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Bible in a Year (The Story) PodcastDay 61: A Decisive Heart ChangeToday we read Numbers 10, Deuteronomy 10, and Psalm 93. This story is about a circumcision of the heart. The word “love” is used more here in the book of Deuteronomy than any other book in the Old Testament. We are reminded that transformation will require God’s relentless grace and our present choice to undergo revision through God’s redemptive restoration mission. Is the next generation of Israelites ready? Will they hold steadfast? God is in full pursuit, promise and blessing in-tact, forewarnings given that they will/we will be tempted to rebellion and that they will/will we morally defect? What is...
2023-03-3015 minBible in a Year (The Story) PodcastDay 60: ”Shema” Love the Lord Your God with Your Heart, Soul, and StrengthToday we read Numbers 8-9, Deuteronomy 8-9, and Psalm 92. In this story, we discuss how Deuteronomy uses the word “love” the most in the Old Testament and the second most frequent in the entire Bible. The book of John in the New Testament used the word “love” the most overall. We discuss how the Hebrew term Shema introduced in Deuteronomy 6:4 and discussed again here means to love the Lord your God with all your heart, souls, and strength. We discuss what that means and now it relates to when Jesus discusses the Shema in Matthew and Mark, how it’s similar...
2023-03-2923 min
ReflectionsTreasured by GodAfter Israel returned from exile, many of the people were just as selfish and unjust as before. But there was a remnant of Israel who trusted and honored Yahweh. God called them his treasure and reminded them to hold on to his words of promise. We too can join this faithful remnant. When we feel overwhelmed by the state of our world, we can stand alongside generations of those who patiently trusted God. He assures us that he will bring justice and set all things right. He will keep his word. So as we continue to wait, we can...
2021-08-0413 minReflectionsWho Does God Choose to Work Through?What kind of person does God choose to work through most often? Can he work through me too? The book of Esther is a classic expression of the biblical idea that God opposes the proud and gives grace to the humble. And God is still in the habit of elevating those who society has deemed unimportant. It might not always look as heroic as Esther’s story, but God can use anybody as an instrument for his purposes. If we want to partner with God, we don’t have to be rich, important, or powerful. We sim...
2021-07-2115 minReflectionsPromise for New HeartsGod’s people fail over and over again. We’re so messed up. Will there ever be a day when we get it right? The prophet Ezekiel said that God would renew his covenant by renewing hearts, and he’d do this by giving his own Spirit to those who trusted in him. God fulfilled his promise through Jesus. Now as followers of Jesus, we are invited to practice living with his Spirit. And as we do, we find our hearts are being renewed every day, filled with new desires and new decisions to love God and one another. Let’s...
2021-07-0714 minReflectionsThe Deep Anguish of GodThe prophetic books are intense, so it’s easy to skip ahead to more comfortable portions of the Bible. But Jesus often used the prophets’ words to describe what he was all about. So if we want to know Jesus, we need to read the prophets. And as we do, we can learn that when God’s people reject him, they are rejecting life itself. The disorder, chaos, and suffering that results is painful and it grieves God. But there is hope that God’s people can return to the life that he offers. Bible ReadingJeremia...
2021-06-2314 minReflectionsOne Handful of RestHow can we approach our responsibilities in life with wisdom and healthy mindsets? In this episode, we open the book of Ecclesiastes and discover some practical advice for how to live realistically.Bible Reading Ecclesiastes 4:4-12Reflection Questions1. Everyone can relate to the desire to either escape or control their lives. Which approach do you relate to most?2. What specific area of your life are you inclined to escape or control right now? 3. What would it practically look like for you to engage that area of your li...
2021-06-0914 minReflectionsHow to Live WiselyWhat does it mean to fear the Lord and be wise? The book of Proverbs helps us understand how to live by God’s wisdom. It teaches us that true wisdom isn’t just knowing the right thing to do––it’s about doing it. But how do we know what the right decisions are in every situation? The Scriptures show us that God understands what is good and bad in the world. So to be wise, we must first recognize that our own perspectives are limited and God knows what we can’t comprehend. This humble dependence is...
2021-05-2613 minReflectionsGod’s Mercy on Our EnemyHow can we show God’s mercy to people who’ve hurt us? In this episode, we are reflecting on the final chapter of the book of Jonah. God doesn’t just want Jonah to preach to his enemies, he wants Jonah to share his compassionate heart toward them too. Will Jonah agree with God’s compassionate perspective? The book ends with a question to give us the opportunity to self-reflect. So let’s do that together. Bible ReadingJonah 4:1-11Reflection Questions1. Who is someone in your life you struggle...
2021-05-1213 minReflectionsWhat Good News Looks LikeHow is God at work in the world today? Jesus read from Isaiah 61 to describe what it looks like when the good news of his kingdom is at work in the world: the ignored are honored, the poor are fed, and the sick receive care. This kind of stuff happens wherever followers of Jesus honor him as King. Bible ReadingIsaiah 61:1-11Reflection Questions Where do you think renewal is most needed in your part of the world?Imagine God’s Kingdom bringing renewal to that situation. What do you think it would look...
2021-04-2812 minReflectionsWhat God Does About SufferingWhy does God allow so much suffering in the world? And is he doing anything about it? The Bible doesn’t answer all of our questions about why God allows suffering. But it does tell us a story about how God responds to human suffering. We learn that God has chosen to partner with humans to deliver communities from suffering, and that he chose to enter our pain by becoming human himself. Jesus took up the worst of human suffering, shoved it into a grave, and rose again to give us a new future––one that’s free of injustic...
2021-04-1413 minReflectionsFaithful Through FailureHow does God respond when we fail to represent his goodness in the world? Humanity’s failures never cancel God’s faithfulness to his promise. In fact, the God of Israel became human to fulfill the promise himself. Jesus, the long awaited King, faithfully completed everything we have left undone.Bible Reading2 Samuel 7:8-17Reflection QuestionsWhat is one way God has been faithful to you recently?What is one specific way you’d like to grow in your faithfulness to Jesus?Who could be an ally in your life to help yo...
2021-03-3113 minReflectionsWhen You Feel PowerlessWhat should we do when life is unfair and everything feels out of control? In this episode, we are reflecting on God’s powerful response to the cries of the powerless. If today you are feeling helpless before bullies and institutions, listen in. Today’s message will encourage and empower you. And if you are in a position of authority, stay tuned. This reflection will inspire you to humbly use your power to lift others up.Bible Reading1 Samuel 2:1-10Reflection QuestionsIn what areas has God given you power? How can you use...
2021-03-2413 minReflectionsMaking Sense of Divine ViolenceThere’s a lot of violence in the Old Testament, but isn’t God loving? How do we make sense of all this? In this episode, we are exploring a few key things to keep in mind while looking at the topic of violence in the Bible.Note to parents: The terms genocide, child sacrifice, sexual fertility rituals, and sex slavery are used in this episode. Before listening with your child, consider if they are ready to be introduced to these concepts and if you are prepared to carefully answer any follow-up questions they may have. Bib...
2021-03-0314 minReflectionsGod's Wisdom on DisplayWhy did God give his people so many rules? In this episode, we’re reflecting on the wisdom and purpose of God's commands. Bible ReadingDeuteronomy 4:5-9 Reflection QuestionsWisdom and understanding is gained when we live out the knowledge we have received. Think of someone who is wise. Consider an example from the Bible or from someone in your life. What do you admire about this person?Before this person could display God’s wisdom, they first had to receive it. What do you think this person does to practically receive God’s wisdom...
2021-02-1712 min