Podcasts about Israelites

Fr. Mike describes the miracle of the waters of Meribah that God performs for his people in the wilderness. He also explains the logic behind the laws God gives his people to restore their morality as they learn to live in relationship with each other. Today we read Numbers 19-20, Deuteronomy 21, and Psalm 100. For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/bibleinayear. Please note: The Bible contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.

Presented by Jenn Miller We are examining idolatry. Often when I hear that word, I can think of an image or a statue that is worshipped. That definitely falls into the category of idolatry, and most of the examples of idolatry in the Bible are from that category. However, idolatry in our Western contemporary setting can look different. I think it is helpful to look at the 10 commandments to better understand this. In Exodus 20, the Israelites have been delivered from slavery in Egypt and now are entering a covenant as the special and loved people of God. But they didn't know what this looked like, so God gave his people his law. I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery. You shall have no other gods before me (Exodus 20:2-3). Interestingly, before God gives any commands to his people, he reminds them of his love, provision, and the relationship he has with them. And because of that relationship, the very first command he gives is for them to have no other gods. The second command is to have no graven images, but first and foremost God requires his people keep him as their only God. I think this is helpful for you and me as we think about idolatry. Idolatry is when you turn to anything besides God for your fulfilment, security, hope, or comfort. We look to other things as a “god substitute.” If you are like me, it is so easy to fall into this. I can trust God in most areas but then realize I am actually putting my hope in my financial stability for security, or a person for fulfillment, or a standard of living for comfort. Are there any god substitutes in your life today?

Hezekiah decrees that the people should celebrate Passover: Hezekiah sends a letter to the tribes of Israel inviting them to Passover The Israelites were either under siege or already displaced when the letter came The Israelites mock the messengers Why God wanted the Passover celebrated Hey! Look at this other P40 content! YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hnh-aqfg8rw Ko-Fi - https://ko-fi.com/p40ministries Website - https://www.p40ministries.com Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/p40ministries Contact - jenn@p40ministries.com Rumble - https://rumble.com/c/c-6493869 Books - https://www.amazon.com/Jenn-Kokal/e/B095JCRNHY/ref=aufs_dp_fta_dsk Merch - https://www.p40ministries.com/shop YouVersion - https://www.bible.com/reading-plans/38267-out-of-the-mire-trusting-god-in-the-middle Check out LifeAudio for other faith-based podcasts on parenting, studying Scripture, and more: www.lifeaudio.com Become a member to gain access to The Bible Explained on Fridays: https://ko-fi.com/p40ministries Support babies and get quality coffee with Seven Weeks Coffee https://sevenweekscoffee.com/?ref=P40 Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

There are times when the world seems to have all the glitz & glamor and we can be tempted to follow their ways. Today we'll see that this attitude motivated the Israelites to seek a king. Although the Lord gave them their request, it was not without stern warning.  DISCUSSION AND STUDY QUESTIONS: 1. The podcast opens with the social context of this chapter. How might the Philistine's success have tempted the Israelites to copy the ways of the nations? 2. How old was Samuel at this point? What was his plan for the succession of authority after him? How was that working out? 3. In verse 5, what did the people want? How did Samuel initially view this demand in verse 6? 4. What did the Lord say about the people's demand in verses 7 & 8? How might the people's low view of their covenant with God help us understand why the Lord says these things? 5. In verses 10 to 17, what dangers did Samuel warn the people about? Why would a king have this impact on the nation? 6. What would the Lord's response be to them in verse 18? How does their low view of their covenant with God help us understand why He would not listen to them? 7. In verse 20, why did the people want a king? What does this reflect about their view of God? 8. The podcast points out that Samuel is most well-known for the things he did in his old age. How does this give us hope that we're never too old to be part of God's work in this world? 9. The podcast speculated that Samuel's circuit ministry in 1st Samuel 7 may have kept Samuel away from his family for long stretches. Why would this be a problem? How would this violate God's instructions about the role of parents in Deuteronomy 6? 10. Why is it tempting to look at the world's goods and to think that their success comes from their wisdom and their ways? 11. What dangers can you see in this passage about people forcing something to get what they want, but it not be God's highest ideal for their life? 12. Finally, who should be our true king and how should we relate to Him? Check out our Bible Study Guide on the Key Chapters of Genesis! Available on Amazon just in time for the Genesis relaunch in January! To see our dedicated podcast website with access to all our episodes and other resources, visit us at: www.keychapters.org. Find us on all major platforms, or use these direct links: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6OqbnDRrfuyHRmkpUSyoHv Itunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/366-key-chapters-in-the-bible/id1493571819 YouTube: Key Chapters of the Bible on YouTube. As always, we are grateful to be included in the "Top 100 Bible Podcasts to Follow" from Feedspot.com. Also for regularly being awarded "Podcast of the Day" from PlayerFM. Special thanks to Joseph McDade for providing our theme music.   

The Lord said to Moses, 'Tell the Israelites to bring me an offering. You are to receive the offering for me from everyone whose heart prompts them to give…Then have them make a sanctuary for me, and I will dwell among them" (Exodus 25:1,2,8). Generations of slavery did more than destroy and demean the honour of Israel's work. It also inhibited Israel's worship of her God. Oppressed workers find it very difficult to offer their work as worship. The fruit of Israel's labor was directed to the glory of Pharaoh. How could they direct the fruit of their labour to the glory of the Lord? Free and holy work can be offered as worship. Not by their own choice, slaves participate in an idolatrous system. God liberated Israelite workers in part so that they could offer their work as worship to him. God begins to shape this new economy in the hearts of his people by inviting them to give a free will offering. Then, they were to take these gifts to construct a sanctuary for God to dwell among them. Take a moment to ponder the scene: liberated slaves are invited to freely offer their unique gifts, skills, craftsmanship, and artistic wisdom to adorn God's house. Those blistered hands that once built houses for dead Pharaoh, hands that stacked stones to serve his imperial and violent glory—build or die—these hands are now invited to freely offer their skill, insight, and creative touch to the construction of God's house. Imagine, their first free work is a house of worship—a place for God to dwell with them. It is decorated with color, made with hands that are rested and free. In Egypt, Israel did 'hard labour'. To counter the demeaning work of Egypt, God invites them into this project to create a space for communion—"I will dwell among them." The oppressive and predatory patterns of Pharaoh's economy would stick to Israel for centuries. She would constantly be tempted to slide back into economic patterns of hoarding and scarcity. With it came the impulse to treat people like Pharaoh had handled them. Her liturgies were resources to resist this. Sabbath worship was a reminder for workers to reject economic patterns of grasping and an invitation to walk deeper into God's economy of grace. The regular observance of rest, the yearly celebration of harvests, and the public confessions of marketplace greed were designed to bring these freed slaves into a new economy through worship. The offerings God invited Israel to bring were the treasures the Egyptians had given them as they marched out of town (12:36). The tabernacle reminded Israel that she had not left Egypt emptyhanded, that God had ways of providing beyond human imagination. As you live out this week, consider how you can direct the fruit of your labour to the glory of the Lord? How will you resist the temptation to hoard resources because it's too difficult to believe that God will provide? How can you promote conditions were workers and work are valued? As you journey on, go with the blessing of God: Wherever God takes you today (this week), may He fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit and that you may live carefully—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity.

They sit side by side on Ball Street in my city—the Grand Ideas Garden and the county jail. My friend Joann loved both places. She loved to sit in the garden, thinking about the goodness of God and her love for Him because of what He’d done in her life. She also loved to share with the women in the jail and tell her story of God redeeming her life after many bad choices and wandering far from Him. Often, she would tell me of her passion: her dream that all the women there would someday understand and experience the love of God for them personally. The psalmist told his fellow Israelites to “tell their story” of how God redeemed them from their enemies (Psalm 107:2). They had “wandered in desert wastelands,” “they were hungry and thirsty, and their lives ebbed away” (vv. 4-5). ” At times they rebelled against God, and He disciplined them (vv. 10-12). Yet, every time “they cried out to the Lord in their trouble, . . . he delivered them from their distress” (v. 6). They had much to give God thanks for and to talk about with others. As the Israelites learned, and we can learn also, He has a love that will never let us go. We too can take opportunities to “ponder the loving deeds of the Lord” toward us (v. 43), give thanks to Him, and tell our own story of His rescue.

