The Family Bible Journey Podcast

Comfort and Pardon, Isaiah 40, OT S1:E473

You've got to love the specificity of the legal terminology when scripture says we are pardoned from our sin. This means that we're guilty, but He doesn't punish us. This great chapter also introduces us to John the Baptist 700 years before he is born!

Miracles and Mistakes, Isaiah 38-39, OT S1:E472

Hezekiah, towards the end of his life, received two miracles that many seek. He was healed of a disease, and God gave Him a supernatural sign, to show that the promised healing was real. Even though Hezekiah received such blessings, he made a terrible mistake towards the end of his life as he bragged to the Babylonians about his wealth. God told Hezekiah that his pride and foolishness would lead to the demise of Judah, but Hezekiah seems to not care, because all will be well in his days.

Spiritual Afflictions, II Thessalonians 1, NT S1:E240

All suffering has a spiritual root. We, as God's children can endure suffering because we know that God will rectify all things in the end. This gives us courage, faith, and affirmation, even when we suffer for our faith.

Powerful Prayer, Isaiah 36-37, OT S1:E471

Hezekiah prayed for deliverance in the middle of an impossibly hard spot. Jerusalem was under seige with nearly 200,000 troops camped around the city. He prayed not to get the Lord on his side, but because the Lord was on his side, and the God gave him an unprecedented deliverance from his foes.

The Desert Blooms, Isaiah 34-35, OT S1:E470

The crocus is often the first flower to bloom wherever it is found. In hot dry climates, and cold snowy climates, it is among the hardiest of flowers. The hope and the beauty of this little flower represents our hope that springs forth each day, because of the love that is ours as God's people.

Rejoice and Pray Always, I Thessalonians 5, NT S1:E239

Paul ends this epistle by reminding his readers to live their lives in light of eternity. He reminds them of the Holy Spirit's work in their lives. He builds them up by assuring them that the God Who called them to faith will bring them safely to their eternal home.

Laughing at Terror, Isaiah 32-33, OT S1:E469

God promises to deliver us from all that assails and afflicts us. Because He is God, and reigns over all, we can laugh, even in the face of danger.

Futile Hopes, Isaiah 30-31, OT S1:E468

Israel thought she could be saved from the Assyrians by the mighty Pharaoh and his army. Their hopes were dashed when Egypt was defeated. Let us learn from their mistakes by not trusting in the people or powers of our day, trusting instead in the Lord, Who is powerful to save.

Living, Loving, Serving, I Thessalonians 4, NT S1:E238

Christian living is not complicated. Love the Lord. Love your people. If we can keep our heads down while serving the Lord and others, everything will be just fine, even as we are being prepared for, and preparing others for eternity.

Alien Work of God, Isaiah 28-29, OT S1:E467

In a sin cursed world, God works in strange ways. We call this the "alien work" of God. Here we reflect on His ability to turn suffering into gladness and even death into life.