Open Our Bibles Together with MFahring

In this episode, we step into one of the most surprising stories in the Bible — talking donkeys, hired curses, and blessings that can't be stopped.   We meet Balaam, a mysterious pagan prophet-for-hire. He's not part of Israel, but he hears from God — and when the king of Moab tries to pay him to curse God's people, things don't go according to plan.   Today, we dive into:   ·        Who Balaam really was (and why he's so hard to pin down) ·        The ancient practice of paying prophets to curse enemies ·        That unforgettable moment with a talking donkey ·        And how all of this unexpectedly points to Jesus   Even in confusion, compromise, or enemy schemes, God's blessing holds firm.   PLUS, please be sure you don't miss the announcement at the end of today's episode with all the details about OOBT's upcoming summer break – my plans, the official return date, and so much more! I do hope you find moments to connect more fully with those you love AND with your Bibles in study this summer!   For the full episode show notes, please go to Mfahringmfahring.com/numbers-22-24

In this episode of OOBT, we walk with Israel through some of the hardest moments in their wilderness journey — and we see how every scene whispers of Jesus.   Here's what you'll hear:   A strange ritual with a red heifer — What's up with ashes and cleansing? And how does it connect to Jesus purifying us from death?   Moses' heartbreaking mistake — He strikes the rock in frustration instead of speaking to it — and the consequence? He can't enter the Promised Land.   A family rejection from Edom — Israel asks to pass through peacefully. Edom, their “brother nation,” says no. What do we do when even family lets us down?   Poisonous serpents and the bronze snake — The people complain. Serpents strike. But God provides healing through something strange: a bronze snake lifted high. Spoiler: Jesus says this moment was always about Him (see John 3:14).   And the surprise ending? — Moses does enter the Promised Land—on the Mount of Transfiguration (Matthew 17, Mark 9). He stands beside Jesus in glory. Grace has the final word.   So even when we fail, even when the road is long, God doesn't give up on His people. The Rock was struck for us. The Son was lifted up. And when we look to Him — we live.   That's so good, friends. So very good. Be sure to listen in for all this and so much more!   For the full episode show notes, please go to https://mfahring.com/numbers-19-21/

Numbers 16–18 brings us one of the most dramatic turns in Israel's wilderness journey — with rebellion in the camp, a high-stakes showdown, and God's unmistakable response. But this isn't just a story about judgment. It's a story about mercy, leadership, and second chances.   We talk about Korah's rebellion and what it reveals about the human heart, but also how God defends His holiness with grace — raising up Aaron, once the maker of the golden calf, to intercede for the people. And even from the fallout of Korah's sin, we see redemption stories in the surprising legacy of his sons, who go from a broken family line to writing worshipful psalms that still speak to us today.   It's a story of rebellion after rebellion, yes — but even more, it's a story of rescue and redemption— and how God continues to write stories of grace, even in the wilderness.   For the full episode show notes, please go to https://mfahring.com/numbers-16-18/

In this episode of OOBT, we're diving into Numbers 13–15 and Psalm 90—and wow, this is such a powerful stretch of Scripture. The Israelites are standing right at the edge of the Promised Land, but instead of stepping into what God already promised, they let fear win.   What was supposed to be a 40-day scouting trip turns into 40 years of wandering in the wilderness. It's heartbreaking—but also incredibly relatable. We've all faced moments where fear feels louder than faith. And yet, even in their rebellion, God's promises still stand. His mercy still shows up.   We'll unpack why fear can so easily drown out the evidence of God's faithfulness, what it looks like to live in holiness even after we've blown it, and how God's justice and mercy are never at odds with each other.   We'll also talk about the significance of tassels (yes, tassels!) as reminders to stay close to God, and how Psalm 90—Moses' raw and honest prayer—grounds us in the truth of God's everlasting love.   Be sure to listen in as together we unpack fear versus faith, justice alongside mercy, and practical ways to cling to the One who never walks away—even when we wander.   For the full episode show notes, please go to https://mfahring.com/numbers-13-15-psalm-90/

In Numbers 10-12, Israel finally breaks camp after almost a year at Mount Sinai. The cloud lifts, the trumpets sound, and they're off—God's presence leading every step. But even with the pillar of cloud by day and fire by night, doubts creep in, and complaints get loud. Sound familiar?   Here's what we're unpacking in this episode:   God's Divine GPS: The cloud and fire weren't just symbols—they were daily reminders that God was with them. But did Israel trust His timing? Complaints in the Wilderness: Despite seeing God's presence, the people still grumbled about food, comfort, and the journey. We'll talk about why we often do the same. Moses' Breaking Point: Even leaders struggle. Moses reaches his limit, but God doesn't leave him to handle it alone. Sibling Drama & God's Defense: Miriam and Aaron question Moses' role, but God reminds them that He chooses whom He calls.   Through it all, we're reminded that God's presence is constant—even when the path is hard, even when we're tired, even when we don't understand. The real question is: Will we follow Him, even when it's uncomfortable?   For the full episode show notes, please go to https://mfahring.com/numbers-10-12/

Get ready to step back in time! In this special Holy Week episode of Open Our Bible Together, I sat down with Tammy Munson, host of Christian Podcasting Secrets, for a powerful conversation about witnessing the events of Holy Week and Easter as if we were there.   We dive into:  The celebration and tension of Palm Sunday (Matthew 21:1-11) The emotional weight and confusion of the Last Supper (Luke 22:14-20) The heartbreak of Good Friday (Isaiah 53, Psalm 22) The world-changing joy of Resurrection Sunday (Luke 24:1-12)   PLUS—we explore how visual portrayals, like The Chosen Season 4, bring these moments to life in a whole new way! Join us as we reflect on Old Testament prophecies, biblical insights, and what it would be like to stand in the crowd during the most significant week in history.   AND… of course, Tammy and I are having a little fun in this one too! We can't help ourselves! Be sure to listen in as we're answering some lighthearted Easter questions to end our time together—so get ready to laugh, reflect, and celebrate the real reason we have hope this Easter season. Thank You, Jesus!   For the full episode show notes, please go to https://mfahring.com/what-if-you-saw-holy-week-up-close/

Hey there OOBTers!   Today, we're diving into Numbers 7-9, and these chapters are jam-packed! We'll start with a long (and I mean long) list of offerings in chapter 7 — each tribe brings their gifts for the dedication of the tabernacle. It might feel repetitive, but there's something beautiful about the equal participation of all God's people. Then, in chapter 8, we see the Levites set apart for their work, a reminder that God calls His people to specific roles in His grand story.   But chapter 9? That's where things get really interesting. We revisit the Passover — a crucial moment of remembrance for Israel — and then we get this incredible image of God's presence leading His people through the wilderness. The cloud by day, the fire by night — where God moves, they move.   Also, don't miss the connection we'll unpack to Jesus in the wilderness and Lent. Just like Israel followed God's presence through the unknown, Jesus spent 40 days in the wilderness, fasting and relying on God.   And as we study these chapters today, we find ourselves in the season Lent — journeying toward Easter. This season is a time of reflection as we wait on and draw closer to God, much like Jesus did in the wilderness. Just as Israel depended on God's presence to guide them, we're invited to trust His leading in our own lives. Amazing. Simply amazing...   So, honestly, though, what does this mean for us today? How do we lean into God's presence and trust His timing? Let's explore all of that together, shall we?! I can't wait!   For the full episode show notes, please go to mfahring.com/numbers-7-9

