Wenatchee in the Word: Recent Episodes
Ridge Point Baptist Church
Do you sometimes find it hard to make time to study the Bible and grow your faith? Wenatchee in the Word is a short podcast where we grow in our faith through the Scriptures, posted every Tuesday and Thursday. It is a ministry of Ridge Point Baptist Church in Wenatchee, WA. Our goal is simple: that through spending time with God in His Word, we would grow to love Him more.
Mark 10:1-12 - In this episode, we see some of Jesus' critics bring up a question about divorce. Jesus gives them a clear answer on God's intention for marriage. Through it, we are challenged to display God's faithfulness through our marriage relationships.
Mark 9:43-50 - In this episode, Jesus ties all of His teachings in these conversations together by telling the disciples that all their other thoughts are causing them to lose their effectiveness in ministering. And He challenges them to refocus.
Mark 9:38-42 - In this episode, John asks Jesus about an incident that took place between them and another person who was casting out demons in Jesus' name. Jesus takes this opportunity to say, if someone is following Him, even if they aren't following US, they are on our team!
Mark 9:30-37 - In this episode, we find the disciples have been arguing about who will be the greatest in the kingdom. And Jesus takes this opportunity to teach them that true greatness comes from being a servant.
Mark 9:24-29 - In this episode, we continue to unpack the story of the demoniac son being healed. The disciples ask why they were not able to help, and Jesus reveals that to truly minister effectively, you must be growing in your relationship with Jesus.
Mark 9:9-23 - In this episode, we find Jesus coming down with the three to see the religious leaders disputing with the other nine disciples. And the scene that unfolds reveals a lack of faith on the part of the disciples.
Mark 9:1-8 - In this episode, we see Peter, James and John get an opportunity to see Jesus in His glory on the Mount Transfiguration. And we talk about how Peter wrote about the experience and pointed to how we can also meet with Jesus in His Word.
Mark 8:34-38 - In this episode, Jesus clarifies the cost of following Him. And we find that it requires self-denial, identifying with the cross, and following after His example.
Mark 8:31-33 - In this episode, we see Jesus explaining the ministry of Messiah to His disciples. Peter doesn't like what he hears and rebukes Jesus. But Jesus tells Peter that the rebuke he gave is more in line with the thinking of satan, than that of God.
Mark 8:22-30 - In this episode, we see God heal a man in stages, paralleled next to Peter's great declaration to identify Jesus as the Messiah. As we go through the account, we ask if we are seeing Jesus clearly ourselves.
Mark 8:13-21 - In this episode, we see the disciples completely miss the point Jesus is trying to make because they too quickly forgot the miracles they had see Him perform.
Mark 8:10-12 - In this episode, we see more Pharisees completely miss the person and message of Jesus all because of their inability to seek Him rather than just seeking signs.
Mark 8:1-9 - In this episode, we see Jesus perform another miracle of feeding thousands of people! This is different from the feeding of the 5,000, but we learn similar lessons from this miracle.
Mark 7:31-37 - In this episode, we see an interesting reaction from Jesus as he heals a man!
Mark 7.24-30 - In this episode, we see a Syro-Phoenician woman approach Jesus, and we see Him commend her for her great faith!
Mark 7:14-23 - In this episode, we see Jesus continue a conversation with the Pharisees about what really defiles a person. Spoiler alert! It's not what they thought..
Mark 7.1-23 - In this episode, we see the Pharisees challenge Jesus due to His disciples not following their own traditions. From it, we are challenged to not elevate our own applications of Scripture above what it actually says.
Mark 6:45-56 - In this episode, we see Jesus walk on water, and the disciples are amazed, because they quickly forgot what they had seen Jesus do before!
Mark 6.30-44 - In this episode, we look at one of the most well-known of Jesus' miracles, and discover how it applies to us!
Mark 5:21-43 - In this episode, we see two different people who need healing from Jesus. One is a women who has had an ailment for 12 years, and the other is a 12 year old girl. One touches Jesus and the other is touched by Jesus. But both of them are healed! We also see a great display of trust in Jesus by the woman, as well as the girl's father in this passage.
Mark 5:1-20 - In this episode, we see Jesus on the other side of the Galilee, meeting a man who is ridden with demonic possession. But as he encounters Jesus, we see an amazing change take place in his life!
Mark 4:35-41 - In this episode, we see Jesus sleeping in a boat after a long day. Meanwhile, a storm comes up that causes the disciples to doubt the Savior who they have with them!
