Discover the Word Podcast

Our Daily Bread Ministries
  • 4.8 (463)
  • Christianity
  • Updated Weekly

Discover the Word is a weekly, Bible-study podcast that invites you to join a team of hosts — and maybe a special guest or two — in breaking down passages of Scripture to discover fresh perspective and practical application.

  1. 4d ago

    The Gospel of Ruth - Week 1

    Traditionally, the Old Testament book of Ruth has been viewed as a love story. But in this series of 12 conversations with author Carolyn Custis James, Mart DeHaan and Elisa Morgan discover that this story of Naomi and Ruth and Boaz is not all about romance. It’s about God’s ability to make much of broken lives, and how he calls men and women to serve together to build His kingdom. Receive  What do we do when life doesn’t follow the Cinderella script? How do we respond when the life we get doesn’t seem to have the happily-ever-after ending that we hoped for?   Traditionally, the Old Testament book of Ruth has been viewed as a love story. But there’s so much more to the story than meets the eye. As we dig deeper into the stories of Naomi, Ruth, and Boaz, we get a picture of God’s ability to make much of broken lives, and how He calls men and women to serve together to build His kingdom.   How can the story of Naomi, Ruth, and Boaz encourage you as you face hardships in your life?    Reflect   Based on Ruth 1:1–5, how is Naomi’s story similar to Job’s story of suffering? How was Naomi’s situation perhaps even more dire than Job’s? How does the end of Naomi’s story in Ruth 4:13–17 remind us that God gives us beauty for ashes? How can we relate to Naomi’s laments in Ruth 1:6–13 and Ruth 1:20–21 when we’re going through times of sorrow, grief, or hardship?  Based on Ruth 1:14-18, why did Ruth refuse to leave Naomi? Who was she really clinging to?   Respond  (Use this prayer to start a conversation with God)  “Dear God, thank You that You are close to the brokenhearted. Help me turn to You even in the midst of any sorrow or pain I’m experiencing. Help me feel Your comfort and love during any trials I face.”     Discover more about the topics in this episode with these recommended resources  Mentioned in this episode:  The Gospel of Ruth   Where Ya From? Podcast - Fighting Battles Together (Carolyn Custis James) Listen:  The Book of Naomi  God Is At Work—The Story of Ruth Part 1—The Worst of Times  Read:  Journeying Through Grief to Find Healing   A Season of Suffering – Meeting Jesus in Our Pain  Watch:  Running on Empty - Ruth 1:21  Unshakable Moxie

    The Gospel of Ruth - Week 1

  2. Aug 9

    Arguing with God

    Do you ever enjoy a good argument? In the scriptures, there are a surprising number of folks who argue with God. This week we'll consider several of the people in the Bible who argued with God, and try to see what motivated them to argue with the Lord and the result of that argument. Receive  Fear, insecurity, arrogance, and unbelief are just some of the reasons why people argue with God in the Bible. Maybe you’ve argued—or are arguing—with God over similar feelings?   As we look at the Bible accounts of Moses, Peter, and Ananias, and times they questioned/argued with God, let’s also reflect on the powerful portrait we get of our God for their experiences. God is patient and doesn't simply override our human resistance, but often works through it toward ends that we could never have anticipated.  How can you trust God even when you don’t understand or agree with your circumstances?   Reflect   Why was Moses arguing with God in Exodus 3–4? How did God respond? Why did Peter argue with Jesus in Matthew 16:22?  In Luke 22:31–34, why did Peter argue with Jesus? What caused Ananias to argue with God in Acts 9:13–14? How did Peter justify arguing with God in Acts 10:14?   Respond  (Use this prayer to start a conversation with God)  “Dear God, thank You for being so patient with me! Help me not to argue with You when I don’t understand or agree with what You’re doing in my life. Help me to trust that You have the best plan for my life.”   Discover more about the topics in this episode with these recommended resources  Mentioned in this episode:  Our Daily Bread Ministries App Listen:  The Times of the Judges | Week 1 The Times of the Judges | Week 2 Read:  Why Should I Trust God? To the Spiritual Rebels Watch:  John 11 - Arguing with God Jeremiah 33:3 - Getting Real with God

    Arguing with God

  3. Aug 2

    Behold!