Read OnlineJesus said to the people in the synagogue at Nazareth: “Amen, I say to you, no prophet is accepted in his own native place.” Luke 4:24 Do you recognize Christ's presence in others? Do you sense His divine presence all around you? In today's Gospel, the people of Nazareth did not. Jesus, the Son of God, the Second Person of the Most Holy Trinity, stood in their midst, yet they failed to see Him for who He truly was. Many of them had watched Jesus grow up, knew His family, and were familiar with His work as a carpenter. However, they could not look beyond the surface to perceive the divine reality in their midst. Though our Lord is not present to us today in the same way He was to the people of Nazareth, He is still with us in countless other ways—through grace, within the Sacraments, in the Scriptures, and in the lives of those around us. Yet how often do we fail to notice His presence in these familiar places? In today's Gospel, Jesus recognizes the hardness of heart among many in His hometown. He responds by recalling two stories about Elijah and Elisha—prophets who performed miracles for Gentiles rather than Israelites, because the Israelites lacked faith. Jesus' message was clear: The people of Nazareth also lacked faith, and as a result, He would perform no miracles for them. This message enraged the people so much that they attempted to throw Him off a cliff. However, Jesus “passed through the midst of them and went away.” Imagine how dramatic that scene must have been! Sometimes, we all need what could be called a “provocative holy drama” in our lives. Just as Jesus challenged the people of Nazareth for their spiritual blindness, we need to be shaken from our complacency. God uses these moments to awaken us to His presence—whether in the Scriptures, the Sacraments, or the people around us. These “holy dramas” are not meant to condemn but to invite us into a deeper awareness of His love and presence. Try to imagine yourself as a member of Jesus' hometown. Those of us raised in the Catholic faith, attending Mass regularly, and striving to live as faithful Catholics can sometimes fall into a spiritual routine. The more familiar we become with God's Church, the easier it can be to overlook His presence in the most ordinary of places. When that happens, God may use moments of “holy drama” to awaken us from our spiritual slumber. These moments are invitations to recognize His presence where we might have taken it for granted. Reflect today on what it would mean to be in the crowd at Nazareth. Approach this reflection humbly and sincerely. Allow Jesus' loving challenge to the people of His hometown to resonate in your own heart. Rather than defend yourself, welcome His gentle rebuke, letting it awaken you to His presence in the familiar. Seek Him with renewed attentiveness, and allow Him to lead you more deeply into His love. My provoking Lord, Your love for the people of Your hometown led You to challenge their lack of faith. When I fall into spiritual blindness and fail to recognize Your presence, please awaken me. With Your love, shake me from any complacency so that I may grow in faith and become more attentive to You, especially in the familiar and the ordinary. Jesus, I trust in You.Source: Free RSS feed from catholic-daily-reflections.com — Copyright © 2026 My Catholic Life! Inc. All rights reserved. This content is provided solely for personal, non-commercial use. Redistribution, republication, or commercial use — including use within apps with advertising — is strictly prohibited without written permission.

Father and Annie study the typology of the Rock which Moses struck for the Israelites, and how St. Paul could say the Rock was Christ. They connect it to the Samaritan woman at the well, and her coming to understand the nature of the water Jesus offers.

Hello Friends! I love to hear from you! Please send me a text message by clicking on this link! Blessings to You!In this episode, Dr. Jori discusses with her listeners  God's words through Malachi about how the Israelites had robbed God.  Scripture References: Matthew 6:33; Malachi 3:8; Hebrews 1:1; Malachi 1:1-14; Malachi 3:1-10; Jeremiah 17:9; 2 Corinthians 9:7 Scripture translation used is the NASB “Scripture quotations taken from the NASB (New American Standard Bible) Copyright 1971, 1995, 2020 (only use the last year corresponding to the edition quoted) by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. All rights reserved. www.Lockman.org”CHECK OUT DR. JORI'S NEW PODCAST- The First Love ProjectHere is the video introducing the podcast on You Tube-https://youtu.be/PhFY1moDDmsHERE IS A LINK TO THE YOUTUBE PLAYLIST FOR FIRST LOVE PROJECThttps://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLdaujk1npuKR0BLSkTlKyxmuxavrZQHM6&si=dC10K4Qdh0xMKElU FIND DR. JORI ON OTHER PLATFORMS https://linktr.ee/drjorishaffer DAILY MUSICAL DEVOTIONAL BY THE WORSHIP INITIATIVE:Text SING to 79316CHECK OUT THE DWELL AUDIO BIBLE APP:Click this link for my unique referral code.  I use this frequently. Such a wonderful audio bible app. https://dwellapp.io/aff?ref=jorishafferBIBLE STUDY TOOLS DR. JORI USES:Note: These contain  Amazon affiliate links, meaning I get a commission, at no extra cost to you,  if you decide to make a purchase through my links.Here is a link to some of my favorite bible study tools on Amazon:https://geni.us/cHtrfEMr. Pen Bible Journaling Kitshttps://lvnta.com/lv_PTrHSCogbRim4yhEDnhttps://lvnta.com/lv_mkaMOuGe6m4oHR88uqhttps://lvnta.com/lv_dgvsxOc99t663A628z  BOOKS OF BIBLE COLOR CHARTI made this chart as a helpful tool for grouping the collections of books or letters  in the Holy Bible.  The colors in the different sections are the ones that I use in my journals.  Books of Bible Chart (color) (4).pdf - Google Drive    LOOKING TO RETAIN MORE OF WHAT YOUR PASTOR IS TEACHING?              CHECK OUT DR. JORI'S SERMON REFLECTION JOURNALS! Sermon Notes, Reflections and Applications Journal/Notebooks by Dr. Jori. Click the links below to be directed to amazon.com for purchase. Or search “Dr. Jori Shaffer” on Amazon to bring these up.  https://amzn.to/418LfRshttps://amzn.to/41862EyHere is a brief YouTube video that tells about the Journal/Notebooks as well:https://youtu.be/aXpQNYUEzds   Email: awordforthisday@gmail.comPodcast website:  https://awordforthisday.buzzsprout.com  Support the show

Sometimes people try to manufacture good luck through some kind of "rabbit's foot" thinking. It might be through an actual item or perhaps some ritual or deed. Today we'll see that when the Israelites treated God like a "rabbit's foot", it didn't go so well. Join us!  DISCUSSION AND STUDY QUESTIONS: 1.    Who were the Israelites battling in verse 1? How did their battle go in verse 2? How is that different from their previous battles that we've looked at over the past several months? 2.    What did the people decide to do in verse 3? What did this disrespect God and seek to use Him as a means for good luck?  3.    How did the Philistines react in verses 6 & 7? What happened in verse 10?  4.    What was taken in verse 11 and who was killed? What did this indicate regarding the Lord?  5.    How did Eli react to this news in verse 18?  6.    When Phinehas' wife was dying, she named her newborn son "Ichabod". In verse 22, what does that name mean? Why do you think she gave her son this name? 7.    As you reflect on this chapter, what principles can you see about making sure we're not getting ahead of God?  8.    Likewise, what principles can you see about the dangers of trying to manipulate God through some kind of religious act that He is not a part of?  9.    What are some principles about the danger of trying to manufacture the sense that God is "with us" blessing what we're doing, when that may not be true? 10.    How should the people's covenant with God changed how they related to Him? How does your covenant with God impact how you relate to Him today? Check out our Bible Study Guide on the Key Chapters of Genesis! Available on Amazon just in time for the Genesis relaunch in January! To see our dedicated podcast website with access to all our episodes and other resources, visit us at: www.keychapters.org. Find us on all major platforms, or use these direct links: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6OqbnDRrfuyHRmkpUSyoHv Itunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/366-key-chapters-in-the-bible/id1493571819 YouTube: Key Chapters of the Bible on YouTube. As always, we are grateful to be included in the "Top 100 Bible Podcasts to Follow" from Feedspot.com. Also for regularly being awarded "Podcast of the Day" from PlayerFM. Special thanks to Joseph McDade for providing our theme music.   

The Israelites pre-battle preparation is the opposite of what we would expect. Faith in God's promises and a reliance on God's grace was what the Israelites needed most in battle.