Mark 4:26-34 - In this episode, we hear more parables being taught by Jesus to help his followers understand the kingdom of God. And what we learn is that though it started small, it would, over time, grow into something great!
Mark 4:21-25 - In this episode, we see Jesus give further teaching using the illustration of light and how we should live in accordance with this teaching.
Mark 4:1-20 - In this episode, we unpack Jesus' first parable. This parable is the key to understanding all other parables! And what we find is that Jesus is telling us to make sure we are cultivating our hearts to receive the Word of God.
Mark 3:31-35 - In this episode, criticism comes even by the earthly family of Jesus. But Jesus clarifies a beautiful truth in this moment to talk about how others can become part of the family of God.
Mark 3:20-30 - In this episode, we see a criticism come from the Pharisees! But Jesus shows them very quickly how their argument is illogical and then proves His authority yet again through His argument.
Mark 3:7-19 - In this episode, we see Jesus formally call His twelve disciples and talk about who they were.
Mark 3:1-6 - In this episode, we find Jesus in the synagogue again. And while there, a man who needs healing has come to Jesus, and the Pharisees watch to see what Jesus will do.
Mark 2:23-28 - In this episode, we see the Pharisees bring more criticism toward the ministry of Jesus and His disciples, specifically concerning the Sabbath. Jesus tells them that He instituted the Sabbath and therefore has the authority to explain the rules governing it.
Mark 2:17-22 - In this episode, the disciples of John are confused as to why they have more in common with the Pharisees than with the disciples of the one their leader has told them is the Messiah. Jesus gives clarification that tells them He has come to not just add to the Old Testament, but to bring the life-transforming truth of the gospel!
Mark 2:13-17 - In this episode, we see the calling of Jesus' disciple, Levi/Matthew, and His response to the Pharisees when they ask why He is eating and sitting with tax collectors and sinners.
Mark 2:8-12 - In this episode, we see Jesus declare that He was God by telling the Pharisees that He not only had power to heal, but also authority to forgive sins.
Mark 2:1-7 - In this episode, we see a paralytic man find healing from Jesus all because of the faith of four of his friends.
Mark 1:33-45 - In this episode, we see Jesus heal a leper and tell him not to let anyone know what He did. But the leper declares the miracle, and as a result, Jesus isn't able to preach His message within the cities.
Mark 1:28-34 - In this episode, we see the popularity of Jesus surge, to the point that He has to clarify to His disciples that His miracles are not the purpose of His ministry.
Mark 1:21-27 - In this episode, we see Jesus exercise His authority of the spiritual realm by casting out demons!
Mark 1:14-20 - In this episode, we see the calling of some of Jesus' disciples, and apply their calling to the calling of our lives as followers of Jesus.
Mark 1:9-13 - In this episode, we talk about Jesus' baptism and temptation in the wilderness which inaugurated the ministry of Jesus.
Mark 1:2-8 - In this episode, we talk about John the Baptizer, what he was like, what he did, and the purpose of his ministry!
Mark 1:1 - In this episode, we introduce the author of the gospel account of Mark, and talk about what he was trying to do in his gospel that is unique from the other gospel accounts.
Ruth 4:13-22 - In this episode, we see the blessing of God upon Boaz and Ruth, and by extension upon Naomi! And we are reminded of the promises of God and His faithfulness to them!
Ruth 4:11-12 - In this episode, we see the elders of the city and people of the city extending a blessing to Boaz and by extension, to Ruth.
Ruth 4:1-10 - In this episode, we see Boaz confronting the other kinsman about the marrying of Ruth. And again, we see some great pictures of Jesus in Boaz.
Ruth 3:10-18 - In this passage, we see Boaz's response to Ruth's proposal, and through his response, we see his character. However, the situation puts Ruth in an interesting situation where she knows she will be married soon, but she doesn't know who to yet. And so she waits...
Ruth 3:3-9 - In this episode, we see all the details of Naomi's plan, and we see Ruth follow through with this counsel. And we learn some important lessons about following Biblical counsel.
Ruth 3:1-3 - Now that Naomi sees God working in their lives, she is less focused on her own problems and wants to serve Ruth as best she can. So she tells Ruth that there is something she needs to do in order to possibly find security and blessing. And Naomi begins to tell Ruth a plan to follow in confronting Boaz.
