God-besotted Podcast
By Corina Cater
God-besotted PodcastMay 22, 2023
#51: Parables of Jesus: Wheat and Weeds
These questions, and more, are answered in the parable of the tares. The second parable in a set of seven kingdom parables in Matthew’s Gospel, the parable of the tares introduces the idea that the kingdom of God comes gradually, not all at once. Until Jesus returns as Judge and King, believers have been planted in the world as lights, inviting the lost to come and cling to Christ.
Want to study the themes in this passage further? Here are a few reflection questions and passages to consider:
1. Read Ephesians 5:7-9, Philippians 2:1-16, 1 John 1:6-8, and 1 John 3:10. What does it look like to walk in the light as a child of God?
2. Consider Matthew 13:25-26 and Matthew 13:38-39 in light of 2 Corinthians 11:13-15 and 1 John 2:18-19. What is one of the strategies Satan uses to try to stop the growth of the church?
3. How would you describe “already-but-not-yet” to someone? (Check out the graphic on Instagram @godbesotted if you need help with this!)
4. What evil in the world or in your life makes you long for judgment? How does knowing that judgment is coming comfort you? Confess to the Lord any ways you may have sought to bring judgment on your own instead of waiting for God’s.
5. Spend time in silence before the Lord. Thank Him for His grace in bringing you into His family through His Son. Ask Him who He wants you to share the gospel with and write down their name. Pray for them and seek opportunities to connect with them.
Follow @godbesotted on Instagram for more encouraging content.
#50: Parables of Jesus: True Faith Produces Fruit
“A sower went out to sow his seed.” So begins one of Jesus’ most famous parables, the parable of the soils. Included in Matthew, Mark, and Luke, this parable is key to understanding the other parables of Jesus. It serves as both an encouragement and warning to us as we begin our study of the parables: We are to take heed how we hear the Word of God.
Want to study the themes in this episode further? Here are a few passages and reflection questions to consider:
What fruit are we to bear as believers? Check out Galatians 5:22-23, Philippians 1:11, Hebrews 13:15, and Romans 1:13.
Based on the fruit described in the passages above, what fruit have you been bearing recently?
Do any of the unproductive soils convict you? Are you currently being hardened by sin, or disheartened by a trial, temptation or persecution, or choked by worry or love of money? If so, how do Jesus’ words encourage you to respond?
Are you sowing the Word of God? To whom? How does the parable of the soils encourage you as you do?
Consider committing 2 Peter 1:1-11 or John 15:1-11 to memory as a way to meditate on God’s Word!
#49: Parables of Jesus: Life-Changing Kingdom Stories
The parables of Jesus contain rich truths that spur us to love Him more and live differently as a result. In this new series, we’ll explore some of these life-changing stories about the kingdom of God, delighting in our gracious and righteous King.
Want to study the themes in this episode further? Here are a few passages and reflection questions to consider:
The Old Testament doesn’t contain many parables, but you can check out 2 Samuel 12:1-15 to read about a prophet who did employ the use of a parable to teach an important spiritual lesson.
Read Matthew 13:16-17. How do we understand parables? What does this mean for our study of parables?
Read Mark 4:24-25. How does understanding lead to more understanding? What does lack of understanding lead to?
As we begin this study of some of the parables of Jesus, what questions do you have? (And if you have questions about this episode, feel free to ask me through Instagram or Facebook!)
Follow @godbesotted and the God-besotted Podcast on Facebook to keep up with the podcast!
#48: The One Jesus Loves
Key passages: Mark 19:14-41; 10:35-45; John 13:1-33; and Revelation 1:1-17.
Want to study the themes in this episode further? Here are a few passages and reflection questions to consider:
As you consider the account of Jesus healing the demon-possessed boy after the disciples’ failure to do so, ask yourself: “Are there any areas of my life where I feel I have been unsuccessful in doing kingdom work (e.g., forgiving someone; discipling others; serving at church or in your community)? Could it be that I have been relying on my own strength and not seeking God’s through prayer?” How could this area of your life change if you were dependent upon God like a child and came to Him more often in believing prayer (read Matthew 17:19-20)?
Jesus makes it clear in Mark 10:35-45 that true greatness—real glory—is living and dying for the glory of God. How does knowing that the way to glory is through suffering counter our world’s perception of success? Does this challenge you or comfort you (or both)?
When John—who earlier in his life asked Jesus for a position of prominence in His kingdom—sees a vision of the risen Christ in Revelation 1, he responds with worship. Is there any area of your life where you have been striving for power, position, or recognition? Instead of trying to sit beside Jesus on His throne, how can you lay at His feet today in worship and submission?
In this episode:
6:18 - 11:00 James’ and John’s request: glory
11:00 - 18:43 The root of their request: pride (+ how it inhibits us from producing fruit)
18:43 - 23:32 True greatness: service and putting God’s glory first
23:40 - 27:57 Pride competes; love celebrates and welcomes every child of God
28:27 - 34:42 The real request: exercising our gift will come with difficulties
34:42 - 47:20 John: the one whom Jesus loved
47:20 - 52:59 John’s new desire: glorifying Jesus
Make sure you follow @godbesotted on Instagram and the God-besotted Podcast on Facebook for updates and more encouraging content!
Welcome to the God-besotted Podcast!
After over a year since the God-besotted podcast launched, I wanted to take a moment to share my heart for this ministry. My hope and prayer is that this podcast helps us delight more deeply in the God who loved us first.
We’re fickle lovers, aren’t we? We need to constantly fan the flames of our love for God, lest we grow cold–and I believe the best way to do that is to rediscover, over and over, His love for us. Because when we experience that…when we truly know in our bones the height, and width, and breadth, and depth of God’s love in Christ through the Spirit, we can’t help but be God-besotted.