In this profound lecture, we delve into the book of Joshua, beginning with the monumental declaration: "Moses my servant is dead." Far from being an end, Moses's death marked the completion of God's purposed work for him, setting the stage for new leadership under Joshua. The speaker illuminates Moses's life through three powerful lenses. Firstly, Moses was a forgiven man. His salvation, like all believers, came by God's grace alone through faith alone, not by works. Hebrews 11 reveals his parents' faith in hiding him, Moses's own choice to forsake the pleasures of Pharaoh's court to suffer with God's people, and his recognition of Christ's "reproach" as greater riches than Egypt's treasures. This demonstrates a heart transformed by grace, believing in the coming Messiah. Secondly, Moses was a faithful man. Numbers 12:3 describes him as the most humble man on earth, a humility granted and matured by God's grace. He endured immense trials, constant grumbling from the Israelites, and opposition, yet he steadfastly led God's people. God Himself declared Moses "faithful in all My household," speaking to him "mouth to mouth." His leadership foreshadowed the perfect faithfulness of the sinless Messiah. Thirdly, Moses was a fruitful man. Deuteronomy 34:10 highlights him as an unparalleled prophet, whom the Lord knew "face to face." He tirelessly proclaimed God's truth, reminding Israel of their sin and God's promises, even delivering sobering warnings about their future apostasy. Moses also organized Israel's worship, instituting the Passover, the detailed ceremonial law, and the priesthood—all pointing forward to Christ's ultimate fulfillment.

Feeling soul-tired and need someone to walk with you? Book a one-on-one Grief Mentor Session here.   Have you ever felt like your grief is a battle you have to fight every single day, and if you stop to rest for even a moment, you're somehow betraying your child? You are carrying a weight that is physically and soul-exhausting, waking up each morning to an ache that feels impossible to outrun. But what if the battle you're fighting isn't actually yours to win?   In the first installment of this four-part series for the hard days, we explore the radical idea that rest is not a sign of weakened love, but an act of profound faith. You'll discover how a simple instruction given to the Israelites at the edge of the Red Sea is the exact lifeline God is offering your weary heart today. It's time to unpack the heavy "bucket" of expectations and find a way forward through the mountain of your grief.   Inside this conversation, you'll discover… The hidden reason why resting often feels like a failure to your child and how to silence that guilt How to identify the "soul-tired" exhaustion that goes beyond physical fatigue and why you can't "will" your way out of it The life-changing difference between fighting your grief and allowing God to fight the battle for you A practical, 15-minute rhythm designed to help you step away from the noise and anchor your heart in truth You don't have to carry the weight of the world—or your grief—all by yourself today. Press play and give yourself the permission you've been searching for to simply be still. Remember, the Lord is standing in the gap for you, and His strength is most visible when you finally allow your heart to catch its breath.   Stop Fighting the Battle Alone Friend, you weren't meant to carry this mountain by yourself. If you are struggling to find permission to rest or feeling trapped by the "noise" of your loss, I would love to sit with you in a safe, one-on-one space. In a Grief Mentor Session, we can unpack these heavy layers together and find the small steps that lead to peace.

God commanded that the Israelites offer a sheaf of the new harvest to guarantee the rest of the harvest. Jesus was the first fruit from the dead that guarantee's our resurrection. Seven coordinating blogs begin here: https://lightofchristjourney.com/2026/03/08/the-first-fruits-principle-2/ A video of this story can be viewed here: https://youtu.be/Lk092aPPoCk

Fr. Mike dives into the recurring issue of the Israelites rebelling against God and remaining stuck in their past as we read about the revolt of Korah, Dathan and Abiram against Moses and Aaron. Today's readings are Numbers 16, Deuteronomy 15-16, and Psalm 97. For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/bibleinayear. Please note: The Bible contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.

Welcome to Day 2812 of Wisdom-Trek. Thank you for joining me. This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom. Day 2812 – Wisdom Nuggets – Psalm 118:10-18 – Daily Wisdom Wisdom-Trek Podcast Script - Day 2812 Welcome to Wisdom-Trek with Gramps! I am Guthrie Chamberlain, and we are on Day 2812 of our Trek. The Purpose of Wisdom-Trek is to create a legacy of wisdom, to seek out discernment and insights, and to boldly grow where few have chosen to grow before. The Title for Today's Wisdom-Trek is: Surrounded but Secure – The Strong Right Arm of the Lord. In our previous episode, we took our first steps into the magnificent landscape of Psalm One Hundred Eighteen, focusing on verses one through nine. We heard the massive, joyful choir of Israel, the priests, and all who fear the Lord, declaring that His faithful love endures forever. We also listened to the deeply personal testimony of a leader who was trapped in a narrow, suffocating place, but who was miraculously rescued, and brought into the wide-open spaces of God's grace. That powerful realization led us to conclude that it is infinitely better to take refuge in the Lord, than to put our trust in earthly princes. Today, we are moving forward on our trail, trekking through the second movement of this grand, festive song. We will be exploring Psalm One Hundred Eighteen, verses ten through eighteen, in the New Living Translation. As we open our Bibles, we must keep the historical and theological setting firmly in our minds. This is the very climax of the Egyptian Hallel, the collection of psalms sung during the Passover. These are the very words that echoed in the mind of Jesus Christ, as He left the Upper Room, and walked into the dark, terrifying olive grove of Gethsemane. He knew that He was about to be surrounded by hostile forces, both human and spiritual. Yet, He sang this psalm of absolute, unshakable victory. In these verses, the psalmist paints a vivid, almost overwhelming picture of being entirely encircled by enemies. But instead of despair, we hear a drumbeat of triumph. We witness the cosmic authority of Yahweh, the mighty power of His right arm, and the profound paradox of facing severe discipline, yet being spared from death. Let us lean in, and listen to the battle cry of the redeemed. Psalm One Hundred Eighteen: verses ten through twelve. Though hostile nations surrounded me, I destroyed them all with the authority of the Lord. Yes, they surrounded and attacked me, but I destroyed them all with the authority of the Lord. They swarmed around me like bees; they blazed against me like a crackling fire. But I destroyed them all with the authority of the Lord. The imagery here is intense, claustrophobic, and highly kinetic. The psalmist says, three separate times, that he was "surrounded." He was completely encircled, with no natural means of escape. But notice who is surrounding him: "hostile nations." To truly understand the weight of this, we must put on our Ancient Israelite, Divine Council worldview lenses, as taught by Dr. Michael S. Heiser. In the ancient world, a conflict between nations was never merely a political dispute; it was a cosmic battle. According to Deuteronomy Chapter Thirty-Two, verses eight and nine, the nations of the world had been disinherited by Yahweh at the Tower of Babel, and placed under the authority of lesser, rebel spiritual beings. Israel, however, remained Yahweh's personal portion. Therefore, when the "hostile nations" surround the Israelite king, this is a coordinated attack by the dark, spiritual principalities of the unseen world. They are attempting to snuff out the light of God's kingdom on earth. The psalmist uses two vivid, terrifying metaphors to describe this onslaught. First, he says, "They swarmed around me like bees." If you have ever accidentally disturbed a beehive, you know the absolute, blinding panic of that moment. Bees attack from every possible angle; they are relentless, chaotic, and their stings produce compounding agony. Second, he says, "They blazed against me like a crackling fire." In the original Hebrew, this is specifically described as a fire of thornbushes. Dry thorns burn with incredible, explosive heat, and a blinding, intimidating flash. But what happens to a fire of thorns? It flashes hot, it makes a lot of terrifying noise, but it burns out almost instantly. It has no lasting fuel. This is exactly how the psalmist views the hostile, demonic forces of the world. They swarm, they sting, and they blaze with intimidating fury. But they have no staying power against the Creator. Three times, the psalmist responds to the threat with a rhythmic, defiant battle cry: "I destroyed them all with the authority of the Lord." Literally, the Hebrew text says, "In the Name of Yahweh, I cut them off." He does not rely on his own military strategy, his own armor, or his own physical prowess. He wields the Name of the Most High God. When Jesus faced the cross, He was swarmed by the hostility of Rome, the religious leaders, and the rebel spirits of the unseen realm. Yet, through His willing sacrifice, He wielded the authority of the Lord, cutting off the power of sin and death forever. Psalm One Hundred Eighteen: verses thirteen through fourteen. My enemies did their best to kill me, but the Lord rescued me. The Lord is my strength and my song; he has given me victory. The psalmist moves from the broad, chaotic swarm of the nations, to a deeply personal, targeted attack. "My enemies did their best to kill me." The literal translation is incredibly violent: "You pushed me violently, so that I was falling." He is speaking directly to the adversary, acknowledging the sheer, brute force of the assault. He was pushed to the very brink; he was teetering on the edge of the precipice. "But the Lord rescued me." Yahweh reached out His hand, caught His servant mid-fall, and pulled him back from the edge of the abyss. Verse fourteen is a direct, deliberate quotation of an older, highly famous song. "The Lord is my strength and my song; he has given me victory." These are the exact words sung by Moses and the Israelites on the shores of the Red Sea, in Exodus Chapter Fifteen, verse two, right after God drowned the Egyptian army. By quoting the Song of the Sea, the psalmist connects his present, personal deliverance to the great, historical deliverance of the Exodus. Because this is the Passover festival, the connection is absolutely brilliant. The God who split the sea, and crushed the Egyptian gods, is the exact same God who catches you when the enemy pushes you over the edge. He is our strength when we are weak; He is our song when we have lost our voice; and He is our ultimate, eternal salvation. Psalm One Hundred Eighteen: verses fifteen through sixteen. Songs of joy and victory are sung in the camp of the godly. The strong right arm of the Lord has done glorious things! The strong right arm of the Lord is raised in triumph. The strong right arm of the Lord has done glorious things! The scene shifts from the lonely, personal battlefield, to the vibrant, joyful encampment of the righteous. Imagine walking through the tents of the Israelites. You do not hear the moans of the defeated, or the fearful whispers of the oppressed. You hear the deafening, celebratory roar of victory. And what is the lyric of their song? They are singing about the "strong right arm of the Lord." In biblical poetry, the "right arm" or "right hand" is a powerful anthropomorphism—a way of describing God's invisible attributes using human physical terms. The right arm represents kinetic energy, military might, and decisive, executing authority. It is the hand that holds the sword; it is the arm that shatters the enemy. Three times, the congregation sings about this mighty arm. It has "done glorious things." It is "raised in triumph." This is a picture of the Divine Warrior, standing victorious on the cosmic battlefield, His arm lifted high, signaling to the entire universe that the forces of chaos have been decisively crushed. When the early church looked back at the resurrection of Jesus Christ, they realized they were witnessing the ultimate manifestation of the strong right arm of the Lord. God reached down into the grave, shattered the gates of death, and raised His Son in triumph, securing eternal victory for the camp of the godly. Psalm One Hundred Eighteen: verses seventeen through eighteen. I will not die; instead, I will live to tell what the Lord has done. The Lord has punished me severely, but he did not let me die. We conclude today's trek with a profoundly moving, and incredibly honest, declaration. The psalmist has survived the swarm. He has been caught from the fall. He has heard the victory song in the camp. And now, he makes a solemn vow regarding his future. "I will not die; instead, I will live." This is not just a biological...

