Day 277: The Unification of Israel and the Prophecy Against Gog

In this episode of Immerse: The Daily Bible Reading Experience, we explore God's message to Israel through the prophet Ezekiel. Day 277 focuses on the symbolic act of uniting Judah and Israel through two pieces of wood, representing the restoration and unification of the divided kingdom. The Lord promises to gather His people from all nations and bring them back to their homeland where they will be one nation with King David as their prince forever. The episode also covers the prophecy against Gog and his allied nations. God declares His judgment and ultimate victory over Gog, displaying His holiness and sovereignty for all nations to witness. Ezekiel's vision of the new temple and its detailed measurements is also discussed, emphasizing the importance of holiness, as God establishes an everlasting covenant with His people. This episode invites listeners to reflect on God's promises, the importance of unity, and the solemnity of His holy temple.

00:00 Introduction and Welcome
00:04 The Prophecy of Judah and Ephraim
00:48 The Unification of Israel
02:25 The Prophecy Against Gog
04:38 The Defeat of Gog
08:03 The Cleansing and Restoration of Israel
11:23 The Vision of the New Temple
12:17 The Measurements of the Temple
28:12 The Glory of the Lord Returns
30:18 The Altar and Offerings Regulations
33:01 Conclusion and Farewell

Buy Immerse: Prophets Now!

Volume 4 

Immerse: Prophets is the fourth of six volumes of the Immerse: The Bible Reading Experience program. Prophets presents the First Testament prophets in groupings that represent four historical periods, beginning with the prophets who spoke before the fall of Israel’s northern kingdom (Jonah, Amos, Hosea, Micah, Isaiah), then before the fall of the southern kingdom (Zephaniah, Nahum, Habakkuk), around the time of Jerusalem’s destruction (Jeremiah, Obadiah, Ezekiel), and after the return from exile (Haggai, Zechariah, Joel, Malachi).

4 Questions to get your conversations started:
1. What stood out to you this week?
2. Was there anything confusing or troubling?
3. Did anything make you think differently about God?
4. How might this change the way we live?

QUICK START GUIDE
3 ways to get the most out of your experience

1. Use Immerse: Beginnings instead of your regular chapter and verse Bible. This special reader’s edition restores the Bible to its natural simplicity and beauty by removing chapter and verse numbers and other historical additions. Letters look like letters, songs look like songs, and the original literary structures are visible in each book.
2. Commit to making this a community experience. Immerse is designed for groups to encounter large portions of the Bible together
   for 8 weeks–more like a book club, less like a Bible study. By meeting every week in small groups and discussing what you read in open,
   honest conversations, you and your community can come together to be transformed through an authentic experience with the Scriptures.
3. Aim to understand the big story. Read through “The Stories and the Story” (p. 483) to see how the books of the Bible work together to tell God’s story of his creation’s restoration. As you read through Immerse: Beginnings, rather than ask, “How do I fit God into my busy life?” begin asking, “How can I join in God’s great plan by living out my part in his story?”

Immerse Day 262: The Lord's Fury and Redemption - Reflections from Jeremiah

In this episode of 'Immerse: The Daily Bible Reading Experience', we dive into Day 262 of our journey through Scripture. The reading focuses on passages from the Book of Jeremiah where the Lord God of Heaven's armies speaks through the prophet. The Lord pronounces severe warnings to the people of Israel and Judah for their persistent disobedience, idolatry, and injustice. Despite the impending doom described, there is an underlying message of hope and redemption for those who repent and turn back to God. This episode captures the gravity of God's judgments, the consequences of sin, and the ultimate promise of grace. Join us as we explore the profound messages delivered by Jeremiah and reflect on the timeless truths they hold for us today.