Ever wonder why the Bible includes so many detailed instructions? In today's episode, God gives the Israelites specific jobs for carrying the Tabernacle, rules for staying pure, and a beautiful blessing over His people. At first glance, it might seem like a lot of rules—but when we dig in, we see something deeper. These chapters show us God's holiness, His order, and His care for His people. And the best part? It all points to Jesus.   In this episode, we're talking about: How the Levites carried God's presence with reverence Why purity and holiness mattered (and still do!) The Nazarite vow and how it connects to Jesus The famous Priestly Blessing ("The Lord bless you and keep you…") — and what it means for us today!   Plus, I'll share how reading the Bible chronologically with The Bible Recap and watching The Bible Project videos in order has been a total game-changer and how I believe it will be for each of you as we continue our studies together on OOBT!   For the full episode show notes, please go to https://mfahring.com/numbers-4-6/.

    At first glance, Numbers might not sound like the most exciting book—but don't let the title fool you. These opening chapters are about way more than a census. They tell the story of a people in transition, our God who calls each person by name, and a journey through the wilderness with Him at the center.   In this episode, we'll unpack how God was preparing His people—not just for travel, but for trust. Each tribe was counted, every role assigned, and the camp was arranged with God's presence right in the middle. It's a powerful reminder that He isn't distant at all. He leads, provides, and walks with His people—even in seasons of uncertainty.   And just like Israel, we all go through wilderness seasons. Times when the path ahead isn't clear, when we feel lost or stuck. But the same God who guided them guides us too. He knows our names, calls us with purpose, and invites us to trust Him as we journey forward.   Join me as we remind ourselves that Numbers is more than just a list of numbers and names—it's a story of faith, presence, and God's unwavering care in the middle of it all. Let's walk this wilderness journey together, knowing He is with us every step of the way.   For the full episode show notes, please go to https://mfahring.com/numbers-1-3/.

We did it OOBTers! We've made it to the last chapters of Leviticus!   Let's be honest: Leviticus is the book where most Bible reading plans go to die… but not us! We stuck it out, and these final chapters (24-27) are packed with powerful reminders of God's holiness, His rescue plan, and His desire to walk among us. So good.   In this episode, we're breaking it all down:   Why honoring God's name matters and what happens when people don't. The concept of Sabbath and Jubilee years—where debts are canceled, slaves are freed, and the land itself gets to rest! (hello, freedom and restoration!) A big if/then moment—God lays out the blessings of obedience and the tough consequences of turning away. But even in the warnings, His mercy shines through! AND THEN, in the final chapter, we see a call to full dedication because everything ultimately belongs to God.   Through all of this, we see that these laws aren't just ancient rules—they point straight to Jesus and God's ultimate plan to redeem and restore us. So beautiful.   For the full episode show notes, please go to https://mfahring.com/leviticus-24-27/

Hey friends! In this episode of Open Our Bibles Together with MFahring, we're diving into Leviticus chapters 20 through 23, and trust me, this isn't just a list of rules—it's an invitation to understand God's heart and what it means to live a life set apart.   Leviticus 20 may seem intense with its focus on consequences, but it's really about the seriousness of living in alignment with God's holiness. God calls His people to be different, to stand out in the best way possible. Why? Because He wants them—and us—to reflect His character to the world. So good.   As we move into chapters 21 and 22, the focus is on the priests and their responsibilities. These chapters remind us that those who lead in worship have a unique calling to model holiness. But here's the twist: this isn't just for priests! In the New Testament, we're called a royal priesthood, which means these lessons apply to all of us. Holiness isn't about being perfect—it's about being intentional, set apart for God's purposes.   And chapter 23? Oh, it's a feast—literally! God lays out a calendar of holy days that teach His people to pause, remember, and celebrate His faithfulness. From the Sabbath to the Feast of Tabernacles, these moments of rest and worship are woven into the rhythm of life. They're a beautiful reminder that holiness isn't just about rules—it's about relationship.   So, what does this mean for us today? Being set apart doesn't mean we're better than anyone else and it isn't about perfection or just following rules—it's about reflecting who He is in how we live.   Oh, my OOBTers, let's open our Bibles together to explore even further what being “set apart” looks like for the Israelites and us!   AND SPOILER ALERT: up next, we're wrapping up our studies in the book of Leviticus! Sounds like it is about time to cue that confetti again!   For the full episode show notes, please go to https://mfahring.com/leviticus-20-23/

Hey, OOBTers! In today's episode, we're diving into the thick of Leviticus, and my oh my, is it ever packed with so much goodness for us to discover? We'll start with the Day of Atonement, a day so central to Israel's worship.   Spoiler alert: It points us straight to Jesus and His ultimate sacrifice for us on the cross. Seriously, the connections to Hebrews 9 are mind-blowing! Wow. Just WOW.   From there, we'll explore the significance of blood in atonement—cue the hymn Nothing But the Blood (maybe you remember singing this one? Or still do even?). It's crazy to think how these words found in Leviticus tie into the songs we still sing today.   Then we see things get real as God lays out some super-specific instructions for how His people are to live holy lives. And while some of it might feel uncomfortable or heavy to read, we're reminded that “clarity is kindness.” God wasn't just handing out rules—He was showing His people how to be set apart, to be holy as He is holy. How to draw near to Him. That's so good.   Be sure you don't miss our talk about how these instructions mirror the Ten Commandments, how they challenge us to live differently in our world today, and, most importantly, how they show us God's heart for His people.   Honestly, there's so much to uncover about God's holiness and His amazing plan for us. Oh, friends, I can't wait to open our Bibles together!   For the full episode show notes, please go to https://mfahring.com/leviticus-16-19/

  Hello and welcome back to the book of Leviticus, my OOBTers!   Today OOBT is coming off the Advent season as well as a VERY long surgery recovery break. First off, before we go any further, I just want to say a heartfelt THANK YOU for your patience with me in the process. I'm sooo glad to be back here with all of you as we pick up where we left off before that day I walked through the doors of the hospital a few months ago.   And, in being true to His nature, God doesn't miss a beat in linking our studies in Leviticus with multiple themes I came across in my Advent studies this last month. I so love that about Him! God is helping us to not only see but also pull the threads no matter what season or book we find ourselves in. So good!   We also take on some pretty tough but important topics about purity, being clean/unclean, holiness, and very specific ways God cared for His people's well-being. These chapters cover things like childbirth, skin diseases, and other bodily discharges—which might feel a little uncomfortable to read at first! Yikes! We got this right?! LOL!   I promise that together we will break down what these laws meant for the Israelites, why they mattered, and how they helped the community stay healthy and connected to our God who longs to draw near to them… and to us today. Most importantly, we'll explore how these passages point us to Jesus, the One who brings true healing and restoration to all of our lives.   Honestly friends there is so much more in today's episode… I so hope you listen in to hear more!   For the full episode show notes, please go to https://mfahring.com/leviticus-12-15/