Romans 11:25-27 — What is the future of the people of Israel? In this sermon on Romans 11:25–27 titled “Collecting the Evidence (1),” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones examines this most important topic of Israel's future. Paul is concerned that the Gentile believers may be arrogant towards the Israelites. No one must think they are saved because they are smarter or wiser than anyone else. The Gentiles did not believe in the gospel because they were smarter than the Israelites. They believed because God in His grace was pleased to give mercy to the Gentiles through Jesus Christ. While some Israelites rejected the gospel, not all did. Paul gives himself as an example of a faithful Israelite who trusted in the promised Messiah. Furthermore, Paul speaks of the day when many of his fellow Jews will come to worship Jesus and be saved. Listen as Dr. Lloyd-Jones teaches on the great day of salvation for all Jewish people who come to know the glorious gospel of Jesus Christ. God is faithful to His promises and He has provided salvation for all who believe in Him. To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/603/29?v=20251111

The History and Heart of the Tabernacle, Part 2: The altar of Israel's Tabernacle was a sacred place. Why? Because God Himself established it as a place to meet His people in covenantal faithfulness! In part 2 of our series on the Tabernacle, Chris offers a plethora of valuable truths about the altar, where ordinary Israelites were allowed to go ... Read More The post The History and Heart of the Tabernacle: The Altar (Part 2 of 6) | March 7, 2026 appeared first on The Friends of Israel Today Radio.

"The Bible is not a book of science." We hear and read that statement a lot these days. It's true that a surgeon will not be found peering into a Bible during surgery in order to perfect a surgical technique. But there is a deceptive lie hidden in the claim that the Bible is not a book of science.Back when Ignaz Semmelweis was a doctor, one out of every six women who gave birth in his hospital died of what was called "child bed fever." Dr. Semmelweis set out to discover why this was happening. He discovered that doctors were not cleaning their hands or instruments between patients. As a result, they were spreading germs from one patient to the next. Dr. Semmelweis instituted a policy requiring clean hands and instruments for each patient, and mortality rates dropped almost to zero immediately!But Dr. Semmelweis's discovery was not new knowledge. Thousands of years earlier, God had taught the Israelites, through Moses, that whenever they came into contact with a dead or diseased person, they were "unclean." Unclean people and their clothing had to be cleansed in clear running water. They also had to sprinkle their clothing with wet hyssop branches. Today, we know that hyssop contains a powerful antibacterial and antifungal agent.So when the Bible says something that touches upon an area of science, it is still technically accurate and correct. After all, the Author of the Bible is also the Author of everything that science studies!Numbers 19:18"And a clean person shall take hyssop, and dip it in the water, and sprinkle it upon the tent, and upon all the vessels, and upon the persons that were there, and upon him that touched a bone, or one slain, or one dead, or a grave:"Prayer: Dear heavenly Father, the world declares the Bible, Your Word, out of date and then ignores it, to its own great loss. I, therefore, ask you to forgive me for Jesus' sake, for my own neglect to make Your Word more a part of my life. Help me to abandon the world's way and make the Bible a practical part of my everyday life. Amen.REF.: Thompson, Bert. Dr. Semmelweis & the Bible. Reasoning from Revelation. Image: Ignaz Semmelweis (1818-1865), Ludwig Angerer, PD, Wikimedia Commons + Person washing hands. To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/1232/29?v=20251111

As part of their covenant with the Lord, the Israelites were given regulations concerning what is considered clean and unclean. At times this is a means of health and well-being. At other times it serves as a distinction from surrounding nations. The term “unclean” doesn't necessarily mean those things are dirty, germ-infested, or immoral, though some of them certainly are. It does mean these things are all ceremonially unclean. This is how Israel is to be set-apart from other nations and given fully to the Lord. These regulations would have made Israel a distinct people on the earth, reminding God's people and displaying for the nations that they were fully devoted to the Lord. Leviticus 11:24-47 – 1:05 . Leviticus 12 - 5:01 .  Leviticus 13 - 7:18 .  Psalm 43 - 19:32 .  :::Christian Standard Bible translation.All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross.Co-produced by the Christian Standard Bible.facebook.com/commuterbibleinstagram.com/commuter_bibletwitter.com/CommuterPodpatreon.com/commuterbibleadmin@commuterbible.org

Fr. Mike explains why God would give the Israelites such drastic consequences for their sin, and how it reveals his divine plan and infinite mercy. Today's readings are Numbers 15, Deuteronomy 13-14, and Psalm 96. For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/bibleinayear. Please note: The Bible contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.

