Be With Me: 7 Minutes of Biblical Wonder
1,571 episodes - English - Latest episode: 23 days ago -Be With Me is a daily 7 minute chronological walk through the New Testament hosted by Michael Smith. It is for everyone who is curious about what Jesus actually said and did in the gospels. Most episodes will leave you with at least one good thought to chew on for the rest of the day. We start with the Bible and hopefully end with Awe. We are walking through the chronological events of Jesus' life and then thoughtfully considering them. It is meant to spur the devotional life of the Christian and the not-yet-Christian. We occasionally venture into the Old Testament when it helps our understanding of the New Testament events. Everybody has 7 minutes. Everybody needs to wonder. Be With Me is hosted by Michael Smith who has absolutely no special qualifications to do a podcast. He is not a pastor. He has not been to seminary. He does not lead a mega-church. He is not a professional and he has no more credentials than you do. He does, however, follow a great God with an observant eye and a curious heart. Each day, he starts with a study bible and aims for astonishment. ‘be with him’ for 7 minutes as he sets out daily to discover the God who invites us to ‘Be With Me.’
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Episodes
STEALING the THIEF on the (Other) Cross. Luke 23:43 (S3-Episode #47)
May 02, 2021 08:00 - 7 minutes - 5.5 MBSend us a Text Message. One of the Thieves on the (other) cross goes from: railing and reviling Jesus Realizing a few things about God. Probably that He's real, He's there, His judgments are true and just, I am deserving of all that is coming to me. But too, He might offer grace. Repenting. Oh the rarest of events in the human heart! Rebuking the other thief over the top of Jesus Requesting of God. It is all we can do. As opposed to demanding, like the bad thief. Requesting that ...
FORGIVING the UNGRATEFUL. Luke 23:34 (S3-Episode #46)
May 01, 2021 08:00 - 7 minutes - 5.5 MBSend us a Text Message. So Jesus has the most nasty actions done to Him by the most nasty people. The big question is: How does He respond? The Good Book says that God is KIND To the UNGRATEFUL and EVIL. It is in the context of Jesus delivering the LOVE YOUR ENEMIES concept of Luke 6. God does this, therefore, so should you. So here we are, in the most extreme of circumstances. Jesus fulfills OT prophesy by INTERCEDING for His transgressors. He actually prays for them and asks the ...
GRAND CENTRAL STATION of Scripture. Mt 27:44 (S3-Episode #45)
April 30, 2021 08:00 - 7 minutes - 5.32 MBSend us a Text Message. All the tracks of Scripture run to the Cross. All the tracks of Scripture run FROM the Cross. Stuff from the Old Testament is being fulfilled with almost every line of the story of the Cross. Stuff from the New Testament is being seeded here and will be explained later. The story isn't over for some of our main characters. There is more to say about the Robbers and the Soldiers. They, for having a front row seat, (literally the soldiers sit down and watch after ...
ONLY Guy to Actually HELP Jesus. Mark 15:21 (S3-Episode #44)
April 29, 2021 08:00 - 7 minutes - 5.21 MBSend us a Text Message. The crucifixion process is gruesome. Today there is spitting, stripping, fake homage, and hitting. But there is also a HERO of the crucifixion. Besides Jesus, there is SIMON of Cyrene. He's just in from N. Africa. He's just in time for the Passover. Probably had some trouble on the way. Jesus is in real, physical, and practical need. He's all blood-lossed and weary. He starts bearing His own cross. But then He cannot. He is fully human and the tank is em...
Love is Defined by This Action. John 19:16 (S3-Episode #43)
April 28, 2021 08:00 - 7 minutes - 5.48 MBSend us a Text Message. Paul Tripp writes that love is defined by an ACTION. Specifically, THIS ACTION. The Cross, and all that goes with it. We should probably study and expose ourselves to it. Pilate is pulled in multiple directions. His Wife writes to have nothing to do with this righteous man. She has suffered greatly in a dream. The Jews vehemently want Jesus crucified, and actions meant to appease them only rile them up further. Caesar and Rome and Pilates Job and authority lo...
This is a HORRIBLE Podcast. Mark 15:15 (S3-Episode #42)
April 27, 2021 08:00 - 7 minutes - 5.19 MBSend us a Text Message. Even before we get to the crucifixion, there are many nastinesses to sit with. We must sit with "Good Friday" before we get to Easter. First let's consider Barabbas. Notorious. Robber. Murderer. Insurrectionist. Rebel. Yes, he's the guy we want out amongst us. Let's put him back into our community. This is an insult of the highest order to Jesus that he doesn't compare with this cockroach of a man. Second, let's consider the injustice. Pilate is perfectly c...
