Podcasts about daily reading

Todd A. Biermann joins host Elizabeth Pittman on this episode of The Concordia Publishing House Podcast to discuss his new Bible journal with CPH, Everyday Word: A Two-Year Bible Journal. Todd is the executive director of Concordia Center for the Family. Get a copy of the Bible journal at cph.org/everydayword. Show NotesListen to the episode to hear from author Todd A. Biermann as he discusses his new Bible journal from CPH, Everyday Word: A Two-Year Bible Journal. He describes how this journal came to life, what makes this Bible journal unique, how a family or small group may use the journal together, advice he'd give to those who want to start regularly reading the Bible, and more. QuestionsYou've described Everyday Word as “the fruit of a journey” that began during one of the most challenging seasons of your ministry. Can you share more about that moment and how this journal came to life?What personal spiritual lessons did you learn as you developed and used this two-year plan yourself?How would you describe what makes this Bible journal unique compared to other reading plans or devotionals?Why do you think it's important to read Scripture daily—but not necessarily to rush through it in a year?Each weekly unit includes six components—Historical Context, Law and Gospel Themes, Life Application Starters, Prayer Starters, Memory Verses, and Daily Readings and Notes. How do these pieces work together to deepen someone's engagement with God's Word?What might it look like in practice for a family or small group to use Everyday Word together?How can pastors or church leaders use Everyday Word to help members stay connected to Scripture throughout the week?For someone who feels intimidated by the idea of reading the whole Bible, how does this resource make that goal more achievable—and more joyful?You suggest that people return to the journal again and again over the years. What new discoveries might readers expect to find each time they start over?How might Everyday Word become a spiritual legacy—a record of faith that can be passed down through generations?What impact do you hope this journal will have on the broader Church and on individuals' confidence in God's Word?What encouragement would you give to someone who wants to start reading the Bible regularly but struggles to stay consistent?What's one step listeners can take today to begin—or renew—their own journey in Scripture?About the Guest Todd A. Biermann, after having served as a parish pastor in Minnesota, Ohio and Michigan for 34 years, is now fulfilling the Call as Executive Director of Concordia Center for the Family, a Recognized Service Organization of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod based in Ann Arbor, Michigan. He holds a bachelor of arts degree from Concordia University in Seward, Nebraska, a Master of Divinity degree from Concordia Seminary in St. Louis, Missouri, and a Doctor of Ministry degree from Concordia Theological Seminary in Fort Wayne, Indiana. He resides in Republic, Missouri, with his beloved bride, Heather, who shares his passion for building up marriages and families in God's way.

In Daniel Ch. 6 today we saw clear evidence that this wonderful man, now in his old age, was a man who had a regular prayer life, probably now more intense than ever. We read of those who are jealous of the opinion the king holds of him and how they look for ways to discredit his loyalty to the king. They confer together and decide; “We shall not find any ground for complaint against this Daniel unless we find it in connection with the law of his God.” [v.5]They persuade the King to issue an ordinance banning the making of petitions (i.e. prayers) “to any God or man for 30 days except to you O King” [v.7].  Now “when Daniel knew that the document had been signed, he went to his house where he had windows in his upper chamber open toward Jerusalem.  He got down on his knees three times a day and prayed and gave thanks before his God as he had done previously.” [v.10]Those jealous of the respect the king had for him reported this matter to him.  Because the king's laws were treated as immutable their report led to Daniel being put into the Lion's Den; his miraculous preservation followed.  The most significant lesson in this story for us is that Daniel was a man of constant prayer, daily in communion with the only true God. In chapter 10 we will read of his distress at the awesome visions given to him: a heavenly being then comes and says, “O man greatly loved, fear not, peace be with you: be strong and of good courage.” [v.19]In our Acts reading, we noted the reasons why the disciples decide to appoint deacons.  The number of believers being baptised and joining the church had become so many that there is need for more and more organisation.  With their appointment the disciples now said, “we will devote ourselves to prayer and the ministry of the word” [6 v.4]This is an example to the effective operation of ecclesias – and a cause for reflection on the part of ‘elders.' It also reminds us how those baptised on the day of Pentecost “devoted themselves to the apostles teaching and fellowship, to the breaking of bread and prayers.” [2 v.42]  How well are we following these examples?  What are the grounds of complaint against us?  Are there any that are parallel to those made against Daniel?

