Daily Radio Bible Podcast

The Final Word Today's readings are II Kings 15-16, Hosea 1, and Hebrews 1.  We are reading through the New Living Translation. God's final word does not come to us through the prophets.  Heb 1:1 says, Long ago God spoke many times and in many ways to our ancestors through the prophets. No matter the ways and times, the people of Israel still continued to be unfaithful to God, behaving like a prostitute to her husband.  We see this in the strange and tragic story of Hosea and Gomer.  Because of Israel's continued rebellion and insistence on behaving like a prostitute toward God, the words of judgement were spoken over her, – Lo-ruhamah—‘Not loved', Lo-ammi—‘Not my people'.  It's hard to imagine any words more tragic than these.  But God's story doesn't end with these tragic words that came through this prophet.  No.  His final word is spoken through his Son.  Hebrews 1:2 says: And now in these final days, he has spoken to us through his Son. God promised everything to the Son as an inheritance, and through the Son he created the universe. He has pronounced a different word over us and it's not judgement. No.  The words he speaks over us are life.  They are words of forgiveness, peace and life.  They are the words My People – Loved. I'm so grateful that God has made a way, not through the prophets but through the Son, to make me right again. The Son has made a way to heal me and make me new.  That's what he's doing, over and over again, throughout the world.  New words are being spoken over broken lives, every day.  When the Gospel is heard, and responded to by faith, words of love and belonging take root in people's hearts, and it changes everything. Hold to the Truth of the words that have been spoken over you – not words of judgement but words of life, forgiveness, healing, hope, and grace.  Let them take root in your life. our website for the kids podcast is www.drbkids.com or you can find out about our other podcasts at www.dailyradiobible.com If you would like to give to help this podcast keep producing these daily podcasts click here to donate.  Thanks!

2 Kings 5:1-14 Isaiah 66:10-14 ; Psalm 66:1-9 ; Galatians 6:(1-6), 7-16 ; Luke 10:1-11, 16-20 our website for the kids podcast is www.drbkids.com or you can find out about our other podcasts at www.dailyradiobible.com If you would like to give to help this podcast keep producing these daily podcasts click here to donate.  Thanks!

 Laying Down our Rights Today's readings are Isaiah 6 – 7, II Chronicles 26-27, and Philemon 1.  We are reading from the New Living Translation. The only way this world is going to be made right is if someone puts aside their rights, and offers love instead.  Lay down your rights, in order to do what is right, to make this world right.  That's the request that Paul makes of Philemon.  Onesimus was Philemon's slave and had run away from him. In God's providence, both men had been led to the Lord, by Paul.  Now they are new people that God has begun a work of transformation in.  Paul is sending Onesimus back to Philemon, who, legally, still owns him.  This is a teaching moment for these two men.  In this moment, Paul is challenging both of them to discover the depths of the Gospel – the radical extent to which the Gospel transforms individuals and societies. Paul is reminding Philemon that the only way the world is going to be made right is if people put aside their rights and offer love instead.  Paul is saying, Philemon, you may own this man according to Roman law, but Jesus has shown you a better way.  He has made you free by giving up His rights and becoming a slave so that you might be made right, and set free, by God.  Paul describes this in Philippians 2:7. Instead, he gave up his divine privileges; he took the humble position of a slave and was born as a human being. Jesus gave up his rights, to do what is right, so that this world might be made right.  This is the only way that this broken world and it's broken people are going to be made right.  This was not only a call for Philemon, but for you and me.  We are called to follow Jesus' example and lay down our lives on behalf of others.  There is no greater demonstration of love than to lay down one's life for a brother.  Jesus had done this for Philemon, and for all of us.  Our joy and privilege is to follow His example.  And when we do this not only is this world made right, but our souls are made right. Follow his example.  See what Jesus has done for you, how he has laid down his life for you.  It is your privilege to follow him and do the same.  It's only as we lay down our life that we truly find it. our website for the kids podcast is www.drbkids.com or you can find out about our other podcasts at www.dailyradiobible.com If you would like to give to help this podcast keep producing these daily podcasts click here to donate.  Thanks!

 Psalm 66:1-9; Zechariah 14:10-21; Luke 9:1-6 our website for the kids podcast is www.drbkids.com or you can find out about our other podcasts at www.dailyradiobible.com If you would like to give to help this podcast keep producing these daily podcasts click here to donate.  Thanks!

IN HIM WE HAVE MORE Today's readings are Isaiah 4 -5 , Psalm 115-116, and Jude 1.  We are reading from the New Living Translation. You're going to need more mercy, peace, and love, than you think.   Jude recognizes that all of us are going to need more of Him, to get through the gauntlet of things that this life throws at us. In vs 2 Jude says, May God give you more and more mercy, peace, and love. And the good news is – He gives us more!  He is the source of all peace, love, and mercy.  The world is full of scoffers, grumblers, and liars.   In order to get beyond those that would come against the Faith, lies that we've been told, that we believe, and that we hold on to – we're going to need more and more mercy, peace, and love.  And God has given us that and more, in Christ. And because er up in this Faith we have.  We can pray in the power of the Holy Spirit.  And we can await the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ, who will bring us eternal life, both in the future, and now, this very day.  When you have him, you have eternal life right now and on that day in the future.   Friend, in him we have More.  Apart from him we have nothing. This day, receive the mercy that you absolutely need.  Receive the peace that only comes from him.  And receive the Love that has been poured out you, through him.   Live in the “more”, of Christ in you, today.  Then your life will be to the glory of God the Father.  ____ our website for the kids podcast is www.drbkids.com or you can find out about our other podcasts at www.dailyradiobible.com If you would like to give to help this podcast keep producing these daily podcasts click here to donate.  Thanks!

Psalm 66:1-9; Jeremiah 51:47-58; 2 Corinthians 8:1-7 our website for the kids podcast is www.drbkids.com or you can find out about our other podcasts at www.dailyradiobible.com If you would like to give to help this podcast keep producing these daily podcasts click here to donate.  Thanks!

