Reflections

Latest Episodes:

Faithful Through Failure Mar 31, 2021

Show notes

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

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

Bible Reading
2 Samuel 7:8-17

Reflection Questions

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

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

Host: Cheree Hayes
Message: Dr. Tim Mackie
Production and Bible Reading: Dan Gummel
Theme music: Grant William Harold
Background Music: Blue by IamDayLight

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When You Feel Powerless Mar 24, 2021

Show notes

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

Bible Reading
1 Samuel 2:1-10

Reflection Questions

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

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

Show Credits

Host: Cheree Hayes
Message: Dr. Tim Mackie
Production and Bible Reading: Michelle Jones
Theme music: Grant William Harold
Background Music: Jon Gegelman, Carried Strings of Epic Kings

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How God Treats His Enemies Mar 17, 2021

Show notes

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

Bible Reading
Ruth 2:11-12

Reflection Questions:

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

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

Host: Cheree Hayes
Message: Dr. Carissa Quinn
Production and Bible reading: Dan Gummel
Theme music: Grant William Harold
Background music: Dear Gravity, Riven (ft. We Dream of Eden)

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When We Walk Out on God Mar 10, 2021

Show notes

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

Bible Reading
Judges‬ ‭2:10-19‬

Reflection Questions

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

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

Host: Cheree Hayes
Message: Dr. Carissa Quinn
Production and Bible Reading: Dan Gummel
Theme music: Grant William Harold
Background Music: "Walk with Me" by Reuben Y. Cottingham

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Making Sense of Divine Violence Mar 03, 2021

Show notes

There’s a lot of violence in the Old Testament, but isn’t God loving? How do we make sense of all this? In this episode, we are exploring a few key things to keep in mind while looking at the topic of violence in the Bible.

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

Bible Reading:
Joshua 1:1-9

Reflection Questions:

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

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

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

Host: Cheree Hayes
Message: Dr. Tim Mackie
Production and Bible Reading: Dan Gummel
Theme music: Grant William Harold
Background Music: "Tides" by Some Were At Sea

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Understanding Ancient Laws Feb 24, 2021

Show notes

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

Bible Reading
Deuteronomy 30:15-18

Reflection Questions

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

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

Host: Cheree Hayes
Message: Dr. Carissa Quinn
Production and Bible Reading: Dan Gummel
Theme music: Grant William Harold
Background Music: Horizon by Cloud Cover

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God's Wisdom on Display Feb 17, 2021

Show notes

Why did God give his people so many rules? In this episode, we’re reflecting on the wisdom and purpose of God's commands.
Bible Reading
Deuteronomy 4:5-9

Reflection Questions

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

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

Host: Cheree Hayes
Message: Dr. Tim Mackie
Production and Bible Reading: Dan Gummel
Theme music: Grant William Harold
Background Music: Reuben Y. Cottingham

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Trusting God in the Wilderness Feb 10, 2021

Show notes

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

Bible Reading
Numbers 13:25-33
Reflection Questions

What specific fears or doubts have held you back from trusting and obeying God?
Instead of replaying your past or current fears, shift your focus to God. What comes to mind as you remember God’s trustworthy character?
Jesus leads all who trust in him into an experience of God’s promises. The road isn’t easy, but it leads to life. What is one step you can take today to trust and follow him?

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

Host: Cheree Hayes
Message: Dr. Carissa Quinn
Production and Bible reading: Dan Gummel
Theme music: Grant William Harold
Background music: "Washed Away" by David James Terry

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Gift of Rest Feb 03, 2021

Show notes

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

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

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

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

Host: Cheree Hayes
Message: Dr. Carissa Quinn
Production and Bible reading: Dan Gummel
Theme music: Grant William Harold
Background music: "Fire, Sleeper" by Dear Gravity and We Dream of Eden

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Meaning of Sacrifice Jan 27, 2021

Show notes

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

Hebrews 10:11-22

Reflection Questions

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

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

Host: Cheree Hayes
Message: Dr. Carissa Quinn
Production and Bible Reading: Dan Gummel
Theme music: Grant William Harold
Background Music: Pilgrim: Some Were at Sea

Powered and distributed by Simplecast.