Click here for the DRB Daily Sign Up form! TODAY'S SCRIPTURE: Deuteronomy 1-2; Mark 12 Click HERE to give! One Year Bible Podcast: Join Hunter and Heather Barnes on the Daily Radio Bible, a daily Bible‑in‑a‑year podcast with 20‑minute Scripture readings, Christ‑centered devotion, and guided prayer.This daily Bible reading and devotional invites you to live as a citizen of Jesus' kingdom, reconciled, renewed, and deeply loved. TODAY'S EPISODE: Welcome to the Daily Radio Bible! In this episode for March 5th, 2025, Hunter embraces listeners on day 65 of a year-long journey through the Scriptures. Today's reading leads us through Deuteronomy 1 and 2, revisiting Moses' reminders to the Israelites as they prepare to enter the Promised Land, and Mark 12, where Jesus offers profound teachings about authority, resurrection, love, and true devotion to God. Hunter guides us through the narrative, reflecting on Israel's wandering, God's faithful provision, and the call to trust Him fully—even when the journey gets long or the challenges seem impossible. In Mark's Gospel, Jesus addresses tough questions from the religious leaders, teaching us about giving to God what is truly His—ourselves—and highlighting the importance of loving God and our neighbors above all. After the readings, we're invited into a thoughtful time of prayer led by Unknown, centering our hearts on peace, unity, and surrendering our lives back to God. Hunter also marks the significance of Ash Wednesday, inviting everyone—regardless of tradition—to walk together through the reflective season of Lent as we prepare our hearts for Easter. Join us in this sacred space as we listen to God's Word, offer our hearts in prayer, and remember the deep truth: you are God's beloved, and you are not alone on the journey. TODAY'S DEVOTION: The coin belongs to Caesar, but you—you belong to God. That's what Jesus wants you to see. As Hunter points out, the religious leaders tried to trap Jesus in a web of money, power, and politics, but he would not be caught in the snare of their idols. Instead, Jesus took a simple coin and asked whose image was stamped upon it. "Caesar's," they answered. But then Jesus took this moment to direct their hearts—and ours—to a far deeper reality. You are made in God's image. His imprint is upon you, just as surely as Caesar's image is on that coin. Therefore, your truest belonging is not to any ruler or any fleeting thing, but to God himself. As the catechism proclaims, "We are not our own, but belong to God." This is our hope in life and death. You are his—his child, his family, his beloved. So what do we give to God? Ourselves. Returning to him what is already his. When we do this—when we yield our hearts, our loves, our lives—we are freed from the idols and traps that entangle so many: money, politics, power. Instead, we find our truest and most joyful life in him. As Hunter reminds us, our real life is "hidden with God in Christ." This is the deepest truth about who we are. Let us learn to walk this out, returning daily to the God who made us, offering ourselves in love and trust. That is my prayer for my own soul. That is my prayer for my family, for my wife, my daughters, and my son. And that is my prayer for you. May it be so. TODAY'S PRAYERS: Lord God Almighty and everlasting father you have brought us in safety to this new day preserve us with your Mighty power that we might not fall into sin or be overcome by adversity. And in all we do, direct us to the fulfilling of your purpose  through Jesus Christ Our Lord amen.   Oh God you have made of one blood all the peoples of the earth and sent your blessed son to preach peace to those who are far and those who are near. Grant that people everywhere may seek after you, and find you. Bring the nations into your fold, pour out your Spirit on all flesh, and hasten the coming of your kingdom through Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen.   And now Lord,  make me an instrument of your peace.  Where there is hatred let me sow love. Where there is injury, pardon.  Where there is doubt, faith. Where there is despair, hope.  Where there is darkness, light.  And where there is sadness,  Joy.  Oh Lord grant that I might not seek to be consoled as to console. To be understood as to understand, to be loved as to love.  For it is in the giving that we receive, in the pardoning that we are pardoned, it is in the dying that we are born unto eternal life.  Amen And now as our Lord has taught us we are bold to pray... Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name, thy kingdom come thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven, give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our tresspasses as we forgive those who trespass against us, and lead us not unto temptation, but deliver us from evil, for thine is the Kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen. Loving God, we give you thanks for restoring us in your image. And nourishing us with spiritual food, now send us forth as forgiven people, healed and renewed, that we may proclaim your love to the world, and continue in the risen life of Christ.  Amen.  OUR WEBSITE: www.dailyradiobible.com We are reading through the New Living Translation.   Leave us a voicemail HERE: https://www.speakpipe.com/dailyradiobible Subscribe to us at YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Dailyradiobible/featured OTHER PODCASTS: Listen with Apple Podcast DAILY BIBLE FOR KIDS DAILY PSALMS DAILY PROVERBS DAILY LECTIONARY DAILY CHRONOLOGICAL  

Romans 11:25-27 — God's sovereignty and humanity's responsibility can be difficult to reconcile, especially when reading different passages in the Bible that seem to be contradictory. In this sermon on Romans 11:25–27 titled “The Mystery Revealed,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones leads through a phrase-by-phrase analysis of one such passage. The word blindness here, he says, is actually better translated as “hardened.” What does Paul mean by saying that Israel has been hardened? Dr. Lloyd-Jones provides reasons and evidence as to why this most likely refers to the majority of the Israelite nation as a whole, not every individual Israelite, since some of the Jews were indeed saved and thus were shown not to be hardened. As the rest of this passage states, this blindness was only temporary— God established it and God took it off at the fullness of the Gentiles. To better understand this oft-confused phrase, Dr. Lloyd-Jones presents the various views and why it makes sense that Paul is making another broad reference, this time indicating a majority of Gentiles. The passage ends by saying that “all Israel will be saved.” This meaning, too, has been hotly debated throughout church history. Dr. Lloyd-Jones demonstrates his reasoning as to why he believes it is not referencing all the elect Jews as a whole, nor the elect Jews and Gentiles combined, but a different group altogether. Listen as he methodically steps through this difficult passage to help the listener better understand its meaning and application for their lives. To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/603/29?v=20251111

Cale shows how the manna given to the Israelites in Exodus foreshadows the new and far greater “manna” given by Jesus: the Eucharist.

Fresh off the miracle at the Red Sea, the Israelites quickly traded celebration for complaining when the wilderness exposed their hunger, thirst, and fear. Yet again and again, God responded not with anger, but with provision, turning bitter water sweet, raining down manna from heaven, sending quail at dusk, and bringing water from a rock. Through every need, He was teaching them a deeper lesson: trust Me one day at a time. The wilderness wasn't just about survival; it was about dependence. And the same invitation stands today. Where are you tempted to grumble instead of trust? What if the very area you complain about most is the place God is inviting you to rely on Him daily?Pursuing God with Gene Appel is a weekday podcast designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture and shaped by Eastside's conviction that God's grace is for everyone, each episode invites you to discover God's presence and activity in your life.Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture and shaped by Eastside's conviction that God's grace is for everyone, each episode invites you to discover God's presence and activity in your life.

In our reading of Numbers 14 today, Fr. Mike highlights how the rebellion of the Israelites which was marked by distrust and fear, will have consequences for their children. We also read today Deuteronomy 12, and Psalm 95. For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/bibleinayear. Please note: The Bible contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.

Dr. Scott Powell, JD Flynn, and Kate Olivera look ahead to the readings for the Third Sunday of Lent— including the Israelites grumbling because of thirst, and John's account of Jesus meeting the Samaritan woman at the well.This episode is brought to you by Catholic International University. Supporting Catholic priests through online MA and Graduate Certificate programs in Ecclesial Administration & Management.Learn more at catholiciu.edu/pillarAlready read the readings? Skip ahead to 9:00.Reading 1 - Exodus 17: 3-7Psalm 95: 1-2, 6-9Reading 2 - Romans 5: 1-2, 5-8Gospel - John 4: 5-42 This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.pillarcatholic.com/subscribe

