The Bible For Busy People

I usually roll my eyes at two‑part stories—why drag one plot into two movies? But Luke gets a free pass from me, because his Gospel and its sequel, Acts, give us a beautifully complete picture of Jesus’s mission and how it continued after His ascension. Luke’s careful investigation invites us into a story that’s both deeply personal and world‑changing.

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We’d love to encourage you to spend even more time in the Word. Find all the past episodes of The Bible for Busy People at Purposely.co...

If you’ve ever tried to sort out two conflicting kid‑stories after a playdate, you know how valuable an eyewitness can be. Mark’s Gospel does just that for us, gathering Peter’s firsthand memories so we can see Jesus clearly. When we’re unsure what to believe or how to understand him, Mark brings us right to the source.

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We’d love to encourage you to spend even more time in the Word. Find all the past episodes of The Bible for Busy People at Purposely.com 

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I’ve learned this year that when my mind spirals, the best thing I can do is return to what I know is true. Matthew’s Gospel does just that, reaching back into the Old Testament to anchor us in the identity and mission of Jesus. When our hearts feel unsteady, Scripture has a way of steadying us with reminders of who God has always been.

Show Notes: https://bit.ly/4jikVf9 

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New Year’s resolutions can feel exciting on January 1st and overwhelming by January 10th, but God meets us right where we are. As we build new habits—one small step at a time—there’s no better foundation than anchoring ourselves in the life and words of Jesus. If you’re wondering where to start in Scripture, the Gospels are a beautiful doorway in.

Show Notes: https://bit.ly/4sdxigv 

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Were you the kid that wanted to open your presents before Christmas or birthday, or did you love the anticipation and surprise? No gift can really compare with an eternal life with God and that is what we’re waiting for. And God is just as eager for this day as we are!

Show Notes: https://bit.ly/45gv7Ph

We’d love to encourage you to spend even more time in the Word. Find all the past episodes of The Bible for Busy People at Purposely.com 

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Do you ever get the thought: Shouldn’t I have arrived by now? Like I should be good at this by now! It might be in your faith. I should be over that stupid sin by now. I should be even-tempered all the time, or reading my Bible every single day…We’re torn between our humanity and righteousness in Christ. I have some hope for you!

Show Notes: https://bit.ly/4paT0iy 

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Have you ever seen advertisements that promised a “new you”? Here’s what we need to remember: in Christ we are actually made new… You ARE a new you! Today we’ll lean into how we’re in partnership with God. Let me show you what I mean!

Show Notes: https://bit.ly/4p4fK3H 

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Are you a traditions person? What are some of your favorite traditions? Today, we’re going to talk about how Jesus wanted people to rethink their traditions, settling into Luke 5 and 22. Let’s dig in!

Show Notes: https://bit.ly/45guHbF 

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This week, we’ll be talking about how God is making all things new! Today, we’re going to get a little into psychology – specifically, the psychology of novelty. We are driven to seek new things, but here’s the cool thing – God designed us with that need… and fulfills it for us.

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Sometimes the simplest stories leave the most lasting impression. Jesus used a similar technique when he spoke to his followers. Jesus uses common, everyday imagery–one more sign that He made the Gospel accessible enough for people to relate to if they seek Him. Jesus wants to be found and to connect with us. He’s not trying to make it difficult. This in itself is contrasting to the Pharisees.

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They say “imitation is the sincerest form of flattery,” but honestly most of the time imitation is just so very funny… When comedians imitate others, or when our kids imitate us!  Jesus wasn’t just imitating his Father though–Jesus was the same as His Father, and this is crucial for us to know in terms of our relationship with God.

Show Notes: https://bit.ly/45opvCy 

We’d love to encourage you to spend even more time in the Word. Find all the past episodes of The Bible for Busy People at Purposely.com 

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Have you ever laughed at the wrong moment? Like when things were too serious or awkward or sad? It gets uncomfortable and you make a faux pas. It almost seems like Jesus makes several faux pas in the situation of the death of his friend Lazarus. Let me tell you about it.

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Entrance ways are significant. They can be welcoming or intimidating, distinctive or hidden. It’s a way through, and those who belong enter confidently. They know the way. Those who don’t belong there get in the wrong way. Jesus talks about being an entrance. What kind was He?

