One Minute Scripture Study: A Come Follow Me Podcast

Ever wonder why we dress up so nicely for church? This is such a small but powerful exchange that Moses and the Lord have as Moses approaches the burning bush. Get our 365-day Old Testament daily devotional book: https://amzn.to/3nYC821 Get your free copy of the simplified Old Testament outline here: https://kristenwalkersmith.com/oldtestamentsimplified/ And grab Cali’s scripture study guide here: https://comefollowmestudy.com/shop/ Discount code: OMSS Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How do you feel about gathering latter-day Israel? Are you totally into it or does it feel overwhelming? Today we’re finding out about how Moses’ response to freeing Israel might relate to our feelings about gathering Israel. Listen in and find out more! Get our 365-day Old Testament daily devotional book: https://amzn.to/3nYC821 Get your free copy of the simplified Old Testament outline here: https://kristenwalkersmith.com/oldtestamentsimplified/ And grab Cali’s scripture study guide here: https://comefollowmestudy.com/shop/ Discount code: OMSS Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Have you ever wondered WHY the Israelites were suddenly in bondage to the Egyptians? Let’s explore the fatal mistake that the new pharaoh made, and what we can learn from it. Get our 365-day Old Testament daily devotional book: https://amzn.to/3nYC821 Get your free copy of the simplified Old Testament outline here: https://kristenwalkersmith.com/oldtestamentsimplified/ And grab Cali’s scripture study guide here: https://comefollowmestudy.com/shop/ Discount code: OMSSv Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today we’re learning about two of the greatest heroines of the Bible whose names you probably don’t even know: Shiphrah and Puah! Who are these ladies, why are they heroines, and why don’t you remember their names? Listen in to find out! Get our 365-day Old Testament daily devotional book: https://amzn.to/3nYC821 Get your free copy of the simplified Old Testament outline here: https://kristenwalkersmith.com/oldtestamentsimplified/ And grab Cali’s scripture study guide here: https://comefollowmestudy.com/shop/ Discount code: OMSS Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Listen to Big Picture to get the quick context for this week’s reading, Exodus 1-6! Get our 365-day Old Testament daily devotional book: https://amzn.to/3nYC821 Get your free copy of the simplified Old Testament outline here: https://kristenwalkersmith.com/oldtestamentsimplified/ And grab Cali’s scripture study guide here: https://comefollowmestudy.com/shop/ Discount code: OMSS Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today’s episode is all about the dashing Willoughby of Sense and Sensibility fame. Yes, the Bible and Jane Austen have a lot in common, but you have to listen in to find out why! Get our 365-day Old Testament daily devotional book: https://amzn.to/3nYC821 Get your free copy of the simplified Old Testament outline here: https://kristenwalkersmith.com/oldtestamentsimplified/ And grab Cali’s scripture study guide here: https://comefollowmestudy.com/shop/ Discount code: OMSS Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Before my husband and I got engaged, my mom gave me one big piece of advice to use as a litmus test for what type of person this guy really was. And it worked fantastically! Get our 365-day Old Testament daily devotional book: https://amzn.to/3nYC821 Get your free copy of the simplified Old Testament outline here: https://kristenwalkersmith.com/oldtestamentsimplified/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today we are interviewing the amazing Taylor Ricks who has a whole new perspective on making your scripture study guilt-free and enjoyable! Taylor’s method of scripture study is accessible for even the busiest moms and makes the scriptures come to life. To connect with Taylor you can find her on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/tocheerandtobless/ And make sure to grab her book, Everyday Disciples, here: https://bit.ly/3iaMhVO Get our 365-day Old Testament daily devotional book: https://amzn.to/3nYC821 Get your free copy of the simplified Old Testament outline here: https://kristenwalkersmith.com/oldtestamentsimplified/ And grab Cali’s scripture study guide here: https://comefollowmestudy.com/shop/ Discount code: OMSS Music courtesy of bensound.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Judah is not exactly one of the heroes of the scriptures. In fact in some cases he’s kind of the worst. But in today’s episode we’re learning about one of the times that Judah was a total hero and – in fact– a symbol of his future descendant, Jesus Christ. Listen in to find out more! Get our 365-day Old Testament daily devotional book: https://amzn.to/3nYC821 Get your free copy of the simplified Old Testament outline here: https://kristenwalkersmith.com/oldtestamentsimplified/ And grab Cali’s scripture study guide here: https://comefollowmestudy.com/shop/ Discount code: OMSS Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The adversary is really good at feeding us lies about those who have wronged us. But the example we see time and time again in the scriptures and even by our Savior himself is to FORGIVE. Get our 365-day Old Testament daily devotional book: https://amzn.to/3nYC821 Get your free copy of the simplified Old Testament outline here: https://kristenwalkersmith.com/oldtestamentsimplified/ And grab Cali’s scripture study guide here: https://comefollowmestudy.com/shop/ Discount code: OMSS Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Do you know how long guilt lasts? Is it a day? A week? A month? Today we’re finding out just how long as we meet Joseph’s brothers 22 YEARS after they sold their brother. Listen in to find out more! Get our 365-day Old Testament daily devotional book: https://amzn.to/3nYC821 Get your free copy of the simplified Old Testament outline here: https://kristenwalkersmith.com/oldtestamentsimplified/ And grab Cali’s scripture study guide here: https://comefollowmestudy.com/shop/ Discount code: OMSS Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Listen to Big Picture to get the quick context for this week’s reading, Genesis 42-50! Get our 365-day Old Testament daily devotional book: https://amzn.to/3nYC821 Get your free copy of the simplified Old Testament outline here: https://kristenwalkersmith.com/oldtestamentsimplified/ And grab Cali’s scripture study guide here: https://comefollowmestudy.com/shop/ Discount code: OMSS Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

I love me some ice cream. But it doesn’t always love me back. In fact, I can eat so much ice cream that it makes me feel physically ill. Which is why I find it safest just not to have it in my house. Which is also what Joseph discovered when it came to Potiphar’s wife. Listen in to find out more! Get our 365-day Old Testament daily devotional book: https://amzn.to/3nYC821 Get your free copy of the simplified Old Testament outline here: https://kristenwalkersmith.com/oldtestamentsimplified/ And grab Cali’s scripture study guide here: https://comefollowmestudy.com/shop/ Discount code: OMSS Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Have you ever forgotten something? What about something that might have been really important to someone else? Joseph and the butler teach us a little lesson on how to deal with being mortal. Get our 365-day Old Testament daily devotional book: https://amzn.to/3nYC821 Get your free copy of the simplified Old Testament outline here: https://kristenwalkersmith.com/oldtestamentsimplified/ And grab Cali’s scripture study guide here: https://comefollowmestudy.com/shop/ Discount code: OMSS Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today we’re discussing the time I was part of the “bad kids” in school and how I eventually escaped with my life– but just barely. Not really, but it’s still a pretty good story. Listen in to find out what Joseph taught 7-year-old Kristen about 24/7 integrity. Get our 365-day Old Testament daily devotional book: https://amzn.to/3nYC821 Get your free copy of the simplified Old Testament outline here: https://kristenwalkersmith.com/oldtestamentsimplified/ And grab Cali’s scripture study guide here: https://comefollowmestudy.com/shop/ Discount code: OMSS Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Have you ever been falsely accused of something? There was one time that I was, and it was the most frustrating and heartbreaking situation to be in. What can we learn from Joseph’s example? Get our 365-day Old Testament daily devotional book: https://amzn.to/3nYC821 Get your free copy of the simplified Old Testament outline here: https://kristenwalkersmith.com/oldtestamentsimplified/ And grab Cali’s scripture study guide here: https://comefollowmestudy.com/shop/ Discount code: OMSS Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Were Joseph’s brothers just the absolute worst for selling him into slavery? Totally. But things actually could have been a lot worse if it wasn’t for one of his big brothers standing up against the rest of them. Listen in to find out who the semi-hero of the day is! Get our 365-day Old Testament daily devotional book: https://amzn.to/3nYC821 Get your free copy of the simplified Old Testament outline here: https://kristenwalkersmith.com/oldtestamentsimplified/ And grab Cali’s scripture study guide here: https://comefollowmestudy.com/shop/ Discount code: OMSS Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Listen to Big Picture to get the quick context for this week’s reading, Genesis 37-41! Get our 365-day Old Testament daily devotional book: https://amzn.to/3nYC821 Get your free copy of the simplified Old Testament outline here: https://kristenwalkersmith.com/oldtestamentsimplified/ And grab Cali’s scripture study guide here: https://comefollowmestudy.com/shop/ Discount code: OMSS Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Is there a story you’ve told about your life a million times? Have you cast your sister as the evil witch of your childhood? Or your 3rd grade teacher as the most wonderful person ever? The stories we tell ourselves matter and today Esau is going to teach us why. Listen in to find out more! Get our 365-day Old Testament daily devotional book: https://amzn.to/3nYC821 And grab Cali’s scripture study guide here: https://comefollowmestudy.com/shop/ Discount code: OMSS Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Have you ever had to prepare for a confrontational conversation you were NOT looking forward to? I’m sharing my story, and what I learned from a small interaction Laban and Jacob had. Get our 365-day Old Testament daily devotional book: https://amzn.to/3nYC821 Get your free copy of the simplified Old Testament outline here: https://kristenwalkersmith.com/oldtestamentsimplified/ And grab Cali’s scripture study guide here: https://comefollowmestudy.com/shop/ Discount code: OMSS Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today we’re sharing our six tips to get the most out of your patriarchal blessing! Prepare Make copies Keep it sacred Divide it into 5 categories Gifts Promises Counsel Warnings Words of love Make personal goals Memorize parts of it Sources we quoted: Ezra Taft Benson, “To the ‘Youth of the Noble Birthright,’” Ensign, May 1986, 43; “To the Young Women of the Church,” Ensign, Nov. 1986, 82 Bonnie H. Cordon, “Come Unto Christ and Don’t Come Alone,” General Conference October 2021 Elder Richard G. Scott, “The Power of Scripture” General Conference October 2011 Gospel Topics, Study, Patriarchal Blessings Get our 365-day Old Testament daily devotional book: https://amzn.to/3nYC821 Get your free copy of the simplified Old Testament outline here: https://kristenwalkersmith.com/oldtestamentsimplified/ And grab Cali’s scripture study guide here: https://comefollowmestudy.com/shop/ Discount code: OMSS Music courtesy of bensound.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

When tough times come where do you turn for help? If it’s Google (like it is for me) this episode is for you! Listen in to find out what Rachel, Google-searchers, and I all have in common. Get our 365-day Old Testament daily devotional book: https://amzn.to/3nYC821 Get your free copy of the simplified Old Testament outline here: https://kristenwalkersmith.com/oldtestamentsimplified/ And grab Cali’s scripture study guide here: https://comefollowmestudy.com/shop/ Discount code: OMSS Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Have you ever heard that you can feel the Spirit better in a clean home? Here are some thoughts that were running through my mind as I sat in a messy home the other day. Get our 365-day Old Testament daily devotional book: https://amzn.to/3nYC821 Get your free copy of the simplified Old Testament outline here: https://kristenwalkersmith.com/oldtestamentsimplified/ And grab Cali’s scripture study guide here: https://comefollowmestudy.com/shop/ Discount code: OMSS Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Have you ever wondered about angels? Are they active in our lives? And do they ever include our own family members who have died? Today we’re discussing Jacob’s ladder and my own thoughts on angelic family help. Listen in to find out more! Get our 365-day Old Testament daily devotional book: https://amzn.to/3nYC821 Get your free copy of the simplified Old Testament outline here: https://kristenwalkersmith.com/oldtestamentsimplified/ And grab Cali’s scripture study guide here: https://comefollowmestudy.com/shop/ Discount code: OMSS Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Listen to Big Picture to get the quick context for this week’s reading, Genesis 28-33! Get our 365-day Old Testament daily devotional book: https://amzn.to/3nYC821 Get your free copy of the simplified Old Testament outline here: https://kristenwalkersmith.com/oldtestamentsimplified/ And grab Cali’s scripture study guide here: https://comefollowmestudy.com/shop/ Discount code: OMSS Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sometimes I’m guilty of thinking that a Christian life has to be a hard life– that if we’re not suffering, we’re not doing it right. That is why I love scriptural reminders that life with God is actually a whole lot easier than life without Him. Isaac was facing one of those hard times in life. There was a famine in the land, and he needed to find food for his family. Likely planning to go to Egypt where there was food, the Lord came to him and said, “Go not down into Egypt; dwell in the land which I shall tell thee off.” God then directed him to a much closer place than Egypt, making Isaac’s life a whole lot easier through this revelation. And that, I think, is one of the greatest ways life with God is easier than life without Him– because of revelation. I recently heard the story of a woman who spent almost $100,000 paying psychics to help her figure out what to do with her life before she realized it was all a hoax. As I listened to this story I kept thinking, “What this girl needs is the Holy Ghost!” Think of how much easier your life is because you know you can turn to God for guidance because you know what His voice sounds like and can be assured He’ll stop you if you’re going in the wrong direction. That is the blessed life of being a Christian, and oh how blessed we are to be living it! Music courtesy of bensound.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As a woman, and especially as a pregnant woman, I absolutely love that I get to learn straight from Rebekah this week. What lessons have you learned? Get our 365-day Old Testament daily devotional book: https://amzn.to/3nYC821 And grab Cali’s scripture study guide here: https://comefollowmestudy.com/shop/ Discount code: OMSS Music courtesy of bensound.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today I want to talk about camels. They drink a lot of water to help them get through the long hours (and possible days) without a water source in the desert. In fact, the average camel can drink about twenty gallons of water at a time. Which brings us to our friend Rebekah. When Abraham’s thirsty servant asked Rebekah for a drink of water, she said “yes.” And then, without being prompted she “ran again unto the well to draw water, and drew for all his camels.” Yes, all TEN of them!! Ten camels that could drink twenty gallons of water each? Yep, that’s 200 gallons of water! Talk about going above and beyond to help a stranger! Have you ever had someone who offered you “200-gallon” service: a friend who went way above and beyond in helping you during difficult times? I have! I think of the people who–after my dad died when I was young– would secretly leave money in our family’s mailbox, or bought us a fresh Christmas tree, or mowed our lawn, or even the man who took our whole family to Disneyland. None of them had to do those things, but they did, and oh how I loved them for it! And I know the Lord loved them for it too! We can do the same thing for those around us. We can see a need, and without being asked, we can fill it. God loves it when we go above and beyond in serving His children. Music courtesy of bensound.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Did you know that Abraham’s big covenant with the Lord isn’t really about Abraham at all? And hey, don’t skip this episode just because we are talking about the covenant! Get our 365-day Old Testament daily devotional book: https://amzn.to/3nYC821 And grab Cali’s scripture study guide here: https://comefollowmestudy.com/shop/ Discount code: OMSS Music courtesy of bensound.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Abraham knew it was time for Isaac to find a wife, but he wanted to make sure Isaac married a worthy woman in the covenant. Unfortunately for him, there weren’t any nearby. So he asked his eldest servant to return to Abraham’s homeland and find a wife for Isaac. Now honestly, when someone asks me to pick up a rental car for them I get so nervous– what if I do something wrong? What if I get into an accident? Now imagine the weight of finding someone an eternal companion!! Yikes! Luckily Abraham’s servant took this responsibility seriously and, as he traveled, he seems to have come up with a plan which he then presented to the lord. He prayed, “Behold, I stand here by the well of water; and the daughters of the men of the city come out to draw water: and let it come to pass, that the damsel to whom I shall say, Let down thy pitcher, I pray thee, that I may drink; and she shall say, Drink, and I will give thy camels drink also: let this same be she that thou hast appointed for thy servant Isaac. . . “ In other words, the servant shared his own detailed plan with the Lord that whichever woman offered both him AND his camels water would be the woman Isaac should marry. Now, what does this teach us? To come to the Lord with an answer to our problems! Repeatedly in the scriptures, from the brother of Jared to Joseph Smith, we find that answers to questions can come more readily when we have already thought through the problem on our own and come up with the best solution possible! So the next time you have a question for the Lord, do your homework first! Figure out what you think is the correct answer, and THEN present it to the Lord for His approval. Music courtesy of bensound.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Listen to Big Picture to get the quick context for this week’s reading, Genesis 24-27! Get our 365-day Old Testament daily devotional book: https://amzn.to/3nYC821 And grab Cali’s scripture study guide here: https://comefollowmestudy.com/shop/ Discount code: OMSS Music courtesy of bensound.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

I recently moved into a new ward. I don’t know how it happened, but I ended up on the top of everyone’s substitute teacher list. Even though I’m not called to teach in the Primary, I spent almost two months straight in there this summer. My favorite part of Primary is the singing time. I love singing along with the kids and usually challenge the class I’m subbing to try to sing louder than I am. No class has ever beat me! One of the songs I love to sing is “My Own Sacred Grove,” which is new to me. In it, it discusses how we can each find a sacred place to connect with God like Joseph Smith did. Along with the sweet kids in Primary I have sung the words, “I will find my own sacred grove, far away from all of the noise of the world.” I believe that is so important and Abraham did too! In Genesis 21:33 after Abraham had settled in the land of Canaan, the scriptures say, “And Abraham planted a grove. . . and called there on the name of the Lord, the everlasting God.” I love that! Abraham couldn’t find a sacred grove so he made one! And we can do the same. If we don’t have a place we would call our personal sacred grove we can create one for ourselves– in a closet, in a car, in a park– we can make our own sacred grove. Music courtesy of bensound.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Graduating college, moving to a new state, and finding a job right away proved to be much more difficult than I thought. Let’s chat about one of the most powerful testimonies Abraham gives to his son Isaac about God. Get our 365-day Old Testament daily devotional book: https://amzn.to/3nYC821 And grab Cali’s scripture study guide here: https://comefollowmestudy.com/shop/ Discount code: OMSS Music courtesy of bensound.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Strap in for one of our funniest AND most practical guest episodes we’ve ever had! We are joined by TV personality and professional speaker Darin Adams, who feels passionately that when we learn how to give better talks in church, everyone benefits! Darin is sharing fun, practical, and engaging steps for how to plan, structure, and deliver your next talk in church. Listen now, but also come back and listen the next time you are asked to speak! Find Darin on Instagram @darinspeaks. Music courtesy of bensound.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The cities of Sodom and Gomorrah became so incredibly wicked that the Lord decided to destroy them with fire. Lot, who lived just outside of Sodom, was warned about it by an angel beforehand who said, “Arise, take thy wife, and thy two daughters . . . lest thou be consumed in the iniquity of the city.” We could understand this as a command to physically leave the city and avoid having their bodies consumed by the coming fire. But we could also understand it on a more spiritual level. If Lot insisted on staying close to Sodom, being surrounded by wickedness, he would become spiritually consumed by the city’s wickedness. In fact, this might already have been happening to Lot. The famous poet, Alexander Pope, explained how easy it is to move along the spectrum from tolerating sin to eventually committing it ourselves. He said, “Vice is a monster of so frightful mien, as to be hated needs but to be seen; Yet seen too oft, familiar with her face, we first endure, then pity, then embrace.” Lot was in danger of becoming so familiar with the sins of Sodom that he would first endure them, then pity them, then embrace them. And we are too! We are constantly surrounded by evil, but unlike Lot, there is no place we can go to escape it: temptation is everywhere. So what are we doing to avoid the slippery slope of familiarity with sin leading to embracing it? We have to be constantly on our guard so that we, like Lot, won’t “be consumed in the iniquity” of the world. Music courtesy of bensound.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

There is only one thing that I really enjoy about eating trail mix. Anyone with me?! Let’s talk about M&Ms today. Get our 365-day Old Testament daily devotional book: https://amzn.to/3nYC821 And grab Cali’s scripture study guide here: https://comefollowmestudy.com/shop/ Discount code: OMSS music courtesy of bensound.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

When Abraham’s wife Sarah overheard three holy men tell her husband she would have a baby, she laughed. Laughed! You see, Sarah had been praying for a baby for decades. She had prayed and wept and begged God for the blessing of a child, but no child had come. Finally, Sarah was in her old age–a grandma’s age, if you will. And to hear someone say that NOW she was supposed to have a baby after all of this time? It seemed impossible! But the Lord asked Abraham, “Is anything too hard for the Lord?” The answer for Abraham and Sarah was a resounding, “no!” God DID make it possible for a woman nearing the end of her life to have a baby. And He can make it possible for you and me to do anything He requires of us. Is there a commandment that feels impossible to keep? We can remember that nothing is too hard for the Lord to help us do! Is there someone we think we can’t forgive? Nothing is too hard for the Lord! The next time you and I feel that what God asks of us can’t be done, we can remember that if we team ourselves up with the Lord, nothing that is good is impossible. Music courtesy of bensound.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Listen to Big Picture to get the quick context for this week’s reading, Genesis 18-23! Get our 365-day Old Testament daily devotional book: https://amzn.to/3nYC821 And grab Cali’s scripture study guide here: https://comefollowmestudy.com/shop/ Discount code: OMSS Music courtesy of bensound.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Remember earlier this week when Abraham told Lot to choose whatever land he wanted, and Abraham would take what was left? Well, even though Lot had first pick he made a really bad choice. He chose to build his home on beautiful, wonderful, fertile land . . . right next to the sin-laden city of Sodom. Genesis 13:12 says that when Lot moved in he “. . . pitched his tent toward Sodom,” getting the best view he could of that spiritually filthy city. Hmmmmm. . . . Meanwhile, Abraham settled elsewhere in the land of Canaan, farther from Sodom, and in verse 18, it tells us that he “built there an altar unto the Lord.” Now let’s consider this together. The first thing Lot did when he moved in was to get the best view possible of a sinful city; Abraham ensured that the first thing he did was worship the Lord. Based on those two actions it’s easy to see what their priorities were. But what about us? When we wake up in the morning, are we quick to grab our phones and check social media or sports scores? Or do we start the day with a prayer to our Father? Do we prioritize our time in the scriptures, or are we too busy binge-watching our new favorite show? As we continue to learn about Lot and Abraham, their stories will show us that what we put first in our lives will have a powerful impact on who we become and how peaceful our lives are. Music courtesy of bensound.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

I heard this advice a long time ago, and it’s since been a favorite of mine– to pray before I read the scriptures each time! But I slowly discovered that something else was missing, too. Get our 365-day Old Testament daily devotional book: https://amzn.to/3nYC821 And grab Cali’s scripture study guide here: https://comefollowmestudy.com/shop/ Discount code: OMSS Music courtesy of bensound.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As I’ve studied the life of Abraham I’ve discovered something about him: he’s pretty darn cool. One example is when he was travelling in the wilderness with his nephew Lot. Both of the men were pretty wealthy: they had large flocks of animals and lots of servants. So when these two men tried to settle down next to each other, it just didn’t work. The land couldn’t possibly support all of those animals and people in one place. Now at this point some fighting started between Abraham’s and Lot’s herdsmen, anxious to take care of their animals but without enough space to do so. And this is the part of the story where Abraham really shows what he’s made of. Instead of pulling the “I’m older and more important card” as many an older sibling or cousin has done, Abraham says to Lot, “Let there be no strife, I pray thee, between me and thee. . . Is not the whole land before thee? Separate thyself, I pray thee, from me: if thou wilt take the left hand, then I will go to the right; or if thou depart to the right hand, then I will go to the left.” In other words, Abraham said, “Possessions don’t matter to me nearly as much as our relationship does. You choose where you want to settle first, and I’ll take whatever is left.” He’s awesome right? And his example also teaches us an important lesson: people are always, always, always more important than things. Music courtesy of bensound.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

I want you to think of one of your favorite gospel teachers, either past or present, that you’ve ever had. What did they have in common? Let’s learn from Abraham’s example today! Get our 365-day Old Testament daily devotional book: https://amzn.to/3nYC821 And grab Cali’s scripture study guide here: https://comefollowmestudy.com/shop/ Discount code: OMSS Music courtesy of bensound.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sometime after the Tower of Babel debacle, a baby boy was born in the land of Ur. Unlike all the other babies born in Ur at this time, this one would change the world. This baby boy was the future prophet, Abraham. Abraham grew up in a home that left much to be desired; in fact his dad tried to sacrifice him to pagan gods– yikes! Abraham made the wise choice to move away from home. Abraham describes the reason for this decision not as an effort to run away from anything, but as an effort to run TO God. In Abraham 1:2 he said, “. . . finding there was greater happiness and peace and rest for me, I sought for the blessings of the fathers . . ." Don’t you love that? Abraham was anxious to enjoy three great blessings of following Jesus: happiness, peace, and rest. Often I think we’re guilty of looking at the gospel as a never-ending “to do” list: I have to read my scriptures, I have to pray, I have to go to church, I have to do service. But Abraham saw far beyond all of those “have-tos” and “shoulds” and instead focused on the blessings the gospel brings: peace, happiness, rest. So today is a great day to consider this question: What would my life be WITHOUT the gospel? My guess is that as we ponder on this, we’ll realize that the gospel has brought countless blessing that make all the “have-tos” and should dos” more than worth it! Music courtesy of bensound.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Listen to Big Picture to get the quick context for this week’s reading, Genesis 12-17; Abraham 1-2! Get our 365-day Old Testament daily devotional book: https://amzn.to/3nYC821 And grab Cali’s scripture study guide here: https://comefollowmestudy.com/shop/ Discount code: OMSS Music courtesy of bensound.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

One spring day, I was on a hike in the beautiful Colorado mountains with some friends. As often happens in the spring there, a rainstorm suddenly started booming thunder and cracks of lightning that seemed to be striking really, really close by. Honestly, it was scary. One of the teenagers in our group was very obviously upset– standing by himself in the middle of what I realized was a panic attack. I quickly went over to this teen, wrapped my arms around him and bore my testimony to him, “God knows exactly where you are. He knows where each lightning bolt is striking. He can keep you safe.” After we did some deep breathing together he calmed down and we made it safely back down the mountain. I imagine Noah might have felt like my teenage friend: afraid and alone. But in Genesis 8:1 it says, “And God remembered Noah, and every living thing . . . “ Noah was in the middle of a storm– the likes of which the world had never seen before and would never see again. But even in the midst of it, God remembered him. Like Noah, we can remember that no matter how small or insignificant we may feel in the face of all the big things happening in the world, we are never– not for one second– forgotten by God. Music courtesy of bensound.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

I often cringe when I think about some of the things I did as a teenager just to be “funny”, that were not totally aligned with my values at the time. What can Noah teach us about this? When I look back on my high school years, I cringe a bit when I reflect on some of the things that I did. I had a super strong testimony and was active in church. But I also realize that maybe I shouldn't have participated in that prank, or wonder why I felt I was justified in being rude to someone. I'm not saying I was a bad kid, but I can totally see now that there was a disconnect in my integrity-- my actions did not always line up with my beliefs. When I read about Noah, he is spoken of so highly in the scriptures: "Noah was a just man and perfect in his generations'". Perfect?! Well, I'm a big fan of footnotes, and when I looked at the footnote attached to "perfect", I noticed the Hebrew meaning could also translate to, "complete, whole, having integrity". Now THAT makes sense to me. Noah must have been a man of great integrity. When he said that he loved God, his actions aligned with making God a priority in his life. He was consistent in every area of his life. This is what makes Noah such a great example and disciple of God. Get our 365-day Old Testament daily devotional book: https://amzn.to/3nYC821 And grab Cali’s scripture study guide here: https://comefollowmestudy.com/shop/ Discount code: OMSS Music courtesy of bensound.