Elisha, revealing the kinder, gentler side of God Part 2
Many husbands refer to their wives as their “better half.” And Elisha the prophet could have been called that too. Today on "Discover the Word," we'll discuss that although Elisha was a servant to his mentor, Elijah, he would do twice as many miracles, ones that revealed a “kinder and gentler” side of God. “The Miraculous Life of Elisha” continues today on "Discover the Word"!
Reaching out to others Part 7
We all have our reasons for not doing what we can to help others. And yet we’re still plagued with guilt when we don’t do anything. Today on "Discover the Word," we'll discuss excuses we give for not reaching out to others. Excuses like “What if I’m rejected?” or “What difference could I make?”
Unpacking our doubts about God's love Part 6
The "Discover the Word" group continues their series “She Did What She Could” today. After Mary of Bethany anointed Jesus with expensive ointment, Judas and others criticized her . . . until Jesus told the men to “leave her alone.” Join us as we unpack the concept of “leaving ourselves alone”. . . by not being hard on ourselves, or allowing others to make us doubt God’s love for us.
God's long-range perspective for growing us Part 5
Today on "Discover the Word," our special guest Margaret Feinberg helps us conclude our discussion about the surprising depth of some of the agrarian images used in the Bible. Today’s conversation comes out of a fruitful visit Margaret had with a vintner that showed her how the long-range perspective a vintner has for growing grapes is the same kind of long-range perspective God has for growing us.
Pruning the vine Part 4
Today on "Discover the Word," special guest Margaret Feinberg helps center our discussion on what Jesus actually meant when He talked about “pruning the vine.” Instead of whacking the vines with a machete, the vinedresser trims the vine gently, branch by branch. We continue our fascinating conversations about the agrarian images used in the Bible as Margaret tells us about time she spent with a vintner learning about “the fruit of the vine.”
Jesus works through the most unlikely people Part 2
Most people think of a “shepherd” as being a male figure. Yet in reality, tending and herding sheep is often a job done by women and children. Today on "Discover the Word," our special guest Margaret Feinberg discuss how shepherds were—and are—often marginalized. And so while living on the fringe of society, isn’t it amazing that shepherds were included as main players at our Savior’s birth?
How do we see the coming King? Part 3
In verse four of Psalm 24 we’re told that only those with “clean hands” and a pure heart “qualify” to ascend to God’s holy hill. But who can possibly meet that standard? The answer is . . . no one. Today on "Discover the Word," we will talk about how David could not completely see the coming King as we see Him now. It’s because of Christ’s sacrifice that our hearts have been washed cleaned!
Creator King Part 2
New Agers often refer to “the universe” as though it was a separate entity, an impersonal force that guides their lives toward some vague, mystical purpose. Today on "Discover the Word," we will discuss God as the Creator King. As both Psalm 24 and John chapter one reveal, “the heavens and the earth” were created by God. So apart from its Creator, the universe has no power to determine anything.
Spending your life in a holding pattern? Part 5
Today on "Discover the Word," we will talk about how we often spend our time thinking about the “not yet” at the expense of the “already here.” In the spiritual sense, many believers view life as what they’ve got to get through to go to heaven. They in many ways spend their lives in a holding pattern. But in Psalm 23 we’re told that His goodness and mercy will follow us each and every day of our lives.
How to draw closer to Jesus Part 4
Today on "Discover the Word," we will discuss how we all spend time in the valley of the shadow of death, be it through the loss of a loved one or our own ticking life clock. Yet in the midst of our mortality we can still “fear no evil.” We won’t always be kept from evil, but as we draw closer to Jesus, the Good Shepherd will help us go through that valley with our souls securely intact. That’s today on "Discover the Word"!
Jesus restores and cares for you and me Part 3
Psalm 23 begins by using sheep to illustrate the Good Shepherd’s tender care for us. But then David goes beyond the basics and into the deep recesses of the soul. Today on "Discover the Word," we will talk about the meaning behind the words, “He restores my soul and guides me in the paths of righteousness.” During those times when we’re tired, anxious, or upset, Jesus gives us a restored sense of peace and rest. That's today on "Discover the Word."
Trusting the Good Shepherd Part 2
New parents realize their inadequacies to truly provide for and protect their children. They sometimes feel a bit helpless in the face of outside dangers and influences. Today on "Discover the Word," we will discuss God’s tender, fatherly care for us as depicted in Psalm 23. A good shepherd leads his flock to “green pastures” and “still waters,” where they’ll be safe. Can you trust the Good Shepherd to lead you into peace and safety and provide for your needs?
