Mountains and Mustard Seeds

This guided lectio divina of 1 Samuel 2:7-8 (NASB) corresponds to Ruth 3:16-4:12. Hannah's song of thanksgiving contains some powerful imagery about who YHWH is and His conduct, turning over and reversing many human ideas about how life operates. This portion fits beautifully with the themes in Ruth: Boaz is the instrument of God's heart, elevating Ruth and Naomi from their poverty to a place of honor. Stay tuned for the next corresponding podcasts, which will dig into the social, historical and literary study of Ruth 3:16-4:12. If you have a question or would like to connect with Erica, please email askerica.podcast@gmail.com Podcast instrumental music by ⁠Scott Holmes⁠ and ⁠Joseph McDade⁠. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/erica-kambeitz/support

We dig into the beautiful Hebrew language in this portion of Ruth 3:6-15 (NASB), looking specifically at how repetition and allusion weave our theme of hesed and human agency together. Often times Boaz becomes the focus in these later passages, but Erica explains why Ruth needs a shoutout as well. Ultimately, both Ruth and Boaz demonstrate the ideal hesed as a biblical example to all of us. If you have a question or would like to connect with Erica, please email askerica.podcast@gmail.com Podcast instrumental music by Scott Holmes and Joseph McDade. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/erica-kambeitz/support

What do you do with the unprecedented moments of life for which the Bible holds no specific answer? Boaz finds himself in this place with Ruth and models the ideal hesed through his interactions in Ruth 3:5-16 (NASB). When we embrace the spirit of the law rather than the letter of the law, it provides a creative template to live faithfully in God's kingdom as we embody His love to those around us. If you have a question or would like to connect with Erica, please email askerica.podcast@gmail.com Podcast instrumental music by Scott Holmes and Joseph McDade. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/erica-kambeitz/support

This guided lectio divina of Isaiah 43:1-4 (MSG) corresponds to Ruth 3:6-15. This portion of Isaiah - especially Eugene Peterson's translation - captures the security and peace of being redeemed. In many ways, the glimmer of hope for Ruth's redemption points us to God's ultimate redemption of His people. Stay tuned for the next corresponding podcasts, which will dig into the social, historical and literary study of Ruth 3:6-15. If you have a question or would like to connect with Erica, please email askerica.podcast@gmail.com Podcast instrumental music by Scott Holmes and Joseph McDade. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/erica-kambeitz/support

We take a look at those Hebrew double entendres in Ruth 3:1-5 (NASB) to better understand the denotative and connotative meaning of the words. This helps identify why some scholars and pastors interpret this passage with overt sexuality, while also explaining Erica's belief that the author of Ruth uses the sexualized language as a clever literary device. We also compare this wild plan in Ruth to some weird patriarchal schemes to determine how it differs from, which also draws out the main theme of hesed in the process. If you have a question or would like to connect with Erica, please email askerica.podcast@gmail.com Podcast instrumental music by Scott Holmes and Joseph McDade. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/erica-kambeitz/support

What do we do with bizarre portions of the Bible like Naomi's plan in Ruth 3:1-5 (NASB)? Erica reveals some important methodology that Biblical scholars use to make sense of and interpret these passages. You might be surprised with her interpretation, but she takes care to explain her steps, keeping the overarching narrative of Ruth and the Bible in mind. Ruth reveals that God loves working with broken people and can do immeasurably more than we could possibly imagine with our actions and decisions. If you have a question or would like to connect with Erica, please email askerica.podcast@gmail.com Podcast instrumental music by Scott Holmes and Joseph McDade. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/erica-kambeitz/support

This guided lectio divina of Psalm 100 (NASB) corresponds to Ruth 3:1-5. Imagine Naomi praying something like this after seeing the tangible kindness of Boaz, their kinsman redeemer. Erica incorporates a wee bit of biblical Hebrew into this English translation to reinforce all that we've been learning about hesed. Stay tuned for the next corresponding podcasts, which will dig into the social, historical and literary study of Ruth 3:1-5. If you have a question or would like to connect with Erica, please email askerica.podcast@gmail.com Podcast instrumental music by Scott Holmes and Joseph McDade. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/erica-kambeitz/support

