this episode, we discuss:

• Why God can redeem any story
• Naomi's journey from bitterness to restoration
• What the genealogy at the end of Ruth teaches us about God's promises
• Why God chooses imperfect people to accomplish His purposes
• How Boaz foreshadows Jesus as our Redeemer
• Why your past doesn't disqualify you from God's calling
• Learning to trust God's bigger plan—even when you can't see it yet
• The faithfulness of God from generation to generation

If you've ever wondered whether God can still use your life after disappointment, failure, or loss, Ruth Chapter 4 is a beautiful reminder that God specializes in writing better endings than we ever could.

If this episode encouraged you, would you do me a favor? Share it with someone who needs this reminder today. You never know how God might use one conversation to change someone's life. And if you're enjoying this Ruth Bible study series, be sure to follow the show so you don't miss future episodes. You can find more Bible studies, free resources, and everything True North at https://truenorth-ministries.com/

Connect with Danielle: https://www.thissonkissedlife.com/

What do you do when you've been faithful—but you're still waiting?

In this episode of The True North Podcast, we're diving into Ruth Chapter 3, one of the most suspenseful and meaningful chapters in the Book of Ruth. 

Together, we explore what it looks like to actively wait on God, trust His timing, and remain faithful when life feels full of uncertainty. We also unpack the beautiful symbolism of Boaz as a picture of Christ, the connection between Ruth and the Proverbs 31 woman, and the recurring biblical theme of God's covering, protection, and redemption.

In this episode, we discuss:

• What Ruth Chapter 3 teaches about waiting on God's timing
• The biblical role of the kinsman-redeemer and why it matters
• How Ruth models humility, courage, and faithful obedience
• The surprising connection between Ruth and the Proverbs 31 woman
• Why God's protection is pictured through His covering
• How to trust God when you're living in the "what ifs"
• The difference between passive waiting and active faith
• Finding peace when you don't know what comes next

If you've been praying for an answer, waiting for a relationship, longing for a breakthrough, or wondering if God is still working behind the scenes, this conversation will encourage you to keep trusting Him—even when the next chapter hasn't been written yet.

Have you ever wondered if God is actually working behind the scenes in your life?

In this episode of The True North Podcast, we're continuing our verse-by-verse Ruth Bible study with Ruth Chapter 2, where we meet Boaz and begin to see God's providence unfold in ways that seem ordinary—but are anything but.

Together, we unpack what it means to trust God's timing, faithfully show up in the season you're in, and recognize that the smallest details of your life are never outside of God's control. From Ruth's willingness to work with humility to Boaz's character, generosity, and role as a kinsman-redeemer, this chapter reminds us that God often prepares our breakthrough long before we ever recognize it.

We also discuss:

• Why God's provision often comes through ordinary obedience
• The significance of Boaz as the guardian-redeemer
• How Ruth's character opened doors God had already prepared
• What it means to find refuge under God's wings
• Learning to rest instead of striving for control
• How Naomi begins to rediscover hope after devastating loss
• Practical encouragement for trusting God when you can't yet see what He's is doing

If you've been waiting for answers, questioning God's timing, or wondering if He's forgotten you, Ruth Chapter 2 is a beautiful reminder that God is always working—even when it doesn't look like it.

If this episode encouraged you, be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a friend. And if you'd like to study alongside us, visit discovertruenorth.com for more resources and to join our community.

Connect with Danielle: https://www.thissonkissedlife.com/

Have you ever walked through a season that made you wonder if God had forgotten about you?

In this episode, I'm joined by my friend Danielle from the But God Podcast as we begin a four-part journey through the Book of Ruth. Together, we're diving into Ruth Chapter 1 and unpacking one of the most honest, heartbreaking, and hope-filled chapters in Scripture.

We talk about Naomi's devastating loss, Ruth's incredible faith, and what this story teaches us about trusting God when life doesn't make sense. We also explore why Naomi wanted to change her name, how our circumstances can try to redefine our identity, and the beautiful reminder that even when we can't see God moving, He's already working behind the scenes.

