Ann Wilson was simply trying to help her husband, Dave, become a godlier man. But Dave felt like she was constantly “booing him” as a husband and father. The Wilsons explain why spouses need to be more encouraging and supportive of one another, focusing on positives rather than negatives in your spouse.

Receive the book How to Speak Life to Your Husband When All You Want to Do is Yell at Him and the audio download of the broadcast "Revive Your Marriage by Becoming Your Husband's Biggest Cheerleader" for your donation of any amount! Your Gift DOUBLES to Help Deliver Hope and Joy! Save 2X the marriages and families this Christmas with your life-changing gift today!

Get More Episode Resources 

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

In Bethlehem, the human being who best understood who God was and what he was doing was a teenage girl in a smelly stable. As Mary looked into the face of the baby, she saw her son, her Lord, his majesty—she couldn’t take her eyes off him. Somehow Mary knew she was holding God. So this is he she thought. She remembered the words of the angel: “His kingdom will never end.”

He looked like anything but a King. His cry, though strong and healthy, was still the helpless and piercing cry of a baby. Majesty in the midst of mundane. Holiness in the filth of sheep manure and sweat. Divinity entering the world on the floor of a stable, through the womb of a teenager, and in the presence of a carpenter. God came near. And as Luke 1:33 says, “His kingdom will never end.”

Read more God Came Near

For more inspirational messages please visit Max Lucado.

Ezra's Journey: Returning to Jerusalem Under King Artaxerxes' Decree - Immerse Bible Reading Day 350

In today's episode of Immerse: The Daily Bible Reading Experience, we explore Ezra's significant journey from Babylon to Jerusalem during the 7th year of King Artaxerxes of Persia's reign. This episode meticulously covers Ezra’s genealogy, his revered status as a scribe well-versed in the law of Moses, and the king's generous provisions for their journey. We learn about the detailed royal decree, which includes instructions for offerings, specific items to be taken, and orders for provincial treasurers. The episode also lists the leaders and genealogies of those who traveled with Ezra. It highlights the purpose of their journey, the fasting and prayers for protection, and the accounted delivery of treasures to God’s temple. The reading concludes with the sacrifices offered on arrival and the cooperation of local governors.

00:00 Introduction to Ezra's Journey
00:04 Ezra's Background and Mission
01:34 King Artaxerxes' Decree
05:00 Preparations for the Journey
06:38 The Journey to Jerusalem
10:06 Arrival and Offerings in Jerusalem

Buy Immerse: Chronicles Now!
Volume 6 — Chronicles, Ezra, Nehemiah, Esther, Daniel

Chronicles

Immerse: Chronicles is the sixth and final installment in Immerse: The Bible Reading Experience. Chronicles contains the remaining First Testament Books: Chronicles–Ezra–Nehemiah, Esther, and Daniel. These works were all written after the Jewish people fell under the control of foreign empires and were scattered among the nations. They remind God’s chastened people of their identity and calling to faithfully represent God to the nations and that there is still hope for the struggling dynasty of David.

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?”

And for more great Bible podcasts for Christians and small groups, check out https://lumivoz.com or search for Lumivoz in your podcast app of choice.

Ann Wilson was simply trying to help her husband, Dave, become a godlier man. But Dave felt like she was constantly “booing him” as a husband and father. The Wilsons explain why spouses need to be more encouraging and supportive of one another, focusing on positives rather than negatives in your spouse.

Receive the book How to Speak Life to Your Husband When All You Want to Do is Yell at Him and the audio download of the broadcast "Revive Your Marriage by Becoming Your Husband's Biggest Cheerleader" for your donation of any amount! Your Gift DOUBLES to Help Deliver Hope and Joy! Save 2X the marriages and families this Christmas with your life-changing gift today!

Get More Episode Resources 

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

When Christ was born, so was our hope. This is why I love Christmas. The event invites us to believe the wildest of promises: He did away with every barrier, fence, sin, bent, debt, and grave. Anything that might keep us from him was demolished. He only awaits our word to walk through the door. Invite him in, escort him to the seat of honor, and pull out his chair. Clear the table; clear the calendar. Call the kids and neighbors. Christmas is here. Christ is here.

One request from you, and God will do again what he did then: scatter the night with everlasting light. He’ll be born in you. Let “Silent Night” be sung. Every heart can be a manger. Every day can be a Christmas. The Christmas miracle—a yearlong celebration!

Read more Because of Bethlehem

For more inspirational messages please visit Max Lucado.

