Bible Geeks Daily Download

Ryan Joy and Bryan Schiele

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"Introducing Guided Studies"

"Introducing Guided Studies"

Watch the VideoSince 2019, we've gone Into the Book, exploring the richness of the New Testament together. And we've spent a whole year Cross Training to become better disciples of Christ, our Master Teacher. We've learned so much together through these conversations, and now, we're taking these discussions to a whole new level!If you've ever looked around for quality Bible study material to dig into on your own, you know how hard it is to get started. How about finding relevant study guides to tackle in a small group, or in a Bible class with your church? Again, not always easy! Sometimes half the battle is getting started with a personal or group study, so we're excited to launch our newest project: Bible Geeks Guided Studies — like a Choose Your Own Adventure approach to studying God's Word. Here's how it works:Throughout the year, we'll release a handful of different Guided Studies, covering a wide range of relevant topics, targeted at a wide range of people. If you're a parent or a kid, a seasoned saint or new to the faith, we've got you covered! Each Guided Study lasts either 3 sessions, 8 sessions, or 13 sessions — making it perfect for a weekly or monthly study, either on your own or in a group. Focused but flexible, each guide targets a specific spiritual aim, but allows you to study the way that fits you best.Each study has a downloadable guide, perfect to hand out to a group or use on your own. The Guided Study session begins with a short Daily Download video — also available as text — to kick off the discussion. Then, each session launches into a mapped-out conversation with readings, questions, and challenges to do together. And if you're studying on your own, or want to hear an example of each conversation, tune into our Weekly Podcast where we'll be sharing an example of each session in the study.Whether you're studying as a family, church, with a neighbor, or by yourself, we pray that these free tools will equip you to study God's Word well. This isn't another yearlong project like we've done in the past, it's a complete reboot of the Bible Geeks podcast and website.Follow along with all our Guided Studies at biblegeeks.fm/study.

Episodios

"Quality Assurance"

"Quality Assurance"

What's GoodPraise God for His Incredible GoodnessRead or WatchPut your hands in the pocket of a brand-new pair of pants, and you might pull out a slip of paper that reads, "PROUDLY INSPECTED BY 9." Whoever "9" is, they want you to know that they've checked the seams, zippers, pockets, and belt loops on your new britches and want you to feel confident in the construction. Quality assurance may not be a glamorous job, but it's sure better than having a wardrobe malfunction in the middle of the grocery store!In this What's Good study, we've been inspecting the quality of our thoughts. If we're thinking about whatever is "true ... honorable ... just ... pure ... lovely" and "commendable" (Phil. 4:8), we know we're thinking long-lasting and time-tested thoughts. So, as we wrap up these conversations, let's look back at the big ideas we've tackled, praising God for his incredible goodness.God's Good GiftsWhen we don't take in the natural world, we miss a window into the wonder of God's goodness and greatness.The chance to do good work and appreciate the work of others is worth celebrating.Work is good, but God also created us to enjoy the sweetness of rest.God manifests his wisdom and glory in the diversity he has filled his good world with.Singing expresses what's inside us — what we believe, feel, and decide.It pleases and glorifies God when we gratefully enjoy his blessings together.Family bonds can give us love and acceptance that reflects our Heavenly Father's.Through consistent acts of loyal love, we stockpile trust that friends draw on for a lifetime.Praiseworthy VirtuesThough we're not perfect, we glorify God by stretching daily to be better and do better.God teaches us to appreciate kindness by pouring his unimaginable love and mercy into our lives.We love truthful words because they're the language our God uses to speak to us.When we lift ourselves above others, we forget that our King lowered himself for us.Filling our hearts and minds with goodness leaves no room for the filth of sin.How has this study changed the kinds of things you think about?Support the Show

"Snow in November"

"Snow in November"

What's GoodFill Your Heart With All the Best ThingsRead or WatchI looked out my window this fall morning, expecting to see brown. But instead, everything I saw outside my window was covered in snow. Untouched by footprints or car tracks, it seemed to have baptized the world I knew — parked cars, trees, mailboxes — under a blanket of white. When you see how clean it looks, sparkling in the sunlight, you understand the Lord's invitation: "Come now, let us reason together ... though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow." He says, "Wash yourselves; make yourselves clean; remove the evil of your deeds from before my eyes.” And he wants his people to “learn to do good” and “seek justice” for the oppressed (Isa. 1:16-18). So let's complete our study with one final praiseworthy virtue, filling our hearts with "whatever is pure" (Phil. 4:8).The Big IdeaFilling our hearts and minds with goodness leaves no room for the filth of sin. After David's sin, he prayed for God to wash him "whiter than snow" (Ps. 51:7). But he didn't stop at a prayer for forgiveness. Instead, he asked God to create something new in him. "Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me" (Ps. 51:10)Rather than impure, fleshly thoughts, "those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit" (Rom. 8:5). The old you died. In baptism, you rose with Christ (Rom. 6:1-5), who reigns above. So set your mind on what's above and put to death "what is earthly in you: sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry" (Col. 3:2, 5).What do supermarket labels mean when they say, "100% Pure"? Purity is about completeness. It's "100% pure Canadian maple syrup" only if the entire product is Canadian maple. And we're "pure in heart" (Matt. 5:8) when we devote ourselves entirely to the Lord, with single-minded sincerity.Big QuestionWhat sin is it easy for you to overlook, and how can you give it more attention?Support the Show

