Dwelling Place: The Bible for Moms

Today we're focusing on 1Chronicles 3-5 and Psalm 84, 85 and 87. Since Psalm 84 is the theme for this entire podcast, I'm pretty excited to revisit it with you! Though the purpose of this Psalm is to point us to worship of God and the pilgrimage the original readers took for the annual feasts in Jerusalem, I think we can find many principles of godly motherhood here as well! A life lived in worshi...

There are a lot of geneologies in the book of Chronicles and there is overlap with the books of Kings and Samuel. So why is this book important and who decided it should be in the Canon of Scripture? Today we talk a little about this before we experience the depths of Psalms. Today's Reading: 1 Chronicles 1-2 + Psalm 43, 45, and 49 Scripture Read or Referenced: Psalm 43 Psalm 49 Artwork of Jerome...

Today our reading is entirely from the book of Psalms. For a moment, I had to pause and think, "What would the Bible be if the book of Psalms wasn't included?" I can't count the times in my life where I needed deep encouragement, strength, and hope, and I knew to open my Bible to Psalms. No matter what we're feeling in life, from joy to lament, to anger, discouragement, depression, anxiety, awe, e...

Today we're studying the first three chapters of Second Samuel, and then we'll read Psalms 1 28 through one 30, and pray accordingly. First and second Samuel are one book in the Hebrew Bible, but we're divided because the scrolls didn't contain enough room to keep them together. We'll talk about the blessing of friendship, and how David is still waiting for the complete fulfillment of God's promis...

Today we'll conclude 1 Samuel with chapters 29 through 31, as well as Psalm 18 and 123 through 125. Scripture has been going back and forth revealing the dichotomy between the character of Saul and David. The providential hand of the Lord will continue to direct and guide David, and it will ordain the end of Saul's reign and life. In reflecting upon their lives, we'll get to ask ourselves: When ev...

We're covering 1 Samuel 25 through 28 today. You guys--I am Phineas level excited to talk to you about Abigail! It's about time we have a woman we can look up to and admire. Scripture affirms how wise she was. We're told she's beautiful, and we can see she's resourceful a problem solver, and all the while incredibly humble. Even in difficult circumstances, God can guide and rescue us. Today's Read...

Because David is the author of so many Psalms, we'll be reading these interchangeably with other books of History from The Bible. At first glance, it might seem that the Psalms are merely beautiful poems or songs of praise, but captured in each one is an abundance of theology. They tell us about God. They point to the power with which He created the universe, and also the nearness and tenderness t...

Today we're looking at First Samuel Chapters 21 through 24, and Psalm seven and 27. I know it's a lot to cover, but I really appreciate having these narratives alongside the Psalms that were most likely written by David at that time. Chapter 24 will be our main focus today. It would seem that David would have every right to take Saul's life at this point. It could be seen as self-defense. God has...

Today we are looking at so.much. Scripture! Much of it is familiar, but that's when I love to press in and see new things that we've never noticed before. Today, God showed me many things that have never stood out to me previously. As we look at first Samuel chapter 17 through 20 and Psalm 11 and 59, we first encounter the story of David and Goliath and I hope we can have fresh eyes to hear it tog...

Yesterday we saw some nuance, but today in one Samuel 13 through 16, there's going to be a little debate about the true character of King Saul. We'll also see David enter the scene... not because man initiates it, but because God recognizes the humility of his heart. Have I mentioned Scripture has a lot to say that applies to our lives and our parenting?! Just in case you need to hear it one more...

Today we're looking at chapters 9 through 12 of 1 Samuel. And I just have to say people are complicated. This is where we'll meet King Saul. If you've studied Scripture for long, you probably remember that he's the one that tried to kill the future King David. Usually the guy trying to kill the good guy is the bad guy... But there are some moments in today's chapters where he doesn't seem like suc...

1 Samuel is full of parenting do's and don'ts! From Hannah's surrender to Eli's reluctance, and now Samuel's presumption, there is a lot to learn from as Christian moms! Not only do we see parenting advice, we are cautioned to not ask God for things because we are envious of what others have. Find out why in today's episode. Today's Reading: 1 Samuel 4-8 Scripture Read or Referenced: 1 Samuel 4:12...