Ruth 2:18-23 - In this episode, we see Naomi's reaction to Ruth bringing back so much from her first day of gleaning. And once she finds out where Ruth was all day, and what has transpired for Ruth, she begins to understand that God might just be at work in their lives after all!
Ruth 2:13-18 - In this episode, we continue looking at the interactions between Ruth and Boaz, and see how they parallel to our relationship with Christ. Just as Boaz did for Ruth, Jesus has given us access and blessing that was of no work that we have done! Praise the Lord!
Ruth 2:10-12 - In this episode, we see further conversation between Ruth and Boaz about how he is willing to provide and protect her. And we see him give her assurance about her decision to trust in Jehovah God. With these thoughts in mind, we are reminded of the protection we have under the wings of our Savior as well!
Ruth 2:5-9 - In this episode, we see Boaz enquiring about who Ruth is, and then we see him initiate a relationship of provision and protection for her. And we are reminded of how we find these things in our relationship with Jesus!
Ruth 2:1-4 - In this episode, we see how Ruth decides to go work to provide for her and Naomi. We also see how where she works "so happens" to be the field of someone who could, by God's providence, save both her and Naomi!
Ruth 1:21-22 - As we close out chapter 1, we see Naomi's problem was that she was viewing God through the lens of her troubles. In this episode, we are reminded to view our troubles through the lens of God's character instead.
Ruth 1:20-21 - In this episode, we look into Naomi's bitterness, and what may have brought her to this point. Bitterness is a sin that many people struggle with at different seasons of their lives. Through the example of Naomi's life, we are challenged to not grow bitter when these things take place in our lives!
Ruth 1:18-20 - Ruth and Naomi are now on their way to Bethlehem. When they arrive there, the people can tell something is different about Naomi. And Naomi's bitterness finally wells up enough that she declares to be called Mara, meaning "bitterness." The effects of their bad choice has now brought Naomi further than any of them probably intended.
Ruth 1:9-17 - In this episode, we see Naomi try to convince both here daughters in law to stay in Moab, but Ruth decides to stay with Naomi. This amazing decision has huge implications for both her and Naomi's lives, as well as the lives of all who come to know Jesus.
Ruth 1:5-9 - In this episode, we talk about Naomi's decision to go back to Bethlehem, and how that choice set up the biggest GOOD choice that we see take place in the book of Ruth.
Ruth 1:3-4 - Now we see Elimelech's sons, Mahlon and Chilion, make an unwise decision. But really, they were just following in their father's footsteps. In this episode we evaluate the truth that our decisions ultimately affect more than just ourselves. They can affect those we love too!
Ruth 1:1-3 - In this episode, we continue to evaluate Elimelech's decision to go to Moab with his family. It ends up being a fatal decision for himself. In light of this, we learn some principles and questions to live by when making decisions in our own life.
Ruth 1:1-2 - This book takes place in the time of Judges, when "every man did that which was right in his own eyes." As the book of Ruth begins, we are introduced to another man from this time, Elimelech. And what we find, is that he makes a bad decision. Can God redeem even our bad decisions?
In this episode, Pastor Micah closes out the book of Judges and shares what to expect coming up for Wenatchee in the Word!
Judges 19:1-30 - Once again, we see it mentioned that there is no king, no authority, in Israel at this time. As a result, people are sinning egregiously with one another. No account of their sin is more apparent than what we see in this chapter. Ultimately, the longer we are away from the Lord, the more in sin we become, the more blinded we get to our own sinfulness and the more calloused we become to the effects of sin. If we ever find ourselves in this kind of mindset, we must deal with our sin rightly. We must repent and come once again under the authority of God and His Word.
Judges 18:1-31 - Today, we see the tribe of Dan start to get discontent with their land inheritance situation. And as a result, they begin a progression of downward trajectory in sinful actions. Ultimately, the reason all of this is happening is because there is no king in Israel. Not even God is being looked to as the authority in the nation of Israel. And when authority is absent, anarchy is present. Anything goes. We see this in our world today. However, for Christians, this should not be the case. We have an authority. Therefore, our lives should not reflect the chaos of the world around us, but rather should reflect a humble submission to God and His perfect ways.
Judges 17:1-13 - Today, we see a man named Micah introduced. And the things were told about him, his mother, a Levite, and really the entire nation of Israel at this time, is that they did what was right in their own eyes. Through this episode, we find ourselves pondering this question: Are we looking at our problems, decisions, etc. through what is right in our eyes, or God's eyes?
