Daily Bible Podcast - Audio Bible Reading Plan Support

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TODAY'S READING:

- Ecclesiastes 11:7-10, Ecclesiastes 12, 1 Kings 12:1-20, 2 Chronciles 10, 1 Kings 12:21-24, 2 Chronciles 11:1-4, 1 Kings 12:25-33, 2 Chronciles 11:5-17

WORD OF THE DAY:

-  Control

As we conclude our journey through the book of Ecclesiastes, the Teacher leaves us with profound wisdom. The beauty of life is in its balance—the joy of light and the inevitability of darkness. Solomon advises us to rejoice in our years but to remember that life also brings challenges and uncertainties.

Solomon reflects on the days of his youth, perhaps with a hint of nostalgia and regret. He urges the young to enjoy their lives while keeping in mind the greater purpose and eternal perspective. It's a reminder that life’s pleasures are meant to be enjoyed, but they are not the ultimate source of meaning.

"The end of the matter; all has been heard. Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man. For God will bring every deed into judgment, with every secret thing, whether good or evil."- Ecclesiastes 12:13-14

Solomon, a man who experienced the highs and lows of life, ends with a powerful reminder: our ultimate duty is to fear God and keep His commandments. Everything we do will be brought into judgment, emphasizing the need for a life lived in reverence to God.

In our reading today, Rehoboam, Solomon's son, becomes king. The people of Israel request lighter taxation and more lenient rule. Rehoboam seeks advice from the elders, who suggest he should listen to the people. Instead, he follows the counsel of his peers, asserting his authority even more forcefully.

"My father laid heavy burdens on you, but I’m going to make them even heavier! My father beat you with whips, but I will beat you with scorpions!"- 1 Kings 12:14

Rehoboam's harsh response leads to a rebellion, dividing the kingdom into Israel and Judah. Jeroboam becomes the king of the northern kingdom, establishing idol worship to prevent his subjects from returning to Jerusalem.

Rehoboam plans to fight Jeroboam, but God sends a prophet instructing them to avoid war. They listen, preventing further conflict. This act of obedience contrasts sharply with Rehoboam's earlier prideful decisions.

At the end of Ecclesiastes, Solomon emphasizes that God is in control and that our duty is to fear Him and keep His commandments. This truth extends to Rehoboam's story, where his struggle for control led to division and conflict.

When we try to control situations out of fear, it often leads to more problems. Instead, we should look to God, who is ultimately in control. As Susie Larson wisely said, "The enemy amplifies your fears. He makes a big deal out of your weaknesses. He exaggerates your troubles. And He lies about your worth."

Turning over control to God means trusting Him as our Shepherd, believing that He provides for us, leads us to peace, and fights for us. When we relinquish our need to control, we find true peace and security in His guidance.

As we wrap up our study of Ecclesiastes and learn from the history of Israel, let's remember that our ultimate duty is to trust God, follow His commandments, and live with the assurance that He is in control. This perspective allows us to enjoy life's blessings without being overwhelmed by its challenges.

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DISCLAIMER: The Daily Bible Podcast, Tricia Goyer, Michelle Hill, and affiliates are not a church, pastor, spiritual authority, or counseling service. Listeners and viewers consume this content on a voluntary basis and assume all responsibility for the resulting consequences and impact.

All the info you need to START + the printable schedule + links to the Bible we use is on our website: http://dailybiblepodcast.net!  

Join the Daily Bible Pod Coffee Club: https://dailybiblepodcoffeeclub.substack.com/

TODAY'S READING:

- Ecclesiastes 7 - Ecclesiastes 11:1-6

WORD OF THE DAY:

-  Striving

Today's Bible reading takes us through Ecclesiastes 7 and 11:1-6, offering profound insights into the pursuit of wisdom, the futility of striving, and the importance of finding contentment in the present moment.

Ecclesiastes 7 begins with a series of comparative sayings:

"A good name is better than fine perfume, and the day of death better than the day of birth." (Ecclesiastes 7:1)

This poetic verse highlights that while a good reputation is invaluable, life’s journey is often arduous and challenging.

