Fully embracing Christmas Part 5
At first glance, the story of a young virgin becoming pregnant by the Spirit of God sounds, well, crazy. And it is until the gold standard of proof is given in Matthew chapter one. Today on Discover the Word, we will talk about an Old Testament passage in Isaiah that’s repeated in Matthew—providing evidence of a divinely orchestrated plan to…
Learn what gave Joseph hope in a hopeless situation Part 4
“We have a problem.” How many times have you heard someone say that to you, like a doctor, perhaps? Well, today on Discover the Word, we will talk about the “problem” that Joseph faced in dealing with Mary’s pregnancy. He felt betrayed, but how could he allow his fiancée to be stoned to death? Nor did he want to “secretly put…
Joseph chose to lay his power down Part 3
When Joseph discovered that his fiancée, Mary, was pregnant, ancient Jewish law gave him the option of having her publicly stoned to death. Yet while that was his right, it wasn’t his heart. Today on Discover the Word, we continue the discussion of Joseph’s role in the Christmas story. In a first-century patriarchal world, Joseph had all the power and yet…
Looking at Jesus's family tree Part 1
You know, for many, it’s a tradition to read the Christmas story aloud at family Christmas celebrations. But most of the time we skip over the loooong genealogy that precedes it in Matthew’s telling of the story! Well, today the Discover the Word team will be looking at Jesus’s family tree for a very important reason. Listen as we begin a new series…
Be still and know that I am God Part 5
Are you fidgety and restless, unable to sit still? Today on Discover the Word, the team will discuss a challenge we all face, learning to “be still and know He is God.” In a sense, it takes work to rest. “Nesting in God’s Presence” . . . be part of the conclusion to the study of Psalm 84 today on…
Learning to abide in God’s presence Part 4
It’s easy to feel like God hasn’t come through when we’re in the midst of pain and trouble. But is that really the case? Today on Discover the Word, we will bring a sense of perspective to our journey of faith. Discover how each experience adds another layer of learning, bringing meaning and depth to our faith as we learn…
Living an integrated life Part 3
Do you ever feel like two different people, acting one way at work and another way at home? Well, it’s possible to live an integrated life conscious of God’s presence wherever you are and whatever you do! Today on Discover the Word, we will address the tendency we all have to compartmentalize our faith. Listen to Discover the Word!
Building a “nest of rest” in God’s presence Part 2
Some people think bird watching is, well, for the birds! But there’s a lot we can learn from our fine-feathered friends. And one of the most important lessons is found in Psalm 84 where the psalmist talks about a sparrow that builds its nest near God’s altar. Today on Discover the Word, we will reveal how we too can build…
Are you flying solo? Part 1
Running on empty? Fainting from exhaustion? Welcome to the “new normal”—where everybody’s always stressed! Today on Discover the Word, we will discuss what to do when we find ourselves depleted—spirit, soul, and body. Chances are good that it’s because we’re flying solo when God calls us to live in relationship. De-stress your life with a little help from Psalm 84…
Naomi or Ruth? Part 5
The central character in the Old Testament Book of Ruth is . . . Ruth. Or is it? Today on Discover the Word, the group and guest Torrey Robinson weigh in on why they think this famous book of the Bible is actually more about Naomi than Ruth. Wrap up the week with longtime Discover the Word group member Haddon…
Is God at work in your mess? Part 4
Naomi’s story begins with a mess, but ends with a blessing. Today on Discover the Word, guest Torrey Robinson and the group assess the character of Boaz, Naomi, and Ruth. They weren’t perfect, but they were virtuous, notable standouts in a culture that had largely forgotten God. Is God at work in your mess? Listen today on Discover the Word!
Don’t let your pain distort the goodness of God Part 3
At one time or another, we’ve all felt hurt, wounded or angry. And in the midst of our pain, it’s easy for our viewpoint to get distorted and lose sight of the goodness and greatness of God. Today on Discover the Word, the group along with guest Torrey Robinson explore Naomi’s lament, using her lack of perspective to help us see our…
Anger is not necessarily a bad thing, as long as you don’t stay there Part 2
Have you ever felt angry with God? Well, that’s not necessarily a bad thing as long as you don’t stay angry! Today on Discover the Word, the group and guest Torrey Robinson examine the life of the Old Testament woman Naomi and why she returned to Israel so sorrowful and bitter. Naomi sounded like she blamed God for her predicament,…
Boaz, the husband of Ruth and ancestor of Jesus Part 1
Ever wished you could sit down with one of your favorite Bible characters to learn what makes them tick? Today on Discover the Word, we welcome Boaz to the table—the husband of Ruth and ancestor of Jesus. Torrey Robinson, son of longtime Discover the Word group member Haddon Robinson, plays the part of Boaz in a riveting dramatic monologue! Don’t miss…
An invitation versus a command Part 5
What if you called your dog using a “bad dog” tone of voice? Would the dog come running with its tail wagging, or come slinking with tail between its legs? Today on Discover the Word, the group discusses the big difference between Jesus issuing an invitation to rest, versus a command. One stems from grace, the other law. An intriguing conversation…