#47: Praying the Psalms: It Is Finished (Psalm 22)
You’ll want your Bible for this one! It’s our last episode of the Praying the Psalms series, and we’re looking at Psalm 22, a messianic psalm, verse by verse.
If you want to study this psalm further, here are a few passages and reflection questions to consider:
Psalm 22 is quoted in the New Testament several times. Consider the following passages and how Psalm 22 is fulfilled in Christ: Matthew 27:33-46; Mark 15:29, 34; Luke 23:34-36; and John 19:23-24, 28. Read Revelation 5:8-10. How will verses 25-31 of this psalm be finally fulfilled? How should this coming reality encourage us in our day-to-day lives?Follow @godbesotted on Instagram and the God-besotted Podcast on Facebook for updates about the podcast and more encouraging Christian content.
#46: Praying the Psalms: Living Proof of God's Love (Psalm 117)
In this episode, let’s look at Psalm 117–a short but rich psalm that reminds us that we have such a unique privilege: we are God’s love letter to the world.
Want to study the themes in this psalm further? Here are a few passages and reflection questions to consider:
1. Read Exodus 34:1-9. In what ways did God demonstrate to Israel that He is “abounding in lovingkindness and truth”? How has He shown you the same thing in the past week?
2. Read 2 Corinthians 5:11-21. What is our identity in Christ? How have we received this identity?
3. Who can you pass God’s grace on to this week by telling them about what God has done and is doing in your life? Prayerfully plan to share the gospel with someone as opportunities arise. 4. Try writing a psalm of praise. It can be short and sweet, like Psalm 117, or longer, like Psalm 115. Consider the structure of Psalm 117 a guide: start with a call to praise, give reasons why the people of God should praise Him, and end with another encouragement to praise Him.
#45: Praying the Psalms: The God of Glory Thunders (Psalm 29)
In a world full of substitute gods, noisy with voices vying for our ear, Psalm 29 shows us the real deal: the God of glory, who calls us to Himself in a thundering voice. Let this hymn of praise stir your heart to worship the one true God, the Lord who blesses us with strength and peace.
Want to study the themes in this passage further? Here are a few reflection questions and passages to consider:
Read Job 38:4-7, 1 Timothy 3:16, Ephesians 3:10, and 1 Peter 1:12. What did the heavenly beings do at creation and when Jesus appeared in the flesh? What are they doing in the present age? When did you last hear God’s voice through His Word? How can you intentionally listen to God’s voice and look for His work in your life this week? Does God speak to you more often through the storms of life or in a “still, small voice”? In what area of your life do you need strength? What about peace? How does knowing God sits as King forever encourage you? How does the promise of Psalm 29:11 comfort you?
#44: Praying the Psalms: Joy in the Morning (Psalm 30)
What did David say caused his near-death experience (see verse 6)? Have you ever personally experienced the truth of the proverb, “Pride goes before destruction” (Proverbs 16:18a)? What happened? How was God gracious to you?
In moments of difficulty, do you ask the Lord for His help? What, if anything, would change if you started asking Him to be your “helper” (verse 10)?
The Lord’s momentary “anger” helped David refocus. Read Hebrews 12:1-11. How does the Lord’s discipline help us, even when it seems difficult in the moment?
#43: Praying the Psalms: Hoping in God (Psalms 42-43)
In Psalms 42 and 43, we learn how to preach the gospel to ourselves, how to bring our honest feelings to God, and how to keep believing God will come through for us–because He will.
Want to study the themes in this passage further? Here are a few passages and reflection questions to consider:
Compare Psalm 63:1 to Psalm 42:1-2. Can you relate to the psalmist’s feeling of longing in Psalm 42:1-2? Why or why not?
Do you listen to yourself or talk to yourself more? What recurring thoughts do you have that you listen to?
Do you ever feel a disconnect between what your mind knows to be true and what your heart feels to be true? What truths do you speak to yourself to help you center yourself in God’s truth?
Read John 7:37-39. What is the “living water” that satisfies our thirst? How does knowing that you are indwelt by the Holy Spirit affect your day-to-day life? How can you surrender more and more to the Spirit’s work in your life?
Follow @godbesotted on Instagram and God-besotted Podcast on Facebook for more encouragement and teaching!
#42: Praying the Psalms: Made for Eternity (Psalm 90)
In this episode, we look at Moses's prayer in Psalm 90. Even though we're centuries removed from the wilderness wanderings, we can affirm with the man of God that life is short and can be extremely painful. In this psalm, we learn how to talk to God about our desire to make our mark on this world and our longing to be satisfied forever.
Praying Psalm 90
Before praying, read Psalm 90 in its entirety at least once. If possible, read it more than once, aloud. Ask God to open your eyes to behold wonderful things in His Word.
Read verses 1-2.
Tell God why you are grateful that He is our dwelling place. Thank Him for His faithfulness in your life. Confess any times recently that you have sought rest somewhere apart from Him. If you lack a desire to abide in Him alone, confess that, and ask Him to help you seek Him first.
Read verses 3-6.
Consider the brevity of life. Even if you usually shy away from meditating on this less-than-comfortable topic, don’t move on too quickly. Think about your life as a flood, a dream, a blade of grass. How does this reality shift your perspective about your priorities and preoccupations today? Confess to God where you need to refocus or reorder your priorities.
Read verses 7-12.
Ask God to increase your understanding of His wrath against sin—and to fear Him more and more. Thank God for Jesus, who drank the full cup of God’s wrath against sin for you. Pray with Moses: “Teach me to number my days that I may present to You a heart of wisdom.” Ask for the Spirit’s guidance so you can make the most of your time today.
