How does our Western/individualistic perspective limit our understanding of the Bible that was written from an Eastern/collectivist perspective? Discover some cultural norms left unsaid in Scripture.   

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As we read Scripture through the lens of our Western culture, this week’s guest, Randy Richards, reminds us that we may miss or misread some key values embedded in the Ancient Near Eastern culture the Bible was written in. Our Western individualist culture values “me” over “we,” but the Eastern collectivist culture that the Bible was set in values kinship, patronage, and brokerage that emphasize the family or group dynamic rather than an individual.  

Understanding the ancient Mediterranean culture that serves as the backdrop for the Bible can add rich context that can shed a whole new light on some passages of Scripture. 

How can discovering the cultural context of the Bible help you better understand and apply Scripture to your life? 

What could your next step toward learning more about the cultural context of the Old and New Testament look like? 

Reflect  

• What can you learn about the family dynamics between Joseph and his father and brothers by reading Genesis 37 through the lens of valuing kinship, which emphasizes strong family ties and parents mediating between siblings? 
• How does Ephesians 2:8 model the value of patronage, which emphasizes a patron giving a gift to help rescue a loyal friend? 
• How do 1 Timothy 2:5 and 1 John 2:1 model the value of brokerage, which emphasizes having a mediator speak on your behalf? 
• How do you feel reading John 1:12 and 1 Thessalonians 1:4 knowing you are part of God’s family?  
• Based on Matthew 6:3 and Luke 6:35, how are Jesus’ disciples supposed to differ from the patronage culture of that time? 
• How significant is it that Jesus calls His disciples, including you, His friends in John 15:15? 
• Based on Romans 1:20–21 and Psalm 50, how are we to respond to God’s gifts? 
• In Luke 7:1–10, why did the centurion send Jewish elders and then friends to Jesus instead of going to Jesus on his own?   

Respond 

(Use this prayer to start a conversation with God) 

“Dear God, thank You that understanding more of the Bible’s cultural context can help me get a deeper understanding of You! Help me grow in my knowledge of Scripture so I can grow in my love for You! Help me to apply Your words to my life.”      

Discover more about the topics in this episode with these recommended resources 

Mentioned in this episode: 

• Misreading Scripture with Individualist Eyes by our guest E. Randolph Richards  

Listen: 

• Misreading Scripture with Western Eyes  
• Misreading Paul | Week 1 
• Misreading Paul | Week 2 

Read: 

• Understanding the Original Situation 
• In the Beginning: Reading Genesis and Exodus  

Watch: 

• Biblical Context Explained 
• The Holy Land 

Struggling with worry and anxiety? No matter what you’re struggling with, discover how to cast your cares on God.

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It’s easy to feel overwhelmed with worries, cares, and anxious thoughts, but you’re not meant to carry all those burdens on your own. Jesus said not to worry, and the apostle Paul said to cast all your cares on God.  

What are you worried about?  

What may be hindering you from trusting God with your worries, anxious thoughts, cares, and concerns?  

What could your next step toward trusting God more and worrying less look like? 

Reflect  

• How does it feel knowing that God wants you to cast all your cares on Him as it says in 1 Peter 5:7 and that we’re to be anxious for nothing as you read in Philippians 4:6–7? 
• How does Matthew 6:19–34 help you to not worry so much about tomorrow? 
• How does the good soil Jesus mentioned in His parable found in Luke 8:4–18 differ from the other soil He mentioned? 
• How can you stay focused on what matters most like Mary in Luke 10:38– 42 instead of being distracted by good things like Martha?  
• How does Timothy’s genuine concern for the well-being of the Philippian church that the apostle Paul commended him for in Philippians 2:14–24 differ from unhealthy worry?  

Respond 

(Use this prayer to start a conversation with God) 

“Dear God, thank You that I don’t have to be consumed with worry and anxious thoughts. Thank You that I can go to You with all my cares and concerns. Help me to keep trusting You no matter my circumstances.”        

Discover more about the topics in this episode with these recommended resources 

Mentioned in this episode: 

• Resilient  
• Bible Engagement and "The Power of 4": A Key to Spiritual Growth| Center for Bible Engagement| Our Daily Bread  

Listen: 

• Resilient  
• Don’t Worry!  

Read: 

• The Resilient Life  
• How Can We Put Our Worries to Work for Us? 