    How long do you think your attention span is? A lot has been written about the attention spans of people, and there’s debate about whether attention spans are getting shorter or not. Well, if it’s true that we have short attention spans, and if they are potentially getting even shorter, there’s a really important invitation in the Bible that we’re going to struggle with. It's an invitation that shows up 1000 times--the invitation “to behold.” What does it mean to "behold", and why is "beholding" so important? Explore that with the group in this study called Behold. Receive  Does your attention span seem to be getting shorter? If the cares of this world are pulling you in all different directions, perhaps it’s time to pause and ponder why the Bible invites us more than 1,000 times to “behold!”  We live in a world of glimpses and glances, but it’s through beholding God that we are transformed and find abundant life.  What could taking time to “behold” look like for you?     Reflect   In Genesis 1:29–31 (NASB), why did God invite Adam and Eve to behold His creation? And why did God stop and behold His creation? Beholding something can have a positive or negative effect on us. How was the new pharaoh affected by beholding the increasing number of Israelites in Egypt in Exodus 1:8–10 (ESV)? How was Pharaoh’s daughter affected by beholding baby Moses in Exodus 2:6 (NASB)? How did beholding the burning bush affect Moses’ life in Exodus 3:1–2 (NASB)? What is the psalmist beholding in Psalm 119:18 (NASB)? What are the Israelites not regarding or beholding in Isaiah 5:11–12 (NIV)? Why won’t God behold or regard His people’s offerings in Amos 5:21–22 (NIV)? How can we guard against beholding someone in a dishonoring way as seen in Esther 1:10–11 (NRSVA)? How can we join the psalmist in Psalm 27:4 (NRSVA) in longing to behold God’s beauty and wanting to see His goodness as we read in Psalm 27:13 (NRSVUE)? How can we join the psalmist in his desire to behold what we know is true in our heart as is mentioned in Psalm 42:1–3 (NRSVA)?  Why are we told to behold in both Matthew 1:22–23 (NASB) and Isaiah 7:14 (NASB)? What role does the word behold play in John 1:29 (ESV)? What should we behold as we read Matthew 28:18–20 (ESV)? Who should we behold as we read Revelation 1:12–18 (ESV)?  Respond  (Use this prayer to start a conversation with God)  “Dear God, thank You for Your loving invitation to stop and behold You! Help me to pause and take time throughout my day to notice Your hand in my life. Help me not miss Your goodness, grace, and mercy that’s available to me every day.”  Discover more about the topics in this episode with these recommended resources  Mentioned in this episode:  Reclaim Today  Prayers for Ordinary Life   Listen:  In God's Presence Does Sabbath Still Matter?  Read:  The Intimacy of Prayer: Stepping into God’s Presence  My Soul in Silence - Learning How to Pray  Watch:  Psalm 84:1-3 - Residing in His Presence  Exodus 33:14 - God Is Always with Us

    Behold!

  4. Jul 26

    The Least Likely

    Is there someone you think would never respond positively to the gospel? Join us and our guest Jennifer Greer as we explore if Jesus was playing a form of the "Most Likely/Least Likely To . . ." game in Luke 17 to show us we can never guess who is the most/least likely to receive Him.  Receive  The “Most Likely/Least Likely To . . .” game is a fun icebreaker activity in which players guess which group member is most likely or least likely to do something. Have you ever played this game? As we read Luke 17 and ponder the deeper meaning behind the 10 leprous men being healed, we discover that Jesus likes to surprise us when it comes to who is most likely/least likely to respond to the gospel. How can we, like Jesus, welcome those who seem like the least likely to receive Him?  Reflect   Why was it so significant that Jesus was traveling between Jerusalem and Samaria in Luke 17:11–13? Why did Jesus instruct the men to go to the priests after being healed in Luke 17:14? How does knowing that it was the Samaritan man who returned to worship Jesus in Luke 17:15–16 help remind you that Jesus welcomes the ones who may seem like the least likely to respond to Him? What did Jesus say made the Samaritan man well in Luke 17:17–19? After reading about the Samaritan man in Luke 17, who was the only one to return and praise God, how does that inspire you to reach out to people who are far from Jesus? What could your next step toward reaching out to the least likely with the love of Jesus look like?   Respond  (Use this prayer to start a conversation with God)  “Dear God, thank You for calling me to follow You even when I seemed like the least likely to respond. Help me to remain grateful that you saved, redeemed, and cleansed me. Help me to reach out to those who may seem like the least likely to follow You.”  Discover more about the topics in this episode with these recommended resources  Mentioned in this episode:  The Story of Dan Week 1 The Story of Dan Week 2 How to Read the Bible in Its Ancient Context | Baker Academic Listen:  The Untouchable The Woman at the Well Read:  When the Good News Includes Our Enemy - Luke 10:27–37 Samaria & the Israelites: The Good Land Goes Bad Watch:  Samaria: The Good Land (The Holy Land) Love Others Like Jesus Does (John 13:34-35)