"Happy Debtors"

"Happy Debtors"

What's GoodLower Yourself to Lift Up OthersRead or WatchWhat's the perfect foil for a Beast? How about a handsome but arrogant villain? When Gaston calls himself "a specimen," brags about cheap shots, and invites Belle to admire his trophies, he seems silly until he self-servingly commits Belle's father and incites a mob. We know a villain when we see selfish pride. It's why we loathe the Dursleys, despise Prince Humperdinck, and find satisfying justice in the demise of Esther's real-life nemesis, Haman. Because, at our core, we admire those who humbly lower themselves while lifting up others. It's another noble virtue worth celebrating.The Big IdeaWhen we lift ourselves above others, we forget that our King lowered himself for us. The Lord of Lords is "gentle and lowly in heart" (Matt. 11:29). What an unexpected path to the top Jesus illuminates! We don't climb over others; we hold them up! "If anyone would be first, he must be last of all and servant of all" (Mark 9:25).Galileo challenged the belief that the universe revolves around our world. Four hundred years later, some still think they're the center of the universe. The delusion that everyone owes you makes life a battle for what's yours. But we deserved death, Jesus paid what he didn't owe, and everything changed because of that gift (Rom. 6:23). We're happy debtors, loving others and sharing the gift (Rom. 1:15; 13:8). Narcissism stains our politics, entertainment, and interactions. Pride is fashionable, but we can still find humility. We can show our kids a first responder's selflessness or an expert who keeps listening (Prov. 1:5), staying "open to reason" (James 3:14-17).Where pride looks out for "number one." Humility looks "not only" to your "own interests but also to the interests of others" (Phil. 2:4). Seeing others as equals, we consider them significant, sharing the glory of Christ's lowliness (Phil. 2:3-11). Andrew Murray rightly calls humility "the disappearance of self in the vision that God is all."The Big QuestionWill you be a "servant of all" today?Support the Show

"World’s Best Cup of Coffee"

"World’s Best Cup of Coffee"

What's GoodFeel the Freedom of TruthfulnessRead or WatchIf there’s anything we know from our modern media-fueled marketing landscape, we shouldn’t trust what we see in advertisements. Commercials, billboards, and store signs usually make bold claims without the substance to back it up. The “miracle pill” turns out to be a placebo. The “world’s best cup of coffee” is mediocre at best. The “get rich quick” scheme turns out pyramid-shaped. With the daily deluge of deception, it shocks our skepticism when we encounter someone honest and trustworthy. That “handshake deal” is a breath of fresh air in a world of snake oil salesmen and swindlers. So, as we continue to appreciate God’s good virtues, let’s feel the freedom truthfulness provides.The Big IdeaWe love truthful words because they’re the language our God uses to speak to us. We have a stable foundation of truth and honesty on which we build our lives when we hear our Lord and obey (Matt. 7:24). While it’s easy to imagine a stranger lying to us, it stings more when someone we love leads us astray. Because God loves us so much, it’s impossible to imagine him saying anything to deceive us — God never lies (Titus 1:2)!And because God can’t lie, he won’t tolerate us dabbling in deception either. “Lying lips are an abomination to the Lord, but those who act faithfully are his delight” (Prov. 12:22). Rather than leaving us tangled in a web of dishonesty, the truth breaks those chains and sets us free (John 8:32)!Honesty is a rare occurrence in our world, so it’s refreshing to see it on display. We acknowledge those around us who act with integrity. We take seriously the impact we have on others when we make bold claims and deliver on them. And we speak healthy and wholesome words, not to make ourselves look good, but to speak like our Father speaks — truthfully and honestly.The Big QuestionHow would it change your relationships if you were more open?Support the Show

"The Magic Word"

"The Magic Word"