Watch: 

• Uncovering Resilient Faith with Lina AbuJamra (Unshakable Moxie) 
• Worrying Steals Your Days - Luke 12:25  

The apostle Paul often used the theme of running in his letters. Discover what he might have been trying to tell us through his running metaphor.

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The apostle Paul often used the metaphor of running a race to remind his readers, and us, how important it is to run our race well. In his letter to the Corinthian church, Paul encouraged believers to run away from sin and temptation and to run toward God.  

What have you been running toward lately? 

Is there something you need to flee from in your life so you can pursue God instead? 

What could your next step of running toward God look like? 

Reflect  

• How can you run away from sin and temptation as the apostle Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians 6:18 and 1 Corinthians 10:14? 
• What does it look like to “run in such a way” as it says in 1 Corinthians 9:24? 
• According to 1 Corinthians 9:26–27, why is it important to be disciplined along your Christian journey? 
• Based on 1 Corinthians 14:1, what are we to be running toward? 

Respond 

(Use this prayer to start a conversation with God) 

“Dear God, thank You that You are with me as I run the race You have set before me. Help me to run away from sin and temptation and run to You with my whole heart. Thank You that Your Holy Spirit can empower me to run my race well.”      

Discover more about the topics in this episode with these recommended resources 

Mentioned in this episode: 

• In Pursuit of Paul 

Listen: 

• Paul Through Mediterranean Eyes  
• Paul, the Letter Writer | Week 1  
• Paul, the Letter Writer | Week 2  

Read: 

• The More Excellent Way: What Paul Actually Means in 1 Corinthians 13  
• Spiritual Disciplines | Running the Race  

Watch: 

• Why Do We Have to Struggle? | 1 Corinthians 10:13  
• Cleansing the Body and Spirit – 2 Corinthians 7:1  

In a sense, you could say that the entire Bible is about God’s desire to dwell with his people. Immanuel—God with us. Experiencing God’s presence is what we were created for. And we are promised in Scripture that if we seek God, we will find Him. But how do we experience the presence of God when we don’t see Him or feel like He’s with us? Well, in this series of conversations with Dr. David Mathewson, the Discover the Word group explores how experiencing God’s presence can be a regular practice and experience of God’s people. And time In His Presence can transform, heal, and empower us.

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From Genesis to Revelation, the Bible is the story of God dwelling with His people. We were created to commune with God, but it can be challenging since we can’t see or feel Him. 

How can you experience God’s presence on a regular basis? 

Is there something hindering you from spending time in God’s Word and in prayer and worship so you can experience His transforming, empowering, and healing presence and power in your life? 

God longs to make His presence known to you.  

What could your next step toward seeking God’s presence look like? 

Reflect  

• How does Genesis 1–2 reveal God’s desire from the very beginning to dwell among His people?  
• According to Hebrews 4:11, why is spending time with God so important? 
• How do you feel knowing that we have access to God the Father through His Son Jesus as it says in Hebrews10:19–22?  
• What did the Bible figures mentioned throughout Hebrews 11 get commended for and how can that encourage you on your journey? 
• What helped the psalmist in Psalm 73 go from despair to hope? 
• Even now, how can you gaze upon God’s beauty as it says in Psalm 27:4? 
• How does Revelation 4–5 fill you with hope for what awaits in heaven? 

Respond 

(Use this prayer to start a conversation with God) 

“Dear God, thank You that You long to spend time with me. Thank You that I can feel Your presence even though I can’t see You. Help me as I seek to feel Your loving, healing, and empowering presence in my life. Thank You that in Your presence, there is fullness of joy!”      

Discover more about the topics in this episode with these recommended resources 

Mentioned in this episode: 

• 30 Days in God's Presence  by Dr. David Mathewson from Denver Seminary and Jennifer J Fitzgerald   

Listen: 

• What Is Faith?  
• Does Sabbath Still Matter? 

Read: 

• In His Presence  
• The Promise of Presence - John 14:15–17, 25–31  

Watch: 

• Hebrews 11:1 - Biblical Faith  
• Revelation 4:8 | Holy, Holy, Holy  

What did Jesus mean when He told Nicodemus that he must be “born again”? Join us as we explore Jesus’ conversation with Nicodemus. Discover why the concept was so difficult for Nicodemus to grasp and why we also sometimes struggle with the truth that is so central to the Christian faith.

