Bible for Breakfast: Recent Episodes
Nick Hodge
To have life we can only walk in the light and the only way to walk in the light so that all can see is to truly believe in Jesus.
We need to know what God wants as well as know what He is like. It is only by having those both can we please God.
As we read how Jesus turned the water into wine we see how our mundane actions wrapped up in our desire that wants to point people to Him, will be so sweet that we will be praised for it.
Jesus didn’t have some big speech planned for people to follow Him. It was a simple invitation telling people to get close to Him and see if He has the fruit they want in their life. We need to have that same attitude. One that invites people to be part of your life if they want too.
As we read the first bit of John 1 we can see that to be like Jesus we have to be people of our word. The only way we can be a witness is to see what Jesus is doing today, and to not get discouraged when people who we know don’t understand because there is a family in God’s Kingdom who are desperately trying to follow God.
Romans 8 tells us that we are no longer condemned to death, but if that’s the case how do we live? How can we start to live as God’s son?
We are reading Genesis 4-6 and we start with a simple question. If you do well will you not be accepted? Just because someone else was accepted and you were not it doesn't mean that they took it away from you!
As we continue in our series we read Matthew 2. How Jesus lived in Nazareth which comes from the root word that means set apart. Remember you are called to be set apart for the Lord!
So many good things to pull out of this section;
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God spoke things into existence and since we were made in God's image in likeness this shows that what we speak has power.
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Many times we need to make things work and then think about scaling or creating a position later.
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Man and Woman are meant to help each other. That was the design and it wasn't until the fall that a hierarchy became established.
Just to name a few but whatever you get out of this remember that God is in charge of all things and knows how all things are designed to be.
Have you realized how messed up Jesus' family tree was? A daughter-in-law marries her father-in-law, a prostitute, and a person who according to Moses is cursed by God. Hard to believe that this is was the family history Jesus was being associated with.
The verse below makes it seem like everything is ok, but Job says this as he is trying to understand what God is doing. It is okay to take your frustrations to God. He can handle it.Verse of the Day: “For I know that my Redeemer lives, And He shall stand at last on the earth;”Job 19:25 NKJV
Verse of the day: 1 Peter 1:3“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,”What is this living hope? What hope did Jesus bring? “To repent for the kingdom of heaven is here”? What does that mean? It means that God reigns and that we can be part of His kingdom now! With the birth of Jesus this desire to be in God’s kingdom became renewed in us and with Jesus’ death burial and resurrection it showed us that God was more powerful than death. And the best part we don’t have to prove that we “deserve” to be in His kingdom. We just have to accept that Jesus is King and then follow God’s law. And we can only truly follow God’s laws if we understand them and we can only understand if we have a relationship with Him. The best part is that Jesus was the embodiment of that relationship. So the living hope is that Jesus is in charge and that His kingdom is here and we can access it by His abundant mercy meaning that we are able to enter into His kingdom, because of Him.
Many times we forget the God’s glory can be revealed no matter what situation you are in. It doesn’t matter if you think the worst has happened or if it’s just starting. But as Jesus looks on Lazarus’ death. I am reminded that even when the worst happens, God is still God. #Jesus, #Bible, #Christian, #BibleStudy, #BookOfJohn.
Jesus said that we are His sheep. But if we are His sheep do we hear God’s voice? How can we learn to hear God’s voice? #bookofjohn, #jesus, #biblestudy, #biblereading, #christian, #God, #HolySpirit
Have you ever ask yourself why me? Why are bad things happening to me? What have I done? Sometimes bad things happen not because of somebody that you’ve done they just happen, but they allow for God’s glory and his works to bb shown in our lives. #Jesus, #God, #Bible, #BookOfJohn, #WhyDoBadThingsHappen
As we read through John chapter 8 we are told throughout the chapter that if we did the work, so the Father we would be able to Father that if we did the works of Abraham, which would be of Abraham. What are these works? Do you know what pleases the Father?
Why did Jesus do so many things in secret? Is it that doing things in secret actually compelled the people who were looking for God actually find him. Are there more things that we can do not to promote ourselves but to really promote who God is. #Jesus, #God, #BibleStudy, #Christian, #BookOfJohn
What does it mean when Jesus tells us to eat of his body and drink his blood? Is he actually telling us that we need to eat him or is it more about us trying to eat his words and have them live in bring life to our life? as we look at John chapter 6, we are faced with this question.
