Bible Geeks Weekly

### Dwell on God's Praiseworthy Gifts and VirtuesIt's been awhile, but we're excited to be back to our normal recording schedule, starting this week. And we're introducing our next big, thirteen-session Guided Study, called “What's Good.” Our goal with the series is to direct our attention to some of the “pure ... lovely ... commendable” things we should “think on” (Phil. 4:8). Because in the midst of “this present darkness” (Eph. 6:12), can't we all use some help focusing on the light? So on Monday, we'll start three weeks of Daily Download videos  — fifteen short videos on good things worth dwelling on. Then we hope you'll join us for our regular, weekly episodes each Thursday over the next quarter, as we talk about God's good gifts and some virtues worthy of reflection. In this episode, we kick the series off with what Jesus said about healthy eyes and then a dive into Philippians 4:8, our Scripture du Jour. Thanks everyone for your patience and for coming back as we start up this encouraging, new series!**The Big Idea:** *The Lord doesn't just want us to do good things, he also wants us to think about good things.***This Week's Challenge:** *Change your environment to support praiseworthy thinking.***Show Notes**- [Gamechanger: Dwell on the Good (SERMON)](https://youtu.be/SQ_tPxmmAIo)- [Training Wheels Guided Study (PDF)](https://biblegeeks.fm/s/Complete-TrainingWheelsStudyGuide.pdf)- [What's Good Guided Study (WEBSITE)](https://biblegeeks.fm/good)- [Steve Jobs' iPhone Keynote (VIDEO)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GK55ElsVzxM)Support the Show

Rejoice When Your Children Follow the LordCompleting our parenting series the week of Mother's Day, it seems appropriate to acknowledge all of the work godly moms devote to training their kids! And isn't it fitting to spend this episode talking about the honor kids give to parents — and the honor parents give to kids? So this week, we close Training Wheels by looking forward to the "one shining moment" when our Lord becomes our child's Lord. Like Paul, we want to say, "what is our hope or joy or crown of boasting before our Lord Jesus at his coming? Is it not you?" (1 Thess. 2:19). Along the way, we discuss our best Father's Day presents, how our relationships change as kids get older, and why Jesus calls obedient believers his "brother and sister and mother" (Matt. 12:50). We define and apply a Heavy Word, learning that "honor" is about giving weight and worth. And we close the series with a prayer for our kids to have a "heart of wisdom" (Prov. 10:1). We plan to take a brief hiatus after this episode, but we pray that this series blesses your parenting, and we look forward to the next guided study.The Big Idea: What a gift it is to call your child a "brother" or "sister" in Christ.This Week's Challenge: Give encouragement to a young person who has honored their parents by their faithfulness.Show NotesTraining Wheels Study Guide - Session 13 (Color PDF)Training Wheels Study Guide - Session 13 (B&W PDF)"The Greatest Gift" (DAILY DOWNLOAD)Jesus Said ... Matt. 12:46-50 (VERSE)Training Wheels Guided Study (WEBSITE)Dale Schiele's Memorial PageSupport the Show

Prepare Your Child for a Life of Service to GodHow do we teach our kids to ask, "How do I want to serve when I grow up?" This week we look at two different parents that Scripture places side-by-side as a "Do This" and "Don't Do That" contrast. We notice Jesus in two songs of mothers-to-be, reflecting on how God turns the tables on the lowly and the proud. Then, in a segment we call "Hello, My Name Is," we dive into a character study of Hannah. What change does Hannah undergo when she believes the Lord has heard her prayer? How is she the ultimate lender? And how does her faith set the tone for her son's life? We close with a discussion of becoming "empty nesters" someday, and then a weekly challenge and a prayer. With only one more session after this, we're rounding third base and heading home in our Training Wheels series, aiming to complete these conversations with an emphasis on the lasting direction we want to give our kids. Find the whole series at biblegeeks.fm/trainingwheels.The Big Idea: Our kids were created for his glory, not ours.This Week's Challenge: Check in with a young person about how they want to serve God when they grow up.Show NotesTraining Wheels Study Guide - Session 12 (Color PDF)Training Wheels Study Guide - Session 12 (B&W PDF)"Mona Lisa Smile" (DAILY DOWNLOAD)Finding Jesus: 1 Sam. 2:1-10 (VERSE)"The Greatest Gift" (DAILY DOWNLOAD)Training Wheels Guided Study (WEBSITE)Support the Show

Guide Your Kids Through Life's DifficultiesWhat is "lawnmower parenting" and is failure really "not an option"? This week, as we talk about guiding our kids through their troubles, Jesus shows us the perfect parental prayer in John 17:12-19, particularly demonstrating what NOT to ask of the Lord. We also learn how Bryan almost blew up his house as a child — a story worth tuning in for all by itself! And we return to one of our favorite segments, Here's the Story, following the prodigal son down his tragic spiral. It gives us a chance to observe the incredible love of his father, drawing some surprising lessons from the parable's depiction of God's parenting. May we all learn from our Heavenly Father's patient restraint, and his gracious readiness to receive his repentant children!The Big Idea: As we send our children into the world, we can't protect them from every danger.This Week's Challenge: Make a plan with your spouse about how you'll handle your own "prodigal moments," before they happen.Show NotesTraining Wheels Study Guide - Session 11 (Color PDF)Training Wheels Study Guide - Session 11 (B&W PDF)"Bubble Wrap" (DAILY DOWNLOAD)Jesus Said ... John 17:12-19 (VERSE)"Mona Lisa Smile" (DAILY DOWNLOAD)Training Wheels Guided Study (WEBSITE)Support the Show

Be Purposeful With Your CommunicationHow is understanding our kids like collecting clues to a mystery our children haven't solved themselves? And how do we "answer a fool according to his folly" (Prov. 26:5) while also heeding the instruction to "answer NOT a fool according to his folly" (Prov. 26:4)? This week's conversation is all about how we speak and how we listen, particularly in parenting. Our Top 4 Proverbs on Communication challenge us to consider if our words are "graceful garlands" around our kids' heads and if we ever answer before we hear. And learning to act more Like the Teacher in John 10:3-4, we pick up a golden rule of speaking. What does all this have to do with closed captions, Shaquille O'Neil, and peanut butter / maple syrup sandwiches? We invite you to have a listen and find out!The Big Idea: You can talk at your child and make a lot of noise, or you can talk to them and get through.This Week's Challenge: Go on a "date night" with your child and ask them about their interests.Show NotesTraining Wheels Study Guide - Session 10 (Color PDF)Training Wheels Study Guide - Session 10 (B&W PDF)"Eloquent Orations" (DAILY DOWNLOAD)Like the Teacher: John 10:3-4 (VERSE)"Bubble Wrap" (DAILY DOWNLOAD)Training Wheels Guided Study (WEBSITE)Support the Show

Reflect God's Grace in Your ParentingOne thing every Christian parent seems to have in common is extremely high expectations — for ourselves and our kids. So this week we get to the heart of the gospel, because even in a parenting series we can't go far without relying on God's grace. We draft our A-Team of merciful and gracious people, we talk about the power of an apology, and we wonder, "Which is harder to deal with, your mistakes or your kids'?" Finding Jesus in 2 Corinthians 12, we're reminded that Christ is with us in our pain and his grace is enough! So we hope you find encouragement and hope as we celebrate the "the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus" (Eph. 2:7).The Big Idea: The gospel of grace gives us a new lens to see ourselves, our kids, and our parenting.This Week's Challenge: Share a personal struggle or shortcoming you've had with someone.Show NotesTraining Wheels Study Guide - Session 9 (Color PDF)Training Wheels Study Guide - Session 9 (B&W PDF)"Practically Perfect" (DAILY DOWNLOAD)The Emotionally Healthy Church by Warren Bird (BOOK)Finding Jesus: 2 Cor. 12:7-10 (VERSE)"Eloquent Orations" (DAILY DOWNLOAD)Training Wheels Guided Study (WEBSITE)Support the Show

Seize Each Day's Teaching MomentsWhat do self-driving cars and spiky hair have to do with purposeful parenting? This week we talk about seizing the moments when our kids are most ready to learn, asking: What wisdom does Moses give for parents answering big, spiritual questions? And what can we do to create the conversations that can help our kids work through what's really going on in their hearts? We also offer four of our favorite teaching moments, share the kinds of kid questions that stump us, and try to figure out how to keep our instruction relevant as our kids grow older. Find the study guide for this and the rest of the Training Wheels guided study at biblegeeks.fm/trainingwheels.The Big Idea: The world is your child's classroom, whether you're teaching them or not.This Week's Challenge: Pause the TV to start a spiritual discussion with your family.Show NotesTraining Wheels Study Guide - Session 8 (Color PDF)Training Wheels Study Guide - Session 8 (B&W PDF)"Why?" (DAILY DOWNLOAD)Finding Jesus: Deut. 6 (VERSE)"Practically Perfect" (DAILY DOWNLOAD)Training Wheels Guided Study (WEBSITE)Support the Show

Take Responsibility for What You Can ControlWhat's your goal in parenting, and is it possible we've directed our attention to the wrong person's behavior? This week, we distinguish our responsibilities from our kids' responsibilities in session 7 of our Training Wheels guided study. What Jesus Said at the end of the Sermon on the Mount shows us we aren't building additions on our parents houses and we don't have the remote control on other people. We ask, "Do You Understand?" what God wants us to take from Ezekiel 18, realizing we need to keep our "eyes on the ball" and skip the blame shifting. We also share our parenting regrets, times our kids made us want to hide in embarrassment, and our prayer for parents and kids all over.The Big Idea: Good parenting is a daily choice you make, not the result of your child's choices.This Week's Challenge: Thank a parent for their work with their children.Show NotesTraining Wheels Study Guide - Session 7 (Color PDF)Training Wheels Study Guide - Session 7 (B&W PDF)"The Mouth of Babes" (DAILY DOWNLOAD)Jesus Said ... Matt. 7:12-27 (VERSE)Do You Understand? Ezekiel 18 (VERSE)"Why?" (DAILY DOWNLOAD)Training Wheels Guided Study (WEBSITE)Support the Show

Show Your Children What Life Is All AboutWhat's the difference between being a shepherd, and being a good shepherd? And how does Jesus "level up" our parenting game? This week we throwback to an old segment, with a Scripture du Jour, drawing insight from Jesus' words in John 10. We talk about the challenge of shepherding different kids without juggling or splitting our focus, and the difficulty of adapting to new challenges as our kids — and the world — keep changing! The conversation starts with some tough questions — like "are you comfortable telling your kids to walk like you?" — and never gets easier. But we hope that you're blessed by the journey as we try to tackle them head on! Check out the study guide for this conversation (session 6 of Training Wheels) and watch for the complete booklet this Spring.The Big Idea: Your life speaks volumes to those following behind you.This Week's Challenge: Choose an activity to do with your child that Christ did with his disciples.Show NotesTraining Wheels Study Guide - Session 6 (Color PDF)Training Wheels Study Guide - Session 6 (B&W PDF)"Jesus' Twelve Kids" (DAILY DOWNLOAD)Like the Teacher: John 1:35-51 (VERSE)Scripture du Jour: John 10:7-18 (VERSE)"The Mouth of Babes" (DAILY DOWNLOAD)Training Wheels Guided Study (WEBSITE)Support the Show

Parent Like Your Heavenly FatherHow are parenting principles like keys, sunglasses, and the mail? What's better than saying "I love you" to our kids? And what do you learn when your "birthing plan" goes out the window? This week, we praise God for the way he leads us as parents. What Jesus Said about God's fatherly provision illuminates a sobering truth about ourselves. And some Deep Thoughts from Numbers and Hosea encourage us to grow in patience. It's session five of our Training Wheels guided study, and you can find the guide, videos, and all the other sessions at biblegeeks.fm/trainingwheels.The Big Idea: We can find our way in our parenting dilemmas by looking up.This Week's Challenge: Explore a quality of God's parenting with a new or expecting parent.Show NotesTraining Wheels Study Guide - Session 5 (Color PDF)Training Wheels Study Guide - Session 5 (B&W PDF)"We Were Experts" (DAILY DOWNLOAD)Jesus Said ... Matt. 7:7-11 (VERSE)"Jesus' Twelve Kids" (DAILY DOWNLOAD)Training Wheels Guided Study (WEBSITE)Support the Show

Train With Wisdom, Patience, and LoveHave you ever wondered what to do with the command not to "provoke your children to wrath"? This week we try to discern when godly discipline becomes discouraging, applying the commands of Colossians 3:21 and Ephesians 6:1-4. We start out looking for direction from Christ's example in Matthew 11:25-30, wondering, "When is a burden not a burden?" and "How do we avoid carrying our authority like the Pharisees?" It's a frank conversation that takes us from times we've wanted to give up to the times we've needed to keep our cool as dads. It's session four of the Training Wheels guided study — got to biblegeeks.fm/trainingwheels to get the study guide for this conversation and all the others in the series!The Big Idea: When discipline demoralizes our kids, we do more harm than good.This Week's Challenge: Hug your kids and tell them what you appreciate about their character.Show NotesTraining Wheels Study Guide - Session 4 (Color PDF)Training Wheels Study Guide - Session 4 (B&W PDF)"Build to Bend" (DAILY DOWNLOAD)Like the Teacher: Matt. 11:25-30 (VERSE)"We Were Experts" (DAILY DOWNLOAD)Training Wheels Guided Study (WEBSITE)Support the Show

Reflect God's Discipline and Consistency at HomeWhen is it hardest to stay consistent with our kids? What virtue gives us our compass? And what does the Bible say to do to bless our children? This week we continue our guided study on parenting with a discussion of integrity, followthrough, and consistency. What Jesus Said in Luke 16:10-13 reminds us that trust is built in small acts, and 4 Proverbs on Integrity teach us that our actions are on full display for our kids. The conversation leads us from our failures to God's wisdom, stopping to talk about Captain Hook, I Love Lucy, family bake-offs, and whining children. Whether you're a parent or not, we hope you find some encouragement to keep your commitments, tell the truth, and live faithfully.The Big Idea: Integrity reinforces our kids' structural support system.This Week's Challenge: Sit down with your spouse and evaluate your consistency, discipline, and followthrough.Show NotesTraining Wheels Study Guide - Session 3 (Color PDF)Training Wheels Study Guide - Session 3 (B&W PDF)"Structural Integrity" (DAILY DOWNLOAD)Jesus Said ... Luke 16:10-13 (VERSE)“Looking Through You” (DAILY DOWNLOAD)"Built to Bend" (DAILY DOWNLOAD)Training Wheels Guided Study (WEBSITE)Support the Show

Deepen Your Devotion to God as a FamilyWhat are the "No Matter What's" in your home? And how do we keep worship from becoming just another thing we "have to do"? We're in session two of our guided study on parenting, focusing on our devotion to God as a family. In a Poetry In Motion double-header, we take on Psalm 127 and 128, talking about dusting, road trips, comparing families, and the difference between the home the Lord builds and the house of futility. We also learn from Jesus' upbringing, celebrate family singing, and discuss different kinds of prosperity in a home. We hope you'll check out the downloadable study guide and accompanying video, and consider sharing this study with your friends who are "in the trenches" of parenting right now!The Big Idea: Worship isn't just what we do as a family, it's who we are.This Week's Challenge: Sing a song of praise to God as a family.Show NotesTraining Wheels Study Guide - Session 2 (Color PDF)Training Wheels Study Guide - Session 2 (B&W PDF)"Almost Ancient" (DAILY DOWNLOAD)Finding Jesus ... Luke 1-2 (VERSE)Poetry in Motion: Psalm 127-128 (VERSE)"Structural Integrity" (DAILY DOWNLOAD)Training Wheels Guided Study (WEBSITE)Support the Show

Solidify Your Marital FoundationHow important is it for couples to stay on the same page? What's God's recipe for marriage? And just how serious are covenants made before God? This week's conversation follows the study guide for session one of Training Wheels. We take on the Heavy Word "covenant" and learn that faithful love for our spouses starts in our spirits. We start with what Jesus Said about becoming "one flesh" and end by sharing how we've dealt with disagreements in our marriages through the years. We hope you find the new format helpful and encourage you to take a look at our downloadable study guide!The Big Idea: The marriage covenant is God's foundation for a stable family.This Week's Challenge: Ask your spouse where you need to get on the same page, and talk through whatever issues you both see.Show NotesTraining Wheels Study Guide - Session 1 (Color PDF)Training Wheels Study Guide - Session 1 (B&W PDF)"Like Riding a Bike" (DAILY DOWNLOAD)"Sinkhole Alley" (DAILY DOWNLOAD)Jesus Said ... Matt. 19:6-9 (VERSE)"Almost Ancient" (DAILY DOWNLOAD)Training Wheels Guided Study (WEBSITE)Support the Show

Support, Shepherd, and Send Out Our KidsWhat does it really mean to "train up" a child, and what does that have to do with Hanukkah, NASA shuttle launches, and kids getting their way? This week we aim to set the trajectory for our kids and give them momentum, as we introduce our first Guided Study. It's a thirteen-session dive into biblical parenting we call "Training Wheels," and we can't wait to get started! As we prepare for session one, we look at two famous parenting passages (Eph. 6:1-4 and Prov. 22:6). Watch for Daily Download videos starting next week, and if you know any parents that you think might enjoy a series like this, please spread the word!The Big Idea: Children tend to keep going in the direction that their training points them.This Week's Challenge: Say a prayer for parents trying to raise the next generation.Show NotesGuided Study: Training Wheels (WEBSITE)Finding Jesus: Eph. 6:1-4 (VERSE)Scripture du Jour: Prov. 22:6 (VERSE)"Introducing Bible Geeks Guided Studies" (VIDEO)Bible Geeks Guided Studies (WEBSITE)Support the Show

Programming Note: This week, we're replaying one of our favorite episodes from the past. We'll be back next week with a brand new episode.This week we're all about habits! How do you get a good habit to stick, why is a sin habit so hard to shake, and what kind of habits did Jesus have? We've had habits on the brain lately as we both have been reading James Clear's new book, so we're examining our own habits and diving into God's wisdom on this practical subject. Plus Bryan reacts to Jesus' words on God filling us up to overflowing from Luke 6:38, and Ryan shares why his son can't seem to shake the thumb-sucking habit. Join us for a listen!Weekly Challenge: Identify a small habit that supports your bigger spiritual goals and incorporate into your daily routine.Show NotesJesus Said … Luke 6:38Atomic Habits by James Clear (BOOK)The Power of Habit by Charles Duhigg (BOOK)The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People (BOOK)Marginal Gains: This Coach Improved Every Tiny Thing by 1 Percent (BLOG)Start Tiny (BLOG)Bullet Journal (SITE)Productive habits & daily goals tracker (APP)Ryan's 50 Challenges (SERMON)Ryan's Habits Presentation (SLIDES)

Transition to the New Year With GratitudeWhat kind of year has it been? What do you hope for in 2022? This week we throw back to an old, favorite segment, celebrating the "new wine" Christ brings and aiming to fit it with a "new wineskin" (Luke 5:33-39). We also share our Favorite Things about last year's Cross Training — like thinking holistically about discipleship and finding a conversational "sweet spot" with other Christians. Then we close the episode explaining what we have planned for the future of Bible Geeks. We're so grateful for those of you who spend time with us each week in these conversations, and we hope you're encouraged and blessed by this year's new batch of podcasts and videos. (And maybe even find some new ways to use them!) May you grow in his grace.The Big Idea: Christ wants to make everything new — including your thinking, affections, behavior, and relationships.This Week's Challenge: Take note of a few of your favorite things from this year of learning and growth, and give God glory and thanks for them!Show NotesJesus Said ... Luke 5:33-39 (VERSE)Cross Training (WEBSITE)"Introducing Bible Geeks Guided Studies" (VIDEO)Bible Geeks Guided Studies (WEBSITE)Wholeheartedness (DAILY DOWNLOAD)Spiritual Awareness (DAILY DOWNLOAD)Zeal (DAILY DOWNLOAD)Burden Bearing (DAILY DOWNLOAD)Shepherding (DAILY DOWNLOAD)Support the Show

