Daily Bible Refresh

In this episode of Daily Bible Refresh, Dr. Brad Miller reflects on Matthew 14:1–12, where Herod’s fear of losing face leads him to order John the Baptist’s execution. The story prompts a difficult but honest discussion about how protecting one’s image can undermine integrity, and how faith does not guarantee rescue from suffering. Drawing on his own experience with cancer, Dr. Miller emphasizes that people facing grief often need compassionate presence more than easy explanations. He points to John’s disciples—who cared for his body and told Jesus—as an example of carrying loss to someone who understands, and invites listeners to share a loss with Jesus and someone they trust.

Key takeaways

• Fear of losing face can lead to terrible choices. Herod prioritizes his reputation with his guests over John’s life
• Protecting an image can come at the cost of integrity. Dr. Miller asks listeners to consider where they may be holding onto a position or promise simply to avoid looking foolish.
• Faithful people still experience suffering. John’s story offers no miraculous rescue, and the episode does not gloss over that reality
• Presence can matter more than explanations. Dr. Miller reflects that support during hardship comes from people who stay with us, rather than relying on pithy answers about why suffering happens.
• Grief deserves care and expression. John’s disciples bury him with reverence and report what happened to Jesus—a way of bringing their grief to someone who understands.
• Action step: Name a loss you’re carrying, tell Jesus about it, and share it with someone you trust—without trying to explain or fix it first.

Links referenced in this episode:

• voiceofgoddaily.com

The "Daily Bible Refresh" is presented each day by Rev. Dr. Brad Miller who has a goal of speaking a bit of the bible into two million ears (one million people) in three years (2025-2028).

Brad served as a local church pastor for forty years and has a background in radio and podcasting. Moreover, he is a life-long student of The Bible.

He believes in the words of Jesus that “scripture is fulfilled in your hearing” (Luke 4:21)

The "Daily Bible Refresh" is available seven days a week by 6:00 am ET. The episodes are no longer than ten minutes long and are...

• Understandable: A reading from the New Testament (usually the Gospel) selected from the Revised Common Lectionary using "The Message" translation.
• Relatable: You will have a couple of "points to ponder" from the text which will relate to your life
• Applicable: Every episode includes a way you can take action based on the reading
• A recommended resource to help you go deeper in biblical study and spiritual direction.
• A prayer for your day.

The "Daily Bible Refresh" is available every day at VoiceofGodDaily.com on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and all major podcast directories.

You can help Dr. Brad attain his goal of getting a bit of the bible into two million ears by subscribing to "Daily Bible Refresh" on Apple Podcasts, leaving a five-star rating, and writing a review. More importantly please share with your network of family and friends about the "Daily Bible Refresh".

Please make listening to the "Daily Bible Refresh" a part of your daily life.

Remember… “All scripture is God-breathed and useful”(2 Timothy 3:16)

In this episode of The Daily Bible Refresh, Dr. Brad Miller introduces a daily, progressive reading of the Bible, featuring New Testament lessons selected from the Revised Common Lectionary and presented in the relatable Message version. He describes the show’s format—scripture, points to ponder, practical lessons, and action steps—and invites listeners to support its mission of bringing the audible word of God to two million people by 2028. The transcript excerpt ends before the day’s reading and reflections are included.

Key takeaways

• The podcast offers a daily Bible reading from a progressive perspective.
• Its readings are New Testament lessons selected from the Revised Common Lectionary.
• Dr. Miller uses The Message to make the readings understandable and relatable.
• Episodes are intended to include reflection and practical action steps.
• The program is listener-supported, with donations accepted at VoiceOfGodDaily.com.

Links referenced in this episode:

• voiceofgoddaily.com

The "Daily Bible Refresh" is presented each day by Rev. Dr. Brad Miller who has a goal of speaking a bit of the bible into two million ears (one million people) in three years (2025-2028).

Brad served as a local church pastor for forty years and has a background in radio and podcasting. Moreover, he is a life-long student of The Bible.

He believes in the words of Jesus that “scripture is fulfilled in your hearing” (Luke 4:21)

The "Daily Bible Refresh" is available seven days a week by 6:00 am ET. The episodes are no longer than ten minutes long and are...