    The Least Likely

  5. Jul 19

    Famine - Week 2

    Some time ago Elisa led us in conversations about "tables" and how certain mealtimes moved the story of the Bible forward. For these two weeks Bill wants the group to consider the opposite—how famines (or the lack of food) was a catalyst for biblical events and a force for change in the lives of the characters of the Scriptures. Receive  As we ponder why God allowed His people throughout Scripture to experience famines, we can see that God was still working to draw them closer to Him. God is at work in our life as well. When we face hardships and difficulties in our life, let’s remember that God is near.   How does reading about how God provided for men and women throughout the Bible help remind you that He is faithful to help you through any trial you may face?    What could drawing closer to God even during difficulties look like for you?     Reflect   Why did God allow someone as faithful as the prophet Elijah to suffer through a famine as we read in 1 Kings 18:2? During famines, how did God provide for Elijah in 1 Kings 17:7–11 and Elisha in  2 Kings 4:38– 41? Why did the four men with leprosy mentioned in 2 Kings 7:3–5 respond to the famine the way they did?  Why did Jesus mention a famine in His parable of the Prodigal Son found in Luke 15:14? Based on Romans 8:35, not even famine can separate us from God’s love. How does knowing that truth encourage you during difficult times?   Respond  (Use this prayer to start a conversation with God)  “Dear God, thank You that You love me and provide for me even during the most difficult times. Please help me to draw closer to You, even when I’m experiencing a famine or lack in my life. Help me to trust Your unending goodness, grace, and mercy.”     Discover more about the topics in this episode with these recommended resources  Mentioned in this episode:  Joseph by Bill Crowder Tables in the Story of God Week 1 Tables in the Story of God Week 2 The Book of Naomi The Gospel of Ruth  Inseparable God Is At Work—The Story of Ruth Part 1—The Worst of Times  Listen:   The Miraculous life of Elisha | Part 1 The Miraculous Life of Elisha--Part 2 Read:  Faithful to the Faithful: 2 Kings 4 Why Should I Trust God? Watch:  Trusting God in the Dark with Katie Lewis (Unshakable Moxie) God Is at Work in All Things | Romans 8:28-29

    Famine - Week 2

  6. Jul 12

    Famine - Week 1

    Some time ago Elisa led us in conversations about "tables" and how certain mealtimes moved the story of the Bible forward. For these two weeks Bill wants the group to consider the opposite—how famines (or the lack of food) was a catalyst for biblical events and a force for change in the lives of the characters of the Scriptures. Receive  When we stop and consider that so many men and women in the Bible experienced various hardships, including famines, we see how God was still working in their lives to draw them closer to Him. From Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob and his family to Naomi and Ruth and King David, they all found themselves in challenging situations. Some of their circumstances may raise some difficult questions, but they also offer some helpful insights into what it means to be people of faith, who in spite of any questions, learn to trust God even in life's most difficult times.   How does reading about how God helped well-known Old Testament figures even during times of famines help you trust God despite your circumstances?   What could your next step toward trusting God during hard times look like?     Reflect   How might Abram’s response to a famine in Genesis 12:10 have influenced how his son Isaac response to the famine in Genesis 26:1? How did the famine mentioned in Genesis 42:5 work out for good for Jacob and his family?  How did God give Naomi beauty for ashes after the famine mentioned in Ruth 1:1? Why did King David want to avoid the famine mentioned in 2 Samuel 24:13?   Respond  (Use this prayer to start a conversation with God)  “Dear God, thank You for being with me even in difficult times. Help me to trust You despite my circumstances. Help me to love and serve You whether I’m in a season of feast or famine.”     Discover more about the topics in this episode with these recommended resources  Mentioned in this episode:  Joseph by Bill Crowder Tables in the Story of God Week 1 Tables in the Story of God Week 2 The Book of Naomi The Gospel of Ruth Listen:  Inseparable   God Is at Work      Read:  It's Not Fair - Trusting God When Life Doesn't Make Sense Navigating the Wilderness Watch:  Never Out of God’s Sight - Genesis 41:1 Running on Empty - Ruth 1:21

    Famine - Week 1

  7. Jul 5

    If We Confess...