Life never stands still – we are all in the process of becoming something; this is especially the case of those going to College or University. How many in this country appreciate the wide range of opportunities they have?  It seems to be part of human nature never to be satisfied, always wanting something better, or at least, wanting some new experience.Those who prayerfully read God's word are the only ones who keep life in a true and balanced perspective.  As we read John ch. 12 today we saw how Jesus kept challenging his hearers, he told them, “Whoever loves his life loses it …” [v.25]  A strange saying?   Not when you put it into the context of loving God. You ‘serve' the things you love – money and food being outstanding examples today.Jesus said, If any one serves me, the Father will honour him (or her)” [v.26] Jesus is spelling out the principles by which we live our lives in plain simple language; in a spiritual sense, do we see our lives as being in “light” or “darkness”?  From the Divine perspective there is nothing in between!Jesus “is the light of the world.”  He told them, “The light is among you for a little while longer.  Walk while you have the light, lest darkness overtake you” [v.35]Our world is increasingly full of darkness!  Where do you stand at the moment?  In the shadows perhaps?  The light of the world said, “The one who walks in darkness does not know where he is going.  While you have the light, believe in the light, that you may become sons of light.” [v.36]Do you believe in “the light”?  If not, what do you believe?  Are you distracted by the shadows?  The way forward is to make sure you read God's word every day; King David put it so succinctly in the Psalms, “Your word is a light to my feet and a lamp to my path.” [119 v.105]

Those of you who are young know what it is to have “a work out” – we understand it as a simple way of saying – exercising to keep yourself fit.   It is just as important; well, actually far more important, to keep ourselves spiritually fit.  If you are really young and feel very physically fit, then make sure your aim is also to grow up and become spiritually fit.Note the phrase that occurs in our Philippians readings this morning.  Paul writes, “work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you both to will and to work for his good pleasure” [2,12-13]  That's a fantastic verse … God works in us!     But if we are not interested in him and do not meditate on his involvement in our lives, then we cannot expect him to watch over us in whatever “work out” we choose.      If we choose to “work out” God's way then we will be training ourselves to think and act in a Christ like way and we will use our lives to serve him.For example, we will aim to follow Paul's advice “being in full accord and one mind” with those also in training. “Do nothing from rivalry or conceit” counselled Paul, “but in humility count others more significant than yourselves”  [2 v.2,3]We have also been reading Ezekiel and the Jews he knew totally failed the spiritual “work out” God expected of them.  He had been patient with them over many generations but now all sorts of terrible things happened to them, as we have been reading.  Our God is very patient; he wants us to be saved, to be in his wonderful kingdom which will soon come on this earth.Just as we do physical exercises, especially the young – but also those not so young who still want to feel “young.”  In the same way both young and old must exercise their minds about God and Jesus by reading God's word.In that way we will know what to pray for – and our prayers will be answered.  But if we only pray when we are in trouble, is it fair to expect God to answer?  Trouble is certainly coming on this earth – we will need to be spiritually fit as fully as possible to cope with it.  Is there enough oil (of faith) in your lamps?