• Understandable: A reading from the New Testament (usually the Gospel) selected from the Revised Common Lectionary using "The Message" translation.
• Relatable: You will have a couple of "points to ponder" from the text which will relate to your life
• Applicable: Every episode includes a way you can take action based on the reading
• A recommended resource to help you go deeper in biblical study and spiritual direction.
• A prayer for your day.

The "Daily Bible Refresh" is available every day at VoiceofGodDaily.com on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and all major podcast directories.

You can help Dr. Brad attain his goal of getting a bit of the bible into two million ears by subscribing to "Daily Bible Refresh" on Apple Podcasts, leaving a five-star rating, and writing a review. More importantly please share with your network of family and friends about the "Daily Bible Refresh".

Please make listening to the "Daily Bible Refresh" a part of your daily life.

Remember… “All scripture is God-breathed and useful”(2 Timothy 3:16)

In this episode of Daily Bible Refresh, Dr. Brad Miller reflects on 3 John 9–12 and the contrast between Diotrephes, who uses his authority to exclude others, and Demetrius, whose good character is affirmed by those around him. Through a story about unspoken “reserved seats,” Dr. Miller explores how fear and the desire for control can get in the way of hospitality. He argues that faith is shown not by winning arguments or claiming credentials, but by modeling goodness and showing up for others. The episode closes with a practical invitation to make room for someone, express appreciation, and pray for the courage to welcome those who are left outside.

Key takeaways

• Hospitality reveals what we believe: Welcoming others puts faith into practice.
• Control can crowd out welcome: Fear may lead us to protect our place or institution at the expense of someone seeking belonging.
• The door should be open to everyone: The “bread of life” is for the world, not only for those who already have a seat.
• Model goodness rather than argue for it: The passage calls people to demonstrate what is good through their actions.
• Presence builds credibility: Like Demetrius, people earn trust by showing up and being there for others.
• Make welcome concrete: Save a seat for someone and tell them what you appreciate about them.
• Choose courage over regret: Dr. Miller reflects that he has regretted shutting people out more than opening the door to them.

Links referenced in this episode:

• voiceofgoddaily.com

The "Daily Bible Refresh" is presented each day by Rev. Dr. Brad Miller who has a goal of speaking a bit of the bible into two million ears (one million people) in three years (2025-2028).

Brad served as a local church pastor for forty years and has a background in radio and podcasting. Moreover, he is a life-long student of The Bible.

He believes in the words of Jesus that “scripture is fulfilled in your hearing” (Luke 4:21)

The "Daily Bible Refresh" is available seven days a week by 6:00 am ET. The episodes are no longer than ten minutes long and are...

• Understandable: A reading from the New Testament (usually the Gospel) selected from the Revised Common Lectionary using "The Message" translation.
• Relatable: You will have a couple of "points to ponder" from the text which will relate to your life
• Applicable: Every episode includes a way you can take action based on the reading
• A recommended resource to help you go deeper in biblical study and spiritual direction.
• A prayer for your day.

The "Daily Bible Refresh" is available every day at VoiceofGodDaily.com on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and all major podcast directories.

You can help Dr. Brad attain his goal of getting a bit of the bible into two million ears by subscribing to "Daily Bible Refresh" on Apple Podcasts, leaving a five-star rating, and writing a review. More importantly please share with your network of family and friends about the "Daily Bible Refresh".

Please make listening to the "Daily Bible Refresh" a part of your daily life.

Remember… “All scripture is God-breathed and useful”(2 Timothy 3:16)

In this episode of The Daily Bible Refresh, Dr. Brad Miller reflects on John 6:25–38, where Jesus describes himself as the bread of life. From a progressive perspective, he considers how Jesus meets people’s physical needs before addressing belief, and how lasting nourishment can mean finding purpose and companionship rather than an instant fix. Dr. Miller emphasizes that the bread of life is offered to the whole world, encourages listeners to support someone in a hard season through food and caring presence, and closes with a prayer and an invitation to support the podcast’s mission.