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Jesus often said things that unsettled the very people who thought they understood God best. When He told Nicodemus he must be “born again,” it didn’t fit his framework—and he struggled to receive it. 

Where might the same be true for you? 

Is there anything—assumptions, expectations, past experiences—that could be shaping how you hear Jesus’ words today? Ask God to gently reveal and release anything that’s getting in the way. 

Nicodemus didn’t understand everything at first, but he kept moving toward Jesus—stepping out of the shadows, speaking up, and showing up when it mattered most. 

What might your next step toward Jesus look like? 

Reflect  

• Read John 3. As you reflect on the chapter, what stands out to you?   
• Why do you think Nicodemus struggled to understand the meaning of being “born again” that Jesus mentioned in John 3:1–4? 
• According to John 3:5–15, why must Jesus’ followers be “born again”? 
• Based on  John 7:50–51 and John 19:38–42, do you think Nicodemus eventually understood what it meant to be “born again” and became a follower of Jesus? 
• How does John 3:16–17 encourage you as you read about God’s immense love for you? 

Respond 

(Use this prayer to start a conversation with God) 

“Dear God, thank You that by Your Holy Spirit I can be born into Your kingdom. Thank You for renewing and cleansing me. Help me overcome any baggage that may be hindering me from completely receiving Your gift of eternal life through Your Son Jesus’ sacrificial death and resurrection. Help me as I seek to live for You.”      

Discover more about the topics in this episode with these recommended resources 

Mentioned in this episode: 

• I Am the Way   
• The Chosen Season 1, Episode 2  
• The Chosen Season 1, Episode 7  

Listen: 

• The Pharisees Week 1  
• For God So Loved   

Read: 

• Love: What does Jesus see when he looks at me?  
• The Gospel Here and Now  
• Jesus and Nicodemus    

Watch: 

• God Loves You!  
• God’s Daily Love

The word “trees” shows up more than 200 times in the Bible. Discover why it may not just be “the heavens that declare the glory of God” but also trees.

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The Bible mentions trees more than 200 times throughout the Old and New Testament. From Genesis to Psalms to Matthew and into Revelation, it seems as though many significant theological events in the Bible are marked by a tree. As we consider the significance behind many of the trees included throughout Scripture, may we discover that not only do the heavens declare the glory of God, but so do trees. As we ponder the crucial role trees play in how the story of the Bible is told, let’s look for God’s fingerprints wherever we see a tree or a branch or a bush or a root or some kind of fruit mentioned in a passage. And as we notice the trees in our world a little more, may they help point us to God. 

Reflect 

• Read the verses connected with this episode below. As you reflect on the Scripture, what stands out to you?   
• Genesis 18:1 
• Genesis 21:33 
• Deuteronomy 16:21–22 
• Judges 9:8–15 
• 1 Kings 19:4–5a 
• Isaiah 11:1  
• Jeremiah 1:11  
• Ezekiel 17:24  
• Daniel 4:10–12  
• John 1:48–50  
• In Genesis 2:4–9 and Genesis 2:16–17 we read about the tree of knowledge. Why did God want to protect Adam and Eve from this one tree? 
• How do Psalm 1:3, Psalm 52:8, Psalm 92:12, and Proverbs 15:4 describe what it looks like to be flourishing in our Christian life?   
• What can we learn from the warning we read in Matthew 7:15–20? 
• How do Acts 5:30, Romans 11:17–18, and Galatians 3:13 point to Jesus redeeming us from our sin?      
• How do the mentions of the tree of life found in Revelation 2:7 and Revelation 22:1–2 encourage you? 
• Based on Psalm 1:3, Matthew 7:15–20, Luke 6:43–45, and James 3:12, what are some of the signs of a good tree vs. a bad tree? 

Respond 

(Use this prayer to start a conversation with God) 

“Dear God, thank You for telling us of Your goodness and glory even through trees. Help me to think of Your lovingkindness, provision, and protection when I read about the beautiful array of trees in Scripture and see the trees You have placed along my path. Help me to join the heavens and trees in declaring Your glory!” 