Welcome back to the book of Leviticus, my OOBTers! Today, we're diving into the ordination of the priests and how Jesus is Our Great High Priest. How He is right beside us. Never far off. Never distant as the priests of the Old Testament were from the Israelites. I just love that, don't you? So beautiful.   Together we'll see how Moses follows God's instructions for the ordination of Aaron and his sons, preparing them for service. In Leviticus 9 we recognize all the offerings we've studied already, but this time offered for the priests themselves. I can't help but notice the order of all this: sin had to be dealt with first and THEN it happened – God's glory appears in a miraculous fire that consumes the offering on the altar as a sign of God's acceptance and presence dwelling with them in the Tabernacle. And then we'll witness the Israelites fall facedown in worship (more on that in today's episode too.) They bowed down in honor of our God who wants to be with us. So good.   Honestly, friends there is so much more in today's episode…the importance of keeping God's fire burning, the tragic story of Nadab and Abihu, and many laws about clean and unclean animals. Through all of this, we'll uncover the deep significance of holiness and obedience in our relationship with God. And there's that word again… holiness. My how that one has become such a valuable part of our studies in the book of Leviticus!   Annndddd please be sure to listen in to the very end of this one as I have an important last-minute announcement about the podcast to share with all of you… about what one of those unexpected things life throws our way means for OOBT in the days and weeks to come. I so you hope you listen in!   For the full episode show notes and more, please go to https://mfahring.com/leviticus-8-11/

Welcome back to the Open Our Bibles Together podcast!   As promised at the end of our last episode, back to school equals back to the podcast after a much-needed summer break. It is honestly mind-blowing to consider all of the changes happening in our home and lives this Fall which makes me SUPER GRATEFUL I had the opportunity to slow down and soak in all of the times our F7 family spent together in Summer 2024. It truly was quite a blessing, BUT NOW, I'm back and VERY ready to dive into our studies in the book of Leviticus together.   Sooooo, as a bit of a refresher, please recall that Leviticus picks up right where Exodus left off. At the end of Exodus, we saw that God filled the tent with His glory after the Tabernacle was completed, but His presence was too holy, so not even Moses could enter. The question Exodus left us with is this… How can we live in the presence of our holy God? Well, friends, we find that answer in the book of Leviticus!! How's that for an enticing teaser to an often overlooked and frequently abandoned book of the Bible?! LOL!   As we pick up today (and before we explore Leviticus chapters 5 through 7), we first take a step back to consider a couple 30,000 feet/big picture story type views I found on repeat over and over and over again in my studies... this time by focusing in on the themes of God's holiness and His Presence among His people. God With Us. So good.   In this episode, we'll also unpack the various offerings described in these chapters, including the Sin Offering, Guilt Offering, Burnt Offering, Grain Offering, and Peace Offering. We discuss the significance of these sacrifices, their role in atonement and purification, and how they point us to the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ.   Honestly, there's all this and so much more in this first episode release after our OOBT summer break! Be sure you don't miss out on this one! I can't wait to study with you!     For the full episode show notes, please go to https://mfahring.com/leviticus-5-7/

Hello and welcome back to another episode release of our podcast my friends!!! I'm so glad you are here as we begin our studies in the book of Leviticus together. And yes… I did say LEVITICUS. LOL!   You may have heard me say in previous episodes of OOBT that the book of Leviticus is often referred to as the place where many one-year Bible reading plans go to die…. Oh goodness. But not for us am I right my OOBTers?! We got this… one chapter, one page at a time.   ANNNDDD as I mentioned to you all when we recently finished the book of Exodus… I discovered SO MANY new threads to pull in studying Leviticus, that I am super excited to be able to begin sharing some of them with you… not only in today's episode… but also in the episodes to come. In the meantime, though, since we're once again getting ready to take a summer break for OOBT as we have done in previous summers, I wanted to spend this last episode before we do give us a good solid introduction to the book along with a peek of all that is to come by diving right on into Leviticus 1-4.   These chapters will help to get us positioned and ready to return to our studies in mid-August. PLUS, there's much more about that return date found at the end of this episode as well! Gosh, I'm so glad you are joining me, my friends! With that said, how about we just head right on into today's episode shall we?!   For the full episode show notes, please go to https://mfahring.com/leviticus-intro-1-4/

Welcome to Summer 2024 my friends!   Today we are going to go all the way back to the beginning of OOBT – dusting off EPISODE TWO and once again taking a listen to some of my fav tips and tricks about How I Study the Bible… as a refresher for many of us and maybe even a first-time listen for all of our new friends who have joined us along the way! What a trip down memory lane to listen to this one from the very early days of the Open Our Bibles Together podcast. Oh my. LOL!   Honestly, though, I thought now was the PERFECT time to hear a refresher of all those tips on how to lean in while studying as found in this one… especially since we are getting ready to begin studying the book of Leviticus in the coming weeks…. Our next episode to be exact.  Leviticus is often labeled as one of the perceived hardest books of the Bible to study and understand… aside from the book of Revelation but we got this my OOBTers!!   ANNNDDD... I am also SUPER EXCITED to announce that the release of this throwback episode of the podcast coincides with the release of my newly created How I Study the Bible guide.   This pdf is overflowing with my fav Bible study tips perfect for helping you to dig into the pages of God's Word on your own... so much study goodness all in one place! What's not to love about that? This FREE resource is now available when you sign up for it on the mfahring.com website.   And while you are there, don't forget to sign up for My Must Have Study Resources guide featuring 20+ of my absolute favorites.   For the full episode show notes, please go to https://mfahring.com/throwback-how-i-study-the-bible-podcast/

As I promised at the end of our last episode of OOBT, we're going to go back and take a re-listen to our bonus and prequel episode to Exodus from last summer (yep... a whole year ago!) because I really do believe that all I included in that one is going to mean so much more to us now that we've finished our studies in the book of Exodus. I know it sure did land differently for me when I went back to listen so I'm hoping it does the same for you, my friends.   We truly have learned so much in the last year my OOBTers… in those thin crinkly pages of Exodus. I hope you discover some glimpses of that in today's re-air of our prequel episode too. So good!   The Big Picture. Waiting. Slavery in Egypt. Suffering. God hears. God sees. God remembered. God provides. Promise Keeper. God knew. God knows. Oh goodness.   Truly there's so much to share in this one!   For the full episode show notes, please go to https://mfahring.com/throwback-bonus-prequel-to-exodus/

:::: THAT'S A WRAP MY OOBTers!! ::::   WELL…. WITH THE BOOK OF EXODUS ANYWAY!