"Do not say, 'Why were the old days better than these?' For it is not wise to ask such questions." (Ecclesiastes 7:10)

Longing for the past can blind us to the opportunities and blessings of the present. As Owens Lee Pomeroy said, "Nostalgia is like a grammar lesson: you find the present tense and the past perfect."

The teacher in Ecclesiastes 8 grapples with life's big questions, including the seeming injustice in the world:

"There is something else meaningless that occurs on earth: the righteous who get what the wicked deserve, and the wicked who get what the righteous deserve." (Ecclesiastes 8:14)

This reminds us of historical injustices, like those seen during World War II, where the righteous suffered and the wicked were exalted.

Ecclesiastes 9 urges us to enjoy life while we can, recognizing its unpredictability:

"Go, eat your food with gladness, and drink your wine with a joyful heart, for God has already approved what you do." (Ecclesiastes 9:7)

Ecclesiastes 11 continues with practical wisdom, encouraging us to diversify our efforts and embrace the uncertainties of life:

"Sow your seed in the morning, and at evening let your hands not be idle, for you do not know which will succeed, whether this or that, or whether both will do equally well." (Ecclesiastes 11:6)

Word of the Day: Striving

Striving is defined as making great efforts to achieve or obtain something or to struggle vigorously.

From birth, society teaches us to strive—to hit milestones, achieve success, and continually push forward. However, this relentless pursuit can come at a cost. Solomon warns that excessive striving is ultimately meaningless. True fulfillment comes not from pushing through at any cost but from finding balance and prioritizing what truly matters.

As an author and mother, I constantly battle the urge to strive. Balancing my career with caring for my family, I often remind myself of God’s call to prioritize people over work. Despite the demands of my career, I pause to make dinner, spend time with my children, and care for my elderly grandmother. This balance reminds me that if I focus on God’s work—caring for others—He will take care of my work.

Corrie ten Boom beautifully captured this sentiment:

"If you look at the world, you'll be distressed. If you look within, you'll be depressed. If you look at God you'll be at rest."

Ecclesiastes teaches us to find joy and meaning in the present, to balance striving with contentment, and to prioritize our relationship with God above all else. As we reflect on these lessons, may we seek wisdom, embrace life’s uncertainties, and strive for what truly matters.

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DISCLAIMER: The Daily Bible Podcast, Tricia Goyer, Michelle Hill, and affiliates are not a church, pastor, spiritual authority, or counseling service. Listeners and viewers consume this content on a voluntary basis and assume all responsibility for the resulting consequences and impact.

All the info you need to START + the printable schedule + links to the Bible we use is on our website: http://dailybiblepodcast.net!  

Join the Daily Bible Pod Coffee Club: https://dailybiblepodcoffeeclub.substack.com/

TODAY'S READING:

- Ecclesiastes 1:12-18, Ecclesiastes 2-6

WORD OF THE DAY:

-  Vanity

Today, our journey through the Bible takes us into the profound and thought-provoking book of Ecclesiastes. We dive into the reflections of the teacher, traditionally believed to be Solomon, as he examines the pursuit of wisdom, possessions, and the meaning of life.

Ecclesiastes 1:12-18 introduces us to Solomon's quest for wisdom. Solomon, famous for his unparalleled wisdom and wealth, embarks on a journey to find the true essence of life. He tests possessions and pleasures:

“I denied myself nothing my eyes desired; I refused my heart no pleasure. My heart took delight in all my labor, and this was the reward for all my toil.”

But does this bring happiness? Solomon's conclusion is stark:

“Yet when I surveyed all that my hands had done and what I had toiled to achieve, everything was meaningless, a chasing after the wind; nothing was gained under the sun.”

Solomon reflects on the certainty and cruelty of death. In Ecclesiastes 3, he weighs time, eternity, and despair:

“To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven: A time to be born, and a time to die.”