Chiasm and allusion are present in this final portion of Ruth 2:17-23 (NASB, and CJB) which creates a powerful thematic and theological focus. Erica unpacks the theological implications that result from Naomi's declaration in Ruth 2:20, connecting God's hesed with the kindness of Boaz as an answer to prayer. Chiastic structure in this portion: Vv 17 Report of Ruth's gleaning from day 1  Vv 18-19 Ruth and Naomi discuss where she gleaned  Vv 20 Naomi acknowledges the kindness of God by way of Boaz  Vv 21-22 Ruth and Naomi plan to continue gleaning in Boaz's fields'  Vv 23 Report of Ruth's continued gleaning until end of Harvest If you have a question or would like to connect with Erica, please email askerica.podcast@gmail.com Podcast instrumental music by Scott Holmes and Joseph McDade. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/erica-kambeitz/support

This episode digs into the ancient Jewish practice of the kinsman redeemer, and reveals the importance for Ruth and Naomi. Furthermore, we begin to unpack the theology of the book of Ruth concerning God's providence and the interplay of human and divine action. If you're following along in your Bible, Erica references the NASB translation but the CJB captures more of the Biblical Hebrew. If you have a question or would like to connect with Erica, please email askerica.podcast@gmail.com Podcast instrumental music by Scott Holmes and Joseph McDade. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/erica-kambeitz/support

This guided lectio divina of Psalm 36:5-9 (NASB) corresponds to Ruth 2:17-23. This psalm celebrates the hesed of YHWH through God's protection and provision for those who seek refuge in Him. Stay tuned for the next two corresponding podcasts, which will dig into the social, historical and literary study of Ruth 2:17-23. If you have a question or would like to connect with Erica, please email askerica.podcast@gmail.com Podcast instrumental music by Scott Holmes and Joseph McDade. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/erica-kambeitz/support

In this literary study of Ruth 2:8-16 (NASB) we pull together some of threads that the author weaves through the book of Ruth. At the heart of Boaz's dialogue with Ruth are some beautiful, timeless truths about God's presence and awareness of human agency, and the main idea that hesed begets hesed. If you have a question or would like to connect with Erica, please email askerica.podcast@gmail.com Podcast instrumental music by Scott Holmes and Joseph McDade. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/erica-kambeitz/support

In this episode we compare the Bible against the Bible to gain a better understanding of Boaz's character and behavior. Boaz demonstrates that a god-honoring life not only upholds YHWH's covenant, but goes above and beyond by embracing the spirit of the law and the heart of God behind it. Boaz responds to hesed with hesed. If you have a question or would like to connect with Erica, please email askerica.podcast@gmail.com Podcast instrumental music by Scott Holmes and Joseph McDade. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/erica-kambeitz/support

This guided lectio divina of Ephesians 2:19-22 (MSG) corresponds to Ruth 2:8-16. I love Eugene Petersen's translation (the Message), which captures similar themes we see in this portion of Ruth. Boaz creates a safe, lavish space for Ruth to belong as an outsider. He understood - just like Paul - that the heart of God invites anyone and everyone into YHWH's Kingdom family. Stay tuned for the next two corresponding podcasts, which will dig into the social, historical and literary study of Ruth 2:8-16. If you have a question or would like to connect with Erica, please email askerica.podcast@gmail.com Podcast instrumental music by Scott Holmes and Joseph McDade. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/erica-kambeitz/support

We look at the author's brilliant usage of foreshadowing and contrast in our literary study of Ruth 2:1-7 (NASB) . This helps us focus not only on the remarkable character and Boaz, but also on the key understanding that obeying God and understanding God's heart enables us to embody God's hesed. If you have a question or would like to connect with Erica, please email askerica.podcast@gmail.com Podcast instrumental music by Scott Holmes and Joseph McDade. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/erica-kambeitz/support