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We asked YOU, our listeners, what questions you want answers to; and loved all of your responses! Tune in to today's Bonus Episode to find out which 4 questions we discuss and answer! **We hope to do more of these Q/A sessions in the future! The book mentioned later on in this episode is, 'Raising Up a Family to the Lord' by Gene R. Cook and can be found at Deseret Book! Get our 365-day Old Testament daily devotional book: https://amzn.to/3nYC821 And grab Cali’s scripture study guide here: https://comefollowmestudy.com/shop/ Discount code: OMSS Music courtesy of bensound.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Have you ever felt sorry for the people who lived during Noah’s time? Have you ever wondered if they might have repented if Noah had preached just one more time? I have! But Genesis 6:3 gives us a timeline of just how long Noah’s peers were given to repent before the flood came. It says, “And the Lord said, My spirit shall not always strive with man. . . yet his days shall be an hundred and twenty years.” Did you catch that? Noah didn’t just preach for a couple of weeks or months. No, he preached for years– decades– to people who simply would NOT listen. Talk about a frustrating calling! Now it’s easy to look back and shake our heads at the people of Noah’s day. How could they be so stubborn? But let’s consider this: how many times have our prophets warned us to study our scriptures, to learn to recognize the Spirit, to strengthen our homes, or to pray more? And have we really listened and obeyed yet? The fact is, we are being warned just like the people of Noah’s day were! While there won’t be a physical flood we are definitely facing a deluge of sin and temptation unlike the world has ever known. So it’s up to us to listen to the prophet so we can be ready for the downpours of temptation that surround us! Music courtesy of bensound.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Have you ever had the best of intentions to serve someone, and then everything got in your way and it couldn’t happen? Let me tell you what I’ve learned from Noah’s time. The people around at Noah's time were not good. And it wasn't just because of their actions. We learn that "every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually." So they did bad things, but they also had evil intentions! This is sometimes great to remember, like when I have every intention to do something good, but the messiness of life or just plain forgetfulness seem to block me from doing it. You get credit for having good intentions! But on the opposite end, God also knows when we do things with bad intentions. He knows if that rude comment was said ignorantly or purposefully. He knows if we decided to skip something important because it was too much for us, or if we wanted to get out of it. Our actions matter! But the only thing that only God knows are the intentions behind our actions, for better or for worse. Get our 365-day Old Testament daily devotional book: https://amzn.to/3nYC821 And grab Cali’s scripture study guide here: https://comefollowmestudy.com/shop/ Discount code: OMSS Music courtesy of bensound.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Methuselah had it all! His father, Enoch, was a prophet. He got to live with his dad in the amazing city of Enoch where everyone was “of one heart and one mind.” It must have felt like the best day ever on repeat! So imagine how Methuselah must have felt when he found out that the entire City of Enoch was going to be translated (hooray, how cool would that be?!) . . . except, as Moses 8:2 says, “. . . Methuselah, the son of Enoch, was not taken.” Methuselah was the one person who had to stay behind. It turns out SOMEONE had to stay on the earth to continue the righteous priesthood line that Noah would come from. What do you think that would feel like? All of your friends, family, and righteous church leaders gone in a moment– and you are left completely alone. Personally I would be beyond disappointed! I might even be envious, frustrated, angry, and sulky! But the amazing thing is that nowhere in the scriptural record do we ever read that Methuselah complained. As far as we can tell, he accepted what happened and just kept moving forward. What a powerful example that we can keep happily moving on even if we feel alone or like we’re missing out. Music Courtesy of bensound.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.