Once Upon a Time there was a Savior Today's readings are Isaiah 1-3 and Titus 3.  We are reading from the New Living Translation. Once upon a time there was judgement.  We lived under the judgement that is the fruit of our rebellion.  Rebellion promises freedom but delivers judgement.  The judgement I'm talking about is self-inflicted wounds and self-harm.  And, oh, how we wound ourselves when we are determined to live apart from God. God allows the inherent judgment of our own rebellion and blindness. But God is not our enemy, God is our Father, and he is making a way for us to be restored into relationship with him, and escape the judment that we are already under. So yes, once upon a time there was judgment. We see it in Isaiah and also in Titus 3:3 Once we, too, were foolish and disobedient. We were misled and became slaves to many lusts and pleasures. Our lives were full of evil and envy, and we hated each other. We were in the grip of judgement, but God, the righteous judge, doesn't let it end with Once upon a time there was judgement.  No.  The story continues with Once upon a time there was a Saviour who delivered us from this judgement we brought upon ourselves.  He does that through his grace and kindness. He saved us, not because of the righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. (Titus 3:5) Once upon a time there was judgement, but there has come another time, and it is today. Now the story is Once upon a time there was a Saviour, who rescued me from the judgement I was living under.  He did it because He is kind to me, is full of mercy and His love never fails. Devote yourself to this story:  Once upon a time there was a Saviour. That's the story of God's grace.  Renew yourself in the story of God's love, mercy and kindness toward you, today and every day.

Psalm 66:1-9; 2 Kings 21:1-15; Romans 7:14-25 or you can find out about our other podcasts at www.dailyradiobible.com If you would like to give to help this podcast keep producing these daily podcasts click here to donate.  Thanks!

STOP STARVING! Today's reading are Amos 7 – 9, Psalm 104 and Titus 2.  We are reading from the New Living Translation. There's a famine in the land, but it's not for food.  They have all the food that they need.  No, this famine is for something far more essential to life.  There is a famine for the word of God.  People are filling themselves, and their lives, with every imaginable thing.  They are feasting on things that, in the end, leave them empty and starving.   If we make this life about satisfying our appetites, we end up famished and starving in the end.  Jesus put it this way, People do not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God. (Mt 4:4) God's Word is the bread that we truly need. Our souls will never truly be satisfied until they are satisfied in him. Jesus says, Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. (Mt 5:6 NIV)   And in Isaiah we read: Why spend your money on food that does not give you strength? Why pay for food that does you no good? Listen to me, and you will eat what is good. You will enjoy the finest food. (Isa 55:2) God is urging us: Listen to me, and eat what is good. Enjoy the finest of food.  Stop starving!   He has graciously placed a feast, before us, that we have paid nothing for. He simply asks that we come and eat.   Are you restless, tired, and hungry today?  There's no need to go hungry.  His Word is here for you and it's a good gracious word.  It's the Bread of Life.  And it's free of charge.  Come daily to his table and feast on His goodness, his peace, his grace and forgiveness, his mercy and his love. From his  Word; draw the strength and joy that you need today, in Him. If you would like to give to help this podcast keep producing these daily podcasts click here to donate.  Thanks!

Psalm 140; Jeremiah 23:16-22; Matthew 10:16-25 If you would like to give to help this podcast keep producing these daily podcasts click here to donate.  Thanks!  

STOP STARVING! Today's reading are Amos 7 – 9, Psalm 104 and Titus 2.  We are reading from the New Living Translation. There's a famine in the land, but it's not for food.  They have all the food that they need.  No, this famine is for something far more essential to life.  There is a famine for the word of God.  People are filling themselves, and their lives, with every imaginable thing.  They are feasting on things that, in the end, leave them empty and starving.   If we make this life about satisfying our appetites, we end up famished and starving in the end.  Jesus put it this way, People do not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God. (Mt 4:4) God's Word is the bread that we truly need. Our souls will never truly be satisfied until they are satisfied in him. Jesus says, Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. (Mt 5:6 NIV)   And in Isaiah we read: Why spend your money on food that does not give you strength? Why pay for food that does you no good? Listen to me, and you will eat what is good. You will enjoy the finest food. (Isa 55:2) God is urging us: Listen to me, and eat what is good. Enjoy the finest of food.  Stop starving!   He has graciously placed a feast, before us, that we have paid nothing for. He simply asks that we come and eat.   Are you restless, tired, and hungry today?  There's no need to go hungry.  His Word is here for you and it's a good gracious word.  It's the Bread of Life.  And it's free of charge.  Come daily to his table and feast on His goodness, his peace, his grace and forgiveness, his mercy and his love. From his  Word; draw the strength and joy that you need today, in Him. 

 Psalm 140; Jeremiah 3:15-18; Ephesians 5:6-20

A COAT, A BOOK AND A FRIEND Today's readings are Amos 1-3, Psalm 80, and II Timothy 4.  We are reading from the New Living Translation. Paul is still fighting the good fight.  He's running the race well.   He's rounding the last corner. and nearing the finish line.  In these last requests that he expresses at the end of this letter, we are being offered some wisdom – some advice, from a man that has run the race so well.  Paul asks for a coat, a book, and a friend.  These are the needs of a man that has run the race very well.  He's poured out his life for the sake of Christ.  And the things that he desires at this moment are a coat, a book,and a friend.   These are the things that we need to run well.  We need a coat because we live in a world where it often gets cold.  It's harsh, bitter, and broken.  We need a coat to keep us warm, to get us through, to encourage, and cover us.  This is what we see Christ offering us in a cold, broken world.  He has come to bring warmth to our life – to revive us, and cover us.  Gal 3:27 says, And all who have been united with Christ in baptism have put on Christ, like putting on new clothes.  We're told to clothes ourselves with Christ – to put Him on like a coat.  He's the only one who can break the chill and keep us warm. Paul also asks Timothy to make sure he brings the book – the letters- when he comes.  If we want to run this race well to the very end, like Paul, we are going to need the Book, the Letters – God's Word – his constant encouragement and instruction, to help us run well. Finally, Paul asks for a friend.  He asks for his friend, John Mark.  We need friends.  That's what the church is all about.  It's a place where we can become friends with each other.  It's a place where we learn to live life together.  We learn to overcome life's struggles together, even when we struggle with each other.  Paul and John Mark had struggled with each other.  In fact, at one point they had to go their separate ways.  They couldn't travel with each other because of a strong disagreement.  But here we see what the Gospel does in the life of someone who has run the race well.   The Gospel has the power to reconcile friends, to bring us back together.  We see that Paul needs his friend, John Mark.  And we need each other.  We need the community that being part of the Church forces upon us.  In that community we learn to lay down our lives for each other, to serve and honor one another.  We absolutely need friends. Paul needed a coat, and a book, and a friend.  These are tools we all need to run this race well, to fight the good fight.  Wear your coat, pick up the Book, and make a friend.