What do ancient agricultural practices, Levitical commandments, and ethnic antagonism have to do with the book of Ruth? Chapter 2 demonstrates the delicate interplay of prejudice and disobedience as the Israelites begin to interact with the "Moabite woman from the land of Moab." Disclaimer: Erica doesn't pull punches on this one, so don't listen if you hate being challenged. If you have a question or would like to connect with Erica, please email askerica.podcast@gmail.com Podcast instrumental music by Scott Holmes and Joseph McDade. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/erica-kambeitz/support

This guided lectio divina of Psalm 126 (NASB) corresponds to Ruth 2:1-7. This beautiful psalm reflects the sorrow and joy of life which often go hand-in-hand. God sees our tears and they are never wasted. In fact, they can eventually grow into immeasurable joy in our lives when we entrust them to the Lord. Stay tuned for the next two corresponding podcasts, which will dig into the social, historical and literary study of Ruth 2:1-7. If you have a question or would like to connect with Erica, please email askerica.podcast@gmail.com Podcast instrumental music by Scott Holmes and Joseph McDade. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/erica-kambeitz/support

What do sandwiches, pizza and Biblical literature all have in common? Not much, but Erica makes some comical connections as word pictures in this study of Ruth 1:15-22 (NASB). We unpack the literary brilliance of chiasm, and learn how to identify it, how it works, and how it unpacks a text in fresh ways for the modern reader. SHOW NOTES: Chiastic structure for Ruth's loyalty oath (1:16-17; pattern A-B-C-D-D'-C'-B'-A') 1 Do not plead with me to leave you or to turn back from following you; 2 for where you go, I will go,  3 and where you sleep, I will sleep.  4 Your people shall be my people,  5 and your God, my God.  6 Where you die, I will die,  7 and there I will be buried.  8 May the Lord do so to me, and worse, if anything but death separates me from you.” If you have a question or would like to connect with Erica, please email askerica.podcast@gmail.com Podcast instrumental music by Scott Holmes and Joseph McDade. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/erica-kambeitz/support

The end of Ruth chapter 1 is a real banger of a passage, but most of us don't realize the punch it packs in our modern, Western context. Erica delves into the ANE tradition of oaths and the significance of Passover for this pivotal turning point in the book of Ruth. As always, we have reflection questions sprinkled in for your own processing and application. If you have a question or would like to connect with Erica, please email askerica.podcast@gmail.com Podcast instrumental music by Scott Holmes and Joseph McDade. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/erica-kambeitz/support

This guided lectio divina of Psalm 107:1-9 (NRSVA) corresponds to Ruth 1:15-22. It is a Psalm of thanksgiving which acknowledges God's hesed towards His people. Even if Naomi and Ruth don't return to Bethlehem rejoicing, this Psalm captures the joy of YHWH's lovingkindness despite the suffering that His people have experienced. Stay tuned for the next two corresponding podcasts, which will dig into the social, historical and literary study of Ruth 1:15-22. If you have a question or would like to connect with Erica, please email askerica.podcast@gmail.com Podcast instrumental music by Scott Holmes and Joseph McDade. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/erica-kambeitz/support

Today's podcast digs into Ruth 1:6-14 (NASB) with a word study on the Hebrew word for return (sub), and explores a major theme of the book: God's hesed through His people. Per usual, it is crammed full of application and reflection questions for a modern context. If you have a question or would like to connect with Erica, please email askerica.podcast@gmail.com Podcast instrumental music by Scott Holmes and Joseph McDade. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/erica-kambeitz/support

For scene 1 of Ruth we are diving into the ancient practices of marriage and ideologies about deities. There is a lot to unpack, but Erica helps draw out deep theological principals for a modern context. If you have a question or would like to connect with Erica, please email askerica.podcast@gmail.com Podcast instrumental music by Scott Holmes and Joseph McDade. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/erica-kambeitz/support

This guided lectio divina of Psalm 6 (NASB) corresponds to Ruth 1:6-14, mirroring Naomi's belief that "the hand of the Lord has gone forth against me." Erica strategically stops before the psalmist acknowledges that God has heard their cries, just as Naomi does not yet beleive that God has heard her own cries. Make sure to stay tuned for parts two and three, which will dig into the social, historical and literary study of Ruth 1:6-13. If you have a question or would like to connect with Erica, please email askerica.podcast@gmail.com Podcast instrumental music by Scott Holmes and Joseph McDade. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/erica-kambeitz/support

