Discover the Word Podcast

Friendships are an essential part of our lives but many of us struggle to build healthy ones. Rediscover how friendships can be nurtured by exploring Jesus’ friendship with Mary, Martha, and Lazarus.
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Jesus demonstrated the importance of friendship throughout the Gospels. His relationship with the Bethany siblings—Mary, Martha, and Lazarus—provides a great example of how much we need friends in our own lives, and how much we need to be a friend. Engaging in healthy communication, being dependable, growing with each other, and sharing celebrations can help our friendships flourish!
Reflect
Read the verses connected with this episode below. As you reflect on the Scripture, what stands out to you? 
John 15:9-16 
Luke 10:38-42 
John 11:1-6, 21, 25, 32 
John 12:1-3 
How does John 15:9-16 help you better understand Jesus’ plan for friendship? 
Martha and Mary demonstrate their friendship with Jesus in Luke 10:38-42. How can this nurture your friendships? 
Martha and Mary depended on Jesus to save their brother in John 11:1-6, 21, 25, 32. How can this inspire you to be a dependable friend? 
John 12:1-3 describes a celebration shared with friends (Mary, Martha, Lazarus, and Jesus). How might you share a celebration with friends in the near future?

Respond
(Use this prayer to start a conversation with God)
“Jesus, thank You that You made us to live in friendship—with You and with other people You place in our lives. Help me to live into Your plan for friendship in my life. Help me to be a dependable friend and to take opportunities to share celebrations with my friends.”
Discover more about the topics in this episode with these recommended resources
Mentioned in this episode: 
Friendship Lab
Listen: 
Friendship | Week 1 
Friendship | Week 2
Read: 
Deep Friendship in Christ 
7 Bible Stories to Deepen Your Friendships
Watch: 
The Heart of True Friendship
The Deepest Friendship Exists

The battle for contentment is one of life’s biggest challenges—even for followers of Christ. And that battle for contentment runs headlong into how we view money. What we use to purchase things. The phrase “silver and gold” appears in the scriptures no less than 58 times and we want this week to examine a handful of those texts to try and get some wisdom about money in general and silver and gold in particular.

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Money touches so much of our daily lives, but the Bible helps us see it in the right perspective. Scripture reminds us that while money can meet needs and bless others, it was never meant to define our worth or secure our future. God cares more about shaping our character than growing our bank accounts. As we earn, spend, give, and save, we’re invited to trust Him as our true provider—knowing that our ultimate security isn’t found in money, but in Jesus. 

Reflect 
Read the verses connected with this episode below. As you reflect on the Scripture, what stands out to you? 
2 Kings 5:5 
Ecclesiastes 3:11 
Acts 4:37 
Mark 12:43-44 
Matthew 17:24-27 
1 Timothy 5:8 
Ecclesiastes 5:10 
Proverbs 8:10-11 
Proverbs 16:16 
Psalm 119:72 
Matthew 6:33 
Philippians 4:12 
Psalm 135:15 
Acts 3:1-8 
Proverbs 22:1 says that “a good name is more desirable than great riches.” How does that change your attitude about money? 
 Scripture indicates some ways to keep the right attitude about money and what it's used for—like caring for the needs of loved ones, caring for others, caring for the work of the Lord, and paying taxes to support the government. How might these examples inspire you this week? 
Psalm 115:2-8 describes the dangers of replacing God by making idols out of money. How can this help you trust more in God than money? 
1 Peter 1:18-19 provides the assurance that no amount of money can save us, only Jesus’ sacrifice can do that. How does this encourage you to handle money differently this week? 
 
Respond 
(Use this prayer to start a conversation with God) 
“Jesus, help me have the right attitude about money and use it well in my life. Help me focus more on growing my character in Your image than on growing my bank account. And help me see the opportunities in my life to help others with the money You’ve entrusted to me.”  
 
Discover more about the topics in this episode with these recommended resources 
Mentioned in this episode: 
God and Money 
What Jesus Said About Your Money 
Listen: 
“Jesus, Love & Basketball” with Chris Broussard 
Read: 
The Money 
Watch: 
How to Use Money in Godly Ways

Several times in the Bible, we read that what is impossible for man is possible for God. What does this mean in various settings? Is making the impossible possible a matter of faith? Character? God’s power? What might be dangerous about the possibility for humans? How can we understand and fully live within the boundaries of the possible while stretching to experience God’s power in the impossible?
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When life feels uncertain, it helps to remember who God truly is and that the Bible says repeatedly that nothing is too hard for God. But... the Scriptures also tell us there are things God cannot do—He cannot do evil, He cannot lie, and He cannot be overcome by death. That means His character is completely trustworthy. When we face fear, confusion, or disappointment, we can rely on His goodness, believe His promises, and trust that nothing—not even death—has the final word. 

Reflect 
Read the verses connected with this episode below. As you reflect on the Scripture, what stands out to you? 
Job 34:10, 12 
Hebrews 6:18-19 
John 12:24 
Psalm 18:3-5 
Psalm 16:9-10 
Acts 3:15 
Jeremiah 32:37 
Genesis 18:14 
Matthew 19:16-30 
Genesis 11:1-9 
Matthew 17:20 
Hebrews 11:6 
Job 34:10 says that it’s impossible for God to do evil. How does this encourage you in your daily walk with Him? 
Hebrews 6:18 says that it’s impossible for God to lie. How can this help you trust Him more? 
Acts 2:24 says that it’s impossible for Jesus to die. How does this give you hope for your own rebirth with Him? 