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Lately, I’ve been starting to realize that God sets us apart in Christ to reflect Him and be different from the world – in humility, in love, in serving others. Not so much about my reputation, how I look, but how I see and care for others. So, this week we’re digging into who God Is.

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We’ve all had those moments when we knew something important was coming but didn’t know exactly when—a surprise visit, a deadline, even a delivery. Jesus uses that same kind of uncertainty to remind us to stay ready, not someday, but now. His parables challenge us to live faithfully in the waiting, so we’re prepared when joy finally arrives.

Show Notes: https://bit.ly/48YfqgU 

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When you’re waiting with anticipation, there’s no room for playing it safe—you speak up, even if it ruffles feathers. John the Baptist shows us what bold obedience looks like: clearing the path, calling out injustice, and pointing people to Jesus. His story reminds us that anticipation means action, even when it’s uncomfortable.

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I used to think talent was everything—either you had it or you didn’t. But over time I’ve learned that growth comes through practice, repetition, and devotion, not instant success. Simeon and Anna’s steady, everyday faith shows us how consistent rhythms prepare us to recognize God’s presence when it arrives.

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When something really matters—like training for a marathon or preparing for a big move—you throw yourself into it with research, practice, and even sacrifice. The magi show us that kind of wholehearted preparation in their pursuit of Jesus, reminding us that anticipation isn’t passive—it’s active, intentional, and full of joy.

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Waiting can feel passive—like sitting at a bus stop with no control over when it arrives. Anticipating, though, is different; it’s active, like packing your bags and standing ready for the journey. Mary’s story reminds us that preparation for God’s promises often looks like worship, even when the full picture isn’t clear.

Waiting can feel endless when you’re sure God has pointed you toward something, yet the doors stay closed. David knew that tension well—anointed as king long before he actually wore the crown, spending 12 years on the run while clinging to God’s promises. His story reminds us that even in seasons of delay and uncertainty, faithfulness matters more than speed.

Show Notes: https://bit.ly/4pv2h5Y 

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We all do it—say we’re “fine” when we’re not, nod along when we’re uncomfortable, skip past the hard stuff because it feels easier. But real integrity means being honest, even in the waiting, with ourselves and with God. Hannah’s story shows us the power of bringing raw emotion before Him instead of pretending it’s all okay.

Show Notes: https://bit.ly/4a5j5vn 

We’d love to encourage you to spend even more time in the Word. Find all the past episodes of The Bible for Busy People at Purposely.com  Duration: 00:07:40

If you’re like me, waiting feels inefficient—like wasted time when we could just get to the point. But God often uses waiting as the very tool to shape us, to let lessons sink in and faith grow deeper. The Israelites’ journey shows us that sometimes the detour is the real path to discovering God’s faithfulness.

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We’d love to encourage you to spend even more time in the Word. Find all the past episodes of The Bible for Busy People at Purposely.com 

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Sometimes life feels like one long waiting room—no clear promise, no guaranteed ending, just uncertainty. Joseph’s story reminds us what it looks like to stay faithful when the path ahead is dark and unfair, trusting that God is still at work even when hope seems lost.

Show Notes: https://bit.ly/48tut3a 

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We’ve all had those moments—waiting with excitement for something, only to feel let down when it finally arrived. For me, it was Avengers: Infinity War and Endgame, movies I anticipated for years but left me disappointed. Advent reminds us that waiting isn’t just about the outcome—it’s about trusting God’s promises, even when fulfillment feels far away.

Show Notes: Abraham and Sarah - Awaiting - Hebrews 11 - Purposely Podcasts

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Sometimes faith feels like piecing together life’s mysteries—like those random shoes on the highway that make you wonder how they got there. In Ruth 4, even a missing sandal becomes part of God’s bigger story of redemption, reminding us that He weaves meaning into the details we might otherwise overlook.

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Prepare your heart for Christmas by walking through the Gospel of Luke — one chapter each day. We're already a few days in, but it isn't too late to join us on this journey... We're giving you the gift of the first episode to give you a little taste of what's to come. If you'd like to continue the journey, find and follow our "Luke: A 24-Day Journey to Christmas" podcast mini-series on Purposely.com or wherever you get your podcasts.

Merry Christmas from Purposely!