Discover more about the topics in this episode with these recommended resources 

Mentioned in this episode: 

• Reclaim Today: Prayers for Ordinary Moments  
• The Hidden Life of Trees   

Listen: 

• The Orchard  
• The Connected Life 

Read: 

• Wonder  
• How Firm a Foundation 

Watch: 

• How Nature Makes God Visible 
• Becoming The Tree God Intends Us To Be

The Bible is filled with feasts and tables set for God’s people. Discover the significance of these meals and gatherings and why they still matter today.

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God delights in setting a table for His people. From the last supper Jesus shared with His disciples before His sacrificial death to the meals He shared with His disciples after His glorious resurrection, there are various lovely moments of fellowship between Jesus and His followers recorded for us in Scripture. The early church also knew the importance of breaking bread together. As we consider the meals mentioned in the Old and New Testaments and the greatest wedding banquet that’s still to come mentioned in Revelation, may we rejoice in knowing that God lovingly provides for our every need.   

Reflect 

• What do Matthew 9:9–13, Luke 19:1–10, and Luke 7:34 teach us about who is invited to the Lord’s table? 
• Why does Jesus’ last supper with His disciples recorded in Matthew 26:17–30, Mark 14:12–26, Luke 22:7–23, and John 13–17 still matter to us today? 
• Why did Jesus break bread with His disciples even after His resurrection as mentioned in Luke 24:30–32 and John 21:1–14?   
• In Acts 2:42–27 we read about the early church sharing meals together. Why would that have been so important to them?   
• Isaiah 61:10–62:5 and Revelation 19:6–9 point to the church being the bride of Christ and look ahead to Jesus’ bridal banquet. How do these Bible verses help you understand how precious you are to God? 

Respond 

(Use this prayer to start a conversation with God) 

“Dear God, thank You for your love and faithfulness. Thank you for providing for my every need. Help me to trust You even more with every day that passes. Help me to live for You especially as the day of Your great bridal banquet approaches.”   

Discover more about the topics in this episode with these recommended resources 

Mentioned in this episode: 

• The Holy Land Series 

Listen: 

• The Abundant God 
• Sinners Dinners 

Read: 

• The God Who Protects and Provides 
• Humble Hearts, Open Hands 

Watch: 

• Feast of Sukkah  
• Inviting Others to the Table

Whether it’s in the Garden of Eden, Egypt, the wilderness, or a mountainside near the Sea of Galilee, God knows how to provide for His people. Let’s learn about the tables and meals in Scripture.

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How lovely that the story of God happens around tables. From the farm-to-table picnic of lavish eating in the Garden of Eden, to the “fast food,” rushed meal during the first Passover, to God’s provision in the wilderness of heavenly food, on into the New Testament servings of a simple lunch to feed thousands, God delights in providing for His people. May we relish in knowing that God longs to fellowship with His people, including us, and a wonderful way He chooses to do so is to set a table for us. 

Reflect 

• Read the verses connected with this episode below. As you reflect on the Scripture, what stands out to you? 
• Genesis 1–3 
• Exodus 12:1–20 
• Exodus 16 
• Psalm 23:5  
• Matthew 14:13–21 
• Mark 6:30–44 
• Luke 9:13–17 
• John 6:1–13 
• How does Genesis 1:29–30 show God’s generosity toward Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden? 
• How does the Passover lamb mentioned in Exodus 12:12–13 point to the coming of Jesus, the Lamb of God? 
• What does Exodus 16:13-20 teach us about God’s willingness and ability to provide for His people even in the wilderness? 
• Psalm 23:5 says God prepares a table for you even in difficult situations. How does that give you courage? 
• How does the miracle of Jesus feeding the 5,000 with just a simple lunch found in Matthew 14:13–21, Mark 6:30–44, Luke 9:13–17, and John 6:1–13 encourage you that God can provide for your needs? 

Respond 

(Use this prayer to start a conversation with God) 

“Dear God, thank You for how You lovingly provide for Your people from generation to generation. Thank You for how You continue to faithfully provide for me. Help me to always believe that You alone can satisfy my every need.” 

Discover more about the topics in this episode with these recommended resources 

Mentioned in this episode: 

• The Holy Land Series 

Listen: 

• The Abundant God 
• Sinners Dinners 

Read: 

• From Loaves to Love  
• Gardens and the History of Humanity  

Watch: 

• Are You Hungry?  
• Provision in Every Season

Discover the Jewish writings between the Testaments, known as the Apocrypha, and why they still matter for Christians today.