What's GoodFill Your Heart With God's LoveRead or WatchAs our seemingly-inevitable robotic uprising inches closer and closer, some concerned engineers have started thinking about how we talk to our smart home devices. We've barked orders at Alexa for too long, expecting it to set timers, deliver the weather report, or order more toilet paper. But you'd never talk to a person like that — would you? To encourage a gentler approach to our automated assistants, did you know there's a "politeness mode"? If Alexa hears a command without a "Please" attached, you'll hear the response: "What's the magic word?" Should we really be kind to our ... technology?! Maybe that's a bit extreme, but as we continue to appreciate God's good virtues, let's see the value in constantly filling our hearts with his love in all areas of our life!The Big IdeaGod teaches us to appreciate kindness by pouring his unimaginable love and mercy into our lives. We wonder in awe at the kind of sacrificial love Christ showed, as "... he laid down his life for us," leading us to "lay down our lives for the brothers" (1 John 3:16). Though we were once enemies of God in our sins (Rom. 5:10), we marvel at Jesus' mercy and willingness to suffer even for us (Luke 6:35-36).Like a young child learns from their mom and dad's words and actions, we're educated by our Heavenly Father as his children. We follow his example and become "kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you" (Eph. 4:32). When we see love and mercy on display in the world, we acknowledge and honor it — not just because it’s polite, but because of its divine source.Who would disagree that kindness is good? We all know that warm and welcoming feeling when someone treats us well. And while not everyone’s easy to be kind to, let's reflect the light of God's love throughout our lives, one "magic word" at a time.The Big QuestionIs there someone that you've struggled to be kind to?Support the Show

"Cheese Doodles"

"Cheese Doodles"

What’s GoodPush Forward to Be More ChristlikeRead or WatchHow are you doing with your resolutions? New Year's resolution #fails have become a familiar joke every January — only 9-12% of us hang on to them as we close the year[1]. Most have a half-baked "resolve" unworthy of calling "resolution," but that doesn't diminish the value of goals, even if we never achieve all our aspirations. Sure, we could vedge our life away with cheese doodles on the couch, but God created us to strive for growth. So as we shift our focus from God's gifts to virtues, let's pursue Christlike excellence.The Big IdeaThough we're not perfect, we glorify God by stretching daily to be better and do better. Perfectionists lose their way, craving acceptance and chasing peace through flawlessness. But through Christ, we receive God's favor despite our faults (Eph. 2:4-10). We'll never reach God's perfection. But he "called us to his own glory and excellence" (2 Peter 1:3; 2:10) to imitate him (Matt. 5:48).So "press on ... straining forward" (Phil. 3:12-14), growing "to the measure of the stature which belongs to the fullness of Christ" (Eph. 4:13). Hone your character, sharpen yourself (Eccl. 10:10). Make your life the masterwork you never tire of crafting in Christ's image (2 Cor. 3:18). Aspire to a "life ... worthy of the gospel" (Phil. 1:27).Love is "the more excellent way" (1 Cor. 12:31ff), so may it "abound more and more ... so that you may approve what is excellent" (Phil. 1:9-10). And when you find "any excellence ... think on these things" (Phil. 4:8), noticing and appreciating it.Sometimes "Whatever!" means we don't care. But Scripture says, "whatever you do, do all to the glory of God" (1 Cor. 10:31)! If we long to hear "well done" from Christ who "has done all things well" (Mark 7:37), we'll try to "excel in everything ... in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in all earnestness" (2 Cor. 8:7).The Big QuestionWhere do you need to strive for greater excellence?[1]: New Year's Resolution Statistics (2022 Updated)Support the Show

"An Odd Couple"

"An Odd Couple"

What’s GoodStrengthen the Bonds of FriendshipRead or WatchYou never know where you'll find a good friend. Like classic TV's Felix and Oscar, Pixar's Woody and Buzz, or Scripture's David and Jonathan, sometimes we find ourselves in an Odd Couple, a surprising friendship that somehow works. We don't measure friendships by what we have in common but by faithfulness, fondness, and memories. Our victories mean more; our misfortunes a little less when shared (Rom. 12:15). God gives many gifts, but few more precious than the people who care about us. Those bonds are worth strengthening.The Big IdeaThrough consistent acts of loyal love, we stockpile trust that friends draw on for a lifetime. We invest in friendships like money in the bank; the currency is kindness. As Paulo Coelho said, "friendship isn't a big thing — it's a million little things." Brick by brick, we build lasting bonds by being available, discrete, and willing to listen. If you want friendship, you act like a friend. Imitate Timothy's genuine concern (Phil. 2:20-21) and Ruth's devotion (Ruth 1:5-19). "But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up" (Eccl. 4:10).Quality beats quantity every time in friendship — better one reliable friend than hundreds who disappear when you need them (Prov. 18:24). A friend "loves at all times;" they're built for "adversity" (Prov. 17:17). They know "the real you" and love you anyway. So their "earnest counsel" tastes sweeter (Prov. 27:9), and even their "wounds" are "faithful" (Prov. 27:6).You have the makings of a "soul-knit" friend (1 Sam. 18:1) when someone, like Jonathan, strengthens your hands in God (1 Sam. 23:16-17). Friends care about more than your happiness (1 Cor. 13:6)! They "pray that all may go well with you and that you may be in good health, as it goes well with your soul" (3 John 2).Jesus wants friendship with us (John 15:13-15), like God's faithful friends before us (James 2:23; Ex. 33:11; Job 29:4). So, friendship, like many of the greatest gifts, can last forever.The Big QuestionWho in your life needs encouragement and connection?Support the Show