Open Yourself to Wise AdvisorsWe made it! It's our final Cross Training episode and our last episode of another crazy year! Thank you for being part of this journey — we hope it has blessed you and your spiritual growth. This week we learn when "more is more," why Bob Evans' restaurants should have whiteboards, and how Google makes a dangerous doctor! It all ties in (somehow!?!) with the Scriptural directive to seek out good advice and choose carefully who we let influence us. We start by returning to Christ's childhood as a model of growing in wisdom by getting interested in the things of God, surrounding yourself with studied counselors, asking questions, and listening! Then we dive into the story of Rehoboam listening to the wrong advice, and end by sharing how good advisors have impacted each of our lives.The Big Idea: You can affect the counsel you receive by the relationships you invest in, the questions and topics you raise, and the care you put into listening.Weekly Challenges: Find this week's Through the Week challenges here.Show NotesCross Training - "Different Voices" (DAILY DOWNLOAD)Cross Training - Through the Week Challenges - Week 52Like the Teacher: Luke 2:40-52 (VERSE)Here's the Story: Rehoboam's Foolish Advisors (VERSE)“Prone to Hyperbole” (WEEKLY EPISODE)The Bible Geeks Facebook Group (FACEBOOK)Support the Show

Check Yourself Before You Wreck YourselfWhy do we tend to think we're alone in our struggles, and how do we reconnect? If God knows me better than I know myself, and he also loves me more than I love myself — how do those truths change my commitments? And where do we find joy when it isn't close at hand? This week we set Poetry in Motion with David's extraordinary, intimate prayer in Psalm 139, learning to live as an open book before God. And in our opening discussion of Matthew 7:1-5, Bryan throws back to a nosy neighbor from TV's Golden era while Ryan draws some observations from early dot com culture. The lessons from these passages bring us back to ourselves and the challenging task of seeing ourselves clearly and getting to work.The Big Idea: God's work in us requires our honesty with him.Weekly Challenges: Find this week's Through the Week challenges here.Show NotesCross Training - "Regular Checkup" (DAILY DOWNLOAD)Cross Training - Through the Week Challenges - Week 51Like the Teacher: Matthew 7:1-5 (VERSE)Poetry in Motion: Psalm 139 (VERSE)Gladys Kravitz (VIDEO)I Want It Now (VIDEO)The Bible Geeks Facebook Group (FACEBOOK)Support the Show

Desire and Seek God's GoodnessMake sure you eat before this week's episode or you might get hungry! Our discussion of hungering and thirsting for righteousness brought on a lot of food talk! We go from Michael Phelps' diet to Elf's Clause-o-meter, as 4 Proverbs encourage us to align our desires with God's, burn lots of spiritual calories, and stay hungry! We learn how to savor God's goodness and even to find the good in the bitter things of life. And some Through the Week challenges whet our appetite and lead us to some self-reflection about what these year has left us "hungry" for. It's a smorgasbord of Bible flavors, so get your plate and dive in!The Big Idea: The more we taste God's goodness, the more hungry we are for more. And the greater our hunger, the more we find.Weekly Challenges: Find this week's Through the Week challenges here.Show NotesCross Training - "Gasping for Air" (DAILY DOWNLOAD)Cross Training - Through the Week Challenges - Week 50Like the Teacher: Matthew 5:3-12 (VERSE)Michael Phelps' 10,000 Calorie Diet (ARTICLE)The Bible Geeks Facebook Group (FACEBOOK)

Learn From the Lord Throughout Your LifeHow does God draw us to Christ? What's the difference between learning a subject and learning a person (Eph. 4:20)? And how do we get off track when we make discipleship a competition? This week we kick off four weeks on lifelong learning, beginning with a discussion of discipleship that takes us from "old man problems" to our continuing education in faith and grace. We start with a Like the Teacher segment that leads us on a scavenger hunt and reminds us what a gift it is to be "taught by God" (John 6:45). Then we dive into some deep thoughts about dealing with the "thumbs down" button in life and about two different kinds of "following" Jesus (Matt. 4:25-5:1). It's all a humbling reminder of just how far we all still have to go, as we grow in Him!The Big Idea: The further we go with Jesus, the more we recognize our need for his instruction and grace.Weekly Challenges: Find this week's Through the Week challenges here.Show NotesCross Training - "Old Dogs" (DAILY DOWNLOAD)Cross Training - Through the Week Challenges - Week 49Like the Teacher: John 6:44-51 (VERSE)The Bible Geeks Facebook Group (FACEBOOK)Support the Show

Learn the Leadership Style of ChristWhat does Jesus mean when he says he knows his sheep by name? And what gives us the right to lead anyone? On this episode, our sights are set on the Lord's shepherding and how to imitate it in our own spheres of influence. This week's Poetry in Motion dives into some of the most beloved words ever penned, as we find encouragement in God's care and protection in the 23rd psalm. From fighting bears to cooking competitions, our Through the Week challenges force us to strain and grow as parents, friends, and teachers. It left us asking: Are we still just showing up for a Thanksgiving meal or hosting the feast? Hope you find it helpful too!The Big Idea: Leadership in the kingdom takes its cue from the care, commitment, and courage of Christ.Weekly Challenges: Find this week's Through the Week challenges here.Show NotesCross Training - "Cowboys and Shepherds" (DAILY DOWNLOAD)Cross Training - Through the Week Challenges - Week 48Like the Teacher: John 10:1-18 (VERSE)Poetry in Motion: Psalm 23 (VERSE)The Bible Geeks Facebook Group (FACEBOOK)Support the Show

Don't Dim Christ's Light Within YouThis week, "on a very special Bible Geeks," we had the chance to record together lakeside and enjoy God's creation around us. Our Cross Training focuses on shining a light to lead others to the Lord. A lot of the conversation dealt with the challenge of letting others see your good works (Matt. 5:16) while at the same time avoiding doing good works "to be seen" (Matt. 6:1). That paradox lies at the heart of the Christian life, and working through it illuminates our purpose (see what we did there?). It's a Thanksgiving Day episode that comes as we all reflect on the year and all the ways the Lord has blessed us. May all that we do increase thanksgiving to the One who deserves all glory and gratitude!The Big Idea: Letting people see your good works isn't about you. It's about the glory God gets when people see His goodness in you.Weekly Challenges: Find this week's Through the Week challenges here.Show NotesCross Training - "Afraid of the Dark" (DAILY DOWNLOAD)Cross Training - Through the Week Challenges - Week 47Like the Teacher: Matthew 5:14-16 (VERSE)The Bench of Knowledge (PHOTO)Owl Lamps (PHOTO)Recording Together (PHOTO)The Bible Geeks Facebook Group (FACEBOOK)Support the Show

