In this episode of the Daily Bible Refresh, Dr. Brad Miller invites listeners to a progressive reading and reflection on John 1:19-28, focusing on John the Baptist’s honest self-identity and the call to humility and service. Through the Message version, Dr. Miller explores the idea of “making the road straight,” encouraging the removal of barriers that prevent people from experiencing care, community, and spiritual fulfillment. Important topics include the contrast between humility and self-promotion, the tangible ways faith can clear obstacles like shame and exclusion, and the reminder that the holy is found in overlooked places.

Key takeaways:

1. True spiritual leadership is marked by humility and truth-telling rather than seeking the spotlight.
2. “Making the road straight” involves actively removing societal and personal barriers that impede others’ access to community, worship, and care.
3. Progressive faith is constructed on accuracy, creating space for those overlooked by traditional structures, and fostering belonging, healing, and justice.
4. The holy and divine can be encountered in everyday, unexpected places and people, emphasizing the importance of attentive presence.
5. Practical steps, such as advocating for accessibility, offering tangible help, and sharing study resources, are vital for living out faith and supporting others.
6. Listeners are encouraged to find a single barrier in their own community and take measurable action to reduce it, making a direct impact in someone’s life.

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)