Ezekiel, somewhat like Jeremiah, has a challenging time in being a prophet of the LORD.  The reaction to his message is somewhat different, but it does have lessons for us today.  He is told by the LORD, “As for you … your people who talk together about you by the walls and at the doors of the houses, say to one another, each to his brother, ‘Come and hear what the word is that comes from the LORD.' And they come to you as people come, and they sit before you as my people, and they hear what you say but they will not do it …” [v.30-31]Do we read the Bible?  Do we like doing so?  Do we like talking about it? Do we like hearing God's word explained?   What effect does all this have?  It must have an influence on the way we think and the way we live – we must not be like those who heard Ezekiel..God tells Ezekiel that he is aware of the answers to these questions:  what God says is most interesting (and maybe surprising (to us)!   God says, “Behold you are to them like one who sings lustful songs (AV/ASV ‘very lovely songs') with a beautiful voice and plays well on an instrument for they hear what you say …” [v.32]Can it be that reading God's word and listening to others talk about it makes us feel respectable and good? Remember what Jesus said, “… my brothers are those who hear the word of God and do it.” [Luke 8 v.21]  We show we “hear” by what we do as a result.   But of those who heard Ezekiel – God says, “they hear what you say but they will not do it; for … their heart is set on gain” – so very many are swept along by what is valued in this life..   We read earlier in the chapter of God's commission to Ezekiel – do we not have the same commission?  “I have made you a watchman for the house of Israel.  Whenever you hear a word from my mouth, you shall give them warning from me” [v.7]   There was plenty for Ezekiel to warn them about. Note v.11, God says, “I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked”  But history testifies to how often God has, in the end, destroyed the godless. God's judgements finally came on Israel – and they will do so today to the Gentiles.  The final words in the chapter are, “When this comes – then they will know that a prophet has been among them”   All around us people are turning away from God, many are not even sure he exists, some declare they are certain that he doesn't!    But all need to be aware of God's warnings!   True believers should sense they are following in Ezekiel's footsteps – don't you feel that responsibility?  .  Are you playing well on your instrument?  The reaction of the hearers is not primarily your responsibility!

After reading today's 4 chapters we felt we could write a book about all the challenging points of interest in them. Ch. 21 in 1 Chron starts,  “Then Satan stood against Israel and incited David to number Israel.”  The parallel passage in 2 Sam 24 makes no mention of a “satan.” Remarkably it says, “the anger of the LORD was kindled against Israel and he incited David …” !  Our conclusion is that he allowed David's own mind to have its way because he had reason to discipline Israel – and also teach David a lesson.     In our chapter today David admits, “I have sinned greatly in that I have done this thing” [v.8]  We can see that ‘satan' is a figure of speech that is often used in scripture to describe an adverse attitude of mind, one that swamps our efforts at good thinking. Satan is the Hebrew word ‘satanas' and it first occurs in Numbers 22 v.22 and again in v.32 to describe, (as translated in the A V) how an angel God sent stood in the way to be an ‘adversary' to ‘withstand' Balaam, a bad prophet.  It is not easy to get our minds around this phraseology of Scripture, but God's angel was a ‘satan.'.     We read last month in 2 Cor. 12 v.7-10 that Paul realised that God – to “keep” him “from being too elated by the surpassing greatness of the revelations (he hand experienced)  a thorn was given me in the flesh', says Paul,,” a messenger of Satan to harass me, to keep me from being too elated.”  The paradox is Paul's conclusion in v.9, 10, “For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses … for when I am weak, then I am strong.”   This means, strong in the ways that matter, in one's working with and reliance upon God, and, as a result appreciating such ”thorns” that cause this.     In our Ephesians reading Paul tells them how ”you once walked, following the course of this world, the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work among the sons of disobedience – among whom we all once lived in the passions of our flesh, carrying out the desires of the body and mind … like the rest of mankind.” [ch. 2 v.2,3]     Taking the passage as a whole we can see that our “desires of the body (flesh – Footnote) and mind do not mean we are controlled or influenced by some evil spirit power – like puppets on a string – but that our lives present us with two options – to remain “dead “ (v.5) to being influenced by the ways of God, becoming more and more self-centred instead of Christ-centred –  or to be “made … alive together with Christ (who) … raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ, so that in the coming ages he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus.” [v.6-7]  Are you succeeding in living in “heavenly” places?     So again we have the broad and narrow ways – we either walk on our own, stumbling along the broad way (or rushing along it!) – or – by feeding diligently on God's word – we increasingly show “we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them” [v.10]

 Modern pictures often portray contrasting colours.  They rather hit you in the eye, whites and yellows, set against blues, blacks and reds.   This is particularly the case in advertising, as they try to grab our attention.     Our reading today in Galatians does not set colours in contrast – it sets human behaviour!  It describes the good things in human behaviour that our God and our Saviour Jesus are looking to see. These are “love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control” (5 v.22-23)     The things that God and Jesus hate to see are “sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality … jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries … envy, drunkenness, orgies and things like that” (5 v.19-21)     Paul's warning about the second list is “I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God”     There is no middle way!  It's either a broad way, which the majority follow, or the narrow way.  The ecclesia at Laodicea was condemned because it was neither one thing or the other, it was “lukewarm” (Rev. 3 v.16)   So many are lukewarm today – the whole gospel that seems to be proclaimed is ‘love your neighbour as yourself and never do anyone any wrong'. That is good, it is a vital part of the foundation we set in place in accepting Christ, but that foundation has to be built upon.     There is real true joy and peace when we join together to follow the narrow way in contrast to the “emptiness” of humanity today – for the narrow way – and the truth of God's word with which that way is ‘paved' (such as knowing the real nature of life after death in God's kingdom) is what our Saviour looks to see in us and loves those who walk along that way. Are you walking so that he loves you?