    “Show me Your glory.”   These words not only ended our last episode of OOBT but are also the ones we pick back up with today as well. Not only does Moses have the opportunity to see God's glory, but he also comes back down from Mt. Sinai with a radiant face from spending time in God's presence. Wow! Just wow.   We also hear the words God used to describe Himself. Gracious. Merciful. Slow to Anger. Faithful. Forgiving. Gosh, OOBTers… How can we not recognize all of these characteristics over and over again in His care for His people? In His continued presence with these rebellious people. In rewriting the stone tablets Moses broke. In reaffirming His covenant by highlighting the specific commands to avoid idolatry and unacceptable worship in the future (especially after that unfortunate golden calf incident). In His command to build the Tabernacle so He can dwell among the Israelites. In spite of all that has happened up to this point.   Our God. Our God of second chances. Our God who is full of compassion and mercy. Our God who is slow to anger and is filled with unfailing love and faithfulness. Our God who provides. The Same God. Our God With Us. So beautiful.   For the full episode show notes, please go to https://mfahring.com/exodus-34-36/

Welcome to OOBT's 60th episode my friends!!   Yep… you read that right… the big 6-0! Wow! Let's take a moment today to celebrate that we've reached another milestone here on OOBT… in our studies together… we just keep moving right along on those thin crinkly pages and the episodes just keep on piling up, don't they?! Yay! I'm so glad you're here with me to celebrate!   Annndddd I am super humbled and oh so very excited to still be studying alongside each one of you … now 60 episodes later… AMAZING! Ok, enough of all that…how about we let our confetti settle to now return our attention to Moses and those Israelites at Mount Sinai.   We start off our studies today with God instructing Moses on how He has not only chosen two craftsmen for the construction of all things related to the Tabernacle but that He has also filled them with wisdom for creating all of the items EXACTLY as He has detailed to Moses. This serves as further proof that whatever God requires of us, He equips us for & He gives us all we need for the assignment. So good.   There is also more talk about Sabbath rest and then… dun dun duuun… there is that golden calf incident. Yikes!   Truthfully, there's so much more I could say about Episode 60 but how about instead I just let you listen in for yourselves? LOL! Seriously though, be sure you don't miss this one! (And yes, I am aware that I probably say that with EVERY episode release, but I actually mean it each time as well… I discovered so much in my studies that I can't wait to share with each one of you!) I love our times together so much my OOBTers!   For the full episode show notes, please go to https://mfahring.com/exodus-31-33/

And then what?   Have you ever taken a moment in your Easter celebrations to consider the answer to this question… to look to see what happens next in Scripture AFTER we read that the tomb was empty?   When we do, what we find, is another 40 days of Jesus here on Earth. Annnndddd we also find a whole lot of post-Resurrection moments that could only be described as this….   Mundane.   Now that's definitely not a word any of us would have EVER thought could be associated with Easter, right?! BUT, in today's episode, we'll learn how the seemingly mundane post-Resurrection appearances of Jesus were actually not that at all … and yes… you heard that right… Our Savior, who defeated death and the grave, did not choose fireworks or parades but instead used ordinary interactions with people to announce His Resurrection.   Honestly, this is especially incredible as we consider the fact that this message Jesus entrusted to nobodies somehow made it to our ears and hearts 2,000 years later. Amazing.   Be sure to listen in for LOTS of talk about 40 days… and day 41 even. All of this and so much more… Let's be sure we don't rush through this week without taking a moment to fix our eyes not only on the Resurrection but also all those appearances Jesus made to many before ascending to heaven… on day 41. Wishing all of you the happiest of Easters as you celebrate that our Jesus is Risen… He is Risen Indeed OOBT friends!   For the full episode show notes, please go to https://mfahring.com/easter-jesus-on-the-road-to-emmaus/

In today's chapters in Exodus, we take a deep dive into God's directions to Moses about the priestly garments and the consecration of the priests. However, please know this … all of this is merely meant to point us to Jesus who is described in the New Testament as our Great High Priest. He is the fulfillment of all the things that we see happening here in Exodus.   PLUS, we learn quite a bit more about God and His desire to dwell with us as we finish out the remainder of the descriptions of the items to be placed within the tabernacle. With that thought in mind, please be sure to listen ALL THE WAY to the end of this one to hear some conversation about how we are all now little mini tabernacles walking around in the wilderness of this world carrying our God With Us inside of us. Now that's most definitely so good my OOBTers!   For the full episode show notes, please go to https://mfahring.com/exodus-28-30/

Today's studies on the podcast include LOTS AND LOTS of details about God's plans to create a tabernacle as a place for Him to dwell among His people here on earth. I don't know about you but this idea of God dwelling with us reminds me of one of my most favorite things about God… Emmanuel, our God with Us.   Annnnddd if you have listened for any amount of time at all, you have probably also heard me say quite OFTEN on OOBT, that our Emmanuel is not just a baby in the manger. Actually, we saw God's desire to dwell with His people all that way back in the beginning… yes… the literal beginning… of creation that is… as found in Genesis… when God dwelled with Adam and Eve in perfect relationship in the Garden of Eden.   As we've seen throughout our studies, ever since sin entered the world, God has been in the process of rescue and restoration of His relationship with His people. And this tabernacle is just one more step in that direction.   We are also going to see in the tabernacle many pointers to Jesus, God's character, and reminders from the Garden of Eden even. And don't forget that all these directions are coming through the conversation between God and Moses during those 40 Days and 40 Nights on Mount Sinai. I can just visualize Moses sitting and taking notes as God speaks, can't you?!   For the full episode show notes, please go to https://mfahring.com/exodus-25-27/

Law & Order. Anyone who knows me knows that ALL the Law & Order shows are my absolute favorites to watch… most specifically Olivia Benson and Law & Order SVU. 25 seasons and still going strong. So… yes… just in case you are wondering… the play on words in the title of this episode was 100% intentional! LOL!   Truthfully, though, it also directly relates to where we are headed in our studies today on OOBT. The 10 Words or 10 Commandments. The Book of the Covenant. So many examples of how God is using His laws to bring order.   And about those laws found in the Book of the Covenant… please know that while many of the laws we're reading don't sit well or don't make any sense at all to us, we must remember that they are not written for us today. Instead, they are written for the Israelite culture as they were leaving slavery and the oppression of the Egyptians. The Israelites are newly freed from slavery and in a learning process.   trying to learn how to live not as slaves any longer but as a new nation how to live at peace with God and at peace with one another how to deal with issues of property rights, personal injury, and issues of justice how God is setting them apart from the nations surrounding them in very significant ways   Throughout this learning process, we see God so graciously not only provide the laws for order but actually give them detailed instructions as found in the Book of the Covenant of what these laws mean in everyday life for them at that time.   And please don't miss out on the touching covenant ceremony between God and the Israelites during which they not only saw God, but they feasted with Him in the wilderness too. Can you even imagine my OOBTers? I can't wait to study this and so much more with all of you!   For the full episode show notes, please go to https://mfahring.com/exodus-22-24/

