Daily Bible Podcast - Audio Bible Reading Plan

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TODAY'S READING:

1 Kings 17:8-24, 1 Kings 18, 1 Kings 19, 1 Kings 20:1-22

WORD OF THE DAY:

Dependence

In the midst of a severe drought, God sends Elijah to a widow in Zarephath. Despite her meager resources—a handful of flour and a little oil—she obeys God's instruction to provide for Elijah. Miraculously, her supplies do not run out. However, her son falls ill and dies, leading her to blame Elijah. Elijah prays earnestly, and God restores the child’s life. The widow’s faith is strengthened, and she declares, “Now I know for sure that you are a man of God, and that the Lord truly speaks through you.”

In the third year of the drought, God sends Elijah to confront King Ahab. Elijah challenges 450 prophets of Baal and 400 prophets of Asherah to a test on Mount Carmel. The true God will answer by fire. Despite their fervent efforts, Baal's prophets fail. Elijah prays, and God sends fire from heaven, consuming the sacrifice. The people proclaim, “The Lord—he is God!” Elijah then slays the false prophets and announces the end of the drought.

Jezebel vows to kill Elijah, causing him to flee in fear. Despite his previous victories, Elijah is overwhelmed and prays for death. He journeys to Mount Sinai, where God reveals Himself not in wind, earthquake, or fire, but in a gentle whisper. God reassures Elijah, instructing him to anoint new leaders and to appoint Elisha as his successor, promising that justice will prevail.

King Ben-Hadad of Aram, allied with 32 kings, attacks Samaria. Despite being vastly outnumbered, King Ahab of Israel receives assurance from a prophet that God has given him the victory. Israel’s small army triumphs, and the Aramean forces flee. A prophet warns Ahab to prepare for another attack, emphasizing ongoing vigilance.

Word of the Day: Dependence

Definition: The state of relying on or needing someone or something for aid, support, or the like; reliance; confidence; trust.

In times of need, God’s provision becomes evident. The widow's flour and oil lasted as promised, and her son was brought back to life. Elijah’s prayer brought fire from heaven, and his announcement ended the drought. True dependence on God involves trusting Him in every circumstance, acting in faith even when resources seem insufficient.

Scriptural Insight:

• Isaiah 53:6: "We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to our own way."
• Romans 7:15, 18, 24-25: "For I do not do what I want, but do the very thing I hate... Who will rescue me from this body of death? Thanks be to God, who delivers me through Jesus Christ our Lord!"

Dependence on God isn’t just belief; it’s living out that belief, as the widow did by providing for Elijah and as Elijah did by confronting the false prophets.

Elijah’s journey shows a deepening dependence on God. Despite his weariness and fear, he trusted God’s guidance. Ministry and life can be exhausting, but God sustains those who rely on Him. Elijah’s despair led to a deeper revelation of God’s presence and purpose.

Dependence is more than avoiding wrong; it’s about actively doing right. Elijah trusted God’s call, prayed earnestly, and saw miraculous results. Even when feeling defeated, God’s gentle whisper reminded him of His presence and plans.

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DISCLAIMER: The Daily Bible Podcast, Tricia Goyer, Michelle Hill, and affiliates are not a church, pastor, spiritual authority, or counseling service. Listeners and viewers consume this content on a voluntary basis and assume all responsibility for the resulting consequences and impact.

All the info you need to START + the printable schedule + links to the Bible we use is on our website: http://dailybiblepodcast.net!

Join the Daily Bible Pod Coffee Club: https://dailybiblepodcoffeeclub.substack.com/

TODAY'S READING:

Isaiah 28:1-29, 2 Kings 17:5, 2 Kings 18:9-12, 2 Kings 17:6-41, Isaiah 1:1-20

WORD OF THE DAY:

Wash

In Isaiah 28, God warns and judges the leaders and people of Israel, particularly Ephraim (Samaria), the northern kingdom. The leaders are depicted as drunkards and revelers, their beauty fading like flowers. Isaiah highlights their self-indulgence and the resulting destruction: “Now, however, Israel is led by drunks who reel with wine and stagger with alcohol. The priests and prophets stagger with alcohol and lose themselves in wine. They reel when they see visions and stagger as they render decisions” (Isaiah 28:7).

Despite their failings, God promises to replace their fading beauty with His glory: “Then at last the LORD of Heaven’s Armies will himself be Israel’s glorious crown. He will be the pride and joy of the remnant of his people” (Isaiah 28:5).

The chapter concludes with a poem comparing God's work to that of a farmer, emphasizing His wisdom in using the right tools at the right time to produce a fruitful harvest. Just as a farmer knows when to plow, plant, and harvest, God knows how to work in our lives for His purposes.

In 2 Kings 17:5 and 18:9-12, the king of Assyria invades Samaria and lays siege to it for three years. This event occurs during the reign of Hoshea, the last king of Israel, and Hezekiah, the king of Judah who did what was right in the eyes of the Lord. Samaria falls, and the Israelites are deported to Assyria because they have not obeyed the Lord.