Continuing our study of Ruth 1:1-5, Erica unpacks metaphors, allusion, and a little bit of irony to help us get a deeper understanding of this text. Buckle up for a little bit of Hebrew and a whole lot of application. If you have a question or would like to connect with Erica, please email askerica.podcast@gmail.com Podcast instrumental music by Scott Holmes and Joseph McDade. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/erica-kambeitz/support

What does the period of Judges have to do with Ruth? And what is the significance of Moab? Join us as we dive into the book of Ruth by looking at some important historical aspects which shed significant light on this incredible story. If you have a question or would like to connect with Erica, please email askerica.podcast@gmail.com Podcast instrumental music by Scott Holmes and Joseph McDade. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/erica-kambeitz/support

This guided lectio divina of Psalm 13 (NASB) corresponds to Ruth 1:1-5 and serves as a primer for study of this passage. I imagine this might be how Naomi felt and prayed after losing her husband and both sons in a foreign land. Make sure to stay tuned for parts two and three, which will dig into the social, historical and literary study of Ruth 1:1-5. If you have a question or would like to connect with Erica, please email askerica.podcast@gmail.com Podcast instrumental music by Scott Holmes and Joseph McDade. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/erica-kambeitz/support

As we begin our comprehensive Bible study on the book of Ruth, Erica explains why in-depth study of scripture matters. Things like time, culture, language, and geography are massive barriers for a modern reader but we don't often address those. Ultimately, the Bible is one of our best ways to know who God is; so a clearer understanding of scripture leads to a richer relationship with God. Erica briefly outlines the book of Ruth, introducing some important aspects for this Bible study and what to expect. It's a jam-packed episode you don't want to miss! If you have a question or would like to connect with Erica, please email askerica.podcast@gmail.com Podcast instrumental music by Joseph McDade. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/erica-kambeitz/support

What key themes and words stand out from this passage? Why does John emphasis the pool of Siloam in this passage? And why does Jesus use mud to heal the blind man? Join us in the third and final part of the new format where Erica unpacks the literary context of John 9:1-7 (NRSV). If you have a question or would like to connect with Erica, please email askerica.podcast@gmail.com Podcast instrumental music by Scott Holmes and Joseph McDade. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/erica-kambeitz/support

What is The Feast of Tabernacles? Why do the disciples believe that suffering was a direct result of sin? And how do any of these things help us understand Jesus' miraculous healing of the blind man? Join us in the second part of the new format where Erica unpacks the social and historical background of John 9:1-7 (NRSV). If you have a question or would like to connect with Erica, please email askerica.podcast@gmail.com Podcast instrumental music by Scott Holmes and Joseph McDade. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/erica-kambeitz/support

What does it look like when we truly see Jesus for who He is? Follow along in this guided lectio divina of John 9:1-7 (NRSVA). This serves as preparation for the next two episodes, where Erica unpacks the socio-historical and literary context in this rich passage about Jesus the Messiah. If you have a question or would like to connect with Erica, please email askerica.podcast@gmail.com Podcast instrumental music by Scott Holmes. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/erica-kambeitz/support

In a world filled with corruption, injustice, and chaos, it can be hard to trust any leader to bring about lasting change that truly benefits all people. But what about the promised Messiah? What does the Bible have to say about the kind of leader he will be and what Kingdom life looks like for those who follow? Check out this bonus episode on Isaiah 11:1-9 (NASB) to hear Erica's thoughts on Kingdom living here and now. Here are the reflection questions from this episode: What is preventing Jesus from being the ultimate authority in your life? What might you be looking forward to for deliverance apart from Christ? What wrongs do you long to see made right? How can you faithfully trust Jesus to bring justice in these particular areas? What is preventing you from embracing the shalom that Jesus invites you into? What fears hold you back from fully trusting God's righteous sovereignty over all things? Podcast theme music by Joseph McDade. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/erica-kambeitz/support