Judges 16:21-31 - As we come to the end of Samson's life, we see that though his entire life was a display of strength, he is now in a time of weakness. However, we also see that though his life was really one of self reliance, he comes to a point of reliance on God. And because of the faithfulness of God, He blesses and strengthens Samson one last time! May we also realize that we are never too far gone to turn back to the Lord in humility, and see Him restore our relationship with Him!
Judges 16:1-21 - Today, we see Samson's sins finally catch up to him. Though he had much physical strength, he was no match for the constant enticement of Delilah, and really of sin in general. Eventually, it brought him to a point of giving up the blessing of God. And yet, because of his downward trajectory into sin, when God did leave him, he didn't even realize it.
Judges 15:14-20 - When Samson is brought to the Philistines tied up, God's Spirit strengthens him, and he ends up breaking loose and killing 1,000 men in an impressive battle. But instead of giving God the credit, he talks of how he defeated these men. Then in a vulnerable state, he blames God for not providing for him. Pride can do that to us. But when we focus on God more than ourselves, we find that in the good times we praise God, and in the bad times we lean on God.
Judges 15:1-13 - Samson goes back to Timnath for his wife, and finds out that she was given to the man who was his best man. So he retaliates on the Philistines. Which in turn makes them come after him by killing his wife and father-in-law. Which makes him attack again. And we find that revenge is a never ending back and forth retaliation. But we are not called to avenge ourselves. We are called to allow God to avenge us, and to actually do good to those who come against us.
Judges 14:5-20 - As Samson and his parents move forward with the marriage festivities, a lot takes place! In the process, Samson ends up breaking one of his vows as a Nazarite. He also ends up getting betrayed by his wife and owing 30 men of the city new clothes. But instead of doing it in an honorable way, he uses the special gift of strength the Lord has given him for selfish purposes.
Judges 14:1-4 - Today, we see Samson become infatuated with a woman of the Philistine people. Although his parents have their objections to it, they ultimately allow this marriage to move forward. All along, despite Samson's bad wife/life choices, God is using it to accomplish exactly what He wants to accomplish in Samson's life.
Judges 13:8-25 - Manoah asks the Lord to send the man who told his wife they would have a son to instruct them on what to do with the child. God answers this prayer, and Manoah and his wife experience an interesting encounter with the angel. Manoah's response is one of fear, but his wife's is one of faith. Specifically, faith that God is faithful to fulfill His promises.
Judges 12:7-13:7 - Today, we are introduced to the next judge of Israel, Samson! When the angel comes to Samson's mother, he has a very specific calling for him to fulfill. He was to be a Nazarite from the time in the womb until the day he died. In today's episode, we uncover what that means and how we too have specific callings to fulfill in our lives.
Judges 12:1-6 - Today, we get to the end of the story of Jephthah. He is confronted by the men of Ephraim concerning the battle against the Ammonites, and though they were wrong in their confrontation, Jephthah's response is equally terrible. And in order to determine what people were Ephraimites, they made them say a specific word that would give them away. In this episode, we see that our speech can also give us away! So we need to be mindful of what comes out of our mouths.
Judges 11:29-40 - Today, we see Jephthah make a vow to God somewhat hastily, and it ends up causing him great heartbreak. Through the episode, we learn what the Bible teaches us about our word. When we say something, it matters! And when we make promises, we need to keep them, especially when those promises are made to God!
Judges 11:1-28 - In today's episode, we are introduced to a judge named Jephthah. He was the son of a harlot. Yet, God used him to deliver Israel! But when the first attack came, he wasn't reactionary. He responded with words first. He responded with control. We too, when we are attacked can learn to lean on the Spirit of God and respond with self control.
Judges 10:6-18 - In today's episode, we see Israel again turning away from the Lord and serving other gods. But when things start to get oppressive again, they again cry out to God! It seems that when things are going well they forget God, and when things are going bad, they turn to God. Too often, we are the same. But we should recognize our need for God at all times! Both on our worst days, and on our best!
Judges 10:1-5 - In today's episode, we are introduced to two different judges of Israel. We don't know much about them. And yet, God saw it fit to have their names documented in Scripture. Their service was just as important to God as the service of more well-known characters in the Bible!
Judges 9:1-57 - Gideon had many sons! One of them, from a concubine in Shechem. This son was named Abimelech. And when Gideon died, Abimelech desired to rule. As a result of his evil schemes to become king, a lot of destruction comes about. All of his brothers are killed, and eventually, he destroys the people he rules. Ultimately, he meets his demise as well. God will exact judgment upon wickedness.