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Faith doesn’t always look neat or predictable—sometimes it shows up in bold, creative risks. In Ruth 3, Naomi and Ruth step into a plan that feels unconventional, yet God uses it to move His story of redemption forward. Their courage reminds us that even in vulnerable places, God honors trust and works through unexpected paths.

Show Notes: https://bit.ly/48LmBKa 


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We’d love to encourage you to spend even more time in the Word. Find all the past episodes of The Bible for Busy People at Purposely.com 

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Sometimes we come to Ruth 2 expecting a love story, but what we really find is God’s story of provision and faithful kindness. Just like Ruth and Boaz, our ordinary steps of obedience can become the very details God uses to bring redemption and belonging.

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Growing up, I thought the Bible was like a fairy tale—full of clear “good guys” and “bad guys.” But as I’ve wrestled with scripture, especially Ruth 1:6–22, I’ve realized faith is far more complex, and God often works through people who are messy, grieving, and imperfect—just like us.

Show Notes: https://bit.ly/43V0z57 


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Faith has a way of humbling us—reminding that growth often means rethinking what we thought we knew. As I’ve been studying Ruth and Naomi, I’m realizing that God’s Word is alive, and sometimes the story we overlooked is the one He most wants us to see.

Show Notes: https://bit.ly/48CzaaA 


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Birthday season at our house is full of balloons, streamers, and joy—but also the stress of endless party planning decisions. All that effort reminds me of Jesus’ parable of the great banquet in Luke 14, where a host pours his heart into preparing a feast only to be met with excuses. The good news is that God’s invitation to His kingdom is even more extravagant, and He throws open the doors to welcome everyone in, celebrating each lost one who comes home.

Show Notes: https://bit.ly/44i9763 


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When I sat down with Stacy Cleveland from Vision House recently, I expected practical answers about homelessness—lists of needs, ways to donate, or volunteer opportunities. Instead, she spoke first about isolation, and the power of simply being present with those who feel unseen. Jesus reminds us in Luke 16 that true wealth isn’t measured by what we keep, but by how we see and care for our neighbor, inviting us into a kingdom where compassion is the currency of heaven.

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This year another Wicked movie is hitting theaters, and while I may grumble about part one and part two, I can’t help but love the story behind the so‑called “wicked” witch. Her origin reminds us that villains often have complicated pasts, shaped by misunderstanding and mistreatment. Jesus takes this same theme and flips it upside down in Luke 10, showing us that even those we label as enemies—like the Samaritan—can be the very picture of mercy, calling us to love beyond boundaries.

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Spoiler alert: some of the most powerful stories in film revolve around sacrifice—characters giving up dreams, comfort, or even their lives so others can flourish. From Casablanca to the Iron Giant to the Avengers, these moments stir us because they echo a deeper truth. Jesus embodies the ultimate sacrifice, turning the world’s logic upside down by giving His life for ours, and inviting us into a kingdom where dying to self leads to life to the full.

Show Notes: https://bit.ly/3LJdAIG 


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What if the very things that feel backwards—like giving instead of keeping, or lowering yourself instead of climbing higher—are the keys to real joy? Behavioral economics professor Dan Ariely points out that life’s contradictions often bring the deepest rewards, and Jesus showed us this counterintuitive way first. In Luke’s gospel, we’re invited into the “Upside Down Kingdom,” where the least become the greatest, release brings freedom, and humility opens the door to God’s lasting peace.

Show Notes: https://bit.ly/49YccvM 


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In my Women in the Bible class, I was struck by how the book of Esther never mentions God’s name, yet His presence is woven throughout the story. That silence mirrors seasons in our own lives when God feels distant, but faith calls us to keep seeking Him anyway. Today we’ll look at how trials grow our faith and how steady, everyday obedience positions us to see God at work.

Show Notes: https://bit.ly/4hRz9Tg 


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Scripture paints a much fuller picture of purity than what you may have grown up with. James reminds us that true faith is both caring for others and keeping our hearts free from the world’s pollution. Today we’ll explore what it means to pursue a pure heart that is wholehearted toward God and rooted in His love.

Show Notes: https://bit.ly/4nNuCCI 


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We’d love to encourage you to spend even more time in the Word. Find all the past episodes of The Bible for Busy People at Purposely.com  Duration: 00:07:55

When we ask what God values most, Scripture shows us a Father who delights in compassion, love, and generosity. He isn’t distant or domineering, but instead longs for relationship and loves to pour out goodness on His children. Today we’ll explore how His cheerful giving shapes our own call to give with joy and trust in His abundant care.

Show Notes: https://bit.ly/4ozVbMV 


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When we first studied 1 Peter, I’ll admit this passage was one I had to wrestle with. It’s often been misunderstood or misapplied, but when we look closer, we see it’s not about silencing women—it’s about cultivating a heart that reflects God. Today, let’s dig into what it really means to have the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit that is precious in His sight.

Show Notes: https://bit.ly/4nR27UG 


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I’ve come to believe God has a way of speaking right through the radio, with lyrics that land exactly when I need them most. Sometimes they make me laugh, sometimes they bring me to tears, but always they remind me of His presence in the everyday. And recently, one song in particular pointed me back to Scripture and the truth that God values us deeply—setting the stage for today’s reflection.


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Religion can be a beautiful part of our faith—but when it becomes the goal instead of the guide, it can lose its purpose. God never designed us for rule-following alone; He created us for relationship. Let's explore how even good things like religious practices can become worthless when they replace the One they’re meant to point us toward.

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It’s easy to laugh at a giant golden bunny in a kids’ Bible movie—but idolatry isn’t always so obvious. Sometimes, the things we trust most quietly take God’s place in our hearts, leaving us stressed, disconnected, and chasing fulfillment that never comes. Today, we’re naming those hidden idols and turning back to the One who truly satisfies.

Show Notes: https://bit.ly/3XeA9qY 


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We’ve all heard the phrases—bamboozled, hoodwinked, taken for a ride—and while they might sound amusing, being conned is no joke. Jesus warns us to watch out for a deeper deception: the lie that life is found in possessions.

Show Notes: https://bit.ly/43eCsOl 


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Fear is a powerful force—wired into our bodies to protect us, but not meant to control us. Scripture reminds us that the fear of God is not dread, but reverence that moves us to faithful action. Let's dig deeper into how fear can either bury what God has given us or propel us to use it boldly for His glory.

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Ever traded something you thought was valuable, only to realize it was a counterfeit? The world is full of shiny promises that don’t deliver—but God’s kingdom flips the script, offering true worth not in what we achieve, but in who we are in Christ. This week, we’re diving into what Scripture calls worthless, so we don’t spend our lives chasing what won’t last.

Show Notes: https://bit.ly/48WprwD 


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Toddlers remind us how joy can burst forth from the simplest gifts—bubbles, puddles, or pretend dragons. That same wonder is what grace invites us into: a life where joy flows freely, not from circumstances, but from the goodness of God.

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Some gifts don’t seem life-changing at first—until the moment you truly need them, and they become essential. Grace is just like that: quietly given, often misunderstood, but when it meets us in our weakness, it transforms everything.

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I used to think credit was something you earned—until I realized grace works the opposite way. God’s favor isn’t a transaction we qualify for; it’s a gift we receive, and it changes everything.

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My friend Brandi says with a grin, “I’m God’s favorite”—and honestly, she’s not wrong, lol. The truth is we are all favored, chosen, approved, and blessed by God. God’s favor isn’t about earning a spot; it’s about grace that feels almost unfair in its generosity, and it’s offered freely to every one of us.

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Grace, joy, and thanksgiving aren’t just beautiful words—they’re deeply intertwined gifts from God that invite us into a fuller life. This week, we’re peeling back the layers of charis to discover how grace, once tangled with shame, is actually meant to overflow with delight.

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Let’s be honest—gratitude isn’t always easy, especially when life feels heavy, uncertain, or unfair. But scripture shows us that even in grief, anxiety, and judgment, gratitude can be a steady rhythm that draws us closer to God and helps us hold on to hope.

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Traveling with a toddler tested every ounce of patience I had—but it also revealed how gratitude can transform even the most stressful day. Just like King Jehoshaphat sending singers ahead of the army, praise and thanksgiving can lead us through chaos into peace.

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We’d love to encourage you to spend even more time in the Word. Find all the past episodes of The Bible for Busy People at Purposely.com 

We would love to hear from you! E-mail us at comments@purposely.com  Duration: 00:08:03

Gratitude has the power to do more than express thanks—it can restore dignity, heal relationships, and tear down walls of exclusion. In the story of the ten healed men, it was the outsider’s gratitude that brought him not just healing, but wholeness and connection with Jesus.

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Gratitude isn’t just for holidays—it’s woven into the very heart of our faith, especially when we gather at the table. In communion, we remember that Jesus gave thanks before breaking bread, showing us that gratitude is the doorway to deeper connection, both with each other and with God.

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Gratitude isn’t just good manners—it’s a spiritual and scientific powerhouse that transforms hearts and even extends lives. This week, we’re exploring how giving thanks, like Jesus did before the miracle, might be the very key to unlocking joy, hope, and abundance.

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As someone who’s perpetually five minutes late and constantly grateful for grace, I’ve come to deeply appreciate the power of patience—especially the kind that doesn’t flinch or flare up. Today we’re wrapping up our Colossians 3 wardrobe series with the final piece: patience, a Spirit-grown virtue that reflects the long-tempered love of God Himself.

Show Notes: https://bit.ly/42CTmpJ 


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When you think of gentleness, maybe you picture soft voices, patient hearts, or even the calm of Sesame Street—but did you know gentleness is also a divine trait woven into the character of Jesus? Today we’re exploring how Colossians 3:12 invites us to put on gentleness daily, not by striving harder, but by leaning into the Spirit who gently shapes us to reflect the heart of Christ.

Show Notes: https://bit.ly/4n60Xo5 


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In a world where power often demands without giving, Jesus flips the script—He lived out every command He asks of us, starting with humility. Today we’re diving into Colossians 3 and Philippians 2 to explore how Christ’s example of emptying Himself invites us to live with gentleness, approachability, and a heart that makes space for others.

Show Notes: https://bit.ly/4nLS3Nr 


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Duration: 00:08:16

Kindness sounds simple—until you're tired, overwhelmed, or just plain hangry. But Colossians 3:12 reminds us that kindness isn’t just a mood; it’s a calling, a divine garment we’re invited to put on daily through the power of the Holy Spirit.

Show Notes: https://bit.ly/3L6TGa2 


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Duration: 00:07:34

Before I hit record in my cozy closet studio (yes, really), I go through my own quirky prep routine—but today, we’re talking about a different kind of “getting ready.” In Colossians 3, we’re reminded to clothe ourselves daily in compassion, because we’ve been made new in Christ and called to reflect His heart to the world. Let's dig in.

Show Notes: https://bit.ly/47jiLY5 


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After the resurrection, Jesus didn’t just speak peace—He breathed it, symbolically imparting the Spirit that would soon empower His followers to carry the gospel to the ends of the earth. That breath, like wind and fire, marked the beginning of a Spirit-filled movement where ordinary people became vessels of extraordinary grace.

Show Notes: https://bit.ly/3VUOp7N 


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We’d love to encourage you to spend even more time in the Word. Find all the past episodes of The Bible for Busy People at Purposely.com 

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Connection begins with compassion, and Jesus modeled this perfectly—stepping into our humanity, walking with us, and identifying with our struggles. When we choose to be present with others, led by the Spirit and grounded in truth, we reflect the heart of God and build bridges that heal and restore.

Show Notes: https://bit.ly/42pVwcc 


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We’d love to encourage you to spend even more time in the Word. Find all the past episodes of The Bible for Busy People at Purposely.com 

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Spiritual leadership isn’t about charisma or credentials—it’s about being Spirit-filled and Spirit-led, willing to walk with others in truth, grace, and wisdom. From Joshua to Gideon, Scripture shows us that God equips ordinary people with extraordinary presence to guide, heal, and build His Kingdom.

Show Notes: https://bit.ly/3KYgKru 


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It’s easy to downplay our gifts, but Scripture reminds us that God doesn’t make creative mistakes—He equips each of us with Spirit-filled talents for a purpose. When we embrace what He’s placed in us, we step into the sacred work of building His Kingdom, one Spirit-led act at a time.

Show Notes: https://bit.ly/3ITbHrQ 


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For much of my life, the Holy Spirit felt distant—mysterious, misunderstood, and seemingly reserved for the pages of early church history. But as I’ve come to know the Spirit as the very breath of God, hovering over creation and actively shaping our spiritual lives today, I’ve discovered a tender, powerful presence that transforms striving into abiding.

Show Notes: https://bit.ly/42QX4fB 


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Whether you’re squeamish or strong-stomached, Jesus’s words in John 6 are hard to swallow—literally and spiritually. But beneath the shock is a deeper truth: through His body and blood, Jesus offers us lasting nourishment, a new covenant, and eternal life.

Show Notes: https://bit.ly/46uhRHW 


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We’d love to encourage you to spend even more time in the Word. Find all the past episodes of The Bible for Busy People at Purposely.com 

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Take a...

Stories shape how we see the world—especially the ones with heroes and villains, truth and deception. In Luke 4, we see Jesus face the ultimate adversary, reminding us that even when lies surround us, God's Word is our strongest defense.

Show Notes: https://bit.ly/3KnVrzD 


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We’d love to encourage you to spend even more time in the Word. Find all the past episodes of The Bible for Busy People at Purposely.com 

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Take a momen...

Classic films often used creativity over spectacle, revealing deeper truths through simple storytelling. In Daniel 4, we see how pride distorts our perspective—but God, in His mercy, restores us when we acknowledge His sovereignty and turn back to Him.

Show Notes: https://bit.ly/48bpC70 


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We’d love to encourage you to spend even more time in the Word. Find all the past episodes of The Bible for Busy People at Purposely.com 

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Take a moment...

When my kids brought home a bone from a camping trip, I was reminded just how lifeless and unsettling something dead can feel. But in Ezekiel’s vision, God shows us that even the driest, most hopeless places can be revived by His Word and Spirit—because with God, death is never the end of the story.

Show Notes: https://bit.ly/46xb3t9 


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Duration: 00:06:56

As the seasons shift and the days grow quieter, it's a fitting time to reflect on the mysteries woven into Scripture—stories that reveal God's power, His boundaries, and His sovereignty over all things seen and unseen. This week, we’ll explore one such account that reminds us not of fear, but of the importance of obedience, humility, and trust in the living God.

Show Notes: https://bit.ly/4742xBZ 


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Today we’re inviting our childlike wonder back to the table, using imagination as a sacred tool to encounter God through Ignatian Contemplation. By stepping into the stories of scripture, we allow the Holy Spirit to make Jesus’ life present and personal in a whole new way.

Show Notes: https://bit.ly/46N6MAq 


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If you’ve ever chased treasure through backyard adventures or geocaching trails, today’s episode will feel familiar—we’re mapping out spiritual gold in scripture through verse mapping. With Jeremiah 29:11 as our starting point, we’ll uncover layers of meaning that reveal God’s heart and His promises for us.

Show Notes: https://bit.ly/4mMpLRT 


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Do you love a good acronym—or wished your school had hosted spelling bees instead of geography bees? Today’s episode is for you then! We’re diving into Bible study methods that use simple, memorable tools to help us engage deeply with God’s Word and draw closer to His heart.

Show Notes: https://bit.ly/4gLGq6A 


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We’d love to encourage you to spend even more time in the Word. Find all the past episodes of The Bible for Busy People at Purposely.com 

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If you love a good mystery, today’s episode is for you—because we’re putting on our spiritual detective hats and diving into the Word with an inductive Bible study. With prayer as our guide and curiosity as our compass, we’ll follow the clues in scripture to uncover deeper meaning and truth.

Show Notes: https://bit.ly/3IfQSGR 


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We’d love to encourage you to spend even more time in the Word. Find all the past episodes of The Bible for Busy People at Purposely.com 

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If you're new here, welcome to the Bible for Busy People podcast, where we believe every quiet moment with God—whether it's a deep dive into scripture or a whispered prayer in the car—is a sacred invitation to draw near. This week, we’re exploring how to read the Bible with intention and openness, using ancient methods like lectio divina to let God’s Word speak freshly into our lives.

Show Notes: https://bit.ly/47TiThK 


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Ever notice how the same story can sound different depending on who tells it? As we finish the Songs of Ascent, we reflect on Mount Moriah—where God has shown His provision, mercy, and glory—and consider how every step of the pilgrims’ journey pointed forward to Jesus, whether they realized it or not.

Show Notes: https://bit.ly/48jAe3q 

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We’d love to encourage you to spend even more time in the Word. Find all the past episodes of The Bible for Busy People at Purposely.com

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What helps you turn back to God when you've gone your own way? For David, repentance looked like building an altar—an act of costly worship and surrender—on none other than Mount Moriah, reminding pilgrims (and us) that God's mercy meets us when we humbly return to Him.

Show Notes: https://bit.ly/4mm0de7 

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The Bible often speaks of building—of foundations that matter, of work that lasts, and of lives constructed with purpose for God's glory. As the pilgrims climbed toward Mount Moriah, where Solomon once built the temple, they were not just recalling a structure, but reflecting on what it means to build something lasting with God at the center.

Show Notes: https://bit.ly/4grS5Hq 

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We’ve seen Mount Moriah before—where Abraham, in faithful obedience, trusted God with everything, and where God provided in a way only He could. As the pilgrims sang the Songs of Ascent, they weren’t just climbing a mountain—they were remembering the stories of God’s faithfulness and trusting Him to do it again. 

Show Notes: https://bit.ly/46qp1vs 

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We’d love to encourage you to spend even more time in the Word. Find all the past episodes of The Bible for Busy People at Purposely.com

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What’s your favorite road trip song—the one that keeps you going when the road feels long? This week we’re exploring the Songs of Ascent, the original faith-filled road trip playlist for pilgrims journeying toward God’s presence.

Show Notes: https://bit.ly/3Kpa4SY 

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In a time when public failures of faith leaders can shake our trust, Peter’s final chapter reminds us of the kind of shepherds God calls—and the kind of followers we're meant to be. 1 Peter 5 invites both leaders and members to walk in humility, resist the enemy, and hold onto the living hope that anchors us all.

Show Notes: https://bit.ly/45WvfV4 


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We’d love to encourage you to spend even more time in the Word. Find all the past episodes of The Bible for Busy People at Purposely.com 
Duration: 00:08:45

All throughout 1 Peter, we’re reminded of who we are: reborn into a living hope, called to something eternal, and made to live as foreigners in a world that won’t last. As we step into chapter 4, Peter invites us to face suffering not with fear, but with the confidence that—even in hardship—we're sharing in Christ’s story and drawing closer to the joy of His return.

Show Notes: https://bit.ly/3IaFkVb 


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Before any "how-to," Scripture always reminds us of the "who"—who God is, who we are in Him, and the grace we've received. In 1 Peter 3, we see a continued call to live out that identity wisely and faithfully—even within complex cultural systems—anchored not in fear or control, but in confident hope and holy influence.

Show Notes: https://bit.ly/3Iep5Gy 


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Most of us know the story of the Three Little Pigs—but Jesus told a version with eternal stakes: Where we build our house matters, because only a house built on the Rock will stand. In 1 Peter 2, we’re reminded that we are being built into something lasting and holy, even as we live as foreigners in a world that is not our true home.

Show Notes: https://bit.ly/4neRLhq 


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In the middle of all the noise and demands of daily life, have you paused to ask yourself: What is my current reality? Through the lens of 1 Peter, we're invited to see not just our busy, earthly lives—but the deeper spiritual reality we now live in because of Christ: one of living hope, unshakable identity, and eternal belonging.

Show Notes: https://bit.ly/46gRrrS 


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I've saved the hardest genre for last—apocalyptic literature—the one that often sparks fear, confusion, or wild speculation. But when we understand it not as a mysterious code for predicting the end of the world, but as a deeply symbolic message of hope for the suffering and oppressed, we begin to see the heart of a God who reveals, comforts, and promises to make all things new.

Show Notes: https://bit.ly/4mNNiTm 


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In a world of quick texts and instant updates, the epistles remind us of a slower, more intentional kind of communication—rich with theology, encouragement, correction, and love. These ancient letters weren’t just written to inform, but to form communities rooted in Christ, offering us today a powerful glimpse into God’s character and the heart of the early church.

Show Notes: https://bit.ly/45P0t0f 


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Quick—what’s the best news you’ve heard this week? The Gospels are that kind of news, but bigger: not just something to celebrate, but a life-changing announcement that God has come near in Jesus to bring healing, hope, and wholeness to the world.