Have you ever felt like God brought you out of something… but you're still not experiencing the freedom you expected? You're no longer where you used to be. But you're not fully where you thought you'd be by now either. In this episode, we walk through the story of the Israelites in Exodus, Numbers, and Hebrews to explore the difference between understandable fear and hardened unbelief—and how that difference can quietly shape our lives. This conversation is for Christian women seeking clarity, peace, and faith-centered wisdom. If you've been feeling stuck, circling the same mountain, or hesitating at the edge of something God may be calling you into, this episode will help you pause and examine your heart with honesty and hope. God's Kindness in the Detour (Exodus 13:17) When God brought the Israelites out of Egypt, He did not lead them the shortest route to the Promised Land. Scripture tells us why: He knew they weren't ready for war. If they saw battle too soon, they would turn back. So He led them another way. What we see here: • God is protective. • Delays can be mercy. • The longer path may be preparation. Sometimes what feels like slow progress is actually kindness. God sees what would overwhelm you. He knows what you're ready to face—and what you're not. Standing at the Edge of the Promise (Numbers 13–14) About a year after leaving Egypt, the Israelites stood right outside Canaan. They had witnessed: • The plagues in Egypt • The parting of the Red Sea • God's daily provision in the wilderness And yet when they saw giants in the land, fear took over. Joshua and Caleb said, “The Lord is with us. Do not fear.” The rest of the people grumbled. They talked about returning to Egypt. They even wanted to stone their leaders. They were right there. The issue wasn't that they felt afraid. The issue was what they did with their fear. There is a difference between: “I'm scared, Lord—but I trust You.” And: “This feels dangerous. I'm going back.” That difference kept them out of the Promised Land. What Hebrews Says About Unbelief (Hebrews 3) Hebrews 3 looks back on this story and gives clarity: They were unable to enter because of unbelief. Not because they lacked evidence. Not because God hadn't shown Himself faithful. Because their hearts hardened. This is where the story becomes personal. Where have we: • Seen God's provision but still doubted? • Asked for guidance but resisted obedience? • Called something “wisdom” when it was actually fear? Fear can sound responsible. It can sound cautious. It can even sound spiritual. But when fear leads us away from trust and obedience, it becomes unbelief. Miracles Don't Automatically Produce Trust It's easy to think, “If God would just move in a big way, I'd never doubt again.” But the Israelites saw miracle after miracle—and still complained. External signs don't automatically create internal surrender. Trust is formed in daily obedience, not dramatic moments. You can witness faithfulness and still grumble. You can experience provision and still resist. The heart posture matters. A Simple Framework for God's Will (1 Thessalonians 5:16–18) Rejoice always. Pray without ceasing. Give thanks in all circumstances. This is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. Notice how opposite this is from the Israelites' response. Instead of rejoicing, they complained. Instead of praying, they rebelled. Instead of giving thanks, they longed for what enslaved them. Imagine if they had said: “Lord, we're scared. But we remember what You've done. We trust You.” Fear may have remained. But rebellion would not have. Gratitude doesn't erase difficulty. It anchors your heart while you move forward. Time-Stamped Highlights 00:00 – Feeling delivered but not fully free 01:26 – Why God didn't lead Israel the shortest route 02:19 – Spying out the Promised Land 03:44 – Joshua and Caleb's response of faith 05:11 – The cost of hardened unbelief 06:06 – God's protective detours 07:35 – Hebrews 3 and the warning against hardened hearts 10:25 – Personal reflection: where might fear be guiding me? 11:25 – Why miracles don't guarantee obedience 11:54 – A simple picture of God's will 14:21 – Using this story as a mirror, not just history Key Takeaways • God's detours may be protection, not punishment. • Fear is human. Unbelief is a choice. • Being delivered doesn't mean your mindset has fully shifted. • Gratitude and prayer protect your heart from drifting. • Obedience often requires moving forward while still feeling afraid. Pause and ask yourself: Where might fear be disguising itself as wisdom in my life? What has God already shown me that I'm hesitating to trust? What would quiet, faithful obedience look like today? If You're Feeling Stuck If this episode stirred something in you, you may not need more information—you may need clarity. The More Energy & Peace Session is a private, 60-minute, faith-centered conversation where we: • Identify what may be draining your energy • Clarify what's creating frustration or indecision • Map out wise, grounded next steps No overwhelm. No complicated protocols. Just focused insight and direction. If you're ready to move forward with intention instead of circling the same questions, you can book your session at: herholistichealing.com/peace Wherever you are, don't stay stuck in indecision. Clarity creates movement. And faithful movement changes everything.

The wilderness was like going to Oxford, Cambridge, or Harvard: a graduate education in the inner life. Test after test from God. This time? It’s hunger. God responds with the Manna and Quail. Will the Israelites learn the lesson that you can’t stockpile grace? It’s doled out daily, on demand, just in time...it’s the “Manna Mentality”.

Just days after their miraculous escape from Egypt, the Israelites found themselves trapped with Pharaoh's army closing in behind them and the Red Sea blocking their path ahead. Fear replaced celebration, and freedom suddenly felt fragile. But in that impossible moment, God revealed once again who He is: the One who fights for His people and makes a way where there is no way. As the waters parted and they walked through on dry ground, God didn't offer a partial rescue; He delivered them completely. This dramatic scene reminds us that when we feel surrounded and stuck, the same God still works in ways we cannot see. Pursuing God with Gene Appel is a weekday podcast designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture and shaped by Eastside's conviction that God's grace is for everyone, each episode invites you to discover God's presence and activity in your life.Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture and shaped by Eastside's conviction that God's grace is for everyone, each episode invites you to discover God's presence and activity in your life.

Barnabus and Saul are about to be set apart for the work of spreading the gospel to other lands. If you've ever ventured into the back of your printed Bible you're likely to find a map of Paul's first missionary journey. That journey begins today. Saul is first called Paul in today's chapter, and is referred to by that name from here on. Sent by the Holy Spirit, Paul and Barnabus travel to varying cities proclaiming the gospel in Jewish synagogues. At Paphos, they witness to the proconsul, but a Jewish false-prophet who works for the proconsul tries to dissuade him from believing their message. Filled with the Holy Spirit, Paul rebukes him and the man is miraculously blinded. Our episode concludes midway through one of Paul's sermons to fellow Israelites in the synagogue at Pisidian Antioch. :::Christian Standard Bible translation.All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross.Co-produced by the Christian Standard Biblefacebook.com/commuterbibleinstagram.com/commuter_bibletwitter.com/CommuterPodpatreon.com/commuterbibleadmin@commuterbible.org

Today's readings.. (Leviticus 9,10), (Psalm 108,109), (2 Corinthians 1,2)‘Sanctified' means recognized as holy, set apart from the commonplace; treating a situation or place with all reverence.  Above all, this must be our attitude toward God.  In our Leviticus reading today we see the dramatic and disastrous result of a failure to do this. Imagine being there with all the wonder of the tabernacle and the manifestation of the actual presence of God as worship in it began!  We read “the glory of the LORD appeared to all the people. And fire came out from before the LORD and consumed the burnt offerings … [9 v.23,24].  As a result human attitudes of reverence and humility should have been paramount.  The reaction at the time was totally understandable, “they shouted and fell on their faces” [v.24].Aaron had 4 sons, all were involved in assisting their father and today's chapter tells us how tragedy overwhelmed two of them.  In the way we speak today we might judge that their position of importance went to their head!  Nadab and Abihu “each took his censer and put fire in it and laid incense on it and offered unauthorized fire before the LORD which he had not commanded them” [10 v.1]The result was terrifying for they “died before the LORD” as fire from him “consumed them” [v.2]  Moses then says to Aaron, “Among those who are near me I will be sanctified, and before all the people I will be glorified” [v.3]  There is a vital lesson here for everyone who seeks to serve God and have a close relationship with him: this applies to Christians just as much as to Israelites. Several examples of a failure to do this come to mind.  One is the practice of christening of babies in many churches which is not mentioned in the Bible – or even hinted at – instead the followers of Christ practiced baptism, which is described as “an appeal to God for a good conscience” [1 Peter 3 v.21]  Another, is the teaching of people of a “different gospel” to “distort the gospel of Christ.” [Galatians 1 v.v.6,7]  Paul says, “let him be accursed” [v.9] who does that – and this is what happened to two of the sons of Aaron. A most important lesson for us as we follow Christ and the Apostles, doing so in ways which truly follow the example they set and the words they preached.

God brings His third plague upon the land of Egypt through Moses, the plague of gnats (or lice, or mosquitos, or ?) which is distinctly different than the first two plagues. What made this one different? Pharaoh's magicians even testified that this plague was the "finger of God," although Pharaoh would not believe them. In this episode, we look at the plagues from both the Egyptian perspective and also from the Israelite perspective.

As we read Numbers 12 and 13, Deuteronomy 11, and Psalm 94, Fr. Mike reflects on the conflict between Aaron, Miriam, and Moses and explains why Miriam appears to be the only one punished. He also mentions the lack of trust the people continue to have in God, as they discover that the land of Canaan is occupied by a seemingly stronger force. For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/bibleinayear. Please note: The Bible contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.

The parched Israelites attempt to drink the desert waters at Marah, but they prove bitter and brackish. God gives a miraculous tree to make the bitter water sweet. Likewise, the Cross of Jesus Christ makes the bitterness of life endurable—and even sweet—as we share in his sufferings.