If you've ever felt forgotten, disappointed, or like your prayers are going unanswered, I hope this conversation reminds you that God's silence is not His absence. He is still writing your story—even in the chapters that feel heavy.

In this episode, we discuss:

• Why the Book of Ruth is about so much more than a love story
• What Naomi's grief teaches us about bringing our honest emotions to God
• How Ruth's faith and loyalty point us to God's character
• Why we shouldn't let our pain become our identity
• What God's timing looks like when we can't see the bigger picture
• The importance of prayer partners and biblical community during difficult seasons
• How to keep trusting God when life leaves you feeling forgotten

This is just the beginning of our Book of Ruth series, so be sure to subscribe and come back next week as we continue with Ruth Chapter 2.

If this episode encouraged you, I'd love for you to leave a review, share it with a friend, and connect with me!

You can also find more episodes, merch and sign up for our newsletter on our website! 

Connect with Danielle at https://www.thissonkissedlife.com/

Are you constantly carrying everyone else's problems? Do you feel responsible for keeping the peace, holding everything together, or making sure everyone around you is okay?

In this episode of the True North Podcast, we're diving into what it truly means to be sustained by God. 

You'll discover:

• What it means to be sustained according to Scripture
• Why burnout often comes from relying on temporary sources instead of God
• The biblical meaning of God's daily provision
• Why God gives us "daily bread" instead of tomorrow's answers
• How pride and self-sufficiency keep us from receiving God's help
• The difference between surviving and being sustained by Jesus

If you've been feeling overwhelmed, emotionally exhausted, or like the weight of the world is resting on your shoulders, this episode is a reminder that you were never meant to carry it alone.

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Trigger Warning: This episode contains brief discussion of drug addiction, domestic violence, and suicidal thoughts. Listener discretion is advised. While these topics are part of Miranda’s story, this conversation ultimately centers on hope, healing, redemption, and the faithfulness of God.

What do you do when life keeps getting harder, even after you start following God?

In this powerful testimony episode of the True North Podcast, I sit down with Miranda Roy as she shares her incredible journey from childhood trauma, family addiction, domestic violence, homelessness, and heartbreak to discovering the life-changing hope of Jesus Christ.

Miranda opens up about growing up in a broken home, wrestling with questions about God’s goodness, and reaching a point where she wondered if life was worth living. Yet through every setback, unanswered question, and painful season, God continued pursuing her heart.

Together, we talk about what it looks like to trust God when circumstances don’t make sense, why the Book of Job became one of Miranda’s greatest sources of encouragement, and how God can use even the darkest seasons to draw people closer to Him.

Connect with Miranda:

Instagram: @thelifeofroys

If you're new here, check out our website to learn more about True North and how to stay connected!

If this episode encouraged you, be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a friend who needs a reminder that God is still working—even in the middle of the struggle.

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What if obedience to God was never meant to feel like a transaction?

In this episode, I’m joined by Bible teacher and podcast host Kaley Hollingsworth for an honest conversation about biblical obedience, surrender, faith, control, and learning to trust God even when life doesn’t go the way you expected.

We unpack the difference between obedience rooted in love versus obedience driven by fear, and why so many Christians subconsciously approach God with a “if I do this, then You’ll do that” mindset. Together, we talk about what Scripture actually says about obedience, how suffering can deepen intimacy with God, and why surrender is often much harder than we want it to be.

Kaley also vulnerably shares parts of her testimony, including walking through divorce as a Christian woman, wrestling with questions about God’s goodness, and discovering what it truly means to depend on Jesus in difficult seasons.

If you’ve ever struggled with control, fear of messing up God’s plan, striving to “be useful” for God, or wondering whether God is disappointed in you, this conversation will encourage you to stop striving and start walking closely with Him.

Connect with Kaley:
Website: kayleyhollingsworth.com

If this episode encouraged you, be sure to subscribe to the podcast, leave a review, and share this episode with a friend who may need this reminder today.

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