Key takeaways

• Jesus responds to people’s physical hunger before asking them to affirm a particular belief.
• Dr. Miller’s cancer journey shifted his prayers from seeking an immediate cure toward seeking purpose and someone to be present with him.
• The passage’s “bread of life” is presented as a gift for the whole world—not limited by church, ethnicity, language, or theology.
• Faith is framed as trusting and committing to Jesus, rather than completing a checklist.
• Jesus’ promise to hold on to those who come to him offers reassurance that no one is dropped or abandoned.

Links referenced in this episode:

• voiceofgoddaily.com

The "Daily Bible Refresh" is presented each day by Rev. Dr. Brad Miller who has a goal of speaking a bit of the bible into two million ears (one million people) in three years (2025-2028).

Brad served as a local church pastor for forty years and has a background in radio and podcasting. Moreover, he is a life-long student of The Bible.

He believes in the words of Jesus that “scripture is fulfilled in your hearing” (Luke 4:21)

The "Daily Bible Refresh" is available seven days a week by 6:00 am ET. The episodes are no longer than ten minutes long and are...

• Understandable: A reading from the New Testament (usually the Gospel) selected from the Revised Common Lectionary using "The Message" translation.
• Relatable: You will have a couple of "points to ponder" from the text which will relate to your life
• Applicable: Every episode includes a way you can take action based on the reading
• A recommended resource to help you go deeper in biblical study and spiritual direction.
• A prayer for your day.

The "Daily Bible Refresh" is available every day at VoiceofGodDaily.com on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and all major podcast directories.

You can help Dr. Brad attain his goal of getting a bit of the bible into two million ears by subscribing to "Daily Bible Refresh" on Apple Podcasts, leaving a five-star rating, and writing a review. More importantly please share with your network of family and friends about the "Daily Bible Refresh".

Please make listening to the "Daily Bible Refresh" a part of your daily life.

Remember… “All scripture is God-breathed and useful”(2 Timothy 3:16)

In this episode of Daily Bible Refresh, Dr. Brad Miller reflects on Philippians 3:13–4:1 from a progressive Christian perspective. Paul’s words about pressing toward the goal become an invitation to keep growing even when faith feels unfinished. Drawing on his experience as a longtime pastor and cancer survivor, Dr. Miller explores how doubt and hardship can be part of the journey—and how our bodies matter to God, who seeks to make us whole rather than discard us. The episode closes with a practical challenge: thank someone who has shown you how to persevere.

• Being unfinished is part of faith. You don’t need to have everything figured out to keep moving forward.
• Doubts and unanswered prayers don’t disqualify you. They can be part of the ongoing journey of faith.
• Keep your focus on the goal. Like a runner putting one step in front of the other, perseverance comes through continuing the journey.
• Our bodies matter to God. Physical illness, pain, or exhaustion doesn’t mean God is finished with us.
• Beware of a life centered only on comfort. Dr. Miller frames Paul’s warning as a reminder not to avoid our own or others’ pain just to pursue ease.

Links referenced in this episode:

• voiceofgoddaily.com

The "Daily Bible Refresh" is presented each day by Rev. Dr. Brad Miller who has a goal of speaking a bit of the bible into two million ears (one million people) in three years (2025-2028).

Brad served as a local church pastor for forty years and has a background in radio and podcasting. Moreover, he is a life-long student of The Bible.

He believes in the words of Jesus that “scripture is fulfilled in your hearing” (Luke 4:21)

The "Daily Bible Refresh" is available seven days a week by 6:00 am ET. The episodes are no longer than ten minutes long and are...

• Understandable: A reading from the New Testament (usually the Gospel) selected from the Revised Common Lectionary using "The Message" translation.
• Relatable: You will have a couple of "points to ponder" from the text which will relate to your life
• Applicable: Every episode includes a way you can take action based on the reading
• A recommended resource to help you go deeper in biblical study and spiritual direction.
• A prayer for your day.

The "Daily Bible Refresh" is available every day at VoiceofGodDaily.com on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and all major podcast directories.

You can help Dr. Brad attain his goal of getting a bit of the bible into two million ears by subscribing to "Daily Bible Refresh" on Apple Podcasts, leaving a five-star rating, and writing a review. More importantly please share with your network of family and friends about the "Daily Bible Refresh".

Please make listening to the "Daily Bible Refresh" a part of your daily life.

