Where is God when the people we look up to disappoint us? In this episode, we learn how Israel?s long line of disappointing kings is meant to point us to a greater King, Jesus. He is the true David and a better Solomon. He leads God?s people with wisdom, unites the nations, and makes a way for God?s presence to dwell among his people. Wherever people disappoint, King Jesus is there, inviting us into the beauty of his temple??his perfect presence. 

Bible Reading

1 Kings 6:23-31

Reflection Questions
1. Are you disappointed with someone today? Take some time to express how you feel in a prayer to God right now.

2. Consider how Jesus faced similar disappointments to us. Think about it and take some time to empathize with him.

3. Remember, where people disappoint, Jesus is there to invite us into his presence. Take time now to ask for his perfect love to restore every area of disappointment.

Want to Go Deeper? 
Check out this episode's Bible study to watch a video and explore more detailed questions for personal study and group discussion. 

Show Credits

Host: Cheree HayesMessage: Dr. Carissa Quinn Production and Bible Reading: Dan GummelTheme music: Grant William HaroldBackground Music: Be Still the Earth, Within Reach

Powered and distributed by Simplecast.

How does God respond when we fail to represent his goodness in the world? 

Humanity?s failures never cancel God?s faithfulness to his promise. In fact, the God of Israel became human to fulfill the promise himself. Jesus, the long awaited King, faithfully completed everything we have left undone.

Bible Reading
2 Samuel 7:8-17

Reflection Questions

What is one way God has been faithful to you recently?What is one specific way you?d like to grow in your faithfulness to Jesus?Who could be an ally in your life to help you grow, and how can you reach out to them today?

Want to Go Deeper? 
Check out this episode's Bible study to watch a video and explore more detailed questions for personal study and group discussion. 

Show Credits

Host: Cheree HayesMessage: Dr. Tim Mackie Production and Bible Reading: Dan GummelTheme music: Grant William HaroldBackground Music: Blue by IamDayLight

Powered and distributed by Simplecast.

What should we do when life is unfair and everything feels out of control? In this episode, we are reflecting on God?s powerful response to the cries of the powerless. If today you are feeling helpless before bullies and institutions, listen in. Today?s message will encourage and empower you. And if you are in a position of authority, stay tuned. This reflection will inspire you to humbly use your power to lift others up.

Bible Reading
1 Samuel 2:1-10

Reflection Questions

In what areas has God given you power? How can you use your position to elevate others this week?In what ways do you feel powerless today? How does today?s message encourage you?Take a moment to remember Jesus and how his humble suffering led to the power of resurrection life.

Want to Go Deeper?
Check out this episode's Bible study to watch a video and explore more detailed questions for personal study and group discussion.

Show Credits

Host: Cheree HayesMessage: Dr. Tim MackieProduction and Bible Reading: Michelle JonesTheme music: Grant William HaroldBackground Music: Jon Gegelman, Carried Strings of Epic Kings

Powered and distributed by Simplecast.

Where is God in the midst of impossible situations? In today?s episode, we?re reflecting on Ruth, a woman who came from a nation that violently opposed God?s people. Despite this, Ruth became an example of God?s loyal love even in the midst of impossibly difficult circumstances. We?ll also reflect on God?s impartial and merciful character and the hope he offers to all who trust in him.

Bible Reading
Ruth 2:11-12

Reflection Questions:

What feels impossibly difficult in your life or community right now?God is present in and through hard times. There is hope. Take a moment now to remember that God cares for you and your community. Ask God to transform your impossible circumstances into brilliant new possibilities. 

Want to Go Deeper? 
Check out this week?s Bible study to watch a video and explore more detailed questions for personal study and group discussion. 

Show Credits

Host: Cheree HayesMessage: Dr. Carissa QuinnProduction and Bible reading: Dan GummelTheme music: Grant William HaroldBackground music: Dear Gravity, Riven (ft. We Dream of Eden)

Powered and distributed by Simplecast.

What happens when we turn our backs on God? In this episode, we are reflecting on how God responds when his people walk out on him and when they return.

Bible Reading
Judges? ?2:10-19?

Reflection Questions

In what ways have you tried to do life on your own apart from God?What comes to mind when you imagine God running toward those who return to him?Take this moment to pray and return to God any areas of your life that you?ve held back.

