Some time ago Elisa led us in conversations about "tables" and how certain mealtimes moved the story of the Bible forward. For these two weeks Bill wants the group to consider the opposite—how famines (or the lack of food) was a catalyst for biblical events and a force for change in the lives of the characters of the Scriptures.

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When we stop and consider that so many men and women in the Bible experienced various hardships, including famines, we see how God was still working in their lives to draw them closer to Him. From Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob and his family to Naomi and Ruth and King David, they all found themselves in challenging situations. Some of their circumstances may raise some difficult questions, but they also offer some helpful insights into what it means to be people of faith, who in spite of any questions, learn to trust God even in life's most difficult times.

How does reading about how God helped well-known Old Testament figures even during times of famines help you trust God despite your circumstances?

What could your next step toward trusting God during hard times look like?

Reflect

• How might Abram’s response to a famine in Genesis 12:10 have influenced how his son Isaac response to the famine in Genesis 26:1?
• How did the famine mentioned in Genesis 42:5 work out for good for Jacob and his family?
• How did God give Naomi beauty for ashes after the famine mentioned in Ruth 1:1?
• Why did King David want to avoid the famine mentioned in 2 Samuel 24:13?

Respond

(Use this prayer to start a conversation with God)

“Dear God, thank You for being with me even in difficult times. Help me to trust You despite my circumstances. Help me to love and serve You whether I’m in a season of feast or famine.”

Discover more about the topics in this episode with these recommended resources

Mentioned in this episode:

• Joseph by Bill Crowder
• Tables in the Story of God Week 1
• Tables in the Story of God Week 2
• The Book of Naomi
• The Gospel of Ruth

Listen:

• Inseparable
• God Is at Work

Read:

• It's Not Fair - Trusting God When Life Doesn't Make Sense
• Navigating the Wilderness

Watch:

• Never Out of God’s Sight - Genesis 41:1
• Running on Empty - Ruth 1:21

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It may be one of the most well-known verses on confession and forgiveness in all of Scripture, but what does 1 John 1:9 mean? And how can it impact the way you live both day to day and from here to eternity? As you consider this Bible verse phrase by phrase, may this crucial statement penned by Jesus’ disciple, John, become a reality to you. 1. If we confess . . . 2. . . . . our sin . . . 3. . . . He is faithful and just . . . 4. . . . and will forgive our sin . . . 5. . . .and purify (cleanse) us from all unrighteousness.

How does exploring the meaning of this life-changing Bible verse help you discover God’s immeasurable love and mercy for you?

What could your next step toward learning more and receiving God’s forgiveness look like?

Reflect

• Why is fellowship with God and others, which is mentioned in 1 John 1:1–4, so special and vital?
• Based on 1 John 1:5–7, why are believers called to walk in the light?
• According to 1 John 1:8–10, how does God respond when we confess our sin to Him?
• How does Jesus help us when we sin, according to 1 John 2:1–2?

Respond

(Use this prayer to start a conversation with God)

“Dear God, thank You that if I confess my sin to You, You are faithful and just to forgive me and cleanse me. Please help me not to sin. And when I do sin, please help me to be quick to confess it to You and quick to receive Your forgiveness.”

Discover more about the topics in this episode with these recommended resources

Mentioned in this episode:

• Our Daily Bread Ministries Ambassador Program

Listen:

• When We Sin - Week 1
• When We Sin - Week 2

Read:

• Forgiveness Defined
• The Gifts of Confession

Watch:

• John 8:1-11 - Why God Hates Sin
• Jerusalem: The Cost of Forgiveness (The Holy Land)

Ever wonder about the cultural norms left unsaid in the Bible? Discovering the collectivist perspective will help you better understand Scripture.

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If we read the Bible exclusively from our Western individualist point of view, we may miss or misunderstand cultural values everybody in the ancient Mediterranean world understood. As this week’s guest, Randy Richards, reminds us, the values of kinship, patronage, and brokerage, which focus on the family or group dynamic instead of an individual, are found throughout Scripture. We also find examples of honor, shame, and boundaries in the Old and New Testaments that are used as tools to help enforce and strengthen these cultural values.

Understanding the ancient Mediterranean culture that the Bible is set in can enrich our understanding of some Scripture passages.

How has discovering some of the cultural backdrop of the Bible helped you gain a deeper understanding of Scripture and how the Bible applies to your life?

What next step could you take toward learning more about the cultural context of the Old and New Testament?

Reflect

• Why were the Pharisees trying to shame Jesus in Matthew 9:11?
• How was the apostle Paul trying to use shame in a positive sense in 1 Corinthians 15:34?
• In 1 Timothy 2:9, how was the apostle Paul trying to use shame in a positive way to encourage women to stand up against the culture’s way of dressing?
• Based on Romans 1:1, what was the role with the highest honor for the apostle Paul?
• How were the chief priests, teachers of the law, and the elders trying to have an honor contest with Jesus in Luke 20:1–8?
• Why did Jesus tell the parable of The Pharisee and the Tax Collector in Luke 18:9–14 to those who were confident of their own righteousness and looked down on everyone else?
• Why is the apostle Paul setting a boundary in 1 Corinthians 10:27 –28?

Respond

(Use this prayer to start a conversation with God)

“Dear God, thank You that as I grow in my knowledge of Scripture, I can grow deeper in my love and understanding of You! Help me to dive deeper into Your Word, so my relationship with You can grow stronger. Help me to gain wisdom that I can apply to my life.”

Discover more about the topics in this episode with these recommended resources

Mentioned in this episode:

• Misreading Scripture with Individualist Eyes by our guest E. Randolph Richards

Listen:

• Misreading Scripture with Western Eyes (with guest Randy Richards))
• Understanding How to Read the Bible Today

Read:

• Starting in the Right Place
• How Should We Read the Bible—and What Type of Book Is It, Anyway?

Watch:

• In Pursuit of Peter
• In Pursuit of Paul