Read verses 13-17.
Pray for the Lord to come—and come quickly. Until then, pray for God to satisfy you each day with His love. Ask for His grace to equip you to do all He has called you to do today and rest, knowing that your toil is not in vain in the Lord (1 Corinthians 15:58).
Want to study the themes in this passage further? Here are a few passages and reflection questions to consider:
1. Read Deuteronomy 33:1, Deuteronomy 33:26-29, and Isaiah 57:15. What do you learn about God? What similarities do you see to Psalm 90:1-2?
2. Read Genesis 3. Consider the curse of sin. Where do you see evidence of the curse in the world? What about in your own life?
3. How does the transitoriness of your life, as described in verses 3-6, compel you to view your time? How does an awareness of the brevity of life affect your schedule today?
4. Read Luke 22:39-45. How did Jesus view the cup of God’s wrath? Take a few moments to thank Jesus for offering His body as a sacrifice for sin and satisfying God’s wrath to bring us near to God and make us right with Him.
5. Read 1 Corinthians 15. How does Jesus’ resurrection give us hope? How does His resurrection life infuse our lives with significance and meaning?
6. Read Matthew 5:6, Matthew 6:33, and Psalm 17:15. What is the only thing that satisfies us? How can your life reflect this truth more?
#41: Praying the Psalms: Room to Breathe (Psalm 3)
Psalm 3 is the first actual prayer in the Book of Psalms. It is a cry for help in a desperate situation, teaching us how to pray when we face impossible situations, even if they are crises of our own making, looking to God who is our salvation.
Want to study the themes in Psalm 3 further? Here are some passages and reflection questions to consider:
Read 2 Samuel 15-18. How does Psalm 3 give you insight into David’s mindset during one of the most difficult times of his life? How did God answer his prayer in Psalm 3? Consider an overwhelming situation you are facing now. How does knowing God is your shield, your glory, and the One who lifts your head bring you comfort? Read Psalm 35:3. How does knowing God is your salvation through Jesus encourage you right now? How can you pray Psalm 3 for someone facing an impossible situation this week? How will you pray it for yourself?
#40: Praying the Psalms: The Way, Part II (Psalm 2)
The Book of Psalms opens with a two-part invitation for you and me to walk in God’s way–the way that leads to abundant life. In Psalm 2, we meet God’s Messiah and are called to take refuge in Him, finding in Him stability, shelter, and true joy. Tune in to dig into Psalm 2 with me–and pray God’s Word back to Him!
Want to study Psalm 2 further? Here are a few questions and passages to consider:
Read Jeremiah 5:5 and Hosea 11:1-11, especially verses 1-4. How did the people of Israel view their redemption? How did God view it? Do you ever view your relationship with God as oppressive or His commands as burdensome? What does God’s Word to Israel in Hosea 11 teach you about His love for you? Read Psalm 59, paying special attention to verses 5-8. What does David do when facing trouble? How does God respond to the situation? What parallels do you see to Psalm 2? How does this psalm encourage you? Consider again what Eugene Peterson writes in his book, “Answering God”: “Far more is involved here than simply asserting God’s sovereignty. We need a way, a convincing, usable, accessible tool for realizing the largeness of God in the midst of the competing bigness of the world. If we fail here, prayer will be stunted; we will pray huddled and cowering. Our prayers will whimper.” Does the bigness of the world affect your prayers? How should God's reign change your view of your current struggles and worries? Read Micah 5:4 and Zechariah 9:10. What do these verses teach about Messiah’s reign? Read Galatians 4:1-10 and Romans 8:1-25. What is our status as believers in Christ? What does this mean for us at present? What does it mean for the future? Read Luke 7:37-39. Why did the woman treat Jesus this way? Are there any treasures you’re holding onto, whether good or bad, that are drawing you away from total devotion to Christ? How can you pray Psalm 2 this week to help you worship Jesus with trembling joy? How can you pray for those in your life who don’t know Christ using Psalm 2 this week? How can you pray Psalm 2 for the rulers of the world?
#39: Praying the Psalms: The Way (Psalm 1)
The Book of Psalms opens with an invitation for you and me to walk in God’s way–the way that leads to abundant life. Tune in to dig into Psalm 1 with me–and pray God’s Word back to Him!
Want to study Psalm 1 further? Here are a few questions and passages to consider:
Read Psalm 1 out loud once or twice. Read it also in a few different versions of the Bible if possible (e.g., NIV, ESV, AMP). Try outlining the psalm, dividing it according to the flow of ideas. Do you notice anything new as a result of doing this? Consider your circle of friends. Are any of your intimate friends ungodly, sinners, or scoffers? Reading this psalm in a post-Christ’s death and resurrection context, how can you still be a good influence and share the gospel with unbelievers without making the unwise decision of Psalm 1:1? Read Joshua 1:8 and Jeremiah 17:5-8. Compare these passages to Psalm 1:1-3. What leads to a successful life? Is Psalm 1:2 true of you? Why or why not? How does verse 6 make you feel? Why? Commit to praying Psalm 1 throughout the week. By praying God's Word back to Him, Jesus abides in us and us in Him (see John 15:1-7, especially verse 7).Make sure you're following @godbesotted on Instagram and the God-Besotted Podcast on Facebook! I'd love to hear from you!
#38: Praying the Psalms: Introduction
Time to kick off our Praying the Psalms series! I hope you’re as excited as I am. I think it’s gonna be a good time, so let’s just get right into it.