Samaria's fall is attributed to Israel’s idolatry and rejection of God’s commands. They worshiped other gods, built pagan shrines, and engaged in practices that were detestable to God. Despite repeated warnings, they did not listen. Even after their exile, God’s ownership of the land remains evident, as attempts by foreigners to settle there are met with disaster.

Isaiah calls the Israelites to return to God, describing them as a sinful nation laden with guilt. He warns of destruction if they do not repent but also offers a message of hope: “Come now, let’s settle this...though your sins are like scarlet, I will make them as white as snow; though they are red like crimson, I will make them as white as wool” (Isaiah 1:18). This foreshadows the ultimate atonement through Christ.

Word of the Day: Wash

Wash: to cleanse by or as if by the action of liquid (such as water).

The call to “wash and be clean” is a powerful reminder of our need for purification, which only Christ’s sacrifice can achieve. Just as God upheld His covenant with Abraham, despite knowing humanity’s inability to keep it, He provided the ultimate sacrifice through Jesus. His blood washes away our sins, making us white as snow.

God’s call to wash and be clean is a call to humility and repentance. Recognize His tenderness and enduring love, even as He calls us to account for our sins. His desire is to heal and restore us.

Consider how God’s call to wash and be clean manifests in your life. Reflect on His promise to make our scarlet sins white as snow through Christ’s sacrifice. Strive for genuine devotion and a heartfelt relationship with God, embracing His tender love and living in joyful obedience.

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DISCLAIMER: The Daily Bible Podcast, Tricia Goyer, Michelle Hill, and affiliates are not a church, pastor, spiritual authority, or counseling service. Listeners and viewers consume this content on a voluntary basis and assume all responsibility for the resulting consequences and impact.

All the info you need to START + the printable schedule + links to the Bible we use is on our website: http://dailybiblepodcast.net!

TODAY'S READING:

Judges 1, Judges 2, Judges 3:1-30

WORD OF THE DAY:

Conquest

As we bid farewell to Joshua's era, we embark on a new chapter in Israel's history—a tumultuous period marked by conquests, conflicts, and divine interventions.

After the death of Joshua, the tribes of Israel sought to conquer the land of Canaan as God had commanded them. However, they faced some resistance from the Canaanites in certain areas, and the tribes did not always work together. Despite some successes, there were also areas where the Israelites failed to drive out the Canaanites completely. This will lead to future problems.

After the conquest of Canaan, Joshua died, and the people of Israel entered a new period of history. The book of Judges records the stories of various leaders, called judges, who emerged during this time to help the Israelites when they faced oppression from their enemies. However, the people often turned away from God and faced consequences as a result. This cycle of sin, oppression, repentance, and deliverance repeated itself throughout the period of the judges.

Then we are introduced to the first three judges: Othniel, Ehud, and Shamgar. The people of Israel again turned away from God and began to worship other gods, which led to God allowing them to be oppressed by their enemies. Othniel, the first judge, delivered the people from oppression by the king of Aram. Ehud, the second judge, killed the oppressive king of Moab. But we have to talk about the end of today’s reading.

Word of the day: Conquest

Anything acquired by conquering, as a nation, a territory, or spoils.

The Conquest of Canaan

Following Joshua's death, They encountered several challenges along the way, including strong opposition from the Canaanites.

Incomplete Conquest:

Despite the Israelites' victories, they failed to completely conquer the land. Judges 1:27-36 mentions several tribes that were not driven out completely, and these groups continued to pose a threat to Israel in the years to come.

Conquest failed because of disobedience:

Judges 2 begins with a reminder of God's commands to the Israelites to remain faithful and obedient, but the people quickly turned away from God and began to worship the false gods of the surrounding nations. This cycle of disobedience, oppression, repentance, and deliverance would continue throughout the book of Judges.

As the name of the book suggests, the judges play a central role in the narrative. These leaders were raised up by God to deliver the Israelites from their oppressors and to lead them back to obedience to God. Even the best leaders cannot help people who don’t want to be led.

God's Faithfulness:

Despite the Israelites' disobedience and unfaithfulness, God remained faithful to his covenant promises.

Let's dive deeper into the complexities of Israel's journey through Judges, learning from their triumphs and failures, and seeking to apply these timeless lessons to our lives today

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DISCLAIMER: The Daily Bible Podcast, Tricia Goyer, Michelle Hill, and affiliates are not a church, pastor, spiritual authority, or counseling service. Listeners and viewers consume this content on a voluntary basis and assume all responsibility for the resulting consequences and impact.

All the info you need to START + the printable schedule + links to the Bible we use is on our website: http://dailybiblepodcast.net!

Join the Daily Bible Pod Coffee Club: https://dailybiblepodcoffeeclub.substack.com/

TODAY'S READING:

Song of Songs 1-8

WORD OF THE DAY:

Love

Today, we're diving into the rich and poetic waters of Song of Songs 1-8, a collection of Hebrew love poems that many believe were written by Solomon. This beautiful book takes us through the journey of love, from courtship to marriage, with conversations between a shepherdess, her entourage, the shepherd, and King Solomon.

