How Do You Test the Spirit? Discernment Lessons from 1 John 4:1-6

How Do You Test the Spirit? Discernment Lessons from 1 John 4:1-6

In this episode of The Daily Bible Refresh, Dr. Brad Miller reads 1 John 4:1–6 from The Message and explores what it means to practice true discernment in a world full of religious noise. From questioning spiritual claims instead of blindly accepting them, to understanding “confessing Jesus” as embracing embodied love rather than a mere verbal password, Dr. Brad offers a progressive, down-to-earth look at faith that can handle questions and doubt. Drawing on real-life examples, including his work with cancer patients, he shows how genuine Christianity is lived out in real bodies, real suffering, and real compassion—and invites listeners to test every teaching by whether it looks and sounds like love that shows up in ordinary life. Key Takeaways 1. Discernment is commanded, not condemned * The passage in 1 John 4:1–6 urges believers not to “believe everything you hear” but to weigh and examine spiritual claims carefully, using mind, wisdom, and experience. 1. Progressive faith welcomes questions and doubt * Dr. Brad frames critical thinking as a “progressive instinct”: faith that can’t survive being questioned wasn’t sturdy to begin with, and doubt is part of maintaining a healthy, living faith. 1. “Confessing Jesus” is about embodied love, not a password * The test in 1 John about confessing Jesus in the flesh has often been weaponized, but here it’s reframed as honoring that God shows up in real human bodies, suffering, and daily life, not just abstract ideas. 1. True spirituality is grounded in real-life suffering and compassion * From his cancer-related work, Dr. Brad emphasizes that real faith doesn’t offer tidy answers; it meets actual people in real pain, with love that “gets its hands dirty.” 1. A practical test for religious claims: does it sound like love? * Listeners are encouraged, whenever they hear a religious message (online, on TV, in church), to pause and ask: Does this sound like love that shows up for real people in real bodies—or just a show? Links referenced in this episode: * voiceofgoddaily.com [voiceofgoddaily.com] 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. [https://forty-day-way-llc.ck.page/10e18f3905] 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. [https://forty-day-way-llc.ck.page/10e18f3905] 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)

Are You Already 'God-Taught'? What 1 Thessalonians 4:9-12 Says About Quiet Faith

In today’s episode of Daily Bible Refresh, Dr. Brad Miller reads 1 Thessalonians 4:9–12 from The Message and reflects on what it means to live a quietly faithful life in a noisy, performance-driven world. From Paul’s reminder that believers are already “God-taught” in how to love one another, to the call to stay calm, mind your own business, and do your job, Dr. Brad reframes the Christian life as steady growth in everyday faithfulness rather than flashy spiritual performance. Drawing from his own 34-year marriage and family life, as well as his work on a cancer comedy podcast that offers “hope and humor,” he encourages listeners to trust that grace is already at work in them and to embrace an ordinary responsibility today with quiet excellence, no applause required. Key Takeaways 1. You are already “God-taught” * Paul assumes the Spirit is already at work in ordinary people, so the starting point is encouragement and growth—not fear, shame, or ignorance. 1. Grace is something present, not earned * Dr. Brad describes grace as something already planted in us, waiting to be noticed and nurtured, rather than a reward for “getting it right.” 1. Quiet faithfulness over flashy performance * The passage values simple, steady obedience—staying calm, minding your own business, and doing your job—more than impressive religious showmanship. 1. Everyday life is where faith is lived out * Long-term commitments like marriage, parenting, and family aren’t lived by rigid rulebooks but by choosing daily love and gradual growth. 1. Consistent presence is a powerful ministry * Through his cancer comedy podcast, Dr. Brad shows that people often need someone who shows up faithfully with hope and humor, not a polished spiritual performance. Links referenced in this episode: * voiceofgoddaily.com [voiceofgoddaily.com] 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. [https://forty-day-way-llc.ck.page/10e18f3905] 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. [https://forty-day-way-llc.ck.page/10e18f3905] 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)