Want to dig deeper during this series? Here are a few questions and passages to consider:
What is “working” about your prayer life? What isn’t? How have you grown in prayer since first trusting in the Lord? Where do you still have room to grow? Does anything intimidate you about praying the Psalms? If so, what? Do you struggle with being honest with God in prayer? If so, how? If not, why not? How will you plan to practice praying the Psalms in community? Read Luke 24. What excites you about looking for Christ in the Psalms? Have you ever prayed a psalm to Jesus? Spend some time in prayer expressing how you hope to grow during this series. Thank God that He works in us as we desire and work for His good pleasure (Philippians 2:13). Commit to being expectant for how God will enrich your spiritual life through this series.Follow @godbesotted on Instagram for more!
Coming Up on the God-Besotted Podcast
Would you pray with me and for me in the next several weeks as I learn and prepare to share what I've learned with you?
In the meantime, FOLLOW: @godbesotted on Instagram and the God-besotted Podcast on Facebook. Let me know what about this next season of the podcast you're most excited about!
#37: The Attributes of God: The Most Holy One
I hope this episode encourages us to rejoice in the “beauty of His holiness” (Psalm 96:9).
Want to study the themes in this chapter further? Here are a few passages and reflection questions to check out:
What aspect(s) of God's holiness were you more familiar with before listening to this episode - His majesty, His moral purity, or both? Which do you think, if either, receives more emphasis in American churches?
Take your time reading Revelation 1 slowly, picturing the scene as you read. What are a few ways you can practice revering God more?
Are there any areas of your life that amount to “fellowship with darkness” (2 Corinthians 6:14-7:1)? How can you follow Paul’s directive in 2 Corinthians 7:1 and “perfect holiness” in the fear of God?
Consider the goal of God’s discipline in Hebrews 12:4-11. Are you as committed to this goal as God is? How can you lean into the difficulties in your life right now with this goal in mind?
#36: The Attributes of God: God's Righteousness in Redemption
Do you think of God’s promise to save all those who believe?
In this episode, we look at how God’s righteousness is rooted in God’s character and four aspects of God’s righteousness: rectoral, retributive, redemptive, and remunerative.
Make sure you follow @godbesotted on Instagram for biblical encouragement, teaching videos, and more.
Want to study the themes in this episode further? Check out these passages and reflection questions:
How do you feel about God’s righteousness? What comes to mind when you think about the fact that God is righteous?
Have you ever, like Job, questioned God’s righteousness because of your circumstances? Write down some thoughts about why or why not.
Read Psalms 40:10, 85:9-10, 98:2-3 and Isaiah 45:8 and 51:5. How do you see God’s salvation connected to His righteousness?
How does knowing God rewards righteousness encourage you? How might God’s righteousness comfort you in this season of your life?
#35: The Attributes of God: God of All Grace
In Psalm 119:132, the psalmist prays, “Turn to me and be gracious to me, after Your manner with those who love Your name.” Grace is who God is; He is always gracious toward us. His grace is eternal and sovereign, exercised toward us through Christ. In this episode, we talk about the God of all grace. How should grace humble us? How does it honor us? And how does it hold us fast? Let’s just get right into it.
Want to dig deeper into the themes in this episode? Here are some Scripture passages and reflection questions for you to check out:
How does grace humble you personally? How does it make you feel honored? Read 1 John 1:14-18. What do you learn about grace from this passage? What do you learn about Jesus? Does the passage teach that God was not gracious before Christ was incarnated? (Check out Exodus 33:19 and Exodus 34:6.) Tim Keller has said, “The gospel is not just the ABC of the Christian life, but the A to Z of the Christian life.” Read Colossians 1:21-23. How does “not moving away from the hope of the gospel” lead to the realization of God’s purposes for us in our lives? Read 2 Corinthians 9:6-15 and 2 Corinthians 12:7-10. How does God’s grace sustain us as we walk with Christ? Has God’s grace sustained you recently? If so, how? If not, why do you think this is? Is there anyone in your life to whom it is hard for you to show grace? Or is there anyone in your life you've been thinking may be too far gone to receive God's grace (even if that person is you)? How can you show God's grace toward this person this week?#34: How Happy People Stay Happy (Proverbs 15:15)
Do you ever feel stuck in a cycle of negativity? Doesn’t God want us to be happy, and if so, how do we do it? In this episode, let’s get real about the low periods in our lives–and how a biblical perspective can change everything.
Want to study the themes in this episode further? Here are a few passages and reflection questions to consider:
Read 2 Corinthians 4:7-18. How would you describe Paul’s outlook in these verses? How is it similar to yours when you encounter difficulties? How is it different? Describe a difficult season or trial you’ve experienced. Do you see any “silver lining”? How did God use that difficulty to draw you closer to Him and mold you more into His image? Do you agree that merry making starts in the morning? Why or why not? What are some ways you can be intentional about seeking your joy in the Lord in the mornings? Do you tend to minimize your suffering and the emotions that result or magnify them? How can you follow Jesus’ and Paul’s examples and let the Lord be your master, not your emotions? Make a list of the blessings God has given you! Be specific. Read the list back to God and thank Him for all He has done for you.#33: The Attributes of God: God's Patience
In Romans 15:5, Paul calls God “the God of patience.” But what does it actually mean that God is patient? Is God’s patience a free pass to do whatever we want? And how are we called to emulate this attribute of God in our own lives? How can we be patient when we are going through a hard time or when people do us wrong?
Let’s talk about it in this episode.
Want to study the themes in this episode further? Here are some passages and reflection questions for you to consider:
Read Numbers 13 and 14. How is God’s patience demonstrated in this narrative? What are some situations in your life during which you have been like the Israelites? How did God show His perfect patience to you? Consider Romans 5:3-5 and James 1:2-5. How is patience produced in our lives? How do you usually respond to the “sicknesses” God allows you to have? How might your response change as you consider the outcome suffering produces? Spend some time thinking about and praying for a person with whom it is difficult for you to be patient. What would it look like for you to be patient with them this week?