As we read about the pool of Bethesda, let us remember that when other people attack us for not following the rules, God wants us to love Him and to love our neighbor as we love ourselves. So if your faces with criticism remember to be like Jesus and be willing to help people. #jesus, #god, #lovepeople, #love, #faith, #bible
Is reread the story of the Samaritan woman. It is important that we worship God in spirit and in truth. What does that even mean? Let’s find out. #jesus, #god, #bible, #worship, #biblestudy,
We get so caught up on all the different things we can do in the faith and all the debates that circle around us. But to be a Christian is to believe Jesus, if we do that everything else will fall into place. #jesus, #bibe, #god,
As we read the wedding in Cana we talk about how we can be washed, and then filled with the Holy Spirit. #biblestudy, #bible, #jesus, #holyspirit, #john, #filledwiththespirit
As we read John 1 we are asked with a deep question right off the bat, how is Jesus the Word, and why does it even matter? #jesus #biblestudy #gospel #john
As we look at Genesis 7, we speculate, how a loving God could send a flood to wipe out humanity. #bible #jesus #lovingGod #biblestudy #flood
As we read the Bible and study it you don’t have to be filled with fear and anxiety if you are wrong. You don’t have to have all the answers. What you need is to believe in Jesus and then just spend time in the Word wondering about God and what He has said. This wonder will do more for you, allow you to grow faster in your faith, and experience God for who He is.
It is easy to get frustrated and not see what you want to see when you’re doing what you’re supposed to do. In this podcast, I suggest 4 steps for us to not get weary in doing good, but to make it a part of our life.
There are many Christians who are worried that they are not saved, and that fear gives them crippling anxiety. But we are saved if we confess that Jesus is Lord and if we believe that in our heart. That belief needs to change us to become more like Him. So no matter the denominations or even your Bible knowledge, if you are walking in a journey that is reflecting the image of Jesus you are covered. #christianity
Faith is more than just trust or hope, it is something that is meant to move us to action. As we look at our mustard seed faith let us grow and become who God has called us to be. #whyfaithmatters #faithmeaning #mustardseedfaith #faith
Praise and worship are 2 different things and while everyone can praise God only those who know God can worship Him. If you are feeling stuck in your faith or in your devotional you need to worship God because worship will change you.
In Genesis Chapter 6 we read that God was sorry He created man but Noah found favor in His sight. How did Noah find favor? Because he was willing to at least spend some time listening to God instead of focusing only on his own desire. If God wants us to reflect His image to our world then we need find favor with God and turn our thoughts and imaginations from being focused on ourselves to being focused on God.
As we read Genesis 5 we start to see that mankind isn’t doing well and as Lamech puts the pressure on Noah, I am reminded that Jesus is our Comforter.
As we read this chapter I always get so mad at God because he allows Cain to get away with murder. But what if in his mercy he is telling us something?
It is hard to see God’s goodness in the garden of Eden but what if we are focusing on the wrong thing. What if when man’s eyes were opened they were no longer able to look at God because of the sin in their lives and God didn’t want us to stay in that condition?
The 7th day rest is of God design to help us have strength, to give us a chance to make sure we are heading in the right direction in our life, and to relax, thank God and ourselves. Jesus said that if we go to Him, He will give us rest. What would your life look lije if you actually gave yourself a chance to rest?
We spend so much time trying to defend ourselves to make ourselves look good, but what if our actions and who we are is our defense? What if all we need to do is to explain God and defend the integrity of His work, and by doing that we no longer need a defense.
Why was Jesus able to endure the cross? More than his life he desired Yahweh’s will. By following Yahweh’s will he no longer needed to fight and struggle to defend himself but instead he could be silent and let the events play out.
Many times we think God’s promises are a far away off, but don’t lose sight of the goal continue to work pursue his presence have peace and be a good witness so when God does come you ready.
In the famous passage, Jesus says give to Caesar. What is Caesars the gift of God what is God’s.” so the question comes down to what is God’s? And if you belong to God, then, are you willing to follow his laws in his ways?
