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This series of 15 conversations revisits the story of a world-class liar and deceiver. The intent is to find insight and perspective as we explore together what Jacob, the father of the original 12 tribes of Israel contributes to the bigger story of Jesus— and to us. Even though he was a grandson of Abraham, Jacob turned out to be so dishonest that he had to leave home to avoid being killed by the older brother he betrayed. Yet his legacy is as wonderful as it is mysterious. God loved Jacob, and chose him to be a blessing to every family of the earth. What was God trying to tell us? Receive  Jacob turned out to be so dishonest that he had to leave home to avoid being killed by the older brother he betrayed. Yet his legacy is as wonderful as it is mysterious.   Although Jacob’s life and relationships raise lots of questions, we can see that God still loved Jacob and God chose him to be a blessing to every family of the earth.   As we reflect on Jacob’s story, we can rejoice that God loves us despite our flaws, struggles, and weaknesses and can still use us to be a blessing to many.      Reflect   How might Rebekah have justified the scheme to deceive her husband as we find in Genesis 27:41– 45? Why would God offer not only to provide and protect a man like Jacob, but also to make him part of the story that would bring blessing to the whole world as we read in Genesis 28:10–17? In Genesis 28:18–22, was Jacob expressing the kind of faith that pleases God or trying to put conditions on his faith? Based on Genesis 31:5–7, what was happening in Jacob during those twenty years of struggle and betrayal while living with and working for his dishonest father-in-law?   Respond  (Use this prayer to start a conversation with God)  “Dear God, thank You for loving me despite my flaws, mistakes, and past. Thank You for Your mercy, grace, and forgiveness. Help me to surrender to You in every area of my life and to trust You in every season.”     Discover more about the topics in this episode with these recommended resources  Mentioned in this episode:  Our Daily Bread Ministries' Press Giving Campaign   Listen:  The Master of Forgiveness  Myths of Forgiveness  Read:  A Socially Suspect Ancestry  The Forgiveness of God Watch:  Jerusalem – The City of Forgiveness (The Holy Land)  Jerusalem – The Cost of Forgiveness (The Holy Land)

This series of 15 conversations revisits the story of a world-class liar and deceiver. The intent is to find insight and perspective as we explore together what Jacob, the father of the original 12 tribes of Israel contributes to the bigger story of Jesus— and to us. Even though he was a grandson of Abraham, Jacob turned out to be so dishonest that he had to leave home to avoid being killed by the older brother he betrayed. Yet his legacy is as wonderful as it is mysterious. God loved Jacob, and chose him to be a blessing to every family of the earth. What was God trying to tell us? Receive  When we consider Jacob’s life and ponder his legacy, let’s remember that God is in the redemption business.   Even though Jacob was a world-class liar and deceiver God loved him. Jacob became the father of the original 12 tribes of Israel and God used him to be a blessing to every family on the earth.   God’s ways may seem mysterious to us at times, but we can trust that He is working things out for our good. We can trust God’s loving kindness, mercy, and grace even when we don’t understand His ways.      Reflect   Keeping in mind the big picture of Scripture, how can a God who wants to be known for fairness, justice, and mercy, be a God who favors one person over another as we read in Genesis 25:21–28?   Based on Genesis 12:1–3, how is Jacob’s story more than simply a favorite son or daughter problem? What could be the possible reason for Jacob’s unusual name found in Genesis 25:24–26?    Respond  (Use this prayer to start a conversation with God)  “Dear God, thank You that I can trust You even when I don’t understand how You are working in my life. Help me to overcome my doubts, fear, or confusion by knowing that You are good and You are working things out for my good.”     Discover more about the topics in this episode with these recommended resources  Mentioned in this episode:  Our Daily Bread Stories of Impact Listen:  Forgiveness, The Story of Easter  Whole Man Podcast  Read:  God’s Promise to a Crooked People  How We Got Here  It's Not Fair, God Watch:  From Prison Walls to Purpose: The Cornelius Family’s Story of Redemption  Our Daily Redeemer

