What happens when God's name is never mentioned, yet His presence is woven through every chapter?

In Week 26 of The Long Way Through Scripture, we explore the book of Esther and discover a story of courage, providence, and quiet faithfulness. Although God never speaks directly or performs an obvious miracle, His hand is evident through ordinary events that come together in extraordinary ways.

As we follow Esther, Mordecai, and the unfolding events within the Persian Empire, we're reminded that God is often working behind the scenes long before we recognize what He is doing.

This week's reflection:

God is often working in ways we cannot yet see.

Whether you're following the full reading plan or simply listening along, I hope this episode encourages you to trust God's faithfulness, even during seasons when He seems silent.

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After years of exile, the story begins to turn toward home.

In Week 25 of The Long Way Through Scripture, we walk through the books of Ezra and Nehemiah and discover that restoration is rarely instant. The people return to Jerusalem, rebuild the temple, repair the walls, and slowly reconnect with the God who never abandoned them.

Along the way we encounter discouragement, opposition, prayer, perseverance, and the reminder that rebuilding often happens one faithful step at a time.

This week's reflection:

God often rebuilds slowly what we wish He would restore instantly.

Whether you're following the full reading plan or simply listening along, I hope this episode helps you stay rooted in God's Word and encouraged in your own season of rebuilding.

🔗 Linktree:
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🌐 Website:
https://www.kathrinshaffer.com

📖 Free Devotional:
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Welcome to The Long Way Through Scripture, a year-long journey through the Bible one week at a time.

In Week 24, we explore the book of Daniel, one of the Bible's most beloved and prophetic books, written during Israel's exile in Babylon.

This episode covers the book of Daniel, including Daniel's faithfulness in Babylon, the fiery furnace, the lions' den, prophetic dreams and visions, the rise and fall of earthly kingdoms, and God's ultimate authority over the nations.

These chapters reveal what it means to remain faithful to God in a hostile culture while also providing remarkable prophecies concerning future kingdoms and God's eternal kingdom. Throughout the book, God demonstrates His power, wisdom, and sovereignty over human history.

Whether you're reading through the Bible for the first time or revisiting familiar passages, this episode will help you understand Daniel's message of faithfulness, hope, and trust in God's control over all things.

Reading: Daniel

Website: kathrinshaffer.com

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Welcome to The Long Way Through Scripture, a year-long journey through the Bible one week at a time.

In Week 23, we explore the book of Ezekiel, a prophet called to minister during the Babylonian exile through powerful visions, symbolic actions, and messages from God.

This episode covers the book of Ezekiel, including Ezekiel's vision of God's glory, warnings of judgment against Israel and the surrounding nations, the valley of dry bones, the promise of a new heart and spirit, and visions of future restoration.

These chapters reveal God's holiness, His justice, and His faithfulness to keep His covenant promises. Even in exile, God offers hope, renewal, and the promise that He will restore His people.

Whether you're reading through the Bible for the first time or revisiting familiar passages, this episode will help you understand Ezekiel's unique ministry and the powerful themes of judgment, repentance, and restoration found throughout the book.

Reading: Ezekiel

Website: kathrinshaffer.com

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Welcome to The Long Way Through Scripture, a year-long journey through the Bible one week at a time.

In Week 22, we explore the ministry of Jeremiah, often called the "weeping prophet," and the book of Lamentations, written in response to the fall of Jerusalem.

This episode covers Jeremiah & Lamentations, including Jeremiah's call to proclaim God's message, warnings of coming judgment, the destruction of Jerusalem, the promise of a New Covenant, and heartfelt expressions of grief and hope during one of Israel's darkest periods.

These books reveal both the seriousness of sin and the faithfulness of God. Even in the midst of judgment and suffering, God promises restoration and points His people toward a future hope.

Whether you're reading through the Bible for the first time or revisiting familiar passages, this episode will help you understand Jeremiah's message, the tragedy of Jerusalem's fall, and the enduring hope found in God's promises.

Reading: Jeremiah & Lamentations

Website: kathrinshaffer.com

If you're enjoying this journey through Scripture, be sure to follow the podcast so you don't miss future episodes.

Welcome to The Long Way Through Scripture, a year-long journey through the Bible one week at a time.

In Week 21, we continue through Isaiah and explore some of the most hope-filled and prophetic chapters in the entire Old Testament.

