The Family Bible Journey Podcast

Sometimes we cry to God because others have sinned against us and it hurts. Other times, we cry to the Lord because we have sinned, and hurt ourselves. In either case, God is the God of mercy, and He forgives and cares for us as only He can.

This penitential psalm gives voice to our cries when we have sinned, and are crushed by shame and guilt. Why do we often end-up on our knees after trying everything in our own power to do things our own way? Good thing Jesus came to save us from ourselves and deliver us from God's wrath. In Him we have a faithful friend.

Here we are reminded of the powerful faith possessed by the patriarch Abraham. He is held before our eyes as a wonderful pattern of faith. Through his example, we come to a better understanding of how we are saved, and then by the same faith, given the ability to do great and wonderful things for others and for God.

The world may look at the "little" of a righteous person and scoff. But greed will never be satisfied. A person of faith, meanwhile, finds all they want or need in the Lord and pursuing His desires.

When God's people embrace the Lord's way, others are blessed by our godly virtues. In a world rent asunder with conflict and violence, God teaches Mercy over Might, Forgiveness instead of Retribution, and Compassion above Condemnation.

This passage makes very clear the simple way to salvation. Human beings are saved by faith as a gift of God in Christ Jesus. And even as Saint Paul tells us how we are saved, he humble believers by reminding us that we are all on equal footing before God.

WORDS OF WISDOM: "WHAT YOU DO WITH WHAT YOU HAVE MATTERS MORE THAN WHAT YOU HAVE." The world tempts us to judge the appearance of things. Worldly victory looks like weath and power and winning. In this Psalm, we are reminded that no matter the earthly outcome of our choices or circumstance, those who have God on their side are always on the right side.

God's people are warned against putting their faith in the mighty. Instead, we are encouraged to find our hope in God's mercy instead.

In this episode, we deal with some touchy topics. We learned the difference between a natural and an unnatural love of self. Left to our own devices we are prone to hurt ourselves and others when we give into our selfish and sinful desires. As we delve into sensitive subjects, in order to help those who do not come from a faith perspective to consider these issues, we are going to utilize the wisdom of artificial intelligence to demonstrate many of the results of difficult choices.

We will learn how penitentiary or "prison" is tied to the idea of repentance. When we are wrong, it's good for us to admit it, and receive the forgiveness God offers all in Christ.

I actually rescued an owl from the snare of a soccer net one time. We will reflect on the snares that people find themselves in, and find rescue and wisdom in the times when God redeems us from the traps laid for us.

The book of Romans lays out the case for the transcendent love of God that leads to transformational change in His people. In the first chapter, we see how the love of God revealed in His word opens the door of salvation to everyone. We also explore what it means to be sent by God, as an apostle, to share his love everywhere we go.

The World Happiness Report in 2024 revealed that for the first time on record, young people were not as happy as older adults. They had less optimism about their future prospects than their elders. This depressing fact gives us good reason to share the hope that we have in Christ Jesus!

We cry with the psalmist that God would confound the plans of the wicked. When it seems that evil triumphs, it's good to know that God promises to make all things right in the end.

Paul lands in Rome after quite an arduous and difficult transit. Here he will spend years, awaiting trial, writing epistles, and sharing Christ with all who come to him. It isn't the destination that matters so much as the journey! Here we learn that what you do with your time along the way matters more than getting your way.

We consider the special blessing of worship in these psalms. The untrained eye sees only the human aspects of worship. But they eyes of faith see God at work in humble means when His people gather for worship.

Given the difficult nature of this life, it is good to know we have a faithful friend to guide us. David learned this from experience, as he trusted God through decades of difficult insecurity. Those who know the Lord appreciate His loving faithfulness, especially in tumultuous times.

Paul experiences shipwreck on his way to Rome. What seems like a storm, or an obstacle, is instead a heavenly redirection, allowing Paul to share the faith with people he otherwise never would have met. Here, we can be encouraged when the storms of life alter our plans, recognizing that God is able to use the storms to put us exactly where He wants us.

This Psalm sounds like the coronation of a king as He ascends to the throne. In this episode, we hear how this psalm echoes the crowd's Palm Sunday praises and angelic praises of Jesus, Who has won our salvation.

We look at one of the most beloved passages in all scripture to hear how David's experience as a shepherd relates to the intimate relationship we have with God as his sheep. We will explore how the very real place of the valley of the shadow of death gives us a deeper understanding of this classic psalm.

This protest rallying cry means something different to Paul. He isn't motivated by anger or hate. Rather, he seeks, in love, to bring peace and salvation to his listeners.

Skeptics will always scoff, but a close examination of the scriptures proves that we have good reasons to believe! In this bonus episode, we consider many of the specific prophecies of Jesus's crucifixion, that are contained in this psalm.

Did the Holy Spirit allow David to see exactly what Jesus would do to earn our salvation nearly 1,000 years before He was even born? Psalm 22 includes many details of Jesus' suffering and death. We listen to this psalm as an eye witness account of the crucifixion of Christ.

Here we hear the heart of Jesus, as He anticipating doing the work of salvation. Psalms 20-25 are among the clearest Messianic prophecies in the Bible. They give us great courage and strength, knowing Jesus gave all He had for us!

Paul asserts his rights, as a Roman citizen, to appeal his case to Caesar. In utilizing his legal right to a free trip to Rome, and audience with the Emperor, Paul makes his case to go to Rome. If any of the judges violated his right, Paul would've been given back to the Jews and most certainly would have been killed. Here, God uses the rule of law to accomplish His purpose.

Nobody would question the laws of physics. Why then do they question God's moral law? The same God who orders the universe has given us very clear instructions on how to live this life. This psalm makes abundantly clear the connection between natural law and moral law.

God is our rock and refuge! As these psalms of the afflicted wrap up, we hear David proclaim his faith boldly. He extols the God who promised to save him, even though he spent decades running for his life.

Paul spends two whole years detained at Cesarea Maritima. It may seem like time is wasted, but it is not. Paul gets free access to friends and gets to preach to Governor Felix and his wife Drusilla. We learn here how to process slander, as Paul's opponents are denied. We also learn that God wastes no time, even when it seems things are delayed.

When others despise you, and even loved ones leave you, it's good to know that the Lord never will! In this psalm, we learn the meaning of a Hebrew idiom that has become an English expression of hope and endearment.

A dear friend, and listener to the podcast, Sarah, taught me the lasting value of this psalm. This life disappoints, and even those who we love the most can cast us off. Knowing that God never will leave us, nor forsake us, gives us eternal hope and great joy, even when life disappoints.

While Paul is under the protection of the Roman Tribune, forty Jewish men make an oath to neither eat nor drink until they kill Paul. Hearing of this plot, the Tribune sends Paul with a guard of hundreds of soldiers to the Governor. This Tribune, who almost abused Paul, a Roman citizen, now plays the hero as he delivers Paul to the custody of the Governor.

Even though there is nothing that we could do to improve our standing in God's sight, there is much value in us following the Lord. We are encouraged in our faith when we remember the good He's inspired us to do. Others are likewise blessed by our faithfulness.

For decades, it seemed like David's enemies were prevailing over him. This is why his psalms of affliction, or oppression, ring so true. When he felt defeated, he turned to the Lord, and found comfort and strength in God's promises.

When Paul speaks to his accusers, and says that he was preaching to Gentiles, a riot breaks out, and they are about to kill him. A Roman Tribune intervenes. Interesting that a gentile rescues Paul, after the Jewish crowd was about to kill him for preaching to gentiles.

We live in a time where lies are treated as truth, and the Truth of God as a lie. In this Psalm, we lament the harm caused by those who think they will prevail by the power of their words. For recourse, we turn to God, asking for his protection, and seeking to live according to His truth.

We live in a tumultuous time, where many of the institutions that long provided safety and security are passing away. How do God's people process such loss, especially when our beloved nation, church or denomination is being rent asunder? By relying on God, we find solace in His grace and not the things of this world.

Paul is broken-hearted by the outpouring of love and concern of his children in the faith. They are dismayed at the thought he would be arrested and likely killed for the faith in Jerusalem. Pleading with them to encourage, instead of discourage him, they weep, and pray, and Paul continues on his way.

David warns those who act like they are God that they will answer to the true God in the end. It's convenient for some to act as if there is no God, but disastrous in the end.

David exalts the cause of the poor and oppresed over those who afflict them in this section of the psalms. David himself was oppressed and opposed for decades, so he relates to the oppressed as one of them. He also warns oppressors that God will judge all in the end, so we heed his warning when we find ourselves in positions of power or influence.

As Paul begins his journey to Jerusalem, we see his sacrificial spirit. He gave everything for Christ and continues to pour his love and faith into the faithful. This he does with tears, knowing that he is unlikely to see most of the people he loves on this side of eternity.

In this psalm of praise we reflect, on the unique place of humanity in God's design. The stars, in all of their majesty and power, even if they burn for billions of years, will one day pass away. But God has endowed human creatures with an immortal soul, so that by His grace, we may live forever.

The weak often suffer at the hands of the strong. The poor are victimized by the rich. How do we reconcile God's care for the innocent in a world where the innocent often suffer? We wrestle with this difficulty in these psalms.

A stable and fruitful season of ministry unfolds for Paul in Ephesus. He teaches and preaches for years, planting the Word deeply in the lives of God's people and cultivating their spiritual growth. But all good things must come to an end, and he sets his heart on Jerusalem and Rome, where he intends to preach the gospel in the halls of power.

There is great difficulty for a person of integrity and faith to live among the wicked. We are constantly harranged and opposed. But we can take heart in our earthly struggles, knowing that we have God's favor as a shield.

Psalms three and four give voice to our cries for mercy. There are times that try men's souls, and leave us questioning God, His love and goodness. Here we learn to share our burdens with the Lord, Who promises ultimately to save us.

Paul gets a repreive from mob violence, God granting him rest and assistants to help spread the gospel. Here we see how his assistants are traveling apart from him, to solidify Christians and establish new churches and pastors. What a blessing it is to have good and faithful co-workers in Christ.

This is the first of the Messianic psalms. In the Psalms, God gave such clear prophecies of Christ, Who He Is, and how He would accomplish salvation that we are left marveling. How could th psalmist know his Savior so intimately 1,000 years before Jesus was born? Only by inspiration of the Holy Spirit.

The Psalms begin with an encouragement to find "delight" in God's Word. We delight in God's Word because in it, we find wisdom and life.

Paul's sermon at the Aeropagus in Athens shows us how to engage with others. We must meet them where they are, sharing God's love with them when God gives us the opportunity. We need not worry about saying things exactly right. We share our faith humbly, trusting God with the results.

If Job gets twice the blessing he had before he was afflicted, why does he only get seven sons and three daughters, the same as before? Herein lies hidden a wonderful testimony of the resurrection! Redemption, a mighty theme of Job, is reinforced in these closing verses.