"Grandma Nine-Pies"

"Grandma Nine-Pies"

What’s GoodFeel the Fulfillment of a Fruitful FamilyRead or WatchGrandmas tend to go a bit overboard around the holidays. My wife's Grandma Dean was a prolific baker, always bringing some of the tastiest desserts to our family gatherings. But you had to be very careful when asking her to bring a dish. One time we assigned her the task of bringing a pumpkin pie to Thanksgiving, so instead of one pie, she brought nine! Of course, from then on, she was jokingly known as Grandma Nine-Pies.There's almost nothing we wouldn't do for our families — going above and beyond to express our love. So as we continue to consider God's amazing gifts, let's stop to feel the fulfillment of a fruitful family.The Big IdeaFamily bonds can give us love and acceptance that reflects our Heavenly Father's. Our earthly family prepares us to understand the love we have from our Maker. Since, as Paul said when you're "... led by the Spirit of God" you "are sons of God" and"have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, 'Abba! Father!'" (Rom. 8:14-15). What intimacy and depth we experience both at home and with God!A fruitful family comes as a gift from our Father. He blesses us with richness and fulfillment in our homes, as the psalmist sang, "Your wife will be like a fruitful vine within your house; your children will be like olive shoots around your table" (Ps. 128:3). It takes a lot of work and cultivation on our part. Still, when the home works well, it shines a light on God's perfect plan for our well-being.But our families aren't always perfect — maybe it rarely feels like a "home sweet home" — but don't forget that God's design for the bond we share extends to our "brothers" and "sisters" in the church. As we follow our Lord together, we richly bless each other in unity as if we were blood relatives.The Big QuestionWhat could you do to bring your family closer in God's love?Support the Show

"Party Planning"

"Party Planning"

What’s GoodAcknowledge Life's Good Things with JoyRead or WatchI've been to plenty of parties over the years that weren't any fun. It's sad, but no one wants to throw a stinker of a celebration. With all your party planning, you want people to enjoy themselves, feel comfortable and welcomed, and focus their attention on the people and the reason for gathering. But sometimes, a party just goes stale, and people wind up wishing they'd stayed home in their pajamas.So, are followers of Christ any fun? Are we joyful people who know how to let loose and have a good time? So as we continue to think together about God's amazing gifts, let's see the blessing of joyfully celebrating life's good things!The Big IdeaIt pleases and glorifies God when we gratefully enjoy his blessings together. As with so many of the good gifts we've considered already, joyful celebration is a timeless activity we practice now, while we wait to do it for all eternity! Just imagine a scene like the one John saw in Revelation 19, where multitudes shouted praise to God as they waited for the great wedding feast of the Lamb. Also, picture the angel's celebrations when lost souls return to the Lord (Luke 15:3-10). It's safe to say that we've never been to a party like the ones in heaven!After all, God gives us laughter and meals shared with good company! We can "eat and drink and find enjoyment ... from the hand of God, for apart from him who can eat or who can have enjoyment" (Eccl. 2:24-25). But as with everything in life, we party sincerely, thoughtfully, and with plenty of self-control. Of course, we must "fear God and keep his commandments" (Eccl. 12:13), but also, "be joyful and ... do good ... eat and drink and take pleasure ... this is God's gift to man" (Eccl. 3:12-13).The Big QuestionHow are you expressing your joy and enthusiasm to those around you?Support the Show

"Bursting Into Song"

"Bursting Into Song"