 When we understand how Israel reached the Promised Land, we can know how to go from bondage to freedom. Today, we can progress from sin's defeat to victorious living as we walk out our salvation. The Israelites were delivered from bondage into a life of victory as they traversed through the wilderness journey. The starting point for victory is to break the defeatist mentality. (Deuteronomy 25:4; Revelation 1:2; Exodus 2, 3, 6, 5:2; Galatians 5:1; John 5:5-7) 

Pastor Patrick Austin begins his sermon on Exodus 1-2 with a relatable family vacation analogy, explaining how what starts as joy can turn uncomfortable—much like the Israelites' experience in Egypt. The descendants of Jacob, who initially prospered in Egypt under Joseph's favor, eventually found themselves enslaved under a new Pharaoh who "did not know Joseph." Pastor Austin emphasizes that "in the darkest days of life, God is working to lead his people out of Egypt and into grace." Drawing from Exodus 2:23-25, Pastor Austin outlines four ways God works: He hears (listening to the Israelites' groaning under oppression), He remembers (staying faithful to His covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob), He sees (positioning Hebrew midwives Shiphrah and Puah to protect newborns), and He knows (providing Moses as a deliverer). Pastor Austin explains how God's "remembering" doesn't mean He forgot, but rather demonstrates His faithfulness to never abandon His promises. Even when Moses initially failed and fled to Midian, God was still working according to His perfect plan. The sermon's climax connects Moses to Jesus as the true and better deliverer. While Moses could only provide temporary deliverance from physical slavery, Jesus provides eternal deliverance from sin and death. Pastor Austin calls unbelievers to "cry out to God" for salvation, reminds Christians to remember God's faithfulness in their own salvation, and encourages all believers to "cling to the perfect deliverer" during current dark seasons, knowing that Jesus walks beside them and will one day lead them home to glory.   WE'D LOVE TO HEAR FROM YOU! Take a moment to fill out our digital connection card here: https://www.bayleaf.org/connect We hope you enjoy this programming and please let us know if there is anything we can do to be of service to you. ONE CHURCH. TWO LOCATIONS. ONE MISSION. Bay Leaf at Falls Lake: 12200 Bayleaf Church Road, Raleigh, North Carolina 27614 Bay Leaf at 540: 10921 Leesville Rd, Raleigh, NC 27613 SERVICE TIMES Come join us on Sundays at Bay Leaf at Falls Lake (8:30 AM or 11:00 AM) or at Bay Leaf at 540 (10:00 AM) CONTACT www.bayleaf.org (919) 847-4477 #BayLeafLife #Worship #Inspiration

For parashat Terumah, the Rabbis pair a Torah reading about Terumah, donation from the heart, with the account of Solomon's building of the first Temple, which was done using "mas," forced labor, the customary tax of the time. But wasn't that what was forced on the Israelites in Egypt, and to which much of the Torah is a direct response? Shouldn't we be just a little bit uncomfortable?

Fr. Mike discusses how the Israelites complaining against God and believing they were better off in Egypt reflects our own inclination to be enslaved by sin. Today's readings are Numbers 11, Deuteronomy 10, and Psalm 33. For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/bibleinayear. Please note: The Bible contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.

In this week's episode of The Bible for Normal People, Pete and Jared sit down with Mark S. Smith, a leading scholar of ancient Israelite religion, to explore the polytheistic background of Israel and the gradual emergence of monotheism in the Hebrew Bible. Drawing on biblical texts, ancient Near Eastern inscriptions, and comparative studies, Mark explains how early Israelites likely understood Yahweh as one deity among many before later theological developments came to affirm him as the sole god of Israel. Show Notes → https://thebiblefornormalpeople.com/episode-318-mark-s-smith-the-many-gods-of-israel/  Watch this episode on YouTube → https://youtu.be/R1xiWA6w3P8  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Why are so many kids picky eaters today? Is it selfishness, fear, lack of exposure, or something deeper? In this episode of Facing the Dark, Wayne and Dr. Kathy unpack cultural food trends, parenting pressure, restaurant frustration, and what the Israelites' craving for Egypt teaches us about control and growth.

“But all the Israelites went down to the Philistines, to sharpen every man his share, and his coulter, and his ax, and his mattock.” — 1 Samuel 13:20 We are engaged in a great war with the Philistines of evil. Every weapon within our reach must be used. Preaching, teaching, praying, giving, all must be […]

How do we trust God in the present when anxiety tells us things won’t get better? In this episode, we reflect on God’s faithfulness — both in Scripture and in our personal stories. Through worship, memory, and reflection, we’re reminded that the same God who was faithful before will be faithful again. When fear rises, remembrance becomes an anchor. What We Discuss Trusting God because of His past faithfulness How remembrance strengthens present faith God’s faithfulness to Israel throughout Scripture Personal testimony as evidence of God’s care Worship as a weapon against anxiety This episode is sponsored by Trinity Debt Management. If you are struggling with debt call Trinity today. Trinity's counselors have the knowledge and resources to make a difference. Our intention is to help people become debt-free, and most importantly, remain debt-free for keeps!" If your debt has you down, we should talk. Call us at 1-800-793-8548 | https://trinitycredit.org TrinityCredit – Call us at 1-800-793-8548. Whether we're helping people pay off their unsecured debt or offering assistance to those behind in their mortgage payments. https://trinitycredit.org Full Transcript Below: We Can Trust Him By: Lauren Fletcher Bible Reading: “But as for me, I will sing about your power. Each morning I will sing with joy about your unfailing love. For you have been my refuge, a place of safety when I am in distress. O my Strength, to you I sing praises, for you, O God, are my refuge, the God who shows me unfailing love.” - Psalms 59:16-17 My church recently started a Bible Study called Encountering God by Kelly Minter. In it, she talks about God’s faithfulness, that we can trust God in our present because of what He has done in the past. She references His faithfulness in the Word, in His relationship with the Israelites. She also mentions that we can trust God because of His personal history with us. Kelly says, “But what I’ve learned to cherish about remembering God’s past faithfulness is how remembrance informs my present and future” (Encountering God). She further encourages the reader to think about how God has been faithful to them. As I pondered this question, I didn’t have to wait long for God’s answer, His reminder. Last night, I was struggling with anxiety and OCD. I had this feeling that things would not get better. And then, I heard a familiar song. I heard it in English but remembered it in Spanish: “Tengo futuro” (“Glorioso Día”). God was reminding me that I have a future and that things would get better. He recalled a memory from a few years ago: I had been working at a job and dealing with anxiety. It was the worst I had experienced. I had a hard time completing the tasks expected of me and frequently had to take breaks away from my post to regroup. That night, my church was having a practice for our new Spanish service. They sang “Goodness of God.” During that song, I heard God whisper to me, You have so much to live for. He reminded me of a dream I have to do mission work, and tears started welling up. Another song my Spanish friends sang back then was “Glorious Day.” In it, the bridge says, “I have a future,” which is “Tengo futuro,” in Spanish. I felt this was my personal reminder from God about what He spoke over me. By remembering what God did in this past moment, how He gave me hope in the darkness, I was able to take hold of hope last night. I remembered His faithfulness. I knew that everything was going to be okay. Intersecting Faith & Life: In Psalms 59, the Psalmist recalls God’s faithfulness to him. He says, “But as for me, I will sing about your power. Each morning I will sing with joy about your unfailing love. For you have been my refuge, a place of safety when I am in distress.” He remembers how God has been towards him. The Psalmist continues, “O my Strength, to you I sing praises, for you, O God, are my refuge, the God who shows me unfailing love.” His past experience with God encourages him to declare God as his refuge in the present. When we remember God’s faithfulness to us in the past and in the past of His people, we are spurred on with fresh hope for the future. In the Old Testament, God frequently reminds the Israelites of what He has done for them. Is there a passage in the Bible, a story of God’s faithfulness, that can encourage you? Maybe it’s Ruth and Naomi or Hannah, and how personal God was in answering each of their prayers and desires (Encountering God). Or perhaps, it’s how God rescued His people in the book of Esther or the Exodus. People in the Bible also create altars as a reminder (Jacob, for instance). Is there a specific memory that you have of God’s personal faithfulness in your life that brings you encouragement whenever you remember it? In Psalms 92:2-4, the Psalmist says, “It is good to proclaim your unfailing love in the morning, your faithfulness in the evening, accompanied by a ten-stringed instrument, a harp, and the melody of a lyre. You thrill me, LORD, with all you have done for me! I sing for joy because of what you have done.” Remembering what God has done also leads us to worship. We can praise God for His faithfulness to us. Kelly Minter says, “Taking a moment to dwell on who God has always been and what He has done gives us strength in the present and hope for the future” (Encountering God). It gives us faith to move forward into what God is calling us to do. Further Reading: Psalm 92:2-4 1 Chronicles 16:7-36 Psalm 25:6 Psalm 34:19 2 Samuel 22:31 Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

The prophet, Isaiah, lived during a difficult period for the ancient Israelites. Turning away from faith in God and under the control of corrupt kings, the nation entered a period of darkness. They needed hope more than anything.In our discussion this week, we will talk about this human condition. Today, we are really no different from people in ancient times: We all need a relationship with our Creator.Isaiah 40:31 says, “Those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.”Don't those words give you a feeling of peace and calm? You can say them to yourself, with no one around, and begin to feel God's strong arms wrapping you in love. He wants you to be free from all the strongholds that keep you from your destiny.Wouldn't you like to spend the rest of this week at rest emotionally and mentally? You can. This is the Lord's will for you, as we heard in this famous passage from the book of IsaiahLet's pray. Lord, your perfect love always comes through for us. Just as you didn't abandon your people long ago, we know you will remember us. In Jesus' name, amen. Change your shirt, and you can change the world! Save 15% Off your entire purchase of faith-based apparel + gifts at Kerusso.com with code KDD15.