Peace. We often hear that Jesus is the Prince of Peace, but what does that actually look like in our lives today? How can this be true when we live in a world with continual chaos, dissension, and upheaval? Join Erica as she leads us through Isaiah 11:1-5 (NASB) for the final week of the advent lectio divina series. Podcast instrumental music by Scott Holmes and Joseph McDade. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/erica-kambeitz/support

Joy. Christ's birth marks the coming of Adonai's Messiah: the one who liberates God's people and sets all things right. In a world where sorrow and grief seem to be constant, how can we experience the joy of Christ's liberating power here and now? Join us for the third week of advent in Isaiah 61:1-3 (NASB). Podcast instrumental music by Scott Holmes and Joseph McDade. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/erica-kambeitz/support

Love. Christmas is all about how God came to earth in the person of Jesus Christ. And yet, in most Christian traditions, the incarnation is something we don't dwell upon nearly as often as the death and resurrection of Christ. What does John have to say about Immanuel, God-with-us? Join us for the second week of advent with this guided lectio divina of John 1:14-16 (NRSVA). Podcast instrumental music by Scott Holmes and Joseph McDade. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/erica-kambeitz/support

Hope. This Christmas season if full of expectancy, but how much of that is focused on Jesus? Isaiah and John the Baptist understood the hopeful anticipation of God's Anointed One. Join us this advent season as we prepare our hearts to make room for Jesus each day with this guided lectio divina of Isaiah 40:3-5 (NASB). Podcast instrumental music by Scott Holmes and Joseph McDade. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/erica-kambeitz/support

What does Jesus have to say about rest, work, and spiritual expectations? Join Erica as she guides another lectio divina of Matthew 11:25-30 (NRSVA). Podcast instrumental music by Scott Holmes. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/erica-kambeitz/support

Find a comfy place to read along, pray, and journal as Erica guides a lectio divina of Psalm 23. Stick around afterwards for her own thoughts on the passage and personal reflection. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/erica-kambeitz/support

How do we separate being from doing? How can we hear from God in our modern busyness? And what does it look like to rest well? Check out the new direction for the podcast and get some insight into Erica's sabbatical. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/erica-kambeitz/support

What in the world is Lectio Divina? How do I do it? Why do I care? Check out a modern take on an ancient spiritual practice. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/erica-kambeitz/support

How much should our Faith impact politics? How much should our politics impact our Faith? What does Jesus have to say about it?

We dive right into some of my favorite books from my Hermeneutics class in this episode. I introduce you to principalism from Duvall and Hay's book Grasping God's Word and give a brief overview of Misreading Scripture through Western Eyes by O'Brien and Richards. Buckle up for some nerdy-yet-helpful content!

Back from my unintentional hiatus with some life updates, new direction for the podcast and a brief glimpse of what I have been learning.

My dear friend Matt joins me in this episode as we discuss the Crappy Christian Phrase "I just want you to show up, God". Whether it's doubting God's presence, questioning what He wants us to do next, or wondering where God is in the midst of suffering, this episode covers all the bases.

Continuing our series "Crappy Christian Catch Phrases", special guest Henry discusses why the "name it and claim it" theology is dangerous, and helpful ways we can view God based on what scripture really tells us.

This is the first episode in our new series "Crappy Christian Catch Phrases: Debunking the weird things Christians say that the Bible never did". Give a listen to hear why we hate this phrase, why it's Biblical wrong, and what we think is an accurate alternative perspective.

I don't have any answers, any "right" way to think or feel or do during this time of quarantine from COVID-19. But hopefully my musings and "in-process" state is comforting in solidarity for your life and your faith.

What is a "quiet time" and how do I do that? And what is this fellowship thing? Why do either one of them matter as a Christian?

What am I giving up and how am I supposed to do that? Is this really something I can do in my life or just a pithy cliche?

Did God call them and not me? How do I know if I am called? And what exactly does it mean to be called? In this episode we unpack more of what our primary calling is as Christians and how we can figure out our specific secondary calling.

What do we have freedom from exactly? And how does that impact my life as a Christian?

Is it a noun? A verb? Some people say it as advice, others use it as a catch-all phrase for individual Christian faith. What does it really mean and how do we do it?

Who is this Holy Spirit thing and how in the world are we "filled"?