Psalm 140; Genesis 24:34-41, 50-67; 1 John 2:7-11

 What Message are You Listening To? Today's readings are II Kings 13-14, II Chronicles 25 and II Timothy 3.  We are reading from the New Living Translation. What message are you listening to?  Something's informing your life and telling you what's true and untrue.   False messages come to us through our past and through people.  Experiences from our past leave their mark on us.  They bruise us and we need to be healed from them.  We need to have healing words spoken over those wounds.  Sometimes the people we've been with have spoken words to us that are not true: You're never going to change. You shouldn't even try.  You're not worth the time.  Those are false messages.  Those words don't offer us wisdom or point us to our salvation. They don't teach us what is right.  They simply say that we are wrong.  That's not the Good News of the Bible. That's not the true news of the Scripture.  Paul tells us that all Scripture is from God and is profitable.  It's useful to teach us.  It corrects us, yes, but it also offers us the wisdom to trust Christ for our salvation. It teaches us the truth that set us free and helps to root us in the life we have in Jesus.  False messages will run you down into the ground and never let you up.  But the Good News that Paul is talking about is this: God uses it (His Word)to prepare and equip his people to do every good work.  (II Tim 3:17 NLT) So what kind of messages are you listening to ?   Establish your soul, heart, and life in what is real.  The real good news of the Gospel says, Christ now lives in you, and through the faith of the Son of God, you can change, grow, and experience life, here and now. Sink your roots down into this truth!

Proper 8 (13) 2 Kings 2:1-2, 6-14 ; Psalm 77:1-2, 11-20 ; 1 Kings 19:15-16, 19-21 ; Galatians 5:1, 13-25 ; Luke 9:51-62

Do You Know What Jonah Knew? Today's readings are Jonah 1 – 4 and II Timothy 2.  We are reading from the New Living Translation. Do you know what Jonah knows?  Jonah knew something really important about God,  that frustrated him and made him run in the other direction.  It's not what you might think.  Jonah knew that God was full of mercy, and it made him run in opposite direction.  Jonah knew that God was full of mercy, I knew that you are a merciful and compassionate God, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love. You are eager to turn back from destroying people. (Jonah 4:2) Jonah knew this about God and, ironically, it made Jonah want to run the other way.  But God was doing a work in Jonah's heart, just as he was going to do a work in the hearts of tens of thousands, in the city of Ninevah.  These dear people were about to experience God's mercy, kindness, and grace.  They were about to experience the love of God and be made new.  Because that is who God is, and that is what God does.   Jonah knew it.  Do you know it?  Do you know that God is merciful, compassionate, and desires to draw you close when your heart feels far? This is what Jonah knew and what the people of Ninevah learned.   Jonah also knew that God was arranging his story.   He arranged for a fierce storm to blow down on Jonah.   He arranged for a giant fish to swallow Jonah. He arranged for a giant leafy plant to grow over Jonah's head.   He arranged for a worm – to eat that plant.   He arranged for a scorching east wind to blow down on Jonah. God is an Arranger!  He is arranging His story in such a way that nations and people come to discover that God loves all people, everywhere.  He is arranging our story that we might come to know just how loving and gracious he really is.  God is making all things new. And He invites us to proclaim God's message of grace and love to this broken world, and to experience the joy of it. Jonah knew some things.  The Ninevites learned some things.  How about you and me? Do we know what they knew?  Do you know that you are loved by a merciful and compassionate God, who is slow to anger and filled with unfailing love and that He is arranging your story?  Do you know it? Do you know it better than Jonah?  Play your part in proclaiming this message of unfailing love all the days of your life.

 Psalm 16; Deuteronomy 32:15-27, 39-43; Luke 9:21-27

 FAN HIS FIRE INTO FLAME Joel 1 -3 and II Timothy 1 If you want to cook you're going to need some fire. If you're going to eat you're going to need some heat.  Every day you must fan into flame that gift, that fire, that God has ignited in your life.  That's what Paul is telling Timothy.  He says, This is why I remind you.  Apparently he's told him this before.  This is why I remind you to fan into flames the spiritual gift God gave you when I laid my hands on you.  (II Tim 1:6 NLT) The fire of God's abiding spirit in us illuminates our path.  It gives us power to live out our purpose. Paul tells Timothy to let it burn.  Let it light the path.  Fan that into flame.  Do all that is necessary to tend to that fire within you.  Then see what God will do.   The same is true for us.  God has given us a gift.  It's his abiding presence in us.  There's a specific purpose that he has uniquely gifted each of us for.  And it's the Spirit's fire that will illuminate that path for us. And empower you to participate with God, and live out your purpose, even for this day. As you abide in Him, walk in Him, trust Him -  that  that fire will show you what He requires of you and how you can live out that purpose, in His strength. Ask Him to make you diligent to tend the fire of his life - his calling.  May you fulfill all of His purposes for you.  This will honor his name for all he has done for you.