Is a Cup of Water Really 'Ministry'? Rethinking Matthew 10:40-42

In this episode of Daily Bible Refresh, Dr. Brad Miller reads from Matthew 10:40–42 (The Message) and unpacks Jesus’ radical vision of ministry as a circle of connection rather than a chain of command. From a progressive faith perspective, he emphasizes that small, everyday acts—like offering a “cup of cool water”—carry the same spiritual weight as standing behind a pulpit. Drawing on personal stories about his wife’s behind-the-scenes ministry and his Cancer Comedy podcast, Dr. Brad shows how God shows up in ordinary conversations, quiet support, and simple presence. He closes with a practical challenge to find one small, unglamorous way to offer or accept help today, reminding listeners that nothing done in love is ever wasted. Key Takeaways Connection Over Hierarchy Jesus’ message in Matthew 10:40–42 is presented not as a top-down chain of command, but as a circle of mutual acceptance and service, where messenger, helper, and God are all intimately linked. Every Role Is Sacred The person handing out the “cup of water” is doing God’s work just as much as the person preaching up front; there is no spiritual VIP section or corporate ladder in the kingdom of God. Smallness Is the Point, Not the Problem True apprenticeship in faith is formed in small, unglamorous moments—a text, a call, a quiet conversation—rather than in big platforms, large buildings, or impressive performances. God Shows Up in Ordinary Connections Through examples from his marriage and his Cancer Comedy podcast, Dr. Brad illustrates that God’s presence is often clearest in simple presence, listening, laughter, and compassionate support on hard days. A Practical Daily Action Step Listeners are invited to do one concrete, humble act today—send a text, make a call, visit someone, or honestly receive help—and to look intentionally for “holy moments” in everyday conversations. Links referenced in this episode: * voiceofgoddaily.com [voiceofgoddaily.com] 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. [https://forty-day-way-llc.ck.page/10e18f3905] 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. [https://forty-day-way-llc.ck.page/10e18f3905] 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)

How Many Times Is Too Many Times to Forgive? What Jesus Says That Will Surprise You (Luke 17:1–4)

In today’s episode of the Daily Bible Refresh, Dr. Brad Miller reads Luke 17:1–4 from The Message and explores what it means to live faithfully from a progressive Christian perspective. He reflects on Jesus’ honest acknowledgment that hard trials and temptations are inevitable, challenges us not to become the source of hardship for others—especially the vulnerable—and unpacks the serious warning against causing harm. Dr. Miller then dives deep into forgiveness as an ongoing practice, clarifying that forgiveness is about our own inner freedom rather than excusing abuse or staying in harmful situations. Drawing on personal experience and insights from his Cancer and Comedy work, he shows how unforgiveness weighs on our hearts and even our health, and offers a simple but powerful action step to begin releasing long-held resentments, ending with a prayer and invitation to continue journeying with the Daily Bible Refresh. Key Takeaways 1. Hard things are inevitable—but you don’t have to be the “hard thing” for others. Jesus is clear that trials and temptations will come, but we still have control over how we treat people, especially those who are vulnerable or just beginning to trust. 1. Impact matters more than intention. Good intentions do not cancel harmful impact; we’re called to stay awake and aware of how our words and actions actually affect others, not just what we meant to do. 1. Causing harm to the vulnerable is serious spiritual business. The “concrete vest” metaphor underlines how strongly Jesus warns against wounding “little ones”—not just children, but anyone fragile, new, or tender in faith or life. 1. Forgiveness is a repeated practice, not a one-time event. Forgiving “seven times a day” shows that forgiveness is like a muscle or a well-worn path we keep walking—difficult but central to the way of Jesus. 1. Forgiveness does not mean staying in abuse or denying harm. From a progressive theological view, forgiveness is about releasing resentment and protecting your own freedom, not pretending the harm didn’t happen or removing all consequences. 1. Unforgiveness carries its own kind of sickness. Long-held resentment—often rooted in family or life wounds—can compound other struggles (like a cancer diagnosis), burdening the person who carries it more than the one who caused the harm. Links referenced in this episode: * voiceofgoddaily.com [voiceofgoddaily.com] 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. [https://forty-day-way-llc.ck.page/10e18f3905] 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. [https://forty-day-way-llc.ck.page/10e18f3905] 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)

Who Cut In On You? Rediscovering the Race You Were Born to Run (Galatians 5:7–12)

In this episode of the Daily Bible Refresh, Dr. Brad Miller reads Galatians 5:7–12 from The Message and unpacks Paul’s vivid imagery of running a good race only to be cut off course. From a progressive theological perspective, Dr. Brad explores how subtle detours—voices of shame, fear, legalism, and institutional pressure—gradually redirect us away from a faith rooted in grace and freedom. Using real-life ministry experience, a hiking metaphor, and pastoral encouragement, he warns about the “yeast” of small compromises that can permeate an entire life, challenges listeners to notice where they’ve drifted, and invites them to realign with the liberating path God originally called them to run. Key Takeaways 1. Detours from your true spiritual path rarely happen in one dramatic moment; they usually come through gradual pressures, voices, and systems that slowly redirect your course. 2. God does not redirect you toward fear, shame, guilt, or exhausting religious performance—if your faith feels more like a burden than liberation, that’s a red flag. 3. Like a small amount of yeast affecting an entire loaf, minor theological or moral compromises can accumulate and eventually reshape your whole understanding of grace. 4. A “watered-down” gospel that never unsettles anyone and demands nothing is just decorated religion, not the radical grace that truly sets people free. 5. Pastoral correction can both name the problem and affirm confidence in people’s ability to return to the right path—honesty and encouragement can coexist. Links referenced in this episode: * voiceofgoddaily.com [voiceofgoddaily.com] 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. [https://forty-day-way-llc.ck.page/10e18f3905] 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. [https://forty-day-way-llc.ck.page/10e18f3905] 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)