00:00 Introduction and Welcome
00:04 Prophecies of Destruction
01:19 Judgment on Israel and Judah
03:13 Warnings and Lamentations
04:58 The Lord's Fury and Punishment
06:00 Call to Repentance
07:15 The Coming Invasion
08:48 The People's Sin and God's Response
11:12 False Worship and Idolatry
15:26 The Consequences of Disobedience
24:11 The Futility of Idols
28:08 Conclusion and Reflection

Buy Immerse: Prophets Now!

Volume 4 

Immerse: Prophets is the fourth of six volumes of the Immerse: The Bible Reading Experience program. Prophets presents the First Testament prophets in groupings that represent four historical periods, beginning with the prophets who spoke before the fall of Israel’s northern kingdom (Jonah, Amos, Hosea, Micah, Isaiah), then before the fall of the southern kingdom (Zephaniah, Nahum, Habakkuk), around the time of Jerusalem’s destruction (Jeremiah, Obadiah, Ezekiel), and after the return from exile (Haggai, Zechariah, Joel, Malachi).

4 Questions to get your conversations started:
1. What stood out to you this week?
2. Was there anything confusing or troubling?
3. Did anything make you think differently about God?
4. How might this change the way we live?

QUICK START GUIDE
3 ways to get the most out of your experience

1. Use Immerse: Beginnings instead of your regular chapter and verse Bible. This special reader’s edition restores the Bible to its natural simplicity and beauty by removing chapter and verse numbers and other historical additions. Letters look like letters, songs look like songs, and the original literary structures are visible in each book.
2. Commit to making this a community experience. Immerse is designed for groups to encounter large portions of the Bible together
   for 8 weeks–more like a book club, less like a Bible study. By meeting every week in small groups and discussing what you read in open,
   honest conversations, you and your community can come together to be transformed through an authentic experience with the Scriptures.
3. Aim to understand the big story. Read through “The Stories and the Story” (p. 483) to see how the books of the Bible work together to tell God’s story of his creation’s restoration. As you read through Immerse: Beginnings, rather than ask, “How do I fit God into my busy life?” begin asking, “How can I join in God’s great plan by living out my part in his story?”

In a world that feels fractured and frustrating, with so much stress and worry, can we still have fun? Is fun worth prioritizing when our schedules are packed and life is hard? Where do faith and fun intersect -- or do they? Annie F. Downs shares all the reasons you not only CAN have fun, but SHOULD.  

Receive a copy of Chase the Fun and an audio download of "Make Fun a Priority Now – Here's Why!" for your donation of any amount! Plus, receive member-exclusive benefits when you make a recurring gift today. Your monthly support helps families thrive.

Get More Episode Resources 

If you enjoyed listening to Focus on the Family with Jim Daly, please give us your feedback.

Romans 8:6 (NCV) reads, “If people’s thinking is controlled by the sinful self, there is death. But if their thinking is controlled by the Spirit, there is life and peace.”

We are what we think! For that reason, God redeems the thought patterns of his children. Do you realize what happened to you when you were saved? He began the process of renewing your mind. When you said yes to Jesus, he saved your soul, wrote your name in the Book of Life, washed away all your sins, gave you spiritual gifts, and adopted you into his family. “We have the mind of Christ” (1 Corinthians 2:16 ESV).

What a stunning statement! We have access to the mind of Jesus. He has enrolled us in Christlikeness 101. In time, with the help of his Spirit, we will think and live like him.

Read more Tame Your Thoughts: Three Tools to Renew Your Mind and Transform Your Life

For more inspirational messages please visit Max Lucado.

Day 261: Immersed in Jeremiah - Understanding the Prophet's Message

In today's Immerse Bible Reading Experience, we dive into the Book of Jeremiah, the longest book among the prophets composed of oracles and stories over more than 30 years. This book centralizes around the Babylonian empire's threat to and eventual destruction of Jerusalem, leading to the exile of its people, considered the greatest crisis for God's people. God appoints a reluctant and young Jeremiah as a prophet to warn the people of Judah, who falsely believe they are invincible due to the Lord residing in the Jerusalem temple. Despite being mocked, hated, and even imprisoned, Jeremiah faithfully carries out his mission. The Book of Jeremiah is structured into four major sections, each ending with a reference to Jeremiah's written words. The first part contains oracles about Judah, the second part recounts stories and messages during the reigns of King Jehoiakim and King Zedekiah, the third part focuses on the final years of Judah, and the fourth part includes oracles about other nations. Central to this book is the 'Book of Comfort,' promising hope and restoration for God's people. We also hear how God promises a new covenant, transforming and renewing the hearts of the people of Israel and Judah, moving the Bible's great story forward toward a future of forgiveness and renewal.