Psalm 16; 2 Kings 1:1-16; Galatians 4:8-20

AT JUST THE RIGHT TIME Today's reading is II Kings 11- 12, II Chronicles 24, and I Timothy 6.  We are reading from the New Living Translation. Seven years is a long time.  Athaliah, the evil queen, ruled the land, and the people of God, for seven long years.  Seven years had passed since she murdered her own grandchildren.  She was a chip off the old block.  She was the daughter of Ahab and Jezebel.  She was evil and she wore the crown for 7 years.  It may seem that after 7 years, things would always be as they were and would not change. But, as we learn from the story of Joash,  things are not always as they seem and will not always be as they are. God's kingdom is advancing – even when evil is wearing the crown.  Hidden away, out of sight, inside the temple, is a son.  And at just the right time, he will be revealed.  Just when it seems that things will not change, we see that God has been at work. Soon, the son, Joash,  will have the crown placed on his head and he will take his rightful place on the throne.  And the evil, that once seemed so entrenched, will be done away with. In this moment we see an incomplete but compelling picture, of what God is up to.  It's a picture of God at work, behind the scenes.  Ultimately, Joash is not the king we are looking for.  Our King does not falter the way Joash did, later on in his life.  The king who is there waiting to be revealed, to all, is God's son, Jesus.  And he does not fail.  He is accomplishing all that his father has asked of Him, and he will reign forever. See, in the pages of Scripture that God is at work behind the scenes.  There is a real King, alive and waiting for just the right time, to appear.  Don't despair in the face of evil.  Hold on, through the power of His Spirit,  to the hope of his coming.  See and hear, loud and clear – Your king is coming.  God has a plan and he's working his plan.   Father, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.

Psalm 16; Leviticus 9:22-10:11; 2 Corinthians 13:5-10  

God is Passionately Committed to Our Freedom Today's readings are II Kings 10, II Chronicles 22-23, and I Timothy 5.  We are reading from the New Living Translation. Jehu says, Come with me and see my zeal for the LORD. (II Kings 10:16 NIV)   Now come with me, and see how devoted I am to the LORD. (NLT) Jehu's devotion was extreme and violent.  He personified a radical devotion and zeal for the Lord.  The results were the elimination of Baal worship in Judah, and many dead people.   Like Jehu, our devotion and zeal, as great as it might be, may yield results, but it's not the ultimate answer that we're looking for.  Our real need is for peace, not violence.  Our real need is for right standing with God and joy in this life.  Our zeal might get results but it's not the results we really need.  The zeal of the most zealous man is not enough. Holy Jihad is not the answer. There's only one man whose zeal can achieve what must be done in my life, and this world.  And it's not Jehu, or you, or me that achieves it. And the results are not the shedding of another's blood.  It was God's radical commitment to lay down his own life in co suffering love, for those who are near and far from God, that accomplished what was needed. Jehu is a flawed picture of this. In Isaiah 9 we see a far better picture of the person who would accomplish freedom for us. Isa 9:6-7 For a child is born to us, a son is given to us.  The government will rest on his shoulders.  And he will be called:  Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.  His government and its peace will never end.  He will rule with fairness and justice from the throne of his ancestor David for all eternity.The passionate commitment of the Lord of Heaven's Armies will make this happen!  (Isa 9:6-7 NLT) His zeal, not Jehu's, has won, for you and me, all that we need to start anew, to have strength, and joy, and a new beginning.  Rest in the results of his zeal, and no one else's.  No one else's will do.  Christ has done for us what no man could do.  He has achieved for us, our life.

Psalm 64; Ezekiel 32:1-10; Luke 9:37-43a We are reading through the Revised Common Lectionary. 

STAY FOCUSSED Today's readings are II Kings 8 -9, II Chronicles 21, and I Timothy 4.  We are reading from the New Living Translation. Good work requires good focus.  It's so easy for us to focus on the wrong things.  We can strain, and fuss, argue, and fight, over the wrong things.  But the good work of a servant requires focussing on the right things and working hard.  That's what Paul tells Timothy.  He tells him: Until I get there, focus on reading the Scriptures to the church, encouraging the believers, and teaching them. Give your complete attention to these matters. Throw yourself into your tasks so that everyone will see your progress.  Keep a close watch on how you live and on your teaching. Stay true to what is right for the sake of your own salvation and the salvation of those who hear you. (I Tim 4:13,15-16 NLT) He urges Timothy to work hard at these things and to stay focussed. If, somehow, you are under the impression that the life of grace, that we have in Christ, is going to be easy and that it doesn't require work, you need to be disavowed of this idea, as soon as possible.  God is not opposed to work.  Grace doesn't mean that we don't work.It means that we don't have an attitude that we are earning something, or that, somehow, God owes us something for our work.  God doesn't owe us a thing.  Instead, he has gifted us with everything.  And because of that, we work hard.  Because of the love that has been shown to us, we stay focussed so that we can do all that he has called us to do. People laid hands on Timothy and the Spirit spoke through God's people.  He had been anointed for the work of the ministry.  And now, his task was to work hard in the power of the Spirit of Christ, that was in Him.  In this way he was to accomplish all that God had set out before him.  He was to avoid the pitfalls of pride, arrogance, and religion.  And instead, he was to stay focussed on the simple reality of the Gospel. On the message of salvation for all people and particularly believers, to the public reading of scriptures adn enjcouragin the believers and teaching.  Timothy, …until I get there, focus on reading the Scriptures to the church, encouraging the believers, and teaching them. (ITim 4:13 NLT) Reading the Bible is going to help you stay focused and inspire you to work hard.  As you read the Bible, with a humble spirit, you see that God owes you nothing.  Rather,you owe him everything, because everything has been given to you. Friends, Paul has asked us to stay focussed today, on Christ and to work hard in that focused life he's called us to live. Train yourself.  Pursue him with all your heart, soul, strength and mind, through the power of Christ living in you.  Your heart needs it, the Church will be strengthened and the world around you will see the beauty of Christ, in you.