Jesus curses the fig tree because it doesn’t have figs. We need to be working to have fruit so people can be blessed by us no matter if we are ready for it or not.
How can we follow God and still get it so wrong? Because we don’t understand the spirit behind the law. It is by following the spirit of the law can we fully experience what God had intended for our life.
Jesus says “If you can believe all things are possible to him, who believes.” what if our belief and our actions with our belief is a major reason why we are not experiencing the life that we want?
Many times we change who we think Yahweh is to make Him comfortable. But we need to change what we believe to fit who Yahweh is because in doing that we will be changed and we can inherit true life.
Many times in churches we set up rules that God didn’t say in the desire to make sure we follow God’s law. But in doing so we start to limit God and even miss the point of what God is trying to do.
When Jesus feeds the 5000 with fish and bread he gave thanks and then broke it. When we thank God for what we have and give away what we can than God will begin to multiply our influence so we can have what we need and so there will be plenty to give to others.
Does your belief force you to act, and as a result change you? In this chapter 2 people believe Jesus so much that he is able to change their circumstances. Your belief should be reinforced by your actions.
Why did Jesus speak in parables? Why does the Lord hide himself? Could it be that by hiding himself we are able to make a choice to follow Him?
Many times we feel guilty when we don’t listen to our family, but family is a group of people who are able to help each other do God’s will.
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Many times we put God in a box thinking that God gave us His laws to control us, but God’s law was made to help us live an abundant life and if we make the law more important than trying to understand who God is we will miss out on what God has for us.
Jesus’s ministry was counter culture. From the beginning he was inviting people into God’s kingdom which would’ve been seen as a direct affront to Caesar.
Jude reminds us that r fight for our Faith by praying in the Spirit, keeping ourselves in God’s love, and looking for His mercy.
John tells us that He who does good has seen God and he who does evil hasn’t seen God. Have you seen God? In what area do you still need to see God?
Often times we think we have to follow God’s commands to get Him to love us. But that is backwards, we need to love God & out of that love we want to follow His commands because God’s commands are for us.
If we truly believe that Jesus is the son of God, and we follow his commands, and we pursue a relationship with him, then we will overcome any situation
Many times we talk about love. Love is not us forcing someone to do what is best for them. Love is doing all that you can to provide them with an opportunity and still caring about them and showing that you care even if they refuse the offer. If people are afraid, or if you are afraid of what the relationship will be, if you refuse the offer it is not perfect love.
We are called to love each other but loving each other is about helping each other pass out of death in any situation and helping them turn it around into life. So if someone is struggling with something like finances and you are able to help them by mentoring them out of that you have shown love to them.
When we are in God’s Word fail we will be able to listen to the Spirit and know the will of God without anyone having to tell us and potentially leading us astray. By this we can “know” Him and we will walk in His way.
Maybe people feel like sharing the gospel is a chore or is a scary intrusive thing but we should want to share the gospel because it connects us to the other person. And that person could be encouraged to join us so we don’t have to walk life alone. Let God’s word encourage you so much that you have to tell other people and transfer that feeling to them.
One of the hardest thing for a Christian is to be faced with all the promises God didn’t answer. 2 Peter 3 encourages us to stay focused on God because the promise will happen. All we can do is prepare ourselves to become the person who will inherit the promise.
Have you ever felt that God allowed all the wicked people get there way? Does it seem like they are winning? 2 Peter 2 reminds us that although it looks like evil is winning God will have his way and He will judge the wicked and save the righteous.
Why did God give us divine power? How do we become who God wants us to be? In fact how can we be successful in this life? 2 Peter 1 has some answers.
Why does God give us strength? Why does God want us to be full of grace? So that His name can be glorified in all the earth and if Christ is glorified God shares that glory with us. Send me an email at nchlshodge@gmail.com
We need to use Gods relationship with the church be the model for our marriages where we give each other love and respect. And living with righteousness is more than getting away from sin but is about putting on Christ. If there is a specific book you would like me to read email me at nchlshodge@gmail.com
We need to honor those who God put in authority and if we are persecuted for doing the right thing we need to trust that God will balance the scales.
Salvation isn’t just a one time thing. Jesus paid the price and there is nothing that we can do to take that away. It is now our choice if we live in sin.