What’s GoodOpen Your Heart to Sing PraisesRead or WatchI like musicals, but some people really, really don't. America's founders bursting into song in a tavern? Gang members dancing through a knife fight? And let's not even start on those people dressed up like cats! It's all too much!We can debate the virtues of Broadway shows, but Scripture leaves no doubt about the value of singing. In songs of victory (Ex. 15:1-21), lament (2 Sam. 1:17-27), and praise (Ezra 3:11), the saints of old opened their hearts and participated in God's gift of singing.The Big IdeaSinging expresses what's inside us — what we believe, feel, and decide. God's grace brings out grateful praise (Col. 3:16) as we sing with our "spirit" and our "mind" (1 Cor. 14:15).Singing is a heavenly art we get to practice on earth (Rev. 5:9; 14:3; 15:3). It can make joyful worship a habit (Phil. 4:4). So God says, "Is anyone cheerful? Let him sing praise" (James 5:13). But our songs also express our sorrow and help us find hope in the night, like Paul and Silas singing in prison (Acts 16:25), or Jesus before heading to Gethsemane (Mark 14:26).Melody and harmony can lift or comfort us, but in Scripture, the purposes of singing come from the words. We learn them "by heart," and their messages become portable, guiding wisdom. When we sing — if we mean it — we take a stand for truths we believe in, like, "It is well with my soul." We make and renew commitments, like "I'm not ashamed to own my Lord." We can even discover deeply held longings as we sing of our hope, our need for mercy, and our desire for God's presence. But our songs also challenge, teach, and support one another.It's great to hear one person teaching, but you know what's better? Singing "together ... with one voice" (Rom. 15:6). It's a uniting bond. And when we sing together, we need to hear each other and heed the teaching (Eph. 5:19).The Big QuestionHow have psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs impacted your life?Support the Show

"Teenage Talents on Tape"

"Teenage Talents on Tape"

What’s GoodAppreciate Your Unique AbilitiesRead or WatchTime for another installment of "Embarrassing Home Videos of Dad!" Our daughter loves to queue up hours of footage of our community and school talent shows from my youth. Whether I was attempting to sing a song, play an instrument, or just get a laugh, there was no shortage of my cringe-worthy teenage talents on tape. But isn’t it funny how some people make their performances look effortless? So as we continue to examine God's amazing gifts, let's take some time to appreciate the unique abilities he gives to each of us.The Big IdeaGod manifests his wisdom and glory in the diversity he has filled his good world with. We see it in every aspect of his creation, from the millions of strange and wonderful animal species to the breathtaking spectacles of the cosmos. But maybe no part of God's creation displays his creative range more than the abilities he has given humanity. His image bearers reflect his creativity, order, rationality, and love. From the Mona Lisa to the Empire State Building, from mapping the human genome to walking on the moon, our achievements come from our unique abilities.And what a gracious God who gives us each something unique (Rom. 12:6-8)! Some people can brighten a day with a sentence, while others can explain the most complicated subject and make it understandable. Some people are passionate about feeding people, some love fixing cars, while others want to explore the world and climb every mountain. Our diverse abilities and interests allow humanity to rule over God's world as he created us to do. With our rich tapestry of gifts all woven together, we serve each other and reflect the way God has blessed each of us to his glory (1 Peter 4:10-11).The Big QuestionHow often do you stop and appreciate the good that God fills the world with through the incredible range of gifts he gives us?Support the Show

What’s GoodStop and Enjoy RestRead or WatchWhen I ask someone, "How are you?" they often answer, "Busy!" When did that become our standard reply? We glorify long hours and exhaustion as badges of honor, as proud of our lack of sleep as our results. How bad is it? For some, it's deadly. A recent study found that overworking kills three-quarters of a million people yearly [1]. In Japan, they have a word for it — Karoshi — "death from overwork." Our last session celebrated work, but that's not all God wants for us. Sometimes we need to stop to appreciate his gifts.The Big IdeaWork is good, but God also created us to enjoy the sweetness of rest. We serve a God who rested (Gen. 2:1-3). Remember Jesus napping in the boat (Mark 4:38-40)? Or saying," 'Come away ... and rest a while.' For ... they had no leisure*" (Mark 6:31)? God valued rest so much he required work to cease one day a week (Ex. 20:8). Must have seemed shocking to a group of slaves (cf. Deut. 5:15)! We take a day of rest for granted, but it wasn't always this way.The Sabbath was "a shadow" of Christ (Col. 2:15-17; Heb. 7:12). But it reminds us God wants us to rest. "The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath" (Mark 2:27). We're valued for more than what we produce. Our work isn't as important as we think; life goes on without us getting stuff done for a while. "It is in vain that you rise up early and go late to rest, eating the bread of anxious toil; for he gives to his beloved sleep" (Ps. 127:2). We can have "sweet" sleep (Eccl. 5:12; Prov. 3:24), trusting God to keep us (Ps. 4:8).But rest isn't just something we do; it's our security under God's rule (Deut. 25:19; 1 Kings 5:4). It's a mindset we cultivate, waiting for a greater rest (Heb. 4:9-10). Because even now, those who come to Christ rest in Him (Matt. 11:28-30).The Big QuestionWhat do you learn from God's desire to give us rest?1 - "How Overwork is Killing Us," BBCSupport the Show