#32: The Way of the Cross (1 Corinthians 2:6-9)
Why is there so much disunity in our churches and in our personal lives? How do we grow in maturity - do we need more knowledge, or do we need something else? How does God’s love for us in Christ and our love for Him change everything? Let’s talk about it in this episode.
Want to study the themes in this passage further? Check out these passages and reflection questions:
Read 1 Corinthians 2:6-16. How does God reveal His wisdom to us? Who can receive it? Who can’t? Read James 3:13-18. What characterizes the world’s wisdom? What about the person who is wise with God’s wisdom? How does one become wise in this way? (Check out Galatians 5:16-26.) In 1 Corinthians 2:6-16, Paul says we have received God’s wisdom through the Spirit who gives us the mind of Christ. What is the mind of Christ? Check out Philippians 2. How does having the mind of Christ help us heal disunity and honor God? Have you been believing any lies from the world? How can you put down pride and focus on the cross - on God’s love for you and your love for Him and others as a result - this week?#31: The Attributes of God: God Is Rich in Mercy
A.W. Pink calls God’s mercy an “adorable attribute.” Does God’s mercy just mean He spares people from punishment, or is it more than that? Let’s talk about the rich mercy of God, shown to us through Christ, in this episode.
Want to study the themes in this episode further? Here are a few passages and reflection questions to consider:
Read Matthew 5:7, Matthew 18:21-35, and James 2:13. Mercy is a communicable attribute, meaning we share it with God as humans made in His image. How are we called to show mercy? What is difficult about showing mercy? What truths help you extend forgiveness and kindness to others when it’s hard? Is there someone you need to show mercy to? Read Mark 5:18-20. How has the Lord had mercy on you? Do you talk about it with others? Why or why not? Read Luke 16:19-31. How does this parable illustrate the truth that there is no mercy beyond the grave? How is this reality sobering? How can you respond to it? How can you put Hebrews 4:16 into practice this week? How does knowing that God stands ready to show compassion to you in moments of misery or distress encourage you to come with confidence to His throne of grace?#30: The Attributes of God: God Is So Good
In this episode, let's talk about the goodness of God. Theologians have called God the summum bonum - the highest good. And Scripture attests to this. We'll see what it means that God is good, to whom He is good, how He is good to them, and what it means for us.
Want to study the themes in this episode further? Check out these passages and reflection questions:
Why is it important that God is the final standard of goodness? Think about the culture in which you live and its standards of right and wrong. Why is it important that God is the final standard of moral excellence? How does the truth that God is kind to evil and ungrateful men encourage you? How does it convict you to act toward those who are your enemies, people in your life who are ungrateful and unrighteous? Read Ephesians 1 and make a list of the spiritual blessings we have in Christ. Consider whether you live as though you believe God is the greatest gift of the gospel - not a spiritual inheritance, not freedom from sin, not even rescue from hell. Search your heart and consider if your relationship with God is the greatest benefit of the gospel that you experience. If not, ask God to help you treasure Him above all else. Are there manifestations of God's goodness that you overlook because you're so used to them? How can you practice marveling at God's goodness, even the seemingly ordinary ways He shows His goodness to us? Read Hebrews 12:1-11 and Deuteronomy 8:11-20. What do these passages teach us about God's goodness while we suffer? Consider a difficult situation you are currently facing. Read Psalm 23:6 and Psalm 31:19. How do these passages encourage you? How can you encourage a friend with the truths in these passages?#29: The Attributes of God: His Name Is Jealous
Charles Spurgeon encouraged believers to “hide” themselves “under the banner of Jehovah’s jealousy.” What does it mean that our God is a jealous God? How is His jealousy an encouragement and a warning? How are we to respond to the Lord, whose name is Jealous?
Let’s talk about it in this episode.
Want to study the themes in this episode further? Here are some Scripture passages and reflection questions for you to consider:
Read Song of Solomon 8:6 (preferably in several versions of the Bible). How are love and jealousy related? Read Ezekiel 16 out loud. What strikes you about the way God describes His relationship with Israel? What does the passage teach you about God? How does it encourage you to repentance and faith? Read James 4:1-10. Take a brief inventory of the recent prayers you’ve been praying and the typical requests you tend to make of God on a regular basis. Have you asked for anything with wrong motives? How does your friendship with the world look based on your prayer life? If there is anything for which you need to repent, what encouragement does James give in verses 6-10? Read Matthew 13:1-23. What does the parable of the soils teach us about the things liable to draw people away from the faith? How do these temptations still plague those of us who are in Christ? Do any of them tend to especially trip you up? How does the warning in Hebrews 12:28-29 encourage you to pray for an undivided heart?#28: The Attributes of God: God Is Love
Want to study the themes in this episode further? Here are some passages and questions to reflect on:
Read 1 John 3 and 4. What do you learn about God’s love? What do you learn about how we are to love others?
Read 1 John 3:14-22. How does loving others help us with assurance of salvation?
Consider God’s love for His enemies and our call to love like Him (see Romans 5:6-11; Matthew 5:43-48). Have you prayed for those who have hurt you or irritated you lately?
Read Romans 8:28-39. How does this passage encourage you in a struggle you’re currently facing? How might you encourage a friend with these truths this week?
Read Ephesians 3:14-21 out loud and in several translations. Pray this for yourself and for others and record how God answers.
