What's in the Bible? A First-Timer's Journey

Day 23 – Real Faith, Real Questions

Jacob moves his entire family to Egypt, Jesus calls out hypocritical traditions, a Gentile woman’s faith shines through, and David celebrates God’s glory in creation. In today’s reading, I wrestle with some big questions: Why didn’t the Egyptians just eat their livestock? Do modern Egyptians still give a fifth of their crops? And what does it really mean to honor your parents when they’ve caused deep harm? I also dig into spiritual warfare, hypocrisy in religion, and one of Jesus’ most surprising conversations—with a woman He at first seems to reject. This one had me thinking hard. Music Credit: “Fly” by All Good Folks Sources: BibleGateway.com BlueLetterBible.org GotQuestions.org EnduringWord.com BibleProject.com Logos Bible Commentary (public excerpts) NIV Study Bible Notes (via public summaries) DesiringGod.org Christianity.com TheBible.org Crosswalk.com

Day 22 – Tested, Revealed, and Rescued

Joseph tests his brothers and finally reveals his identity in one of the most emotional moments in Genesis. Jesus feeds the 5,000 and walks on water, proving His power and compassion. David’s psalm gets intense, and Proverbs keeps reminding us to hold tight to wisdom. Also—what’s up with David talking about stomping enemies into dust? Let’s talk about it. Music Credit: “Fly” by All Good Folks Sources: BibleGateway.com BlueLetterBible.org EnduringWord.com GotQuestions.org Logos Bible Software TheBibleProject.com BibleHub.com E-Sword.net OpenBible.info DesiringGod.org PreceptAustin.org Monergism.com RTS.edu

Day 21 – Wisdom, Weeping, and a Warrior’s Prayer | What’s in the Bible? A First-Timer’s Journey

In today’s episode, we continue the story of Joseph as he’s overcome with emotion at the sight of his brother Benjamin, explore Jesus’ parable of the fishing net and the rejection He faced in His hometown, and read about the tragic beheading of John the Baptist. Psalm 18 is a powerful declaration of God’s deliverance, and Proverbs calls us to chase wisdom above all else. This podcast documents my very first time reading the entire Bible—no preaching, no pressure, just honest exploration from someone who’s finally diving in after years of wondering what’s really in there. Music: “Fly” by All Good Folks Sources: BibleGateway.com BlueLetterBible.org GotQuestions.org EnduringWord.com BibleHub.com PreceptAustin.org Logos.com (public excerpts) Ephesians 6:12 Joshua 10:24 Matthew 13:47–50 Proverbs 4:7 Genesis 42–43 Matthew 14:1–12 Psalm 18 Proverbs 4

Day 20 – Bread That Rises, Judgment That Waits

Today’s readings include Pharaoh’s dreams, Joseph’s rise to power, and the beginning of a test for his brothers. In the New Testament, Jesus shares parables about mustard seeds, yeast, hidden treasure, and a pearl worth everything. We also explore how leaven is used both positively and negatively in Scripture, why we can eat leavened bread now, and what changed between God’s judgment in the Old Testament and His grace in the New. Plus: What did salvation look like before Jesus? And how do we respond when the Kingdom starts small but demands everything? Music Credit: “Fly” by All Good Folks Sources: ESV Bible BibleGateway.com BibleHub.com Commentary GotQuestions.org DesiringGod.org BibleRef.com Encyclopedia Britannica Colossians 2:16–17 2 Peter 3:9

Day 19 – Joseph Tested, Seeds Planted

Joseph rises and falls again—this time landing in prison after doing the right thing. But even there, God is with him. In the New Testament, Jesus redefines family and tells the Parable of the Sower, challenging us to think about what kind of soil we really are. Today’s reading includes betrayal, integrity, spiritual growth, and the quiet power of God’s presence in hard places. Plus: What does Jesus mean when He says His true family is whoever does God’s will? Music Credit: “Fly” by All Good Folks Sources: ESV Bible BibleGateway.com GotQuestions.org BibleRef.com DesiringGod.org Matthew 12:46–50 Matthew 13:1–23