The Song of Songs is essentially a dialogue about romantic and intimate relationships. While marriage and sexual relationships are central themes, it's important to remember that the Bible also honors celibacy. As Paul states in 1 Corinthians 7:7-9, each person has their own calling, whether to marry or to remain single.

According to the Enduring Word Bible Commentary:

“The best way to see this book is as a literal, powerful description of the romantic and sensual love between a man and a woman, observing both their courtship and their marriage.”

Why include such a poetic book in the Bible? Because God created love, marriage, and sex. As Christians, we should engage in healthy conversations about these topics, ensuring they are grounded in biblical truth rather than worldly distortions.

In the Song of Songs, three Hebrew words describe different facets of love:

1. Raya (Friendship): This term refers to a companion or soulmate, highlighting that our special person should be our best friend (Song of Songs 4:7).
2. Ahavah (Deep Affection and Commitment): This word signifies a deep, committed love that goes beyond fleeting romantic feelings. It's the kind of love that sustains a marriage and involves making a lifelong decision to be with another person (Song of Songs 8:7).
3. Dod (Passion): Dod represents the physical, sexual aspect of love, emphasizing passion and romantic feelings (Song of Songs 1:2).

In our culture, people often start with Dod (passion), then move to Raya (friendship), and finally to Ahavah (commitment). In other cultures, such as those with arranged marriages, the sequence often starts with Ahavah (commitment), followed by Dod (passion), and hopefully leads to Raya (friendship).

Initially, I often skimmed through this book of the Bible, but deeper study and discussion revealed its profound themes of love and commitment. It emphasizes that love is an ongoing journey, always deepening as time goes on. This is true in romantic relationships, with our children, and with God.

Song of Songs directs us to the essence of love between a man and a woman, but it also points us to God's perfect love. This book highlights that God knew what He was doing when He created sex, and it underscores the need to reclaim the true meaning of love from a world that has cheapened it.

God designed love with many layers—friendship, commitment, and passion. Each layer is interconnected and reflects the complexity of human emotions, a testament to divine design.

Love, in all its forms, is patient and kind. It protects, trusts, hopes, and perseveres (1 Corinthians 13:4-7). Whether we look at love through the lens of friendship, commitment, or passion, these verses apply.

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DISCLAIMER: The Daily Bible Podcast, Tricia Goyer, Michelle Hill, and affiliates are not a church, pastor, spiritual authority, or counseling service. Listeners and viewers consume this content on a voluntary basis and assume all responsibility for the resulting consequences and impact.

All the info you need to START + the printable schedule + links to the Bible we use is on our website: http://dailybiblepodcast.net!

TODAY'S READING:

Exodus 39-40, Numbers 9:15-23

WORD OF THE DAY:

Guide

The Tabernacle's Completion and Guided by the Cloud

In a momentous chapter of the Israelites' journey, the Tabernacle stands completed, marking not just the culmination of a grand project but also symbolizing the profound relationship between God and His people. The completion of the Tabernacle, as detailed in Exodus and Numbers, resonates with lessons of guidance, obedience, and divine presence.

The Final Touches and the Divine Presence

The Israelites, under Moses' leadership, meticulously followed God's commands in building the Tabernacle. From setting up the structure on the first day of the new year, two years after the Exodus, to placing the ark, the table for the bread of the Presence, and the lampstand - every detail was attended to with reverence.

The altar of burnt offerings, the washbasin, the courtyard, and the veil - each element was put in place as per God’s instructions. When Moses finished the work, something miraculous occurred: God's glory filled the Tabernacle, a powerful manifestation that even prevented Moses from entering.

Guided by the Cloud

The completion of the Tabernacle marks the beginning of a new phase of guidance. The cloud over the Tabernacle and the fire within it at night became the physical representation of God's guidance. As described in Exodus 40:38 and echoed in Numbers 9, this divine phenomenon directed the Israelites' journey. They traveled and camped according to the movement of the cloud, a tangible symbol of God’s presence and direction.

Reflections on Guidance and Obedience

This historic accomplishment was not just about constructing a physical structure; it was about adhering to divine guidance. The feeling of accomplishment for Moses and the Israelites was immense. They had undertaken a massive project for God, complete with precise measurements and specifications, and saw it through to completion.

The word of the day, "Guide," encapsulates this narrative. God not only guided Moses and the Israelites in building the Tabernacle but also in their subsequent journey. The movement of the cloud was a constant reminder of their reliance on God's direction.

Applying the Lessons Today

While we may not be called to build a physical tabernacle, the principle of divine guidance remains relevant. The Bible provides instructions on how to live - from loving others to caring for the vulnerable. In my book "Walk It Out," I emphasize the importance of not just reading God’s Word but doing what it says. This is where we find joy and purpose.

It's not about deciphering our future but trusting that God is directing our paths. Even when the path doesn’t make sense, we can look back over the years and see God's guidance.

Embracing Divine Direction in Our Lives

The story of the Tabernacle's completion is a powerful reminder of the importance of following God's guidance. As we navigate our journeys, let's seek to listen and obey, trusting that God guides us every step, just as He did with Moses and the Israelites.

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