Discover the Word Podcast

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 

Conquerors can be scary—but God’s power is different. Discover from Genesis to Revelation how He makes us more than conquerors!

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The word “conqueror” can stir up many mixed feelings and rightfully so. But the idea of conquest is found in the Bible from Genesis to Revelation. What if instead of avoiding the complicated topic, we pondered how the Bible points to a better idea of conquering? As we ask God to help us overcome various trials and obstacles in our life, we can take courage knowing that we are more than conquerors though Him who loves us.  

Reflect 

• Read the verses connected with this episode below. As you reflect on the Scripture, what stands out to you? 
• Romans 8:28-37 
• Genesis 3:1-7 
• Joshua 1:1-14 
• How does Romans 8:28-37 help you better understand what the apostle Paul meant when he said we are more than conquerors? 
• How does Romans 8:31 boost your faith and courage as you seek to be more than a conqueror? 
• How does Genesis 3:1-7 help you recognize the danger of trying to conquer God’s plan for your life? 
• Joshua 1:1-14 describes how God was with Joshua during the conquest of the Promised Land. How can these verses help encourage you when you need to conqueror the giants of fear, doubt, or unforgiveness in your life? 

Respond 

(Use this prayer to start a conversation with God) 

“Dear God, thank You that You are with me in every trial and battle I face. Thank You that I am more than a conqueror through You! Help me overcome any temptations or sin I’m struggling with in my life.”   

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: 

• Overcoming Fear - https://go.odb.org/overcoming-fear  
• Overcoming Worry - https://go.odb.org/overcoming-worry  

Watch: 

• Overcoming the Bullies  
• How to Win Against Injustice

 Overwhelmed by life’s headlines? 1 Corinthians 15 points to the news that truly matters: Jesus is risen!

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Even though we live in an information-saturated world, we don’t have to be overwhelmed and distracted by all the news and headlines fighting for our attention. The apostle Paul wanted to remind the Corinthian church not to lose sight of what truly matters in life. The greatest good news of Jesus’ sacrificial death and resurrection is “Of First Importance”! No matter what time of the year it is, it’s always a good time to ponder and rejoice that Jesus overcame sin and death.  He is risen! He is risen indeed!   

Reflect 

• Read the verses connected with this episode below. As you reflect on the Scripture, what stands out to you? 
• 1 Corinthians 15:3-8 
• Acts 1 
• How does 1 Corinthians 15:3-8 help you better understand why Jesus’ sacrificial death and resurrection is so crucial to our Christian faith? 
• How does 1 Corinthians 15:3-8 help you celebrate the greatest good news of Jesus’ resurrection not just at Easter time but all throughout the year? 
• Acts 1:3 describes various times Jesus appeared to His disciples after His resurrection. How can this truth strengthen your faith that Jesus truly has overcome sin and death?  
• Jesus promised to send the Holy Spirit to His disciples in Acts 1:4, 8 to help them be His witnesses to the ends of the earth. How can this inspire you as you seek to share the good news of Jesus with others? 

Respond 

(Use this prayer to start a conversation with God) 

“Dear Jesus, thank You that You died for my sins, rose from the dead, and You conquered sin and death. Help me to remember and celebrate Your glorious resurrection all throughout the year. Help me to be Holy Spirt–led as I share Your good news with others.  

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

Mentioned in this episode: 

• Immerse: The Reading Bible: Messiah  - https://go.odb.org/messiah26-dtw  

Listen: 

• It Is Finished.- https://go.odb.org/it-is-finished26-dtw  

Read: 

• Thinking About Resurrection - https://go.odb.org/thinking-about-resurrection  
• Hunting for Resurrection Hope - https://go.odb.org/hunting-for-resurrection-hope 
• A Joyful Easter: 7-day Devotional Reading Plan - https://go.odb.org/a-joyful-easter26-dtw  

Watch: 

• Jesus, the Resurrection - Daily Devotion 
• Jerusalem – The Cost of Forgiveness 

Come along with us as we continue tracing Jesus’ final steps in Scripture toward the crucifixion. Remember what He did for you by exploring where He stopped to speak with women and criminals, where He cared for His mother, died on the cross, and was buried. Follow our Savior’s journey to save us—and embrace how this can impact our lives today.

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Christians once retraced Jesus’ final steps, pausing at “stations” to remember His sacrifice. In “Cross Stations,” we follow that path through Scripture. In part two, linger at the cross and the tomb as we reflect on the moment Jesus’ body is taken down and laid in the darkness, and consider what His death means for your faith today. 

Reflect 

• Have you ever practiced the “Stations of the Cross”? If so, what was your experience? How do you respond now to this concept? 
• The first cross station we identify is Jesus praying alone in the garden. Read Luke 22:39–46. Notice the setting and Jesus’ experience, and then think about how His prayer struggle has impacted the intimacy you now possess with God. 
• Read Matthew 26:57–75 and 27:11–26. Where is Jesus in this cross station? What does He experience? How does His endurance affect you today? 
• Consider the torture Jesus endured as you read Matthew 27:27–31. Can you stand with Him at this cross station and receive what He has done for you? 
• Jesus carried His own cross until Simon of Cyrene was enlisted to help Him in John 19:17, Matthew 27:32–33, and Luke 23:26. How would you have responded if you were asked to help Jesus? 

