Episode 924
Becoming What We Believe: A Journey Beyond Traditional Miracles
The "Daily Bible Refresh" is presented each day by Rev. Dr. Brad Miller who has a goal of speaking a bit of the bible into two million ears (one million people) in three years (2025-2028).
He is the author of "The A, B, C-1,2,3 Bible Study Guide" Free to you by clicking HERE.
Brad served as a local church pastor for forty years and has a background in radio and podcasting. Moreover, he is a life-long student of The Bible.
He believes in the words of Jesus that “scripture is fulfilled in your hearing” (Luke 4:21)
The "Daily Bible Refresh" is available seven days a week by 6:00 am ET. The episodes are no longer than ten minutes long and are...
- Understandable: A reading from the New Testament (usually the Gospel) selected from the Revised Common Lectionary using "The Message" translation.
- Relatable: You will have a couple of "points to ponder" from the text which will relate to your life
- Applicable: Every episode includes a way you can take action based on the reading
- A recommended resource to help you go deeper in biblical study and spiritual direction.
- A prayer for your day.
A companion resource to the Voice of God Daily Podcast is the “ABC Bible Study Guide” available by clicking HERE.
The "Daily Bible Refresh" is available every day at VoiceofGodDaily.com on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and all major podcast directories.
You can help Dr. Brad attain his goal of getting a bit of the bible into two million ears by subscribing to "Daily Bible Refresh" on Apple Podcasts, leaving a five-star rating, and writing a review. More importantly please share with your network of family and friends about the "Daily Bible Refresh".
Please make listening to the "Daily Bible Refresh" a part of your daily life.
Remember… “All scripture is God-breathed and useful”(2 Timothy 3:16)
The discussion delves into the transformative narratives present in the New Testament, specifically through the lens of Matthew 9:27-34, which recounts the healing of two blind men and a man rendered speechless by an evil spirit. The underlying theme revolves around the profound assertion made by Jesus, urging individuals to 'become what you believe.' This poignant invitation extends beyond mere faith; it encapsulates the essence of belief as a catalyst for revolutionary action within communities. The speaker elucidates how collective liberation emerges from these healing stories, emphasizing that transformation is inherently communal, as evidenced by the collaboration of individuals in seeking healing and restoration. This episode serves as a clarion call for listeners to recognize that personal change is often intertwined with the dismantling of systemic barriers that perpetuate marginalization and disability.
Throughout this exploration, the speaker invites contemplation on the nature of belief and its implications for social justice. The assertion that one's deepest convictions regarding justice and equality can manifest through concrete actions is particularly compelling. By embodying the principles of equity and dignity, individuals can effectuate tangible change within their communities. The episode also addresses the resistance faced by those who endeavor to bring about transformation, drawing parallels between the reactions of the Pharisees to Jesus' actions and the contemporary dismissal of advocates for social justice. The speaker articulates the necessity for perseverance in the face of such resistance, encouraging listeners to identify a specific social justice issue and take actionable steps towards meaningful change, thereby aligning their actions with their beliefs.
Takeaways:
- The act of belief serves as a catalyst for transformative change within our lives.
- Community plays a crucial role in healing and transformation, emphasizing collective liberation.
- Resistance to change often manifests as skepticism from established power structures in society.
- Engagement in social justice requires concrete actions that embody our deepest beliefs and values.
- The healing narratives in the Bible illustrate the importance of faith in communal contexts.
- Challenging systemic barriers is essential for progress towards justice and equality in our communities.
Links referenced in this episode:
Companies mentioned in this episode:
- voiceofgoddaily.com
Transcript
Becoming what we believe beyond traditional miracles.
Speaker A:Exploring Matthew 9:27 34 of the Daily Bible refresh with Dr.
Speaker A:Brad Miller.
Speaker A:Hello good people.
Speaker A:Welcome to Daily Bible Refresh, your daily visit to the New Testament with me, Dr.
Speaker A:Brad Miller.
Speaker A:We like to make the reading of the Bible understandable by giving you the message version of the Bible relatable by bringing you some points to ponder and applicable by giving you an extra step to take.
Speaker A:We draw our scriptures from the Revised Common Lectionary, the selected verse of Scripture for this very day.
Speaker A:If we're in year C, the Pentecost season right now, it's all brought to you by voiceofgoddaily.com that's our website where you can find our free gift to you the ABC120 Bible study method.