Judges 8:22-35 - As great of a victory as Gideon and the people of Israel just saw, it didn't keep them from experiencing great defeat shortly thereafter. One wrong decision causes them to worship the past victory rather than the God who gave them the victory.
Judges 8:1-25 - As the Midianites are running from Gideon and his army, we see some others asked to join in the working of God. One group of people get angry because they feel their part will not be recognized, and another group decides not to get involved at all. We learn that there are no small parts in the work of God. And we should be involved no matter how small, and with the right motives!
Judges 7:9-25 - Today, we finally see Gideon in action...kind of! Gideon and his 300 man army don't really have to do much in the battle against the Midianites, because God works an amazing victory out for them.
Judges 7:1-8 - Today, we see God dwindle down Gideon's army from 32,000 to 300. And although it seems counterintuitive, God knows what He is doing! He wants Israel to realize that this victory could only have happened because of His working!
Judges 6:33-40 - Even though Gideon has seen signs already to confirm God's call in his life, he asks for more. In a similar way, we often ask God to confirm what we feel He may be calling us to do. It's actually a good thing to ask God for confirmation! But there are some specific ways we can find that confirmation.
Judges 6:25-32 - Gideon gets his first assignment from God. He is told to tear down an altar that was being used to worship Baal, and to set up a new one in the name of Jehovah God. He does so by night, and some people want to come after him for it. But we learn that God answers for Himself, and when we grasp that, we can follow with whatever He asks us to do, especially in the area of tearing down idols.
Judges 6:1-24 - Today, we are introduced to a man named Gideon. And when we meet him, he is not in the most courageous of places. Yet, when the angel of God comes to him, he assures him that the Lord is with him and has a plan for him to deliver the Israelites from the Midianites. However, Gideon first questions those promises rather than resting in them. We are challenged to take God at His Word, and rest in the peace that He brings by knowing that He is with us and that He has a plan for our lives.
Judges 5 - The book of Judges is very narrative driven. And yet, chapter 5 gives a song of Deborah and Barak, instead of telling us a new story. It seems that we take a "praise break." As we unpack this song, we are reminded that it is good for us to pause and praise the Lord in our lives as well!
Judges 4:10-31 - Today, we see Barak and Deborah go to battle and send Sisera running! As he runs, he finds the tent of a woman named Jael, who he thought was an ally. However, Jael was not as loyal to Sisera's side as he thought, and took the opportunity the Lord gave her to take out this enemy of God!
Judges 4:1-10 - A new judge is on the job for the Israelites, and her name is Deborah! She is a wise counselor for God's people. And when they cry out to God, she calls for a man named Barak to give him God's message. But instead of trusting fully in the Word of God about sure victory, Barak asks for Deborah to go with him to battle.
Judges 3:31 - Today, we talk about a deliverer of Israel named Shamgar. We don't know much about him! But what we do know is that he was used by God in a very unique way to bring the Lord glory, and to help God's people. What ways does God want to use us to bring Him glory and help His people?
Judges 3:12-30 - When the children of Israel turn away from God again, they find themselves under rule of a very fat man named Eglon. So, they cry out to God again, and again, in His mercy, God sends them a deliverer named Ehud. The story of how Ehud delivers the children of Israel is pretty dramatic and epic! Listen as we unpack this story today!
Judges 3:1-11 - Today, we see that God had specific purposes for why He would allow the inhabitants of the land to stay. But Israel instead intermarried with the inhabitants, and it caused problems. As a result, they fell under rule of a wicked king. So, they cried out to God, and God sent them their first judge, a deliverer named Othniel!
Judges 2:11-23 - Today, we see a synopsis given of what transpires in the rest of the book of Judges. And in it, we see that Israel had a very cyclical relationship with God. They would sometimes serve Him, then they would rebel, then they would find themselves oppressed, then they would turn back to God, only to start the whole cycle again! In today's episode, we see how we can guard from that being the normal way of life for us spiritually.
Judges 2:1-10 - In today's episode, we see that Israel really enjoyed the benefits of being the people of God, but often disregarded the responsibilities that came along with being His people. As a result, there arose a generation of Israelites that didn't even know God or the things that He had done in the wilderness.