Want to Go Deeper? 
Check out this episode's Bible study to watch a video and explore more detailed questions for personal study and group discussion. 

Show Credits

Host: Cheree HayesMessage: Dr. Carissa Quinn Production and Bible Reading: Dan GummelTheme music: Grant William HaroldBackground Music: "Walk with Me" by Reuben Y. Cottingham

Powered and distributed by Simplecast.

There?s a lot of violence in the Old Testament, but isn?t God loving? How do we make sense of all this? In this episode, we are exploring a few key things to keep in mind while looking at the topic of violence in the Bible.

Note to parents: The terms genocide, child sacrifice, sexual fertility rituals, and sex slavery are used in this episode. Before listening with your child, consider if they are ready to be introduced to these concepts and if you are prepared to carefully answer any follow-up questions they may have. 

Bible Reading:
Joshua 1:1-9

Reflection Questions:

How do you see violence at work in your community?Consider God?s character of justice, mercy, and love. How does he want to restore your community?What is one step you can take this week to join God?s justice, mercy, and sacrificial love?

Want to Go Deeper? 
Check out this episode's complete Bible study to access a video and explore more detailed questions for personal study and group discussion. 

You can also review this blog on the BibleProject website, ?Why Did God Command the Invasion of Canaan in the Book of Joshua? by Andy Patton.

Show Credits:

Host: Cheree HayesMessage: Dr. Tim MackieProduction and Bible Reading: Dan GummelTheme music: Grant William HaroldBackground Music: "Tides" by Some Were At Sea

Powered and distributed by Simplecast.

How can we understand the ancient laws in the Old Testament? And what?s the point of reading them today? In this episode, we are learning how to read the ancient laws that God gave to Israel and reflecting on how they can impact our choices today.

Bible Reading
Deuteronomy 30:15-18

Reflection Questions

What is one specific choice you can make to love God and others this week?How do you think that choice could bring life to those around you? What is the first step you can take with God to carry out that choice today? 

Want to Go Deeper? 
Check out this episode's Bible study to watch a video and explore more detailed questions for personal study and group discussion. 

Show Credits:

Host: Cheree HayesMessage: Dr. Carissa Quinn Production and Bible Reading: Dan GummelTheme music: Grant William HaroldBackground Music: Horizon by Cloud Cover

Powered and distributed by Simplecast.

Why did God give his people so many rules? In this episode, we?re reflecting on the wisdom and purpose of God's commands. 

Bible Reading
Deuteronomy 4:5-9 

Reflection Questions

Wisdom and understanding is gained when we live out the knowledge we have received. Think of someone who is wise. Consider an example from the Bible or from someone in your life. What do you admire about this person?Before this person could display God?s wisdom, they first had to receive it. What do you think this person does to practically receive God?s wisdom?When God?s wisdom becomes a lifestyle, it becomes a light to the world. How have you noticed this person show God?s wisdom to the people around them?

Want to Go Deeper? 
Check out this episode's Bible study guide to watch a video and explore more detailed questions for personal study and group discussion. 

Show Credits:

Host: Cheree HayesMessage: Dr. Tim MackieProduction and Bible Reading: Dan GummelTheme music: Grant William HaroldBackground Music: Reuben Y. Cottingham

Powered and distributed by Simplecast.

How does fear hold us back from experiencing God?s promises? In this episode, we reflect on God's trustworthy character and how he responds when his people fail to trust and follow him. 

Bible Reading
Numbers 13:25-33

Reflection Questions

What specific fears or doubts have held you back from trusting and obeying God?Instead of replaying your past or current fears, shift your focus to God. What comes to mind as you remember God?s trustworthy character? Jesus leads all who trust in him into an experience of God?s promises. The road isn?t easy, but it leads to life. What is one step you can take today to trust and follow him?

Want to Go Deeper? 
Check out this episode's Bible study to watch a video and explore more detailed questions for personal study and group discussion. 

Show Credits

Host: Cheree HayesMessage: Dr. Carissa QuinnProduction and Bible reading: Dan GummelTheme music: Grant William HaroldBackground music: "Washed Away" by David James Terry

Powered and distributed by Simplecast.