However, amidst the talk of meaninglessness, we find a glimmer of hope:

“What do people really get for all their hard work? I have seen the burden God has placed on us all. Yet God has made everything beautiful for its own time. He has planted eternity in the human heart, but even so, people cannot see the whole scope of God’s work from beginning to end.” (Ecclesiastes 3:9-11)

Ecclesiastes 3:14 offers further insights:

“I know that everything God does will endure forever; nothing can be added to it and nothing taken from it. God does it so that people will fear him.”

This shows us that:


God's actions are permanent.


God's actions are effective and complete.


God's actions are totally secure.



In Ecclesiastes 4-6, we see that riches and success do not bring true happiness. The teacher states:

“Then I observed that most people are motivated by success because they envy their neighbors. But this, too, is meaningless—like chasing the wind.” (Ecclesiastes 4:4)

We also see the value of companionship:

“Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed.” (Ecclesiastes 4:9)

The teacher discusses the futility of political power, the importance of fearing God, and the fleeting nature of life:

“Better one handful with tranquillity than two handfuls with toil and chasing after the wind.” (Ecclesiastes 4:6)

Vanity is often described as excessive pride in one's appearance or achievements. However, the Hebrew word "hevel" used in Ecclesiastes conveys the idea of something transient and insubstantial, like a breath or vapor.

Ecclesiastes challenges us to reassess our values and priorities. True wisdom and fulfillment come from aligning our lives with God's purposes. The book concludes with a powerful reminder:

“Remember your Creator” and recognize that God will judge every deed, underscoring the importance of living a life oriented toward eternity.

As we reflect on Ecclesiastes, let’s strive to find contentment and purpose in the present moment, trusting in God's eternal plan. By seeking His wisdom and living righteously, we can navigate life's challenges with a deeper understanding of what truly matters.

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DISCLAIMER: The Daily Bible Podcast, Tricia Goyer, Michelle Hill, and affiliates are not a church, pastor, spiritual authority, or counseling service. Listeners and viewers consume this content on a voluntary basis and a

All the info you need to START + the printable schedule + links to the Bible we use is on our website: http://dailybiblepodcast.net!  

Join the Daily Bible Pod Coffee Club: https://dailybiblepodcoffeeclub.substack.com/

TODAY'S READING:

- 1 Kings 11, 2 Chronicles 9:29-31, Ecclesiastes 1:1-11

WORD OF THE DAY:

-  Meaningful

In our readings today, we delve into the troubling yet instructive tale of Solomon's fall from grace. Despite his renowned wisdom, wealth, and achievements, Solomon's heart was led astray by his numerous wives and concubines. With seven hundred wives and three hundred concubines, Solomon's marital choices defied God's commands, leading him to worship foreign gods and build altars for idols.

1 Kings 11:10 tells us:

"Although he had forbidden Solomon to follow other gods, Solomon did not keep the Lord’s command."

This disobedience provoked God's anger, and He declared that Solomon's kingdom would be torn away, sparing only one tribe for the sake of David. God raised adversaries against Solomon, including Hadad the Edomite, Rezon the son of Eliada, and Jeroboam. Unlike David, who waited on God to establish his throne, Jeroboam seized power on his own, and his reign lacked divine blessing.

2 Chronicles 9:29-31 records Solomon's rule, his death, and the ascension of Rehoboam. Solomon reigned for forty years and was laid to rest in David's city.

Following Proverbs, we turn to Ecclesiastes—a book that challenges our understanding of wisdom and life's meaning. Written in a reflective and often somber tone, Ecclesiastes confronts us with the harsh realities of a fallen world. The teacher, traditionally thought to be Solomon, uses the term "hevel" (often translated as "meaningless") to describe life's fleeting and enigmatic nature.

Word of the Day: Meaningful

Ecclesiastes opens with a stark declaration:

“Everything is meaningless, completely meaningless.”

Let's flip this around and consider what "meaningful" looks like. A synonym for meaningful is significant. What does a significant life entail? Solomon, who had all the world's riches and wisdom, offers profound insights.

God intends for our lives to be meaningful by His standards. Our present lives prepare us for eternity. Therefore:


Memorize His word to know Him better.


Read His word to understand His will.


Steward your gifts for His glory.