Show Notes: https://bit.ly/42fQK0x 


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When we hear the word “prophecy,” we often think of predicting the future—but in Scripture, prophecy is far more about proclaiming God’s truth than forecasting events. Prophetic literature invites us to hear God’s heart: calling out injustice, reminding us of His faithfulness, and offering both warning and hope to draw us back to Him.

Show Notes: https://bit.ly/4mOMdKY 


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When the weight of pain feels too heavy to carry and tidy answers fall short, the practice of lament offers us a sacred space to cry out to God with raw honesty. In lament, we find not a denial of suffering, but a faithful way through it—a way that holds grief and hope together, and draws us closer to the God who meets us in our groaning.

Show Notes: https://bit.ly/3I0QiMX 


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Have you ever read a line of poetry that made you stop and feel something deep in your soul? Whether it’s coffee spoon reflections or psalms of praise and lament, poetry has a way of helping us slow down, feel deeply, and connect to the heart of God in a way that goes beyond facts and into something far more personal and profound.

Show Notes: https://bit.ly/4lGly1x 


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What’s the best piece of wisdom you’ve ever received—the kind that sticks with you in hard moments? Today we’re diving into the Bible’s wisdom literature, a collection of honest, practical, and sometimes challenging writings that help us navigate life with faith, humility, and a deeper understanding of God’s heart.

Show Notes: https://bit.ly/4oNWatr 

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How do you feel about rules—are you a strict follower, a rule-questioner, or somewhere in between? As we explore the law narratives in Scripture, we’ll see that God’s heart behind the law wasn’t about rigid rule-keeping, but about relationship, trust, and our well-being.

Show Notes: https://bit.ly/4mXNlvx 

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What stories have shaped your understanding of who we are and where we come from? As we look at the creation story in Genesis, we’re invited not only to explore the origins of the world, but also to catch a glimpse of God’s heart—His creativity, intentionality, and desire to share something good with us.

Show Notes: https://bit.ly/4lCIBKo

It’s back-to-school season, and we’re heading back into Bible study with a fresh perspective—one that will deepen your personal reading without adding more to your plate. This week we're exploring the rich literary genres of Scripture, and I can’t wait to share what I’ve been learning (and geeking out about!) with you!

Show Notes: https://bit.ly/41ixf7d

From his closest followers to Roman officials and outsiders, Jesus lived, taught, healed, and died in a way that stunned everyone around him. Today, as we reflect on his interaction with Pilate and the centurion at the cross, may we not lose our own sense of awe at who Jesus is and what he came to do—for everyone.

Show Notes: https://bit.ly/4lDPzza 

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<...

How do you handle disruptions—when life doesn’t go as planned, or when you become the disruption by standing for truth or setting boundaries? Today, we’re looking at a moment when Jesus completely disrupted expectations in his own hometown, and the crowd went from amazed to enraged. As we read Luke 4, let’s consider: how open are we to letting Jesus disrupt our lives with truth, grace, and purpose?

Show Notes: https://bit.ly/4mAjiu9 

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You know how some family resemblances are so strong, you can spot them a mile away? Scripture tells us that Jesus is the exact image of God—His heart, His power, and His presence made visible. Today, we’re looking at how Jesus amazed people not just by what He did, but by who He revealed—the God who heals, teaches, and loves fully.

Show Notes: https://bit.ly/41tvhkH 

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Jesus amazed people—not just with what He did, but with who He is. In stories like calming the storm in Matthew 8 and walking on water in Matthew 14, we see His unmatched authority over nature itself, reminding us that even the chaos listens to Him. Today, we’re exploring how Jesus’s sovereignty invites us not just to trust Him in the storm, but to worship Him as the one who reigns above it all.

Show Notes: https://bit.ly/3HdaL0N 

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A couple of weeks ago, we explored moments where Jesus was amazed—but today, we’re flipping the script to look at how Jesus amazed others. In a world expecting a militant messiah, Jesus redefined authority through radical love, deep wisdom, and a vision for a Kingdom that turned culture on its head. Let’s dive into the end of the Sermon on the Mount in Matthew 7 and rediscover how Jesus continues to astonish us today.

Show Notes: https://bit.ly/4lMKIf7 

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We’d love to encourage you to spend even more time in the Wo...