Programming Note: This week, we're replaying one of our favorite episodes from the past. We'll be back next week with a brand new episode.This week we discuss how warhorses are like fighter jets and how beagles are like Moses. We talk about "Selah," superscriptions, and the source of salvation as we set the third psalm "in Motion." And we continue our Fruit of the Spirit series with a virtue some have called "the most untranslatable" Bible word. Jesus Said those who possess it will inherit the earth in Matthew 5:5.Weekly Challenge: Show gentleness and meekness to someone this week.Show NotesJesus Said … Matthew 5:5

Walk With the LordWhy does following Jesus require us to get over our estimation of ourselves — whether we see ourselves too low or too high? And how does the "butterfly effect" apply to your conversion? In a conversation with the risen Jesus over breakfast, Jesus won't let Peter redirect attention away from himself onto another disciple. Peter reminds us of Dr. Pol, the large animal vet of Nat Geo's reality show as Jesus trains him to care for the sheep he loves. And in a Here's the Story segment all about four of the "other apostles" — some of the twelve we don't usually focus on — we see the virtue of searching and sharing the Lord. It's a #throwbackthursday as Jesus' call throws back to Elijah, and our response to his call reminds Bryan of an old, failed Apple product.The Big Idea: Our relationship with Jesus deepens as we follow him throughout our lives.Weekly Challenges: Find this week's Through the Week challenges here.Show NotesCross Training - "Learning the Ropes" (DAILY DOWNLOAD)Cross Training - Through the Week Challenges - Week 45Like the Teacher: John 21:15-22 (VERSE)The Bible Geeks Facebook Group (FACEBOOK)“The Rock of My Heart” (SONG)“O Sacred Head” (SONG)Support the Show

Pick Up Someone's BaggageWhat burdens are yours to shoulder? This week, we learn to take radical responsibility from Jesus' story about the shepherd and the lost sheep. We have some Deeep Thoughts about getting “voluntold,” making people feel small by serving them, and evaluating each other's burdens. Bryan talks about times he wants to say, “you don't have to go home, but you can't stay here.” And Ryan talks about when his “eyes are bigger” than his ability to actually help. Bearing one another's burdens is at the heart of the church, but it takes both compassion and wisdom to support one another well.The Big Idea: We can't take responsibility for another person's choices, but we must take ownership of what WE can do to influence, support, and serve others.Weekly Challenges: Find this week's Through the Week challenges here.Show NotesCross Training - "Fellow Soldiers" (DAILY DOWNLOAD)Cross Training - Through the Week Challenges - Week 44Like the Teacher: Luke 15:4-7 (VERSE)The Bible Geeks Facebook Group (FACEBOOK)Support the Show

Live a Consistently Faithful LifeWhat's the thread you hang onto everyday? How can we block out God like smog blocks out the sun? And what “tech support” do we all occasionally need to keep our “spiritual operating systems” optimized? This week we appreciate our Favorite Things to keep consistent, like time outside, asking good questions, and starting the day quietly. In this week's Like the Teacher passage, Jesus says he “always does the things that please” the Father — but what are we supposed to draw from that example? Along the way, we replace New Year's resolutions with new DAY's resolutions, celebrate all the people we never have to worry about, and share what we hope people can reliably see in us. It's Cross Training in consistency, an aspect of endurance we pray God blesses your life with — as you persevere in his grace, may you find stability in Him.The Big Idea: Stacking simple, godly habits, day after day, gives stability to our spiritual lives.Weekly Challenges: Find this week's Through the Week challenges here.Show NotesCross Training - "Stay on Track" (DAILY DOWNLOAD)Cross Training - Through the Week Challenges - Week 43Like the Teacher: John 8:28-29 (VERSE)The Bible Geeks Facebook Group (FACEBOOK)Support the Show

Be Strong Through Your SufferingWhy does Jesus say the world will hate us? And what do weakness and waiting have to do with getting through tough times? In this episode, we're Flying Through the Book of James, learning from expectations and disappointment, and considering how trials have changed us. This week's "Through the Week" challenges have us dealing with burnout, embracing God's delivery schedule, and learning to appreciate difficult people. Plus, Jesus' words in John 15 teach us why it's better to stay IN the frying pan and why being ostracized shouldn't shock us.The Big Idea: When we look to the Lord for renewal and help in hardship, we'll find the power to carry on.Weekly Challenges: Find this week's Through the Week challenges here.Show NotesBalancing the Christian Life with Kenny Embry (PODCAST)Cross Training - "Inhospitable Environment" (DAILY DOWNLOAD)Cross Training - Through the Week Challenges - Week 42Like the Teacher: John 15:18-16:3 (VERSE)The Bible Geeks Facebook Group (FACEBOOK)Support the Show

Follow the Faithful From ScriptureWhat kind of statue do you envision when you think of Abel, Sarah, or Gideon? Which individual person from Scripture has influenced you the most? This week, in an ensemble Here's the Story, we imagine walking through Hebrews 11's “Hall of Faith,” stopping to appreciate each figure. We discuss how examples are like matching pajamas and Bible stories are like Evil Knievel's ramp. We find our common humanity with our heroes and a common table to sit at with Elijah, Isaiah, and John. And as we take the stories to heart, we try to find our place in the great line of devoted (but flawed) people of God.The Big Idea: The great stories of faith can launch us to greater heights, inspiring and instructing us.Weekly Challenges: Find this week's Through the Week challenges here.Show NotesCross Training - "A Different Story" (DAILY DOWNLOAD)Cross Training - Through the Week Challenges - Week 41Like the Teacher: Matthew 5:11-12 (VERSE)Montezuma Castle National Monument (WEBSITE)Walnut Canyon National Monument (WEBSITE)The Bible Geeks Facebook Group (FACEBOOK)Support the Show

Faithfully Tend to the Master's BlessingsWhat's the difference between efficiency and fruitfulness? How can our productivity in God's service go from good to bad to ugly? This week we draft our A-Teams of stewardship stories and dive into the Lord's parable of the Minas. We consider how sharing in the kingdom is kind of like using Vrbo, how humanity seems a risky investment for God, and how stewardship is like babysitting. We hope you find this discussion of all God's gifts (and the responsibilities they bring) as challenging as we did, as we seek to be conduits instead of just consumers!The Big Idea: When we orient our lives around our God-given purpose, everything we possess becomes a resource to that end.Weekly Challenges: Find this week's Through the Week challenges here.Show NotesCross Training - "Just Caretakers" (DAILY DOWNLOAD)Cross Training - Through the Week Challenges - Week 40Like the Teacher: Luke 19:11-27 (VERSE)The Bible Geeks Facebook Group (FACEBOOK)Support the Show