    Receive  It may be one of the most well-known verses on confession and forgiveness in all of Scripture, but what does 1 John 1:9 mean? And how can it impact the way you live both day to day and from here to eternity? As you consider this Bible verse phrase by phrase, may this crucial statement penned by Jesus’ disciple, John, become a reality to you. 1. If we confess . . . 2. . . . . our sin . . . 3.  . . . He is faithful and just . . . 4.  . . . and will forgive our sin . . . 5. . . .and purify (cleanse) us from all unrighteousness.  How does exploring the meaning of this life-changing Bible verse help you discover God’s immeasurable love and mercy for you?   What could your next step toward learning more and receiving God’s forgiveness look like?     Reflect   Why is fellowship with God and others, which is mentioned in 1 John 1:1–4, so special and vital?  Based on 1 John 1:5–7, why are believers called to walk in the light? According to 1 John 1:8–10, how does God respond when we confess our sin to Him? How does Jesus help us when we sin, according to 1 John 2:1–2?   Respond  (Use this prayer to start a conversation with God)  “Dear God, thank You that if I confess my sin to You, You are faithful and just to forgive me and cleanse me. Please help me not to sin. And when I do sin, please help me to be quick to confess it to You and quick to receive Your forgiveness.”   Discover more about the topics in this episode with these recommended resources  Mentioned in this episode:  Our Daily Bread Ministries Ambassador Program Listen:  When We Sin - Week 1 When We Sin - Week 2 Read:  Forgiveness Defined  The Gifts of Confession Watch:  John 8:1-11 - Why God Hates Sin Jerusalem: The Cost of Forgiveness (The Holy Land)

    If We Confess...

  8. Jun 28

    What Goes Without Being Said - Week 2

    Ever wonder about the cultural norms left unsaid in the Bible? Discovering the collectivist perspective will help you better understand Scripture.  Receive  If we read the Bible exclusively from our Western individualist point of view, we may miss or misunderstand cultural values everybody in the ancient Mediterranean world understood. As this week’s guest, Randy Richards, reminds us, the values of kinship, patronage, and brokerage, which focus on the family or group dynamic instead of an individual, are found throughout Scripture. We also find examples of honor, shame, and boundaries in the Old and New Testaments that are used as tools to help enforce and strengthen these cultural values.  Understanding the ancient Mediterranean culture that the Bible is set in can enrich our understanding of some Scripture passages.  How has discovering some of the cultural backdrop of the Bible helped you gain a deeper understanding of Scripture and how the Bible applies to your life?  What next step could you take toward learning more about the cultural context of the Old and New Testament?    Reflect   Why were the Pharisees trying to shame Jesus in Matthew 9:11? How was the apostle Paul trying to use shame in a positive sense in 1 Corinthians 15:34?  In 1 Timothy 2:9, how was the apostle Paul trying to use shame in a positive way to encourage women to stand up against the culture’s way of dressing?  Based on Romans 1:1, what was the role with the highest honor for the apostle Paul? How were the chief priests, teachers of the law, and the elders trying to have an honor contest with Jesus in Luke 20:1–8? Why did Jesus tell the parable of The Pharisee and the Tax Collector in Luke 18:9–14 to those who were confident of their own righteousness and looked down on everyone else?  Why is the apostle Paul setting a boundary in 1 Corinthians 10:27 –28?   Respond  (Use this prayer to start a conversation with God)  “Dear God, thank You that as I grow in my knowledge of Scripture, I can grow deeper in my love and understanding of You! Help me to dive deeper into Your Word, so my relationship with You can grow stronger. Help me to gain wisdom that I can apply to my life.”     Discover more about the topics in this episode with these recommended resources  Mentioned in this episode:  Misreading Scripture with Individualist Eyes by our guest E. Randolph Richards  Listen:  Misreading Scripture with Western Eyes (with guest Randy Richards)) Understanding How to Read the Bible Today Read:  Starting in the Right Place How Should We Read the Bible—and What Type of Book Is It, Anyway? Watch:  In Pursuit of Peter In Pursuit of Paul

    What Goes Without Being Said - Week 2
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About

Discover the Word is a weekly, Bible-study podcast that invites you to join a team of hosts — and maybe a special guest or two — in breaking down passages of Scripture to discover fresh perspective and practical application.

Information

  • Creator
    Our Daily Bread Ministries
  • Years Active
    2010 - 2026
  • Episodes
    279
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Our Daily Bread Ministries
  • Show Website
    Discover the Word Podcast

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