Ecclesiastes teaches that a meaningful life isn't found in worldly pursuits but in contentment, gratitude, and purpose in the present moment. Solomon, who experienced everything, realized that life’s true meaning lies in knowing and serving God. This perspective aligns with Jesus' teachings in Matthew 6:33-34:

"Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need. So don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today’s trouble is enough for today."

By the end of Ecclesiastes, we are reminded to:

"Remember your Creator" and recognize that God will judge every deed, underscoring the importance of living a life oriented toward eternity.

Solomon's story and the book of Ecclesiastes challenge us to reassess our values and priorities. True wisdom and fulfillment come from aligning our lives with God's purposes, embracing our roles as stewards of His gifts, and seeking significance in His eternal plan.

SOCIALS:

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DISCLAIMER: The Daily Bible Podcast, Tricia Goyer, Michelle Hill, and affiliates are not a church, pastor, spiritual authority, or counseling service. Listeners and viewers consume this content on a voluntary basis and assume all responsibility for the resulting consequences and impact.

All the info you need to START + the printable schedule + links to the Bible we use is on our website: http://dailybiblepodcast.net!  

Join the Daily Bible Pod Coffee Club: https://dailybiblepodcoffeeclub.substack.com/

TODAY'S READING:

- Song of Songs 1-8

WORD OF THE DAY:

-  Love

Today, we're diving into the rich and poetic waters of Song of Songs 1-8, a collection of Hebrew love poems that many believe were written by Solomon. This beautiful book takes us through the journey of love, from courtship to marriage, with conversations between a shepherdess, her entourage, the shepherd, and King Solomon.

The Song of Songs is essentially a dialogue about romantic and intimate relationships. While marriage and sexual relationships are central themes, it's important to remember that the Bible also honors celibacy. As Paul states in 1 Corinthians 7:7-9, each person has their own calling, whether to marry or to remain single.

According to the Enduring Word Bible Commentary:

“The best way to see this book is as a literal, powerful description of the romantic and sensual love between a man and a woman, observing both their courtship and their marriage.”

Why include such a poetic book in the Bible? Because God created love, marriage, and sex. As Christians, we should engage in healthy conversations about these topics, ensuring they are grounded in biblical truth rather than worldly distortions.

In the Song of Songs, three Hebrew words describe different facets of love:


Raya (Friendship): This term refers to a companion or soulmate, highlighting that our special person should be our best friend (Song of Songs 4:7).


Ahavah (Deep Affection and Commitment): This word signifies a deep, committed love that goes beyond fleeting romantic feelings. It's the kind of love that sustains a marriage and involves making a lifelong decision to be with another person (Song of Songs 8:7).


Dod (Passion): Dod represents the physical, sexual aspect of love, emphasizing passion and romantic feelings (Song of Songs 1:2).



In our culture, people often start with Dod (passion), then move to Raya (friendship), and finally to Ahavah (commitment). In other cultures, such as those with arranged marriages, the sequence often starts with Ahavah (commitment), followed by Dod (passion), and hopefully leads to Raya (friendship).

Initially, I often skimmed through this book of the Bible, but deeper study and discussion revealed its profound themes of love and commitment. It emphasizes that love is an ongoing journey, always deepening as time goes on. This is true in romantic relationships, with our children, and with God.

Song of Songs directs us to the essence of love between a man and a woman, but it also points us to God's perfect love. This book highlights that God knew what He was doing when He created sex, and it underscores the need to reclaim the true meaning of love from a world that has cheapened it.

God designed love with many layers—friendship, commitment, and passion. Each layer is interconnected and reflects the complexity of human emotions, a testament to divine design.

Love, in all its forms, is patient and kind. It protects, trusts, hopes, and perseveres (1 Corinthians 13:4-7). Whether we look at love through the lens of friendship, commitment, or passion, these verses apply.

SOCIALS:

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DISCLAIMER: The Daily Bible Podcast, Tricia Goyer, Michelle Hill, and affiliates are not a church, pastor, spiritual authority, or counseling service. Listeners and viewers consume this content on a voluntary basis and assume all responsibility for the resulting consequences and impact.