"Off to Work I Go"

"Off to Work I Go"

What’s GoodEmbrace the Opportunity to Do Good WorkRead or WatchI've never worked in a mine, but Disney's seven whistling dwarves seemed to enjoy it way more than they had any right to. How does anyone find that much joy in their work? I remember a bumper sticker that read, "I owe, I owe, so off to work I go." And it's true, we all have bills to pay, and sometimes feeding the family is all that keeps us grinding. So, is work one of God's good gifts to embrace or a curse to endure?The Big IdeaThe chance to do good work and appreciate the work of others is worth celebrating. As God the worker (John 5:17) created the universe, separating and ordering (Gen. 1:2-10), then filling it and making it useful (Gen. 1:11-31), we imitate him. Made in his image (Gen. 1:26), we subdue his good world (Gen. 1:28) with wisdom, creativity, and character that reflect his glory.After the fall, the curse brought adversity to working the ground (Gen. 3:17-19), but work wasn't a curse. Even in Eden, God gave humans a job (Gen. 2:15). And he helps us work (Ps. 127:1; Prov. 16:3; John 15:5), allowing us to make a difference in big and small ways, from fixing a faucet to teaching the gospel. "By working hard" we receive the blessing of giving more than we get (Acts 20:33-35; cf. Luke 13:6-9). So even when the company, the people, and the job frustrate us, we find satisfaction in doing our part well. Because to "enjoy life" means pouring "your might" into "whatever your hand finds to do" (Eccl. 9:9-10).So we work to fulfill our purpose; not just for a paycheck or proof of our worth. We were "created for good works" (Eph. 2:8-10), and doing good work is a good work (Eph. 6:5-9; 1 Tim. 5:8-14). All work is holy when we offer it to God — we're "serving the Lord Christ" (Col. 3:22-24) while making widgets, folding laundry, or doing math homework.The Big QuestionHow does your work change when you see it as a gift from God?Support the Show

"Samurai Squirrels"

"Samurai Squirrels"

What’s GoodWonder at God's Work in NatureRead or WatchHave you heard of the Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards? Every year, judges vote on hundreds of photos of the silliest and most unexpected animal hijinks submitted by amateur and professional photographers worldwide. From laughing lions to samurai squirrels, snuggly seals to goofy grizzly bears — chances are you've never seen God's creation quite like this! But whether you’re laughing at pictures of silly animals, taking a quiet evening walk in the woods with a friend, or just enjoying a breathtaking sunrise alone, it's not hard to understand why God called this world "good" in those first few days of creation (Gen. 1:4, 10, 12, 18, 21, 25)! So, as we begin to explore some good things together, starting with God's incredible gifts, what happens when we sit in wonder at God's work in nature?The Big IdeaWhen we don't take in the natural world, we miss a window into the wonder of God's goodness and greatness. It's undoubtedly important to immerse yourself in God's Word, learning more and more about him from the Bible. But don't rob yourself of the joy of glimpsing into his invisible attributes — his eternal power and divine nature — all around you (Rom. 1:19-20)! So take a walk, sit quietly in nature, and maybe watch for some wacky wildlife while you're at it. Let the time you spend enjoying God's creation reinforce how excellent and loving he is.Looking around at the complexity of this world, it's clear that only God could have made "heaven and the earth and the sea and all that is in them" (Acts 14:15). Only a being with unmatched power and wisdom could have made such a rich and magnificent place. And it's not just his power on display, but we're also struck by his goodness — to each one of us! Like Paul said, "He did not leave himself without witness, for he did good by giving you rains from heaven and fruitful seasons, satisfying your hearts with food and gladness" (Acts 14:17).The Big QuestionHow has God's creation impacted how you view him?Support the Show

"Change the Channel"

"Change the Channel"