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The books in the Apocrypha may be a mystery to us, but when we consider that they played a role in shaping Judaism during Jesus’ time and the apostle Paul’s life and that they would have influenced the early church, it may be worth learning about these ancient texts. Perhaps by being familiar with these writings, we’ll get a better understanding of the culture and teachings of the devout Jews who wrote them during the “silent years” between Malachi and Matthew, and we will discover how the writings may still influence us today. 

Reflect 

• Read the verses connected with this episode below. As you reflect on the Scripture, what stands out to you? 
• Mark 6:2 
• Matthew 6:12  
• Matthew 18:14–35  
• Luke 6:30–36 
• Philippians 3:6  
• Hebrews 1:1–4  
• Colossians 1:15–17 
• Could some of Jesus’ teaching referred to in Mark 6:2 have reminded listeners of some of the writings from devout Jews found in the Apocrypha?   
• When you read Jesus’ teachings about forgiveness found in Matthew 6:12, Matthew 18:14–35 and loving your enemies in Luke 6:30–36, do they echo some of the teachings found in the Apocrypha? 
• Could Philippians 3:6 be an example of how the apostle Paul may have been influenced by the Apocrypha?  
• Could Hebrews 1:1–4 and Colossians 1:15–17 be examples of how the early church used language found in the Apocrypha to express their thoughts about Jesus? 

Respond 

(Use this prayer to start a conversation with God) 

“Dear God, thank You that I can learn about You and Your Son Jesus through the Bible. I also give thanks for writings that can help me learn about the culture and context of the years when You seemed to be silent. Help me to draw closer to You as I seek to learn more about You and Your marvelous ways.”  

Discover more about the topics in this episode with these recommended resources 

Mentioned in this episode: 

• The Apocrypha by David deSilva   

Listen: 

•  What the Bible Can Teach Us About Reading It 
• The Bible Reset 

Read: 

• The Preservation of the Bible 
• Three Things to Know about the Bible's Story 
• What Every Christian Needs to Know About Reading the Bible 

 Watch: 

• Why Should You Read the Bible?

 What are you conquering—or being conquered by? Explore how God’s surprising plan for His people to both conquer and be conquered is revealed throughout the Bible!

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The word “conqueror” may make you feel uncomfortable for various reasons. But what if the Bible’s idea of conquest is better than we could ever imagine? As we ponder what it means for us to be more than conquerors through Him who loves us, let’s look to Jesus’ example of what it means to overcome. And let’s remember that His story isn’t over. May we be encouraged and remain confident that when it’s all said and done, Jesus will still be victorious.  

Reflect 

• Read the verses connected with this episode below. As you reflect on the Scripture, what stands out to you? 
• Matthew 20:20–28 
• John 16:33 
• 1 John 4–5 
• Revelation 12:13 
• According to Jesus in Matthew 20:20–28, what are the characteristics of a true leader? 
• How does John 16:33 help to encourage you despite whatever you may be facing? 
• How does 1 John 4–5 help you better understand that we overcome by being conquered by God’s love? 
• Revelation 12:13 describes God’s ultimate victory. How does this encourage you as you remember that our story isn’t over? over? 

Respond 

(Use this prayer to start a conversation with God) 

“Dear God, thank You that You have made me more than a conquer through Your perfect love! Help me to remember that You have the ultimate victory and that You can help me through every battle that comes my way.” 

Discover more about the topics in this episode with these recommended resources 

Mentioned in this episode: 

• Our Daily Bread Devotional in Print- https://go.odb.org/dtw-printsub  
• Our Daily Bread Mobile App - https://go.odb.org/appdownload-dtw  
• Explore the Devotional Collection from Our Daily Bread Publishing- https://go.odb.org/odbpdtw  

Listen: 

• More Than Conquerors Week 1 - https://go.odb.org/more-than-conquerorsw1  
• More Than Conquerors Week 2 https://go.odb.org/more-than-conquerorsw2   

Read: 

• Living in Light of Our Savior’s Victory - https://go.odb.org/living-in-light-dtw  
• Serving God and Others - https://go.odb.org/serving-god-and-others  

Watch: 

• Victorious in God - https://go.odb.org/victorious-in-god-dtw  
• The Empty Tomb Is Our Receipt - https://go.odb.org/the-empty-tomb-is-our-receipt