Discover the Word Podcast

Being afraid of something doesn't sound preferable, but throughout the Bible we see benefits from fearing the Lord. Find out what that can look like for us today and what we'll experience when we do!Receive The fear of the Lord is the starting place for wisdom and it leads to a never-ending friendship with a loving God. Scripture reveals that fearing the Lord is intended to comfort us not to scare us. Because the more we understand God's character, the more we are compelled to revere Him. God's Word guides us to express our fear of the Lord through right living, rejecting evil, and clinging to what is good.  Reflect Read the verses connected with this episode below. As you reflect on the Scripture, what stands out to you? Matthew 1:20 Matthew 2:22 Matthew 9:1-8 Acts 13:16, 26, 43 1 Peter 1:1 1 Peter 5:12-13 Revelation 19:4-10 John 4:13-18 Matthew 10:26-31 helps the disciples understand how much God cares for them—and how much He's in control, even during tribulations. How does this encourage you to know that God is on your side?  Acts 10:1-2, 34-35 shows that those who fear God leave an openness to be surprised with how He works. How does this encourage you to look for God's mighty presence and expansive invitation in your life?  1 Peter 2:11-17 summarizes a picture of what it looks like to fear God (live in freedom, respect everyone, love the family of believers, honor authority). How does keeping God first in these kinds of ways help you live in the world better? Revelation 14:6-8 shows that the fear of the Lord is linked to God's judgment which can lead to worship and praise. How does this fear of the Lord draw you closer into relationship with Him? Respond (Use this prayer to start a conversation with God) “Jesus, help me demonstrate my reverence for God by living in His freedom, respecting others, loving fellow believers, and honoring the authorities He has placed in my life. Help me see how putting God first in these kinds of ways leads me to live well.”  Discover more about the topics in this episode with these recommended resources Mentioned in this episode: Explore the DTW archives  Listen: Proverbial Wisdom  A Life of Wisdom and the Proverbs 31 Woman  Read: Reverent Fear  Understanding the Bible: The Wisdom Books  Watch: Mount Arbel - Sermon on the Mount and the Great Commission 

What happens when people “fear the Lord” in a healthy way? Explore how this can lead to wisdom and relationship with God!Receive The Bible's wisdom books remind us again and again that the fear of the Lord is where real wisdom begins—and that's the kind of wisdom we need for everyday life. From big decisions to ordinary moments, we all need God's perspective to help us navigate what's in front of us. Proverbs offers that wisdom with a hopeful, “glass half-full” lens, giving practical guidance for daily choices. Ecclesiastes meets us in the tension, naming life's frustrations and uncertainties with a more “glass half-empty” honesty. And Job takes us deeper, showing that a healthy fear of the Lord isn't about being afraid—it's about being drawn into a real, trusting relationship with God as we learn to revere all of who He is, even when life doesn't make sense.  Reflect Read the verses connected with this episode below. As you reflect on the Scripture, what stands out to you? Proverbs 1:5 Proverbs 24:5 Ecclesiastes 1:18 Proverbs 24:3-4 Ecclesiastes 2:20-21 Ecclesiastes 9:11 Ecclesiastes 12:13-14 Job Psalm 22:22-24 Psalm 19:7-10 Psalm 25:8-14 Would you say you identify more with the “glass half-full" approach to wisdom in Proverbs, or the “glass half-empty" approach of Ecclesiastes? Job's story demonstrates that fearing God is relational and not transactional (see Job 1:9). Why is it important to fear God for who He is and not for what He does? How does this type of reverent fear strengthen your relationship with God? God assured Job of His power and presence and unlimited perspective. How did this help Job have a healthy fear of God (see Job 42:1-6)? How can this help you have a healthy fear of God? Fear of the Lord invites you into a deeper relationship with Him (see Psalm 25:14). How can that help you live wisely today?  Respond (Use this prayer to start a conversation with God) “Jesus, help me have a healthy fear of God that allows me to live with wisdom throughout my life. Enable me to revere God for who He is and not for what He does so that I may deepen my relationship with You. Open my eyes to see more clearly the wonder and awe of who You are.”   Discover more about the topics in this episode with these recommended resources Mentioned in this episode: Ecclesiastes | Week 1  Ecclesiastes | Week 2  Our Daily Bread Mobile App  Listen: Proverbial Wisdom  A Life of Wisdom and the Proverbs 31 Woman  Read: Reverent Fear  Understanding the Bible: The Wisdom Books  Watch: Mount Arbel - Sermon on the Mount and the Great Commission 