What’s GoodDwell on God's Praiseworthy Gifts and VirtuesRead or WatchWhen I go on road trips, I still like to listen to the radio. It's fun to hear the sounds change from region to region: from country music to mariachi to local, public radio. And when it goes static, or you hear some coarse language you'd rather avoid, you scan for a new station. You tune into something good.And like the racket on the radio we don't want to hear, it's easy to dwell on discouraging thoughts. But when the darkness gets noisy, we need to change the channel and tune into "whatever is true ... honorable ... just ... pure ... lovely" and "commendable." Scripture says, "if there is anything worthy of praise" to "think about these things" (Phil. 4:8).The Big IdeaThe Lord doesn't just want us to do good things (Phil. 4:9) — he also wants us to think about good things (Phil. 4:8)! Of course, tuning our thoughts isn't as easy as pushing a button on a console. It takes careful attention (Prov. 4:23; Eph. 5:14-15). But like a wild field becomes a garden when tended, we can sow "pure ... lovely ... commendable" thoughts and cultivate new thinking habits. Paul paints a portrait of a mature Christian mind throughout Philippians, culminating in Phil. 4:4-13, where he shows us how to know the "peace of God" and the "God of peace" (Phil. 4:7, 9). Our key verse (Phil. 4:8) falls between those two phrases, showing us the path to maturity and peace.So for the following thirteen lessons, we'll meditate on God's gifts and virtues. Because when we spend time thinking about and talking about the good things God has poured into his world (James 1:17), we become more grateful, committed servants. And as we meditate on his excellent virtues (2 Peter 1:3-8), we learn to treasure what he treasures.So in these conversations, we pray you'll find new hope, joy, and strength. May we recognize God's abundant grace and light through which we will overcome the darkness (2 Cor. 4:6,16).The Big QuestionHas the noise of the world drowned out the good things of God in your heart?Support the Show

"Don't Lose Momentum"

"Don't Lose Momentum"

Training WheelsMaintain Your Forward Progress as ParentsRead or WatchHere's the thing about riding a bike that may seem counterintuitive: the faster you go, the easier it gets to balance. You'd think the rider keeps the bike from falling over, but the bike's inertia makes a big difference too. Just send a bike speeding away without you, and you'd be surprised how far it goes. If you don't lose momentum, riding becomes a breeze. But momentum is also super important for parenting. Slow down, or stop following God's pattern, and things get a whole lot harder! So, as we wrap up our Training Wheels study, let's look back at the big ideas we've tackled, considering how they help us maintain our forward progress with our kids.Stable FoundationsOur leadership throughout our children's lives ingrains the truths, traits, and habits they'll need.The marriage covenant is God's foundation for a stable family.Worship isn't just what we do as a family, it's who we are.Integrity reinforces our kids' structural support system.When discipline demoralizes our kids, we do more harm than good.Shepherding and ShapingWe can find our way in our parenting dilemmas by looking up.Your life speaks volumes to those following behind you.Good parenting is a daily choice you make, not the result of your child's choices.The world is your child's classroom, whether you're teaching them or not.The gospel of grace gives us a new lens to see ourselves, our kids, and our parenting.You can talk at your child and make a lot of noise, or you can talk to them and get through.Sending Them OutAs we send our children into the world, we can't protect them from every danger.Our kids were created for his glory, not ours.What a gift it is to call your child a "brother" or "sister" in Christ.How has this study propelled you into better parenting?Support the Show

"The Greatest Gift"

"The Greatest Gift"

Training WheelsRejoice When Your Children Follow the LordRead or WatchA macaroni necklace. A glitter-bomb birthday card. A "World's Best Dad" coffee cup. If you've ever opened a present from your child, you know it's not the money they spent that makes it valuable. Instead, it's how the gift expresses their love. That's why parents can honestly say, "It's the thought that counts." But what's the greatest gift a parent could receive from their children? We've given stability and shepherding, but what do we hope we've prepared them to do? We send them out, hoping to rejoice with them when our Lord becomes their Lord.The Big IdeaWhat a gift — when a "son" or "daughter" becomes a "brother" or "sister" in Christ. Imagine the day we serve our King alongside them as adults!While hopefully, everyone loves their kids, maybe not everyone likes them. Some children grow up and become people you don't admire or enjoy being around. That's why we work every day to bring them under the shepherding and shaping influence of God. Faithful children don't happen by accident but by continually placing the Lord above all in a family's life (Titus 1:5-6).Sometimes we're the bad guy, saying "no" until they learn to say it for themselves. Rather than treating our kindergarteners like buddies, we invest in disciplining them while they're small so that eventually, we can enjoy friendship with healthy, spiritually developed adults. Don't rush the process! And so we send them out into the world — not to leave us forever, but to build their own lives and families on what we've given them. We want to share our lives with their families because that's our family.As parents, we look down the road beyond the piano recitals, report cards, and career decisions. It's fun to see our kids succeed, but life is full of hard choices. They need to know that if they lose their soul, they've lost everything (Mark 8:36). So keep the faith and remind them every day about the greatest gift ever given: salvation in Jesus!The Big QuestionWill your kids become people you enjoy being around?Support the Show

"Mona Lisa Smile"

"Mona Lisa Smile"