Remember Egypt.   These two words seem to adequately sum up the beginning of our studies on today's episode of OOBT as we see God reminding the Israelites to remember their rescue … Oh gosh friends. What rescue or (if we're being honest) RESCUES, would God ask you to remember my OOBTers?   We've already seen God's rescue, His provision, and His loving relationship with the Israelites being formed WAY before He now prepares to give them rules to live by. Relationship over rules… guessing you have probably heard that saying before and, yep, we talk about that a bit today too.   And speaking of those rules, we also dive right on into the 10 Words otherwise known as the 10 Commandments. Well, you may be aware of the term and even one, five, or maybe all of them, but did you know that a survey showed that we are more likely to know the ingredients of a Big Mac than the 10 Commandments?! Ouch. Maybe you know that ad campaign? "Two All Beef Patties, Special Sauce, Lettuce, Cheese, Pickles, Onions on a Sesame Seed Bun."   Honestly though, even if that particular one's not familiar, there are probably 1 million other ad campaigns to choose from that you could recall quickly if asked… Possibly more quickly than the 10 Commandments themselves. Today we lean into the 10 Words, God making His presence known to the Israelites on Mount Sinai, and that touching moment when we realize that Moses has come full circle with the promise God made to him at the burning bush. All that and so very much more in today's episode. I hope you take a moment to tune in!   For the full episode show notes, please go to  https://mfahring.com/exodus-19-21-ten-words-for-them-and-us/

Happiest of New Year's to all of you my OOBTers!    I'm so very glad to be back studying with you after a much needed break during the holiday season! However, I can assure you that I am now 100% ready to jump right into our studies as together we take a deeper dive into just who is this I AM referenced 6,519 times in the Old Testament alone. To revisit Moses' conversation with our Mighty God at the burning bush and be reminded that God often chooses the most ordinary people (like Moses, myself, and possibly even you) to play a significant role in His unfolding story. Annnddd all of this leads us to a whole lot of talk in today's episode about God's cross-references as found throughout the Bible.   I'm just going to stop right here and say that if you haven't seen it yet, be sure to go to today's show notes or my post on socials to see the image of overlapping arc on top of overlapping arc. This graphic depicts the 63,779 cross-references in the Bible (places where what is mentioned in one part is mentioned in another). It is so amazing to see this visual when considering the fact Scripture was written by 40 authors over 1500 years on three different continents and all very much a part of the story…the plan… God is still working out to this very day. Honestly, don't you think our God who has 63,779 cross references in Scripture is more than able to still be cross-referencing our lives with His plans today even? Let's choose to trust Him more and more as we move into 2024, shall we?!   Oh friends, all this and so much more is found in this first episode of OOBT in this new year…many, many threads to pull and connections to the Christmas story, Exodus, Isaiah and so much more. Please don't miss out on this one!   For the full episode show notes, please go to https://mfahring.com/gods-cross-references-and-i-ams-plans/

Merriest ALMOST Christmas to all of you my OOBTers! It's hard to believe this episode release happens less than one week before Christmas so let's be sure we spend some time slowing our hearts and minds to lean into that story; to be fully prepared to celebrate that baby in the manger on Christmas Day.   With that thought in mind, how about we start our time in this episode in the Christmas story with the Passover and dedication of the firstborn…. Makes perfect sense right?! Well, I certainly hope it does by the end of our time together anyway. LOL! This connection leads us to an often overlooked part of Jesus' birth story, his first visit to the Temple where Simeon and Anna met him. Oh, that one is such a beautiful example of God as our Promise Keeper. We'll then move right into a part of the story that took place roughly two years after Jesus' birth = the visit of the Wise Men, God warning Joseph in a dream to escape to Egypt for safety, King Herod's massacre of the innocents, and then God later calling them back out of Egypt and to Nazareth where Jesus spent the rest of his growing up years.   We are also reminded once again that all of this… the light and the darkness, the hard and the good of the Christmas story, are all part of God's rescue plan… the plan in existence and in process since that first sin of Adam and Eve in the Garden. Through it all, we see the threads of redemption and rescue weaved throughout the storyline of Christmas…actually the storyline of the entire Bible. Beautiful. Just beautiful.   For the full episode show notes, please go to https://mfahring.com/advent-out-of-egypt-i-called-my-son/

  Advent.   A time to turn our attention toward preparing our hearts and homes to celebrate Jesus' birth… prepare Him room so to speak. Today's episode highlights some Old Testament threads, promises, and prophecies of the Rescuer who came down to the Israelites in Egypt just as our Rescuer came down in the form of the baby in a manger. How amazing it truly is. God Himself would come. God came down to rescue.   Yes, the gift of that baby in the manger on Christmas morning is absolutely amazing but even more amazing is the mystery of our Savior's presence forever with us, wherever we go, through the Holy Spirit. God With Us wasn't one event on Christmas Day or one lifetime lived in the 33 years that Jesus walked the earth. God With Us is most definitely now AND forevermore too. He was and still is our Emmanuel, our Wonderful Counselor, our Mighty God, our Everlasting Father, and our Prince of Peace.   This season unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given. Jesus is Emmanuel… God With Us; God come down to us; God come down to you; God with you (and me). Amazing… just amazing to take it all in, am I right? Beautiful.   Be sure to listen in for all this and so much more my OOBTers!   For the full episode show notes, please go to https://mfahring.com/advent-rescue-came-down-his-name-is-emmanuel/

I am guessing this will come as no surprise to any of us, but gratitude is not often our default setting. Complaining and grumbling is. Ouch.   With that said (and since we are just coming off the grumbling and complaining of the Israelites in the wilderness after their Exodus from Egypt in our studies), I felt this is an ideal time to lean in here a bit more to have us all consider to true antidote to complaining and grumbling…. Yep… you guessed it. Thankfulness and gratitude. While we can all know this at a head level, it is much more difficult to live, am I right my friends?!   Be sure you listen in to this EXTENDED BONUS episode covering so many other things too… wilderness seasons of life. joy and pain. hard and good. friendship with God. God's presence in it all. Emmanuel. God With Us.   Annnddd be sure you don't miss the end where I talk candidly about the one-year anniversary of my Dad's unexpected death and how I am STILL trying to find a way to fight for thankfulness this Thanksgiving season. One WHOLE YEAR later. To be aggressively grateful for what God has done, is doing, and promised to do in my life… right where I'm at. Right here. Right now. As I grieve the loss of my Dad, and yet, in the same breath, am so truly thankful for the example of a life well lived, one in which he chose to love me and others in a meaningful way. Every day. Clear up to his last day. ❤   Truthfully, I am reminded just how much thankfulness and gratitude for my Dad over the course of this last year has been so valuable in the healing process. Once again holding that tension of both blessing and loss together. Oh my still grieving but also still healing heart. Heartbreak and Thankfulness. Joy and Pain. Hard and Good. Both/And. Only God can do this in our lives am I right my friends?!   Oh goodness. You're really just going to have to listen in as I speak words into the mic to find out more… a message I know I so desperately needed to hear… and maybe you do too right about now my friends?!   ❤ M   For the full episode show notes, please go to https://mfahring.com/once-again-thankful-for-god-with-us-my-dad/