We want to live wisely, but that can seem impossible at times. Discover what the Bible means when it says that wisdom begins with “the fear of the Lord.”Receive What does it look like for you to grow in wisdom? Scripture invites you to begin by fearing the Lord—by learning to revere Him for who He truly is and letting that reverence shape your daily choices.  Reflect Read the verses connected with this episode below. As you reflect on the Scripture, what stands out to you?  Isaiah 10:13  Psalm 107:27  Exodus 28:3  Deuteronomy 34:9  1 Kings 5  Psalm 37:30  Deuteronomy 4:6-7  Proverbs 1:1, 7-8  Proverbs 21:23 Proverbs 3:18 Proverbs 16:7 Proverbs 15:32-33 Proverbs 10:1, 27 Proverbs 25:1 Proverbs 9:10  Proverbs 14:27  Proverbs 19:23  Proverbs 22:4 Proverbs 2:1-5 When you hear Proverbs 1:7 say that “the fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge,” what stands out to you personally? How does that shape the way you think about wisdom and learning? As you reflect on Scripture, what kinds of good fruit or growth does the Bible connect with fearing the Lord? Where have you seen any of these take shape in your own life? How does it encourage or comfort you to remember that the benefits of fearing the Lord are meant to guide how we live, rather than serve as promises to hang on to?  Respond (Use this prayer to start a conversation with God) Jesus, help me to truly revere You—not out of fear that pushes me away, but out of awe that draws me closer. Grow me in wisdom as I learn to trust who You are and submit my heart to You. Show me, day by day, what it looks like to honor You in my thoughts, my choices, and my relationships. Help me recognize how walking in reverence shapes the way I respond to others. May Your wisdom guide me so I can live with a heart that reflects You. Discover more about the topics in this episode with these recommended resources Mentioned in this episode: Our Daily Bread Publishing Listen: Proverbial Wisdom  A Life of Wisdom and the Proverbs 31 Woman  Read: Reverent Fear  Understanding the Bible: The Wisdom Books  Watch: Mount Arbel - Sermon on the Mount and the Great Commission

The Bible is a book of invitations, and in this series, we will explore such invitations in the form of "let us" statements inviting us to join in some aspect of the life of the Christ follower. From worship to purity to endurance to love, these invitations welcome us to live with and for our Lord. Receive After exploring some Let Us invitation in the letter to the Hebrews in our last study, is it possible there are other Let Us invitations in other parts of the Bible? Step into five more biblical invitations, outside of Hebrews, that call you to live out your faith in everyday ways: worship God with your whole heart, persevere when faith feels hard, lay aside the sin that holds you back, love others deeply, and put that love into action.  Reflect Read the verses connected with this episode below. As you reflect on the Scripture, what stands out to you? Psalm 34:3 How does this invite you into communal worship? Romans 13:12-13 How does this invite you into the sanctification process—that Jesus accomplishes in us? Galatians 6:9 How does this invite you to keep going? 1 John 4:7 How does this invite you to receive and share God's love? 1 John 3:18 How does this invite you to live out love and not just feel love?  Respond (Use this prayer to start a conversation with God) “Jesus, help me embrace the Bible's invitations to be more like You. Help me worship You. Help me receive the process of sanctification that You accomplish. Help me keep going when things are hard, knowing that You will provide a harvest on the other side. Help me receive and share Your love—by living it out around me.”  Discover more about the topics in this episode with these recommended resources Mentioned in this episode:Become an Our Daily Bread Ambassador Listen: Spiritual Habits and Training | Week 1   Spiritual Habits and Training | Week 2   Read: Healthy Habits for Spiritual Growth    The Ordinary Life of Jesus  Watch: New Life in Christ    Resilient: Your Invitation to a Jesus-Shaped Life 