Herod sends a JOKE to Pilate. Luke 23:11 (S3-Episode #41)
April 26, 2021 08:00 - 7 minutes - 4.84 MBSend us a Text Message. Herod and Pilate become BFF (Best Friends Forever) at the end of this story. It all involves the UNDERSTANDING and sympathy that is demonstrated by a JOKE. The Joke is an expensive grand gesture, which makes the punchline even stronger. The joke actually costs Herod something. I'll bet he thought it was HILARIOUS. Unfortunately, the Joke is on Jesus' head and on his back. He is dressed as a 'king' that neither Herod or Pilate will acknowledge. Worse, there i...
Q: Are You KING? A: Who's Asking? Jn 18:34 (S3-Episode. #40)
April 25, 2021 08:00 - 7 minutes - 5.39 MBSend us a Text Message. Pilate gets the chance of a lifetime. He gets to be literally near the kingdom, and the KING. It rattles him a little bit, but probably not enough. Pilate inquires as to whether Jesus is KING. Jesus asks the super-great question in follow-up. He asks, "Do you say this of your own accord, or did others s say it to you about me?" I think that means, "Are you asking for others, or are you asking for YOURSELF? Are you personally wrestling whether I am KING? Or are ...
REGRET Without REMEDY. Matthew 27:4 (S3-Episode #39)
April 24, 2021 08:00 - 7 minutes - 5.01 MBSend us a Text Message. Today we explore the difference between REGRET and RESTORATION. In Episode #38, Peter serves as a preliminary example of messing up, but then being RESTORED. Judas, not so much. To Judas' credit, he does have some specificity and ownership of his sin. He calls it a sin. He starts well. Certainly he wants to get out of pain but chooses suicide rather than the hard remedy of restoration. Repentance is hard. Perhaps it is the most difficult thing in the world....
Peter DENIES. BE LIKE PETER! Luke 22:61(S3-Episode #38)
April 23, 2021 08:00 - 7 minutes - 5.48 MBSend us a Text Message. Peter Denies Jesus. We should be more like him. Why? Because the story does not end there. Well, it DOES actually end there for now, but we know a few things for the future. It was cold. Jesus suffered in the cold. I never thought about that little detail. The fire plays importantly into our story. It is what lit his face that got him accused. The HOUR soak on the denials. That hurts. He had lots of time to remember before this... He is close enough to Je...
Jesus GOES OLD TESTAMENT on Caiaphas. Matt 26:64 (S3-Episode #37)
April 22, 2021 08:00 - 7 minutes - 5.49 MBSend us a Text Message. We find Jesus DETERMINED, COMMITTED, AND STRONG as He encounters Caiaphas. In fact, He let's him have it with the Old Testament in the best way. First He fulfills the great suffering Chapter 53 of Isaiah detail: silent before his accusers. Then, Jesus claims a powerful prophesy from Daniel 7 for HIMSELF. "This is about Me. This identifies Me. These are My roles. This is My place. These are My powers. Deal with it." And deal with it they did. Caiaphas tore ...
First Raindrops of Massive Incoming Storm. John 18:22 (S3-Episode #36)
April 21, 2021 04:00 - 7 minutes - 5.45 MBSend us a Text Message. The big black storm of Jesus' crucifixion is coming and we know it is going to be bad. This is what's known as THE PASSION of Christ. Today, we get the first three big raindrops. Jesus is ARRESTED: He doesn't get to do what He wishes with His location and WILL (Remember though, Jesus ALLOWS all of this and voluntarily endures all of this. In yesterdays account, all these same soldiers were lying on their backsides at the revelation of Jesus' divinity) Jesus...
Bringing a PEA-SHOOTER to a World War. John 18:6 (S3-Episode #35)
April 20, 2021 08:00 - 8 minutes - 5.6 MBSend us a Text Message. Jesus is arrested in the Garden of Gethsemane. Here is just a taste of the treasure: Judas knows the place. This just makes the betrayal more betraying. The soldiers come well-armed, but find they are severely OUT-GUNNED by the Sovereign conquering Lord God of Hosts. They fall down, which is a perfectly reasonable response to the revelation of God Jesus is resolved, volunteering, intent on His purpose of drinking the nasty CUP (what happened earlier is the engi...