Have you ever struggled with the question "what am I supposed to do with my life?" From pretty early on in our lives, we begin to ask that question, only to discover that it reappears in almost every stage of life. So, this week, Daniel is going to lead Elisa and Bill and Rasool in looking at a few stories of “calling” in the Bible and see how these stories might help us think through where we currently are, how God may be leading us in whatever season we’re in, and what the answer to that question—what am I supposed to do with my life?—might be for us right now. Hearing God's Call is the focus of this series of conversations on Discover the Word. Receive  If you've ever struggled with the question, "What am I supposed to do with my life?" be encouraged that you're not alone. Questioning what you're supposed to do with your life, no matter what stage you're in, is a common and valid question.  As we look at a few stories of “calling” in the Bible, let's see how these stories might help us think through where we currently are and how God may be leading us in whatever season we’re in.   We can take heart that regardless of where we are in life right now, God is calling us into an ever-deepening relationship with Him, where we're being transformed into the person that God has made us to be.  Reflect   Why is Genesis 1–3 a good passage to begin with to discuss “calling” in the Bible? According to Esther 4, how much of Esther’s story, or calling, has to do with what she wanted versus having to respond to what happened to her? Based on Ruth 1:1–18, how does Ruth's story demonstrate how faithfulness in the everyday is part of God’s calling on all our lives, especially when we can’t see what may come? According to Amos 1:1 and Amos 7:10–15, how does Amos' story show us that God can call us out of our comfort zones and skill sets to do the work He has for us to do? What can Paul and Ananias in Acts 9:1–22 teach us about our primary calling in life?    Respond  (Use this prayer to start a conversation with God)  “Dear God, thank You that You've called me to have a deeper relationship with You. Help me to follow You and serve You even if it seems ordinary and mundane, if it means stepping out of my comfort zone, or I feel unqualified."     Discover more about the topics in this episode with these recommended resources  Mentioned in this episode:  7 Bible Stories to Hear God's Calling (Reclaim Today)   Listen:  Answer the Call   God Hears Her Podcast: Your Everyday Purpose (Elisa, Eryn and Vivian) Read:  The Call to Discipleship: Embracing the Journey of Following Christ  Discipleship and Obedience  Watch:  Outside Your Comfort Zone | Acts 10  A Call to Something New (Matthew 4:19-22)

Bill Crowder admits to being a Christmas junkie. It's easy to feel the joy of celebrating Jesus' birth. But it's the message of Easter, and Jesus' resurrection, that fueled the growth of the early church. Join the group as Bill leads Elisa and Daniel and Rasool in exploring how and why The Message of Good News is still the transformative truth that Jesus conquered sin and death, and has proven His power to deliver us from eternal destruction. Jesus' resurrection is at the center of The Message of Good News. Receive  The message of Jesus’ resurrection isn’t meant to be celebrated just on Easter Sunday. Every Sunday is Easter Sunday! Jesus’ resurrection is what fueled the growth of the early church. The message of good news is still the transformative truth that Jesus conquered sin and death and has proven His power to deliver us from eternal destruction.    As we reflect on Jesus’ resurrection, let’s remember that the message of good news is the centerpiece of God’s rescue plan for a broken world. And it’s central to our Christian walk.   As we ponder how the good news of Jesus’ resurrection was presented for the first time, let’s rejoice knowing the resurrection really is the hinge on which all of history turns.  Reflect   How do the events recorded in Luke 24:1–12 still impact our Christian faith not just on Easter but today?  According to Acts 1:1–3, how was Jesus preparing the Eleven during those 40 days? What was He preparing them for? What makes Peter’s first sermon on Pentecost that’s found in Acts 2:1–32 still so impactful? Why did Peter include Psalm 16:8 –11 in his sermon?   Respond  (Use this prayer to start a conversation with God)  “Dear God, thank You for sending Jesus to die for my sins. Thank You for raising Him from the dead on the third day! Help me to never take the message of good news for granted. Help me to keep Jesus’ sacrificial death and glorious resurrection at the center of my life.”  Discover more about the topics in this episode with these recommended resources  Mentioned in this episode:  God Hears Her Podcast: Understanding Easter  Our Daily Bread Ministries Publishing  Listen:  Cross Stations - Week 1  Cross Stations - Week 2  Read:  What Is the Easter Event?  Hunting for Resurrection Hope  Watch:  Alive and Reconciled | Ephesians 2:16  The Empty Tomb - Matthew 28:6