00:00 Introduction to the Book of Jeremiah
00:39 Jeremiah's Calling and Early Prophecies
02:10 Structure and Content of Jeremiah
03:59 Messages of Hope and Restoration
05:27 Jeremiah's Prophecies and Warnings
07:38 God's Judgment on Judah and Jerusalem
10:26 The Call for Repentance
15:07 The Consequences of Rebellion
25:45 Final Thoughts and Reflections

Buy Immerse: Prophets Now!

Volume 4 

Immerse: Prophets is the fourth of six volumes of the Immerse: The Bible Reading Experience program. Prophets presents the First Testament prophets in groupings that represent four historical periods, beginning with the prophets who spoke before the fall of Israel’s northern kingdom (Jonah, Amos, Hosea, Micah, Isaiah), then before the fall of the southern kingdom (Zephaniah, Nahum, Habakkuk), around the time of Jerusalem’s destruction (Jeremiah, Obadiah, Ezekiel), and after the return from exile (Haggai, Zechariah, Joel, Malachi).

4 Questions to get your conversations started:
1. What stood out to you this week?
2. Was there anything confusing or troubling?
3. Did anything make you think differently about God?
4. How might this change the way we live?

QUICK START GUIDE
3 ways to get the most out of your experience

1. Use Immerse: Beginnings instead of your regular chapter and verse Bible. This special reader’s edition restores the Bible to its natural simplicity and beauty by removing chapter and verse numbers and other historical additions. Letters look like letters, songs look like songs, and the original literary structures are visible in each book.
2. Commit to making this a community experience. Immerse is designed for groups to encounter large portions of the Bible together
   for 8 weeks–more like a book club, less like a Bible study. By meeting every week in small groups and discussing what you read in open,
   honest conversations, you and your community can come together to be transformed through an authentic experience with the Scriptures.
3. Aim to understand the big story. Read through “The Stories and the Story” (p. 483) to see how the books of the Bible work together to tell God’s story of his creation’s restoration. As you read through Immerse: Beginnings, rather than ask, “How do I fit God into my busy life?” beg

Emotional health plays a significant role in how we connect and communicate with those around us. Eliza Huie shares how you can intentionally guide your kids towards emotional strength and resilience. She offers insight on what an emotionally healthy child looks like, along with advice for every parent seeking to raise grounded, emotionally secure children.

Receive a copy of Unoffendable and an audio download of "Speaking Peace into Chaos in a Troubled Culture" for your donation of any amount!

Get More Episode Resources 

If you enjoyed listening to Focus on the Family with Jim Daly, please give us your feedback.

Overreactions are understandable. If I trigger your unseen emotional wound, you might react in a manner disproportionate to my action. Overreactions have their reasons. They also have their consequences. They can trap us in a stronghold.

Untruths lead to False narratives that prompt Overreactions. UFOs.

We need to follow Paul’s instructions: “Fight to capture every thought until it acknowledges the authority of Christ” (2 Corinthians 10:5 PHILLIPS). You confront worry at the door of your brain.  You grab worry by the nape and march him into the presence of the Prince of Peace. With the confidence of a burly barroom bouncer, toss anxiety out the door.

This is the version of you God wants to create. He will help you tame your thoughts.

Read more Tame Your Thoughts: Three Tools to Renew Your Mind and Transform Your Life

For more inspirational messages please visit Max Lucado.