Judges 1:17-36 - God had a pretty clear command to the children of Israel about the inhabitants of the promised land. They were told to drive them out of the land completely. But we see tribe after tribe fail to do that very thing! And as a result, problems abound for Israel! In this episode, we are reminded that we often do the same thing with sin. But instead of flirting with it, or trusting our own power to fight it, we need to just totally eradicate it from our lives!
Judges 1:1-16 - When the children of Israel get to the promised land, there are a lot of people who inhabit the land. But it wasn't always like that! In this episode, we unpack the idea that often when we leave where God has called us to be, we have more problems to deal with than if we would have just maintained our walk with Him the entire time!
John 19:17-42 - In this episode, we track Jesus' being crucified, and we ultimately end up seeing that there were two followers of Jesus that no one knew were His followers. They allowed fear to keep them from being public about Him. Sometimes we do the same thing. But for all that He has done for us, shouldn't we be willing to live in a way that lets others know that we are Christians?
John 18:28-19:16 - Today, we track Jesus' interaction with Pilate, and find that Pilate had a decision to make regarding what he was going to do with Jesus. Ultimately, he made the wrong decisions. But it does beg the question - What will we do with Jesus?
John 18:12-27 - Today, we see Jesus' trials begin, ultimately leading to false accusations to get Him killed. Amidst these first questionings, Peter is asked by three different people if he is one of Jesus' disciples, and he denies Him all three times, just as Jesus predicted that he would. He failed Jesus! But, we happen to know the rest of the story and realize that even though he failed Him, Jesus' plan for Peter wasn't over. And when we fail Him, we can rest assured that God still desires to use us as well!
John 18:1-11 - Too often, when we come to situations of life, we act like Peter did in this one. We take matters into our own hands. All the while, the One who can actually change the situation if He wanted to is standing right by us. Instead of trying to force situations ourselves, we should trust in God, the One who can make things happen with merely His words!!
John 17:1-26 - In this chapter, we see Jesus praying. In the course of this prayer, He prays for Himself, His disciples, and even for us! His main prayer request? Unity. He asks God to bring unity to the disciples and to us as His followers today through the truth of His Word. And that by that unity, we would bring glory and honor to our Lord!
John 16:16-33 - Today, we unpack the "wrap up" of Jesus' discourse with His disciples the night He was going to be betrayed. He tells them about the fact that He is about to die, and that He would come back from the dead, albeit in figurative language. But He takes another opportunity to encourage them by telling them that they can find peace in Him because of how He has overcome the world!
John 15:18-16:15 - Jesus makes it very clear that the reason we need to love each other is because we will surely face the hatred of the world. They oppose Him, and they will oppose us for following Him. But we can have comfort in knowing that He is with us through it all, because we have the Holy Spirit guiding us in truth each step of the way!
John 15:9-17 - Today, we see Jesus unpack the reality that love is everything. Love is the motivator for all that we do for Christ and others. Love is the command that we are supposed to follow. And love is the evidence to show that we are truly friends and followers of Jesus.
John 15:1-8 - Today, we continue to hear Jesus' teaching to His closest followers. In this portion of His teaching, He tells them that just as branches must be drawing their life source to bear fruit from the vine, we find our life source to bear spiritual fruit in Him. So each and every day, we must determine to have an abiding relationship with our Savior!
John 14:15-31 - Today, we listen to Jesus tells His disciples about the Holy Spirit. Jesus would not be with them much longer, but He would not leave them alone, because the Holy Spirit would be with them! That same Spirit that was promised to the disciples lives in those of us who have accepted Jesus Christ as our Savior. And because of this, we can live in comfort as well, knowing we are not alone!
John 13:36-14:14 - Today, we see that Jesus takes time to settle His disciples' hearts. They have heard a few disconcerting things. And yet, Jesus reassures them of the hope they have in Him, if they only seek to follow Him and ask Him for it. Because of this, their (and our) hearts can be put at ease!
John 13:18-35 - As we continue in the book of John, we see Jesus declare that Judas would betray Him, and from that, the events of Christ's death, burial, and resurrection were set in motion. But instead of panic, Jesus takes time to invest into His disciples, and teach them that others will know they are truly His followers if they love each other the way that He loved them!
John 13:1-17 - Today, we see Jesus do something so humbling and amazing for His disciples. He takes time to wash their feet. It is such a beautiful display of His love for them, in which John described as "loving them to the end." If we, too, want to love people, we will be moved to serve people as well. Jesus even says that it's good to know how He served us, but even better if we go ahead and serve others as a result!