How vital to know certain things; the young go to school and then, if they are capable, to a University or a higher learning institute to gain additional knowledge or skills so they can more effectively make their way in life. The need for this is self-evident to all – there is no reward for the lazy, although some try to make their way in life through devious or dishonest means.Our thoughts were provoked along these lines by 2 different points Jesus made in his teaching that we read today in Luke ch. 19.  The first is where Jesus weeps over Jerusalem and says. “would that you  … had known on this day the things that make for peace … For the days will come upon you when your enemies will … tear you down to the ground … they will not leave one stone upon another in you because you did not know the time of your visitation.” [v.42-44]In a physical sense they knew the presence of Jesus, but very few knew him as the true Messiah, the son of God.  It is the same today, very few deny that a man called ‘Jesus of Nazareth existed 2,000 years ago, but the impact of what he was, what he taught, the meaning this gave to life, fails to come alive in their minds and so transform their lives to give them real meaning and purpose.The second point arises in the parable Jesus told about a nobleman who gave ten minas to each of his servants (more than 2 years' labourers wages) for them to use in his service while he was away. One of them fails to make any use of it and on the nobleman's return he says to him, “Lord, here is your mina which I kept laid away in a handkerchief.” [v.20] He is rebuked for his failure to do any work for the nobleman and make any gains for him, and is told, “… you wicked servant! You knew I was a severe man …” [v.22]Jesus a severe man!  Well, do you think it right to reward laziness?  How true and wonderful is the love of God and of Jesus – yet in responding to that love as we each must – we must show our love in more than words.  The aged Apostle John wrote, “Little children, let us not love in word or talk, but in deed and in truth.” [1 Jn 3 v.18]Let us all live in a way that shows both in word and actions, the latter confirming our words,  that we are faithful servants ready, at an hour that will surprise us, to greet our nobleman.

In the end, our purpose in life comes down to one of two things.  Jesus sums it all up in today's reading in Luke.  “No servant can serve two masters … he will be devoted to the one and despise the other”   He ends by bluntly saying, “You cannot serve God and money” [16 v.13]   What is it to “serve” money?This is not the most common Greek word for ‘serve',  in Acts, Luke only uses the word in Ch. 20 v.19 when he quoted Paul's words to the Ephesian elders (and Luke was with him at the time),  he told them, “You yourselves know how I lived …. serving the Lord with all humility and with tears and with trials … I did not shrink from declaring to you anything that was profitable …”   This was serving indeed!In writing to the Romans about issues over the law of Moses Paul says, “but now we are released from the law, having died to that which held us captive, so now we serve not under the old written code but in the new life of the Spirit.” [7 v.6]   But the commitment involved in serving is parallel; it is the same!  Most interesting is the fact that the one place where John used the Greek word in his gospel (8 v.33) it is translated as “enslaved”!Those Jesus sees as serving money he sees as being enslaved to it.  It is the ‘be all' and ‘end all' of their thinking.  Today, it is a matter of the things money can ‘buy,' the pleasure and pride of owning the best of everything, of taking fabulous holidays, etc., with a token gesture toward others to ease their conscience, even fitting in a visit to church.Those who serve God, see how temporary and misleading are the rewards of serving money.   People who decide to serve God have a “bigger mind”, i.e. a bigger vision of thought. That famous chapter of Hebrews 11 selects the example of Moses when, surrounded by wealth as the adopted grandson of Pharaoh, “choosing to be mistreated with the people of God than to enjoy the fleeting pleasures of sin.  He considered the reproach of Christ greater wealth than the treasures of Egypt” [v.25-26]What do we consider to be of greater wealth today?  Less and less would make Christ their choice.  Some, foolishly, try to have it both ways. If we are “lukewarm” –  as with Laodicea, let us remember the message of Jesus to them – read Revelation 3 v.15-16.

