Does God striking Uzzah dead terrify you? It terrified David. Until it didn't. This week we're asking, "Is God scary?" and "Can we get close to Him?" In this episode: a self-indulgent plan, an unexpected death, and a very strong second effort. 

"Bible reading isn't for shaming real men and women who happened to have their real lives exposed in the pages of scripture. Bible reading is for discovering Who God is when real men and women live real lives in His presence, wrapped in His unfailing love." In this episode: a man on the run, a pile of dead priests, and the most romantic gesture.

Ruth is more than a love story; it's a forbidden love story in which God appears to break His own rules. Is it a sin to marry a Midianite or not? More to the point, is it a sin to BE a Midianite? The answers help us see God more clearly. In this episode: your Bible crush, a baby blessing, and some very good news for those of us who're far away and wanting to come home. 

What does it feel like to be forgotten? God knows. Maybe better than you do. In this episode: a repeating cycle, learning empathy, and the time I wore a stonewashed denim vest. 

Not all passages of scripture look great on a t-shirt. What's God doing with this hardening of hearts and the annihilation of an entire people group? Is God a racist? Is He violent? Does He show preferential treatment? In this episode: retribution, a warrior angel of the Lord, and a God who shows no partiality. Turns out, God isn't on your side. 

When I miscarried my first two babies I wondered if my husband and I would ever have children. We decided to write a letter to the child we hoped we'd have about who we hoped she'd be. Deuteronomy is something like that. 

In this episode: a ban on kidnapping, daily paychecks, and a glimpse at the God who never overlooks the poor and powerless.

What happens when Aaron and Miriam mess with God's friend? It'll make you glad He's your friend, too. In this episode: Moses makes a (probably) bad choice, his siblings make a (definitely) bad choice, and God lays down the law. 

Does God prefer perfection? Leviticus sure does make it seem that way. What does that mean for us imperfect folks? In this episode: a prohibition on dwarves in the priesthood, a quote from Spiderman, and this gem: "This is the kind of trouble you get in when you think the whole Bible is about you."

Why does God care so much about the details of His house? And what does how much He cares say about Who He is? Let's see... In this episode: luxury materials, a story about my husband's obsession with house plans, and no hinting. 

This week we're reading Genesis 4 (Cain & Abel) and asking, "Who is God?" The answers might surprise you. Listen to hear about an enchanted earth, talking back, and why "don't be like Cain" is an incomplete way of reading.