The Low/High Point of Suffering. Luke 22:42 (S3-Episode #34)
April 19, 2021 08:00 - 7 minutes - 5.25 MBSend us a Text Message. What happens in this episode powers the rest of the Passion story. What happens in this episode empowers all the suffering to come. Jesus decides, after prayer, to DRINK the CUP. It is a cup of nastiness that doesn't taste very good. It is taking the punishment of all the world's sin. No wonder He didn't want to do it. I am so glad that He did. It is a fall-on-the-ground moment of prayerful agony for Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane. The disciples, even thou...
I Will (never?) Fall Away. Matt 26:33 (S3-Episode #33)
April 18, 2021 08:00 - 7 minutes - 5.39 MBSend us a Text Message. "The disciples are a bunch of knuckleheads. If I was there as Jesus' disciple, I would never have fallen away from Jesus during His tough time." This is probably the exact wrong conclusion from exposing ourselves to this passage about Peter, his fellow knuckleheads, and Jesus. First about Jesus. I am a big fan of the steadfast love of God. It is called HESED in the Old Testament. Jesus demonstrates it here PROFOUNDLY: even though you ALL are going to abandon me...
This is My LAST LOVE LETTER To You. John 17:23 (S3-Episode #32)
April 17, 2021 08:00 - 7 minutes - 5.38 MBSend us a Text Message. This is the last chance Jesus has to tell the disciples anything. He is minutes or at most hours away from being swept up into an arrest, suffering and crucifixion. WHO does He address and WHAT does He say? You won't be disappointed when you find out. First of all, He turns from the current disciples to those who will believe in the future. Guess who? That is you and me if you believe! Jesus choses, in His last moments of teaching and togetherness to address the...
10 Things You Should Know. John 17:9 (S3-Episode #31)
April 16, 2021 08:00 - 7 minutes - 4.9 MBSend us a Text Message. Often, a good way to first approach a reading of a passage of the Bible is to NOTICE stuff. Today, we'll look at a final prayer of Jesus. It is called the "High Priestly Prayer". He first prays for Himself, and then turns His attention to the disciples. That is the part we'll tackle today. Here are 10 things you should know: He knows it is going to be tough and so PRAYS for you and continues to pray for you. Security: You are kept, and guarded Change: Things...
Is anybody LISTENING out there? John 17:1 (S3-Episode #30)
April 15, 2021 08:00 - 7 minutes - 5.33 MBSend us a Text Message. Be Encouraged today dear Podcast Listener. Jesus is bringing His earthly ministry home with a prayer that helps answer these questions: Am I known? Am I seen? Am I heard? Am I loved? Am I included? Am I forever? Am I created? Am I prayed for? Frequently, we ask the question, Why is this page in the Bible? If you have wondered about any of the previous questions, then this page is for you. This 7 minute podcast might also be for you. Listen and review on ...
He WINS and I am on HIS TEAM! John 16:33 (S3-Episode #29)
April 14, 2021 08:00 - 8 minutes - 5.54 MBSend us a Text Message. What is our world like? It is full of trouble. What are people like? They can be the source of great pain. These aspects of life on this planet are not much of a mystery. Be enheartened. (it is a real word). We have peace with God. We have peace IN God. HE has overcome the world. He has conquered more than we know. The enemies are VANQUISHED. Jesus came in first place. Here's the good news...So...did...we. That is, through Him. In Him. Those who put FAITH...
You are LOVED. I am NOT ALONE. John 16:32 (S3-Episode #28)
April 13, 2021 08:00 - 7 minutes - 5.5 MBSend us a Text Message. The disciples comment that Jesus is finally speaking clearly to them. We probably should listen to what Jesus says. He is leaving them very soon either with the crucifixion or the ascension. One is hours away. The other is 40 days. Either way, listen up! The Father Himself Loves us. That is probably old news to most, but it is a main principle to go back to. Trouble is coming, and we are going to need that reassurance and REALITY. Strike the Shepherd and the...
Un-TAKEABLE Joy. John 16:22 (S3-Episode #27)
April 12, 2021 08:00 - 7 minutes - 5.48 MBSend us a Text Message. What happens when Jesus is separated from the disciples by death and burial? Sorrow. Weeping. Lament. and Anguish. What happens after they get back together? That is the topic of this section of scripture. "You will see Me again," says Jesus. That is, the disciples (and us by extension) see Jesus after His resurrection. We are filled with joy that is un-takable. He did it! He conquered death and sin! He demonstrated His power! Yeah! We are thrilled to see ...