We live in a world in which people more than ever focus on physical possessions and experiences, they inter-act between themselves in all that they and others experience but, says Jesus, these are not the things that matter.We will read in Luke's gospel tomorrow – his comment that, “one's life does not consist in the abundance of(our) possessions” [12 v.15]   Today's chapter (11) contains quite a number of sayings by Jesus which challenge our understanding; one is a parable (v.24-26) about an “unclean spirit” which, when it has “gone out of a person, it passes through waterless places seeking rest, and finding none it says, ‘I will return to my house from which I came.' And when it comes, it finds the house swept and put in order.  Then it goes and brings seven other spirits more evil than itself, and they enter and dwell there.”   Then Jesus gives the lesson the parable is teaching, he says “and the last state of that person is worse than the first”So Jesus is making a point about the human state of mind – what “possesses” the mind – the need to get rid of bad attitudes. In Luke ch. 9 we read the comment of Jesus' disciples James and John (aptly named ‘sons of thunder – Mark 3 v.17) who, when a Samaritan village did not provide for them, said “Lord, do you want us to tell fire to come down from heaven and consume them? But he (Jesus) turned and rebuked them, you do not know what manner of spirit you are of..” [v,52-55]  At the beginning of the chapter we read how Jesus had sent out “the twelve and gave them power …”  But now, in this situation, their spirit, that is, their attitude of mind, was wrong.So the lesson of the parable is that in getting rid of bad ways of thinking it is essential we put good ways of thinking in their place and not leave “the house” of our mind empty. Now back in today's chapter, the next verse (27) contains a very significant point. “As he said these things, a woman in the crowd raised her voice and said to him. ‘Blessed is the womb that bore you, and the breasts at which you nursed!'This shows the woman's mind was focussed on physical things- but there was no lasting value in that!  We can see in history the meaningless worship of the Virgin Mary for which God's word gives no warrant at all – she is dead and buried and awaits the resurrection like all other worthies who have served the Almighty; as we read in Hebrews of those who do God's will, “These all died in faith, not have received the things promised, but having seen than and greeted them from afar …” [11 v.13]Finally, notice how Jesus responded to the woman who made this comment!  His answer is most significant!  He said, “blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and keep it!”    And, wonderfully, we can read it whenever we want to!   But maybe we have a “spirit” in our house that hinders this?  Let us be blessed through the word of God and “keep” in our house what we read so that our minds are dominated by a right spirit. .

Love to hear from you; “Send us a Text Message”Bishop Athanasius Schneider delivers a powerful message of hope and clarity for Catholics navigating the complexities of modern faith. Drawing from his deep knowledge of Church history and tradition, he illuminates the unbroken chain of teaching that connects today's believers directly to the apostles through the early Church Fathers."There is only one truth," Bishop Schneider declares with conviction, explaining that what makes Catholic faith distinct is its remarkable continuity across the centuries. He illustrates this through the example of St. Irenaeus, a second-century bishop who could trace his spiritual lineage directly to the Apostle John. This living connection between the apostolic age and our own time offers profound reassurance that authentic Catholic teaching remains unchanged despite cultural shifts and contemporary confusion.For those troubled by apparent contradictions or ambiguities they encounter in today's Church, Bishop Schneider offers practical wisdom: "When we are confused, please read the old catechisms. There is the crystal clear Catholic faith." Also, the Early Church Fathers, including St. Ignatius of Antioch's seven letters, St. Augustine's Confessions, and works by St. Justin Martyr and St. Basil on the Holy Spirit. The conversation explores Bishop Schneider's book "Matins with the Fathers," which provides commentary from Church Fathers on daily Scripture readings. Visit and Learn From Bishop Athanasius Schneider Here!: GloriaDei.ioReady to join the 20% who actively build a civilization of love? Download the Claymore Battle Plan at jp2renew.org and subscribe Jack's SubStack for access to our weekly formation materials. Your heart was made for more than anxiety—it was made for truth.Follow us on X! Contact us info@jp2renew.orgKeep Charlie Kirk and his family in your prayers!Support the show