Speaker A:Let's get into our reading now from Matthew 9:27 34 from the Message Become what you believe.
Speaker A:As Jesus left the house, he was followed by two blind men crying out mercy, son of David, mercy on us.
Speaker A:When Jesus got home, the blind men went in with him and Jesus said to them, do you really believe I can do this?
Speaker A:They said, why yes Master.
Speaker A:He touched their eyes and said, become what you believe.
Speaker A:It happened.
Speaker A:They saw.
Speaker A:Then Jesus became very stern.
Speaker A:Don't let a soul know about this, how this happened.
Speaker A:But they were hardly out the door before they started bailabbing about it to everyone they met.
Speaker A:And right after that, as the blind men were leaving, a man who had been struck speechless by an evil spirit was brought to Jesus.
Speaker A:And as soon as Jesus threw the evil spirit tormenting spirit out of him, the man talked away just as if he'd been talking all his life.
Speaker A:People are all up on their feet applauding.
Speaker A:There has never been anything like this in Israel.
Speaker A:The Pharisees were left sputtering.
Speaker A:Smoke and mirrors is nothing but smoke and mirrors.
Speaker A:He's probably made a pact with the devil that ends the reading.
Speaker A:And what a reflection we have today about Jesus and healing and belief and the ways of revolutionary actions often faced resistance from the establishment.
Speaker A:Let's talk about some points to ponder.
Speaker A:First is the power of collective liberation.
Speaker A:Notice how these healing stories happen in community.
Speaker A:The blind men come together and others bring the person able unable to speak.
Speaker A:This suggests that transformation is transformation isn't just individual is communal.
Speaker A:Progressive faith recognizes that healing often requires both personal change and dismantling systematic barriers that create disability and marginalization.
Speaker A:The second is a belief as revolutionary action become what you believe in quotes is a profound invitation that goes beyond simple faith healing.
Speaker A:It suggests that our Deepest beliefs about justice, equality and human dignity can become reality through action.
Speaker A:When we truly believe in a more equitable world, we begin embodying that change.
Speaker A:One more point.
Speaker A:It's about resistance to transformation.
Speaker A:The Pharisees reaction.
Speaker A:They were attributing Jesus actions to smoke and mirrors and the devil reflects how power structures often respond to revolutionary changes.
Speaker A:And today those working for social justice, environmental protection or economic equality often face dismissal from others and demonization from established institutions.
Speaker A:Let's talk about an action step.
Speaker A:Identify one social justice issue where you felt a little bit hopeless or overwhelmed.
Speaker A:Rather than focusing on the entire problem, choose one concrete action that embodies your belief and change.
Speaker A:This might mean joining a local advocacy group, supporting marginalized voices in your community, or challenging an unjust policy in your workplace.
Speaker A:We'll come back with a closing prayer in just a minute, but I did want you to know that we have a resource for you.
Speaker A:A free resource.
Speaker A:It's called the ABC 1, 2, 3 Bible Study Method.
Speaker A:Head on over to our website, voiceofgoddaily.com and pick up that free resource.
Speaker A:Let's pray.
Speaker A:Oh God, you are the divine source of transformation.
Speaker A:Help us become what we believe, not just words or wisdom or wishes, but in concrete actions for justice.
Speaker A:When we feel silence, give us voice.
Speaker A:When we cannot see the way forward, grant us vision.
Speaker A:Help us recognize that our healing is bound up with others liberation.
Speaker A:When our actions for justice meet resistance, give us courage to persist.
Speaker A:May we find strength in community, hope in collective action, and faith in the possibility of transformative change.
Speaker A:Guide us to become the change we seek in the justice we seek and the love we know is possible.
Speaker A:Amen.
Speaker A:Well, I know it's always possible for us to get together because we're going to do it again tomorrow.
Speaker A:Hope that you'll join me here on Voice of God daily as we have a mission, a vision to get the audible word of God into 2 million years.
Speaker A: That's a million people by: Speaker A:You can be helpful in that by joining me every day, subscribing to the podcast and inviting others to join us.
Speaker A:You do so@voiceofgoddaily.com I'll see you tomorrow.
Speaker A:My name is Dr.
Speaker A:Brad Miller.
Speaker A:Remember that God's loyal love doesn't run out.
Speaker A:His merciful love hasn't dried up.
Speaker A:It's created new Sam.