Training WheelsPrepare Your Child for a Life of Service to GodRead or WatchImagine if your job was to take care of a priceless work of art. When da Vinci painted the world's most beloved portrait, he couldn't have known that over six million people would flock to see that famous, enigmatic, Mona Lisa smile every year. Experts say it's worth over $860 million — a treasure the Louvre staff have the immense responsibility of protecting and sharing with the world. But we're called to take care of even greater masterpieces, created by an Artist beyond comparison. So before we send our children into the world, let's prepare them for a life dedicated to their Maker.The Big IdeaGod made our kids for his glory, not ours. Though we're glad they belong to us, we want them to belong to him. As Hannah said, "For this child I prayed, and the Lord has granted me my petition that I made to him. Therefore I have lent him to the Lord. As long as he lives, he is lent to the Lord" (1 Sam. 1:27-28). Hannah didn't know who Samuel would become or his significance in God's work. But she dedicated him to God and instilled a sense of identity as God's servant.God knew our kids before we did, forming them "fearfully and wonderfully" in the womb. All their days are in his book (Psalm 139:1-5, 13-15). He's the source, the vine that'll make their lives fruitful. And as they abide in him, he'll answer their prayers and keep them in his love (John 15:4-10). When they believe God works mightily in them (Eph. 3:20; Phil. 2:13), it changes how they see themselves.Devote your kids to God in your heart, training them in his way, surrendering their future to his care, and praying for his will to be done in their lives. We're stewards entrusted with these precious souls, readying them for life beyond our care. So as we receive children from the Lord, may they give themselves to him.The Big QuestionDo you see yourself as a steward, preparing your kids for life without you?Support the Show

Training WheelsGuide Your Kids Through Life's DifficultiesRead or WatchAlmost everything seems life-threatening to a newborn baby, especially when you're a first-time parent. A loose blanket in their crib, a small toy, stairs, pets, coffee table corners, and especially the dreaded electrical outlets all seem to pose a mortal danger to small children. You might wrap your child in bubble wrap if it wasn't such a potential choking hazard! But it doesn't get easier as our kids grow up. There's always danger lurking around the next corner. Though "helicopter parenting" is tempting, someday they'll need to face difficulties without you. So, as we prepare to send our kids out into the world, how do we empower them and guide them through life's obstacles?The Big IdeaAs we send our children into the world, we can't protect them from every danger. Our kids, like all of us, may travel "through the valley of the shadow of death" someday (Ps. 23:4). We may grieve over the life they've chosen, as David did with Absalom (2 Sam. 19:4). Maybe we'll mourn for the treatment they've unfairly endured, like Mary at her son's crucifixion (John 19:26). With storms on the horizon, let's build our homes on solid ground now, shepherding and shaping them according to the Lord's pattern.Be there for them, always available to step in and help when they're ready for our support. Our kids should know that we'll always love them, no matter the mistakes they've made or the situation in which they've found themselves. Remember how the prodigal son's "father saw him and felt compassion, and ran and embraced him and kissed him" (Luke 15:20)?But here's some good news: we have a helper who cares about them even more than we do. So get on your knees every day, pleading for his protection over them, as Job did for his children (Job 1:5). When we feel powerless to step in and rescue them, call on the Almighty Father to "keep them from the evil one" (John 17:15).The Big QuestionHow will you respond when your child fails their tests?Support the Show

"Eloquent Orations"

"Eloquent Orations"

Training WheelsBe Purposeful With Your CommunicationRead or WatchTheir eyes glaze over. They stare off into the distance. Your words wash over them in waves of nonsensical noise. Like Charlie Brown's teacher, have you ever felt like your eloquent orations to your kids sound more like, "Wah wah woh wah wah" in their ears? Have we lost the ability to speak our child's language somewhere along the way? Is it even possible to communicate clearly with your kids? So as we shepherd and shape them, let's be more purposeful with what we say and how we say it.The Big IdeaYou can talk at your child and make a lot of noise, or you can talk to them and get through. Following Christ's example, our kids should know our voice (John 10:3-4). But it's more than recognizing the sound of someone's voice — it's about connecting with the meaning of the message. If our message isn't received, we're not communicating. Are we being understood? Or are we just spraying them with a sea of senseless sounds?Communication isn't a one-way activity but a two-way dialogue. Listen to them — getting to know their voice — and consider how best to respond. It takes knowing yourself and your child to have a successful conversation. As we invest in becoming their sounding-board, we'd do well to be "quick to hear, slow to speak," controlling our tongues (James 1:19, 26). We communicate better when we commit to knowing our kids' world, where they're coming from, and what they're trying to tell us. Are you an effective listener or always doing the talking?Season your words with grace (Col. 4:5-6), mindful of your headspace and attitude. Are you under control or losing your cool? A small child understands tone even when they don't grasp all the words. Whatever your child's age, how you say things can matter just as much as what you say. And remember that they will mirror what you talk about and how you say it.The Big QuestionAre you invested in hearing your kids and helping them to hear you?Support the Show