John 12:12-50 - Today, we see what is known as the triumphal entry take place. And because of the events that take place, Jesus realizes that the time has come for Him to die. Knowing this, Jesus makes a plea publicly for all to come to believe on Him. Some believed, some rejected, and some believed, but could not bring themselves to confess belief because of their fear of man. Through this account, we are reminded to lose ourselves for the sake of Christ being exalted.
John 12:1-11 - Today, we get into the last week of Jesus' life before His crucifixion. He is at a meal in the house of Simon the leper, and His dear friends Martha, Mary, and Lazarus are there. Each of these three siblings understood who Jesus was. And they each understood their roles in how to live for Him. As we look at this story, we will learn from the examples of these siblings on how we should live for the Lord by serving others, worshipping Christ, and witnessing for Him.
John 11:45-57 - An event that should have left no doubt to anyone there of who Jesus was actually ended up turning some completely against Him. They turn Him into the Pharisees because of His miracle working, and they seek council to put Him to death. The high priest even says, "He needs to die, so that the rest of us can live!" Now, he didn't mean it the way that Christ actually did die for all to live, but nevertheless, he spoke the truth. Christ died so that all of us can live. What a hope we have in Jesus!
John 11:17-46 - Jesus reassures Mary and Martha that their brother would live again because He is the resurrection and the life. They misunderstood. In this passage, we see that Jesus is the sole reason for life and eternal life! But even though Jesus is the only one who can resurrect dead things, physically and spiritually, He chooses to use us in the process. And what an amazing responsibility and privilege that is!
John 11:1-17 - In today's episode, we see that Jesus is told about Lazarus being sick, but that instead of going to heal him, He delays for a couple days where He is. In the process, Lazarus dies. At surface glance, it seems as though Jesus is showing no urgency or display of significance about Mary, Martha, and Lazarus. But John takes the time to tell us that Jesus did what He did BECAUSE of how much He loved them. In the same way, we are reminded that God is working in the way He is in our lives because He loves us as well.
John 10:22-42 - In today's episode, we see that the Pharisees ask Jesus to just come out and say plainly that He is the Messiah. And although He has already done so, what He says in this passage really makes them mad. They are ready to arrest Him and stone Him. So much so, He has to escape into Perea.
John 10:1-21 - Today, we see Jesus taking time to explain a little bit about who He is and what His role is as the Messiah and Savior of the world. Many of the Jews don't fully understand. But for those of us who know Christ as Savior, we see that His role as the Good Shepherd is such an encouragement to our everyday lives!
John 9:1-41 - Today, we see a man who was born blind receive his physical and spiritual sight because of Jesus' mighty power. However, not everyone is excited to hear that he was made to see! But what we soon find out is that this man may have been born blind, but he wasn't actually the blind one in the story. The ones who were truly blind were the ones who thought they could see spiritually, but were actually blind in their sin of pride.
John 8:12-59 - Jesus continues teaching on the temple mount, and makes more claims of being the Son of God. In the process, He teaches us that true freedom from our sins can only be found in Him. But He does not just want to give us that one-time freedom. He wants us to continue in that freedom each and every day, by continuing in His Word.
John 8:1-11 - While Jesus was teaching on the temple mount one day, the scribes and Pharisees brought before Him a woman that was caught in adultery. And they thought they had a great plan to trap Jesus. But Christ found a perfect way to point out the sin of everyone there. He did not condemn anyone, yet He also did not condone anyone's sin. His challenge to the woman was to "go, and sin no more."
John 7:11-53 - Today, we see Jesus teaching in Jerusalem at the Feast of Tabernacles. While doing so, there is a lot of controversy brewing about who He is. Some thought He was a prophet, some thought He was the Messiah, and others thought He was a common man who was deceiving people. But the question they were asking themselves is the same question we must come to grips with in our life: Who is Jesus?
John 7:1-10 - Today, we see Jesus' siblings sarcastically chide Him for doing His work in secret rather than just openly being the Messiah. Even seeing His life, they didn't believe on Him. But Jesus tells them that He is working on a different timetable than they are. His time will come when His Father says it's time.
John 6:15-71 - Today, we see all those who were fed by Jesus among the 5,000 are seeking Him again! But they aren't interested in actually following Him. Instead, they are looking for more food! And when Jesus tells them that they are looking for the wrong thing, they just don't believe Him. But Peter speaks up and declares what Jesus was looking for in the listeners that day. He recognizes that all they need is the message of Jesus. It is in Him that we find eternal life.