The war with Iran has been scripted for decades. So true is this statement that it was explicitly predictable the second Trump administration would initiate it even before the election in 2024. How was this known and how did shows like The Secret Teachings broadcast this back then? Americans are now relegated to a same series of labels used during the Bush administration: you are either with us or against us; just as WMDs and Terrorism have been used to justify breaking fundamental promises. The bottom line is we were lied to by the Trump administration repeatedly. Americans been duped and threatened by a foreign government and have done their bidding once again. This is not a sovereign country. It's a joke. Run by pedophiles and mass murdering religious whackos:CNN reported the following: "Ahead of the upcoming Jewish holiday of Purim, worshippers read the specific portion from the Old Testament, known as Zachor. The passage from the book of Deuteronomy commands the ancient Israelites to remember an unprovoked attack by the nation of Amalek and to eradicate the memory of Amalek once the Israelites are settled in their land. The passage is read publicly before Purim to fulfil the mitzvah of remembering Amalek as Israel's archetypical enemy.”Deuteronomy 25:17 instructs: “Remember what Amalek did to you on the way as you came out of Egypt." The story of Purim can be found in the later story told in the Scroll (Book) of Esther. In Hebrew, the word Megillah (scroll) shares a root with Galuí, meaning “to reveal,” while Esther stems from Hester, meaning “hidden.” Purim is thus literally about “revealing the hidden.” In fact, the primary commandment of Purim is to hear the Megillah read out loud from a physical parchment scroll. Zachor simply means “remember.” Specifically, it refers to the commandment in Deuteronomy. The Greek word apokalupsis, from apokaluptein, is where we obtain the word apocalypse. Although the word means to “uncover” or “reveal” the spiritual reality behind worldly events—particularly as they relate to the changing of the four seasons (four horses), or the lifting of the veil of nature—it has become associated with cataclysmic events and a final earthly war called Armageddon. What is interesting, and perhaps frightening to some, is that the Purim ritual is derived from the revelation of the hidden found in the name of the Scroll of Esther. Starting a war with these specific optics is akin to literally creating the optics of the apocalypse and eschaton!  *The is the FREE archive, which includes advertisements. If you want an ad-free experience, you can subscribe below underneath the show description.

From “In the Beginning” to Amen // Leviticus…Real or Not? The Blue Dye Decree: No man shall dye his garment blue. Blue is a sacred color and reserved for garments of the High Priest.The Rash Quarantine: If you have a persistent skin rash or an "itch" that looks suspicious, you are legally required to go to the priest. He will lock you in a house for seven days to see if the rash gets better and then if you can return to society. The Grape Law: If you are harvesting your vineyard and drop a grape, you are legally forbidden from picking it up. You must leave it for the poor and the alien. The Grasshopper Rule: If a grasshopper or cricket falls or jumps into a pot you must break the pot because it will be considered unclean forever.  The Right Foot First Stipulation: When entering the Tabernacle, a man shall lead with his right foot; for the left is the side of weakness, and the right is the side of the Lord's strength. The Standing Ovation Statute: You are commanded to stand up whenever an elderly person enters the room as a sign of respect and fear of God. The Holy Kiss Directive: Always greet one another with a holy kiss. The Mixed-Fiber Ban: You are prohibited from wearing clothing woven from two different types of thread. GleaningLeviticus 19:9-10 (NIV)“When you reap the harvest of your land, do not reap to the very edges of your field or gather the gleanings of your harvest. Do not go over your vineyard a second time or pick up the grapes that have fallen. Leave them for the poor and the alien. I am the Lord your God.”                                        The Year of Jubilee – The Great Reset                                                          Leviticus 25:8-34 Leviticus 25:23-24 (NIV)“The land must not be sold permanently, because the land is mine and you reside in my land as foreigners and strangers. Throughout the land that you hold as a possession, you must provide for the redemption of the land.”                                   Leviticus 25:35-36 (NIV)“If any of your fellow Israelites become poor and are unable to support themselves among you, help them as you would a foreigner and stranger, so they can continue to live among you. Do not take interest or any profit from them, but fear your God, so that they may continue to live among you.”                                   "The Church is the Church only when it exists for others...not dominating but helping and serving. It must tell men of every calling, what it means to live for Christ - to exist for others."-      Dietrich Bonhoeffer (Letters and Papers from Prison)  “At the first onset of the disease, unbelievers pushed the sufferers away and fled from their dearest, throwing them into roads before they were dead…they treated unburied corpses as dirt, hoping to avert the spread of the disease.”-      Bishop Dionysius of Alexandria, 260 AD “But Christian doctrine provided a prescription for action. While many were running for their lives, Christians were risking their own, taking care of the sick and those in need. In short, the core values of Christianity, love and charity, were acted upon by the believers of the day.”-      Rodney Starck Ephesians 2:10 (NIV)“For we are God's handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” John 10:10 (NIV)“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.”

How often do we as Christians look to worldly and pragmatic solutions to the issues we face in life? The Israelites demanded that God give them a king like the other nations, thinking he would solve all their problems. God gave them exactly what they asked for, but it was a judgment on their unwillingness to submit to him. Are we willing to face the price of trusting the world over God? From the article, "Give Us A King!" published on January 5, 2026.

Notes John 4:5-42 Exodus 17:1-7 Romans 5:1-11 Psalm 95 Summary In this episode of the Pulpit Fiction Podcast, hosts Robb McCoy and Eric Fistler explore the readings for the third Sunday of Lent, focusing on the Gospel of John 4:5-42, the story of the Woman at the Well. They discuss the cultural context of the passage, the significance of Jesus' encounter with the Samaritan woman, and the themes of transformation and evangelism. The conversation also delves into Exodus 17, examining the Israelites' struggles in the wilderness, and Romans 5, reflecting on justification and the nature of God's love. The hosts emphasize the importance of recognizing God's presence in our lives and the call to embody faith through action. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the Pulpit Fiction Podcast 02:59 Exploring the Gospel of John 4: The Woman at the Well 08:03 Cultural Context and Significance of the Encounter 14:06 Theological Implications of Living Water 18:44 Transformation and Evangelism: The Woman's Testimony 26:00 Understanding Shame and Acceptance in the Narrative 31:53 The Depth of Relationship in Evangelism 36:05 Navigating the Wilderness of Sin 41:39 Understanding Suffering and Faith 48:57 The Power of Christ's Faith 58:20 The Counter-Cultural Message of Jesus Takeaways The Woman at the Well is a transformative story of faith. Cultural context enriches the understanding of biblical narratives. Jesus' encounter with the Samaritan woman highlights themes of evangelism. The significance of the wilderness in the Israelites' journey is profound. Suffering can lead to endurance and character development. God's faithfulness is central to the message of Romans 5. The call to action in faith is essential for believers. Justice and faith often challenge societal norms. The importance of community in understanding faith is emphasized. Recognizing God's presence in our struggles is crucial.   

As we read Numbers 8-9, Deuteronomy 8, and Psalm 93, Fr. Mike reflects on how the Israelites were expected to celebrate Passover in all circumstances, learned to trust that God would lead them to where they needed to go, and needed to remember God in times of abundance as well as darkness. For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/bibleinayear. Please note: The Bible contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.