Day 349: Opposition and Triumph in Rebuilding the Temple

In Day 349 of 'Immerse: The Daily Bible Reading Experience,' the episode covers the significant challenges faced by the exiles from Judah and Benjamin in rebuilding the temple of the Lord. Initially, local adversaries pose opposition by offering assistance, which is rejected by the leaders of Israel to follow the decree of King Cyrus of Persia. Subsequently, the locals attempt to discourage the rebuilders by writing letters to Persian kings, including Xerxes and Artaxerxes, labeling Jerusalem as a rebellious city. This results in orders to halt construction until further investigation. With intervention from the prophets Haggai and Zechariah and a subsequent decree from King Darius affirming King Cyrus's original decree, work on the temple resumes with renewed vigor. After overcoming adversities, the episode culminates with the joyous completion and dedication of the temple, including a detailed account of the sacrificial offerings and celebration of Passover by the returned exiles and those who turned to worship the Lord.

00:00 Introduction and Context
00:04 Opposition to Rebuilding the Temple
01:01 Accusations Against the Jews
03:02 King Artaxerxes' Response
04:18 Prophets Encourage Rebuilding
04:43 Governor Tattenai's Inquiry
07:16 King Darius' Decree
10:11 Completion and Dedication of the Temple
11:05 Celebration of Passover

Buy Immerse: Chronicles Now!
Volume 6 — Chronicles, Ezra, Nehemiah, Esther, Daniel

Chronicles

Immerse: Chronicles is the sixth and final installment in Immerse: The Bible Reading Experience. Chronicles contains the remaining First Testament Books: Chronicles–Ezra–Nehemiah, Esther, and Daniel. These works were all written after the Jewish people fell under the control of foreign empires and were scattered among the nations. They remind God’s chastened people of their identity and calling to faithfully represent God to the nations and that there is still hope for the struggling dynasty of David.

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?”

And for more great Bible podcasts for Christians and small groups, check out https://lumivoz.com

Kids are no strangers to big emotions. This can be scary for parents to navigate. Michelle Nietert is a licensed professional counselor, author, and mother of two. With personal stories and expert advice, Michelle provides practical and faith-based tools for parents to guide their little ones through emotions – big and small!

Receive Bringing Big Emotions to a Bigger God Bundle and the audio download of the broadcast "Cultivating Healthy Emotional Habits with Your Children" for your donation of any amount! Your Gift DOUBLES to Help Deliver Hope and Joy! Save 2X the marriages and families this Christmas with your life-changing gift today!

Get More Episode Resources 

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

Maybe your life resembles a Bethlehem stable. Crude in some spots, smelly in others. Not much glamour. You do your best to make the best of it. But try as you might, the roof still leaks, and the winter wind still sneaks through the holes you just can’t seem to fix. You’ve shivered through your share of cold nights and you wonder if God has a place for a person like you.

Find your answers in the Bethlehem stable. The story of Christmas is the story of God’s relentless love for us. The moment Mary touched God’s face is the moment God made his case: there is no place he will not go. No place is too common, no person is too hardened, no distance is too far. There is no person he cannot reach. There is no limit to his love.

Read more Because of Bethlehem

For more inspirational messages please visit Max Lucado.

Day 348: The Rise and Fall of the Kings of Judah and the Rebuilding of the Temple

Welcome to Immerse: The Daily Bible Reading Experience. On Day 348, the narrative focuses on the transitions of various kings of Judah, their reigns, and the subsequent consequences of their actions. It begins with Jehoahaz becoming king and quickly being deposed by the king of Egypt, leading to Jehoiakim's, Jehoiachin's, and Zedekiah's reigns—all of whom did what was evil in the sight of the Lord. Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon captures Jerusalem, and the city along with the Temple is destroyed. However, the narrative takes a hopeful turn with the decree of King Cyrus of Persia, who fulfills Jeremiah's prophecy by allowing the exiles to return to Jerusalem and rebuild the Temple. Details about the families and individuals returning from exile, along with the materials and resources provided for the Temple's reconstruction, are meticulously accounted for, culminating in the joyous yet poignant laying of the Temple's foundation.

00:00 Introduction and Context
00:04 The Reign of Jehoahaz and Jehoiakim
03:27 The Fall of Jerusalem
04:41 The Prophecy of Cyrus
06:59 The Return of the Exiles
14:04 Rebuilding the Temple
16:15 Foundation of the New Temple

Buy Immerse: Chronicles Now!
Volume 6 — Chronicles, Ezra, Nehemiah, Esther, Daniel

Chronicles

Immerse: Chronicles is the sixth and final installment in Immerse: The Bible Reading Experience. Chronicles contains the remaining First Testament Books: Chronicles–Ezra–Nehemiah, Esther, and Daniel. These works were all written after the Jewish people fell under the control of foreign empires and were scattered among the nations. They remind God’s chastened people of their identity and calling to faithfully represent God to the nations and that there is still hope for the struggling dynasty of David.

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?”

And for more great Bible podcasts for Christians and small groups, check out https://lumivoz.com or search for Lumivoz in your podcast app of choice.