As we read James 5 true faith is one where our actions and words align with who we are meant to be.
Many times we ask God for things but we don’t get it. But if we draw near to God and do what the word says than we will change and become the person who can receive God’s blessings.
Let us lay aside every weight so we can run with persistent action the life that God gave us.
When we are truly walking in God’s law we see that Jesus died so that we can be free and if we believed that we free it should allow us to live the way God has called us to live.
There is nothing you can do to be removed from God’s hand because He said that He will be our God. Know that when we blow it God is always there.
As we read Hebrews 5&6 we see that Jesus want the High Priest for the whole world because He wanted to be but He was called to be. As we walk in our calling we need to believe God and we ca do this by knowing who God is.
As we read Hebrews 3 & 4 when we believe in who God is and what He wants for us we can boldly go before God’s throne.
Jesus suffered so that His work, salvation, can be perfect. What do you have to suffer so that your work can be perfect?
In Matthew 2 we see that Gentiles find Jesus, where Herod, a Jew, is afraid. How can we keep the wonder and the mystery to go after God instead of being afraid of what he is doing?
We are in Luke 2. Why did the angels appear to the shepherds? Why was Jesus born at the time when Caesar was claiming to be god’s son? Join me for breakfast as we read Luke 2 & ask these questions.
After reading Luke 1, I have questions. What does it mean to be righteous and blameless? What does it mean to turn the hearts of the fathers to their children? If you have questions join us as we read the scriptures. Find me on the Bible App under ‘Friends’ search Nicholas Hodge.
The only way to live the life you want and the life God has for you is to be willing to become “undignified” or be considered stupid. By going against conventional wisdom we can be truly innovative and walk into a purpose far greater than we could even imagine.
We enter into God’s peace by knowing in who we are that God is in charge and that He is going to make his name great!
It is hard to glorify God when we know when destruction is imminent but when we glorify God with who we are that witness brings more glory to His name than when we are in a time of prosperity.
Many times we are afraid that God won’t hold up His end of of His word so instead we do things to make it happen. But if we can be like David we can succeed in a greater and more peaceful way than we could if we “made it happen”
Sarai out of her insecurity told Abram to have a child by Hagar, her servant, so that Abram could have the son that he always wanted, but when Ishmael came it was not what Sarai intended and she ended up hating Hagar for it, but God didn't ignore Hagar or leave Ishmael without anything even though that was Sarai's intention. God blessed Ishmael because he was from Abram and also part of the covenant. Even if you are distressed or someone is holding you back keeping you down. Hold on, God is there and he sees you and will remember the promises he made to you.
Whenever God enters into a covenant with man we are always unable to hold up our end of the bargain. So what does God do when He wants to bless us? He makes a covenant with Himself and because God can't lie it is unbreakable and will reveal his goodness. You can make a commitment today whether it's to follow God for the first time or to commit a specific part of your life to him.
God told Abram to all the land that God would give him, but Abram doesn’t so God allows Lot to be captured so Abram has to walk the land in order to save his nephew.
Abram out of the Pharaoh goes against gives his wife to Pharaoh but God’s goodness won’t let Abram be put to shame.
We give Noah a bad wrap for being a drunkard but a lack of respect even for people who have “lost” says more about us than about them. A lack of respect often leads to a lack of trust.
Even when someone does a terrible act God is still good and provides the murderer a way to turn his life around.
Just like in the garden Eden the world is accusing God of not being good, but even when we accuse Him of not being good I am grateful that God is still good.
We use God’s Word when we define the Bible but he didn’t write it. The Bible is a book of people testifying that God is good.
Why is God good? Why does he care about us? From the beginning people have accused God of not being good, but He is still good to us. Why? Because His name is on trial and God is willing to prove to us that He is good all the time!
Continuing reading Proverbs the things that lure us into a false sense of security like women & material things. Is like an evil seductress that takes our wealth and gives it to other people to make them rich.
As we continue to learn more about Godly wisdom. It is also important for us as adults to really pass on our wisdom to the next generation.
How do we combat anxiety? By making God’s law per of who we are so we know that if things are bad. We can make it back.
I read Proverbs chapter 1 and as I read break down what I think this chapter is saying.