All the info you need to START + the printable schedule + links to the Bible we use is on our website: http://dailybiblepodcast.net!  

Join the Daily Bible Pod Coffee Club: https://dailybiblepodcoffeeclub.substack.com/

TODAY'S READING:

- Proverbs 22:17-29, Proverbs 23-24

WORD OF THE DAY:

-  Keep

Welcome to today's blog post, where we dive into the rich wisdom of Proverbs 22:17-29, Proverbs 23, and Proverbs 24. These passages are collectively known as the "30 Sayings of the Wise," a treasure trove of advice and knowledge penned by Solomon. Our focus today is on listening, learning, and leaning on God as we navigate life's conflicts and challenges.

Solomon's guidance can be summed up in three simple words: Listen, Learn, and Lean. Here's how we can apply these principles:


Listen: Open your heart to the wisdom in these sayings (Proverbs 22:17).


Learn: Internalize these wise words so they can guide you in times of conflict (Proverbs 22:17-18).


Lean: Trust in God rather than solely relying on your understanding or these sayings (Proverbs 22:19).



By following this triad, we gain knowledge, good advice, truth, and solutions for our challenges, steering us from conflict toward community (Proverbs 22:20-21).

Solomon's words offer guidance through seven critical areas of life: finances, friends, faith, failure, family, fools, and the future. Let's explore each area with relevant sayings.

Wise stewardship of resources is crucial. Solomon highlights five pearls of wisdom to manage financial conflicts:


Poverty Police (Proverbs 22:22-23)


Borrow Barrier (Proverbs 22:26-27)


Sanctified Survey (Proverbs 22:28)


Riches to Rags (Proverbs 23:4-5)


Lawful Landmarks (Proverbs 23:10-11)



The company we keep influences our lives significantly. Solomon advises avoiding:


Anger Danger (Proverbs 22:24-25)


Slothful Man (Proverbs 23:19-21)


Bad Company (Proverbs 24:1-2)


Resist Rebels (Proverbs 24:21-22)



Wisdom in faith connects God's character to our challenges:


Hard Work Helps (Proverbs 22:29)


Bribe Tribe (Proverbs 23:1-3)


Common Sense Counts (Proverbs 23:15-16)


Warn the Unwary (Proverbs 24:11-12)



Failure can be a stepping stone or a stumbling block. Solomon highlights pitfalls to avoid:


Chameleon Complex (Proverbs 23:6-8)


Wayward Women (Proverbs 23:26-28)


Drunken Dodo (Proverbs 23:29-35)


Pressure Pusher (Proverbs 24:10)



A strong family reflects God's love. Solomon offers pillars for a God-honoring home:


Receive Reproof (Proverbs 23:12)


Disciple Discipline (Proverbs 23:13-14)


Secret Agents (Proverbs 23:22-25)


House of Leadership (Proverbs 24:3-4)



Dealing with fools requires wisdom. Solomon provides guidance on this:


Wisdom Wasted (Proverbs 23:9)


Rebel Rascals (Proverbs 24:7)


Slippery Schemer (Proverbs 24:8-9)


Bounce Back (Proverbs 24:15-16)


Weep Over Others’ Woes (Proverbs 24:17-18)



Hope for the future comes from God. Solomon shares ways to embrace this hope:


Envy Evil Error (Proverbs 23:17-18)


Wise Words Win Wars (Proverbs 24:5-6)


Sweet Success (Proverbs 24:13-14)


Wicked Worry (Proverbs 24:19-20)



As we reflect on these 30 Sayings of the Wise, let's commit to listening, learning, and leaning on God. By doing so, we navigate life's challenges with divine wisdom and experience the peace and guidance that comes from keeping our hearts aligned with His Word.

SOCIALS:

Tricia: Instagram | Facebook | Twitter

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DISCLAIMER: The Daily Bible Podcast, Tricia Goyer, Michelle Hill, and affiliates are not a church, pastor, spiritual authority, or counseling service. Listeners and viewers consume this content on a voluntary basis and assume all responsibility for the resulting consequences and impact.