Psalm 64; Job 19:1-22; Ephesians 2:11-22  

A MYSTERY REVEALED The day's readings are II Kings 6 – 7,  II Chronicles 20, and I Timothy 3.  We are reading from the New Living Translation. Our life of faith is a mystery.  Sometimes we're blinded to the reality of what is happening all around us. We see this in II Kings 6. Elisha is surrounded by the great army of the king of Aram.  Elisha, as well as his servant, can see that clearly.  His servant is terrified. He  looks out on this vast horde and he sees defeat.  But the life of faith is a mystery and Elisha has entered into that mystery. He's fully aware of something that the servant is not aware of.  Faith enables us to see beyond our circumstances. So Elisha prays:  “O Lord, open his eyes and let him see!” The Lord opened the young man's eyes, and when he looked up, he saw that the hillside around Elisha was filled with horses and chariots of fire. (II Kings 6:17 NLT) What a mystery – a mystery revealed!  Now the servant sees, as clear as day, that God is on their side!  He's on the side of those that are near to God.  But this is what I love about this story.  God is also on the side of those who are far from him.  Just as God opened the eyes of this servant, he closed the eyes of an advancing army.  He struck them blind. Then Elisha comes out and leads them to another city, different than the one they were planning on attacking.  When God opens their eyes, he doesn't execute judgement on them.  He doesn't kill them now that they are surrounded and vulnerable.  He does something completely unexpected.  So mysterious!  He has a meal prepared for them – a great banquet.  And then he sends them home in peace. A feast is prepared for those who were once far away and blinded to the mystery of God's love.   The mystery of our faith is that God has shown his grace to those near and far.  He's opened the eyes of the blind, so that we all might see how good, and kind, and great our God is.  This is what Paul says about the mystery of faith: Without question, this is the great mystery of our faith: Christ was revealed in a human body and vindicated by the Spirit. He was seen by angels and announced to the nations. He was believed in throughout the world, and taken to heaven in glory. (I Tim 3:16 NLT) When Christ came, our eyes were opened, whether we were near or far.  And we saw in his life, what it is to be truly human:  to love God with all our heart, soul, strength, and mind, and love our neighbor as ourself.  For the first time we saw all of this lived out with such loving perfection, in Jesus.  And the life that he lived qualified him for the death that he died.  He died as the spotless lamb of God to take away the sin of the world.  In that way, his righteous life was imparted – gifted- to blind sinners, who had failed to see how good and kind and gracious our God is.  Through his life, people far and near can have abundant life through him.  This is the message that opens our eyes, so that we might live with eyes wide open for the rest of our lives   May we see how God continually prepares a banquet of life, joy peace, strength, and hope for us, wherever we are. What a glorious mystery, now revealed.  Keep your eyes opened and on Him, and the mystery of Christ revealed to those near and far, that they might have life.  Live in the light of how good God is.

Psalm 64; Job 18:1-21; 1 Corinthians 1:18-31  

THERE'S ONLY ONE WHO CAN MAKE IT RIGHT Today's readings are II Kings 4 -5 , Psalm 83, and I Timothy 2.  We are reading from the New Living Translation. There's only one mediator – one man- who can make things right. The woman of Shunem knew she needed the one person that could make it right. She knew she needed God's man.  Neither Gahazi, or his stick, would do.  She needed Elisha.  She believed he could bring this boy back to life and make things right.  So she gets Elisha and he does something strange.  He goes to this boy on his deathbed, and lies on top of the boy, face to face, hand to hand, eye to eye.  And, as if the man of God were absorbing the death of the boy into himself, and transferring his life into the boy, the boy is raised to new life! Gahazi and his stick wouldn't work.  There was only one way to make this boy right.  The boy's death had to be absorbed by the man of God and the life of the man of God had to be transferred to the dead boy.  And this, of course, is a picture of another Man of God, who would come to absorb the death of far more than one boy.  This Man of God would absorb and defeat sin, death and the grave, dragging all into  His life.  Face to face, hand to hand, eye to eye,  the life he transfers is far greater than the life that Elisha gives to this boy.  The life that this Man of Life gives, is eternal life.  This boy will die some day, but those that receive the Life that comes from the Man of God, will never die. Because the life the Man of God – Jesus – gives, is His very own life, the life of God.   This man of God is greater than Elisha.  He's the Prophet of prophets.  He's the Lamb of God.  He's the Savior of the world.  He's our Jesus.  He's the only one who can make things right, and make us right.  Paul says: For there is only one God and one Mediator who can reconcile God and humanity—the man Christ Jesus. He gave his life to purchase freedom for everyone. (I Tim 2:5-6 NLT) Like Elisha, Jesus has allowed our death to be transferred into him and his life to be transferred into us. He is that mediator between God and man, so that we might be set free, purchased, made alive, by the Man of God.  That's the Gospel! Live in that purchased freedom, recognizing that there's only one way to be made right with God, it's only through His life.  Be alive in Him!  Be reconciled to God and to each other and be made new.

1 Kings 19:1-4, (5-7), 8-15a and Psalm 42 and 43  •    Isaiah 65:1-9 and Psalm 22:19-28  •    Galatians 3:23-29  •    Luke 8:26-39

Don't Miss the Point Today's readings are II Kings 1 - 3, Psalm 82 and I Timothy 1, and are being read from the New Living Translation. We are so prone to miss the point when we look at the law.  When we misapply the law it can lead to a life of pride and arrogance or self-loathing and despair.  It can become a colossal exercise in missing the point when we seek to justify our life by keeping the law or becoming experts in the law. We can miss the point.  That's what Paul says to Timothy in verse 6.    But some people have missed this whole point. They have turned away from these things and spend their time in meaningless discussions. (I Tim 1:6 NLT) They had turned away from the simple gospel received by faith, that fills our heart with love, cleanses our conscience of guilt and makes us new.  He tells him again,  The purpose of my instruction is that all believers would be filled with love that comes from a pure heart, a clear conscience, and genuine faith. (I Tim 1:5 NLT) This, my friends is the real deal.  This is the point.  This is the work that God can do as his Spirit abides in his people.  It brings about a new heart, a clean conscience and a new life.  That's a gift, not something to be achieved by a mastery of the Word and the Law.  The change comes from  the Master who abides in his people through the Spirit.  God is reclaiming that which was lost.  That's the gift and power of the Gospel that Paul says he is not ashamed of.  For I am not ashamed of this Good News about Christ. It is the power of God at work, saving everyone who believes--the Jew first and also the Gentile. (Rm 1:16 NLT) It's not a mastery of the law, but letting the Master master us.  This happens when we come to Christ  with a surrendered heart that's willing to let God be God in us.   Don't miss the point by making it about you and not him.  Surrender your whole life, body and soul, to Him,  and live in the reality of Christ in you.  Then you won't miss the point. That love, generosity and peace that you long for, will be yours and you will have something to offer the world.