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#27: The Attributes of God: God Is Everywhere (Yet He Is Near to Us)
Let's talk about it in this episode as we cover God's omnipresence and His immanence, as well as how to practice the presence of God.
Want to study the themes in this episode further? Here are some extra passages and reflection questions to consider:
Think about and journal about a time when you felt God's presence with you in a very real, unmistakable way. What were the circumstances surrounding this encounter? What did you feel? How did God reveal His character to you?
Is there a place where you feel closer to God than in other places? Why or why not? How does knowledge about God's omnipresence inform that feeling?
Which of the ways of practicing the presence of God is easiest for you - talking to God throughout the day, sitting still, or sticking it out even when God is silent? Which way is hardest?
How can you commit to practicing the presence of God this week?
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#26: The Attributes of God: God Most High (Transcendence)
When’s the last time you were dumbstruck by the majesty of God? Most of us need constant reminders of God’s transcendence. It’s hard for us to comprehend how a God who is far above, beyond, and distinct from us still welcomes us into His presence, but it’s so worth contemplating.
Want to learn more about the themes in this episode? Consider these passages and reflection questions:
Read Isaiah 6. Can you think of a time when you felt like Isaiah, astounded by the glory of God, aware of your own sin, and eager to do God’s will? What can you do to practice heightening the awareness you had then? Do you think churches around you have a high or low view of God? Why or why not? Does the doctrine of transcendence challenge your view of God? How do you think your behavior would change if you lived consistently like you believe this doctrine is true? What are some ways we try to “contain” God? How can you commit to acknowledging and embracing God’s lordship over your life this week?#25: The Attributes of God: God, Faithful and True
Struggling with doubt? God is faithful. Walking through a season of disappointment or disillusionment? God is faithful. Unsure what’s next? God is faithful.
The truthfulness and faithfulness of God are attributes that have immensely practical implications for believers in Christ.
Want to know more about God’s truthfulness and faithfulness? Consider these passages and reflection questions:
Read Psalm 119:75 and 1 Corinthians 10:31. What does this teach you about God’s purpose for trials? Read 1 John 1:9. How does this passage encourage you? How is God “just” to forgive our sins? Check out Romans 3:21-26 to help you answer this question. Read 1 Thessalonians 5:23-24. Who ensures that we grow in Christlikeness? What does this mean about our eternal future? Read 2 Timothy 2:13. How have you been faithless in the past? How does knowing that God is always faithful encourage you in a present trial or temptation?#24: The Attributes of God: God Almighty (Omnipotence)
God can do all things - can’t He? What about lie? Or make a rock so big He can’t lift it? And if God is all-powerful, why doesn’t He stop the suffering that’s in the world?
Let’s take a look at God’s omnipotence and see how the bedrock truth that our God is almighty, and His power is given to us through His Spirit, is such an encouragement to us as believers.
If you want to study the themes in this episode further, please consider the following passages and reflection questions:
Read Ephesians 1:17-19 and 3:16-20. What does Paul pray for? Why? Do you pray this often for yourself and fellow believers? Why or why not? Consider the story of Abraham in Genesis 18 and Jeremiah’s dialogue with God in Jeremiah 32. Is there an area of your life where you’ve thought, either consciously or subconsciously, that something is too difficult for God? How does God’s word to Abraham and Jeremiah encourage you? How can you challenge yourself this week to live each day in dependence on the Holy Spirit? How do you hope to see God’s power at work in and through you?#23: The Attributes of God: The Only Wise God
Our God is “the only wise God” (Romans 16:27), which means He is perfectly able to see and choose the best, most benevolent outcome and the best, most benevolent means of attaining it. By His wisdom, the God who created the world and made a plan to redeem it is able to ensure we are taken care of forever.
If you want to study the themes in this episode further, please refer to these passages and reflection questions:
Read Proverbs 8. Then, compare it to John 1 and Colossians 1. Make a list of how the Proverbs passage applies to Jesus.
Read 1 Corinthians 1:18-30. How is this passage humbling? What does it teach you about God? What does it teach you about unredeemed humanity?
Consider Proverbs 2:7. How does it encourage you to know God stores up wisdom for the upright (those who trust Him and follow Him)? In what area of your life do you need to ask God for wisdom?
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#22: The Attributes of God: God Knows (And Still Cares)
The God of the Bible has infinite knowledge - He is all-knowing or "omniscient." That truth may give you comfort or it may make you afraid - perhaps even a mixture of both. Does God know the future, even the actions we'll make? Does God learn, grow, or develop? And how can a just God, who knows everything about me, love me anyway?
If you want to study the themes in this passage further, consider the following passages and reflection questions:
Read Psalm 139. Make a list of what David, the psalmist, affirms to be true about God. Note how he ends the psalm. How can you ask God to search you this week? Read Romans 9:1-29. What are your feelings as you consider the sovereignty of God as Paul presents it? Read Romans 11:33-36. Pray for a heart that willingly submits to not having all the answers about our awesome God and worships Him humbly and sincerely anyway.#21: The Attributes of God: God Never Changes
The first verse of the beloved hymn "Great is Thy Faithfulness" encapsulates God's immutability or His unchangeableness: "Thou changest not; Thy compassions, they fail not. As Thou hast been, Thou forever wilt be." A precious truth that has deeply personal implications for believers, this attribute of God begs a few questions: if God never changes, does anything we do really matter? Does He actually respond to situations, and does He feel emotions about and toward His creation?
If you want to study the themes in this episode further, consider the following passages and reflection questions:
Read Romans 1. What are a few reasons why the distinction between God as Creator and man as creature is so important? If God could change for either better or worse (for example, if He could grow in knowledge), what would that mean about Him as God? Consider this quote from A.W. Tozer's book The Knowledge of the Holy: "God will not compromise and He need not be coaxed." How is the truth that God never changes comforting? How is it convicting?#20: The Attributes of God: God Is (Self-existence/Self-sufficiency)
Where did God come from? Does God need us? Are we important to God?