The Swiss Army Knife of the Trinity. John 16:12 (S3-Episode #26)
April 11, 2021 08:00 - 8 minutes - 5.63 MBSend us a Text Message. Before the Last supper's teaching, the Holy Spirit, didn't practically exist in the life or even in the KNOWLEDGE of these rookie believers. My guess is that essentially for them, "the Helper was about 2 hours old". But what an introduction! What was really unknown to the disciples turns out to be absolutely ESSENTIAL in the life of the believer. As we considered yesterday, Jesus proclaims Him as ADVANTAGEOUS to the believer. do you need help? God provides a H...
Giving your RIGHT ARM to have lunch with JESUS. John 16:7 (S3-Episode #25)
April 10, 2021 08:00 - 7 minutes - 5.42 MBSend us a Text Message. Somebody paid $4.6 million to have lunch with Warren Buffet. How much would you give to have lunch with Jesus? I think you'd give YOUR RIGHT ARM to have lunch with Jesus, I know I would. But here is the most surprising thing I have ever read in the entire Bible. Jesus says that there is something BETTER, more ADVANTAGEOUS than having lunch with Him. In fact, Jesus says He has to go away to send this "Mr. Advantageous" to us. None of this is said to devalue th...
'SSISTED by the Spirit. John 15:26 (S3-Episode #24)
April 09, 2021 08:00 - 7 minutes - 5.28 MBSend us a Text Message. The Spirit is sourced fro the Father, Sought by Jesus, Sent to US to 'SSIST us. He is Called HELPER and also the Spirit of Truth. The truths of the realities of Jesus are identified, explained and made much of. This continues the "Trinity-Party" that we have tried to understand. To the critics of Jesus, I agree that some of the doctrines of Christ are difficult to understand. You might call them crazy. It sounds like the Holy Spirit might have some role in help...
Jesus OFFENDS me, so I (don't like) Him. John 15:22 (S3-Episode #23)
April 08, 2021 08:00 - 7 minutes - 5.42 MBSend us a Text Message. Being associated with Jesus sometimes brings the wrath of people around you. Relax. It is not about you. It is about the offense of Jesus. You are just part of His family. But what is it that is so very very offensive about Jesus? Today, we get a real clue. When Jesus comes, He moves the sin that we have been cherishing in our "excusable sin" category to an "INEXCUSABLE Sin" category. His presence, His truth, His sinlessness, His entrusting just erase all my...
The FIRST FRIENDS of God, ALMOST. John 15:15 (S3-Episode #22)
April 07, 2021 08:00 - 7 minutes - 4.9 MBSend us a Text Message. This Podcast has occasional critics. Often, their protest is something like, "You guys just CANNOT know God. You CANNOT be friends with God". Today, I am appreciating their sentiments. I suppose it should be just as amazing to me as it is to them. Yup, sometimes I can hardly believe it either. Jesus reiterates a final commandment: Love one another (that part is old) AS I HAVE LOVED YOU (that part is new). The problem is that He then defines it as the ultimate...
GREATEST WAY to Live. Or NOT. John 15:11 (S3-Episode #21)
April 06, 2021 08:00 - 7 minutes - 5.3 MBSend us a Text Message. Either being a Christ identified person is the absolutely GREATEST way to live, or it is NOT. Either there should be unique, special, noteworthy LOVE, JOY, and OBEDIENCE coursing through our veins and life, or NOT. Maybe you aren't even connected to the pipeline. That is a belief problem. Maybe you got a big clog. That is a sin problem that needs pruning. Maybe you got a LOW FRUIT issue. A Low LOVE issue. A Low obey issue. A low JOY issue. What's up with that?...
MAPLE SYRUP in my VEINS! John 15:8 (S3-Episode #20)
April 05, 2021 08:00 - 7 minutes - 5.43 MBSend us a Text Message. Abiding in the Vine of Jesus is a spiritual requirement, if you take some of Jesus' last words seriously. But what does it MEAN? Maple syrup flows in the branches of every maple tree, just in a dilute form. It is the life-blood of a tree: active, alive, restorative, connected, communicating, nourishing, healing Xylum and Phloem. How does a branch bear fruit and make flowers and seeds and more maple trees? Stay connected to the maple syrup. Abide in the MAPLE S...