Psalm 22:19-28; Isaiah 59:1-8; Matthew 9:27-34

He is the Father of Lights Today's readings are I Kings 22, II Chronicles 18 – 19, and Colossians 4.  We are reading from the New Living Translation. Micaiah, the truth-speaking prophet, is a light.  In the face of deceit and dark kingdoms and dark prophets, he's a light.  God always has his lights- those who speak the truth. Micaiah is one of those.  He always has his lights, because he is the Father of Lights, as James tells us.  He has men like Micaiah, who are faithful to shine their light in the darkness, to speak the truth for the Lord, regardless of the results.   Paul was one of these lights too.  Paul desired to shine the truth of the Gospel of Christ, in the darkness, too.  Paul knew how hard it can be.  In fact, he wrote Colossians, while he was in chains.  And it only got worse from there.  Yet he is still determined to shine the light.  But he asks his friends to for prayer, Pray that I will proclaim this message as clearly as I should. (Col 4:4 NLT) He knows it's going to be hard but he also knows that he is a child of the Light and is called to shine that light in the darkness.  So he asks for prayer  that he would do it as he should. God, the Father of Lights is not just the father of Prophets and Apostles, people like Paul and Micaiah.  He's also the father of ordinary people like you and me, and like those mentioned at the end of today's reading.  These are names of people that rarely get a second thought by this dark world.  But they, too, are born into the light of our Father.  And they are being faithful to carry out the ministry that their father, God, has given them.  To Aristarchus Paul says, “be sure to carry out the ministry the Lord has given you.” (Col 4:17 NLT)  There were other people with names like Demas,  Epaphras, Archippus,Tychicus, Nympha, Onesimus.  And people like you and me, with names like Craig, Tom, Rebecca, Mary Ellen, and Luz – all are lights born of the father.  All of us have a ministry to shine His bright light in this dark world.  Paul asked for prayer: Pray that I will proclaim this message as clearly as I should. (Col 4:4 NLT)  He exhorts others to be sure to carry out the ministry that God has given you.  (Col 4:17 NLT) The Father has shone the light of Christ into you.  You have been given the Light of the World.  Allow Him to bear light in your own heart.  He's given you a specific task.  Do what God has called you to do, in his strength, reflecting back to him the glory that is only his.  Shine His light well.

Psalm 22:19-28; Isaiah 56:9-12; Romans 2:17-29 Support our podcast and give online HERE! or you can give via text by typing the word "Give" to 503-694-3738   

God Has No Favorites Today's readings are I Kings 20 – 21, II Chron 17, and Colossians 3.  We are reading through the New Living Translation. God has no favorites.  I have three daughters and there have been times in life when people have asked me, “Who's your favorite?”  I have to chuckle when I hear that because my mind doesn't even go there.  I don't think in terms of one daughter being favored over another because they're all my daughters – my girls.  I love them all dearly.  I have no favorites.  We're told that God has no favorites, either because we are His – we're his children.  It doesn't matter whether we're Abigail, Magdalene or Eden.  It doesn't matter whether we are Jew or Gentile, circumcised, or uncircumcised, Barbaric, uncivilized, slave or free.  It doesn't matter.  Christ is all that matters. He is THE favored one. And our lives are hidden in his, that's what Paul says, “Our real life is hidden with God in Christ, THE FAVORED ONE. He has no favorites, because we are all favored, we are all loved.  We are favored by God, through Christ.  Now we can put him on like new clothes, confident and at peace, in His strength.  And we can offer this world Christ and His favor.  We can offer this world His tender-hearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, patience, forgiveness and love.  We can do that because we are in Him and He is in us and we are favored and loved. Live in His love.  Put on Christ like new clothes and experience the favor and blessing of God.  And offer that to the world and those that you love.

Psalm 22:19-28; Isaiah 56:9-12; Romans 2:17-29 Support our podcast and give online HERE! or you can give via text by typing the word "Give" to 503-694-3738 

God Answers.  Are We Listening? Today's readings are I Kings 17 – 19 and Colossians 2. We are reading from the New Living Translation. Our God answers. Are we listening? The contest was to see which God would answer with fire. We see the results. It was our God that answered with fire. Baal, and all the gods of this world, don't answer. All the rattle and hum, fits and fury, can't conjure up the answers we need and long for – the answers our soul demands, for hope, life, and victory. The victory we need in this life is found only in our God. In and of myself, I don't have an answer for the spiritual drought that exists in my soul or the evil of this world. Paul says, For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places. (Eph 6:12 NLT) On top of Mount Carmel today, there is a monastery of the Carmelite order. They adhere to a vow of silence. There, on top of Mount Carmel, are monks who are silent. They're silent because they recognize the truth that they don't have the answer, and neither do we. God has the answer. He is the God who answers. Our God answers but are we listening? Sometimes he answers with fire and sometimes it's through a gentle whisper. But we've got to be listening. Sometimes we have to see through the storm and the fire and the earthquake. We have to keep listening and looking, until we hear his whisper. It's there that we are assured that He is God and we are not. The victory that we need in this life can only be found in Him. It's not going to be found in our own strength. That's good news for us. That means that the pressure's off. Ours is to rest, and eat, and follow. We don't have the strength but he does. We don't have an answer, but he does. Are you listening to the answer he has for you? Listen, because he is the God who answers.  