Answers to these questions can be found in the doctrines of God’s self-existence and His self-sufficiency. Two attributes of God considered “incommunicable,” in that they are less shared with us than others like love or justice, God’s self-existence and self-sufficiency are foundational to His nature. Hebrews 11:6 says anyone who wants to please God must believe that He IS, that is, that He is the living God, the great I AM, who was, who is, and who is to come.
If you want to study the themes in this passage further, consider these passages and questions:
Read Acts 17:16-34. Jot down what distinguishes God from idols. What call to action does Paul give his listeners (verses 30-31)? How should we respond to God’s self-existence and self-sufficiency? Read Isaiah 44:6-28. How is God different from idols? What’s irrational and fruitless about worshipping anything that is not God? What did God do for Israel that no idol could do? Why did He choose Israel and care for His people (verse 23)? Does the fact that God doesn’t need us confuse you or free you? How does it make you feel knowing God doesn’t need you, but He wants you?#19: The Attributes of God: God Incomprehensible
Can we know God? Can we understand Him? How do we learn about God? The doctrine of the incomprehensibility of God helps us answer these questions. In this episode, we’re kicking off a new series called the Attributes of God! Each week we’ll dive into a different attribute, learning more about God so we can know Him better and delight in Him more.
Want to study the themes in this passage further? Consider the following questions and passages:
Read Psalm 145:3, Psalm 147:3, Job 26:14, and Romans 11:33. Describe the incomprehensibility of God in your own words. How does the incomprehensibility of God affect your desire to know Him? How does knowing you will spend eternity learning more about God make you feel? Does it overwhelm you, make you apathetic, or something else? Why? God wants to know us, and He has revealed Himself so we can know Him. But learning facts about Him is not the same as knowing Him. How much time have you been spending with God? Is there something that would help improve your relationship with Him?#18: Finding Satisfaction in God (Psalm 63:1-5)
If you want to study the themes in this passage further, consider the following passages and questions:
Read Psalm 63. List the actions of David. What did he do to find satisfaction in God?
Read Exodus 16. How did God respond to the people’s grumbling, and what does this show you about Him? What does the Israelites’ lack of faith show us about our tendencies?
Consider the quote, “We sacrifice for what satisfies.” What do you make sacrifices for? Where does your mind go when it wanders? When you go to sleep? When you wake up? What does this show you about your heart?
Read Ephesians 3:14-21, then pray it out loud for you and those you know.
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#17: Be Ready, the King is Coming (Luke 12:35-40)
If you've been watching the news lately and wondering, "What can I do? What should I do?" I'm right there with you. The words of Jesus in Luke 12 remind us what our responsibility is as His representatives on earth and why our faithfulness matters so much.
If you want to study this passage and its themes further, read Luke 12. Then, consider the following reflection questions:
1. How "ready" are you on a daily basis for Jesus's return? What do you think "being ready" means?
2. Jesus said a servant is not greater than his master. Consider the way Jesus lived and how well you serve others. How can you intentionally allow yourself to be inconvenienced and humbled for another person this week to show them Jesus's love?
3. As we hear of wars and rumors of wars, what can you do to put off fear and be faithful to Jesus this week? How will you commit to praying for Ukraine and for God's will to be done on earth as it is in heaven?
#16: How to Persevere in Suffering (James 5:7-11)
If you want to study the themes in this passage further, consider the following passages and reflection questions:
1. Read Hebrews 11. How did the faithful men and women of old hold onto their faith? How we can imitate their faith?
2. James condemns the rich who oppress the poor. What do his words of rebuke tell you about how God views oppression? How does He take care of the oppressed?
3. Read James 1:1-12. How does James's teaching about suffering in the opening of his letter shed light on James 5:1-12?
4. Read Job 42. Consider "the outcome of the Lord's dealings" in Job's life. Write down how God is demonstrated to be full of compassion and merciful.
5. What part of James's message do you find most convicting? What is one way you can obey God's word immediately?
#15: The Secret to Success (Proverbs 3:5-6)
If you want to study the themes in this passage further, consider the following passages and reflection questions:
1. Read Psalm 37:3-5. What does it look like to "commit your way to the Lord"? How can you do this today?
2. Read James 1:5. How does God give us wisdom?
3. How did Jesus trust in God and acknowledge God in all His ways? Refer to 1 Peter 2:23 and Luke 2:22.
4. Hezekiah exhibited a pattern of prayer. Read Philippians 4:6 and consider what keeps you from praying "in everything" and how you can pray more fervently, expectantly, and specifically.
5. Hezekiah sought godly counsel from the prophet Isaiah. Who are your counselors? Who do you counsel? Why is it important to know God's word when it comes to giving and receiving counsel?
6. One of the meanings of "straight paths" is to guide, to provide a track to follow. What area(s) of your life do you need guidance, and how can you intentionally "know" God in all your ways so He can make your paths straight?
#14: Discerning Your Spiritual Gifts and Discipling Others (Exodus 31:2-6)
If you want to study the themes in this passage further, consider the following passages and reflection questions:
1. Read Exodus 31:1-6 and Exodus 35:30-35. How did the Holy Spirit empower Bezalel and Oholiab?
2. What does it mean for believers today to be filled with the Spirit? Read Ephesians 5:18 and Colossians 3:16 to help you answer this question.