Respond 

(Use this prayer to start a conversation with God)  

“Dear Lord, You have shown us through Scripture that even small faith can be used for Your glory. Reveal to me where my faith is lacking and help me to surrender my disbelief to Your perfect plan. In Jesus’ name, amen.” 

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

Listen: 

• It Is Finished - https://go.odb.org/it-is-finished-dtw  
• Life After Easter - https://go.odb.org/life-after-easter-dtw  
• Forgiveness, the Story of Easter - https://go.odb.org/forgiveness-the-story-of-easter-dtw  

Read: 

• The Perfect Savior - https://go.odb.org/the-perfect-savior-dtw  
• A Rumor of Hope | The Good News of Easter - https://go.odb.org/a-rumor-of-hope-the-good-news-of-easter  
• 40 Days. 40 Words. - https://go.odb.org/40-days-40-words-dtw  
• Messiah’s Last Words Reading Plan - https://go.odb.org/messiahs-last-words-easter-reflections-dtw  

Watch: 

• Walk in Jesus’ footsteps with The Holy Land: Connecting the Land with Its Stories (Season 4) - https://go.odb.org/the-good-land-dtw

Have you ever traced Jesus’ final steps in Scripture toward the crucifixion? Come along with us as we explore where Jesus prayed alone, was betrayed and arrested, tried and condemned, mocked, and carried His cross with Simon’s help. Let these moments in the Bible help you experience our Savior’s journey to save us.

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Early Christian pilgrims once walked the path Jesus took to the cross, stopping at “stations” to remember His suffering and love. In “Cross Stations,” we slow down with Scripture and reflect on those moments together. In part one, follow Jesus from Gethsemane through His trial to the moment He carried His cross—and take time to consider how His sacrifice speaks into your own faith and life today. 

Reflect 

• Have you ever practiced the “Stations of the Cross”? If so, what was your experience? How do you respond now to this concept? 
• The first cross station we identify is Jesus praying alone in the garden. Read Luke 22:39–46. Notice the setting and Jesus’ experience, and then think about how His prayer struggle has impacted the intimacy you now possess with God. 
• Read Matthew 26:57–75 and 27:11–26. Where is Jesus in this cross station? What does He experience? How does His endurance affect you today? 
• Consider the torture Jesus endured as you read Matthew 27:27–31. Can you stand with Him at this cross station and receive what He has done for you? 
• Jesus carried His own cross until Simon of Cyrene was enlisted to help Him in John 19:17, Matthew 27:32–33, and Luke 23:26. How would you have responded if you were asked to help Jesus? 

Respond 

(Use this prayer to start a conversation with God)  

“Dear Lord, You have shown us through Scripture that even small faith can be used for Your glory. Reveal to me where my faith is lacking,and help me to surrender my disbelief to Your perfect plan. In Jesus’ name, amen.” 

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

Listen: 

• It Is Finished - https://go.odb.org/it-is-finished-dtw  
• Life After Easter - https://go.odb.org/life-after-easter-dtw  
• Forgiveness, the Story of Easter - https://go.odb.org/forgiveness-the-story-of-easter-dtw  

Read: 

• The Perfect Savior - https://go.odb.org/the-perfect-savior-dtw  
• A Rumor of Hope | The Good News of Easter - https://go.odb.org/a-rumor-of-hope-the-good-news-of-easter  
• 40 Days. 40 Words. - https://go.odb.org/40-days-40-words-dtw  
• Messiah’s Last Words Reading Plan 

Watch: 

• Walk in Jesus’ footsteps with The Holy Land: Connecting the Land with Its Stories (Season 4) 

Friendships are an essential part of our lives but many of us struggle to build healthy ones. Rediscover how friendships can be nurtured by exploring Jesus’ friendship with Mary, Martha, and Lazarus.

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Jesus demonstrated the importance of friendship throughout the Gospels. His relationship with the Bethany siblings—Mary, Martha, and Lazarus—provides a great example of how much we need friends in our own lives, and how much we need to be a friend. Engaging in healthy communication, being dependable, growing with each other, and sharing celebrations can help our friendships flourish!

Reflect

Read the verses connected with this episode below. As you reflect on the Scripture, what stands out to you? 

• John 15:9-16 
• Luke 10:38-42 
• John 11:1-6, 21, 25, 32 
• John 12:1-3 

How does John 15:9-16 help you better understand Jesus’ plan for friendship? 

Martha and Mary demonstrate their friendship with Jesus in Luke 10:38-42. How can this nurture your friendships? 

Martha and Mary depended on Jesus to save their brother in John 11:1-6, 21, 25, 32. How can this inspire you to be a dependable friend? 

John 12:1-3 describes a celebration shared with friends (Mary, Martha, Lazarus, and Jesus). How might you share a celebration with friends in the near future?

Respond

(Use this prayer to start a conversation with God)

“Jesus, thank You that You made us to live in friendship—with You and with other people You place in our lives. Help me to live into Your plan for friendship in my life. Help me to be a dependable friend and to take opportunities to share celebrations with my friends.”

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

Mentioned in this episode: 

• Friendship Lab

Listen: 

• Friendship | Week 1 
• Friendship | Week 2

Read: 

• Deep Friendship in Christ 
• 7 Bible Stories to Deepen Your Friendships

Watch: 

• The Heart of True Friendship
• The Deepest Friendship Exists