 Psalm 124; Daniel 1:1-21; Luke 1:46b-55 Support our podcast and give online HERE! or you can give via text by typing the word "Give" to 503-694-3738 

He Wants to Strengthen You Today's readings are I Kings 16, II Chronicles 15-16, and Colossians 1.  We are reading from the New Living Translation. God has finally found what he's looking for.  He searches all over the world, we're told in II Chronicles 16:9.   The eyes of the LORD search the whole earth in order to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him. God finds what he is looking for, but not in Asa or his father, Abijah, or any of the kings of Israel or Judah.  He finds what he is looking for, in His Son.  His eyes have searched the whole earth from the beginning of time, to find that person whose heart is fully committed to him.  There's only one person who has lived that quality of life – it's not you, me, Asa, or Abijah.  It's the Son.  The eyes of the Father lit upon the Son.  When he saw the son he said, This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased. (Mt 17:5 NLT) This is my dearly loved Son, who brings me great joy. (Mt 3:17 NLT) He finds what he's looking for in the Son.  And now, by God's grace, you can be found in the Son.  So God can find what he's looking for, in you.   Yet now he has reconciled you to himself through the death of Christ in his physical body. As a result, he has brought you into his own presence, and you are holy and blameless as you stand before him without a single fault. (Col 1:22 NLT) God has found what he's looking for in you, Christian.  Because you now stand before him without fault, holy and blameless in his presence. Christ has reconciled you to himself, by His death on the cross. In fact Paul says that Christ has reconciled ALL THING to himself. On the cross, he has won for His father, many sons and daughters. So that, now, God has found what he is looking for. His son. He is finding him in you.   In 2 Cor 5:19 Paul says the same thing. That God was in Christ, reconciling the world to himself, not counting their sins against them.  Christ's victory on the cross accomplished far more than we have dared to imagine. But Paul is wanting to blow our imaginations out of the water.  He says, Do you know that you are blameless, without a single fault, and holy? Do you know that God has found what he is looking for, in you, because you are in Christ?  And it's not because of anything you have done, but what Christ has done for you? Do you know that?  Have you entered into the joy of that? Have YOU found what you're looking for?  Do you realize that you, your true life, has been hidden with God in Christ?  What Christ has done for you on the cross has brought you into His life. Now you can live with strength, confidence, joy, and peace.  All these things have been won for you. Colossians 1:27 says, For God wanted them to know that the riches and glory of Christ are for you Gentiles, too. And this is the secret: Christ lives in you. This gives you assurance of sharing his glory. That's the Good News – the Gospel!  Apply that to your heart today, and every day!  God has found what he is looking for in his Son and you can be found in him, too.  You have been found, without fault, holy and blameless, because of Christ.  Now, abide in him as he is in you, and have his joy. Support our podcast and give online HERE! or you can give via text by typing the word "Give" to 503-694-3738 

Psalm 124; Proverbs 8:4-21; Ephesians 5:15-20 Support our podcast and give online HERE! or you can give via text by typing the word "Give" to 503-694-3738 

HELP FOR THE POWERLESS Today's readings are I Kings 15, II Chronicles 13 – 14, and Philippians 4.  We are reading from the New Living Translation. Asa cried out because he was outnumbered by the Egyptians – nearly one million Egyptians!  He was outnumbered, two to one.  Two to one is not good odds.  So he cried out,   O LORD, no one but you can help the powerless against the mighty! Help us, O LORD our God, for we trust in you alone. It is in your name that we have come against this vast horde. O LORD, you are our God; do not let mere men prevail against you!  (II Chron 14:11 NLT) Asa cried out to the Lord, his God, when he knew the odds were against him.  Asa had learned something from his Dad, when he was just a boy.  He had learned to cry out to the Lord. His Dad, Abijah, had faced the army of Israel and was also outnumbered two to one – 800,000 to 400,000.  But Abijah had called on the name of the Lord, and the Lord gave him victory. And now Asa is king and he is also outnumbered two to one.  And he does what his dad did.  He cries out to God, and God hears him and defeats the one-million-man army of the Ethiopia.  Asa was a good man.  He remembered well what his dad knew; that God helps the powerless against the mighty. You and I would do well to remember this, too.  Our God helps the powerless against the mighty.  Regardless of the  circumstances, that seem to be overpowering and stacked against us, we are called, not to be afraid and not to surrender.  We are reminded today, in Philippians, not to worry but to pray about everything, with thanksgiving. Then the God of peace will guard our hearts and minds and give us victory, even when the odds are two to one. Let us remember well the lesson that Asa learned from his father, Abijah.  God is for us.  He is the God who helps the powerless against the mighty.  He is the God who wins our victory – even overwhelming victory! Support our podcast and give online HERE! or you can give via text by typing the word "Give" to 503-694-3738 

Psalm 124; Proverbs 7:1-4; Ephesians 4:7-16 Support our podcast and give online HERE! or you can give via text by typing the word "Give" to 503-694-3738 

FOCUSSED ON THE GOAL Today's readings are I Kings 13-14, II Chronicles 12, and Philippians 3.  We are reading from the New Living Translation. Where's your focus?  Is it on yourself, your virtues, and the good things you've done that you think ought to impress God? It was for Paul – he talks about it in Philippians.  Is your focus on your past?  Are you trying to outrun or compensate for something you've done or didn't do?  It's so easy to focus on the wrong things and miss what God has for us right now –  the peace,strength, and joy that are ours, in Him.  Paul tells us, No, dear brothers and sisters, I have not achieved it, but I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us. (Phil 3:13-14 NLT) God is calling us to a life of knowing, loving, and living in Him.  That's what Paul is focussed on.  That's where he's going.  He says he considers his past,- all his achievements and virtues – worthless, compared to the infinite value of knowing Jesus as his Lord and his friend. For his sake I have discarded everything else, counting it all as garbage, so that I could gain Christ and become one with him. (Phil 3:8-9 NLT) Paul discarded everything else – both the things he'd done, that held him back and haunted him, and the things that he thought vaulted him to the front of the line. He counted it all as garbage so that he could gain Christ.  He learned where to focus.     Where's your focus?  Is it on you, your past achievements, or maybe your past failures?  Neither one will do.  In order to focus on what's most important you're going to have to let some things go.  You're going to have to cling to the one thing that is of infinite value – knowing Him. This is the goal – the life that we've all been waiting for.  We need to keep our eye on the prize, focussed on Him, in order to experience that which is of infinite value – knowing Christ. Stay focussed.  Set your gaze fully and completely on Him, for he is of infinite value.  Do away with those things that have distracted you.  Throw it all aside. I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us. (Phil 3:14 NLT) Support our podcast and give online HERE! or you can give via text by typing the word "Give" to 503-694-3738 