Hello and Welcome to this episode JAM PACKED FULL of ALL SORTs of celebrating OOBT's 50th episode + 2nd ANNIVERSARY. Eek! Can you believe it!?!   For that reason, we promise you are in for a TREAT today on OOBT… and that sure does seem fitting since we are celebrating not one but TWO big milestones am I right?! Anyway, this episode finds me not just talking to the wall by myself but instead sharing the mic with my Podcast Editor + Coach (and great friend), Tammy Munson of Wildfire Creative, for what we lovingly call the Tammy Takeover. LOL! She asks all the questions today and I do my best to give all the answers about things both serious and silly related to me and to OOBT such as –   The story of OOBT's beginnings and just what that has to do with a pandemic. How Tammy and I met through Called Creatives. (Fun side note here: we have yet to meet in person, but I now consider her one of my closest + dearest friends + we can't wait to officially get together for queso and chips… hopefully soon right Tam?!) How OOBT launched two years ago because of Moses and continues to this day because of things learned from Moses. Why our stories and the stories we find on the pages of God's Word ALL MATTER. Some behind-the-scenes glimpses of the obstacles I continue to face and how I am pushing through them. (I so hope this part of the conversation encourages you as much as these reminders encouraged me personally… preaching to myself today I guess!) Annndddd then there's my real-time processing of Tammy's fun questions near the end… You certainly don't want to miss those! Oh my! LOL! PLUS be sure to listen for the details about the recent release of a FREE guide created with all of you in mind … My Must Have Study Resources PDF is now available for download through the link in today's show notes on mfahring.com! YAY! Truthfully though, I am so over the top thrilled to reach this 50th episode + 2-year milestone by the grace of God + alongside each one of you. ANNNDDD I am EVEN MORE excited to see where our studies continue to take us together in the future of OOBT! WOW. Just wow.   For the full episode show notes, please go to https://mfahring.com/oobt-50th-episode-2nd-anniversary-celebration/

Grumbling. Complaining. Manna from Heaven. Bread of Life. Water from the Rock. Living Water. Rest. Provision. Moses' Raised Hands. Victory Over the Amalekites. “The LORD is My Banner.” Jethro's Visit + Zipporah and Their Sons Return to Moses.   ((How about I just go ahead and say it right now… the more I read about the grumbling of the Israelites and their many MANY complaints in the book of Exodus, the more I realize that I AM the Israelites. Ouch.))   Then there is that advice Jethro gives to Moses… those words found in Exodus 18:17-18 which read… “This is not good! You're going to wear yourself out—and the people, too. This job is too heavy a burden for you to handle all by yourself.” Oh my. This seems to land somewhere deep in my heart and mind. Don't go it alone Moses… Don't go it alone M. Do you feel the weight of that reminder too my OOBTers?!   ANNNDDDD… please be sure to listen all the way to the end for an exciting announcement about what is to come on OOBT! It may or may not include some confetti in the air!!

FIGHT.   This one word seems to accurately sum up today's episode of OOBT. So. Much. Fighting.   Pharaoh and his army came for the Israelites. The Israelites fought against Moses about bringing them out into the wilderness to die. God fought for the Israelites when their backs were to the Red Sea. A fight for freedom. A million voices singing praises to Yahweh their warrior and rescuer only for them to end our readings for today fighting against God and Moses by complaining of thirst in the desert.   However, even with all this fighting going on today, let's not overlook the most important takeaway of all OOBTers… God alone fought for them + rescued them, AND more than 1,200 years after this Red Sea miracle, God fought again for His children… this time on a hill called Calvary. Through His death and resurrection, Jesus made a way for each one of us to experience salvation.   Like the Israelites at the Red Sea crossing, we did absolutely nothing to help in the fight. Our salvation, just as the Israelites', was and is a gift from God. End of story friends.   Oh, that we would choose to quiet our souls before our Father God and realize that He still fights for us, His children. We may not see it in the moment, but God can make a way… ”The LORD will fight for you, and you only have to be silent” (Exodus 14:14 ESV). Now that's a GOOD FIGHT worth fighting, am I right?!   For the full episode show notes, please go to https://mfahring.com/exodus-13-15/

Exodus 10-12 details the last three plagues of the ten plagues that fell upon Egypt because Pharaoh hardened his heart and refused to let the people of God go. Locusts infesting the entire land and devouring whatever food was left after the hail, total darkness that lasted for three days and could be “felt,” the 10th and final plague of the death of all the firstborns in Egypt… through all of this, we have a front row seat to see the power and authority of God over all of creation.   Then, in the middle of the night, an estimated 2-3 MILLION PEOPLE left Egypt together on foot… AND SO THE EXODUS BEGAN.   (Can you even imagine what that looked like? The magnitude of this exodus? How long that took? Somedays trying to get just 7 people out the door of our home feels nearly impossible! LOL!)   Oh, my OOBTers… Hopefully, you are beginning to see this truth played out through each and every one of these plagues up to now…. God's intent in the Exodus story is certainly to show Pharaoh and Egypt who the One true God is, but it is also to write on the hearts of His own people, the Israelites, that He is a faithful and trustworthy Deliverer without whose help no rescue was possible. Our God is a Deliverer + Rescuer. So beautiful.   Be sure to listen in to hear about all of this and so much more! For the full episode show notes, please go to https://mfahring.com/exodus-10-12/

Today on OOBT we find the phrase “Let my people go” on repeat. The reason why? Pharaoh's hardened heart. Full stop.   Over and over again we see God sending Moses and Aaron back to request Pharaoh let the Israelites go AND over and over again we hear Pharaoh refuse… just as God said he would. We also see on repeat the disaster and devastation Pharaoh's hard heart brought upon Egypt. UNBELIEVABLE… especially when you consider what living through these plagues was like for the people… all the people… including Moses and Aaron.   The Nile turned to blood. Frogs. Gnats. Flies. Death of Livestock. Boils. Hail. Whew! What a traumatic set of events! Unfortunately, there is even more devastation to come in our next episode, but we shouldn't get ahead of ourselves, should we?!   Oh, and be sure you don't miss the run-through M shares near the end today to hear about all of those Egyptian gods OUR GOD was defeating… one plague… one miracle… at a time.   For the full episode show notes, please go to https://mfahring.com/exodus-7-9/