3. What is your spiritual gift? (Read Romans 12, 1 Corinthians 12, Ephesians 4, and 1 Peter 4 to help you begin to answer this question if you are unsure. Then, prayerfully consult people who know you well to help you determine how the Holy Spirit may have gifted you.) How are you using your spiritual gift(s) to serve your church?
4. Consider Jesus’s commission to “make disciples of all the nations” (Matthew 28:16-20). Who are you currently discipling? How can you obey the command to disciple others this week?
#13: We Are All Lepers Here (2 Kings 5:1-15)
If you want to study the themes in this passage further, consider the following passages and reflection questions:
1. Read chapters 4 and 5 of Luke. What are the different ways people respond to Jesus? Who does He say and show He is? Who do others think He is?
2. Read Ephesians 2. How does our sin separate us from God? How did God bridge the gap sin made between us and Him? How does He reconcile us to others? What were we saved from and saved to?
3. Read Romans 13:9-28. How are both Jews and Greeks the same before God? How does God justify (declare righteous) the ungodly?
4. Read Psalm 130. What does it teach us about God?
5. Have you ever been offended at God's will and work, like Naaman was? In light of Jesus's response to John the Baptist in John 11:2-6, what can you remind yourself when you feel unsure about what God is doing in your life?
#12: Becoming What We Behold (2 Corinthians 3:12-18)
What is God's will for me? How can I change? How do I draw near to Christ? Answers to these questions can all be found in 2 Corinthians 3:12-18. In this passage, Paul encourages believers with the truth of the gospel: the Holy Spirit gives us freedom to see the glory of God in the face of Christ, to draw near to God because of what Christ has done, and to change by being conformed into Christ's image as we gaze upon Him in the mirror of God's word. As we behold Christ, we become like Him, from glory to glory, until we will see Him just as He is, having gained His glory in full, enjoying intimacy with Him forever (see 2 Thessalonians 2:14, 1 John 3:1-3, and Revelation 22:1-3).
#11: Forsaking Everything and Following God (Genesis 11:31-32)
#10: God Is Determined to Bless His People (Numbers 22-24)
#9: Act Like Who You Are and You Won't Forget Who You Are (2 Peter 1:1-11)
#8: Faith in the Famine (Genesis 15:1-6; Hebrews 11:6)
As we look toward 2022, many of us are considering how to walk closer with the Lord in the new year. Faith brings us closer to God. When asked by Philip to show the disciples the Father, Jesus asked, "Have I been so long with you, and yet you have not come to know Me, Philip?" (John 14:9). We grow in our intimacy with God as we take Him at His word. Hebrews 11:5-6 describes the essence of faith, and Abraham is an example for us of the faith that pleases God. I hope this episode encourages you to put aside doubt, draw near, and dare to believe God is the rewarder of those who seek Him today, in 2022, and every day after.
#7: Running the Race of the Christian Life Well (Hebrews 12:12-17)
The Christian life is meant to be lived in community, as we follow the godly example of others who have gone before us and as we set an example for those around us of what it looks like to "run with endurance the race that is set before us, fixing our eyes on Jesus" (Hebrews 12:1-2). But along the way, it's easy to get tired and worn out by suffering, which can slow us down if we don't have God's perspective on it. It's also easy to veer to the left or right of the path God wants us on instead of staying on a straight path in faith. Regardless of where we are in our journey, it matters that we run well. Fellow believers and professing believers are watching - and how we choose to run can help determine whether or not they are "healed" and "see the Lord" or whether they "come short of the grace of God." It's a lot of responsibility, but Jesus, who gives us faith and perfects it, strengthens us to keep running - and run well.
#6: To Obey is Better than Sacrifice (1 Samuel 15)
When it comes to the Christian life, what's a good substitute for obedience? There isn't one. God's rejection of Saul as king, because of his repeated disobedience, teaches us that good intentions are not a sufficient replacement for godliness; refusing to accept responsibility for our sin means we aren't repentant; and choosing to act based on what people will think instead of a desire to honor God is idolatry. The good news is, in Christ we are fully accepted and pleasing to God; He brings us near to God, who desires us to offer thanksgiving and obey Him with all our hearts, giving us the strength to do so by His Spirit and leading us into the abundant life we're promised.
#5: Status-seeking vs. Service (Numbers 16:1-11; Philippians 2:3-18)
In Numbers 16, a group of men, led by a Levite named Korah, rise up against Moses's and Aaron's leadership. Their goal? To usurp power and steal the status of leadership for themselves. Even though Korah's family was called to a very special purpose, it wasn't enough for them. They wanted more. It's easy for us, even as professing believers (see Romans 1:17), to do the same: to relentlessly seek to build our own empires and make a name for ourselves, disdaining God's purposes for us. But Philippians 2 points us to Christ, who humbled Himself to the point of dying a shameful death on a cross for man's sins and was exalted by God above all others. If we want to be great in God's kingdom, the road is paved with suffering, humility, and service. But we can be certain that nothing is better than the grace God gives to the humble and pursuing His purposes for us with all our hearts.
#4: How to Find Joy When You Feel Like You’re in a Pit (Psalm 142)
#3: Your Gifting > Your Weakness (1 Corinthians 1:1-9)
#2: The Joy of Answered Prayer (John 14-16)
#1: The Key to True and Lasting Joy (John 15:11)
In John 15, Jesus uses an analogy of a vine and branches to teach His disciples how to abide in Him. In verse 11, He teaches them why: "so that" they would experience His joy and that their joy would be made full. In a world that tells us to find our joy in ourselves, Jesus's words provide the key to true, deep, and lasting joy: bringing glory to the Father. In this episode, we look at the testimony of the John the Baptist and consider how we, too, can be as "completely happy" as Jesus.