FIRST EYES of Easter! John 20:1(S3-Episode 19.5)
April 04, 2021 08:00 - 7 minutes - 5.17 MBSend us a Text Message. We interrupt our regularly scheduled Podcast series of chronologicalness to bring you special news: Jesus rose from the dead. Crazy news. Critical news. Without this message our faith would be in vain. Everybody gets their own moment with the resurrection. We all get "Easter-Eyes". Let's do the best we can with these EYES and our SOULS. We will look at the resurrection with the fresh eyes of the FIRST EYES to see it: Mary Magdalene. Mary of Magdala. I cannot...
Spiritual MAPLE SYRUP. Yum! John 15:4 (S3- Episode #19)
April 03, 2021 08:00 - 8 minutes - 5.61 MBSend us a Text Message. Spiritual MAPLE SYRUP. Yum! John 15:4 (S3- Episode #19) Last night, I had MAPLE SYRUP from land that I know, from hands that I know, and from a tree that I know. It was delicious. Plate-licking delicious. What exactly is maple syrup? It is the concentrated, alive, part of a tree that is just beneath the surface. It is the internal river that runs from the branches to the main tree to the roots. When we stand and look at a tree, there are some structural conne...
Leaving PEACE. Giving PEACE. John 14:27 (S3-Episode #18)
April 02, 2021 08:00 - 7 minutes - 4.91 MBSend us a Text Message. We are a messy people. Troubled. Anxious. At war without. At war within. Facing difficulties. Mired by temptations. HE KNOWS. With all of this in OUR minds, we should actually REJOICE that Jesus is going away. WHAT? CRAZY podcaster? No, CRAZY God! CRAZY Bible! Follow me here. He goes through horrible betrayal, death, suffering, bloody covenant, conquering sin and death. We rejoice.(!) That's what it says, because of the positional and practical advantage...
REMEMBER Who You Are. John 14:26 (S3-Episode #17)
April 01, 2021 08:00 - 7 minutes - 5.22 MBSend us a Text Message. Helen of Troy's face, and perhaps the rest of her, "launched a 1000 ships" said Marlowe. Actually, it was 1186 ships. She must have been SOMETHING! But what about you? Didn't your face launch the most expensive rescue mission in eternity? Have you forgotten your beauty and your value to God? Have you FORGOTTEN WHO YOU ARE? Do you need to REMEMBER who you ARE? Well, God has a special remedy for that. It is a Person, an indwelling, active reminding Person: the ...
"BUT WAIT! THERE'S MORE!" John 14:23 (S3-Episode #16)
March 31, 2021 08:00 - 7 minutes - 5.19 MBSend us a Text Message. Like the RONCO knife commercial tag line, "BUT WAIT, THERE'S MORE...!" John 14 just piles on the benefits of this new Covenant that Jesus makes before His crucifixion. Episode #15 talks a lot about the BENEFITS. Today I was struck by the CONDITIONS. Except I think that is not the best word: I think a better concept is not that those benefits are conditional, but they are more so RELATIONAL. That is: pursue, plan, enjoy and walk a relationship with Jesus, Fathe...
RONCO Knife Commercial of Indwelling Godness. John 14:23 (S3-Episode #15)
March 30, 2021 08:00 - 8 minutes - 5.53 MBSend us a Text Message. In addition to what Jesus reveals about the mostly unknown Holy Spirit, He's got a whole revelation of what the Father and Himself are up to. He will come to me I'll be loved by the Father I'll be loved by Jesus I will have Jesus Manifest Himself to me The Father and Jesus will come to me The Father and Jesus will make their home with me So let me get this straight: the Holy Spirit will dwell in me and will be in me AND the Father/Jesus are coming to MAKE T...
What is your most NEEDFUL THING? John 14:16 (S3-Episode #14)
March 29, 2021 08:00 - 7 minutes - 5.13 MBSend us a Text Message. What is your greatest need? What is your most NEEDFUL THING? if only I had a help if only I wasn't so alone if only I knew what was right and wrong if only I could fill this "God shaped hole in my heart" if only I could know and be known if only I could be attached by blood to some special people if only I had a God near and not far if only I had someone who would fight for me if only I had a God who would be with me and stay with me Before today's passage...