John 6:1-15 - Today, we see one of Jesus' most well known miracles take place: the feeding of the five thousand! Such an amazing miracle! But even though Jesus was the One whose power made this miracle happen, He did not do this miracle alone! He used the meal of a young boy, and the hands of the disciples to distribute the food. And we see that Jesus wants to do some amazing things in and through us! So we need to have faith and just take every next step that He gives us to take.
John 5:10-47 - Today, we see some of the religious leaders angry that Jesus healed the lame man at the pools of Bethesda on the Sabbath. Their anger only got worse when Jesus started to claim He was the Son of God! But Jesus tells them that if they would just search the Scriptures, they would find that it all testifies of Him. May we be challenged to allow the studying of God's Word to always point us to Jesus!
John 5:1-9 - Today, we see a paralyzed man sitting by a pool to get healed. And Jesus asks him an unusual question: "Do you want to be healed?" At first glance, it seems like a cruel question! But we find that it was actually a plea from Jesus for the man to allow Him to do the healing work that this man could not do on his own. In the same way, God wants us to place our trust in Him to do the work in our lives that we can't!
John 4:43-54 - Today, we see Jesus talk about those who only believe when they see miracles. Others would only follow Jesus as long as He was doing miracles. But through the example of a nobleman, we see that we should take Christ at His word, do it, and then allow the miracles that come as a result to solidify and grow our faith in Him.
John 4:27-42 - Today, we see the disciples coming back from the city with food, but Jesus isn't hungry! They thought maybe someone had brought Him food while they were gone. But actually, Jesus was talking about being fulfilled on a much deeper level than physical hunger.
John 4:19-30 - We see the woman at the well learning more about what Jesus was talking about when He brought up "living water." And once she found this water, and her innermost thirst was filled, she couldn't help but run into the city to tell others. She understood that others needed to know about Jesus.
John 4:1-18 - Today, we see that Jesus chose to go through Samaria. He had a specific reason for doing so too! He knew there would be a woman there that needed to know that nothing she searched for fulfillment in was going to be enough. Only He could fill the void she was trying to fill.
John 3:22-36 - Today, we see John the Baptist again. But this time, his following seems to be a little smaller than the last, because many are now following Jesus. But this doesn't seem to bother John at all. In fact, he was excited about it! Why? Well...because "He must increase, I must decrease."
John 3:1-21 - Today, we look into Jesus' interaction with a Pharisee named Nicodemus. What Jesus said to him is one of the most well-known, if not the most well-known verse of all the Bible. And it speaks of God's love for us. And because of His love for us, all we need to do each and everyday is to just look to Jesus.
John 2:12-25 - We take a look at Jesus cleansing the temple of the money changers because they had misplaced their priorities in the house of God. Instead of bringing God glory, they were more concerned with financial gain. But today, we find that we are now the temple of the Holy Spirit. Have we misplaced our priorities? Or does God receive glory from what we do with our bodies?
John 2:1-11 - As we look at Jesus' first performed miracle, we uncover that there are a lot of people who didn't even know the miracle took place. But there were also some people who got a behind the scenes look at how it happened, the servants!
John 1:36-51 - There is no ONE right way to bring people to Christ. Everyone is different, and everyone comes to Jesus with different preconceptions, needs, and wants. However, bringing people to Jesus is not as hard as it may seem.
John 1:6-36 - John the Baptist was a man who knew his purpose. He was not seeking after fame or anything. He was solely focused on pointing other people to Jesus. "He was not that Light, but would bear witness of that Light..."
John 1:1-5 - As we begin to look into the book of John, we notice that he takes time to explain some things about who Jesus is. And because of who He is, He brings light to the world, and to every life who accepts Him.
How do you look into a mirror? Do you see what is wrong and fix it? What about when you look into God's Word? When you see things that need changed in your life, do you fix them? James tells us that we are supposed to be people that don't just absorb God's Word, but that we should be people who live it!
Scripture: James 1:22-25
How can we find true joy and happiness? This world definitely has their opinions on the answers to that question! But what we see in Scripture is that their answers, validations, and fulfillments can't bring us happiness at all. The Psalmist tells us that we find true joy and happiness by loving God's Word and meditating on it.
Scripture: Psalm 1:1-3
In this episode, Pastor Micah just simply gives the purpose and heart behind the starting of "Wenatchee in the Word."