Remember… “All scripture is God-breathed and useful”(2 Timothy 3:16)

In this episode of Daily Bible Refresh, Dr. Brad Miller reflects on Jude 17–25 from The Message and its call to build faith through prayer, remain rooted in God’s love, and respond to others with mercy. Using a story about encountering a dead skunk on a hike, he considers Jude’s warning about harm that “stinks,” then shares how facing cancer taught him that a clenched-fist effort to control everything can keep a person from receiving mercy and joy. The episode invites listeners to meet people who are uncertain about faith with open arms, compassion, honest attention to harm, and a willingness to listen.

• Keep an open posture: Faith grows through receiving mercy, not trying to control everything.
• Doubt is not the enemy: Make room for people who are hesitant or unsure in their faith.
• Respond with different kinds of mercy: Go easy on those who hesitate, pursue those going astray, and be tender toward people while staying honest about harm.
• Focus on the impact of sin: Dr. Miller describes sin as harmful to people, rather than as a way for God to keep score.
• Listen without trying to fix: Invite someone who is struggling or uncertain to coffee or a meal; ask an honest question and listen without offering quick solutions.
• Personal experience can change perspective: Dr. Miller says that trying to manage his cancer diagnosis through sheer control left him grumpy, while opening up helped make room for joy and mercy.
• Let compassion and accountability coexist: Be tender with people while remaining clear-eyed about the harm their actions cause.

Links referenced in this episode:

• voiceofgoddaily.com

The "Daily Bible Refresh" is presented each day by Rev. Dr. Brad Miller who has a goal of speaking a bit of the bible into two million ears (one million people) in three years (2025-2028).

Brad served as a local church pastor for forty years and has a background in radio and podcasting. Moreover, he is a life-long student of The Bible.

He believes in the words of Jesus that “scripture is fulfilled in your hearing” (Luke 4:21)

The "Daily Bible Refresh" is available seven days a week by 6:00 am ET. The episodes are no longer than ten minutes long and are...

• Understandable: A reading from the New Testament (usually the Gospel) selected from the Revised Common Lectionary using "The Message" translation.
• Relatable: You will have a couple of "points to ponder" from the text which will relate to your life
• Applicable: Every episode includes a way you can take action based on the reading
• A recommended resource to help you go deeper in biblical study and spiritual direction.
• A prayer for your day.

The "Daily Bible Refresh" is available every day at VoiceofGodDaily.com on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and all major podcast directories.

You can help Dr. Brad attain his goal of getting a bit of the bible into two million ears by subscribing to "Daily Bible Refresh" on Apple Podcasts, leaving a five-star rating, and writing a review. More importantly please share with your network of family and friends about the "Daily Bible Refresh".

Please make listening to the "Daily Bible Refresh" a part of your daily life.

Remember… “All scripture is God-breathed and useful”(2 Timothy 3:16)

In this episode of The Daily Bible Refresh, Dr. Brad Miller introduces a short daily Bible reading from a progressive Christian perspective. He says the episode will use the Message version of the New Testament lesson selected for the day by the Revised Common Lectionary, with points to ponder, practical action steps, and a closing prayer—all in under 10 minutes. He also shares how listeners can support the show and its mission to bring the audible Word of God to more people.

Key takeaways

• The episode is presented as a daily Bible reading from a progressive point of view.
• The planned reading is a New Testament lesson from the Revised Common Lectionary.
• Dr. Miller says he uses The Message to make the reading relatable and understandable.

Links referenced in this episode:

• voiceofgoddaily.com

The "Daily Bible Refresh" is presented each day by Rev. Dr. Brad Miller who has a goal of speaking a bit of the bible into two million ears (one million people) in three years (2025-2028).

Brad served as a local church pastor for forty years and has a background in radio and podcasting. Moreover, he is a life-long student of The Bible.

He believes in the words of Jesus that “scripture is fulfilled in your hearing” (Luke 4:21)

The "Daily Bible Refresh" is available seven days a week by 6:00 am ET. The episodes are no longer than ten minutes long and are...

• Understandable: A reading from the New Testament (usually the Gospel) selected from the Revised Common Lectionary using "The Message" translation.
• Relatable: You will have a couple of "points to ponder" from the text which will relate to your life
• Applicable: Every episode includes a way you can take action based on the reading
• A recommended resource to help you go deeper in biblical study and spiritual direction.
• A prayer for your day.