NEW SPIRIT announced after 1481 Pages?! What took so long? John 14:16 (S3-Episode#13)
March 28, 2021 08:00 - 7 minutes - 4.97 MBSend us a Text Message. Our understanding about God COMPLETELY changes with what is in Jesus' teaching today. It has been anticipated for THOUSANDS of years. It changes EVERYTHING. It affects every moment of our Christian experience from here on out. It is an announcement of an eternity. What is announced will never go away. Simply, it is the Holy Spirit. It is the 3rd Person of the Godhead. This is Jesus' introduction. Now I know that the Holy Spirit existed forever in eternity p...
If You Could Ask God for ANYTHING...John 14:13 (S3-Episode #12)
March 27, 2021 08:00 - 7 minutes - 5.34 MBSend us a Text Message. If you could ask God for anything... Of course I am all about me and my interests and my people and my church in my prayers. But wait, there's MORE! In today's passage hints at the underlying key to our success in prayer. Guess what? It is not about me. It is WAY above my pay grade. It is that God is a hearer. It is that God is an answerer. It is that God and Son and Spirit are having a fellowship Trinity-party where each one accurately assesses the terrific...
Do You DESIRE to SEE GOD? John 14:8.(S3-Episode #11)
March 26, 2021 08:00 - 7 minutes - 4.84 MBSend us a Text Message. Do you desire to see God? It is an interesting question. I think a legitimate answer can be NO. I DO NOT want to see God. I could be afraid of what I might see. Probably, this reveals our sinfulness and humanity and limitations. Probably the "right" answer is YES, I do want to see God. To know HIM is to LOVE Him. What is there not to like abut God? Phillip asks Jesus to just "show us the Father and it is enough". He's right. If we could really see God, it w...
Heaven = Where I am. John 14:1 (S3-Episode #10.5)
March 25, 2021 08:00 - 7 minutes - 5 MBSend us a Text Message. Welcome to a wonderful new section of scripture. I wonder if it will withstand the rigors of sincere inquiry? Probably, every other word does. It is the LAST DISCOURSE, which initiates a new covenant of intimacy and fellowship that never ends. It starts in a room, then goes to a way, and ends in the Garden of Gethsemane. Where I am, you will be also. We get a little Be with me today. Look for that. We get a little Way the Truth and the Life. We end with a h...
Rainbows & Blood Jeremiah 31:34 (S3-Episode #10)
March 24, 2021 08:00 - 8 minutes - 5.56 MBSend us a Text Message. Covenants were often sealed with blood. A sacrifice was often associated with covenants to commemorate their seriousness. At the (His) Last Supper and (Our) First Supper, Jesus mentions the Blood of the Covenant. 1 Cor 11:23-27 calls it a NEW covenant. Apparently, the temporary, imperfect, sin-represented covenant of Moses just didn't quite cut it. The NEW COVENANT is beautifully described in Jeremiah. There we hear of an indwelling God, with our hearts chan...
The EXPENSIVE FORGETFULNESS of Communion. Mt 26:29.(S3-Episode #9)
March 23, 2021 08:00 - 7 minutes - 5.46 MBSend us a Text Message. Bread and Cup never cost so much. During a meal, Jesus carves out a "first Supper". It is His Last supper; it is everybody's last Passover, and it is our first time at the "Lord's Table" in this way. It is the most EXPENSIVE meal-ette of all time. We start with Sin. It is the wrench that has been in the gears of our relationship with God since Adam. Every single one of us has been affected by it. Just try living life for one day. You'll see. We are separated ...
A Love Just Like Mine. John 13:34 (S3-Episode #8)
March 22, 2021 08:00 - 7 minutes - 5.43 MBSend us a Text Message. Talk about raising the bar! At the almost 11th hour of Jesus' life He drops a bomb of LOVE. A LOVE-BOMB. Love has been in the relationship of God to man and man to man since time started. So it is nothing new, except for one thing: Now you are supposed to love one another AS I HAVE LOVED YOU. So how high is that bar? Steadfast. Sacrificial. Til the end. Unto death if necessary. So high in fact, that everybody is supposed to NOTICE, and even KNOW that you are ...
Watching your FRIEND walk into a BUZZSAW. John 13:21 (S3-Episode #7)
March 21, 2021 08:00 - 7 minutes - 5.42 MBSend us a Text Message. Jesus is troubled in spirit. I wonder why? Part of it is that Jesus himself is going into a BUZZSAW of the passion, the suffering, the abandonment, the beatings, and the crucifixion . WHEN Jesus is troubled, unsettled in spirit, the Scripture TELLS US WHY. It is because that one of you is going to betray me. So who exactly is Jesus troubled for, Judas or Himself? I have always assumed Himself. I think the text pushes us otherwise. I think, at least part of ...
