Be With Me is a daily 7 minute chronological walk through the New Testament hosted by Michael Smith. It is for everyone who is curious about what Jesus actually said and did in the gospels. Most episodes will leave you with at least one good thought to chew on for the rest of the day. We start with the Bible and hopefully end with Awe. We are walking through the chronological events of Jesus' life and then thoughtfully considering them. It is meant to spur the devotional life of the Christian and the not-yet-Christian. We occasionally venture into the Old Testament when it helps our understanding of the New Testament events. Everybody has 7 minutes. Everybody needs to wonder. Be With Me is hosted by Michael Smith who has absolutely no special qualifications to do a podcast. He is not a pastor. He has not been to seminary. He does not lead a mega-church. He is not a professional and he has no more credentials than you do. He does, however, follow a great God with an observant eye and a curious heart. Each day, he starts with a study bible and aims for astonishment. ‘be with him’ for 7 minutes as he sets out daily to discover the God who invites us to ‘Be With Me.’
Could it be said of you that you know God "face to face?". Is it even possible? At the end of Moses' life, this is how his relationship with God is summarized.For you, have you "shown him your face?" With out that, there is no face to face. Have you sought the face of God? Perhaps that is a weak link in the system. May you see God face to face today. Subscribe and comment to see Him tomorrow. https://youtu.be/tZjboTb8J18
May your feet be bathed in BUTTER. May your feet be dipped in OIL. This is the final highlight of the Song of Moses.Nobody knows exactly what this passage meansEverybody agrees it is a good thing.This refers to great abundance, even spiritual luxury. To have enough bounty to have some for your feet; to be ministered to even with indulgence.This can be your prayer for your family: May their feet be dipped in OIL.https://youtu.be/ALbF59tlV80
You should be stealing something from Moses. Yes I know he was around 3500 years ago, but he's got something for you and your family today.He has for you the way he prayed for his family. If we love our real family, and love our spiritual family, we best be paying attention. Or, should I say, we'd best be praying attention.Come back tomorrow by subscribing to hear my favorite prayer of Moses.https://youtu.be/l7cJp3iSPnI
We'll be stealing the blessings of Moses today. He's on the way out, and has some final words of blessing for his people and his family.Being a good pray-er is knowing what to steal. We will do so today as we learn how to pray for our family.https://youtu.be/VU2t8d270Hg
Moses says to a certain people group: Hey, the world will be a better place if there were less of you. Things could be improved around here if we could just have fewer of people like you. Our call today will to NOT be one of those of whom that is said. Our charge is to go be a blessing today, while we still have opportunity. Subscribe so you will be ready if the Lord gives you another opportunity tomorrow. https://youtu.be/cvzQDY0fCsM
If Moses doesn't make it into the "promised land" by his mostly wonderful life, what hope do we have? The answer is NONE. That is, in and of ourselves, by our list of supposed "merits" and credits in some celestial ledger, NONE. We have no chance of achieving heaven by our merits alone.And that is the point. We are going to need some heaven-sent help. We are going to need the perfect one, the unblemished one, the truly righteous one. How do we know we need Jesus? Because even Moses didn't make it by his ledger-book-of-goodness. https://youtu.be/XsfGLlr0mjc
You get to decide what you "take (into) your heart" and what you don't. Each of us operates a discernment machine to allow certain stuff in , and keep certain stuff OUT.Moses writes a song before his death. The Lord specifically asks that the truth of it be taken into our heart. Join me for 7 minutes, and then comment for 1 minute, as we consider whether to really do what the Lord suggests. https://youtu.be/li_8dLqrs0M
The Lord faithfully sings His love song to His people. The bad news is that they have not exactly been faithful back. It makes for a good song, for sure.When the music stops we find we have a faithful God to a not very faithful people. He demonstrates His faithfulness to an uncooperative people. He maintains covenant. Sing with me. Subscribe.https://youtu.be/gzvPpuCWi4s
Songs speak emotionally more clearly than regular communication. If you've ever wondered what God thinks about you, it's not a bad idea to go to one of His songs.Today hear that you are the apple of His eye. Hear that you are His portion. He cares for you like an Eagle. Finally, He suckles you with HONEY FROM THE ROCK. So, how does God feel about you? Listen to His song about you. He is singing His answer.Subscribe to hear more music from God tomorrow.https://youtu.be/v1Hj55mypqI
Joshua is going to need all the help he can get in leading a pretty rebellious people group. Before he starts he gets a treasure from God: "I will be with you."What might change for you if you could hear those precious words: I will be with you? Where would you be stronger? When would you be more courageous? In What circumstances would you rely on Him saying, right here, right now, in this moment I AM WITH YOU?https://youtu.be/1-Y-7Gk1nK8
Have you ever found yourself at a concert under the power of a song? You know the moment. Everybody has their phone light out, waving it back and forth. What is holding everybody together? A SONG.A song is entirely portable, low cost, memorable, and soul touching. God will use the power of a song, in a remote place, many years down the road, to bring His people back to Himself. God (and Cynthia Erivo!) will leverage the power of a song.https://youtu.be/V7KVMblui4Y
If scripture is not breathed out by God, then do not read it. If the book of Deuteronomy comes merely from Moses, then do not read it.But, if this book comes from the heaven itself; from the heart and voice and breath of God, then read it. And more than that, treasure it.What gives the Word value is that it is the voice of GodWhat makes the Bible a treasure is that it is the very thoughts of GodWhat makes the Bible PROFITABLE is it birthplace in the heart of God.Let's be desperate for it. Subscribe to be desperate for it tomorrow. https://youtu.be/i--hcrT9f8o
At the end of her life, my mother was asked if she wanted to say any final words to her grandchildren. She replied the most wonderful line: "Oh, I have given them everything they need." Imagine coming to the end of your life and being able to say basically, I don't need to do anything additional; I have no regrets for who or how I have poured into. I have equipped them with everything I am capaple of . Now it is their turn. At the end of his life, Moses essentially says the same thing. He has poured into the next generation and charges them to be of particular courage. Join me for 7 minutes to hear of Moses and my Mom.https://youtu.be/dGKn6z2RJro
What God has for you today is not unknowable, not unreachable, not undoableand not unachievable. So, choose life; choose Him; and choose to Love the Lord your God.subscribe, like and share https://youtu.be/rkiw-LYG1CQ
What does the Lord have for me today? Is it a secret, unknowable, & far off?No it is not unknowable, not too difficult, not out of reach,& not too complicated.It is near. It is doable. It is understandable. It is here. Why?SO THAT YOU CAN DO IT.https://youtu.be/wjMfdAvimx0
The revelation of God is enough for faith, for practice, for conduct, and for right thinking. He has given us enough for everything we need here.We have a tendency to be desiring the next thing, where all along He cries out, "I've given you everything you need." We will experience a small 7 minute taste of that today. This podcast is everything you need, at least for today. ;-)https://youtu.be/E73WEMkOUcg
You may be new to the concept of entering into a covenantal relationship. However, covenant keeping in the context of relationship IS NOT NEW TO GOD. He's been at it since page one of the Bible. Of note, He has always been faithful.Can we make covenant with God today? Listen 7 minutes with me as we figure this out. Is God still in the business of relational covenant keeping? Even if it is with knuckleheads? https://youtu.be/nVRYm-g_Evs
I will spare you most of the 53 verses of curses pronounced upon the people of God. You'd rightly expect them for a people who fail to Listen to God's voice or follow His commands. But He also adds this condemnation: "Because you did not serve the Lord your God with joyfulness and gladness of heart.."Think about that. Not only does God wish obedient hands, He wants joyful hearts. Let this be a heart check today for all of us. subscribehttps://youtu.be/bnoVlXc_5pY
When will blessings chase you down and overtake you? Sometimes the answer is in the presence of my enemies.YOU MEAN TO TELL ME THAT THE BLESSINGS OF THE LORD WILL BE SEEN IN THE CONTEXT OF ENEMIES AND BATTLES? Exactly. sometimes enemies are required to most clearly see His hand.The spiritual life is not lived absent conflict. It is lived absent aloneness.Please come back tomorrow. Lord willing, I'll be here if He gives me another sunrise here. https://youtu.be/4q8VY_3mDRc
God makes a nationwide morality play in Deuteronomy 27 and 28. ½ the people play the good guys, and ½ the nation plays the bad guys. The whole country literally has a part. They stand on the dividing lines of good vs. evil. Everybody speaks so that they understood the choice before them. Everybody understands the consequences. Don't we all similarly understand that we get to choose, but choose under the watchful eye of the Lord.https://youtu.be/RNsovf2lf3I
God is asks us for a response to all that He does for us. He sets His love upon us. He chooses us. He walks in our midst.We can give Him ½ a heart, or probably even a 1/16th of a heart. He asks for the whole enchilada. He'll picture our ideal response quite literally today:Even the rocks bear witness to the full hearted response that God wishes. Listen 7 minutes. Like. subscribe. share. re-post. Make a whole-hearted response.https://youtu.be/B6zrjOL-QUs
What is so unique about Israel? It is God's choice. God's intent. God's plan. God's presence. and God's value.He is preparing an undeserving people, Israel, by demonstrating His kindness so that eventually, He can demonstrate His kindness to an undeserving world, full of undeserving people like you and me. That is why Israel is so smokin' hot. Listen 7 minutes today and subscribe for tomorrow: https://youtu.be/6BVH48cXHeE
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu didn't forget something God told his people 3500 years prior to specifically not forget. He remembered the Amalekites. Not only that, he asked the world today to not forget the Amalekites.The reference is the very chapter we are on as we are walking thru Deuteronomy. It is there Moses is commanded to "blot out the memory" of the Amalekites. Join me as we ask about his application of this verse to the current people group of the Palestinians, and their leadership of Hamas. Once again, Deuteronomy is practical and applicable. Subscribehttps://youtu.be/EYXBafhLsiQ
What do you do for what God has done for you? The answer is : MAKE a RESPONSE. How do you respond? A response is undeniably required.Functionally, today's passage is about money. It is about STUFF.But the stuff is just the "currency" of the response. So are our hands, feet, mouths, and wallets. Realize and respond with me for 7 minutes.https://youtu.be/qdqehK-54kg
We'll land on the question today: "Who am I at liberty to marry?" We will get there by way of an unusual Old Testament practice. We'll also address what comes along with marriage. What are my duties? To whom are they owed? https://youtu.be/MYbcoQMWDLY
God wants a bunch of OXEN in His church. Working. Laboring. Eating voraciously. He wants everybody to be using their gifts for His kingdom. Every single person should have an answer to the question: "Where do you serve?"The relevance of this ancient verse is reinforced by two significant reiterations of it in the New Testament. It is there that the full meaning of our ancient passage is brought forth. It is about more than OXEN. It is about what we owe our pastor/elder. Listen 7 minutes to hear what we owe those who work hard amongst us.https://youtu.be/-JrGWz9TAxE
Kidnapping is an easy one. It is the only "theft" (the theft of another person) that is punishable by death.We shuld be treating others as if we are before the Lord God be cause we really ARE before the Lord. So then, if you KNEW that your financial actions were done before the eye of the Lord your God, what would have to change? What should change? Consider this "OLD" principles, which are perfectly applicable today. Then subscribe, etc.https://youtu.be/bLXLW_2oSaE
We live in a world of wars but you get to chose a wife We live in a world of Hostilities, and I have provided for you a husband If you are not married, sow the seeds that make you marriage-ready. 75% of the time the problem isn't FINDING "the right one" it is BEING the right one. Grow in purity; grow as a provider, grow in preparation, Grow in prayer for a future spouse—they likely are struggling just as much with aloneness and all the challenges of singleness ; and grow in pursuit…not of a spouse, but of God.If you are married, grow in happiness by growing in gratefulness for the one you chose. Hurry, you only get a year... Please subscribe in the meantime.https://youtu.be/NcmpcexScmc
In an unfallen world there would be marriage but no divorce. However, we do not live in such a world. Are there any principles that guide the nasty business of divorce?God's eyes are upon marriage, and God's eyes are upon divorce. Surely, this is going to affect more than just two people. We all know there are indeed ripple effects from divorce. He calls us in the midst of all this fallenness, do "not bring sin upon the land." He charges the fallen to be careful, to try to limit the ripples. subscribe for more ripple help tomorrow. https://youtu.be/8aAjy3Kd69k
Did you know that LIONS have taste buds specifically tuned to the diet they are designed for? They cannot taste Skittles, and they MUST taste meat.Similarly, we are designed for God. Our hearts are set on Him, even if we don't quite have it all figured out. Like the lion's taste receptors, ours are specifically tuned towards God and flavor and satisfaction is found only in Him.Listen and subscribe 7 minutes as we discover that you have the taste buds of a LION.https://youtu.be/1JOPj-Ga3e4
There is something special about Sunday church. It is supposed to be SOOO special, that to be prevented from attending would be a grief to you. This could happen from church discipline, illness, or force of habit. It should be painful because it is there that "the Lord walks in the midst of your camp." That is, His presence is uniquely and powerfully present in the center of His people. Missing church should hurt so much, that I will FLY to the Assembly of God this Sunday. See you there. Subscribe, comment, like.https://youtu.be/Hgyz7tBaI18