In today's episode of OOBT, we pick up with more conversation between God and Moses at that burning bush. Truthfully, the verses covered in Exodus 4 were the literal mic drop moment in the creation of this podcast (and yep… the mic pun was definitely intended there! LOL!).   These words are now forever etched in M's mind as confirmation that God has called her to serve as a Bible Study Podcast Host for His glory and the good of others. Really though friends… when God says who made a human's mouth? How does one even begin to argue with that?   All of this is a very tender realization as we are now 45 episodes into the podcast God so lovingly placed on M's heart in the pages of her then study in the book of Exodus. She had been working through many things since January of that year BUT this study M started in April 2021 was the clincher to the eventual launch of the Open Our Bibles Together with MFahring podcast in early November of 2021. Amazing. Just amazing.     We also dive into the truth that Moses' doubt and questioning would not stop God from fulfilling His promises to His people. The same God who spoke to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob was now speaking to the Israelites through Moses, AND He's now speaking of those promises in the past tense. As in, these were a done deal already in God's eyes. Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob knew God as a Promise Maker, but Moses experiences Yahweh as the one who fulfills promises. Promise Keeper. ALWAYS.   All this and so much more… please don't miss out on any of it friends! For the full episode show notes, please go to https://mfahring.com/exodus-4-6/

Hello and Welcome to the book of Exodus OOBTers!   Listen in as M helps us with the framework of what is for us only a flip of the page from Genesis to Exodus but actually represents many years of hard living and struggle for the Israelites in Egypt. There is so much happening in the “in-between” of the continuation of that storyline. Genesis begins at creation and concludes with the events leading up to the Israelites' time in the land of Egypt just prior to their slavery there. As we begin in Exodus in today's episode, we are going to hear God's plans to rescue the Israelites from Egyptian oppression. Annnnndd what a plan it is friends!!   M also leans in to process this thought with us… “The exodus is the defining moment in the Old Testament for the Hebrews as 9-11 is for us today or Jesus' death and resurrection is for the New Testament.” Amazing to consider!   Be sure to listen in to hear more about Moses' timeline + how Old Faithful and the faithfulness of God are seemingly unrelated but actually VERY related after all. Whew! All this and so much more in this first episode release after an OOBT summer break in the month of July… truly quite a blessing to spend time with family (and in Orange Beach, AL even!) BUT NOW, M is back and VERY ready to dive into our studies in the beginning chapters of the book of Exodus together!   For the full episode show notes, please go to https://mfahring.com/exodus-1-3/

Welcome back OOBTers!   This episode is both a BONUS and a PREQUEL to our upcoming studies in the book of Exodus. As M has been digging in to prep for this time together, she's found so many things to share with you to help us transition from Genesis to Exodus. Truthfully, there are so many valuable things for us to hear … so many things discovered that M decided we would just make time for them in a BONUS + PREQUEL episode in an effort to help set us up for what is to come.   The Big Picture. 400/430 years. Waiting. Slavery in Egypt. Suffering. God hears. God sees. God remembered. God provides. Promise Keeper. God knew. God knows. Oh goodness. Truly there's so much to share in this one!   PLUS, spoiler alert here, near the end of today's episode, M will be sharing some information about an upcoming summer break for OOBT. Given that pause, she wanted to set us up to be ready to dive right into Exodus chapters 1-3 when the podcast returns from this break in early August.   Pretty sure that's most certainly one of the benefits of being the podcast host, right?! Deciding when and how we move on as we journey through these books of the Bible. LOL!   For the full episode show notes, please go to https://mfahring.com/bonus-prequel-to-exodus/

  Welcome to Summer 2023 OOBTers! In today's episode, we are going to go all the way back to the beginning of OOBT as a refresher for many of us as well as maybe even a first-time listen for all of our new friends who have joined us along the way!   If finishing the book of Genesis has taught us anything, for sure it has shown us the importance of the beginnings of all things. With that in mind, let's revisit together just how this Bible study podcast even came to be. Join M as she discusses the why and who behind the creation of the Open Our Bible Together with MFahring podcast. You may be surprised to learn it has a whole lot to do with Moses' conversation with God at the burning bush + a hard good that needed a surrendered yes.   ANNNDDD... be sure to check out the NEWLY UPDATED show notes with many MANY more additional resources than were found in the first time release of this episode + a link to another "beginning" episode (this time from the beginning of 2023!) that further develops both Moses' story and our own obedience to both the big and the small callings God places on each one of our lives. All this Moses talk is also the PERFECT setup for our upcoming studies in the book of Exodus! Sounds like a win-win right?!   For the full episode show notes, please go to https://mfahring.com/why-a-bible-study-podcast-2023-re-air/

:::: THAT'S A WRAP MY OOBTers!! ::::   WELL…. WITH THE BOOK OF GENESIS ANYWAY!

Hello there and welcome to the Open Our Bibles Together podcast! I am so happy you are here and joining me today as we once again continue our studies in the book of Genesis. BUUTTT can we just pause to take a moment to celebrate the big 4-O?? Well, OOBT's 40th episode anyway! LOL!   I am super humbled and oh so very excited to still be studying alongside each one of you … now 40 episodes later… so so good! OK, enough of that…how about we set down our confetti to now return our attention to Joseph and his father Jacob.   We start off our studies today with Jacob responding to God's calling with these words…. “Here I am.” Wow. How touching that God chooses to lean in at this very moment to speak reassurances to Jacob as he is packing up + setting out with his family and belongings to make the 450-mile journey to Egypt. The God With Jacob is the same God With Us today. Beautiful. Just beautiful my friends.

Hey there!   M here checking in with all of my absolute favorite Bible study partners as we take a deep dive together into Genesis 43-45 in this episode release of the OOBT podcast.   Truthfully, where should we even begin as there is so much found in these three chapters tucked near the middle of Joseph's story… With that in mind, how about we start by considering some of the thoughts, feelings, and emotions of these brothers on that trip back to Egypt and even on the way to Joseph's palace. There is so much depth, and humanness lying beneath the surface of these stories found on the pages of our Bibles.   And then there is this statement of truth… with God, there is always a meanwhile.   Let's repeat that to ourselves one more time to make sure we settle these words in the depths of our souls…. God is ALWAYS working… in the meanwhile.   God's hand of faithfulness and goodness was there even when Joseph couldn't understand it. No matter the situations we face in life, if there is one thing that Joseph's story seems to be showing us on repeat is that God is always up to something in the meanwhile moments of our lives. Now that is most certainly something to be grateful for in praise and worship to God – in the good times + in our suffering.     Thank You, God, for Your Meanwhile.   For the full episode show notes, please go to https://mfahring.com/genesis-43-45/

Today's OOBT can best be summed up with these words you'll hear in this episode, “When you are facing a setback, the beginning of a Joseph-like attitude is to acknowledge that God is with you. There is nothing like His presence to shed new light on a dark situation.” Oh my. Yet another example of our Emmanuel - God With Us, right?! And nope, that is absolutely not just a title of God and Jesus that we should only leave in the Christmas story… here we see it alluded to in the story of Joseph as well. Let's hold tight to that truth, shall we?! So important for each of us to remember our hard good/good hard stories.   Be sure to listen to today's episode to hear this and so much more related to the life of Joseph (plus his connections to Jesus' story here on earth) as found in the book of Genesis!   For the full episode show notes, please go to https://mfahring.com/genesis-40-42/

THERE REALLY IS SOMETHING ABOUT MARY. About both of those Marys.   Pretty bizarre way to describe an EASTER edition of the OOBT podcast, right?! Today we take a closer look at Mary Magdalene + Mary of Bethany (plus her sister Martha and brother Lazarus) as we consider the miracles and events leading up to Jesus' death and resurrection. Kinda hard to explain briefly, but M PROMISES it will make more sense when you listen in! LOL!   Let's be sure we don't rush through this week without taking a moment to fix our eyes on the miracles + Holy Week + Easter stories sooooo, with that in mind, enter TODAY'S RELEASE of BONUS Episode 37 of the OOBT podcast. Join M to lean into all things related to Holy Week, especially that incredible Resurrection on Sunday … and all just in time for this Easter! He is Risen! He is Risen Indeed OOBT friends!   For the full episode show notes, please go to https://mfahring.com/those-marys-and-easter/.