Do Your Work With All Your MightWhat do “manly” hands, iPhone Focus Mode, and three star generals have to do with fervently serving the Lord? What do you see when you look at a crowd? And (to quote an old song), “what's love got to do with it?” This week we're Cross Training to become more fruitful in Christ. So a Heavy Words study of zeal and diligence serves as a temperature check for our passion and devotion, encouraging us to be “romanced” by hope. While this week's challenges inspire us to revisit our “why” and the stakes of our work. The Big Idea: Because Christ has risen, all our work has eternal meaning.Weekly Challenges: Find this week's Through the Week challenges here.Show NotesCross Training - "Your Best Work" (DAILY DOWNLOAD)Cross Training - Through the Week Challenges - Week 39Like the Teacher: Matthew 9:35-38 (VERSE)The Bible Geeks Facebook Group (FACEBOOK)Support the Show

Programming Note: This week, we're replaying one of our favorite episodes from the past. We'll be back next week with a brand new episode.Hold Nothing Back From GodLiving dangerously ... but with discernment? This week we start with Jesus' consuming zeal, as he cleanses the temple, guns blazing, so to speak. What if we acted with that kind of force and passion? That leads into a Shema Edition of Heavy Words, as we seek to live the Greatest Commandment. Finally, we take on (maybe) our toughest set of challenges yet, working on giving our whole hearts to the Lord.The Big Idea: Wholehearted service to God requires honesty before him.Weekly Challenges: Find this week's Through the Week challenges here.Show NotesCross Training - “Squish Like Grape” (DAILY DOWNLOAD)Cross Training - Through the Week Challenges - Week 10Like the Teacher: John 2:13-17 (VERSE)Heavy Words: Shema Edition (VERSE)Quote by William Hutchinson Murray (WEBSITE)Episode 21 - “That's Bad Advertising” (EPISODE)Weeble's Commercial (VIDEO)Bible Geeks Patreon (WEBSITE)Bible Geeks Facebook Group (FACEBOOK)Support the Show

Take Responsibility for Obedience and GrowthWhy isn't it enough just to "come to Jesus"? What's the real issue behind burying your talent? And how can we care for others without getting too tangled up in their emotions and difficulties? This week we kick off four weeks on fruitfulness, beginning with a hard look at our accountability to God for our choices. We ask each other tough questions about judgment and fruitfulness in a "Do You Understand?" segment that lets us talk about things like "Markan sandwiches" and "sheep bleating." And our five Through the Week challenges invite you to be a secret agent of good and watch out for "sour grapes."The Big Idea: We aim to influence and care for others, but our responsibility lies 100% with our own choices.Weekly Challenges: Find this week's Through the Week challenges here.Show NotesCross Training - "The Buck Stops Here" (DAILY DOWNLOAD)Cross Training - Through the Week Challenges - Week 37Like the Teacher: Matthew 12:33-37 (VERSE)The Bible Geeks Facebook Group (FACEBOOK)Support the Show

Live With Skill and DiscernmentAre you a skillful craftsman at building relationships? This week we learn to use questions to engage with hostile people like Jesus the "verbal Aikido" blackbelt. The book of Proverbs — Scripture's "Wisdom Central" — teaches us to build our lives like a house, filled with treasures rather than regrets. We learn from 4 Proverbs on Wisdom that planning for the future is good, but fixing our eyes "out there" on the horizon can keep us from accomplishing and enjoying our real lives right here and now. And in some Through the Week challenges for growing in wisdom, we find a "keystone" prayer and realize that looking for friction can show us where we need to work and grow.The Big Idea: Wisdom is fundamental to every area of life, so pray for it, pursue it, and practice it.Weekly Challenges: Find this week's Through the Week challenges here.Show NotesCross Training - "Play How You Practice" (DAILY DOWNLOAD)Cross Training - Through the Week Challenges - Week 36Like the Teacher: Mark 11:27-33 (VERSE)Tactics by Gregory Koukl (BOOK)The Bible Geeks Facebook Group (FACEBOOK)Support the Show

Fight Back Against the Devil's AttacksWhy does Satan want us to think we're alone? How is overcoming temptation like dealing with mosquitoes, or like a hard-to-open jar lid? This week's Cross Training focuses on resisting the devil. So in a new segment, we do a fantasy-style draft for our A-Team of “Resistance All-Stars” — Bible figures who stood firm against the devil. We learn about Satan's strategies from his temptation of Christ and his conversation with Eve. And we share some personal experiences and insights from our fight against the Evil One.The Big Idea: We CAN overcome temptations, but we have to stop trying to do it by ourselves.Weekly Challenges: Find this week's Through the Week challenges here.Show NotesCross Training - "Resistance Is Futile" (DAILY DOWNLOAD)Cross Training - Through the Week Challenges - Week 35Like the Teacher: Matthew 4:1-11 (VERSE)The Bible Geeks Facebook Group (FACEBOOK)Support the Show

Live With Readiness and VigilanceSometimes life feels like a game of dodgeball as we're constantly on guard for Satan's attack. This week we're continuing our discussion about watchfulness with Jesus' warnings to servants waiting at their master's door. We go deep on defensive and offensive watchfulness, stopping along the way to think about preppers and sleepers. How can we keep routines from causing us to sleepwalk through life? How can we cut through the noise of life and focus on what matters? And why do our kids struggle to pay attention when given even the smallest tasks? Let's get ready together in another Cross Training conversation.The Big Idea: We can get lulled into a dangerous lack of awareness if we don't keep our eyes open — both for blessings and for threats.Weekly Challenges: Find this week's Through the Week challenges here.Show NotesCross Training - "Head on a Swivel" (DAILY DOWNLOAD)Cross Training - Through the Week Challenges - Week 34Like the Teacher: Luke 12:35-48 (VERSE)Wake Up Grateful by Kristi Nelson (BOOK)The Bible Geeks Facebook Group (FACEBOOK)Support the Show