A covenant is a type of contractual agreement we see in Scripture. The covenants God has made with humanity are significant benchmarks in the Scriptures. Adamic, Noahic, Abrahamic, Davidic, and the New Covenant all serve as critical moments when God has demonstrated his grace and mercy to humanity. But they aren’t the only covenants or contracts we find in Scripture or in many churches. There are also the Unspoken Contracts that people have made with God. Though God never agreed to them, many of us hold him to them anyway. This series will explore the Unspoken Contracts we find many mistakenly make in the Bible and how we can identify them and replace them with the Spoken Covenants that we should actually build our faith upon. Receive  Throughout the Bible, we see God making covenants with His people from Adam, Noah, Abraham, David, to the New Covenant through Jesus. But those aren’t the only covenants, or contracts, we find in Scripture or in many churches today.   There are also unspoken contracts that people, including us, have made with God. Though God never agreed to them, many of us try to hold Him to them anyway. We expect God to work in a specific way.  If we have unspoken contracts with God, it’s good to identify them and replace them with God’s promises in the Bible.  Reflect   Why was God’s contract/covenant with Abram in Genesis 15:1–10 particularly notable?  What unspoken contract did Abram and Sarai try to hold God to in Genesis 16:3–6? What was the result?  Based on Moses’ complaint in Exodus 5:3–9, what unspoken contract did he mistakenly have with God? Throughout the book of Job, what are some of the unspoken contracts his friends believed about why he was suffering? What is the unspoken contract driving Martha in Luke 10:38–42?  How was Martha able to tear up her unspoken contract and embrace Jesus’ spoken contract in John 11:20–27?   What was Peter’s unspoken contract in Matthew 26:31–35 and Matthew 26:69–75? Based on 1 Peter 5:5–6, what did Peter replace his unspoken contract with later in life?    Respond  (Use this prayer to start a conversation with God)  “Dear God, thank You for Your love and patience as I recognize and replace the unspoken contracts I may have in my life. Help me identify where I’m making assumptions about how You should act. Help me to replace those assumptions and expectations by trusting Your faithful promises in the Bible.”    Discover more about the topics in this episode with these recommended resources  Mentioned in this episode:  Faith Under Construction podcast  Listen:  Promise Keeper (with Shannon Popkin) on God Hears Her Podcast  Misunderstanding Martha  Read:  God’s Faithfulness to His Promises A Covenant Keeping God Mary, Martha, and Jesus  Watch:  Abraham & Waiting on God’s Promises  What Do We Desire of God? (Matthew 5–7)

One proclamation announces availability to and for God: Here am I – or Here I am! From Abraham to Moses to Samuel to Isaiah and eventually to Jesus Himself, those obedient to God’s call say so – with this declaration. How does Jesus Himself provide insight into such a response – when in Revelation 3 He proclaims Here I Am to the church? What does it mean for each – and what can it mean when we utter this proclamation today? Receive  A simple, yet profound proclamation announces availability to and for God: Here am I or Here I am! From Abraham to Moses to Samuel to Isaiah and eventually to Jesus Himself, those obedient to God’s call say so with this declaration. And they get to see how God provides for their needs when they answer His call.  The responses from these Bible figures can be examples of how we can respond when we feel God calling us.  Instead of running or hiding from God, let’s prayerfully and boldly respond to God with our own Here I am!     Reflect   What was God’s purpose in this exchange with Abraham in Genesis 22:1–18?  How does God respond to Jacob’s fear in Genesis 46:1–7? In Exodus 3:1–10, why did Moses respond the way he did? How did God respond to Moses?  Why was it difficult for young Samuel to recognize it was God calling him in 1 Samuel 3:1–21?  Based on Isaiah 6:1–8, how was Isaiah able to go from, “Woe to me,” to “Here am I?”  How does Jesus’ “Here am I” in Revelation 3:20 influence our own “Here I am?” Respond  (Use this prayer to start a conversation with God)  “Dear God, thank You for calling me to follow and serve You! Help me to have the courage to say, “Here I am,” whenever I hear you calling me. Help me to remember that You will help and equip me to answer Your call on my life.”    Discover more about the topics in this episode with these recommended resources  Mentioned in this episode:  Our Daily Bread subscription Listen:  Answer the Call  Changing Your Life for the Call of God with Dr. Bridget Kolade  Read:  Called by God  When God Calls Us Out of Comfort   Watch:  Outside Your Comfort Zone | Acts 10  A Call to Something New | Matthew 4:19-22