Have you ever noticed that the phrase “let us...” appears thirteen times in the book of Hebrews? Join us as we explore why this phrase was important to the author and how it invites us to walk with Jesus! Receive Join together with other believers and walk with Jesus through a series of five “let us” invitations from the book of Hebrews: let us hold fast to our faith, let us approach God in prayer, let us grow spiritually mature, let us draw near to God, and let us run our race. Reflect Read the verses connected with this episode below. As you reflect on the Scripture, what stands out to you? Hebrews 4:14 How does this invite you to hold fast to your faith? Hebrews 4:16  How does this invite you into prayer? Hebrews 6:1  How does this invite you into spiritual maturity? Hebrews 10:22-24  How does this invite you to draw near to God? Hebrews 12:1 How does this invite you to run your appointed race with Jesus? Respond (Use this prayer to start a conversation with God) “Jesus, thank you for the invitation throughout Scripture to live with You together with other believers. Help us hold fast to our faith, approach You in prayer, grow in spiritual maturity, stay near to You, and run our appointed race with You.”  Discover more about the topics in this episode with these recommended resources Mentioned in this episode: Start Your Our Daily Bread Subscription   Listen: Spiritual Habits and Training | Week 1  Spiritual Habits and Training | Week 2  Read: Understanding the Bible: The Letter to the Hebrews   Healthy Habits for Spiritual Growth   Watch: New Life in Christ   Resilient: Your Invitation to a Jesus-Shaped Life

What happens when God's people worship other things? Find out as we continue exploring the wayward tribe of Jacob's son Dan with archaeologist Dr. Jonathan Greer. Receive The Danites focus on God but they distort their worship of Him. By subordinating Him to other things, establishing their own version of religion, and lacking justice, they actually keep themselves from God. While their story reveals some important cautions for us today, we can also be encouraged by God's promise to restore all things.   Reflect Read the verses connected with this episode below. As you reflect on the Scripture, what stands out to you? 1 Kings 12:26-30 Exodus 32:4-6 Nehemiah 9:18 1 Kings 12:31-33 Amos 5:18-24 Revelation 7:5-8 Acts 15:1-5 Acts 15:13-18 Jeroboam worshipped God with calf idols which subordinated God (see 1 Kings 12:26-30). Is there a way you may set out to worship God which could actually subordinate Him to other things?  Jeroboam divided the religion in northern Israel from the religion in southern Israel for his own purposes (see 1 Kings 12:31-33). What caution can you take away about the danger of distorting God's ways with personalized religion? The northern Israelites got some things wrong in how they worshipped God (see Amos 5:18-24). What is one way that justice can be included as you worship God? God's redemption is described in both the Old Testament (from Amos 9:11-12) and the New Testament (from Acts 15:13-18). How does this give you hope in God's restoration of all things?  Respond (Use this prayer to start a conversation with God) “Jesus, help me to worship You above everything else and prevent me from subordinating You to anything else. Help me to focus on Your ways and prevent me from distorting Your ways with my own ways. Help me see opportunities to include justice as I worship You. And fill me with assurance that you are restoring all things.”   Discover more about the topics in this episode with these recommended resources Mentioned in this episode: The Holy Land: Connecting the Land with Its Stories   Listen: My Three Sons   Am I That Hard to Love?  Read: Noah: Hope in the Waters of Remaking  Redemption's Hope   Watch: A New Identity: The Gospel of Matthew  Loving Those Who've Fallen Away  