Open Your Eyes to the Spiritual RealmThis week we start with a game of “guess the spiritual superpower” as we focus on living with spiritual awareness. The otherworldly kingdom of Jesus challenges us to “think different,” while Pilate gets stuck in his assumptions. Then we set Poetry in Motion with a quick journey through psalm 20, affirming that while some trust in chariots, we trust in our God. And we try to find some perspective on our lives as time passes and we — perhaps — see more of the story. The Big Idea: We make different choices when we stay awake and aware of the spiritual realm we can't see.Weekly Challenges: Find this week's Through the Week challenges here.Show NotesCross Training - "The Rest of the Story" (DAILY DOWNLOAD)Cross Training - Through the Week Challenges - Week 32Like the Teacher: John 18:33-40 (VERSE)Poetry in Motion: Psalm 20 (VERSE)The Bible Geeks Facebook Group (FACEBOOK)Support the Show

Speak Boldly, Clearly, and GraciouslyEver replay something you said - and regret - in your mind? Or struggled with how to tell someone a challenging truth you know they don't want to hear? An aptly spoken word can impact lives in surprising ways. This week we continue our conversation about integrity with Four Proverbs about Courageous Speaking and discuss Christ's challenge to proclaim his words "from the housetops." We see how God can make us an "iron pillar" and how we can better each other as "iron sharpens iron." The Big Idea: We need to add discernment and love to our boldness if we want our words to make a difference.Weekly Challenges: Find this week's Through the Week challenges here.Show NotesCross Training - "Battle Cat Courage" (DAILY DOWNLOAD)Cross Training - Through the Week Challenges - Week 32Like the Teacher: Matt. 10:26-39 (VERSE)The Bible Geeks Facebook Group (FACEBOOK)Support the Show

Prove Your Mettle in DifficultyFrom the Tokyo Olympics to the "wise man" who "built his house on the rock," this week we set our sights on character growth. When trials test our mettle, how do we respond? And how does hope fuel our perseverance? We answer those questions in a "character" edition of our recurring word-study segment, Heavy Words. Then we close the episode by looking in the mirror and discovering how God has pruned us, purified us, and pointed us toward greater patience.The Big Idea: If we never faced difficulties, we would miss the opportunity to show love, faith, courage, and perseverance.Weekly Challenges: Find this week's Through the Week challenges here.Show NotesCross Training - "Pass the Test" (DAILY DOWNLOAD)Cross Training - Through the Week Challenges - Week 31Like the Teacher: Matt. 7:24-27 (VERSE)Song: “Blessed Be the Name of the Lord” (VIDEO)Technology readiness level (WIKI)The Bible Geeks Facebook Group (FACEBOOK)Support the Show

Programming Note: This week, we're replaying one of our favorite episodes from the past. We'll be back next week with a brand new episode.Embrace Your Role as Salt and LightThis week we look at what it means to be a change maker in the world and the people around you, from a Biblical perspective. In our Finding Jesus segment, we deal with the cynicism that says, “what's the use, it won't make a difference” and the suffering that comes from the Lord. Then in today's Scripture du Jour (1 Corinthians 16), we consider what it means to “act like a man” and Bryan makes some observations about the weekly collection. And then we go from a Bryan Wilson song to the cross to the “man in the mirror” — as we look for ways to be a positive influence.The Big Idea: We can't influence the world if we shut ourselves off from it.Weekly Challenge: Listen and find empathy for others around you this week.Show NotesInto the Book - Week 24Into the Book Preview - “1 Corinthians 13-16, 2 Corinthians 1” (DAILY DOWNLOAD)Brian Wilson's “Love and Mercy” (SONG)Walter Breuggeman's “From Whom No Secrets Are Hid: Introducing the Psalms”Support the Show

Consider the Whole TruthSomeone once said, “Never leave a goose behind.” But what happens when we treat some of God's commands with little to no value? This week we're continuing our Cross Training series, kicking off a conversation about integrity — starting with the whole truth. Since Jesus wasn't hyperbolic when he used the word “all” with his disciples, do we give him full authority over our lives today? We're also looking back to the sad story of a young prophet whose firm convictions faltered when he believed a lie. Plus, we're talking about dog sitting, the Statue of Liberty, financial advice, and running from burning buildings. We hope you're challenged — as we are — to take everything God says seriously!The Big Idea: When God speaks, it's not a suggestion. And no amount of rationalization on our part will excuse our willful or unknowing disobedience.Weekly Challenges: Find this week's Through the Week challenges here.Show NotesCross Training - "Selective Hearing" (DAILY DOWNLOAD)Cross Training - Through the Week Challenges - Week 29Like the Teacher: Matthew 28:16-20 (VERSE)Here's the Story: 1 Kings 13 (VERSE)The Bible Geeks Facebook Group (FACEBOOK)Support the Show

Show Patience Like God DoesThis week's theme is — wait for it — patience! We notice all the ways we shorten our fuse and short-circuit our brains, inventing villains and moving too fast. Four Proverbs on patience get us thinking about inner warfare and training like Mr. Miyagi. And as Christ bears with Peter, he shows us that sometimes the best way to help is to pray and wait. From a "spoiler alert" on your ending to a head start on your day, we hope this week's episode gives some perspective and helps you grow in Christlike patience!The Big Idea: Patience means bearing with each other's shortcomings in humility and love.Weekly Challenges: Find this week's Through the Week challenges here.Show NotesCross Training - "TNT" (DAILY DOWNLOAD)Cross Training - Through the Week Challenges - Week 28Like the Teacher: Luke 22:31-34 (VERSE)The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry by John Mark Comer (BOOK)The Bible Geeks Facebook Group (FACEBOOK)Support the Show

Show Unexpected Kindness to OthersIn this week's edition of “Hello, My Name Is ...” four Bible women inspire us to greater mercy, as we admire the power of small deeds and imagine attending our own funeral. And as we learn morality from Blockbuster and State Farm (but mostly from Jesus and his “Good Samaritan”), this discussion of merciful deeds takes us back to some important basics. We close the episode by challenging ourselves to become kindness artists — becoming proficient in unusual, covert, creative kindness.The Big Idea: We reflect God's goodness when we seek out creative ways to bless others without expectation of any earthly reward.Weekly Challenges: Find this week's Through the Week challenges here.Show NotesCross Training - "Pay It Forward" (DAILY DOWNLOAD)Cross Training - Through the Week Challenges - Week 27Like the Teacher: Luke 10:25-37 (VERSE)The Bible Geeks Facebook Group (FACEBOOK)Support the Show

Move Beyond Hurt to ForgivenessThis week we learn how pushing the envelope is like pressing your nose and discover some lessons about mercy from Harry Potter and Ford v. Ferrari. Plus we count down our Top Four Proverbs about forgiveness, learning to kill with kindness, cover with love, and let the Lord judge between us and others. And one of Jesus' parables shows us a path to Christlike mercy, from a “ba-jillion” sins to three little words.The Big Idea: We find grace to forgive when we choose compassion and leave our justice in God's hands.Weekly Challenges: Find this week's Through the Week challenges here.Show NotesCross Training - "Number 491" (DAILY DOWNLOAD)Cross Training - Through the Week Challenges - Week 26Like the Teacher: Matt. 18:21-35 (VERSE)The Bible Geeks Facebook Group (FACEBOOK)Support the Show