The "Daily Bible Refresh" is available every day at VoiceofGodDaily.com on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and all major podcast directories.

You can help Dr. Brad attain his goal of getting a bit of the bible into two million ears by subscribing to "Daily Bible Refresh" on Apple Podcasts, leaving a five-star rating, and writing a review. More importantly please share with your network of family and friends about the "Daily Bible Refresh".

Please make listening to the "Daily Bible Refresh" a part of your daily life.

Remember… “All scripture is God-breathed and useful”(2 Timothy 3:16)

In this episode of Daily Bible Refresh, Dr. Brad Miller reflects on Mark 2:18–22, where Jesus responds to questions about fasting with images of a wedding feast, new cloth, and new wine in new wineskins. Dr. Miller explores how joy can coexist with hardship, sharing how laughter has helped him while living with prostate cancer, and invites listeners to reconsider beliefs about God that may have become rigid or outdated. He closes with a practical challenge: share a joyful moment and an honest question about faith with someone at the table.

Key takeaways

• Joy is part of faith, not a sign of being unserious. Spiritual practice need not be measured by how little enjoyment someone allows themselves.
• Joy and grief can coexist. Laughter can offer comfort and connection during difficult seasons; it doesn’t mean hardship is being denied.
• Jesus uses the wedding feast to emphasize celebration. When the bridegroom is present, the appropriate response is to feast—not to impose a fast.
• Faith needs room to grow and stretch. The image of new wine and wineskins invites listeners to examine ideas about God that may no longer serve them.
• Questions can help faith breathe. Doubt or uncertainty isn’t necessarily a failure; honest questions can open space for reflection and growth.
• Flexibility can be a strength. Like trees that bend in storms, people and their faith may become more resilient by adapting through change.

Links referenced in this episode:

• voiceofgoddaily.com

The "Daily Bible Refresh" is presented each day by Rev. Dr. Brad Miller who has a goal of speaking a bit of the bible into two million ears (one million people) in three years (2025-2028).

Brad served as a local church pastor for forty years and has a background in radio and podcasting. Moreover, he is a life-long student of The Bible.

He believes in the words of Jesus that “scripture is fulfilled in your hearing” (Luke 4:21)

The "Daily Bible Refresh" is available seven days a week by 6:00 am ET. The episodes are no longer than ten minutes long and are...

• Understandable: A reading from the New Testament (usually the Gospel) selected from the Revised Common Lectionary using "The Message" translation.
• Relatable: You will have a couple of "points to ponder" from the text which will relate to your life
• Applicable: Every episode includes a way you can take action based on the reading
• A recommended resource to help you go deeper in biblical study and spiritual direction.
• A prayer for your day.

The "Daily Bible Refresh" is available every day at VoiceofGodDaily.com on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and all major podcast directories.

You can help Dr. Brad attain his goal of getting a bit of the bible into two million ears by subscribing to "Daily Bible Refresh" on Apple Podcasts, leaving a five-star rating, and writing a review. More importantly please share with your network of family and friends about the "Daily Bible Refresh".

Please make listening to the "Daily Bible Refresh" a part of your daily life.

Remember… “All scripture is God-breathed and useful”(2 Timothy 3:16)

In this episode of The Daily Bible Refresh, Dr. Brad Miller reflects on James 4:4–10 from The Message, exploring what it means to turn from self-centered ways and draw closer to God. He describes God’s “jealous” love as fierce care rather than anger, and compares faithfulness to the small, daily choices that sustain his 35-year marriage. He also considers how humor can help us cope but sometimes conceal pain, interpreting James’s call to humility as an invitation to be honest about what hurts and trust God to help us rise again.

Key takeaways

• James warns against putting our own desires above God’s way.
• God’s fierce love is presented as care that calls us toward something better, not as insecurity or anger.
• Faithfulness is built through small, repeated choices—a “quiet yes” each day.
• “The world” in this reflection means a self-centered, greedy way of living, not people of other faiths or ordinary pleasures.
• Humor can be healing, but it can also become a way to avoid difficult feelings.
• Humility before God is framed as honest vulnerability, not groveling or pretending to be okay.