Today we'll read what I suspect is probably the most common scripture for people to put above their baby's crib (1 Samuel 1:20 or 27). If you've walked through Hobby Lobby, you've probably seen it! As we begin the Book of Samuel and cover the first three chapters, the good, the bad, and the ugly of parenting will be on full display. There is much for us to meditate upon to challenge and strengthen...

Today, I'll give an overview of the book of Ruth and share why this book is so important. This book is historical, but also literarily excellent. My MacArthur Commentary says there are seven major themes that emerge in Ruth. "First, Ruth, the Moabite, illustrates that God's redemptive plan extended beyond the Jews to Gentiles. Second, Ruth demonstrates that women are coheirs with men of God's salv...

Today we'll be completing the book of Judges. ***This is certainly not an episode you would want children to listen to. We'll be looking at Judges 18 through 21, including one of the most horrifying stories in all of Scripture. It's graphic and heartbreaking, and if it were a movie, most of us would probably want to change the channel. In these four chapters of the Bible, it feels discouraging and...

We're at the point of judges in which we'll be discussing Samson's story. There's really no way around this. I'm going to issue that sensitive ears warning again and say that this is ideal for mom ears... because it's Samson. When I look at his life, I think, "Things that make you go, 'hmm....' " We have to be careful to not attribute his sinful choices to the Lord, but rather see a God that is ab...

*This episode is best for mom ears. What do you do when you are born into circumstances that deeply impact you? Can God redeem the sinful choices of your parents? Yes, He can! And what about kids with ideal upbringing... does that guarantee their future? Walk through the book of Judges with us to learn more! Today's Reading: Judges 10-13 Scripture Read or Referenced: Judges 10: 10-16 Judges 11:1-2...

**Did you catch our special Easter episode of Again with incredible author Patti Rokus? You can listen here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-again-podcast-for-christian-moms-encouragement-in/id1700555502?i=1000757474370 Or watch here: https://youtu.be/yhEcfdVf6tM And catch her amazing Easter video here: https://youtu.be/LFhwEBLqMTM Today I'm thoughtfully reflecting on what Christ accompl...

Today we're focusing on Judges 4-6. In chapter 4, we get to meet some really cool women. Deborah, who is elevated by the people and by scripture for her wisdom, faith, and resourcefulness, calls out Barack, who was supposed to be leading the people. Find out what happens to their enemy and the worship song Deborah sings about it. Next we meet Gideon and watch as the LORD patiently reassures him th...

Today we're beginning the Book of Judges, a book, some might call a heartbreaking sequel to Joshua. We'll do an overview of this book of The Bible, discuss chapters one through three, and it won't be difficult to highlight the need for a rescuer in Jesus Christ as we prepare our hearts for Easter. While we might think of the word judges in a judicial sense, these were more political and military l...

Today we'll conclude the book of Joshua with chapters 21 through 24. Just like Moses, Joshua closed his time of leadership with the Israelites with some powerful speeches. We'll learn that God was faithful to every word He promised them. Reading about God's faithfulness to the Israelites makes me think about Paul's words about Jesus in 2nd Corinthians: For all the promises of God, find their yes i...

**Did you catch our special Easter episode of Again with incredible author Patti Rokus? You can listen here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-again-podcast-for-christian-moms-encouragement-in/id1700555502?i=1000757474370 Or watch here: https://youtu.be/yhEcfdVf6tM And catch her amazing Easter video here: https://youtu.be/LFhwEBLqMTM I know it's Easter week and I might feel a little bit od...

Today the land begins to be allotted to the tribes as Joshua takes on the role of surveyor. Caleb is one of those characters in Scripture that I've always admired, but this next story about him I'm appreciating just as much as when we were introduced to him in Numbers because this represents a long obedience and a patient faith which can guide us as well. ***If you'd like to follow in Joshua's exa...

Today, as we read through Joshua 9 through 12, we are rejoicing with him and the Israelites as they're finally inhabiting the promised land. God promised to Abraham hundreds of years ago that he would give this land as a reward to Abraham's descendants, and God is faithful. But now Israel needs to be faithful to conquer the Canaanites. We've seen some victories and a few failures. How about you? T...

***This episode will have some sensitive content and is best for mom ears alone. In Joshua chapters five through eight, there's much that happens and much to apply to our lives. We'll see how God can redeem and that he's quick to forgive--even with those that are walking in patterns of deep sin. And I have a pretty surprising application for Joshua's encounter with the commander. Today's Reading:...