Receive God's Extraordinary GiftThis week we happily dive into the subject of grace, learning that while we're undeserving, that doesn't mean we're worthless — far from it! So how is grace like a spoonful of peanut butter but unlike free Costco samples? Why does grace overcome our timidity before God? And what one thing can I do today to love Jesus more? We talk about rationing grace, settling into grace, and growing in grace. The story of Simon and the “sinful woman” who loved Jesus teaches us how grace leads to action, and some Deep Thoughts about God's “amazing grace” reminds us why the Lord's Supper is such a fitting way to begin our week.The Big Idea: Recognizing the greatness of our sins and the extravagance of the gift takes us from entitlement to gratitude and from timidity to confidence.Weekly Challenges: Find this week's Through the Week challenges here.Show NotesCross Training - "Unpayable Debts" (DAILY DOWNLOAD)Cross Training - Through the Week Challenges - Week 24Like the Teacher: Luke 7:36-50 (VERSE)The Bible Geeks Facebook Group (FACEBOOK)Support the Show

Be Holy Like God Is HolyWhy is it so hard to live in the world without becoming the same as everyone around us? We're all about holy living this week, as we finish our Cross Training on reverence. On a Psalm 19 edition of Poetry in Motion, we consider the sky's song, the happiness of God, and the starting point for spiritual growth. We take lessons from the Lion King and Toy Story about our identity in Christ. And we're back to candy and dessert again, as we seek to understand a life set apart for God.The Big Idea: *God has changed our identity in Christ. Our task is to live today as the new person he has created. *Weekly Challenges: Find this week's Through the Week challenges here.Show NotesCross Training - "Prized Possessions" (DAILY DOWNLOAD)Cross Training - Through the Week Challenges - Week 24Like the Teacher: John 17:6-19 (VERSE)Poetry in Motion: Psalm 19 (VERSE)The Bible Geeks Facebook Group (FACEBOOK)Support the Show

Worship the Lord in Spirit and TruthWhat's the difference between flat, thoughtless worship versus knowing God Almighty is in your midst? This week we looked at two Heavy Words for worship, learning to serve as priests and bow down as true worshipers. We talked about chalkboard psalms, idols in our hearts, and Paul's picture of an unbeliever entering an assembly and falling down in worship. We notice how morning “sugar-highs” of empty spiritual calories keep us from the soul satisfaction of worship. And we nearly end the podcast forever in a debate over the best licorice!The Big Idea: Worship requires the humility to revere, serve, and surrender ourselves before God.Weekly Challenges: Find this week's Through the Week challenges here.Show NotesCross Training - "You're Worth It" (DAILY DOWNLOAD)Cross Training - Through the Week Challenges - Week 23Like the Teacher: John 4:20-24 (VERSE)Spatial Audio From Apple Music (YOUTUBE)The Bible Geeks Facebook Group (FACEBOOK)Support the Show

Programming Note: This week, we're replaying one of our favorite episodes from the past. We'll be back next week with a brand new episode.This week we’re setting Poetry in Motion again, as David gets some bad advice most of us can relate to in Psalm 11. Unity and humility come up again in the Scripture du Jour. And as we go looking for Jesus in this week’s reading, Bryan finds him in flaming fire, and Ryan notices where we WON’T find Jesus.The Big Idea: Recognizing the Lord’s coming judgment gives us comfort for our trials, compassion for the lost, and reverent awe for the great Judge of all.Weekly Challenge: Be a voice for unity this week.Show NotesInto the Book - Week 21Into the Book Preview - “2 Thessalonians 1-3, 1 Corinthians 1-2” (DAILY DOWNLOAD)

Draw Closer to Your Awesome GodDo you know God? This week we talked about finding secret pockets of time and having God on speed-dial. In a Psalm 18 edition of Poetry in Motion, God makes David a Superhero, while he "walks softly but carries a big stick." We ask questions like: how is knowing God like being married? What does it mean that God is transcendent and immanent? And how can seeing God's wrath and power give us the security to say "God is my rock"? Plus, a look at the "model prayer" highlights the difference between performing and talking to God. It's a great way to kick off a series of Cross Training conversations on REVERENCE – hope you'll join us!The Big Idea: The true God is exalted far above us, yet near us.Weekly Challenges: Find this week’s Through the Week challenges here.Show NotesCross Training - "Unrecognized" (DAILY DOWNLOAD)Cross Training - Through the Week Challenges - Week 21Like the Teacher: Matthew 6:5-15 (VERSE)Poetry in Motion: Psalm 18 (VERSE)The Bible Geeks Facebook Group (FACEBOOK)Support the Show

Speak Up and Spread the Good NewsWhat do bumper stickers and take-out have to do with the good news? This week we complete our conversations about joy by talking about evangelism. We go Flying Through the Book of Acts, tracking how the gospel’s gladness spread across the world. It’s a close look at how we talk to people about Jesus that takes us from shotguns to laser beams, from contagions to vaccines, and from MiracleGro to the gifts of spring. In it all, we find encouragement to keep praying and keep speaking the word. (All that, plus Bryan shows Ryan his new personalized license plate!) Hope you’ll join us!The Big Idea: The gospel is a living seed, filled with God’s power. Drop it into people’s hearts and watch it grow.Weekly Challenges: Find this week’s Through the Week challenges here.Show NotesCross Training - "Authentic Ambassadors" (DAILY DOWNLOAD)Cross Training - Through the Week Challenges - Week 20Like the Teacher: Mark 6:7-13 (VERSE)The Bible Geeks Facebook Group (FACEBOOK)Support the Show

Fall at Jesus’ Feet With ThankfulnessMost people know that gratitude impacts our walk with God, our joy, even our health! But how do we actually make it a regular part of our lives? This week we talked about losing our joy, weaponizing our gratitude, and carrying Jesus' side of the load. We ask questions like: can we give thanks for everything? Am I grateful for God's discipline? And how can loss increase my thanksgiving? It's amazing what this simple activity — giving regular thanks to God — can do. We hope the reminder helps you as much as it did us!The Big Idea: When we look at the world through a lens of gratitude, we see God’s gifts everywhere.Weekly Challenges: Find this week’s Through the Week challenges here.Show NotesCross Training - "All Year Round" (DAILY DOWNLOAD)Cross Training - Through the Week Challenges - Week 19Like the Teacher: Luke 17:11-19 (VERSE)Pareto Principle (WIKIPEDIA)The Bible Geeks Facebook Group (FACEBOOK)Support the Show