While some Bible stories surprise us, they all help us understand more about God and His plan! Discover how God was faithful to redeem the tribe of Dan and all of Israel with special guest and archaeologist Dr. Jonathan Greer.  Receive So much of Dan's story leaves us saying “That's not the way it's supposed to be.” From his troubling conception to the Danites forced migration, this tribe does things their own way, mixing legitimate devotion to God with misguided methods of worshipping and serving Him. But ultimately, Dan, his family, and his city set the stage for the coming of the One who redeems all things into the way they should be.    Reflect Read the verses connected with this episode below. As you reflect on the Scripture, what stands out to you? Genesis 30:1-6 Deuteronomy 27:11-13 Judges 5:17 Judges 1:34 Judges 13:1 Judges 17:1-18 Judges 18:3-10 Judges 18:27-19:1 Dan's conception began with his mother taking matters into her own hands (from Genesis 30:1-6). In what ways might you be taking a matter in your life into your own hands? Micah wanted to seek God but he didn't involve God in the process (from Judges 17:1-18). In what ways might you be seeking God without involving Him? The Danites worshipped the true God but they did it in a false way (from Judges 18:3-10). In what ways might you be trying to worship God but miss Him in the process?  Respond (Use this prayer to start a conversation with God) “Jesus, help me seek You and find You and worship You with the right motivations. Show me when I may be getting off track following You with the wrong motivations, and lead me to stay on track.”   Discover more about the topics in this episode with these recommended resources Mentioned in this episode: The Holy Land: Connecting the Land with Its Stories   Listen: My Three Sons   Am I That Hard to Love?  Read: Noah: Hope in the Waters of Remaking  Redemption's Hope   Watch: A New Identity: The Gospel of Matthew  Loving Those Who've Fallen Away   

When you hear the word "seek," what comes to mind? Hide and seek? Explorers? Searching for something you lost? Well, Matthew 6:33 is one of the best-known scriptures in our Bible. “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness and all these things will be given to you as well.” What does this summation mid-way through the Sermon on the Mount actually mean and how can following its guidance impact our lives?WAYS TO LISTEN & SUBSCRIBE:

How is God celebrated in the Bible and how can this inspire your celebration of God throughout the coming year? Join us to discover some of the many praiseworthy qualities that Psalm 95 reveals about our mighty God!WAYS TO LISTEN & SUBSCRIBE:

While Old Testament genealogies often include lists of fathers and sons, join us to explore the four women who are presented in the genealogy of Jesus. Discover their important stories as you celebrate Christmas! WAYS TO LISTEN & SUBSCRIBE:

Have you thought much about Jesus's earthly family and His heavenly family and the impact they all had on His life? Discover what we can learn from people like Mary, Joseph, and the Trinity! WAYS TO LISTEN & SUBSCRIBE:

It's astonishing how technology (smartphones, tablets, laptops, GPS, etc.) has influenced our lives--for both good and bad? So, would it surprise you to know that "technology" shows up in the Bible and plays a vital role in God's story? In this Discover the Word study, the group explores several stories where technology plays a role. And as we study those passages together, we may find wisdom and freedom for how to use tech well in our modern world to draw us closer to God and others. WAYS TO LISTEN & SUBSCRIBE:

It's astonishing how technology (smartphones, tablets, laptops, GPS, etc.) has influenced our lives--for both good and bad? So, would it surprise you to know that "technology" shows up in the Bible and plays a vital role in God's story? In this Discover the Word study, the group explores several stories where technology plays a role. And as we study those passages together, we may find wisdom and freedom for how to use tech well in our modern world to draw us closer to God and others. WAYS TO LISTEN & SUBSCRIBE:

Have you noticed how it usually takes a lot of ordinary steps to achieve something extraordinary? Join us and special guest Jeff Manion to explore some ordinary habits that can lead to an extraordinary life of faith!WAYS TO LISTEN & SUBSCRIBE:

Most followers of Christ want their lives to count, but it's easy to get impatient with the slow pace at which a life of significance often happens. In these two weeks of conversations with pastor and author Jeff Manion, the Discover the Word group explores how living a life marked by steady faithfulness can have tremendous and lasting results. Learn how, most often, what God considers a great life is built on a foundation of "holy redundancy," as Mart and Elisa and Bill welcome Jeff Manion to the table for this series called "Dream Big, Think Small." WAYS TO LISTEN & SUBSCRIBE:

When you hear the word "justice" what comes to mind? Courts? Activism? Legal TV dramas? Well, justice is a major theme in the Bible, appearing over 400 times. But what does it look like for God to "act justly?" And what does it look like of us to do justice? In these conversations, the Discover the Word group looks at some specific examples of what Biblical justice looks like, with the hope of making practical applications for us today. WAYS TO LISTEN & SUBSCRIBE:

What are some things you are devoted to? Family? Career? A sports team? In Acts 2, we find Luke telling us what the earliest followers of Jesus were devoted to. Can those areas of devotion inform our living today as well? It's a Discover the Word study that asks us to reflect on the question "what am I devoted to?"WAYS TO LISTEN & SUBSCRIBE:

What does it mean to live life to the full? Discover how seeing Jesus as our “good shepherd” helps us understand His promise to give us full life!WAYS TO LISTEN & SUBSCRIBE:

How have good friendships helped you through life? Explore some of the best parts of friendship from the Bible and be encouraged to strengthen your relationships!WAYS TO LISTEN & SUBSCRIBE:

What makes a good friendship? Explore some examples of friendship in the Bible that encourage you with wisdom for healthy relationships!WAYS TO LISTEN & SUBSCRIBE:

What's the best gift you've ever received? Gain a deeper understanding about the Holy Spirit and how this gift from Jesus works in our lives! WAYS TO LISTEN & SUBSCRIBE:

Do you feel like you've got parenting figured out or could you benefit from some reliable wisdom? Explore parenting stories from Scripture and discover how they can help parents and guardians today!WAYS TO LISTEN & SUBSCRIBE:

 We can all struggle to trust God in moments of crisis. We wonder…Where did He go? Why has He allowed this? When will He intervene? In a boat on the waves, the disciples (Peter in particular) undergo a trust trial where despite some terrifying circumstances, Jesus asks them to trust Him. Will they? What principles will they draw on? What can we learn from their trust trial for the trust trials we will face? WAYS TO LISTEN & SUBSCRIBE:

In Mark 8, Jesus sets forth the path of discipleship—what it means to follow Him. It is not an easy, casual path, but an exceedingly important one that we explore this week.WAYS TO LISTEN & SUBSCRIBE:

 Has the way you read the Bible changed over the course of time? What sparked those changes? In this week of Discover the Word conversations, ODBM Senior Director of Bible Engagement, JR Hudberg, joins the group to talk about 3 vital characteristics of reading and engaging the Bible well. JR says these characteristics are not new or original with him, but they have changed the way he reads the Bible and have re-ignited his love of Scripture in ways that have made the text come alive. WAYS TO LISTEN & SUBSCRIBE:

It's easy to confuse Elisha with his mentor Elijah. Not only do their names sound similar but they also performed similar miracles. Come along with us to explore how Elisha and Elijah were similar, how they were different, and how they both represented God's nature. Discover how Elisha went on to do even greater things than Elijah and how through their story we find out what God can do for us! WAYS TO LISTEN & SUBSCRIBE:

It's easy to confuse Elisha with his mentor Elijah. Not only do their names sound similar but they also performed similar miracles. Come along with us to explore how Elisha and Elijah were similar, how they were different, and how they both represented God's nature. Discover how Elisha went on to do even greater things than Elijah and how through their story we find out what God can do for us! WAYS TO LISTEN & SUBSCRIBE:

It's easy to confuse Elisha with his mentor Elijah. Not only do their names sound similar but they also performed similar miracles. Come along with us to explore how Elisha and Elijah were similar, how they were different, and how they both represented God's nature. Discover how Elisha went on to do even greater things than Elijah and how through their story we find out what God can do for us! WAYS TO LISTEN & SUBSCRIBE:

 It's easy to confuse Elisha with his mentor Elijah. Not only do their names sound similar but they also performed similar miracles. Come along with us to explore how Elisha and Elijah were similar, how they were different, and how they both represented God's nature. Discover how Elisha went on to do even greater things than Elijah and how through their story we find out what God can do for us! WAYS TO LISTEN & SUBSCRIBE:

 It's easy to confuse Elisha with his mentor Elijah. Not only do their names sound similar but they also performed similar miracles. Come along with us to explore how Elisha and Elijah were similar, how they were different, and how they both represented God's nature. Discover how Elisha went on to do even greater things than Elijah and how through their story we find out what God can do for us!WAYS TO LISTEN & SUBSCRIBE:

 It's easy to confuse Elisha with his mentor Elijah. Not only do their names sound similar but they also performed similar miracles. Come along with us to explore how Elisha and Elijah were similar, how they were different, and how they both represented God's nature. Discover how Elisha went on to do even greater things than Elijah and how through their story we find out what God can do for us! WAYS TO LISTEN & SUBSCRIBE:

It's easy to confuse Elisha with his mentor Elijah. Not only do their names sound similar but they also performed similar miracles. Come along with us to explore how Elisha and Elijah were similar, how they were different, and how they both represented God's nature. Discover how Elisha went on to do even greater things than Elijah and how through their story we find out what God can do for us!WAYS TO LISTEN & SUBSCRIBE:

Has connecting with God—through the Bible—sometimes seemed confusing or frustrating? Author Alex Goodwin joins us to explore how we can approach the Bible differently and enjoy an easier more fruitful experience reading it!WAYS TO LISTEN & SUBSCRIBE:

There are times in the gospels when Jesus gives commands that can confuse us – because they seem downright impossible. The Ten Commandments are hard enough – and we know that we'll be imperfect in keeping the Law of the Old Testament. That's why God provided a way out for us in Jesus. So what did Jesus mean in His seemingly impossible commands? Perhaps the truth He wants us to grasp is that He loves us so much that He makes the impossible possible. And we love Him back by allowing Him to help us move in the direction of obedience. WAYS TO LISTEN & SUBSCRIBE:

There are times in the gospels when Jesus gives commands that can confuse us – because they seem downright impossible. The Ten Commandments are hard enough – and we know that we'll be imperfect in keeping the Law of the Old Testament. That's why God provided a way out for us in Jesus. So what did Jesus mean in His seemingly impossible commands? Perhaps the truth He wants us to grasp is that He loves us so much that He makes the impossible possible. And we love Him back by allowing Him to help us move in the direction of obedience. WAYS TO LISTEN & SUBSCRIBE:

"The glory of God is a human fully alive." This is a paraphrase of something an early church Father wrote, and it sounds inspiring! We go through our lives often wishing there was more. Let's explore what it means to step into the abundant life God offers, by considering a very famous speech from Acts 17 that's full of some pretty surprising and often humorous moments. And through this, we will discover what it looks like to walk through life with God, and become more fully alive. WAYS TO LISTEN & SUBSCRIBE:

"The glory of God is a human fully alive." This is a paraphrase of something an early church Father wrote, and it sounds inspiring! We go through our lives often wishing there was more. Let's explore what it means to step into the abundant life God offers, by considering a very famous speech from Acts 17 that's full of some pretty surprising and often humorous moments. And through this, we will discover what it looks like to walk through life with God, and become more fully alive. WAYS TO LISTEN & SUBSCRIBE:

Author Leslie Leyland Fields joins the Discover the Word group from her home on Kodiak Island, Alaska and shares Insights from a Fisherwoman About Following Jesus. In a time when so many are "unfollowing" Jesus and leaving the church, Leslie's experience in her family's commercial fishing business provides a helpful perspective about what it meant for those first fishermen disciples to follow Jesus, and what it means for us today. WAYS TO LISTEN & SUBSCRIBE:

This week, the Discover the Word group focuses on Psalm 16--A Psalm of Trust. So, what does it really mean to "trust God," and how do we know if we're doing so? Vivian dives into this Psalm of David with Daniel and Elisa and Rasool, to discover how struggle and opposition can drive us to a deeper sense of God's presence, and a trust that He is out for our good.   WAYS TO LISTEN & SUBSCRIBE:

How do you respond when you sin? Embarrassment? Shame? Horror? Or denial, hiding, running away? Some respond with confession and reception of grace. Scripture shows a variety of responses in Peter, Thomas, John Mark, the “sinful woman” and even Judas and we can learn from each. And what about when people don't respond by receiving Jesus' provision for sin?   WAYS TO LISTEN & SUBSCRIBE:

How do you respond when you sin? Embarrassment? Shame? Horror? Or denial, hiding, running away? Some respond with confession and reception of grace. Scripture shows a variety of responses in Peter, Thomas, John Mark, the “sinful woman” and even Judas and we can learn from each. And what about when people don't respond by receiving Jesus' provision for sin?   WAYS TO LISTEN & SUBSCRIBE:

Though the fifth shortest book in the Bible, the letter of Jude is packed with mystery, theology, and important information. We want to take the next couple of weeks to explore it together, and discover the simplicity of the Gospel message that shines through the complex things that Jude points to in the story of the Bible.   WAYS TO LISTEN & SUBSCRIBE: