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ReflectionsLooking Back to Look ForwardIs the book of Chronicles just a rerun of stories we’ve already been told? How does it help us understand where the story of the Bible leads?In English Bibles, the books of 1-2 Chronicles follow Samuel and Kings, but in the ancient Hebrew ordering of the Scriptures, Chronicles is the final book of the Old Testament. So what is the significance of this? The book of Chronicles ends with a decree to build a temple. This is the same decree that is told in the book of Ezra-Nehemiah. But Ezra and Nehemiah have already built th...2021-08-1113 minReflectionsThere’s Hope in the NightmareThe book of Daniel explores what it means to be God’s people while living in a culture that is set against his values. How do God’s people remain faithful and confident in a situation like this? The strange dream in Daniel chapter 7 gives us some insight. In it we see there’s a kingdom ruled by the “Son of Man,” the one with all “authority, glory and sovereign power.” The oppressive rulers of this world will fail, but the Son of Man’s rule will never end. So when arrogant kings rise up, the people of God can look to a mo...2021-07-2813 minReflectionsIs God Inclusive?Yahweh warned Israel not to tie themselves to foreign gods through marriage. But when those same foreigners left their gods to honor him, Yahweh welcomed them with open arms. Yahweh’s people were not as welcoming. Ezra and Nehemiah loved God, but they were misguided to exclude foreigners from joining God’s people. Since Ezra and Nehemiah weren’t exactly models for godliness and reform, what can we learn from their stories? How can we welcome others in the family of God who are different from us? Bible Reading Isaiah 56:3,6-8 in contrast to Ezra 4:1...2021-07-1414 minReflectionsLearning How to Grieve from LamentationsThe biblical authors of Lamentations and Psalms invite us to express our grief, anger, and sadness to God. But this is hard. It’s so much easier to either avoid pain with numbing distractions or vent out frustrations without ever bringing them to God. But he is patient. He understands how painful our situations are, and he cares and grieves with us. Today, let’s practice grieving with him.Bible ReadingLamentations 3:22-33Reflection QuestionsWhat is one specific area you are grieving right now? Notice the sensations you experience as you thin...2021-06-3014 minReflectionsWisdom from Sensual Love Poetry?We all long to be truly seen, known, and loved by God and others. We want to fully give ourselves to these deep relationships. The Song of Songs is about that desire, that dream that imagines the unity of Heaven and Earth. One day this dream will be fully realized, but until then, we have access to unity with Jesus. He invites us into a real and intimate relationship. And in him, we can know a love that cannot be quenched or swept away—a love that can overflow toward others and heal creation.Bible Reading S...2021-06-1614 minReflectionsPower of MetaphorWhat is the purpose of metaphor in the Bible? The biblical authors use metaphors to help us better understand the world, God, and ourselves. In today’s episode, we reflect on the surprising metaphor of God giving birth. In the book of Job, we see God giving birth to elements of creation, and in the book of Isaiah, God is depicted as both a warrior and a mother giving birth to a new reality.Bible ReadingIsaiah 42:13-16Reflection Questions1. A mother often suffers to deliver her baby. Let’s reflect on h...2021-06-0213 minReflectionsHow God Replies to Job’s SufferingToday we open the book of Job, a complex story about a good man who suffered the cosmic loss of everything. What did God want Job to know in the midst of his suffering? And what do we need to know in our own suffering? In this episode, we remember that we’re not alone in hardship and that God is trustworthy. Even when the pain is so intense that we can barely see beyond it, God is at work limiting chaos and giving life.Bible ReadingJob 38:1-18Reflection Questions2021-05-1914 minReflectionsGod’s Desire in RelationshipWhat does God really want as he relates to us? In this episode, we are reflecting on the book of Hosea, where we’ll discover what God desires in a relationship. Here’s a quick overview. God promised to love Israel like a husband vows to love his bride. But Israel didn’t love him back––they cheated on him. This broke God’s heart but not his promise. God’s commitment to love his people is stronger than anything else. So while Israel still experienced the consequences of their unfaithfulness, God called them to remember his love and promis...2021-05-0513 minReflectionsMessage of the ProphetsWho are the Hebrew prophets? What was the goal of their message? And how can their words bring hope to us today? God wants his people to flourish - to experience peace and joy in a community of love. But sin destroys a community. So God sends his prophets to warn his people, so they’ll turn from sin and its destruction. When Israel refuses to listen, they experience the awful consequences of their own ways, just like the prophets warned. But when Israel listens, they receive God’s promised mercy. And we can too. If we are honest abou...2021-04-2111 minReflectionsRedeeming DisappointmentWhere is God when the people we look up to disappoint us? In this episode, we learn how Israel’s long line of disappointing kings is meant to point us to a greater King, Jesus. He is the true David and a better Solomon. He leads God’s people with wisdom, unites the nations, and makes a way for God’s presence to dwell among his people. Wherever people disappoint, King Jesus is there, inviting us into the beauty of his temple––his perfect presence. Bible Reading1 Kings 6:23-31Reflection Questions1. Are you dis...2021-04-0713 minReflectionsHow God Treats His EnemiesWhere is God in the midst of impossible situations? In today’s episode, we’re reflecting on Ruth, a woman who came from a nation that violently opposed God’s people. Despite this, Ruth became an example of God’s loyal love even in the midst of impossibly difficult circumstances. We’ll also reflect on God’s impartial and merciful character and the hope he offers to all who trust in him.Bible ReadingRuth 2:11-12Reflection Questions:What feels impossibly difficult in your life or community right now?God is present in and through...2021-03-1711 minReflectionsWhen We Walk Out on GodWhat happens when we turn our backs on God? In this episode, we are reflecting on how God responds when his people walk out on him and when they return.Bible ReadingJudges 2:10-19Reflection QuestionsIn what ways have you tried to do life on your own apart from God?What comes to mind when you imagine God running toward those who return to him?Take this moment to pray and return to God any areas of your life that you’ve held back.Want to Go Deeper? Check out this epis...2021-03-1011 minReflectionsUnderstanding Ancient LawsHow can we understand the ancient laws in the Old Testament? And what’s the point of reading them today? In this episode, we are learning how to read the ancient laws that God gave to Israel and reflecting on how they can impact our choices today.Bible ReadingDeuteronomy 30:15-18Reflection QuestionsWhat is one specific choice you can make to love God and others this week?How do you think that choice could bring life to those around you? What is the first step you can take with God to carry out...2021-02-2410 minReflectionsTrusting God in the WildernessHow does fear hold us back from experiencing God’s promises? In this episode, we reflect on God's trustworthy character and how he responds when his people fail to trust and follow him. Bible ReadingNumbers 13:25-33Reflection QuestionsWhat specific fears or doubts have held you back from trusting and obeying God?Instead of replaying your past or current fears, shift your focus to God. What comes to mind as you remember God’s trustworthy character? Jesus leads all who trust in him into an experience of God’s promises. The road isn’t ea...2021-02-1011 minReflectionsGift of RestIn today’s episode, we’re reflecting on the meaning and importance of rest. As we explore the biblical concept of Sabbath and the ancient festival of Jubilee, we’ll find wisdom and principles that are still relevant for us today.Bible ReadingLeviticus 25:1-12 and 18-21Reflection TimeTake some deep breaths to remember that every breath we take is a gift from God. While you inhale and exhale, reflect on God and your reliance on him.Invite God into an aspect of your life that feels exhausting. Tell him one thing that’s...2021-02-0313 minReflectionsMeaning of SacrificeIn today’s reflection, we are exploring the biblical theme of sacrifice and atonement. It can feel strange and uncomfortable at first, but as we learn more, we’ll discover just how life-giving and powerful this biblical theme is. Bible ReadingHebrews 10:11-22Reflection QuestionsGod is faithful and just to forgive us when we admit our sins. So let’s take time now to be honest as we answer this question: What comes to mind when you think about how you’ve sinned against God and others?Let’s take time now to rece...2021-01-2711 minReflectionsRescued for a PurposeLast week, we explored how God rescues his people when they cry out to him. In today’s episode, we’re reflecting on why God rescues his people. He doesn’t only free us from corruption, he free us for restoration. His rescue is not just for us but for the restoration of the whole world.Bible Reading:Exodus 19:1-6Reflection Questions: Choose one of the following characteristics of God to reflect on: wisdom, justice, or love. How have you specifically experienced that one characteristic of God in your life?Where do you lack an...2021-01-2011 min