Finding the Most UGLY Feet to Wash. John 13:15 (S3-Episode #6)
March 20, 2021 08:00 - 7 minutes - 5.03 MBSend us a Text Message. Today I try to make an argument AGAINST washing other's feet. Specifically, I don't want to be involved in any unclean, warty, smelly, deformed, degenerated or ugly feet. Give me the beautiful, the swift, and the easy feet. Are there such things? I'll start with arguments of ignorance, we'll see how the Lord does against my protests. You can guess who has the better case. Here is the WONDER part of today. Jesus KNEW Judas was going to betray him in a few hours...
WORLD RECORD Shortest Prophesy. John 13:19 (S3-Episode #5)
March 19, 2021 08:00 - 7 minutes - 5.47 MBSend us a Text Message. It is always a good thing to be "stuck" on a bible passage. That usually means good stuff is coming. It means that treasures are going to be unearthed by the sweat employed in getting un-stuck. My being stuck today revolves around JUDAS. What was this bad guy doing there at the last supper and at the foot washing? We are in a tender moment of intimacy of last minute instructions of Jesus to the clueless disciples, and there is a wolf among them. Psalm 41:9 teach...
Looking for FEET TO WASH. John 13:1 (S2-Episode #4)
March 18, 2021 04:00 - 7 minutes - 5.44 MBSend us a Text Message. Who are my people?: people in the church, people outside the church. No problem there. Who are my people's PARTS?: Now wait just a minute. Their FEET? Their nasty bits? Their overworked, over-dirtied, and probably more stinky than I might like parts? What are my duties?: Wash. Humility. more Humility. Serve. Bow. Get on the floor. Just try washing a foot sometime. The floor will be involved. Why?: I'd like to get out of this if possible. Jesus examples thi...
"24". Luke 22:14 (S3-Episode #3)
March 17, 2021 08:00 - 7 minutes - 5.43 MBSend us a Text Message. In 2001 Kiefer Sutherland began to play Jack Bauer, a fictional protagonist that has 24 hours to stop some epic evil plot. The series went on for 10 years, had a reprise, and a movie. Similarly, our study today begins with the first minutes of the most important 24 hour period in all of history. You could argue for a couple of other periods, but you get my point. We've been wondering about the "Great Week". If so, then this is the GREAT DAY. Think about this. ...
The Last SIN-TAKING Lamb. Luke 22:7 (S3-Episode #2)
March 16, 2021 08:00 - 8 minutes - 5.59 MBSend us a Text Message. We recall the last US combat death of World War II: Charles Havlat. A cease fire had been declared 9 minutes before, but word hadn't quite got to the front lines yet. Similarly, we'll meet today the last SIN-TAKING lamb in history. All the sin-taking after this moment was not from a lamb, but from the Lamb of God. It is Thursday morning of the Great Week. Jesus is likely still in Bethany and sends John and Peter into Jerusalem to prepare the Passover. It is ...
1 Year ANNIVERSARY Podcast! Lamentations 3:22 (S3-Episode #1)
March 15, 2021 08:00 - 6 minutes - 4.67 MBSend us a Text Message. Today is the 365th episode of Be With Me. A Year of daily 7 minute segments that seek to find and revel in the Lord Himself. We call it wonder. I'm grateful today for faithful listeners. I'm even more grateful today for not so faithful listeners. We learn today that the Lord's mercy is new every morning HERE. My wonder today is to how that will continue. I think that the Lord's mercies will be new every morning THERE too. That is, in heaven. Could it be th...
Was 30 Pieces of Silver ENOUGH of a PRICE FOR JESUS? Mt 27:9 (S2-Episode #74)
March 14, 2021 09:00 - 7 minutes - 5.5 MBSend us a Text Message. Poetically, 30 pieces of Silver was the price paid for the life of a slave. (Ex 21:32) Jesus was initially priced as a slave. Likely, it was meant as an adequate amount enough that the thief Judas would be interested, but poetically disrespectfully low enough to insult Jesus. But then after Judas has a change of his assessment in Mt 27:9 he brings the money back and throws it in the temple. Then we find out the real kicker: this act fulfills a PROPHECY. What? J...