For those who often feel forgotten, it is good to be reminded that our God doesn’t forget us. In this brief topical study, we consider three people in the Bible who called out to God that He remember them, and we see what He did in response to their cry. Receive  If you ever struggle with feeling forgotten, it’s good to remember that our God doesn’t forget us. God has promised to never leave or forsake us.   As we consider three people in the Bible who called out to God and we see that He remembered them, we get a beautiful picture of how God hears our cries and remembers us.  How could trusting that God hasn’t forgotten you help you, especially in your times of trials?  Reflect   How does Hannah’s story in 1 Samuel 1 comfort you knowing that God remembers you even in your pain, sorrow, and heartache? How does Samson’s story found in Judges 16 encourage you that God remembers you even in your times of weakness and failure? How does the story of the thief on the cross in Luke 23 encourage you that Jesus remembered you when He was on the cross?   Respond  (Use this prayer to start a conversation with God)  “Dear God, thank You that You always remember me and never forget me! Help me to trust that You are always with me. Help me to know You are near no matter what trials I’m facing.”  Discover more about the topics in this episode with these recommended resources  Mentioned in this episode:  Discover the Word Podcast Archive Listen:  In God's Presence  Are You There God? (with Sally Lloyd Jones) on God Hears Her Podcast  The Rebel Next to Jesus  Read:  Where Is God When I feel lonely? Answered Prayer | Hannah  When You Pray and God Doesn’t Answer: 4 Simple Things to Practice  Watch:  Where Is God? - Psalm 25:6   Let's Talk About Prayer

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  When Naomi’s world fell apart, she may have felt that she had lost God’s “hesed,” or His sacrificial, costly, voluntary love. But God used Ruth and Boaz to show Naomi He had not abandoned her. Bolstered by God’s hesed love, Naomi can then pour out that love on Ruth, Boaz, and her grandson.   As we ponder the blessed alliance between Naomi, Ruth, and Boaz, we see how God provided and protected this humble family that was in the lineage of King David and His Son Jesus. We also get a beautiful picture of how God wants His daughters and sons to work together to build His kingdom on earth.    Reflect   How did Ruth “break the rules” to show God’s hesed love to Naomi in Ruth 1:22–2:7? How did Boaz join Ruth in “breaking the rules” in Ruth 2:4–17? What do we learn about Boaz’ character and about the power of men and women working together to serve God? How can we see God’s fingerprints in Naomi’s life based on Ruth 1:6, Ruth 1:20 and Ruth 2:17–23? How do we see God at work in the lives of Naomi, Ruth, and Boaz in Ruth 3:1–13? Based on Ruth 3:1, Ruth 3:5–13 and Ruth 4:13–22,  how does Ruth’s story embolden you to step out, take responsibility for needs you see, and live more courageously for Jesus?   Respond  (Use this prayer to start a conversation with God)  “Dear God, thank You that You are always at work in my life. Help me to look for Your fingerprints in every season of my life. Help me to live boldly for Jesus and to share Your hesed love with others.”   Discover more about the topics in this episode with these recommended resources  Mentioned in this episode:  The Gospel of Ruth   Listen:  God Is At Work—The Story of Ruth Part 2—A “Chance” Meeting  God Is At Work Part 3—A Strange Proposal  God Is At Work—The Story of Ruth Part 4—The Providence of God Read:  Transformed by Love  Keep Yourselves in the Love of God   Watch:  God Loves YOU!   God's Daily Love

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

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

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

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)

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

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

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)