Respond 
(Use this prayer to start a conversation with God) 
“Thank You Jesus that some things are impossible for You. Because You cannot do evil, cannot lie, and cannot be bound by death—let that help me trust You even more and encourage me to walk closer with You.”  

Discover more about the topics in this episode with these recommended resources 
Mentioned in this episode: 
Our Daily Bread Reading Plans  
Listen: 
God of Hope  
Seemingly Impossible Commands | Week 1  
Seemingly Impossible Commands | Week 2  
Read: 
Facing The Impossible 
The Love of God: An Intimate Look at the Father-Heart of God 
Watch: 
The Mysterious Prophecy of Isaiah 53  
The Holy Land: Connecting the Land with Its Stories

Being afraid of something doesn’t sound preferable, but throughout the Bible we see benefits from fearing the Lord. Find out what that can look like for us today and what we’ll experience when we do!
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The fear of the Lord is the starting place for wisdom and it leads to a never-ending friendship with a loving God. Scripture reveals that fearing the Lord is intended to comfort us not to scare us. Because the more we understand God’s character, the more we are compelled to revere Him. God’s Word guides us to express our fear of the Lord through right living, rejecting evil, and clinging to what is good. 
 
Reflect 
Read the verses connected with this episode below. As you reflect on the Scripture, what stands out to you? 
Matthew 1:20 
Matthew 2:22 
Matthew 9:1-8 
Acts 13:16, 26, 43 
1 Peter 1:1 
1 Peter 5:12-13 
Revelation 19:4-10 
John 4:13-18 
Matthew 10:26-31 helps the disciples understand how much God cares for them—and how much He’s in control, even during tribulations. How does this encourage you to know that God is on your side?  
Acts 10:1-2, 34-35 shows that those who fear God leave an openness to be surprised with how He works. How does this encourage you to look for God’s mighty presence and expansive invitation in your life?  
1 Peter 2:11-17 summarizes a picture of what it looks like to fear God (live in freedom, respect everyone, love the family of believers, honor authority). How does keeping God first in these kinds of ways help you live in the world better? 
Revelation 14:6-8 shows that the fear of the Lord is linked to God’s judgment which can lead to worship and praise. How does this fear of the Lord draw you closer into relationship with Him? 

Respond 
(Use this prayer to start a conversation with God) 
“Jesus, help me demonstrate my reverence for God by living in His freedom, respecting others, loving fellow believers, and honoring the authorities He has placed in my life. Help me see how putting God first in these kinds of ways leads me to live well.”  
Discover more about the topics in this episode with these recommended resources 
Mentioned in this episode: 
Explore the DTW archives  
Listen: 
Proverbial Wisdom  
A Life of Wisdom and the Proverbs 31 Woman  
Read: 
Reverent Fear  
Understanding the Bible: The Wisdom Books  
Watch: 
Mount Arbel - Sermon on the Mount and the Great Commission

What happens when people “fear the Lord” in a healthy way? Explore how this can lead to wisdom and relationship with God!
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The Bible’s wisdom books remind us again and again that the fear of the Lord is where real wisdom begins—and that’s the kind of wisdom we need for everyday life. From big decisions to ordinary moments, we all need God’s perspective to help us navigate what’s in front of us. 
Proverbs offers that wisdom with a hopeful, “glass half-full” lens, giving practical guidance for daily choices. Ecclesiastes meets us in the tension, naming life’s frustrations and uncertainties with a more “glass half-empty” honesty. And Job takes us deeper, showing that a healthy fear of the Lord isn’t about being afraid—it’s about being drawn into a real, trusting relationship with God as we learn to revere all of who He is, even when life doesn’t make sense. 
 
Reflect 
Read the verses connected with this episode below. As you reflect on the Scripture, what stands out to you? 
Proverbs 1:5 
Proverbs 24:5 
Ecclesiastes 1:18 
Proverbs 24:3-4 
Ecclesiastes 2:20-21 
Ecclesiastes 9:11 
Ecclesiastes 12:13-14 
Job 
Psalm 22:22-24 
Psalm 19:7-10 
Psalm 25:8-14 

Would you say you identify more with the “glass half-full" approach to wisdom in Proverbs, or the “glass half-empty" approach of Ecclesiastes? 
Job’s story demonstrates that fearing God is relational and not transactional (see Job 1:9). Why is it important to fear God for who He is and not for what He does? How does this type of reverent fear strengthen your relationship with God? 
God assured Job of His power and presence and unlimited perspective. How did this help Job have a healthy fear of God (see Job 42:1-6)? How can this help you have a healthy fear of God? 
Fear of the Lord invites you into a deeper relationship with Him (see Psalm 25:14). How can that help you live wisely today? 
 
Respond 
(Use this prayer to start a conversation with God) 
“Jesus, help me have a healthy fear of God that allows me to live with wisdom throughout my life. Enable me to revere God for who He is and not for what He does so that I may deepen my relationship with You. Open my eyes to see more clearly the wonder and awe of who You are.”  
 
Discover more about the topics in this episode with these recommended resources
Mentioned in this episode: 
Ecclesiastes | Week 1  
Ecclesiastes | Week 2  
Our Daily Bread Mobile App  
Listen: 
Proverbial Wisdom  
A Life of Wisdom and the Proverbs 31 Woman  
Read: 
Reverent Fear  
Understanding the Bible: The Wisdom Books  
Watch: 
Mount Arbel - Sermon on the Mount and the Great Commission