This episode covers Isaiah 40-66, including God's promises of comfort and restoration, the coming Servant of the Lord, prophecies concerning the Messiah, the suffering servant of Isaiah 53, and the promise of a new heavens and a new earth.

These chapters reveal God's faithfulness to His people, His plan of redemption through the coming Messiah, and His ultimate purpose to restore all things. Isaiah's message moves from judgment to hope, pointing forward to Jesus Christ and God's future kingdom.

Whether you're reading through the Bible for the first time or revisiting familiar passages, this episode will help you understand why Isaiah is often called the "Gospel of the Old Testament" and how these prophecies connect to the life and ministry of Jesus.

Reading: Isaiah 40-66

Website: kathrinshaffer.com

If you're enjoying this journey through Scripture, be sure to follow the podcast so you don't miss future episodes.

Welcome to The Long Way Through Scripture, a year-long journey through the Bible one week at a time.

In Week 20, we begin the book of Isaiah and encounter one of the Bible's most influential prophets as he calls God's people to repentance and renewed faith.

This episode covers Isaiah 1-39, including Isaiah's call to ministry, warnings of judgment against Judah and the surrounding nations, the promise of the coming Messiah, and the events surrounding King Hezekiah's reign.

These chapters reveal God's holiness, His justice, and His desire for His people to trust Him rather than relying on political alliances or human strength. Even amid warnings of judgment, God offers hope and promises future restoration.

Whether you're reading through the Bible for the first time or revisiting familiar passages, this episode will help you understand Isaiah's message and why his prophecies remain so significant throughout Scripture.

Reading: Isaiah 1-39

Website: kathrinshaffer.com

If you're enjoying this journey through Scripture, be sure to follow the podcast so you don't miss future episodes.

Welcome to The Long Way Through Scripture, a year-long journey through the Bible one week at a time.

In Week 19, we follow the history of Israel and Judah through the book of 2 Kings, from the ministry of Elisha to the eventual fall of both kingdoms.

This episode covers the entire book of 2 Kings, including the miracles of Elisha, the ministries of God's prophets, the decline of Israel and Judah, the fall of Samaria, the reforms of King Josiah, and the Babylonian exile.

These chapters reveal both God's patience and His justice. Despite repeated warnings through the prophets, the people continued in rebellion, leading to judgment and exile. Yet even in judgment, God's promises and purposes remained intact.

Whether you're reading through the Bible for the first time or revisiting familiar passages, this episode will help you understand the spiritual lessons of Israel's decline and the importance of remaining faithful to God.

Reading: 2 Kings

Website: kathrinshaffer.com

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Welcome to The Long Way Through Scripture, a year-long journey through the Bible one week at a time.

In Week 18, we witness the division of Israel into two kingdoms and follow the ministry of the prophet Elijah during a time of spiritual decline.

This episode covers 1 Kings 12-22, including the split between Israel and Judah, the rise of Jeroboam and Rehoboam, the spread of idolatry, the wicked reign of Ahab and Jezebel, and Elijah's confrontation with the prophets of Baal on Mount Carmel.

These chapters reveal the dangers of turning away from God and the importance of faithful leadership. Even during periods of rebellion and corruption, God continues to call His people back to Himself through His prophets.

Whether you're reading through the Bible for the first time or revisiting familiar passages, this episode will help you understand the consequences of a divided kingdom and the powerful ministry of Elijah.

Reading: 1 Kings 12-22

Website: kathrinshaffer.com

If you're enjoying this journey through Scripture, be sure to follow the podcast so you don't miss future episodes.

Welcome to The Long Way Through Scripture, a year-long journey through the Bible one week at a time.

In Week 17, we explore the reign of King Solomon, one of Israel's most famous kings, and examine selected Psalms that reveal the worship, prayers, and heart of God's people.

This episode covers 1 Kings 1-11 and selected Psalms, including Solomon's rise to the throne, his request for wisdom, the construction of the Temple, Israel's golden age, and Solomon's eventual spiritual decline.

These chapters reveal both the blessings of wisdom and the dangers of turning away from God. Alongside the Psalms, we see how worship, prayer, praise, and dependence upon the Lord remain central to the life of faith.

Whether you're reading through the Bible for the first time or revisiting familiar passages, this episode will help you understand Solomon's legacy, the significance of the Temple, and the role of worship throughout Scripture.

Reading: 1 Kings 1-11 & Selected Psalms

Website: kathrinshaffer.com

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