Would it sting to NOT be able to go to church? If assembling is a privilege, then being prevented from attending should hurt.It is even used as a disciplining tool in the Old and New Testaments. The ultimate ecclesiastical censure is to be banished.Let's value, appreciate and profoundly treasure our access to the Assembly of God.https://youtu.be/srKj7TyEcFA
Today we'll hear that The moral principles of sexual conduct are the same today as they were 3500 years ago.This should lead us to a reverence, humility, and silence and as we come to this topic. Likely, you have been spared the just punishment that surrounds this topic, NOT BECAUSE YOU ARE INNOCENT. You have been spared because the perfectly innocent, JESUS, has come to bear your punishment.Sorry no video today. Just audio: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1304884/episodes/17455078
Does God care about what I wear? How about cross-dressing in either apparel or behavior? Of note, our image bearing of God Himself is reflected even in our clothing. God loves maleness. God loves femaleness. Your maleness or your femaleness are inseperable to your image bearing. To confuse this is to disorder that which was originally designed to be ordered. So, carry your maleness or your femaleness proudly and clearly, for by doing so you reverentially carry the very image of God.https://youtu.be/rUWf4u_l8z4
If you want to learn about LOVE, you'd best look to the OX. Like a stray OX, Love is inconvenient, Love is intrusive and you will be tempted to ignore it. Similarly, a decision to love is inconvenient, intrusive and you'll be tempted ignore engaging in the whole business.What is love like? If it involves a wandering OX, then run to the OX.https://youtu.be/wrwqGxGLMrk
Crucifixion is a nasty business. It involves the torture and killing of a condemned person. But it also can tarnish the whole land that it occurs in, if the deceased is not buried on the same day. Their bodies "shall not remain all night on the tree".The reason that Joseph of Arimathea, Nicodemus and the Jewish authorities acted expeditiously to kill and care for the three on the crosses we are familiar with is because of what it says in Deuteronomy. Once again, Deuteronomy echoes through the ages. Listen as we visit the cross. https://youtu.be/DI1pwOhp8YU
So how many wives is best? The answer is ONE, but it is a little more complicated than that. Polygamy is mentioned and acknowledged in the Bible, but it is never endorsed.What about the women who are spared from the destruction of their cities in war? What about the children and their inheritance for those with two wives. It is complicated, but join me for 7 minutes while we don't ignore it. https://youtu.be/S5WMIe_NAVY
We all sit in the shade of trees we did not plant. We Stand on shoulders that are not our own.Spiritually, we too stand upon inherited blessings that we did not earn. Some of course are from God, and some are from actual humans. For 7 minutes, Consider such "spiritual trees" under whose shade you sit today. https://youtu.be/KYWGm2PmMsU
Today, Be READY for a fight.—perhaps temptation; evil, sickness, or even a grief.But, be ready to have the Lord go with you into battle.It is not “let go and let God”, more like, LET'S GET GOING WITH GOD.The battle is the Lord's, but the fight is yours.Or at least ½ yours. He fights with you. He let's you fight.The battle is the Lord's, AND the fight is yours. AND the fight is His. subscribe for more fisticuffs tomorrow. https://youtu.be/dsyoDaN8dmk
Welcome to the original SANCTUARY CITY!Where the punishments proportionate to the crimes. Where the innocent are protected. Where the guilty are not spared but brought to justiceWhere false accusers become truly accusedBecause of Deuteronomy, you likely sit in such a city today. Listen 7 minutes to see why. https://youtu.be/FKkh2NIkvrg
Deuteronomy is practical and applicable as it sheds light on two topics:should there be capital punishment?what is the purpose of a sanctuary city?Listen 7 minutes to hear what the Bible has to say about it.https://youtu.be/Xg0ro2aKJW0
If God does not "write the Bible", then we are of no obligation to read it or follow it. But let's say that God really does Author the book. Then, we are beholden to read it, treasure it and follow it. Follow this Chain of Revelation with me today:1. God2. Revelation God make himself known3. Inspiration Prophets who faithfully write with vested with God's authority4. Recognition Scripture accepted by recipients as divine5. Canonization Bible books gradually collected into one volume-honor6. Preservation Scripture faithfully copied for distribution7. Translation Bible put into other heart languages and is useful 8. Observation People read and study the Bible9. Illumination Holy Spirit helps people understand the Bible10. Interpretation podcasters People study what the Bible means and try to communicate it winsomelyhttps://youtu.be/hxFDdaDZhKI