Today on OOBT, we start our studies with Joseph being sold into slavery and THEN in the very next chapter we read about his brother Judah, and his daughter-in-law, Tamar, to THEN end our time together back with Joseph… but this time… in prison. What seems like a break in the narrative actually becomes crucial to our understanding of the unfolding metanarrative of scripture found in both stories – Joseph's + Judah and Tamar (and their eventual inclusion in the lineage of Jesus). Both stories are VERY important after all - to the Bible's developing storyline that gives us all a glimpse of God's grace and the amazing ways His promises were fulfilled despite all sorts of bad choices by Judah as well as because of the choices Joseph made while in slavery in Egypt.   That is A LOT of background to unpack a story that is, at its root, a story of God's faithfulness to a family. God had made a promise to Abraham. He made a promise to Isaac and to Jacob. And at so many turns, the promise appears threatened by someone's sin. Further proof that God can and does redeem the hardest, most impossible, most complicated stories. Oh, OOBTers… What an incredible gift that truth is. Amazing. Simply amazing.   For the full episode show notes, please go to https://mfahring.com/genesis-37-39.

Ok, friends, let's just start with this... there's some really hard stuff found in Genesis 34-36. This one actually comes with a trigger warning as the subject of rape, abuse, and murder are all dealt with in Dinah's story, as found in Genesis 34.   However, as God often does, there is so much tenderness and steadfast love tucked in these chapters as well.   Reminders that Jacob's return to Bethel… to the place he had previously met with God – is also a valuable reminder to each of us to take time in our own lives to remember God's faithfulness to us in gratitude and worship… to keep looking for those reminders of God's faithfulness in our lives. The importance of returning to the places we previously met with God…where we saw His faithfulness… the importance of remembering.   Such a beautiful reminder for us all - even when we are unfaithful, God is faithful. Thank You, God.   So with that in mind, please be sure to listen in for all of this and much more in today's episode release of OOBT!   For the full episode show notes, please go to https://mfahring.com/genesis-34-36/.

Wrestling.   This one word seems to sum up almost everything happening in today's OOBT episode. Wrestling between Jacob and Laban as Jacob leaves to return to Canaan. Literal wrestling between God and Jacob. (Yes… this really happens!!) Jacob wrestling with his identity and is then given a new name by God. The end of the wrestling between two brothers after 20 years.   Oh, friends, maybe you, too, are in a season of wrestling right now… Maybe you, too, need to hear how God worked all the wrestling and chaos out in someone else's life. If so, then today's episode is definitely for you! Annndddd, even if you are not in a season of wrestling right now, as always, there is still plenty to be discovered on the pages of God's Word for all of us today!   PLUS, be sure to listen in as we also see the further development of God's promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. The Same God. Promises made. Promises kept. Faithful back then. Faithful to us now. Oh OOBTers, don't miss out on this one for sure!   For the full episode show notes, please go to https://mfahring.com/genesis-31-33/

Today's episode opens with a 500-mile journey (on the run) to Haran. A stairway from heaven. God's reminder of promises He made to Abraham and Isaac (and now to Jacob). The cheater is cheated. The deceiver is deceived. And then throw in a whole lot of striving, comparison, hurt, jealousy, resentment, and competition between two sister-wives.   How about we just come right out and say it… isn't it the most amazing thing that God would choose to use sinners to accomplish His purposes and plan?! Truthfully though, it's so important for us to remember that sinners are actually all God has to use because that means each one of us too, right?!   Annnddd you certainly won't want to miss out on the final portions of this one when we take a deeper dive into this VERY complicated relationship between these two sisters. Leah and Rachel. Oh my. Let's just leave that difficult conversation for the episode, shall we?!  Friends, you don't want to miss out! Promise!   For the full episode show notes, please go to https://mfahring.com/genesis-28-30/

Deceit. Manipulation. Cheating. Favoritism. Fear. Doubt. Hatred. Danger.   Now that's quite a list, isn't it??   Today our study resumes in Genesis with the death of Abraham and then lands us right back in the story of Isaac + Rebekah + their twin sons. And every single word on that list above is found in today's episode of OOBT. Whew.   The story of Esau + Jacob begins with a scandalous claim that the older brother would serve the younger, and it certainly doesn't improve from there! However, as we have already seen in Genesis (and Job), God only has imperfect, sinful people to work with, yet somehow His grace not only continues to cover it all but also weaves together a story that ultimately brings Him glory. Amazing. Simply amazing!   For the full episode show notes, please go to https://mfahring.com/genesis-25-27/.

Welcome back OOBTers to a New Year + New Episode of the Podcast!   As we are a little over one year into M's obedience to God's call for her to be a Bible Study Podcast Host, listen in as she not only encourages herself to keep on in the God-sized mission God gave her in OOBT, but also encourages each one of us to step into both the big and the small callings God places on each one of our hearts, minds, and lives.   Please please please be sure to not only listen in but to then also process this one further in all the many resources found in the show notes M provided for today's episode. God is up to some BIG things in 2023 and beyond so let's not miss out friends! We are all called to go in one way or another so let's figure out how we can join God in His plans for each one of us in 2023. This is going to be so good OOBTers!   For the full episode show notes, please go to https://mfahring.com/called-to-go-in-2023/

Merry Merry Merriest of Christmases to each of you!   Be sure to join M on today's episode of OOBT as she leans in to consider the real lives of the people involved in the Christmas story.   In all honesty, her prayer has been and continues to be that God will give us all a new sense of AWE + WONDER as we look closer at the gift of that baby boy in the manger through the eyes of Zechariah, Elizabeth, Mary, Joseph, the Shepherds, and the Wise Men even… that we will find new ways to approach the story we may have already heard hundreds of times before of Emmanuel, God With Us, coming down to earth.   After all the waiting, there is so much room for joy, awe, and a whole lot of wonder at Jesus' arrival, right?   Christ, Our Savior, is Born! Let's marvel at that truth together, shall we? Amazing. Just AMAZING.   For the full episode show notes, please go to https://mfahring.com/the-awe-wonder-of-christ-our-saviors-birth/