Welcome to The Intentional Podcast. Setting aside time for prayer and Scripture meditation can change the posture of your day. Thank you for spending a few minutes with us as we turn our attention to what Jesus has for the day ahead.

Welcome to The Intentional Podcast. Setting aside time for prayer and Scripture meditation can change the posture of your day. Thank you for spending a few minutes with us as we turn our attention to what Jesus has for the day ahead.

Welcome to The Intentional Podcast. Setting aside time for prayer and Scripture meditation can change the posture of your day. Thank you for spending a few minutes with us as we turn our attention to what Jesus has for the day ahead.

Welcome to The Intentional Podcast. Setting aside time for prayer and Scripture meditation can change the posture of your day. Thank you for spending a few minutes with us as we turn our attention to what Jesus has for the day ahead.

OPENING PRAYER:  

Before you read the Scripture for today, limit the distractions around you and spend time in prayer. Spend time thanking God for the opportunity we have to spend with Him through the reading of His Word.

SCRIPTURE:

Matthew 2

HISTORICAL CONTEXT:

It was very common for Magi to come and worship the new King. What “disturbed” King Herod was that he was currently King! Back in ancient times, astrology would have been considered the “science” of the time. 

REFLECTION QUESTIONS:

What phrases stood out to you?

What might God be saying to you through this passage, and how can you respond today?

What does this passage tell us about God? How does it look forward to Jesus’ coming?

Welcome to The Intentional Podcast. Setting aside time for prayer and Scripture meditation can change the posture of your day. Thank you for spending a few minutes with us as we turn our attention to what Jesus has for the day ahead.

OPENING PRAYER:

Before you read the Scripture for today, limit the distractions around you and spend time in prayer. Spend time thanking God for the opportunity we have to spend with Him through the reading of His Word.

SCRIPTURE:

Luke 2:1-20

HISTORICAL CONTEXT:

Augustus was the most powerful ruler in the Mediterranean world. This table shows the contrast between the current ruler and the ruler that is born in Luke 2.

AugustusJesusAugustus (v.1) ruled from a palaceJesus was placed in a an animal feeding trough shortly after birth (v.7)Earthly choirs in imperial temples praised Augustus, celebrating his birthdayHeavenly choirs praised Jesus at his birth (v.13)Augustus was hailed as bringer of the Pax Romana, the Roman peaceHeaven’s choirs praised Jesus as bringer of true peace (v.14)Augustus was hailed as savior and lordThe angel of the Lord announces Jesus as Savior and Lord (v.11)Augustus enjoyed the praise of the powerfulAngels announced Jesus’ birth to shepherds, who were considered lowly and often despised (vv.8-9)

REFLECTION QUESTIONS:

What phrases stood out to you?

What might God be saying to you through this passage, and how can you respond today?

What does this passage tell us about God? How does it look forward to Jesus’ coming?

Welcome to The Intentional Podcast. Setting aside time for prayer and Scripture meditation can change the posture of your day. Thank you for spending a few minutes with us as we turn our attention to what Jesus has for the day ahead.

OPENING PRAYER:  

Before you read the Scripture for today, limit the distractions around you and spend time in prayer. Spend time thanking God for the opportunity we have to spend with Him through the reading of His Word.

SCRIPTURE:

Luke 1:26-56

HISTORICAL CONTEXT:

When we transition to reading the New Testament, we have to remember that much of the New Testament parallels and fulfills what was spoken about in the Old Testament. For example, Mary’s song in verses 46-56, possibly connects with Hannah’s song found in 1 Samuel 2:1-10. Take a minute and look at the two passages together as you read Luke 1:26-56 today.

REFLECTION QUESTIONS:

What phrases stood out to you?

What might God be saying to you through this passage, and how can you respond today?

What does this passage tell us about God? How does it look forward to Jesus’ coming?

Welcome to The Intentional Podcast. Setting aside time for prayer and Scripture meditation can change the posture of your day. Thank you for spending a few minutes with us as we turn our attention to what Jesus has for the day ahead.

OPENING PRAYER:  

Before you read the Scripture for today, limit the distractions around you and spend time in prayer. Spend time thanking God for the opportunity we have to spend with Him through the reading of His Word.

SCRIPTURE:

Malachi 3

HISTORICAL CONTEXT:

The concept of “messengers” was very common during this ancient time period. Kings and gods would send messengers often to communicate things to the people and carry out missions. Messengers filled diplomatic, business, and administrative functions and carried the authority of the one who sent them. 

REFLECTION QUESTIONS:

What phrases stood out to you?

What might God be saying to you through this passage, and how can you respond today?

What does this passage tell us about God? How does it look forward to Jesus’ coming?

Welcome to The Intentional Podcast. Setting aside time for prayer and Scripture meditation can change the posture of your day. Thank you for spending a few minutes with us as we turn our attention to what Jesus has for the day ahead.

OPENING PRAYER:  

Before you read the Scripture for today, limit the distractions around you and spend time in prayer. Spend time thanking God for the opportunity we have to spend with Him through the reading of His Word.

SCRIPTURE:

Jonah 2

HISTORICAL CONTEXT:

There is scholarly debate about whether the book of Jonah is Jewish folk-tale or a historical account. No matter the outcome of that debate, there is still a strong message of love and justice that we can glean from this book. Jonah 2 focuses on the prayer of Jonah in the belly of the fish. Pay attention to the progression of Jonah’s prayer as he finds himself in a low and scary point in his life. 

REFLECTION QUESTIONS:

What phrases stood out to you?

What might God be saying to you through this passage, and how can you respond today?

What does this passage tell us about God? How does it look forward to Jesus’ coming?

Welcome to The Intentional Podcast. Setting aside time for prayer and Scripture meditation can change the posture of your day. Thank you for spending a few minutes with us as we turn our attention to what Jesus has for the day ahead.

OPENING PRAYER:  

Before you read the Scripture for today, limit the distractions around you and spend time in prayer. Spend time thanking God for the opportunity we have to spend with Him through the reading of His Word.

SCRIPTURE:

Daniel 6

HISTORICAL CONTEXT:

Daniel would have likely been around 80 years old when this took place. No matter the consequence, Daniel was unwilling to not pray for 30 days or to pray in secret. The “den” that he was thrown into was like an enclosure that allowed for people to watch, as this was a common execution tactic during this time. 

REFLECTION QUESTIONS:

What phrases stood out to you?

What might God be saying to you through this passage, and how can you respond today?

What does this passage tell us about God? How does it look forward to Jesus’ coming?

Welcome to The Intentional Podcast. Setting aside time for prayer and Scripture meditation can change the posture of your day. Thank you for spending a few minutes with us as we turn our attention to what Jesus has for the day ahead.

OPENING PRAYER:  

Before you read the Scripture for today, limit the distractions around you and spend time in prayer. Spend time thanking God for the opportunity we have to spend with Him through the reading of His Word.

SCRIPTURE:

Isaiah 9:1-7

HISTORICAL CONTEXT:

This passage is a prophecy from the prophet Isaiah. Isaiah is acknowledging the dark days of the present, but calling the people to look to the future which will be bringing the coming Messiah. This “Prince of Peace” that Isaiah is talking about is going to be bringing much more than just no war, but peace that includes safety, wholeness, and good relationships. 

REFLECTION QUESTIONS:

What phrases stood out to you?

What might God be saying to you through this passage, and how can you respond today?

What does this passage tell us about God? How does it look forward to Jesus’ coming?