In today?s episode, we?re reflecting on the meaning and importance of rest. As we explore the biblical concept of Sabbath and the ancient festival of Jubilee, we?ll find wisdom and principles that are still relevant for us today.

Bible Reading
Leviticus 25:1-12 and 18-21

Reflection Time

Take some deep breaths to remember that every breath we take is a gift from God. While you inhale and exhale, reflect on God and your reliance on him.Invite God into an aspect of your life that feels exhausting. Tell him one thing that?s weighing on you and ask him for his provision. As you do, remember he cares for you and wants you to experience his rest. He hears you.Reflect on some of the gifts God has already given to meet your needs. What are some of the reasons you are thankful today?

Want to Go Deeper? 
Check out this episode?s Bible study to watch a video and explore more detailed questions for personal study and group discussion. 

Show Credits

Host: Cheree HayesMessage: Dr. Carissa QuinnProduction and Bible reading: Dan GummelTheme music: Grant William HaroldBackground music: "Fire, Sleeper" by Dear Gravity and We Dream of Eden

Powered and distributed by Simplecast.

In today?s reflection, we are exploring the biblical theme of sacrifice and atonement. It can feel strange and uncomfortable at first, but as we learn more, we?ll discover just how life-giving and powerful this biblical theme is. 

Bible Reading

Hebrews 10:11-22

Reflection Questions

God is faithful and just to forgive us when we admit our sins. So let?s take time now to be honest as we answer this question: What comes to mind when you think about how you?ve sinned against God and others?Let?s take time now to receive and rely on his forgiveness. What feelings, images, or thoughts come to mind as you invite Jesus to remove your sin?Through Jesus, God removes our sin, makes us pure, and commits to help us live out his love. What can you sacrifice for someone today to show them the love of Jesus?

Want to Go Deeper? 
View this episode's Bible study to watch a video and explore more questions for personal study and group discussion. 

Show Credits:

Host: Cheree HayesMessage: Dr. Carissa QuinnProduction and Bible Reading: Dan GummelTheme music: Grant William HaroldBackground Music: Pilgrim: Some Were at Sea

Powered and distributed by Simplecast.

Last week, we explored how God rescues his people when they cry out to him. In today?s episode, we?re reflecting on why God rescues his people. He doesn?t only free us from corruption, he free us for restoration. His rescue is not just for us but for the restoration of the whole world.

Bible Reading:
Exodus 19:1-6

Reflection Questions: 

Choose one of the following characteristics of God to reflect on: wisdom, justice, or love. How have you specifically experienced that one characteristic of God in your life?Where do you lack an experience of one of these characteristics in your life?Let?s invite God?s Spirit of wisdom to empower our reflection of his character. Ask God how he wants to show his wisdom, justice, or love through you today. Listen for what he brings to mind.

Want to Go Deeper? 

Watch a video and explore more questions for yourself or group discussion online. View this episode's Bible study.

Show Credits

Host: Cheree HayesMessage: Dr. Carissa QuinnProduction and Bible Reading: Dan GummelTheme music: Grant William HaroldBackground Music: "Fields of Meditation" by Emmanuel Jacob

Powered and distributed by Simplecast.

How does God respond when his people cry out to him? In this week's episode, we invite you to contemplate the ancient Exodus story for the first time or with fresh eyes.

Interested in more? Watch a video and explore more questions for yourself or group discussion online. View this episode's Bible study.

Did God really pick a fight with Jacob in the middle of the night? Are we reading this right? In this reflection, we explore a fascinating story from Genesis that shows us God?s relentless commitment to bless his people despite themselves.

Interested in more? Watch a video and explore more questions for yourself or group discussion online. View this episode's Bible study.

In the opening pages of the Bible, God gives the first humans a choice. But why? In this podcast, we explore the first few pages of the book of Genesis and what it means for God to give humanity choice. 

Interested in more? Watch a video and explore more questions for yourself or group discussion online. View this episode's Bible study.

Welcome to Reflections, a micropodcast by BibleProject. Each episode includes a short message from one of our Bible scholars, a narration of a Scripture passage, and a time to reflect and respond to a series of thoughtful questions. A new episode releases each Wednesday.