Day 260: Exploring the Intriguing Dialogue in Habakkuk - The Bible in a Year

Welcome to Immerse: The Daily Bible Reading Experience. On Day 260, we immerse ourselves in the Book of Habakkuk. This episode reveals the unique style of Habakkuk's writings, characterized by a direct dialogue with God and a closing song with musical notation. Habakkuk's messages, filled with laments and questions, highlight his concerns about the renewed injustices in Judah and God's use of the Babylonians for punishment. God responds with promises of future judgment on the Babylonians and reassurance of His timely justice. Despite the grim situation, Habakkuk demonstrates faith and trust in God’s ultimate deliverance, closing with a powerful song of praise and hope.

00:00 Introduction to Habakkuk
01:41 Habakkuk's Dialogue with God
02:17 God's Response and Promises
02:49 Habakkuk's Song of Faith
04:33 The Vision and Woes Against Babylon
10:18 Habakkuk's Prayer and Praise
13:24 Conclusion and Reflection

Buy Immerse: Prophets Now!

Volume 4 

Immerse: Prophets is the fourth of six volumes of the Immerse: The Bible Reading Experience program. Prophets presents the First Testament prophets in groupings that represent four historical periods, beginning with the prophets who spoke before the fall of Israel’s northern kingdom (Jonah, Amos, Hosea, Micah, Isaiah), then before the fall of the southern kingdom (Zephaniah, Nahum, Habakkuk), around the time of Jerusalem’s destruction (Jeremiah, Obadiah, Ezekiel), and after the return from exile (Haggai, Zechariah, Joel, Malachi).

4 Questions to get your conversations started:
1. What stood out to you this week?
2. Was there anything confusing or troubling?
3. Did anything make you think differently about God?
4. How might this change the way we live?

QUICK START GUIDE
3 ways to get the most out of your experience

1. Use Immerse: Beginnings instead of your regular chapter and verse Bible. This special reader’s edition restores the Bible to its natural simplicity and beauty by removing chapter and verse numbers and other historical additions. Letters look like letters, songs look like songs, and the original literary structures are visible in each book.
2. Commit to making this a community experience. Immerse is designed for groups to encounter large portions of the Bible together
   for 8 weeks–more like a book club, less like a Bible study. By meeting every week in small groups and discussing what you read in open,
   honest conversations, you and your community can come together to be transformed through an authentic experience with the Scriptures.
3. Aim to understand the big story. Read through “The Stories and the Story” (p. 483) to see how the books of the Bible work together to tell God’s story of his creation’s restoration. As you read through Immerse: Beginnings, rather than ask, “How do I fit God into my busy life?” begin asking, “How can I join in God’s great plan by living out my part in his story?”

In light of the recent assassination of Charlie Kirk, Jim Daly speaks with Brant Hansen and Gabe Lyons about what this means for our culture and the Christian response to violence and hate. The conversation points to Scripture for the answers in this cultural moment, emphasizing our responsibility to share God’s truth, love, and peace to the chaos of the world. 

Receive a copy of Unoffendable and an audio download of "Speaking Peace into Chaos in a Troubled Culture" for your donation of any amount!

Get More Episode Resources 

If you enjoyed listening to Focus on the Family with Jim Daly, please give us your feedback.

A narrative is a message that ceaselessly plays in your mind. It is the way you see yourself and what you say to yourself.

Do you know anyone who seems to be incurably irritable, cranky, or melancholy? I would bet that a negative, intrusive loop dominates their thoughts. The untruth has dredged a rut, and this rut has resulted in a false narrative.

It seems that a lot of people have chosen to be less happy than they could be. Their problem began with an untruth. The untruth spread like mold and became part of their identity. And since it was left uncontested, it morphed into a false narrative that defines the way they see themselves and what they say to themselves. What narrative are you listening to today?

Read more Tame Your Thoughts: Three Tools to Renew Your Mind and Transform Your Life

For more inspirational messages please visit Max Lucado.