Trinity Sunday Support our podcast and give online HERE! or you can give via text by typing the word "Give" to 503-694-3738   

LETTING GO AND HOLDING ON Today's readings are I Kings 12, II Chronicles 10-11, and Philippians 2.  We are reading from the New Living Translation. What words are you holding onto?  Are they bringing you life?  Do they inspire hope and love or do they bring about despair, anxiety, and self-protection?   God wants you to hold firmly to the Word of Life.  But in order to do that, you have to let go of other words – words that have kept you captive and afraid – words that have been spoken over you – maybe by someone you love.  Maybe it's time that you let go of those words that have defined and trapped you.  God has far better words for you.  He wants you to reach out and receive words like forgiven, loved, daughter, son, new. The Gospel – the Good News of Christ – is the Word we are to hold firmly to.  We are invited to hold on with all our might.  His Good Word assures us that, though we are broken and bruised, and have broken and bruised others, our champion, Jesus,  has come to give us His Word and His Life.  He speaks it over us to transform, heal, and restore, here and now. What words are you holding on to?  Hold  firmly to the words of Life!  Forgiven. Loved. Daughter. Son. New.  Let the other words go.  Reach out today.  Hear, receive, and hold firmly to the Gospel – it's Good News!

Psalm 8; Proverbs 4:1-9; Luke 2:41-52 Support our podcast and give online HERE! or you can give via text by typing the word "Give" to 503-694-3738 

God Meets Us in the Midst of It. Song of Solomon 5 - 8 and Philippians 1 God meets us In the midst of our struggle, suffering, and disappointments.  Those are the final words of Paul in Philippians 1.  Verse 30 says, We are in this struggle together. You have seen my struggle in the past, and you know that I am still in the midst of it. God is still meeting him, right there in the the midst of it.  And God is encouraging us to meet each other here in the midst of it, too.  God enables us to live as citizens of heaven, loved by God, in the midst of all of life's struggles.  In verse 6 Paul says these important words,  And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns. God is working within you, in the midst of it.  That's the Good News - God working with us, meeting us, completing us, amid all that life throws at us. In the midst of everything God is in you, - your hope and glory.  This reality produces joy in Paul, and can do the same for us, in our lives.  It produces the changed lives we desire, here and now.  Verse 11 says,  May you always be filled with the fruit of your salvation—the righteous character produced in your life by Jesus Christ—for this will bring much glory and praise to God. In the midst of it, he's meeting us, transforming and completing our lives - our very character, as we live out the life of Christ in us, now.   Allow God's Spirit to meet and complete you.  Find his joy and let that joy be your strength, right there in the midst of it.  In the midst of all that life throws at you Support our podcast and give online HERE! or you can give via text by typing the word "Give" to 503-694-3738 

Psalm 8; Proverbs 3:19-26; Ephesians 4:1-6 Support our podcast and give online HERE! or you can give via text by typing the word "Give" to 503-694-3738 

Be Strong by Being Loved Today's readings are Song of Solomon 1 – 4 and Ephesians 6.  We are reading from the New Living Translation. Be strong.  Be loved.  The strength that you need to resist the enemy's fiery attacks comes from God.  It's not from us. All of the armor that he bequeaths to us:  the helmet, the shield, the shoes, the sword, the breastplate, – all of it – is a gift from a loving God.  So put on that loving armor, and be strong.  Paul tells us to be strong.  But the final words that he actually gives to us are, Be loved!   Peace be with you, dear brothers and sisters, and may God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ give you love with faithfulness. May God's grace be eternally upon all who love our Lord Jesus Christ. (Eph 6:23-24 NLT) Be strong.  How are we to do that?  We do that by being loved, putting on the loving armor of our Lord, resting in the eternal grace that has been placed upon us.   May God's grace be eternally upon all who love our Lord Jesus Christ. Be strong. Put on the helmet of salvation, the breastplate of God's righteousness, the shoes of the gospel, lifting up the shield of faith, holding forth the sword of the Spirit.  These are loving gifts from a loving God, whose grace has been eternally placed on us.   You can be strong because you have been loved.  Know this well, and let it's truth sink deep into your heart, so that you can draw strength from it. Support our podcast and give online HERE! or you can give via text by typing the word "Give" to 503-694-3738 

Psalm 8; Proverbs 3:13-18; Ephesians 1:17-19  Support our podcast and give online HERE! or you can give via text by typing the word "Give" to 503-694-3738 

Support our podcast and give online HERE! or you can give via text by typing the word "Give" to 503-694-3738   Light is Sweet Ecclesiastes 10 - 12, Psalm 94 and Ephesians 5 Children of light - that is what you are. The light is sweet.  How pleasant to see a new day dawning. (Eccl. 11:7)  Paul wants you to see and know the sweet light of a new day.   It is the Light of Christ dawning on a new day beginning in your life.  The light of Christ bring a new future and hope.  His favor and kindness is there for you today.  How sweet that is.   A new day dawning - A new destiny - a new hope. Verse 8 says,  For once you were full of darkness, but now you have light from the Lord. So live as people of light!  If we want to taste the sweetness of this light it's going to take careful determination.  Verse 10 says,  Carefully determine what pleases the Lord. We must carefully put away the darkness of our past, regrets, shame and resentments, and determine to apply the Gospel light to our heart each day.  That light comes from the Lord.  Come to Jesus each day, determining that He live His life in and through you now.  Through Christ we are able to find strength, to vanquish the lies that are told about God, that he is distant, and separate from us.  No, the light of Christ, reveals his presence, his nearness and his embrace.   In the light of his loving embrace we are able to honor and prefer one another, submitting to one another and laying down our lives for one another.  When we do that it will indeed be sweet and hopeful - like the dawning of a new day.  The wise man of Ecclesiastes said,  Light is sweet; how pleasant to see a new day dawning. (Eccl 11:7 NLT) Taste the sweetness of life in Christ.  Determine to love others through the power of Christ, laying your life down in order to experience his life now.