Links referenced in this episode:

• voiceofgoddaily.com

The "Daily Bible Refresh" is presented each day by Rev. Dr. Brad Miller who has a goal of speaking a bit of the bible into two million ears (one million people) in three years (2025-2028).

Brad served as a local church pastor for forty years and has a background in radio and podcasting. Moreover, he is a life-long student of The Bible.

He believes in the words of Jesus that “scripture is fulfilled in your hearing” (Luke 4:21)

The "Daily Bible Refresh" is available seven days a week by 6:00 am ET. The episodes are no longer than ten minutes long and are...

• Understandable: A reading from the New Testament (usually the Gospel) selected from the Revised Common Lectionary using "The Message" translation.
• Relatable: You will have a couple of "points to ponder" from the text which will relate to your life
• Applicable: Every episode includes a way you can take action based on the reading
• A recommended resource to help you go deeper in biblical study and spiritual direction.
• A prayer for your day.

The "Daily Bible Refresh" is available every day at VoiceofGodDaily.com on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and all major podcast directories.

You can help Dr. Brad attain his goal of getting a bit of the bible into two million ears by subscribing to "Daily Bible Refresh" on Apple Podcasts, leaving a five-star rating, and writing a review. More importantly please share with your network of family and friends about the "Daily Bible Refresh".

Please make listening to the "Daily Bible Refresh" a part of your daily life.

Remember… “All scripture is God-breathed and useful”(2 Timothy 3:16)

In this episode of Daily Bible Refresh, Dr. Brad Miller reflects on 1 Peter 5:1–5 and 12–14, contrasting Peter’s model of humble, caring leadership with Caiaphas’s self-serving pursuit of power. He explores how leaders—and anyone others rely on—can guide through generosity and tenderness rather than bossiness, and how God delights in “just plain people.” Drawing on his own experience with cancer, Dr. Miller emphasizes the comfort of personal connection and reminds listeners that those who feel marginalized are not forgotten. He closes with a practical challenge: recognize and thank someone dependable who may not often receive acknowledgment.

Key takeaways

1. Lead by showing the way, not bossing people around. Peter’s example favors tender guidance over forceful commands.
2. Choose care over self-interest. Good leadership is motivated by a desire to serve, not by what a person can gain.
3. Anyone can be a shepherd to someone. Parents, grandparents, coaches, bosses, pastors, and trusted friends all have opportunities to care for others.
4. God delights in ordinary people. Status, credentials, background, and pedigree matter less than humility and faithfulness.
5. Personal connection can be deeply sustaining. Remembering someone’s name, showing up, or offering a meaningful gesture may matter more than grand words or institutions.
6. People who feel exiled or overlooked are not forgotten. Peter’s closing greetings offer a reminder of belonging and care.

Links referenced in this episode:

• voiceofgoddaily.com

The "Daily Bible Refresh" is presented each day by Rev. Dr. Brad Miller who has a goal of speaking a bit of the bible into two million ears (one million people) in three years (2025-2028).

Brad served as a local church pastor for forty years and has a background in radio and podcasting. Moreover, he is a life-long student of The Bible.

He believes in the words of Jesus that “scripture is fulfilled in your hearing” (Luke 4:21)

The "Daily Bible Refresh" is available seven days a week by 6:00 am ET. The episodes are no longer than ten minutes long and are...

• Understandable: A reading from the New Testament (usually the Gospel) selected from the Revised Common Lectionary using "The Message" translation.
• Relatable: You will have a couple of "points to ponder" from the text which will relate to your life
• Applicable: Every episode includes a way you can take action based on the reading
• A recommended resource to help you go deeper in biblical study and spiritual direction.
• A prayer for your day.

The "Daily Bible Refresh" is available every day at VoiceofGodDaily.com on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and all major podcast directories.

You can help Dr. Brad attain his goal of getting a bit of the bible into two million ears by subscribing to "Daily Bible Refresh" on Apple Podcasts, leaving a five-star rating, and writing a review. More importantly please share with your network of family and friends about the "Daily Bible Refresh".

Please make listening to the "Daily Bible Refresh" a part of your daily life.

Remember… “All scripture is God-breathed and useful”(2 Timothy 3:16)